Part of the fun of writing contemporary romance is creating unique, fun, or interesting ways for the hero and heroine to meet. Over the years I’ve used real-life things to inspire cute meets in my books. Like the time back when my husband was a youth director. We took a busload of teens to a […]
The Writer and the Rider
When my husband first asked if I was okay with him buying a Harley, I said, “Honey, I’m a romance writer.” Meaning, “Yes.” First of all, he’d supported my dreams of writing, so I wanted to support his dream of riding. Secondly, I thought riding a motorcycle would be like I’d written it in my […]
Never Saw That Coming
I love listening to/reading about author history. Many of them knew from a young age they wanted to write stories for a living. I’ve heard a few say they have notebooks filled with old writings they’ve kept through the years. I wrote stories in school because they were part of an assignment. I enjoyed the […]
How authors use Pinterest & why readers love it too!
I always say I’m a reader first, author second. It’s true! And as a reader, I love anything that connects me to books, especially social media. I know not everyone loves social media (there are times I certainly don’t!), but the one feed you have most control over what you see is Pinterest! If you’ve […]
Vacation Inspiration #Giveaway
Since I started writing, whenever we go on vacation, a book begins to percolate. I often plan our trips around a jaunt I need to make for a book I’m writing. Back when I began my rodeo series, we visited the Fort Worth Stockyards and Aubrey, Texas. Both featured prominently in the series. Since we […]
Clothes Make the Character
What would you say about this couple based on their clothing? Do you pay attention to the description of a character’s clothing when you are reading a book? I have to admit as a reader that I often don’t. I may read what the author wrote about the character’s clothing, but as the scene unfolds, […]
Black Moments: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em?
One thing I’ve learned from reading romance over the years is that every satisfying story must have a black moment. You know, the scene that inserts itself into a storyline right when things seem to be going well for the main characters, then leaves them wondering if they’ve lost their only shot at love. It’s […]
Research and Writing (plus a sneak peek)
Some writers love to research. I have a few author friends whose favorite part of writing is heading to the library and returning with a stack of informational texts or opening a dozen internet browser tabs and clicking through page after page. I am not one of these people. I’m sure it goes along with […]
Daddies are Special #Giveaway
In 2007, I received word that I’d finaled in the Touched By Love writing contest and the winners would be announced at the Faith, Hope, & Love Conference in Dallas in July. I’d already paid and planned to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in September, also in Dallas that year. My husband […]
Makings of Beloved Supporting Characters
I love my main characters. Most of the heroines and heroes I’ve written feel like dear friends. I’ve cheered them on, celebrated their happily ever afters, and even prayed for them (yes, really!). But something dawned on me recently. While I love my leading men and women, it’s some of the supporting characters I’ve penned […]