Listen Up!

by Christine Wells

There's been a bit of debate in recent years about romance novels being made into movies. Some people say they'd love to see their favourite novels brought to the screen. Others have pointed out the 'interiority'--if that is a word--of the romance novel. So much of the good stuff goes on inside the characters' heads that it doesn't translate well to drama.

I happen to think all many romance novels need to be effective on the screen is a good script and decent actors. After all, there are various dramatized versions of Pride and Prejudice, a love story without car chases or a tragic ending (or written by a man but let's not go there!)

However, it seems that few movie makers agree with me:) Recently, I rediscovered an interesting compromise between a movie and the written word--talking books.

Now that I have an iPod (a cute little hot pink iPod shuffle) I can listen to books being read to me wherever I go. Driving, exercising, doing housework. I love being able to 'read' while doing mundane chores. Plus, if the narrator is talented, it often brings a new dimension to the reading experience.

For some reason, I seem to gravitate toward books I've already read: Georgette Heyer (three of which are read by the wonderful Richard Armitage), Elizabeth Peters (Barbara Rosenblatt reading these books is not to be missed) Jennifer Crusie and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, to name a few. If you're thinking of downloading Crusie's books, I recommend "Faking It" -- the voice of Clea alone is enough to give you your money's worth.

Sadly, not every book makes it to audio but I think that as the popularity of listening to books grows, more and more books will be made into audio versions.

So what about you? Do you like audio books and do you have any recommendations? What romance novel would you like to see made into a movie?

The Thinking Woman's Spy

by Christine Wells



Fiction writers take inspiration from everywhere--real life, research, classic stories, legends, even fairytales.

And I must admit ::hanging head:: that sometimes my inspiration comes from television.

I don't watch much TV but lately, I've been hooked on a UK television series about some dangerous men and women. Spooks is the colloquial term for British MI5 operatives, the spies who deal with threats to national security on a domestic level. This series about a small handful of top operatives, run by spymaster Harry Pierce, makes for compelling drama.

A stellar cast over 6 series (so far) includes:

Matthew McFadyen (Darcy in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice movie)

Rupert Penry-Jones (who also starred in the wonderful production Cambridge Spies) (right)

Hugh Laurie (House, Blackadder) makes an appearance as the snobby, insufferable head of MI6. I could watch Laurie in anything. He's such a versatile actor. Although if you happen to have only seen him in House and then watch Jeeves and Wooster, you might be in for a shock!

Soon to arrive on Spooks is Richard Armitage--that alone is enough reason to watch, quite apart from brilliant writing, masterly acting and edge of the seat action. I cannot WAIT for the next series!

Be prepared for casualties on the way--many of them central characters. Sad as I am to let beloved characters go, it definitely adds authenticity and an edge to the danger and suspense to know that no one is safe.

And while they're good at what they do, these Spooks are human, too. They struggle to maintain normal relationships outside the service and they question the morality of their choices and their methods every day. What's equally interesting is that they're not James Bond-style superhuman types. They can fight, but they tend to use intelligence, resourcefulness and a few dirty tricks rather than muscle to achieve their ends. Sometimes they don't win. And sometimes they win, but at immense personal cost. Can you see why a fiction writer would lap this stuff up?

And did I mention Richard Armitage will be starring in the next series?

In The Dangerous Duke, my hero Lyle works for the Regency era Home Office in a capacity very similar to these Spooks, until he unexpectedly inherits a title and the responsibilities that go with it. He's ruthless and competent, and his mantra has always been that the end justifies the means.

Then he meets Lady Kate, who is powerful in a different way. She has been the confidant and advisor to many important men in government. When she decides to wield her power to protect someone she loves, she becomes a formidable opponent for Lyle. But it's the danger each senses in the other that they find so compelling, and it's not long before they're playing the most dangerous game of all...

Do you like danger? In movies, books, real life? What's your favourite dangerous thrill?

I'm giving away a signed copy of The Dangerous Duke and assorted Dangerous Duke stationery to a handful of lucky winners!