A blog containing that
little something extra from our authors.
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checking back as posting authors will change often.
If I had to compare myself to another writer
I cringe about comparing myself to my favorite authors. But an agent told me that I write like Joy Fielding. I can't tell you how happy that makes me since I LOVE her books. Read Mad River Road. Talk about building tension. I could not put that book down. I guess my style is a little like hers. Maybe. Or that I like the kind of stories Joy just happens to write. I like a lot going on. Fast pacing. Lots of twists and turns. Odd relationships. That sort of thing. In my latest series, Whitehorse, Montana, I'm having a ball because I feel like I've cut loose and am just enjoying writing. I'm betting that's what Joy does. :)
Posted by B.J. Daniels
Author of Second Chance Cowboy
on 6/3/2008
I'm Most Like Jayne Ann Krentz
I know that I'm most like Jayne Ann Krentz. I definitely have my own voice, but have heard that comparison. And I will never, ever forget the wonderful quote she (as Jayne Castle) gave me for my second book, Heart Thief:
I loved HEART THIEF! This is what futuristic romance is all about. Robin D. Owens writes the kind of futuristic romance we've all been waiting to read; certainly the kind that I've been waiting for. She provides a wonderful, gripping mix of passion, exotic futuristic settings and edgy suspense. If you've been waiting for someone to do futuristic romance right, you're in luck, Robin D. Owens is the author for you. -- Jayne Castle (Jayne Ann Krentz)
This was and is one of the high points of my career.
Robin
2002 RITA(r) Winner, Best Paranormal Romance (HeartMate)
Posted by Robin D. Owens
Author of Heart Dance
on 6/1/2008
Well, if I had to say...
It's hard to compare my work to someone else's because I think I write a pretty darn good Julie Miller book ;), and that my work is unique. I do draw inspiration from authors I love to read--Agatha Christie writes a great mystery and I love mysteries; Rachel Lee writes deep, angsty characters and I love deep characters; Debra Webb writes great action scenes and I love a great chase; and so on. But, if I had to say who my writing is reminiscent of, I'll go with what several of my readers have told me. More than one has said my writing reminds them of Suzanne Brockmann. Maybe it's the military themes in some of my books. Hopefully, it's the fabulous heroes like Ms. Brockmann writes. I have to say I'm honored when a reader tells me that. I'm a Brockmann fan, too!
Posted by Julie Miller
Author of Protective Instincts
on 6/1/2008
Issues in books
What a great question! I try not to let any issues invade my books, because I write comedy and I don't want to politicize the story in any way. But I sometimes wonder if my leanings make their way in. I may be more transparent than I think!
My newest book, America the Beautiful , released this month, is all about politics, but from a non-political standpoint. Imagine that a woman is running for President... Oh yeah, that's right. One is. Okay, so what's life like on the campaign trail? What is it like to have your world under a microscope, ever background detail examined, every word weighed in public? When does ambition become your driving force? How far would you go to become President? In this book, Emily Benton is the candidate and Kate Rosen is her best friend, her campaign manager and her conscience.
What drew me to tell this story is my very well-known NON-political stand. I don't like to argue about politics. I don't even want to discuss the subject in the mildest of terms. This made me the perfect candidate to write this series because I don't have a polarizing agenda or a candidate to support so I'm not presenting a series of ideas that will likely thrill one party and upset another. The story is solely about the people in politics, not politics itself. The storyline does mirror the real electorial process but offers a behind the scene look at a fictional campaign, all the difficulties, the temptations and the joys from the perspective of Kate, the campaign manager, who contends with the entire process by filtering her actions and reactions through her own strong faith, a faith that her best friend and candidate, Emily, doesn't share.
America the Beautiful is published by Tyndale and is on the shelves now.
Posted by Laura Hayden
Author of AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
on 5/1/2008
ADDRESSING POLITICS OR CURRENT ISSUES IN BOOKS
No, I seldom address topics like this in my books. I write romantic fiction, and most readers, I find, enjoy the chance to get *away* from the real world when they read my books. My characters have plenty of problems to address, don't get me wrong, but you can get all the politics or current issues you want on TV or the Internet, so I'd rather give my readers other things to feel and think about and.
Posted by Toni Blake
Author of LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER
on 5/1/2008
News from Montana
Just this week, a group of Montana writers got together to start an RWA chapter. We haven't had a chapter for many years. Part of the problem was that the state is so darned big, which makes it difficult to get together.
But the Montana Romance Writers is going to happen thanks to the hard work of some very talented people.
Meanwhile, I take off later this month to attend a plotting workshop out by Seattle, WA. While continuing my Whitehorse, Montana series for Harlequin Intrigue, I'm also working on a mainstream mystery that will be set where I grew up, in West Yellowstone, Montana.
The Whitehorse, Montana series, which was originally only six books, has now grown to 12 with Second Chance Cowboy out this month, followed by books, September, and June, July and August 2009 so far.
Other than that, I'm just waiting for spring to come to Montana. It's still snowing up here!
Posted by B.J. Daniels
Author of Matchmaking With a Mission
on 5/1/2008
Politics in our books
Considering that the book I write today won't hit the stands for a year or more, I'd look pretty foolish addressing current topics. Not to mention the fallout if I tackled a controversy in a family-oriented line like Harlequin American Romance!
That doesn't mean that I don't put a spin on issues that might interest readers. For example, in my May release, The Family Next Door, , my widowed heroine discovers that her handsome new neighbor was the holdout juror in the trial of her husband's accused killer, responsible for letting the suspect go free. Although the thrust of the story concerns their growing love for each other, abetted by their preteen daughters, the issues of how a jury reaches a verdict and whether justice was served provide extra interest (and yes, I do ultimately answer the question of who was wrong and who was right).
Because the majority of my books are historicals, I tend to address the issue for the time of the book, whether it is women's rights, or health care, as an example. When I write contemporary books, I don't want them to be dated a year from now, so I might address a broad issue such as education, but I don't focus on a particular event which would place the book in a narrow time slot. I want to write love stories fans will adore and read again and again, so I'm aiming for the timeless romantic quality all classics possess.
Posted by Phoebe Conn
Author of DAWM OF DESIRE, May 2008
on 5/1/2008
using comedy in your writing
I once read that disaster plus time equals comedy. Think about it. Tripping over the cat, falling downstairs and twisting your ankle while trying not to break a Magnum of Crystal is a disaster at the time, but hysterical later on in the telling. Also, funny works best in first person. If you make jokes in third person, it looks like author intrusion--see, how funny I can write! In first person, your characters can think, act, and talk funny on their own. Finally, real comedy is essentially logical. The punch line must follow the set up with pure logic, and yet by unexpected. Whoever laughs at the joke must think, "Oh, yeah--of course," while continung to laugh hysterically in total surprise. Not easy to do.
Posted by Carolyn McSparren
Author of Warm Heart, Cold Case due out in 08
on 4/2/2008
Using Humor
I use humor every chance I get, and I have no idea how I do it. I’ve been asked a few times to give workshops on comedy, and if I hadn’t discovered John Vorhaus’s book THE COMIC TOOLBOX to help me explain what I do, I would have been SOL. I highly recommend the book. It will teach you to use comedy way better than I ever could here. That said, I’ll add one thing. Any situation can be funny, even death and dismemberment. It’s all in how you present the material.
Humor in your writing... that's not so easy. Mainly because humor is so darned subjective. What I think is funny, you might roll your eyes at, and vice versa. I am not a humor writer, but sometimes what I write is indeed, funny. Or so I've been told. "I really laughed at the part where this and that happened," someone will say. And I'm surprised. To me, it wasn't all that funny. I was simply being true to my characters.
It'll be fun to read what others say about humor.
Posted by Ann Roth
Author of The Pilot's Woman, March 2008
on 4/1/2008
Humor in Writing
I find a good sense of humor very attractive in a man and try to incorporate elements of humor in my stories. Even though I write romantic suspense, I still think humor can add another dimension to a good story without breaking the tension. Linda Howard is a master at this!
For my heroines, I feel that showing a good sense of humor makes them more lovable, easier to root for. After all, Laughter is the best medicine for stress, and I sure like to put my heroine's through the ringer!
I like humor in my books and know that my fans appreciate it too, so even though I might have very dark (or wrenching) moments, I have light ones also. I usually use scenes with my animal companions to add humor to my books. Since I try and keep cats and dogs pretty much true to their own behavior I always think that cat philosophy and dog philosophy might be different. I'm currently doing the copy edits of Heart Fate which takes place at Yule, and my cat, as usual, is concerned about her present. The dog is disgusted at this behavior and a "pay, pay, pay" philosophy, so they clash both with each other and their humans. I use this to lighten the story.
So that's me and the "Heart" books ("Heart" is in the title). For my Luna books, my magical creatures are shapeshifters and, again, they can look at the world a little "scewed" from the human point of view. They also change to small animals -- birds, dogs, the occasional cat...here, too, I use them as comic relief.
May you laugh hard today.
Robin
Posted by Robin D. Owens
Author of Keepers of the Flame
on 4/1/2008
Humor in my books
It depends. The erotic paranormals I wrote for Ellora's Cave have much more humorous bent than my historicals for Dorchester or straight paranormals for Nocturne. I do like sprinkling humor into all my stories, though, kinda like adding spice to a recipe. It's a great tool for relieving tension (just as it is in real life). You can use humor with word play, or with actions. It works well in dialogue.
For example, in my April 29 release, The Scorpion & the Seducer, the heroine, who is Egyptian and still grasps sometimes with the English language, is apologizing to the hero for their quarrel. She tells Thomas, "I didn't mean to castrate you." He tells her, "I think you meant castigate, not castrate. It’s quite all right. I assure you, I’m not in the least danger of feeling either metaphor.”
Posted by Bonnie Vanak
Author of The Scorpion and the Seducer
on 4/1/2008
Why did you start writing and why do you continue writing in this crazy business?
I don't remember a time when I didn't write. It started with a journal and then my best friend and I would write scripts for our favorite soap opera couple. Eventually, I started writing short stories and then novels. The same friend suggested I join the Romance Writers of America so I could learn more about the craft and work toward getting my stories published. Five years later, here I am.
The truth is that I'd write no matter what. It's just something that I do. I'd feel lost without it. Getting published is a happy bonus. The business is often frustrating, but the love of writing keeps me going.
Posted by Tina Gallagher
Author of And There Are Girls You Marry
on 3/7/2008
Why did I start writing and why do I continue writing in this crazy business?
I started writing because there were stories I wanted to tell, plot ideas gathering dust in my nightstand. I had written two books when my daughter said I should send them to a publisher. I was shocked. No way. I was writing them for myself. Eventually, however, she won out.
I think the key lies in the reason I started writing. I couldn't keep from telling the stories in my head. I remember making up stories before I was tall enough to reach the bathroom sink. I remember some racy stories in high school that I wrote about my girlfriends and their boyfriends and having one of them confiscated by a parent. I was not the getting-in-trouble type, but that did the trick. Goody two-shoes writes four-poster-bed stories!
I think storytelling is born in some of us and a percentage of us take the gift further than others. We expand on it, learn and hone the writing craft. But we can never really stop writing any more than we can stop breathing.
Not even the writing business, this crazy industry, up one minute, down the next, the rejection, the romance critics, the negative reviews, are enough to get me to stop, and if that can't, nothing will. Happy Writing everyone!
Annette Blair, GONE WITH THE WITCH, May 2008<\p>
Posted by Annette Blair
Author of Sex and the Psychic Witch
on 3/2/2008
Why did I start writing and why do I continue writing in this crazy business?
I started writing because there were stories I wanted to tell, plot ideas gathering dust in my nightstand. I had written two books when my daughter said I should send them to a publisher. I was shocked. No way. I was writing them for myself. Eventually, however, she won out.
I think the key lies in the reason I started writing. I couldn't keep from telling the stories in my head. I remember making up stories before I was tall enough to reach the bathroom sink. I remember some racy stories in high school that I wrote about my girlfriends and their boyfriends and having one of them confiscated by a parent. I was not the getting-in-trouble type, but that did the trick. Goody two-shoes writes four-poster-bed stories!
I think storytelling is born in some of us and a percentage of us take the gift further than others. We expand on it, learn and hone the writing craft. But we can never really stop writing any more than we can stop breathing.
Not even the writing business, this crazy industry, up one minute, down the next, the rejection, the romance critics, the negative reviews, are enough to get me to stop, and if that can't, nothing will. Happy Writing everyone!
Annette Blair, GONE WITH THE WITCH, May 2008
Posted by Annette Blair
Author of Sex and the Psychic Witch
on 3/2/2008
Why did I start writing and why do I continue writing in this crazy business?
I started writing because there were stories I wanted to tell, plot ideas gathering dust in my nightstand. I had written two books when my daughter said I should send them to a publisher. I was shocked. No way. I was writing them for myself. Eventually, however, she won out.<\P>
I think the key lies in the reason I started writing. I couldn't keep from telling the stories in my head. I remember making up stories before I was tall enough to reach the bathroom sink. I remember some racy stories in high school that I wrote about my girlfriends and their boyfriends and having one of them confiscated by a parent. I was not the getting-in-trouble type, but that did the trick. Goody two-shoes writes four-poster-bed stories!<\p>
I think storytelling is born in some of us and a percentage of us take the gift further than others. We expand on it, learn and hone the writing craft. But we can never really stop writing any more than we can stop breathing.<\p>
Not even the writing business, this crazy industry, up one minute, down the next, the rejection, the romance critics, the negative reviews, are enough to get me to stop, and if that can't, nothing will. Happy Writing everyone!<\p>
Annette Blair, GONE WITH THE WITCH, May 2008<\p>
Posted by Annette Blair
Author of Sex and the Psychic Witch
on 3/2/2008
Why I Write and Keep Writing
I started writing at a very young age, in part because I loved to read and had oodles of story ideas of my own. I still have many of my early projects, stowed in the back of my filing cabinet. I've written short stories, poems, novellas, full-length novels, and non-fiction, but didn't really focus on romance writing until my daughter was born and I craved a creative challenge; my first medieval was written during her nap times. That book, A Knight's Vengeance, was my second mass market paperback sale to Medallion Press.
I feel very fortunate that my muse continues to inspire me with ideas for books. I'm sure this sounds crazy, but I need to write; it's part of who I am. I'm also thrilled that my daughter's gifted with the creative muse and is working on her own stories!
Posted by Catherine Kean
Author of My Lady's Treasure
on 3/1/2008
Why I began writing
One afternoon in the summer of 1980, my elder son and I were watching a movie. Ricardo Montelban came on with a commercial for Silhoutte Romances. I turned to Jeff and asked, "How difficult can it be to write one of those books?" He replied, "Go for it!" I went to the library and read a lot of category books and books on how to write a novel. Then I began submitting my own. Short books were so much fun, I wrote a big, sprawling historical set in California. That book, LOVE'S ELUSIVE FLAME, was my first release in October of 1983. MANGO SUMMER, Jan. 2008, is number 31. I love writing and always give Ricardo Montelban the credit for inspiring my career. I had always loved to read, but never considered writing a book until that afternoon he extolled, "Romance the way it used to be."
Posted by Phoebe Conn
Author of MANGO SUMMER
on 2/29/2008
Why I became a writer
I started making up stories almost as soon as I could talk. It's just something that comes naturally to me. No, I wasn't a little liar. Ask Mom and she'll tell you that I was simply entertaining. I just love to spin a tale. I don't think I could stop if I tried.
Posted by Teri Thackston
Author of Deadly Climb
on 2/29/2008
Lagniappe Blog Question
Like most writers, I developed a love for reading early in life. This may sound weird, but I always felt this sense of restlessness, as though there was something I was supposed to be doing. I did not know at the time that I had a creative streak longing to get out, although I had written my share of stories and essays in high school and college. It wasn't until after the birth of my first son in 1979 that I borrowed a typewriter and wrote a scene that was in my head and had been bugging me. I passed it to my husband, and he was impressed enough that he thought I should pursue writing as a career. Even though we've since divorced, I have to thank him for being my biggest fan. Other than that, he was a crappy husband. :)
I think writers are driven to express themselves. It's the only reason I can think of that pushes us to put in long hours, including nights, when the rest of the family is asleep. And I'm here to tell you, the nights are long and the work arduous. There are no shortcuts; only hard work. And you really have to believe in yourself, which is why I think all writers should have a support system that includes other writers.
I have continued to stay in this field, despite the ups and downs, because I simply can't imagine doing anything else. And because there are always new scenes and characters crowding my head that need to get out.
Posted by Charlotte Hughes
Author of WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY
on 2/29/2008
Why I got into this crazy business
In short, writing is the only thing I've ever really wanted to do with such an insane passion. This IS a crazy business - it's a pure roller coaster ride and the hills and dips never stop coming - but all the anguish and uncertainty are worth it to me if I get to write stories that move me and have them read. When someone you've never met tells you your book made them laugh, cry, or both, it's magical, and no 9 to 5 job can replace that.
Posted by Toni Blake
Author of TEMPT ME TONIGHT
on 2/29/2008
Why I write
Why did I start writing and why do I continue? That's easy enough. I started writing in 2000 because I had characters and a story spinning around in my head and I had to let them out. The only thing to do was write. And once I started, as the saying goes, the more I wrote, the more I wrote.
I started writing seriously for publication about a year later, when I joined my local RWA chapter. I don't think that before that I really believed I'd be able to get published. But the wonderful mentors I met through RWA, both in person and online, changed all that.
Why do I keep writing, even though the business is crazy, the pay not the highest, and every other day brings a news report about how Americans have stopped reading books? Just the same reason I started - characters and stories in my head that have to get out. Writing a book is one of the most challenging and fun things I've done, and I'd keep doing it even if I was the only person who saw the finished product.
Joy Nash
Posted by Joy Nash
Author of Deep Magic
on 2/29/2008
Why did you start writing and why do you continue writing in this crazy business?
Ever since I was a little girl and held my first pencil to paper I have engaged in this art. The older I got the more I wrote. This artful journey has led me through so many exciting and adventurous genres. I have written nonfiction and fiction, romance and mystery, plays, poems, journals, essays, columns, and children’s stories. I have written for love, for money, for escape, for therapy, to tune out, to tune in.
Like most who are lured to this craft, I started writing as a means of self expression beginning with adolescent diaries. When my first story was printed in my junior high school newspaper and I saw my name in print for the fist time, I was hooked. I knew without doubt that writing was and always would be a part of me. The passion, the joys, the fears, the frustrations - writing is where I have always turned to bear my soul.
As to why I continue to write in this crazy business - because it's a need, like breathing. Like with a best friend, there may be times when I just want to walk away because of disputes and disagreements, but never for very long. I continue to write because I believe it is my purpose and passion to do so.
Posted by April Star
Author of Tropical Warnings: A Wanderlust Mystery
on 2/29/2008
Diversity
Living in Southern California and setting many of my books there, I naturally incorporate characters with diverse backgrounds. A key figure in my Harmony Circle trilogy, which begins in May with The Family Next Door and continues in August with Baby in Waiting is a gorgeous (of course!) Hispanic man who's adopted his orphaned niece and nephew and is fighting plans to build a McMansion across the street from his one-story home. In the third book, Million-Dollar Nanny, due in January 2009, Rafe wins a sweet victory when his former foe, whose weasely fiance ran off with her fortune, not only has to live in the modest cottage she bought but applies for a job as his nanny.
To me, a birthday party in which we meet Rafe's Spanish-speaking grandmother enriches the story with details of music, special foods and fun customs -- ever break a pinata and get showered with candy, anyone? -- that the heroine embraces. It helps that I've lived in one foreign country -- Italy-- and five states -- Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Massachusetts and California, and love learning foreign languages (I speak some French and Italian and a little Spanish. Also studied Greek for a year and taught myself a few words of German).
I enjoy seeing the world through someone else's frame of reference. That's one of the reasons why I enjoy writing fiction!
How can an author NOT celebrate diversity? Besides putting the stories to paper, I feel my calling as a storyteller is to include all that I see, all that I take in during my daily life. For my first novel, A Rendezvous to Remember, I researched the Occupation of Belgium during WWII. I learned about many different cultures while doing so, and included what I could--to include a baby saved from the Holocaust.
For my book due out next year, I have the romance of an interracial couple who fell in love in Western New York and Paris during the 1960's and 1970's, and how they sustain their marriage through some historically very tough times.
For me, life celebrates diversity and any way I can share that joy with my readers, I'm going to.
Thanks for this great blog topic!
Peace,
Geri
Posted by Geri Krotow
Author of A Rendezvous to Remember
on 2/1/2008
Writing Resolutions for 2008
This year, I've resolved not to let time slip away from me. For a start, I'm going to try to be better organized, especially when it comes to my writing space. My desk seems to accumulate clutter when I'm not looking: stacks of paper, pens, half-finished cups of tea and coffee . . . Ugh.
My overall goal is to spend more of my day writing. My second book in my Knight's Series, A Knight's Reward , will be released in April; the hero, Dominic de Terre, was a secondary character in A Knight's Vengeance and I had quite a few readers asking when he'd get his own story! There's so much I want to do with the characters in my fictional English county of Moydenshire. It's a matter of plotting it all out, sitting in my chair, and tapping away on my keyboard. Thank goodness for my creative muse.
Posted by Catherine Kean
Author of My Lady's Treasure
on 1/8/2008
Writing Goals for 2008
I am a teacher as well as an author and my office is filled with school as well as writing materials.This year, I absolutely must become better organized or I will not even be able to squeeze my way through the heaps to reach my computer!
Posted by Phoebe Conn
Author of MANGO SUMMER
on 1/3/2008
What are your writing resolutions for 2008?
My motto for 2008 is to organize and simplify. I hate clutter, but here it is, all over my desk, so that I am constantly looking for something. When you have too much clutter on your desk and in your life, it's difficult to focus. Too many distractions. I'd like to be able to wave a magic wand and make it all go away, but I can't even find my magic wand.
Posted by Charlotte Hughes
Author of WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY
on 1/3/2008
Solar Heat
Hi Everyone,
I hope you had a great holiday. I did, visiting with family and eating too much. But I've also been working on my new book video for SOLAR HEAT. In this book--coming out Feb 5th, I go back into space. It was fun imagining what the spaceship would look like and you can watch the video right here.
Posted by susan kearney
Author of Solar Heat
on 1/2/2008
New Vegas Bites Novella Featuring Kellie Monroe
Happy New Year to everyone! For those dedicated fans who have been looking forward to the next installment on Kellie Monroe from Vegas Bites (Out of the Dark), look for Vegas Bites Back, out in early January 08 from Parker Publishing and featuring Kellie and Garen in the novella titled The Golden Wolf.
Posted by Natalie Dunbar
Author of Vegas Bites Back: The Golden Wolf
on 1/1/2008
2008 Writing Resolutions
In 2008, my main writing goal is to get a little more organized and stay on track so that I can schedule in completing an extra single title book in addition to my currently contracted books. I've had a ST paranormal suspense book that has languished for about a year now that my agent really wants me to complete! (horror of horrors--I had it partway done when I lost the ms in a tragic computer crashing incident --well, I'm grinning now--at the time I said several bad words--I had the original proposal draft backed up, but I lost all the new pages and revisions). I can comfortably write 4-5 series books for Intrigue and Blaze a year, and will continue to do so in 2008. (Including a H/S 60th anniversary celebration book I'm writing for Blaze!) But I really want to get back to my ST work (I started my career with ST paranormals!) as well. So my goal is to write more w/o getting off my regular schedule. And not burn out!
Posted by Julie Miller
Author of At Your Command
on 1/1/2008
Writing Goals/Resolutions for 2008
Like most writers, my first thought was to be more disciplined about my writing and to write more in the new year. But today, January 1, I woke up with a different thought. I want to rediscover the joy of writing for 2008. Remember that? The sheer elation of sitting in front of the computer and creating a story that was uniquely yours? Sure, I still create stories that are uniquely mine, but when they're a book I sold on synopsis, sometimes a year or more ago, some of the shine has worn off. I want it back.
My second goal (yes, it's a two-parter!) is to stop taking myself so seriously. Now, for those who know me, this may seem weird, since I write humor, but I mean I want to stop stressing and enjoy the process as well as my life. If it's the only party I will have, I want to dance!
Posted by P. J. Mellor
Author of Naughty, Naughty
on 1/1/2008
Partnering with my heroine - Civil Affairs
This is going back to a much earlier book, but it's still in publication. It's "Civil Affairs".
Writing that book helped me a lot personally. I had a lot of weight to lose and although the book is fictional, the heroine and I went on a diet and weight loss program together. My heroine, Paige, did many of the same things and ate many of the same things I did.
Writing the book helped to motivate and keep me honest in my personal goals. It was fun to have a weight loss "buddy" of sorts.
I rode my bike a lot. So did Paige.
I joined Weight Watchers. She joined Weight Warriors.
I was addicted to my scale (weighed at leaast twice a day - morning and night). So did Paige.
I carried radishes and apples with me to work. Paige carried them with her to her college classes to snack on instead of high calorie stuff.
Yep, we were sisters.
Why am I thinking of this now?
I regained some of that weight (not all, thank goodness), but I want to re-lose it. I signed onto self.com tonight and it's a free and awesome community. I hope it will help to re-motivate me to get in shape and be the healthiest me I can be so I can be around to write a lot more books, but mainly, to be around and healthy for my kids.
Posted by Ashley Ladd
Author of Wishcraft
on 12/5/2007
What I know now...
I wrote my previous post before I saw the subject of the day.
What do I know now that I wish I'd known before?
There are so many things, but one is to budget my time better. I glued my butt to the chair writing for so many hours, usually all night every night after the day job and on weekends, that I let myself get out of shape and my health really suffered.
Then, I became so obsessed with fitness and maintaining weight loss, that I went in the opposite direction and barely wrote for a year or two and lost ground in my writing career.
Moderation is the key to everything. That and diligence. Diligence, yes. Obsession no.
Posted by Ashley Ladd
Author of Wishcraft
on 12/5/2007
What I know now
When I began writing, I loved it so much I concentrated on writing rather than also on the business aspects as I should have. When I was offered a contract, which led to a multiple book contract, it did not even occur to me that an editor would take advantage of authors to the extent they do. It wasn't until after I was published that I met other authors and found an agent. Then I learned my original contracts were some of the worst in the industry. Clearly my editor had taken advantage of me which made a great deal of money for them, and very little for me. Even an excellent agent can not protect an author from the extravagant promises editors and publishers make to sign an author to a contract but then quickly forget. A terrific agent is a wonderful advantage, however, and I always urge people to seek an agent to negotiate for them.
Posted by Phoebe Conn
Author of MANGO SUMMER
on 12/2/2007
If I'd only known...
There are always things to learn about this business, it seems. And continuing to learn new strategies, stay on top of industry changes and adapt goals to meet personal and professional needs is vitally important, imo.
As a result, I suppose the one thing I wish I'd been completely clear about when I first started writing 34 books ago was just how much work a writing career is--and how much time and hard work it entails. I mean, I expected it to be work--I had no illusions about being an artiste or having contracts and completed mss magically fall into my lap. But even with an agent and almost a dozen editors, you really are your own boss, and must plan your career goals, creative needs, and manage time accordingly--or you can truly work yourself into the ground. I suppose at the beginning of my career, I was quite driven to sell, build readership, write award-winning books, etc. At this point in my career, though, I've learned to pace myself better so that I don't burn out. I think if I'd kept up the same pace I was when I started, I wouldn't be able to say that I still love the business of being a writer!
Posted by Julie Miller
Author of At Your Command
on 12/2/2007
What do I wish I knew when I started writing
This is a great question! As soon as I saw what it was, the answer came to me. YOU'RE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR NEXT BOOK!
Somehow I had this idea that once a writer got published, it was happiness from then on. I was probably the most naive author on the planet. The blood, sweat and tears process goes on with every single book. ANGST! That's the key word, even though I love the whole process. I could have saved myself some agony if I had understood this from the beginning.
Posted by Rebecca Winters
Author of CHRISTMAS PROPOSALS novella
on 12/1/2007
If wishes were fishes...
What do I know now that I wish I'd known then? Oh, man...that's a huge one. There's just a lot you can only learn by experience. An author can get and take good advice, but ultimately some lessons are hands-on only.
I wish I'd known that it wasn't all going to disappear so I could have enjoyed some of my early successes more. Celebrate the small stuff, the big stuff and everything in between. Don't scramble so hard to try fend off a failure that simply isn't headed your way. You wouldn't believe how many other authors I've spoken to share/d this fear and don't enjoy the good stuff because of it.
I wish I'd known that I was going to sell a book one day. My hubby did. My mom did. My CP did. They all believed in me, but I fought every day for the conviction to go forward - to pursue my dreams in the face of A LOT of rejection. Writing - I could never stop, but the courage to keep submitting no matter how many letters of rejection I got - that was hard to keep up. I'm so glad I did, but it didn't have to hurt so much. Not if I'd known. ;-)
I wish I'd known that writing my own story was more important than anything else. I learned it fairly quickly, but I wasted a lot of angst on other people's opinions. I believed a lot of the myths surrounding romance and only after they were disproved in my own career could I stare them down like the stories based on a twisted version of reality that they were/are. We all need to do that, but no one can do it for us. :)
I wish I'd known how many wonderful friends I was going to make among authors, reviewers and readers. I would have tried harder from the very beginning. LOL
One thing I knew then...that I know now and I hope a lot of others realize as well: you may not be able to guarantee success, but you can guaranteed failure - by giving up. So, don't!
Hugs,
Lucy
Posted by Lucy Monroe
Author of Deal With This
on 12/1/2007
Happy Thanksgiving
I would love to take a moment to think/talk about something OTHER than my work at the moment and wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! My wish for you is that it isn't being held at your house -- that somebody else is having to do all the cooking!
Posted by Charlotte Hughes
Author of What Looks Like Crazy
on 11/21/2007
Holiday craziness already
In case anyone notices that I have two answers to the same question -- similar but different, I have to blame it on elves. The first time I answered I got an error message, so I decided to post again without looking to see if my first post came through. It did, so now two versions are up. Ho, ho, ho!
It's all about the tree. When I was a kid, my parents would send us off to bed on Christmas Eve and there would be NOTHING except our empty stockings. Next morning we'd scurry downstairs and find the tree, all lit up, with presents piled underneath. Santa had been there!
Naturally I did the same for my kids. We gradually modified it by saying that we'd "help" a busy Santa by putting up the tree ourselves on Christmas Eve. We still do that, saving the tree decorating until the night of the 24th. I look forward to it all year.
I feel particulary blessed to still have my dear mother with us. My family celebrates holidays with her at her retirement home, which is like a plush hotel, so it's enjoyable for everyone and no dirty dishes! We create new memories each year and look forward to the new year with both joy and hope.
Posted by Phoebe Conn
Author of MANGO SUMMER, January 2008
on 11/8/2007
Favorite Part of the Holiday Season
Definitely the chance to see/hang out/reconnect with my family. To keep both my hubby's and my side of the family happy, we alternate each year as to whether we spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with them. This year we visit my side of the family over the Thanksgiving holiday--we'll celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday and then do Christmas on Friday. My younger brother is in the military, and my older brother and his family, my parents, and my family all live in different states. So, it's hard to find a time to get us all together in one place at one time. So I truly look forward to the chance to get the whole clan together. This year is extra special because my younger brother will be deployed again after the New Year, and we're all anxious to have a fun, normal, family-filled holiday together. We'll eat well. Play games. Put a puzzle together. Trade hugs and gifts--and have many wonderful conversations. Happy Holidays!
Posted by Julie Miller
Author of At Your Command
on 11/4/2007
Favorite part of the holidays
Without doubt, the trimming of the Christmas tree is my favorite event of the holidays. I follow the tradition my parents set, which is to decorate the tree on Christmas Eve. Sometimes it's with family only and sometimes with family and friends. Unboxing all the ornaments collected over the years and putting them on a (has to be real!) Christmas tree is a ritual I'll never grow tired of!
Happy Holidays, everyone!
My favorite part of the upcoming holiday season? Family, definitely. And family is more precious than ever to me now. My parents are 85 and 87, and they are changing--not by the year as in the recent past, but literally by the month.
As my father says, his hide's getting too big for his body.
Yes, they're losing weight, becoming more frail, talking more about the distant past and less about the future.
I'm aware of how fortunate I am to have my parents still with me, and I celebrate them every day. My dad plays golf 3 days a week, and usually beats his fellow players and his age. This summer he was inducted into the Mississippi State Sports Hall of Fame as an outstanding player and coach.
My mother and I went shopping for new clothes for her the other day, and she can still work a classy red dress!
This Thanksgiving I'll be sending up heartfelt thanks that my parents are still with us. And at Christmas, my favorite gift will be being with them.
Happy Holidays to you all, and God Bless!
Mallory
Posted by Mallory Kane
Author of A Father's Sacrifice
on 11/2/2007
Holiday Season
My favorite part of the holidays isn't the holidays. ; ) The days themselves are actually fairly stressful for me since I'm either running between two families' get-togethers or hosting a ton of people at my house. But between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have quite a number of get-togethers and events with friends that really are the highlight of the season for me. These include a cookie exchange that I co-host at my best friend's house and a luncheon I host for two of my other closest friends where we exchange gifts, eat cookies, and get caught up with each other. So it's the season itself I enjoy more than the actual holidays : )
Posted by Toni Blake
Author of Tempt Me Tonight
on 11/1/2007
Ah....the holidays
Snow. Once those big huge flakes start drifting down then I'm thinking...holidays. I love it all, Thanksgiving and all the trimmings with friends and family and then, of course, Christmas.
My favorite part is when my husband and I go out and get the tree and decorate it. We have collected ornaments over the years and each has a story or a memory attached to it. So we recall funny events, happy ones, sad ones for those who are no longer with us as we trim the tree.
To me that is the most magical part of Christmas. That and when we light the tree. Usually by then the snow is knee-deep outside, there's a fire going in the fireplace and the air is filled with the scent of pine. There is nothing else like it.
Wishing you all the happiest of holidays this season. Peace on Earth.
BJ
Posted by B.J. Daniels
Author of Shadow Lake
on 11/1/2007
My favorite part of the upcoming holidays
What is my favorite part of the upcoming holiday season? All of it! I'm nuts about everything to do with the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. I love the music, the TV specials, the themed books, the decorations, the shopping, gifts, parties and food and... Well, like I said. All of it!
My family thinks I go a bit overboard, but I can't help it. I look forward to the season all year and bask for the whole six weeks (mid November to New Years).
Happy Holidays all!
Beth Cornelison
Posted by Beth Cornelison
Author of DANGER AT HER DOOR
on 11/1/2007
What I Enjoy Most About Writing
like being able to cut through the red tape of getting all gussied up for work and just show up at my computer in my pajamas and socks. My mother, who has her hair and makeup done by 6 a.m. doesn't understand this. She fears I'll turn into a slob. Hellooo? I've been doing it for 20+ years, maybe I AM a slob. The Fed Ex and UPS people don't stare at me openly anymore when they find me in my pajamas at 3 p.m. They probably think I have a drinking problem. One of my writer friends buys all these cutesy pajama outfits that don't really look like pajamas. I'm going to start doing that. That way I could add a couple of pieces of jewelry and nobody would be the wiser. It's just one less thing to worry about, you know?
Posted by Charlotte Hughes
Author of What Looks Like Crazy
on 10/14/2007
What I Enjoy Most About Writing
I like being able to cut through the red tape of getting all gussied up for work and just show up at my computer in my pajamas and socks. My mother, who has her hair and makeup done by 6 a.m. doesn't understand this. She fears I'll turn into a slob. Hellooo? I've been doing it for 20+ years, maybe I AM a slob. The Fed Ex and UPS people don't stare at me openly anymore when they find me in my pajamas at 3 p.m. They probably think I have a drinking problem. One of my writer friends buys all these cutesy pajama outfits that don't really look like pajamas. I'm going to start doing that. That way I could add a couple of pieces of jewelry and nobody would be the wiser. It's just one less thing to worry about, you know?
Posted by Charlotte Hughes
Author of What Looks Like Crazy
on 10/14/2007
Favorite Part of Writing
My favorite part of writing? Typing "The End"! That's a real rush of accomplishment. Some days I'm amazed that I've been able to complete stories time and again. There are too many things I love about writing to pick out a single one--my answer would probably change, depending on the day you ask me, or where I am in a story. But I imagine that most of the time, I'd answer something about creating memorable, vivid characters. The best characters to me are ones who resonate on a deeply emotional level and who seem real to me. I love when I get into the zone like that, and feel like I'm creating someone special. Usually the hero. Cooper Bellamy from my book, Nine-Month Protector, really came to life like that for me. He's a cancer survivor with a sense of humor--and a tough streak that the bad guys make the mistake of messing with. According to many of my readers--Coop is a man to fall in love with. I did!
Posted by Julie Miller
Author of Nine-Month Protector
on 10/2/2007
What do I enjoy most about writing?
I love the buzz of creating new, interesting characters and watching their stories unfold -- it's magic! It's really like being in another dimension when you're in the "zone" as you listen and type out what you hear in your head. There's nothing like it!
Posted by Pat White
Author of Miss Fairmont and the Gentleman Investigator
on 10/1/2007
Love of Writing
If there is one thing I love about writing it is bringing to life characters from my twisted imagination.
There is nothing more fun that standing them up, breathing a little life into them and letting them go. And go they do. With minds of their own, they do whatever they want -- often what I least expect. Because of that they get me into trouble, painting me into a corner I have to write my way out of out. But they are what makes writing fun and exciting and terrifying. If the book is working, there is never a dull moment. :)
Writing is such a solitary endeavor, I enjoy the wild ride of being a "seat-of-the-pants writer." I would get bored if I knew what was going to happen.
Posted by B.J. Daniels
Author of Shadow Lake
on 10/1/2007
What I enjoy most about writing
I love the creative process of building character, plot and suspense. But most of all I love knowing that I'm connecting with people all over the world. There is a special bond between writer and reader, and even though writers don't always know how their books affect people, we feel that bond. And on the all too rare occasions when I hear that my work has had a positive effect on someone, I know it's all worthwhile.
Posted by Joanna Wayne
Author of Texas Gun Smoke
on 10/1/2007
What I Like About Writing
I love the purely creative time when I'm first mulling over the idea of a story, before contracts, before deadlines and all the other business-related stuff that sometimes gets in the way of creativity. The mental manipulation of separate story parts (to see what fits) is challenging and rewarding, especially when I get that tingle that tells me I'm on the right track.
Carrie W.
Posted by Carrie Weaver
Author of Temporary Nanny
on 9/30/2007
Idea for my Silhouette Nocturne
I got the idea for my December Nocturne, The Empath, when my beloved dog Tia was diagnosed with liver cancer last year.
I started writing as a means to escape. The story evolved from a heroine who was determined to save her pet dying from a mysterious disease. The hero, who is a warrior werewolf, comes into her life and shows her that she's a healer and can save her dog.
Maggie heals her beloved dog. Sadly, my beloved Tia died last December. But I know she'll always live on in my heart and in the pages of the book. She was such a great dog. Not a mean bone in her body, even when she was in pain. She always laid on my lap when I tried to write on the laptop. I called her "the critic." I still miss her, and part of me always will.
Posted by Bonnie Vanak
Author of The Empath
on 9/7/2007
I love mysteries. So what if...
Most ideas start with "what if." What if I was driving along in a rain storm and my car went off the road into a lake? And when I woke up I couldn't remember anything except I knew I'd better remember and fast because something horrible had happened last night.
That is where I started with my October book, Shadow Lake. I love books with lots of twists and turns and characters in crisis. I wanted it to be spring in an isolated high mountain town. The people have just wintered-in, which means they're all going a little cabin crazy.
And along comes a woman with huge holes in her memory -- and her share of secrets. Something has lead her to Shadow Lake. Something as dark and sinister as what she sees under the water.
Shadow Lake comes out the first part of October and is my first longer more mainstream book. I'm currently working on another along with writing Intrigues which are still my favorite.
Posted by B.J. Daniels
Author of Shadow Lake
on 9/3/2007
How did you get the idea for your latest book?
My hero in Twin Surprise is a police officer dealing with a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. I was inspired by a close relative's struggle with this illness, combined with my own observations of the difficulties of police work (I used to be a news reporter).
I added a female friend who unexpectedly becomes a lover, and a surprise pregnancy. Now my hero has to face fatherhood on top of his dilemma -- and prove to his own satisfaction that, deep inside, he's still the man he used to be. Maybe better!
Posted by Jacqueline Diamond
Author of Twin Surprise, Harlequin American Romance, September
on 9/1/2007
Ideas for current novel
The idea for my third novel, Irrational Numbers (not A Calculated Demise, which came out this month) came from the Matthew Shepard case, the homosexual boy who was tied to a fence and beaten to death. Truth be told, the idea for A Calculated Demise came from a dislike for a certain wrestling coach. He had to die.
Posted by Robert Spiller
Author of A Calculated Demise
on 9/1/2007
Book Signing
I want to let everyone know that I'll be having my in-store booksigning at the Borders at the Austin, Texas Southpark Mall on Saturday Sept. 8 from 1 pm to 4 pm. I'll be joining a group of other Texas writers for an afternoon of readings and questions and answers. It will be lots of fun and I hope some of you will drop by.
Posted by Teri Thackston
Author of The Abduction of Miss Jenny Chandler
on 9/1/2007
Idea for Latest Book
I have a friend who is a poet, and we used to go to the beach on Sundays to seek inspiration for poems. One weekend, I wrote a Haiku titled MANGO SUMMER, and then wrote two dozen more Haiku inspired by our beach visits. The idea for my next release, MANGO SUMMER grew out of those wonderful beach trips. Each chapter begins with one of my Haiku, but the adventures of the English lord and the enticing virgin are totally their own.
Posted by Phoebe Conn
Author of MANGO SUMMER January 2008
on 9/1/2007
How did you get the idea for your latest book?
I'm actually working on the first book in a 4-book series for Harlequin Intrigue now, called "The Brotherhood of the Badge" which will be out in 2008. The stories feature four heroes who are brothers as well as cops with KCPD in Kansas City, MO. I got the idea for the series brainstorming with my editor, Denise Zaza. We were at a meeting at a national conference, talking about what sells well in the Intrigue line. She mentioned a few other topics or hooks, but the one that really jumped out a me was when she said "brothers" sell. I had already had success with my Taylor Clan series for Intrigue, featuring brothers and a sister, and we were looking for new story ideas for my Precinct books for Intrigue. It didn't take long to come up with the Kincaids. Their dad is a veteran cop who plays a supporting role in the two books I have out right now--Up Against the Wall and Nine-Month Protector. Soon I had an entire law enforcement family put together and created some intriguing stories to go with them.
Posted by Julie Miller
Author of Nine-Month Protector
on 9/1/2007
Idea for Latest Book
For my debut Harlequin Intrigue, The Stranger and I, coming out this December, I got the idea for my story from the news. I live in southern California, and there are always a lot of news stories about our shared border with Mexico. I'd heard a lot about tunnels between the two countries and the concern that terrorists could use these tunnels to compromise our security. The idea for a story involving one of these tunnels came fully formed into my head: What if an American in Mexico stumbled upon one of these tunnels and unwittingly uncovered a terrorist plot? Thus began the saga of Lila Monroe, a marine biologist on a research trip in Mexico who witnesses an execution-style murder, discovers a dead body in her trunk, and races across the border to land onto the doorstep and into the arms of Justin Vidal, a covert operative on the trail of terrorists.
Posted by Carol Ericson
Author of The Stranger and I
on 9/1/2007
Visualizing my characters
I always have a vague idea of what my characters will look like, then I look through magazines, the internet, star pics, until I see a picture I recognize. Then, aha, that's her or that's him.
It's not that I couldn't portray the character without a picture, but a picture gives you so much more. Specific facial styles, a crooked smile. Full lips. Gull winged brows. Even a chipped tooth or a scar. What happens to their facial muscles when they frown? When they smile? Look down their nose? Have a poker face? The best picture is one of a character that I can find in different poses, most easily in catalogs or pics of stars online. I've used Hugh Jackman and Aiden Quinn, and most recently Jeffrey Dean Morgan for GONE WITH THE WITCH, the second book in my triplet witch trilogy.
For my triplets, i found only one picture of a blone, hair parted in the middle, a pouty expression, full lips, and I knew she was the model for my triplets, even though one of them is Goth and has blue hair. I can't believe how well she's portrayed on the cover of SEX AND THE PSYCHIC WITCH, because they didn't have the picture, but that's her, all right, of the three of them, I should say.
A visual is worth all the time you take to find it and more than a thousand words, because with a good visual, less words are needed, and less is more really applies when it comes to character description.
God is in the details, and so are characteristics. Find them and use them wisely. Happy reading and writing!
Posted by Annette Blair
Author of Sex and the Psychic Witch
on 8/8/2007
Visualizing my characters
I always have a vague idea of what my characters will look like, then I look through magazines, the internet, star pics, until I see a picture I recognize. Then, aha, that's her or that's him.
It's not that I couldn't portray the character without a picture, but a picture gives you so much more. Specific facial styles, a crooked smile. Full lips. Gull winged brows. Even a chipped tooth or a scar. What happens to their facial muscles when they frown? When they smile? Look down their nose? Have a poker face? The best picture is one of a character that I can find in different poses, most easily in catalogs or pics of stars online. I've used Hugh Jackman and Aiden Quinn, and most recently Jeffrey Dean Morgan for GONE WITH THE WITCH, the second book in my triplet witch trilogy.
For my triplets, I found only one picture of a blond, hair parted in the middle, a pouty expression, full lips, and I knew she was the model for my triplets, even though one of them is Goth and has blue hair. I can't believe how well she's portrayed on the cover of SEX AND THE PSYCHIC WITCH, because they didn't have the picture, but that's her, all right, of the three of them, I should say.
A visual is worth all the time you take to find it and more than a thousand words, because with a good visual, less words are needed, and less is more really applies when it comes to character description.
God is in the details, and so are characteristics. Find them and use them wisely. Happy reading and writing!
Posted by Annette Blair
Author of Sex and the Psychic Witch
on 8/8/2007
Character images
My characters don't really come to life until I know what they look like. Sometimes I find them on another book cover, or they resemble a celebrity or someone I know.
When I find the right picture, I add it to a Word document that has a collage of my hero, heroine and the setting. That way, I can pull it up on my laptop to remind me of what they look like. It's also handy for when the art department asks for suggestions when they're designing the cover.
Posted by Andrea Wilder
Author of Fearless
on 8/7/2007
How I visualize a character
My characters are drawn from my imagination. I find that if I use a picture, it's too confining for me. I have this idea of perfection in my head that no picture lives up to. Curious how we do things, isn't it? What surprised me one time was to see the hero of my imagination on the cover of someone else's novel! I couldn't believe it.
Posted by Rebecca Winters
Author of The Duke's Baby
on 8/3/2007
How do you visualize your characters?
I have no trouble visualizing my characters, especially the heroes. I don't need photos or any gimmicks to help. In addition to that, I hear them. Their accents (or not), cadence of speech, manner of speaking, pausing. I see how they duck their heads, shrug their shoulders, that nervous twitch in their jaws.
Lots of this comes from people watching, in person and via movies and television. It's something I enjoy. It's relaxing to study others from a distance, see how they interact with and respond to others. Oftentimes, seeing a character tic or tag in a movie will furnish one aspect of a character in my work in progress; a lisp, a limp, the way he always scratches the back of his neck when he's puzzled. This all adds up to rounding out a character so s/he is not a two-dimensional cardboard character.
Posted by Jenna McKnight
Author of Love in the Fast Lane
on 8/1/2007
Visualizing Characters
I have always used magazine photographs for my characters. I know what type of man I want for my hero and thumb through magazine ads for an example. If I find someone with an interesting face, not merely handsome, but a man who looks as though he would also be a man of character, I keep the photo. I either glue it to a 5x7 index card where I list the man's personal data, or if it's too large, I put it into a file folder. I gather women's images the same way and keep the index cards with me while I write. Photos are a great source of detail and really make the character come alive for me. If I am writing several books with continuing characters, then the index cards become even more valuable. I'm a visual person, and character photos have always been a great source of inspiration for me. Sometimes I'll find a face first, and write a story to bring the person to life.
Posted by Phoebe Conn
Author of MIDNIGHT BLUE
on 8/1/2007
Characters
When it comes to visualizing characters, I find that collecting pictures from magazines and the internet really helps. Although no real person looks exactly like any of my characters, I can usually find someone close. And keeping pictures in front of me helps me stay consistent with eye color and hair style, even attitude and expressions.
Posted by Teri Thackston
Author of To the Rescue
on 8/1/2007
Visualizing characters
I often start with a picture that I've either seen in a magazine or a character from a movie. This anchors me and helps me with certain character quirks and ways of behaving, ways of moving. But every single time, as I write, the character seems to take on their own characteristics and I can no longer visualize the original character - my hero or heroine have become their own person.
Posted by Carolyne Aarsen
Author of All in One Place
on 8/1/2007
Visualizing characters
Sometimes faces leap out at me from a magazine -- friendly, warm, heart-tugging, sexy, whatever. They may belong to movie stars, models or ordinary folks -- doesn't matter. I clip these and tuck them into a file.
When I begin shaping a character, I get a sense of his or her key personality traits and pick a name that suits. I own a range of baby name books that I consult until a name finally pleases me.
At this point, I pull out the clip file. Selecting the right face for my hero and heroine is largely a matter of instinct. I don't always keep the exact details; for instance, the picture might show facial hair but I might prefer my hero clean-shaven. Then I post the pictures by my computer along with a physical description and basic facts -- age, height, eye and hair color.
Since I started doing this -- somewhere in the midst of my eighty published novels -- I've found it much easier to keep track of my characters' traits. They seem to talk to me and each other spontaneously. On the rare occasions when they don't, I know I've made a mistake, and go back to the file for a better choice.
This procedure really helped me develop the hero of my September release, Twin Surprise. A police officer who's struggling with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, he truly came alive for me as an individual. I hope he'll do the same for my readers!
Posted by Jacqueline Diamond
Author of Twin Surprise, Harlequin American Romance, September
on 8/1/2007
Kiss Me Deadly and Fear
Posted by Susan Kearney
Author of kiss Me Deadly
on 8/1/2007
Most Interesting Setting
I never expected to fall in love when I accompanied my son's team to a national basketball tournament. I expected to spend every minute either inside a gym or helping supervise a bunch of 13-year-olds. But a funny thing happened while the boys were playing their games. The charms of Memphis snuck up on me, grabbing me by the heart. Graceland. The civil rights museum celebrating Martin Luther King. Beale Street, the self-proclaimed Home of the Blues. Those attractions were only the beginning. The city oozed charm, especially along the riverfront with stunning views of the mighty Mississippi. Memphis became the setting for THE OTHER WOMAN'S SON, my July 2007 Superromance. And, oh yeah, my son has pretty good memories of Memphis, too. Eighty-four teams began the tournament and only one was left standing at the end of it: His.
Posted by Darlene Gardner
Author of THE OTHER WOMAN'S SON
on 7/7/2007
Most Interesting Setting
Setting is one of my favorite components to each book I write - I really try to make the setting almost another character in the story. So I've moved around a lot in terms of settings and have a couple of favorites. First would be the deserted island in SWEPT AWAY, which was great fun because who hasn't wondered what it would be like to be stuck on a deserted island ; ) And I set IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS in New Orleans and bayou country, which turned out to be particularly noteworthy as the book was released just a couple of months before Katrina hit. I visited the city for research the previous summer, so that made the events feel even all the more tragic to me, and I corresponded with people I'd met there who shared with me their grief and loss. Readers seem particularly drawn to the setting in that book, and I've gotten a lot of e-mail saying I got it "exactly right," so that's been truly gratifying.
Posted by Toni Blake
Author of Tempt Me Tonight
on 7/3/2007
book video
Posted by susan kearney
Author of kiss Me Deadly
on 7/1/2007
Favorite locale
The most fun I had with a location was with TANGLED HEARTS, a To Love Again book. I used my own town and my friends' homes, a department store where I'd once been a management trainee, and the Huntington Sheraton Hotel. I went up to the hotel one rainy afternoon and carried a clipboard. I then visited all the banquet rooms gathering scenic details for my book and walked out without anyone asking what I was doing. The book was a joy to write and very popular with fans. While I love to travel, I hope to write more books set in Southern California, we have plenty of local color!
Posted by Phoebe Connj
Author of MIDNIGHT BLUE
on 7/1/2007
Interesting setting
As for my most interesting setting - I have two in mind. The first is in the book I have out now SAY YOU LOVE ME - the story is set in New Orleans and the bayou so I use the town of New Orleans with its unique history and customs, Boubon Street and the Mardi Gras as a backdrop, as well as the dark, creepy atmosphere of the bayou and the dangerous gators to add to the mood and suspense. I've also built in a family trying to recover from the deadly hurricanes and rebuild their businesses and lives.
The other setting I thought was interesting was in my prior HQN book, LAST KISS GOODBYE -- here I wrote about a fictitious southern town in Appalachia where ghosts linger and the kudzu is overtaking the town and choking the life out of it, much as the lies and secrets have.
I like to use the setting to add mood, atmosphere and character, and in both stories incorporate local folklore unique to the area.
Rita
Posted by Rita Herron
Author of SAY YOU LOVE ME
on 7/1/2007
Scary Setting
Finding fun settings is something I enjoy. I'm always on the lookout for a place especially to have the climax of the book. In my current book, it's a cabin with a waterfalls next to it. In The New Deputy in Town, coming out in July, it is a closed hot springs resort. I love creepy the best. To me, the setting is like another character and just as important.
My series, Whitehorse, Montana, that began with my latest release, is set just north of the Missouri Breaks. The Breaks are such wild, isolated country. It is so easy to get lost in this part of Montana. It's perfect for a series about the ranch families living on its edge.
Posted by B.J. Daniels
Author of Secret of Deadman's Coulee
on 7/1/2007
Most Interesting Setting
Hmm, good question. After 20-some books I've used quite a few. :)
I think it would secret caverns in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. That's where the Council of Elders from my Shadow Dweller Series holds their meetings to decide who lives or dies.
Posted by JC Wilder
Author of Thief of Hearts
on 7/1/2007
My Favorite Character
My favorite character in my own books changes from time to time, but right now I'm rather fascinated with Lenora Collingsworth the mother to the Four Brothers from Colts Run Cross and pretty much a heroine in her right. She stands for everything I think is right in this world, honesty, integrity, generoisity and strong family ties. She doesn't back down to anyone or anything, but she shows remarkable kindness in dealing with her aging and ill father-in-law and a true spirit of fun when engaged with her grandchildren. How could her sons have not turned out to be real heroes?
Posted by Joanna Wayne
Author of 24 Karat Ammunition
on 6/8/2007
My favorite character
Choosing a favorite character is like choosing which of your kids you like best. I love them all! Well, not in the middle of the book when they won't behave. Then I could cheerfully put them on an ice floe and shove them out to sea.
I guess I'll go with Jack, the hero in NERD IN SHINING ARMOR. He was my first nerd, and being in his head was a riot. I mentally *date* all my heroes, and Jack was a really good time.
Wow. My favorite character? That's so hard. It's almost like being asked to pick a favorite child. For me, the hero and heroine I'm writing at the time are my favorites. That said, I must admit that my heroine in my October 2007 book, A Father's Sacrifice, is special to me.
Natasha and her story have been in my head for years. It just took me a while to find a hero strong enough to be a worthy partner for her. She's one of my Ultimate Agents--A Father's Sacrifice is the fifth book in my ongoing mini-series.
Thanks for the opportunity to talk about one of my favorite characters.
Posted by Mallory Kane
Author of Juror No. 7
on 6/6/2007
Favorite Character and why
At the moment I'd have to say my favorite character is Andy, from my newly completed romantic suspense Executive Impulse. He's a somewhat goofy journalist turned novelist interested more than anything else in making his life story mesh with that of a very driven, vulnerable in spite of herself homicide detective. He doesn't mind so much if she thinks he's a murderer - just so long as she doesn't ever again call him a slacker.
Of all time, Jake, my lonely-hearts, semi-alcoholic, down-on-his-luck jazz musician who'll do absolutely anything for the woman he loves in my noir tear jerker Dreamtown remains my favorite. There's a man who lives only for love.
Genie Davis
FIVE O'CLOCK SHADOW available NOW
Posted by Genie Davis
Author of Five O'Clock Shadow
on 6/4/2007
My favorite characters
I don't have one particular favorite character. There are aspects of all of my characters that I enjoy. For example, in You Belong To Me, I like Nicole's inner strength, Malcolm's persistence, Denise's energy, Omar's attitude, Tyrone's sense of humor and Joyce's vulnerability.
I have the similar connections with the characters in my September 2007 romantic suspense, On Fire. There's at least one thing about each character that I especially like. I can't identify particular favorites.
My favorite character is definitely Diana Reyes who was featured in DARKNESS CALLS and DEATH CALLS and has also appeared in eveyr book of THE CALLING vampire novels. On the outside and as an FBI Agent, Diana is in control of every situation, but her tortured emotions make her vulnerable. She is a loving woman, with deep loyalties to Ryder, her vampire lover, her family and a ragtag assortment of both mortal and immortal friends. Her complex nature intrigues me and I wish I could write more books with her as the lead.
My favorite character (so far) is the heroine in my romantic suspense To the Rescue. Amy Bartlett is strong-willed and independent, but she knows when to give in to her man. Women of today need to be tough, but we need to know when to be soft, too!
Posted by Teri Thackston
Author of To the Rescue
on 6/1/2007
My favorite character
I think it's incredibly hard for an author to choose her favorite of her own characters because we probably love them all if we feel strongly enough to write a book about them ; ) However, I'll try : )
My favorite heroine is probably Kat Spencer in SWEPT AWAY. She's different than me - feistier, more adventurous - but the same in many ways, too. She feels deeply and is fiercely passionate, and she's funny and loving.
Picking a favorite hero is harder, and I'll have to say it's a toss-up right now between Joe Ramsey in TEMPT ME TONIGHT and Jake Broussard in IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS. Joe is a guy's guy in every way, and though he's made some mistakes, he does his best to attone for them. He's just plain lovable, I think, once you get to know him ; ) And Jake is a Cajun ex-cop with a troubled past, trying to move on to a better future. All of my heroes are the tortured alpha type. What can I say? That's just what "does it" for me : )
Posted by Toni Blake
Author of Tempt Me Tonight
on 6/1/2007
Which of your characters is your favorite and why?
My favorite character in my books is Cyprian Sloane, the rake in A Reputable Rake. He first made his appearance in The Wagering Widow and was too intriging not to have a book of his own. Sloane is your classic "bad boy" hero, who cannot help but always do the right thing.
A close second would be the Marquess of Tannerton, who appears in Innocence and Impropriety and whose book, The Vanishing Viscountess, is coming January 2008. Tanner doesn't take himself very seriously, but he becomes very seriously in love with a viscountess on the run.
Posted by Diane Gaston
Author of Innocence and Impropriety
on 6/1/2007
My favorite hero is my warrior werewolf
One of my favorite heroes is Nicolas, the warrior werewolf in my upcoming December Nocturne. He's so tormented inside, and never shows it. All he knows how to do is kill the enemy and he keeps doing so to prove him constantly to his pack. When he meets Maggie, his mate, he knows his duty is to force her to acknowledge her nature, turn her into a killer like himself to save his pack. But her gentle nature and her sweetness is such a contrast to the life he's led, she is like a quiet oasis to him. It so interesting seeing the changes in him through the story, how Maggie gradually tames the beast inside him and yet he never loses his protective nature to keep her safe.
Posted by Bonnie Vanak
Author of The Empath
on 6/1/2007
Using Pets in Books
Do I use pets in my novels? You bet! In my Harlequin American miniseries, To Wed...Or Not To Wed, the pets are seagulls. I know, I know, gulls are wild birds.
But these stories are loosely based on real events. Several years ago, my husband I spent several wonderful nights in Bandon, Oregon, a seaside town on the Oregon coast. We stayed at the Lighthouse, a bed and breakfast with a most entertaining hostess and owner. Shirley Chalupa not only cooked us incredible breakfasts every morning, she also fed two permanently injured seagulls who showed up daily. They were (are) finicky eaters, too--only ate crisp bacon and freshly made toast with jam but no butter, thank you. I use all of these details in my trilogy.
Posted by Ann Roth
Author of It Happened One Wedding, Another Life
on 5/2/2007
Pets in books
Oh my! I'm so glad you asked this question because I'd forgotten all about the dog my heroine stole after her first client was murdered and she came back to the client's house to find the woman's husband in bed with his sister-in-law. The dog's dish was empty and she figured he'd never take care of her, so. . .
Now, several books in the series later, I'd forgotten to include poor Maggie May! I was as bad as the client's husband. Okay, not that bad. I'm not in bed with . . .
Maggie has some cute habits, like breaking wind when she's insulted, dancing between my heroines legs, etc.
Again, I'm so glad you asked!
Stevi Mittman, off to work Maggie into the latest adventures of Teddi Bayer, the most dangerous decorator on Long Island
Posted by stevi mittman
Author of SUMMER DREAMS
on 5/1/2007
Pets
I have used my beloved pets in my books. A TOUCH OF LOVE had both my Yorkie/Lhasa Apso mix, Guinevere, and my darling cat, Lucifer III. He was the most wonderfully loving cat, and I've retired the name in his honor. If only men were that agreeable! The only problem with using pets in books, is that I have to remember to include them whenever they would be present.
Posted by Phoebe Conn
Author of MIDNIGHT BLUE
on 5/1/2007
My upcoming Nocturne features a dog
The book, Empath, (name to be changed) features a werewolf who thinks she's human, and she's a veterinarian. She desperately seeks a cure for her dying dog, who has contracted a mysterious disease she's never seen before. Eventually the heroine finds out, through the hero, that she's able to cure with her touch and she cures her beloved pet.
The book was inspired last year when my beloved Shih Tzu, Tia, fell ill with liver cancer. I was so heartbroken that I turned to writing as an escape, and started a story about a woman who works tirelessly to save her friend. Sadly, Tia passed away Dec. 6, but she'll always live on in our memories and in our hearts. She was a great dog and a beloved friend. She adored laying on my lap as I typed on the laptop, and would sometimes put her paws on the keyboard. I miss her terribly. There will never be another like her. Ever.
Posted by Bonnie Vanak
Author of The Sword & the Sheath
on 5/1/2007
Vets and Pets
In my latest release, PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT (Avon, April 24), the heroine is a veterinarian. Because of her profession, it was important for her to have pets. One of them, a grumpy cat named Jelly Bean, is based on my mother's cat. JB plays a somewhat significant role in the novel, as his feline instincts help Lyssa to decide that the hero is trustworthy.
Posted by Sylvia Day
Author of PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT (Dream Guardians, Book 1)
on 5/1/2007
Pets
I have a dog, a black cat, five ducks and a chicken. A couple of Novembers ago, when my husband went down to feEd the ducks, and our cat Halloween (she showed up on our doorstep on Halloween at four weeks old) went with him. While he was busy feeding the ducks, Halloween went out onto the road. My husband heard the screech of tires, whipped his head around in time to see a little blue compact fling Halloween into the air. She landed on the other side of the road. He went to look for her but couldn't find her. He came back to the house and broke the news to me. Sobbing I went out across our two lane road that rivals the road in Pet Semitary, especially after they put in a gas well across the street. We searched the weeds up and down for hours and could not find her body. I mourned her. Three days later on Thanksgiving, I hear a desperate meowing at the backdoor. You guessed, Halloween, short one life, but still breathing. I mean come on, what's with this cat and holidays? Needless to say, Halloween no longer goes near the road. I was so grateful to have her back I put her story in my book SOME LIKE IT HOT. And on a dare from my dad, I named the cat in the book Waffle.
Posted by Lori WIlde
Author of There Goes the Bride
on 5/1/2007
Pets in Stories
I've included my beautiful boxer, Lady J, in a serial short story I've put on my Yahoo360 page, and I plan to use my rat terrier, Rocky Revolver Guttierrez-Fischbach-Thackston, at some point as well. I think that pets fit beautifully into romantic fiction.
Posted by Teri Thackston
Author of Perilous Passions
on 5/1/2007
Yes to pets!
Yes! I love to use pets in my books whenever possible--I don't write my stories around the animals, but if a furry friend fits in as a character, then I love to use him or her. Mostly, I stick to dogs (I'm allergic to cats, though I had some darlings--and terrors!--growing up). As sort of a 'find the clue' game for my family and friends, I choose pet names that were/are real pets. Often the description is the same, too. For example, I had a massive guard dog, Harry, in Unsanctioned Memories, for Intrigue. Harry played a pivotal role in the story--giving the heroine her only truly trusted confidante. As well as risking his life to save her, Harry, maybe more importantly, helped her know the hero was a man she could trust. She might not believe in people, but she believed in Harry's opinion. And ultimately, the hero learned that to earn her trust, he had to understand and respect her relationship with her dog first. I've gotten lots of fan mail on Harry.
Then there's been Sadie, Broody, Frosty, Duke, Crispy... I love my dogs!
Posted by Julie Miller
Author of Up Against the Wall
on 5/1/2007
Do you use pets in your books?
As the author of the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery series, I can state unequivocally that I adore using pets in my books! Not only dogs and cats have helped to solve the many murders that occur (It IS a mystery series, after all!) but so have ferrets, a blue and gold macaw, and a ball python. The most recent book is Meow is for Murder, which features Bengal cats. The next one, which will be out in October, is The Fright of the Iguana. Even pot-bellied pigs have appeared in Kendra books. Of course I especially enjoy writing about Kendra’s own pet, a tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Lexie. Coincidentally, my younger Cavalier, also a tricolor, is named Lexie.
Linda
And is that all? No! Pets have appeared in my romances as well. And although you can’t exactly call them pets, K-9s are featured in my upcoming Silhouette Nocturne, tentatively called Moonlight and Fire. Then again, so are werewolves!
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I even blog about pets. That’s my subject, usually on Thursdays, at KillerHobbies.blogspot.com where several mystery writers including me blog about the hobbies that appear in our series. Not that pets are a hobby. They’re family!
Come see a picture of Lexie--and me--on my website at www.LindaOJohnston.com
Posted by Linda O. Johnston
Author of Meow is for Murder
on 5/1/2007
Pets are great in books
Do I use pets in books? You betcha! Characters eat, sleep, drive cars, shop, and make love in books, so why would I leave out a pet when it's appropriate to a story? Most of us have them, whether we went looking for them or they found us. So it stands to reason that most characters would have them, too, though I don't go so far as to put them in all my books. I immortalized Friday, my Australian Shepherd, in Princess in Denim and Cowgirl in Pearls. After 15 years of love and devotion, she deserved a little public recognition, and since one of the books was based on a dude ranch, she fit perfectly into the plot. And she was such a character anyway. Love in the Fast Lane has a sooty gray cat named Ashes, which was really useful when I wanted to let the reader know the ghost was in the room.
I enjoy other authors' use of pets. Sometimes they're integral to the plot. Sometimes they're just added color. They can be very useful if we have a grumpy hero no one could love, but we see how tender and caring he is with an animal, so we know there's hope for him (foreshadowing).
A word of caution, though. If you don't have a pet, don't try writing one in. An author who lives with an animal picks up on the odd little moments that others never see, and portraying those in words is just magic. Goofing it up sticks out like a sore thumb.
Should I add my cat to the Pets Page? Let me know what you think. Email kc0tpt "at" gmail.com. (You know how to fix that address!)
Posted by Jenna McKnight
Author of Love in the Fast Lane
on 5/1/2007
Pets in books
Great blog question, pets in books - I own three cats or they own us rather. I do put cats, dogs, and even in one book a ferret into my books, mostly heavy on the cats. I have friends with dogs and a friend who didn't do so well with a ferret and so those experiences have crept in as well. And not in every book and even those with pets in them - they may not belong to the main characters. Five O'Clock Shadow's heroine, Jessie, has two cats, one of whom is ancient and incontinent, one of whom is a delightful kitten; her man has a very large but very sweet dog and they all get a long. Eventually. The cats are based on personal experience!
Genie
Posted by Genie Davis
Author of Five O'Clock Shadow
on 5/1/2007
Pets
I have a dog, a black cat, five ducks and a chicken. A couple of Novembers ago, when my husband went down to feEd the ducks, and our cat Halloween (she showed up on our doorstep on Halloween at four weeks old) went with him. While he was busy feeding the ducks, Halloween went out onto the road. My husband heard the screech of tires, whipped his head around in time to see a little blue compact fling Halloween into the air. She landed on the other side of the road. He went to look for her but couldn't find her. He came back to the house and broke the news to me. Sobbing I went out across our two lane road that rivals the road in Pet Semitary, especially after they put in a gas well across the street. We searched the weeds up and down for hours and could not find her body. I mourned her. Three days later on Thanksgiving, I hear a desperate meowing at the backdoor. You guessed, Halloween, short one life, but still breathing. I mean come on, what's with this cat and holidays? Needless to say, Halloween no longer goes near the road. I was so grateful to have her back I put her story in my book SOME LIKE IT HOT. And on a dare from my dad, I needed the cat in the book Waffle.
Posted by Lori WIlde
Author of There Goes the Bride
on 5/1/2007
Bringing back favorites for a sequel
I sort of get to do this with the mini-series I write for Harlequin Intrigue--The Precinct. Basically, I've created an ever-growing community of cops and related professionals set in Kansas City. While one couple is featured in each story, it's fun to bring back heroes/heroines whose stories I've already told as supporting players--and it's fun to introduce new characters in the community to see who pops off the page for me and really comes to life for my readers. That's how my series continues--I see who is itching to tell his/her story next.
As far as a sentimental favorite? I'd love to go back to the Ladytech books I wrote for Dorchester and finish what I'd considered to be a 5-book series. I only got to write 3. Rafe del Rio and Kel are still waiting in the wings for their paranormal adventures to be told. Maybe one day...
Posted by Julie Miller
Author of Up Against the Wall
on 4/6/2007
I Love Sequels
I have trouble letting go of my characters so I often write sequels, the stories of secondary characters, just so I can check back with my friends :-)
My 2007 releases are all connected. The first book (April), SECRET CONTRACT, starts a Dirty Dozen meets Charlie's Angels type of storyline that continues in IRONCLAD COVER (May), then MY BODYGUARD (Aug.) and INTIMATE DETAILS (Sept.) "Four women with nothing to lose...and the men who'll break all the rules to save them."
Trailer and excerpt are posted at www.danamarton.com
Posted by Dana Marton
Author of Secret Contract (ISBN: 9-780373-69252-1)
on 4/5/2007
Sequels
I'm working on a sequel to MIDNIGHT BLUE which features a heroine born at the end of WILD LEGACY. Liberty Hunter is now grown up and in so much trouble she needs a fine attorney, who just happens to be the brother of the hero of MIDNIGHT BLUE. I love bringing back characters who have played a minor part in an earlier book and fans love to read more about them too. Romance has so many memorable characters and it is always difficult to let them go at the end of a book. Sequels allow us to keep loving them and enjoying their adventures.
Posted by Phoebe Conn
Author of MIDNIGHT BLUE May 2006
on 4/4/2007
Sequels
I would love to do a sequel to my O'Malley trilogy--Santa Assignment, Veiled Intentions, The Cradle Files--that featured three siblings who are San Antonio cops. I'd like to introduce a new set of characters and have the O'Malleys make guest appearances in the new stories. I did something similar to this in my upcoming May Intrigue, Undercover Daddy--the hero, Luke Buchanan, appeared in one of my earlier Intrigues, Marching Orders, and I thought it was time to give him his own story.
Posted by Delores Fossen
Author of Trace Evidence in Tarrant County
on 4/3/2007
Bringing Characters Back for a Sequel
Well, I'd love to re-visit Christy and Joe from The Model Man now that they've left LA for a bucolic life on a ranch. I have a feeling they'd get a visit from her screenwriter/hair stylist friend Louie and be off and running again on a new adventure.
And I wouldn't mind seeing how Anna and her sexy cowboy from The Cowboy anthology fair up after a winter in a Wyoming cabin.
But mostly, honestly I have so many new stories to tell - and so many new books in the 'que that I would like to "birth" them to my readers before I give re-birth to any of my already published fictional family!
All best,
Genie
Posted by Genie Davis
Author of FIVE O
on 4/3/2007
Sequel I
A couple of years ago, I sold a novella to NAL for an anthology called TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS. The anthology had already been written and it was meant to be the first of three - three stories about three brothers, but they've never been written. Yet, anyway. I would love to get the chance to write and sell the other two sometime!
Posted by Toni Blake
Author of Swept Away
on 4/1/2007
Sequels to You Belong To Me and Power of Love anthology
I would like to write a sequel to my debut romantic susupense, You Belong To Me. I have an idea for Omar Carter's story. Omar is the hero's industry rival. I'm also working on and idea for a sequel to the short story I wrote for an upcoming anthology, The Power of Love.
The Power of Love is a benefits romance anthology scheduled for release June 2008. All of the proceeds will be donated to a battered women's shelter. Other contributing authors include Lori Foster, Dianne Castell, Toni Blake, Karen Kelley, Rosemary Laurey, Janice Maynard, Erin McCarthy, LuAnne McLane, Lucy Monroe, Kay Stockham and J.C. Wilder.
Question: It's Spring...time for rebirth. Do you have any stories you'd like to bring back to life with a sequel?
Answer: Absolutely!! My first Intrigue was The Lawman Who Loved Her. Cody Maxwell's partner in that book was Devereaux Gautier, a good cop who was living a lie. Devereaux Gautier is not even his real name. He's running from a past so tragic that his only way of dealing with it is to immerse himself in his job and the only other thing that means anything to him--the home he opened for runaway teens.
The murder of one of his teens puts a nosy investigative reporter on his trail, and she discovers that Dev's life is full of contradictions. She also finds herself unwittingly helping the murderer. Committed to bringing the truth to the public, Reghan Connor hates lies. But despite the fact that Dev's whole life is a lie, she's falling in love with him. Their challenge is to live long enough to catch the murderer and save their lives and the lives of Dev's teens.
I submitted this book for my 2nd Intrigue contract but after a few revisions it was turned down. Even if I someday write it as a single time with the names changed, I want to tell Dev's story. He's just too good a hero to be overlooked.
Great question!
Mallory Kane
Posted by Mallory Kane
Author of Six-Gun Investigation
on 4/1/2007
What Valentine's Day gift would I wish for my readers?
I wish my readers a Valentine morning snuggle with that special someone. A walk on the beach, hand in hand, or a picnic lunch before a warm fire. A day of shared pursuits, a candlelight dinner, and a happily ever after.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!
Posted by Annette Blair
Author of The Scot, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
on 2/11/2007
The Valentine gift I'd want for my readers
What I'd love my readers (and everyone, for that matter!) to have on Valentine's Day is a reason to smile. A reason to laugh is even better. The best thing about this gift is that you can give it to yourself, in case the Valentine fairy doesn't show up at your door on February 14.
Happy Valentine's Day!
