So laughter rocked the walls of my office tonight! I read through all the entries with my husband and my two oldest daughters listening in. The judging was fairly subjective — we’re writers, so we are used to the whole “it’s subjective” thing, right? Based on the amount of laughter produced, the winner of the first, but definitely not last, …
What’s a Tired Contemporary Romance Writer to Do: My Kind of Mad Lib Fun (& a prize!)
So yesterday was all about this: 🙂 And in between replying to a steady stream of comments on this blog — thank you one and all for celebrating my book cover with me! — I also edited a magazine and racked up almost 4300 words in my work-in-progress. So, yes, I’m tired — but in an oh-yesterday-was-a-wonderful-day kind of way. …
Celebrate! Book Cover for Wish You Were Here … is here!
What a way to start the week! I’m thrilled to show you the cover to Wish You Were Here, my debut novel with Howard Books (May 2012.) And, yes, to answer your question, I love my cover. Love my cover. Bruce Gore, the art director at Howard Books, and his staff were so supportive throughout the whole creative process …
Contemporary Romance Writer: What’s in a Name
httpv://youtu.be/8LHjykG6MTA I put alot of thought into naming my kiddos. No one every told me that, as a novelist, I would agonize over naming fictional people. But I do. This vlog, which runs about a minute and a half, gives you a glimpse into my author-angst about novels, names, and keeping it all straight. Any favorite names for people — …
Contemporary Romance Writer: Behind Every Dream is …
“It is by sitting down to write every morning that one becomes a writer.” ~Gerald Brenan, British writer Dreams take a whole lot of work. Who knew? At first you hum a few song lyrics: Life is but a dream … Daydream believer … Dream a little dream of me … (OK, I admit it: I need to update the …
Contemporary Romance Writer: Why There are No Aliens in My Novel
There are no aliens in Wish You Were Here, my debut novel. Llamas, yes. Aliens, no. This fact greatly disappoints my husband. Whenever I hit an I-don’t-know-what-to-write-next moment, my husband always suggested aliens. And I always, always overrode his suggestion with a polite “I don’t think so.” Or a flat-out “Not gonna’ happen.” I’m all for surprising my readers. My …
Contemporary Romance Writer: With Apologies to Friends and Family as I Write Book #2
Dear Family and Friends, I’m sorry. Truly and deeply sorry. I’m sorry for the washed-but-not-folded laundry. If you’re looking for a clean pair a jeans, check the dryer. I’m sorry that I’m not cooking. Again. Well, for me, the truth is I’m not cooking still. Thank you, God, that my husband loves to grill even during the winter months and …
Contemporary Romance Writer: My (least) Favorite Word
I’ve informed my family they won’t be seeing much of me for the next few months. Why, you ask? I’m diving into my second novel. Which is due to my publisher, Howard Books, in May. Yep. Four months from now. No. I am not panicking. Much. My editor approved the synopsis for my next inspirational contemporary romance — but …
Contemporary Romance Writer: A Glimpse at Setting #2: The Stanley Hotel
httpv://youtu.be/85qgvXkts14 My friend Dee Topliff corrects me on some misinformation in the vlog: Author Stephen King stayed at The Stanley Hotel (in room 217) when he wrote The Shining. The Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood in Oregon was used for all the exterior shots. Thank you, Dee! 😉 Last week I ventured into the vlog-o-sphere and gave you all a …
Contemporary Romance Writer: A Glimpse at Setting #1 — Estes Park
httpv://youtu.be/uxpwvgRdyTU I took the plunge into the vlog-o-sphere! Thanks to the inspiration of my debut buddy, Katie Ganshert, who is a vlogging trailblazer, I took my FlipShare with me when I wandered through Estes Park right before Christmas. My debut novel, Wish You Were Here (WYWH), an inspirational contemporary romance published by Howard Books (May 2012), takes place in both …