Hello to Portugal!

One of the most thrilling things about writing for Harlequin is having my books published all over the world.  One of the great things about social media is hearing from readers all over the world.  Recently, I was contacted by Vanessa, a blogger in Portugal, who asked me to do an interview.  I was delighted to do so!

Here's the interview on her blog.

Vanessa has also provided the English translation, so if you want to know where I get my ideas, or if I have any "weird" writing habits, and the strangest thing that's ever happened to me since I became a published author, the answers are there.

A New Beginning

I'm about to start writing a new book.  Here's what I have:

1.  A synopsis.  This is a written version of the major events and emotional plot of the story, told in the present tense.  It's about 7 pages long, double-spaced.

2.  Some notes I wrote about the opening chapter while waiting for the plane to take me home from the Romance Writers of America conference.

3.  I already know quite a bit about the hero and his history, because this will be the third book in a trilogy.  He's the twin brother of the hero, Roland, in BRIDE FOR A KNIGHT (January, 2015).  Roland also appeared in CASTLE OF THE WOLF (out now).  I know something about the heroine, too, because the twin brothers knew her when they were young.  Since it's in the same location as much of BRIDE FOR A KNIGHT, I know my setting and a few other secondary characters, too.  However, I always write every book to "stand alone," so if someone hasn't read the previous books in a series, they won't feel lost.

Otherwise, that's it.  I haven't got the patience for a detailed outline, and frankly, at this point, that would be a waste of time.  Things are going to change as my characters start talking to each other, and I get to know them better via their dialogue and reactions.  Plot twists arise and surprise character revelations will happen as I write the story, and those are, for me, the best part of writing. 

Now on to Page One, Chapter One!

Seven "Take-aways" from the Romance Writers of America Conference

Seven things I learned or discovered or re-discovered when I attended the Romance Writers of American national conference:

1.  Any time there's more than one romance author in a room, there will be a sharing of information.  Romance authors are a generous bunch.

2.  You never know when you might find a networking opportunity.  I asked a woman waiting for a cab to the airport if she wanted to share.  She agreed -- and turned out to be an executive editor at a major publishing house.

3.  Editors are really reluctant to give a definitive "no" when somebody asks if they're looking for a particular type of story. 

4.  Harlequin has the best publisher swag.  Okay, so I'm biased -- it's still true.  Their tote bags are great.

5.  There will always be changes in publishing.  The best I can do is do what I do and keep calm about everything else.

5. I cannot wear heels anymore.  Also, hotel lighting makes me look like a cast member of The Walking Dead.

7.  When I see old friends, it doesn't matter how many years have passed since I've been in their company.  It will seem like none.