Announcing the Historical Hollywood Giveaway!

Like me, you're probably astonished that it's now September!  

Hollywood tales rank high among my fave fiction genres, as reader and writer, and within that subgenre I prefer biographical novels. I'm delighted to participate in this bestselling, award-winning multi-author giveaway of real-like stories about movie personalities of the past. Karen Essex, Heather Webb, and I are giving away these FOUR novels of Hollywood's Golden Age--the silver screen icons, scandals, and stardom--in one big prize pack.

I invite you to ENTER HERE.

These are the books included in the giveaway:

Run, Darling by Karen Essex. Three Sisters. One War. A Harrowing Escape. For decades, the gorgeous trio of Zsa Zsa, Eva, and Magda, with their Auntie Mame mother, dominated gossip columns, TV and movie screens, talk shows, and tabloids with their talent, clever quips, branded beauty products—and utter disregard for society’s rules. Run, Darling is that untold story.

Strangers in the Night by Heather Webb. In the golden age of Hollywood, two of the brightest stars would define—and defy—an era… As Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner ride the rollercoaster of success and failure, passion and anger, they both wonder if the next turn will be the end of their careers, and most devastating of all—the end of all they’ve shared.

Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr by Margaret Porter. Hollywood Beauty. Brilliant inventor. The incredible story of a remarkable and misunderstood woman. In Hollywood, Louis B. Mayer transforms an Austrian refugee into Hedy Lamarr, an icon of exotic glamour. Professional success clashes with Hedy’s personal life as marriage and motherhood compete with the demands of studio and stardom.

The Limits of Limelight by Margaret Porter. Hollywood turned Ginger Rogers into a star. What will it do for her cousin? A pretty teenager leaves Oklahoma for California at the invitation of her relatives, to try her luck in motion pictures. As Phyllis Fraser, she lands a contract with RKO and swiftly discovers that Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamor and glitter obscure the ceaseless struggle of the hopeful starlet.

Best of luck to all who enter! 

Celebrating Women's Fiction Day 2023: Multi-item Giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS, MICHELE A. 

winner of the Women's Ficton Day giveaway!

As a member of the Women Fiction Writers Association, I'm participating in events related to this year's Women's Fiction Day--with a giveaway!

The randomly selected contest winner will receive a trio of autographed women's fiction historical novels: Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr, The Limits of Limelight (Hollywood adventures of starlet Phyllis Fraser and her cousin Ginger Rogers), and The Myrtle Wand (a retelling and reimagining of the ballet Giselle set in 17^th century France), the Beautiful Invention ceramic coffee mug, a Giselle ballet t-shirt, a wand carved from myrtle wood, and a live myrtle plant grown.

 There are four methods of entry:

 1. Via my contact form, with "Giveaway" or "Women's Fiction" in the message box.  

 https://form.jotform.com/90075403157149

 2. By subscribing to my newsletter 

 3. Following Author Margaret Porter on Instagram and messaging me "contest" or "contest entry."

 4. Emailing an answer to this question: Have you ever seen the ballet Giselle? Be sure to include your name and email address. You won't be added to the mailing list but will only be contacted if you're the giveaway winner.

Deadline for entry: Saturday, June 10, 2022.

Winner to be announced the following day.

 What Is Women's Fiction Day?

 Women’s Fiction Day celebrates women’s fiction authors, novels, publishers, book sellers, and most importantly, readers who appreciate women’s fiction and the power of a great story. This year for Women’s Fiction Day, members across the country will hold book signings to engage and connect with readers. WFWA is working with its 1,800 members across the country and internationally to hold a day of book events both online and in person on June 8.

More info--and giveaways--available here: Women Fiction Writers Association

 What Is Women's Fiction?

Women's fiction is a writing genre that includes layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey. The stories can be contemporary or historical, and may have magical, mystery, thriller, romance, or other elements.

Celebrating Women's Fiction Day: Multi-item Giveaway

 

Congratulations, Tara B.!

The randomly selected contest winner will receive, in addition to an Autographed copy of The Limits of Limelight, the The Limits of Limelight pillow, a bottle of the iconic and historic Sortilège perfume (worn by real-life heroine  Phyllis Fraser in the novel), an elegant white silk scarf like the ones Fred Astaire wore in films with Phyllis's first cousin Ginger Rogers, a Limits of Limelight acrylic 16-oz sippy “go” cup with straw, a spiral Garden of Allah hotel notebook (Phyllis and Ginger and Ginger's mother lived there in the early 1930s), a Garden of Allah shot glass, and miscellaneous book swag.

Thanks to everyone who entered by

subscribing to my newsletter 

or

following Author Margaret Porter on Instagram

or

emailing an answer to this question: Have you ever watched a Ginger Rogers-Fred Astaire movie? (be sure to include your name and email address. You won't be added to the mailing list but will only be contacted if you're the giveaway winner.)

or

Doing all three to be be entered twice!

Deadline for entry was: 

Saturday, June 11

What should I know about The Limits of Limelight?

     

It's my 14th novel, available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.

Finalist, 2021 Chanticleer International Book Awards

BookTrib Selection, Women's History Month

     

     Pretty Oklahoma teenager Helen Nichols accepts an invitation from her cousin, rising movie actress Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt Lela, to try her luck in motion pictures. Her relatives, convinced that her looks and personality will ensure success, provide her with a new name and help her land a contract with RKO. As Phyllis Fraser, she swiftly discovers that Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamor and glitter obscure the ceaseless struggle of the hopeful starlet.

     Lela Rogers, intensely devoted to her daughter and her niece, outwardly accepting of her stage mother label, is nonetheless determined to establish her reputation as screenwriter, stage director, and studio talent scout. For Phyllis, she’s an inspiring model of grit and persistence in an industry run by men.

     While Ginger soars to the heights of stardom in musicals with Fred Astaire, Phyllis is tempted by a career more fulfilling than the one she was thrust into. Should she continue working in films, or devote herself to the profession she’s dreamed about since childhood? Which choice might lead her to the lasting love that seems so elusive?

     “Based on a true story....A witty and meticulously researched treat.” ~ Kirkus Reviews

     “An engrossing glimpse into a bygone era and the forces affecting a young woman's evolution into her own abilities...vigorous and involving to the end. ~ Midwest Book Review

      “A captivating novel about Hollywood...a more realistic and multifaceted view of the era.” ~ Historical Novels Review (*Editors' Choice)

     “A lovely tribute to the larger-than-life celebrities of early Hollywood....a glitz and glamour novel that shines brighter the deeper you go.” ~ Independent Book Review

     “A time capsule of Hollywood's Golden Era...a captivating novel of Tinsel Town's perils and pitfalls, trade-offs and triumphs!” ~ Leslie Carroll, author of American Princess 

 What Is Women's Fiction Day?

 Women’s Fiction Day celebrates women’s fiction authors, novels, publishers, book sellers, and most importantly, readers who appreciate women’s fiction and the power of a great story. This year for Women’s Fiction Day, members across the country will hold book signings to engage and connect with readers. WFWA is working with its 1,800 members across the country and internationally to hold a day of book events both online and in person on June 8.

More info--and giveaways--available here: Women Fiction Writers Association

What Is Women's Fiction?

Women's fiction is a writing genre that includes layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey. The stories can be contemporary or historical, and may have magical, mystery, thriller, romance, or other elements.

Now Available: The Limits of Limelight

 It's launch day for The Limits of Limelight!

Purchase links for all formats, all vendors, can be found here.

This evening, I'll be here, discussing the novel, the real-life characters, and signing:

For those who purchase the paperback, and want to request an autographed book plate,  you can use this contact form. Remember to include your name or someone else's for personalisation, and your postal address.

Here's a link to the book review at Reading the Past.

And an interview by the Historical Novel Society.

Links to other interviews and information about my blog tour will be posted soon.

Coming Soon--Very Soon--The Limits of Limelight

 

Somehow the summer fled, now it's September, and The Limits of Limelight will be released in ten days.

I received an early author copy, and expect a full carton to be delivered at any minute.

The in-person launch day event and blog tour are scheduled.

Book plates for autographing and sending out have been ordered. And book swag for giveaways (fruit smoothie not included!)

I've been doing preliminary publicity for the novel, on Zoom and on television.

It's a busy season, true. But I'm taking time to enjoy the roses--still blooming profusely.

And I fit in relaxation days at the lake--with husband, dog, and sometimes a fellow author who joins me for a writing day--if she's not hosting me at her house for the same.

The Limits of Limelight audiobook will also be released soon., and I'll be publishing my interview with my amazing narrator, a star of Broadway and the concert stage.

I've sent out the first September newsletter, and the second one will be chock full of info. You can sign up here to receive it.

I look forward to more frequent posting in coming weeks--so much to share about my main character, Phyllis Fraser, her first cousin Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt Lela Rogers!

Ginger, Phyllis & Lela at a formal event

Ginger & Phyllis on a very casual occasion 

Giveaway for Women's Fiction Day: The Limits of Limelight ARC & More

***Congratulations***

to giveaway winner Laura B. of Ontario, Canada

In recognition of Women's Fiction Day, June 8, 2021, a giveaway!

The winner will receive:

Advance Reader Copy of The Limits of Limelight 

Sortilège Eau de Toilette, originally created by the House of Le Galion in 1937, and often presented to females who drank and dined at New York's famous Stork Club. Worn in the novel by Phyllis Fraser, the protagonist

Boxed DVD set of Astaire & Rogers movie musicals: The Gay Divorcee, Swing Time, Top Hat, and Shall We Dance, from the TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection, starring Phyllis Fraser's first cousin--Ginger Rogers.

What exactly is Women's Fiction? Well, according to the Women Fiction Writers Association , it  delves into family dynamics, female friendships, job challenges, or long-buried secrets. And The Limits of Limelight contains every one of those elements!

To enter, click here. Be sure to write "ARC Giveaway" in the message box.

No purchase necessary. No country restrictions. The winner will be randomly selected.

Entry deadline: June 15, 2021

Here's what reviewers are saying about this novel featuring Phyllis Fraser, Ginger Rogers and her mother Lela Rogers, and other Golden Age Hollywood luminaries:

    

"An engrossing glimpse into a bygone era and the forces affecting a young woman's evolution into her own abilities and adulthood . . . vigorous and involving to the end." ~ Midwest Book Review

"An Oklahoma teenager arrives in Hollywood and enters a glamorous world thanks to her famous cousin in this historical novel set in the 1930s and based on a true story . . . A witty and meticulously researched treat." ~ Kirkus Reviews

"A biographical novel as bright as the Golden Era . . . The research and attention to detail in The Limits of Limelight are meticulous . . . A lovely tribute to the larger-than-life celebrities of early Hollywood . . . a glitz and glamour novel that shines brighter the deeper you go." ~ Independent Book Review

"A time capsule of Hollywood's Golden Era . . . a captivating novel of Tinsel Town's perils and pitfalls, trade-offs and triumphs!" ~ Leslie Carroll, author of American Princess

"Porter's elegant, warm and well-researched novel is a joy to read! Perfect for lovers of historical fiction and tales of remarkable women. 5 of 5 Stars." ~ Literary Redhead, Goodreads

The paperback, ebook, and audiobook will be released on September 14, 2021. More information here.

Pre-Order The Limits of Limelight

 

Available for pre-order through Indiebound, Bookshop.org, Amazon, Kindle, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Kobo, Hudson Booksellers

April 13 is the birthday of Helen Maurine Brown Nichols, who became known as Hollywood actress Phyllis Fraser, first cousin and best friend of Ginger Rogers. There's no better day to announce the start of pre-ordering of my novel about Phyllis, which also features Ginger, and Ginger's mother Lela Rogers, and other notables of Golden Age Hollywood and literary New York.

      Pretty Oklahoma teenager Helen Nichols accepts an invitation from her cousin, rising movie actress Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt Lela, to try her luck in motion pictures. Her relatives, convinced that her looks and personality will ensure success, provide her with a new name and help her land a contract with RKO. As Phyllis Fraser, she swiftly discovers that Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamor and glitter obscure the ceaseless struggle of the hopeful starlet.
      Lela Rogers, intensely devoted to her daughter and her niece, outwardly accepting of her stage mother label, is nonetheless determined to establish her reputation as screenwriter, stage director, and studio talent scout. For Phyllis, she’s an inspiring model of grit and persistence in an industry run by men.
look       While Ginger soars to the heights of stardom in musicals with Fred Astaire, Phyllis is tempted by a career more fulfilling than the one she was thrust into. Should she continue working in films, or devote herself to the profession she’s dreamed about since childhood? Which choice might lead her to the lasting love that seems so elusive?

"An engrossing glimpse into a bygone era and the forces affecting a young woman's evolution into her own abilities and adulthood . . . vigorous and involving to the end." ~ Midwest Book Review

"Based on a true story . . . A witty and meticulously researched treat." ~ Kirkus Reviews

"A biographical novel as bright as the Golden Era . . . A lovely tribute to the larger-than-life celebrities of early Hollywood . . . a glitz and glamour novel that shines brighter the deeper you go." ~ Independent Book Review

"A time capsule of Hollywood's Golden Era . . . a captivating novel of Tinsel Town's perils and pitfalls, trade-offs and triumphs!" ~ Leslie Carroll, author of American Princess

"Porter's elegant, warm and well-researched novel is a joy to read! Perfect for lovers of historical fiction and tales of remarkable women. 5 of 5 Stars." ~ Literary Redhead, Goodreads

Photos of Phyllis, today's birthday girl, with her Cousin Ginger.

The Return to Blogging

 The blogging went on hiatus for the second half of my Pandemic Year. It wasn't exactly intentional, but not entirely accidental, either.

As 2020 wound down, my Isle of Man trilogy was re-published in an ebook omnibus edition. Ordering information available here.

I was preoccupied with final proofing and edits and more proofing for The Limits of Limelight, my 14th historical novel, scheduled for publication in mid-September.

This 3rd work of biographical historical fiction features Phyllis Fraser (whose first cousin was Ginger Rogers), plus notables of Golden Age Hollywood and literary New York. Advance Reader copies are being distributed, and early reviews are most gratifying. I'll be sharing a great deal more as pre-order time and publication day draw nearer.

The snow arrived early--as it often does--when the roses were still blooming. It made for some interesting photographs:

Christmas was appropriately festive, despite quarantine conditions. It was also white.

As was February, much to young dog Dot's delight. 

Senior dog Ruth, isn't as thrilled.

There has been a benefit to lockdown times, and that's the ability to do writers' conference presentations and to participate in bookstore events and meet with book clubs who selected Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr as their monthly reading  selection. I've had a wonderful time sharing information about Hedy and her frequency-hopping innovation during World War II, and discussing her films and Golden Age Hollywood.

I've begun work on novel #15, which marks a return to the theatrical realm of 18th century London. When not writing, I've been reading like mad--new releases by author colleagues, advance reader copies from debut and veteran historical novelists. Now that my NetGalley account is reactiviated, I intend to post reviews there and here in coming weeks. 

If I made New Year's resolutions, one of mine would've been to be a more dedicated blogger in 2021!

July 2020

Half of this highly unusual year has passed, and the blog suffered from neglect as I focused on other aspects of writing life and life in general.

The winter was devoted to some continued work on my completed manuscript, with the assistance and expertise of my developmental editor. Just as I was beginning to emerge from winter hibernation, COVID-19 interrupted all plans for spring travel--to the UK for research and some truly exciting social activities (including a royal event), for family gatherings, and just generally getting out and about. I went into quarantine prior to official lockdown, due to a possible two-degrees-of-separation virus contact--which fortunately had no effect on me or the friend with whom I was spending time.

In addition to editing, I participated in a quarantine recreation of a classical work of art with objects found within the home. Because Nell Gwyn appears in A Pledge of Better Times, as the mother of my male protagonist, I chose to impersonate her.

During the stay-at-home period, I've been able to enjoy my gardens to the max. In June we hosted our annual Open Garden and Rose Party--socially distanced, of course. The combination of a mild winter  and the maturity of my 155 rose bushes and a deep need of beauty in the midst of difficult times must have combined to make this the best year for roses--ever.

I've had the advantage of socially distanced (that word again!) gatherings with neighbours and a close writer friend and her family. Best of all, and most spirit-lifting was a nightly sunset jazz concert on the driveway next door. Local professional musicians and vocalists, unable to perform at their usual venues, gathered for 100 consecutive nights to delight us. Local and national media attention ensued.

In the final week before a temporary break in the concerts, on night #98, it was my great pleasure and honour to host "Fred and Ginger Night." I wore my own roses in my hair, and a 1930s lace jacket, to present info and fun facts about the music from their films. The set consisted of Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Gershwin Brothers, and Irving Berlin. The songs performed were: A Fine Romance, Night and Day, They Can’t Take That Away from Me, A Foggy Day (in London Town), The Way You Look Tonight, and Cheek to Cheek. I had the best seat of all, the musicians were "swell," as Ginger would say, and the dancers were fantastic. What a lovely way to celebrate my novel...Ginger has a big presence in The Limits of Limelight.

The lake cottage is a welcome retreat and one of the places where my muse is happiest. I look forward to spending more time there, listening to the loons in our bay and walking our dogs and watching the sunsets and nurturing my next novel.

It's impossible to know what that remainder of 2020 has in store. I'm hopeful that everyone is able to adjust to the new normality, whatever that means for each individual and community. And most importantly, that people can keep safe and well.

There won't be as long a break until the next blog installment. I've got a planned interview with somebody who has been so helpful in my research into Golden Age Hollywood. Consider that a Coming Attraction, as they say in the movies!

From Summer to Autumn

July and August somehow sped by in a flash, and I was in England and Wales for part of September, and suddenly, with a blaze of New England colour, October is over. I marvel when my calendar confirms that November is here!

For much of the summer, I was able to spend lots of time at our lake cottage, interspersed with author events--bookstore signings, radio interview, library appearance, and meeting with a book group to discuss Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr.

Off to a radio interview in a 1940s-inspired dress

Show and Tell item for a book club meeting

During July, I participated in Camp NaNo, and committed to adding another 25,000 words to my novel. I exceeded my goal.

Our younger dog Dot continued her training, formally--completing Level 2 Obedience--and informally, with her agility set at home. And she accompanied me to Maine to see friends, and had a terrific time romping along the beach.

Young Dot shows off her skills--senior dog Ruth cheers her on

A day on a beach in Maine

Other August activities included a road trip to Massachusetts and Connecticut, to attend a rock concert and do a little research at the Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, MA, related to the work-in-progress. I meet some famous, familiar characters there.

The Cat in the Hat

With infamous troublemakers, Thing 1 & Thing 2

September is the month I travel to the UK. In addition to spending time at the usual location in Somerset, I ventured north to re-visit Chester, a favourite city where I've got family connections. Using it as a base, I visited the area in Wales where my Evans ancestors lived--a manor house and a very large farm enveloped by hills. The weather was glorious.

One of the family properties

Making myself at home at the ancestral manor house 

An ancestor was born on this property in 1686. 

 From there, I went to London, where the social calendar was full, and I carried out research in the British Library for future novels, and was able to tour some architecturally significant buildings not generally open to the public. One of my favourite stops was the Royal Society, founded in 1660 by King Charles II, father of Charles Beauclerk, 1st Duke of St Albans and protagonist of my novel A Pledge of Better Times. He was admitted to the R.S. as a Fellow in 1722.

At the Royal Society, Carlton Place, London

Since returning home, I've been putting finishing touches on the w-i-p, and rejoicing at good news about Beautiful Invention. It's one of three finalists for the Independent New England Publishers Association Book Awards for Fiction. And it was a finalist, and winner, as Outstanding Work of Fiction for the New Hampshire Literary Awards. I attended the ceremony, never expecting bring home a prize!

My award

Winners for Non-Fiction & Fiction (photo: Ron Stone)

Award for Outstanding Work of Fiction (photo: Ron Stone)

Shortly after the ceremony, I had another radio interview, followed by an author event way down south at a Barnes & Noble where I've appeared in the past, and am invited to return.

Signing books, talking about Hedy

No NaNoWriMo for me this November. I participate every other year, and did it in 2018, plus I had a successful push to 25K words in July for CampNaNo--despite the distractions of lake life, garden tasks, and helping the young dog in her formal education. I presented a Building Your Historical World fiction workshop for New Hampshire Writers Project this weekend, and have more writers' group visits and bookstore visits on the horizon--some in-person, some via phone or Skype.

Our dog Dot completed her Level 3 Obedience (is that a doggie Ph.D.?). She celebrated by attending the Downtown Farmer's Market in her Halloween costume.

Dressed up Dot

Next come the holidays and my annual winter hibernation. Not many weeks left in this very busy and happy year of writing, travel, new dog, author appearances, and family time.