Charlie Cochrane - writing the beauty of his eyes

Lessons in Temptation out today

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:22:27 GMT

The latest cambridge Fellows book is available in e-book here and now!

Here's a snippet:

Jonty strode down the hill. He could sense Orlando’s unease—anyone not completely oblivious would have—and felt the need to be away from the makeshift theatre, getting a chance to clear his mind. Jimmy Harding had been a pleasant enough young man back in the London days, but somehow in the intervening three years he’d matured, like a wine or cheese which gradually reaches the peak of its perfection. He had been agreeable, now he was gorgeous. Heart-stoppingly gorgeous.

Realising this simple fact caused a curious and unsettling sensation in Jonty’s brain. The last two years he’d had eyes for Orlando alone and now he’d been “brought up with a round turn”, as his papa might term it when at his most extravagantly eloquent. The sheer charisma of Harding had knocked all the social proprieties out of Jonty’s noddle, threatening to reduce him to a gibbering wreck if he didn’t take a close rein on himself.

The horse-drawn two-seater cab that had brought them up the hill was waiting for them, Jonty having insisted they retain it. Orlando wasn’t as talkative for the journey back down to the Grand as he’d been coming up.

“What is eating you, Orlando?” Jonty could have answered the question easily enough, but he wanted the air cleared.

“How well did you know him in London?” The inquisition started.

“Jimmy? We knew each other for a couple of years at University College.” Jonty looked out the window, at the floor, avoided Orlando’s gaze. “Met at lectures, naturally, and then we discovered we were members of the same club. His father had arranged his membership, so he’d have an easier time of it when he first came over. Not that Jimmy finds it hard to make friends.”

“I can see that. Very easy going. Have you kept in touch?”

“Just cards at Christmas, with a few words of news. Thought you’d have spotted them on the old mantelpiece in my set of rooms at St. Bride’s.” Jonty kept his tone light and easy, yet inside the prickles of tetchiness were breaking out.

“I don’t go through your post, sir.”

“Orlando, whatever is the matter?” Jonty grabbed his lover’s hand, turning to face him for the first time in the journey.

“Isn’t it supposed to be Dr. Coppersmith in public? We aren’t on holiday.”

Jonty could feel his blood starting to boil—this was all getting so bloody silly. “I’ve declared it holiday time, Orlando. Now would you be so kind as to tell me what’s bothering you? You’ve been like a bear with a migraine ever since Harding hove into view.”

“I don’t like him.”

“Oh, is it Mr. Ainslie all over again? Afraid he’s going to take you off behind the castle and ravish you?”

Orlando didn’t reply. Clenched hands and muttered, indistinct words made any reply unnecessary.

“Well, is it?” The truth suddenly dawned. “Or do you think he’s going to take me off and ravish me?” Jonty didn’t need to wait for an answer. The pathetic look of feigned innocence on Orlando’s face was enough to tell him all he needed to know. “Maybe you think he’s already done that, back in London and that I somehow neglected to tell you? Oh sorry, Orlando, it wasn’t just you and Richard Marsters I’ve been to bed with, I had Jimmy as well. And Clive and Gerald and Francis and the entire second fifteen. What sort of man do you think I am?”

He tapped on the roof to get the cab to stop, then stepped out, ignoring Orlando’s sudden shocked protest—not a voiced one but a hand firmly grabbing his arm.

“I may see you later, Dr. Coppersmith. Or maybe not.” Jonty slammed the door shut and made his way off into the crowd.

More things to make Jonty unbearable

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:49:29 GMT

Especially this one. That looks suspiciously like his chest...

Jonty will be unbearable

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:33:55 GMT

I just discovered he won romantic male lead at the REC awards. Lessons in Discovery won the Sweet GLBT novel, while Tamara's Whistling in the Dark got Sweet Romance cover of the year.

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:43:49 GMT

Cheer up sleepy Charliecochrane
oh what can it mean.

Which song was this lyric from?

It means there aren't enough hours in the day, especially the ones for sleeping.

Two Questions

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:14:57 GMT

Are you following the Speak Its Name Advent Calendar?

If not, why not? Goodies galore to win!

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:50:33 GMT

Thanks to erastes, lamis_p and elisa_rolle for the Christmas cookies.

Can I share a few gifts in return?

Happy Friday

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:22:51 GMT

I'm blogging today at Jessica Freely's blog. Do come and throw buns/ask hard questions. I also reveal my favourite guilty pleasures (bet you couldn't guess the first one on the list).

And in other news, am feeling smug, as youngest and self decorated (musical theme) a small tree from scratch at about three minutes' notice from the old tat located chez Cochrane.

I share with you my musical angel.

Advent's here...

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:28:13 GMT

The Cochrane household was alive with 'pinching and punching and first of the monthing' today. December at last and so many goodies to share:

The Speak Its Name Advent calendar has its first door open. I'll be there at some point this month (not allowed to say when) bearing a special giveaway.

15th December sees the release of Lessons in Temptation and I'll be posting a special 'missing scene' from that in time for the Stewarts celebrating Hogmanay.

There's also going to be a free Jonty and Orlando seasonal story (My True Love Sent to Me) available at The Samhellion on 23rd December.

Print dates for Cambridge Fellows.

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:03:45 GMT

Lessons in Love 1st June 2010

Lessons in Desire 6th July 2010

Lessons in Discovery 3rd August 2010

Lessons in Power 7th September 2010

Lessons in Temptation 5th October 2010

Lessons in Seduction 7th December 2010

Lessons in Trust TBA

It's that time of year...

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:51:15 GMT

I had no idea that some of my books and characters are up for awards at The Romance Erotica Connection. (So are Tamara Allen's and Ruth Sims'.) Anyone wanting to go and cast a vote, don't let me stop you.

Advent goodies galore

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:52:15 GMT

At Speak Its Name. Every day a different author, with interesting things to blog about and every day a giveaway. Roll on December...

All That Jazz

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:16:44 GMT

I know that erastes finds this amusing and rigby22 is horrified, but I've written (and sold) a modern day story (you know, with real swear words in) about the star of an all-male production of Chicago.

When you've recovered from fainting, you can read this snippet:

“Thank you, Jules.” Francis addressed the door as it swung to. “Can’t you get me another one of these?” He fingered the black filmy material clinging to his waist. Such a well cut dress, so comfortable and classy. Made you feel like a million dollars, a dress like this. “I’d like to wear it home.”

“You wear that back to your digs and I’ll have to drag the stage hands off you before you get out of the building.” Freddie laughed but he couldn’t hide the genuine concern in his voice. “I’ve told you to keep the dressing up for the stage.”

“No fun in that. Never any fun in that.” Francis ran his hands along his thighs, just like he’d done in ‘All that Jazz’. “It’s nice, Freddie, gives you a good feeling, looking like a film star. You should try it, one day, a bit of drag. Makes a change from striped shirt and chinos.”

“I’ll stick to the Marks and Spencer chic, thank you. Each to his own and I’ve no inclination to strap on the suspender belt.” Clearly not. Freddie was tall, stood as ramrod straight as a sergeant major and looked as if he didn’t know what the scene was, let alone indulge in it. There were days he’d have made Gary Cooper look effeminate.

“You always were a stick in the mud.” Francis’s elegantly clad feet twitched in time to some silent beat. “You want to let yourself live dangerously sometime.”

“Bloody hell.” Freddie rose. “I don’t want to hear any more. You’ll get yourself done over one day and I’d rather not know about it. Just make sure that if you must go out trawling for whatever you trawl for, you don’t do it before we’ve completed the West End run, eh?” He stopped by the door, voice suddenly serious. “The scene’s not always safe, Francis. You know that.”

“You’re a bit too late with that lecture.” Francis took a final appraisal of himself in the mirror before reluctantly starting to get undressed. “I’m a big boy, I can look after myself.”

“Like you did before?” Freddie still hovered at the door, as if afraid to let his precious package of a star out of his sight. He fiddled with the handle, avoiding his friend’s gaze.

It always came around to this in the end. Miss Otis was never allowed to forget what she regretted. “James fucking Mannering is history, Freddie. I won’t make the same mistake again.”

“It isn’t another James Mannering I’m worried about. It’s the big ugly sods who pick you up, invite you into the bushes, punch your face and nick your wallet. And leave you pleased to get away as lightly as that.” The sudden silence in the dressing room obliterated even the ordinary backstage hum of activity. “Who’s going to take a bet on your being so lucky next time?”

I Do gets Joyfully Recommended

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:47:58 GMT

With the cut off point for I Do Two submissions less than a fortnight away, it's great to report a new review for the original. It's been Joyfully Recommended.

"I found myself smiling when I got to the end of “The Roaming Heart” by Charlie Cochrane because of the heroes. The two of them were so willing to put on a public face so they could be together in private." If my stories can make people smile then I'm happy...

Simple pleasures

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:19:20 GMT

Here's something which a) makes you high, b) is extremely addictive, yet c) is totally free and d) is morally admirable. Checking shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. I got my first 'fix' of the season yesterday and can't wait to go back.

If you live in the UK (or you have a similar scheme in your country) please consider volunteering a few hours to help if you have a checking depot near you. And, if you can, please put a shoebox together. It'll make a big difference to one child.

Another Cambridge Fellows drabble

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:08:15 GMT

Very short, this one. semioticwarrior said "Oh, I would SO love a Jonty/Orlando. Prompt: Grapes, picked fresh from a vine."

“I would never have believed that home-grown grapes could taste so good.” Orlando picked another from the vine, slipped it into his mouth and chewed, an expression of quiet pleasure gilding his handsome face, like a contended cow with some particularly tasty cud.

“I don’t remember them being so good since childhood.” Jonty picked a little bunch and began to work through it. “Clarence and I would come out to the garden almost at the crack of dawn. It was always a race between us and the birds – you had to almost predict the day they would be ripe and beat the feathered hordes to them. Umm.” He licked his lips. “All a matter of timing.”

Orlando picked another grape, popping it into his lover’s open mouth and drawing close enough for hips to touch. “A matter of timing. Aren’t all wonderful things just that?”

Want a discount on those lovely Cambridge Fellows?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:09:40 GMT

25% Rebate at All Romance and OmniLit on All Samhain Publishing, Ltd. Titles!, courtesy of All Romance.com and OmniLit.com

This Thanksgiving Season we’re giving something to you. From November 10-November 24 readers will be receiving a 25% eBook Bucks rebate on all Samhain titles. What are you waiting for? Hop on over to AllRomance.com or OmniLit.com and receive bucks back today…on us!

This week's news

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:23:25 GMT

Lessons in Power got a sweet reviews from elisa_rolle here and at Literary Nymphs. "I found Lessons in Power to be a delightful read."

Lessons in Love got 5 lips and a Reviewer's Choice at Talking Two Lips. "The sex scenes were natural and were not gratuitous. They fit the story and, since this is the first book in the series, begin to set up the relationship between Jonty, Orlando, and the reader. I want to watch their love grow."

And looking ahead, December sees the Speak Its Name Advent Calendar burst into life. Each day will feature surprises (and maybe prizes), although don't panic - this isn't like calendar girls and we're not expecting piccies of your fave historical authors with only two brussels sprouts and a sprig of holly to cover their modesty.

Cambridge Fellows drabbles

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:58:53 GMT

Is it possible to fanfic oneself? At my other LJ I'm doing a meme involving requests for drabbles/ficlets; I've produced two, so far, for Jonty and Orlando

Prompt: a new recipe.

“Midges, midges and more bloody midges. If anyone asks me my opinion of Scotland that’s what I’ll tell them. The place is infested.” Orlando Coppersmith sat down on a rock, immediately jumping up as if stung by one of the little wretches and looked exceedingly put out.

“My old nanny used to say that if you smeared yourself with…”

“Your old nanny can go and boil her head.”

“Language, Orlando!” Richard Stewart came stomping up the small hill to join his son and what-might-be-termed-his-son-in-law among the bee-loud heather.

“I think I’ve been stung by something – feels worse than a midge this time.” Orlando’s backside felt very sore and he had the horrible feeling he’d sat on one of the bees.

“Better take you down to the lodge and get Mama to have a look at it.” Jonty had made the remark to provoke a reaction. He got it.

“I am not letting your mother, that sainted woman, take a look at my nether regions. If you’re so concerned you can sort it out yourself.”

“That’s the spirit,” Richard beamed. “Our boys were always getting stung – not Lavinia, mind you, she was too clever – and we’re all geared up for it in the medicine cabinet. A pair of tweezers to take out the sting if needed and some boracic solution to ease the pain.”

“There’s no other cure?” Orlando winced.

“There’s a new recipe I heard of, one of Dr. Panesar’s patent solutions.” The repressed smile on Jonty’s face should have warned them all. It didn’t.

“It can’t be worse than tweezers. Can you elaborate?” Orlando winced again.

“It’s like the hair of the dog that bit you. It’s the honey of the bee which stung. You smear it on - the best heather honey, mind you, nothing else works - and cover it with a poultice made of Irish linen. The linen has to be moistened with water from a silver bowl, drawn from a well at midnight. By the light of the full moon.” Jonty could barely keep a straight face.

"Does Dr. Panesar have a recipe for idiocy as well?" Orlando swiped at his lover. "I'll take a bloody bucketful."

Prompt: Bonfire Night.

The green behind St. Bride’s was swarming with people. Dunderheads, dons, porters and their families - right up to the Vice Chancellor himself, guest of Dr. Peters and his sister. No other college could celebrate Bonfire Night the way St. Bride’s did – an impressive array of fireworks was awaiting ignition and a huge bonfire was already alight.

The flames licked the feet of the effigy which sat atop the edifice. It was supposedly Guido Fawkes himself, although in recent times the ‘guy’ had borne a striking resemblance to Dr. Owens, from the college next door, arch-enemy of Bride’s and attempted besmircher of Miss Peters’ honour.

A chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ broke out around Jonty and Orlando as the first of the rockets took to the air. Vivid reds and greens split the night sky, showers of stars and sparks bursting overhead. By the time the final little Catherine wheel had whizzed its last they were deafened, blinded and had lungs full of smoke, all of which were worth it.

“Remember, remember, the fifth of November,” a group of dunderheads started to chant as they wandered back to college.

“Do you remember the fifteenth of November?” Jonty’s breath was hot on Orlando’s neck, the crowds giving them every excuse to be close.

“I do. It’s the day you stole my chair.” Orlando let a knot of undergraduates pass them, dropping back through the throng by stages until they were almost alone.

Jonty laid his hand briefly on is lover’s arm. “The day you stole my heart.”

Something to make me smile on a wet Tuesday

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:55:46 GMT

Was trawling Amazon today (trying to avoid doing anything productive) and found that Queer Wolf was number one rated for Gay and Lesbian fiction at Amazon.ca.

Evidence:

Online workshop

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:25:36 GMT

Creating the Right Ambience by Charlie Cochrane

I'm running an online workshop at HHRW’s Fall Into Writing Conference, on Friday November 6, 2009 at 12:00 pm (mountain time). Hearts through history.

In my other life, a deliver training a couple of times a month and I always get butterflies in the stomach, even though I know I usually do a pretty good job (all training sessions get rated by the participants - great practice for dealing with reviews). For this online workshop I haven't got butterflies in my tum, I've got pterodactyls...

Lessons in Love made the cut in historical fiction

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:40:50 GMT

Isn't life fun?

Lest we forget

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:42:07 GMT

When we drive to the orthodontist we often take the route past the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery at Brockenhurst. Today, for the first time, I stopped and took a look around.

WWI. Many of them ridiculously young. Almost all New Zealanders with a few Indians, including a chap who came over to help care for the wounded at a local hospital. I was choked up enough about that, but the names finished me off, names the same as my characters or those (like William Marshall) from books I love.

Wearing my poppy with renewed pride...

This week's news

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:31:12 GMT

Saturday seems to be turning into news round up day chez Cochrane...

Two reviews for Lessons in Power, one at Speak Its Name, "I think that it was at that point that I started to love Jonty. I cannot resist flawed but honorable characters who will do what is right even if it hurts. Given the popularity of antiheroes, such protagonists are not easy to find." And the other at Whipped Cream, "The crisp writing and great prose move the story along quickly and effortlessly."

But top news of the week is purchase of an autographed Stade Toulousain shirt at a charity auction.

Now I'm scanning it for residual DNA. Anyone got a home cloning kit?

Gay, out sportsmen

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:12:11 GMT

I usually save this stuff for my other LJ, but this time I'm sharing it here.

I'm not sure about accessing this link outside the UK, so I apologise in advance. Here's an interview from last night (starts about 30 minutes into programme) with Nigel Owens, who's one of the world's top rugby refs. Great insight into his struggles about coming out and the fantastic reaction he's received within the sport.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00n7jfb/Richard_Bacon_21_10_2009/

And here's another guy who's just come out (it doesn't matter if you don't undertand what hurling is - it's a huge sport in Ireland).

http://www.examiner.ie/sport/cusack-to-continue-come-what-may-103676.html

This week's news.

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:47:40 GMT

Nice write up for Lessons in Power at Rainbow Reviews.

"Set in 1907, it has a feel of Dorothy L. Sayers meets Arthur Conan Doyle." That's me grinning for the rest of the day.

Speak Its Name reviewed Past Shadows.

"the story settles into a delightful combination of Austenesque convention—the young ladies of the parish twittering over the handsome young curate and the local squire—and unexpected surprises."

And don't read this if drinking hot liquids. I've sold a story which is a) contemporary, b) contains your actual swear words and c) is about a cross dressing star of an all male production of Chicago. And it contains a rugby player called Tommy.