Anniversaries!

What happens when you have your head down doing revisions is that Very Important Events tend to pass you by.

Back in February we celebrated my husband's birthday (and I didn't miss that!) because it's on a particular day and it was also my father's birthday for 81 years.  So it's a day I'm accustomed to celebrating.

But back in February, too, I just realized today -- two months after the fact -- was another anniversary of an event that basically changed my life.  In February 1985 my second book, Starstruck, was published!

Second book?

Well, yes, but the first one out of the gate. The first book, Dare to Trust, came along two months later. It was followed by the fourth book, Quicksilver Season, two months after that. And the third, To Tame a Wolf, and fifth, A Chance of Rainbows, came out in December the same year.

Thirty years ago!

How could I have forgotten?  Beats me.  It doesn't seem nearly that long -- and yet so much has happened since.

I've met terrific readers in person and via email from many parts of the world. I've made some wonderful author friends (Kate Walker, Anne Gracie, Maddy Hunter, Sophie Weston/Jenny Haddon, the late great Rose Marie Ferris, Michelle Reid, Linda Benjamin/Jessica Douglass, Peggy Nicholson, Antoinette Stockenberg and Pamela Bauer among others).  I've had the privilege of working with many terrific editors who have all done their best to make my books the best they can be.  In the publishing industry I've met artists, and art directors, marketing people, copy editors, models and photographers  -- all of whom have shared their expertise.

Beyond that, I discovered that writing books gave me the chance to learn about so many places and people, so many occupations and ways of life. Without writing, I daresay I would never have gone to bull-riding school!  I would never have learned how to build an 11-ton sandcastle or tend bar or be a veterinary technician or an architect.

If I'd gone to Australia and New Zealand, I still wouldn't have had the joy of a week at Robyn Donald's house with the creek running through it or have glimpsed the Blue Mountains through the fog with Anne Gracie, Barbara Hannay and Marion Lennox, swapping stories along the way.  I wouldn't have traveled along the Cote d'Azur with Jenny Haddon doing research, or trekked all over Europe (kids in tow) to write a book that mirrored our journey -- which we were on so I could write the book.

If life imitates art, art also imitates life.

Just this past week, I lifted my head from doing taxes (why have I never had a tax accountant hero or heroine, I wonder. Maybe art -- mine, at least -- can only be pushed so far!) and looked around for new ideas amid the old.  I dug through old magazines and prowled through new sites on the internet. I read articles and took long walks -- and rediscovered the joy of starting afresh.

It doesn't feel as if thirty years have gone by.  There are these new people on the horizon (new fictitious people as well real ones) I want to get to know.  There are new friendships and old that will intertwine and grow.

In the meantime, while I write, I will count my blessings -- and the joys and friends I've gained through writing books. Thank you for being among them!  You have made my life so much richer and more varied than I could ever have imagined!

Watch for Anne McAllister's next book, The Return of Antonides, in October.  No cover yet -- but she has sent in the art info and is crossing her fingers.

In the meantime, if you Last Year's Bride, as an ebook, or in the trade paperback duo Love Me, Always with Sara Mayberry's wonderful Make-Believe Wedding.

Keep your eyes open this fall, too, for the story of Cole's brother, Clint, who has come back to Montana -- and the life he thought he'd left for good.

Paradise calling

 I’m sharing the cover for my June release from Harlequin Romance, From Paradise to…Pregnant!

 I just love this North American cover, thank you, Harlequin art department. It depicts an important scene in the book, and the hero and heroine are very like how I imagined them to be.

 I also love the emotion visible between Zoe and Mitch. “They’re really into each other,” my daughter said when she first saw it. Of course they are—there’s a pregnancy involved here!

The first part of the story is set in the beautiful tropical island of Bali in Indonesia. Bali is a very popular destination for visitors from around the world and is a particular favorite with Australians.

 I spent a week in the gorgeous resort area of Seminyak last year with my husband as we celebrated our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

In fact I wrote the final words of From Paradise to…Pregnant! while lying around next to the lovely lap pool in our private villa. (Yes, I know I was meant to be on vacation, but writers never really stop!) There’s nothing quite like researching a location—especially when it’s somewhere as fabulous as Bali!

This book is a reunion, friends-to-lovers story and I loved writing it.

Here’s the blurb:

One night with consequences… 

A week in Bali was accountant Zoe Summers's dream vacation. But when the tropical island paradise is hit by an earthquake, she's trapped—alongside Mitch Bailey, sports star and blast from her past! High on the thrill of survival, they seek comfort in each other's arms… 

It was only supposed to be one night, but Zoe soon discovers an unexpected souvenir—she's pregnant! Now Zoe and Mitch will have to ask themselves…can one night lead to parenthood and a lifetime of love?

From Paradise to…Pregnant! is a June 2015 release from Harlequin Romance and is available for pre-order now.

Kandy Shepherd is an award-winning author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She lives on a small farm in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia, with her family and a menagerie of four-legged friends.

 www.kandyshepherd.com

Connect with Kandy on Facebook and Twitter

Cover Reveal!

I've been eagerly awaiting the cover for my latest Harlequin Romance, Vettori's Damsel in Distress. It popped into my inbox this week and I'm sharing it here first.

This is Geli's story. She's the third and youngest of the Amery sisters (Elle - Tempted By Trouble; Sorrel - Anything But Vanilla) whose life has revolved around ice cream ever since the arrival of "Rosie", a pink ice cream van.

Geli - who went to art college - has gone to Italy to remind herself that life isn't all about ice cream. (Not that she escapes entirely!)

Things do not start well. It snowed - who knew? There's a stray kitten - nothing changes. And as for her lovely apartment...

Here's the moment when Geli first sees Dante Vettori...

A few people had turned when the door opened and the chatter died away until the only sound was the low thrum of a double bass.

The man standing at the bar, curious about what had caught everyone’s attention, half turned and anticipation whooshed off the scale in an atavistic charge of raw desire; instant, bone deep need for a man before you heard his voice, felt his touch, knew his name.

For a moment, while she remembered how to breathe, it felt as if someone had pressed the pause button on the scene, freezing the moment in soft focus. Muted colours reflected in polished steel, lights shimmering off the bottles and glasses behind the bar, her face reflected, ghost-like behind the advertisement on a mirror. And Mr Italy with his kiss-me mouth and come-to-bed eyes.

Forget the thick, dark hair and cheekbones sharp enough to write their own modelling contract, it was those chocolate dark eyes that held her transfixed. If they had been looking out of a tourist poster there would be a stampede to book holidays in Italy.

He straightened, drawing attention to the way his hair curled onto his neck, a pair of scandalously broad shoulders, strong wrists emerging from folded back cuffs.

‘Signora…’ he murmured, as he moved back a little to make room for her at the counter and oh, joy, his voice matched the face, the body.

She might have passed out for lack of oxygen at that moment but a tall, athletic-looking blonde placed a tiny cup of espresso in front of him before — apparently unaware that she was serving a god — turning to her.

‘Sta nevidanco? É brutto tempo.’  

What?

Oh…

Flustered at being confronted with phrases that hadn’t featured so far on the Italian course she’d downloaded onto her iPod, she took the safe option and, having sucked in a snowflake that was clinging to her lip, she lowered her hood. The chatter gradually resumed and, finally getting a “move it” message through to her legs, she parked her suitcase and crossed to the bar.

Preorder links are up at

Nook Amazon iBooks

Addison Fox: Spring Has Sprung

The winter of 2014/2015 has been a beating for the majority of the US. Heavy snow, crazy ice storms and record-setting temperatures have had us all looking toward spring with eager anticipation. I was thinking about that a lot this weekend as I watched the fresh shoots of grass coming up in my own yard. Along with the days that last longer and the warmer weather, it’s obvious that spring is upon us.

I love each season for its unique properties, but the sense of renewal in spring always gives me a much-needed shot in the arm. Writing is a solitary endeavor and after the first blush of new year resolutions have passed, it’s nice to have additional milestones throughout the year to recharge the batteries.

It’s an interesting battle, as an author. On one hand, I love my quiet time. In fact, if I go too many days without my solitary writing time I get rather grumpy! But even with that personal focus on my work, and genuine enjoyment of what I’m doing, there are days when it gets tiresome. The words don’t flow quite as fast or the story feels stuck. That reminder of renewal is a definite pick me up (plus, the warmer weather makes for a great walk to clear out the cobwebs in my head!)

What about you? What are you most looking forward to in spring? The warmer days? The smell of fresh-cut grass? The allergies? Or maybe all of the above!

Wishing you a happy spring, full of joy and renewal.

Thanks for joining me today.

XOXO,

Addison

~~~~~~~~~~

Despite early ambitions of being a diver, a drummer or a doctor, Addison Fox happily discovered she was more suited to life as a writer. She lives in Dallas and - thankfully - doesn't have to operate on anyone. You can find her at her home on the web at www.addisonfox.com. Her latest book, SECRET AGENT BOYFRIEND, is out now from Harlequin Romantic Suspense. You can visit her at her website at www.addisonfox.com

The Crock Pot Novel by Kim Boykin

Crock pot novel? Yeah, Caught Up in You was a slow cooker all right. I started this Tule novella last summer before RWA, excited about the storyline and the characters. Ready to dive into the it every morning, almost desperate to escape real life.

The desperation started when my husband was put on paid leave because of a dispute over commissions with his employers. After writing full-time at home for years. Alone. Just me and the dogs. I suddenly had a "buddy" who wanted to go to lunch and who also wanted me to be his assistant,  his IT guy, and staff of 75 employees he was missing. He had no idea what I've been doing all these years and would get on the phone with his colleagues and marvel,

"Yeah, she works all the time. Yeah. Writing. I had no idea."

Suddenly, all those tongue in cheek Facebook posts about authors killing folks and burying the bodies, or in this case, body in the backyard made perfect sense to me. So, to avoid committing multiple felonies, I kept throwing myself back into this Southern Born story about a second chance at first love.

I wrote and I wrote and I wrote, but the story never wanted to end, or maybe I never wanted the story to end. For whatever reason, I just couldn't finish it. So, I put it aside and started and finished my Christmas novella. No problem. Wrote my Berkley novel in less than two months.

And life sorted itself out. Turned out it was a good thing my husband had all that time off. His mom was put in hospice in January and passed away July 30. He got to spend a lot of time with her and was there to say goodbye instead of being on a plane somewhere far away when she passed. August 1, he went to work at his new company and got out of my house so that I don't have to murder him for interrupting me every five seconds. And lo and behold, when I pulled out Caught Up in You again, I could actually see the ending that I'm sure was there all along.

Caught Up in You is another fun romp in Magnolia Bay with the Six Chicks. I love this story. It was a long time coming, but it was definitely worth the wait.

CAUGHT 

UP inYOU

Available 4/21/15

After attending her baby sister’s destination wedding, Shelby Worthington decides she’s ready to do some husband hunting of her own. The only problem? She’s still insanely attracted to Declan Enright, her high school and college crush. He’s now a wildly successful painter who’s temporarily back in Magnolia Bay, but Declan should be Shelby’s last choice for possible husband material.  He didn’t earn the reputation of runaway groom for nothing…

Declan has worked hard to make his mark on the New York art scene and has succeeded at everything he’s ever done…except love. But Declan has come back to the Bay to change that and care for his dying father, even if he’s still never forgiven Declan for leaving the family business. Shelby is determined to steer clear, but while her lips keep saying no, her heart is pounding out yes each time she and Declan are together.  While she can’t deny her attraction, Shelby’s convinced that Declan’s track record means he will break her heart. Or has Declan changed for good, and made love worth the risk?

CJ Carmichael: Cell Phones...Novelist’s Tool or Headache?

As a writer I have to love technology. I depend on the Internet for research. And I can’t imagine going back to manual typewriters and white-out. But sometimes (actually, often) technology makes me wish I wrote historical fiction.

When I started writing seriously, back in the eighties, e-mail was just becoming commonplace, and it didn’t take long before this new form of communication was incorporated into novels and movies. 

You’ve Got Mail capitalized on the new email trend and its potential as a forum for meeting new romantic partners. Emails began to emerge in novels, as well. No longer was it reasonable to have a several day or week lag as a character waited for a letter to arrive. No, emails were delivered instantly—and that was a game changer.

Next came cell phones. Now for a novelist writing a suspense novel, a woman-on-the-run could no longer be stranded and helpless at her lake cottage because readers would want to know—where is her cell phone? And there are only so many times a writer can use the “it’s out of juice” or “no reception” excuse.

Along with the cell phone came the text message. Now novelists don’t even have to wait for our characters to check their email. Communication happens instantly. Text messaging is even being incorporated on TV shows like House of Cards and the Good Wife. What is this doing to our storytelling? Well, of course there are advantages (besides not having to worry about correct spelling for a change).  First, texting requires the novelist to be brief and to the point—and we know readers like that! Also, as we all have probably experienced in our real lives, text messages can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings—and novelists really like this!

Honestly, there are days when I long for the 70’s, when lovelorn characters waited weeks for letters to arrive, when there was no DNA testing and detectives relied on deductive reasoning to solve crimes, and when people argued in person, rather than by text.

But this is 2015. And I suppose I’ll have to include drones in my next book...

***

C.J. Carmichael’s newest released, buried, is about a serial killer who targeted librarians...in the 70’s.

"Spring" Into Small-town Romance

We're leaping into spring with some wonderful romance set in small town or at least with the feel of small town. While it's not everybody's favorite it sure is popular with a lot of romance readers, myself included. That small town feel just adds to the warmth of the romance and sense of emotion and have I got a great line up for you this month.

We're starting with an author who got her start with Harlequin, like me, and is also a fellow Grand Central/Forever Romance author, the amazing and incomparable Jill Shalvis. Still the One by Jill Shalvis

"Still the One is a classic small town contemporary romance filled with humor, romance, heat, and man’s best friend. Jill Shalvis writes really entertaining books that leave you saying “just one more chapter.” Ms. Shalvis draws you into her fictional world with great characters you want as friends." -  Harlequin Junkie

Erin Nicholas is one of my auto buys from way back and also happens to be my very first ever critique partner and very dear friend. You don’t want to miss this book- or the rest of the series if you haven’t read it. Getting It All by Erin Nicholas

"There’s nothing like summertime in Sapphire Falls and Tucker Bennett is looking forward to hosting his best friend’s four young sons for the next three months. This is their first trip to Tuck’s farm since their father’s passing, and he’s fully prepared to step up for the boys. He’s also thrilled by the instant attraction to their aunt Delaney.  "

If you're looking for that quaint English town then this one's got it. Heat Trap by JL Merrow

"I really love this book and the series. I hope there are more coming. There's mystery, romance and humour. I like the English dialogue. I read it all in one sitting and enjoyed it all." -Amazon

Seattle may not be a small town, but Blossom Street definitely has that small community feel. Back on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

"There's a new shop on Seattle's Blossom Street—a flower store called Susannah's Garden, right next door to A Good Yarn. Susannah Nelson, the owner, has just hired an assistant named Colette Blake, a young widow who's obviously hiding a secret—or two!"

I'm kicking off a new series of standalone romances in the small town of Cailkirn, Alaska-where the winter nights are cold, but the men are hot. The first novel, Wild Heat, releases April 28th.

Wild Heat by Lucy Monroe
Sometimes old flames are the hottest of all . . .
In the quaint little town of Cailkirn, Alaska, it’s impossible to keep a secret, especially one as juicy as the unexpected return of Kitty Grant. Tack MacKinnon remembers her wild red curls and even wilder spirit—and still feels the sting from when she shattered his heart in college. But there’s a pain in Kitty’s gorgeous eyes that guts him to the core and Tack is determined to do whatever it takes to see the woman he still loves smile again—even if it means taking on her demons as his own.
After fleeing an abusive ex-husband, Kitty decides that the best way to heal her broken heart is to come back home. But she gets a whole new shock when she sees how undeniably sexy Tack has become. More handsome, more muscular, more charming—more everything—he’s impossible to resist. Before she knows it, they’re reigniting sparks that could set the whole state of Alaska on fire. Yet trust doesn’t come easy to Kitty anymore, and as things heat up between her and Tack, she can’t help but wonder if one of them is going to get burned . . .

"Wild Heat has sexy, interesting characters and a captivating storyline. The author’s writing style and story kept me interested enough to read it in two evenings. I’m looking forward to reading more by Lucy Monroe." –Goodreads


With more than 7 million copies of her books in print worldwide, award winning and USA Today bestseller Lucy Monroe has published over 60 books and had her stories translated for sale all over the world.  While she writes multiple subgenres of romance, all of her books are sexy, deeply emotional and adhere to the concept that love will conquer all.  A passionate devotee of romance, she adores sharing her love for the genre with her readers.

Visit her on the web:

http://www.lucymonroe.com/

http://lucymonroeblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/LucyMonroe.Romance

http://twitter.com/lucymonroe

Traits of a Romance Heroine

When I hear someone describe a romance heroine, the most commonly used terms are "smart", "clever" and "intelligent". A heroine isn't required to be pretty or the belle of the ball, but she must win the respect of the hero (and the reader) with her wit.

But what if a heroine was not considered smart? I'm not talking about a learning disability or a lack of education or someone who has no common sense. What if she had a low IQ? Would she still win the respect of the hero and the reader? And how would her insecurity about her intelligence level affect her and her relationships? 

Those are the questions I had when I wrote Outrageously Yours. In this Harlequin Blaze, Claire does not bring attention to herself. Years ago she was tested with a low IQ. She was taught to hide her intelligence level so people wouldn't take advantage of her or treat her as an unequal. As I wrote the story I discovered that she had many qualities that I want to see in a heroine. She was hard-working and resourceful. Her perseverance was a quality the hero wishes he could emulate.

I have to admit, I was still worried when I sent this manuscript to my editor. What if my experiment wasn't successful? I was relieved that my editor found the heroine sympathetic. And I was glad RT BookReviews found the main characters "two root-worthy romantic heroes."

Outrageously Yours will be in stores throughout North America on April 21 and as an eBook on May 1. However, you can buy the print or digital version now on Harlequin.com.

Susanna Carr is an award-winning author known for her contemporary romances. Readers throughout the world find Susanna's stories a delightful escape that has often helped them through difficult times. Reviewers frequently describe her work as "fun", "sexy", and "a must read". Find her of Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

Writing Through Life by Kate Hewitt

A few blog posts ago I wrote about giving yourself permission not to write when life is hard. Or if writing is not your thing, giving yourself permission not to do whatever it is you feel pressure to do and instead to relax, to simply live and breathe and be. Sometimes life throws things at you and all you’ve got in you is to duck.

I still stand by that, but in the last few weeks I've discovered something else and that is that sometimes rather than being a pressure, writing—or whatever your hobby or passion or profession is—can be a relief.

Two weeks ago my life sort of exploded. No one is hurt, injured, or dead, so I can’t really complain. We’ll all safe and well, but the life I thought we would have is no longer a possibility. We moved to a very rural part of England’s Lake District from New York City four years ago intending to stay forever. It was a big move and we had four children we wanted to see through school in one place. Now we have five children, and we have to move in three months since the school where my husband works, my children attend, and that provides our housing just announced it is closing in July.

It is very discombobulating—I can think of no other word—to suddenly have all the assumptions about what your life would look like disappear. My children were devastated by the thought of leaving their friends, their home, the lives they’ve made for themselves here. My husband had to immediately start searching for another job at a time of year when school-based jobs are thin on the ground. And I had to look around the house we’ve made a home, had planned to stay in for decades, and think about what I’d take and what I’d keep.

In the midst of all this I had a book due, a very emotional book about living through loss and suffering. And amazingly, writing this book was a huge relief to me. I could take all my confusion and grief about what had happened to us and pour it into my book. It was an emotional bloodletting, and a much needed one. I think—at least I hope—the book is better for it.

The book, When He Fell, will be out in June, and we will be moving—somewhere—in July. I’m not sure where yet, or what will happen, but I know I will keep writing—and keep giving myself permission not to.