Every Woman Dreams…

It seems people have been asking me lately for books that they might consider reading. As I read LOTS of historical romance, I have no problem in that area, but I admit to not being as “adept” in recommending other areas, although I have read many of the titles listed below. These are the finalists for the RITA Awards in several categories. Please comment on the ones you recognize.
Contemporary Series Romance:
A Not-So-Perfect Past – Beth Andrews
From the Outside – Helen Brenna
The Snow-Kissed Bride – Linda Goodnight
Single Mom Seeks…-Teresa Hill
Revealed:A Prince & a Pregnancy – Kelly Hunter
The Christmas Love-Child – Jennie Lucas
One-Night Mistress…Convenient Wife- Anne McAllister
Duty, Desire, & the Desert King – Jane Porter
I Still Do – Christie Ridgway

Contemporary Series Romance:Suspense/Adventure:
Mountain Investigation – Jessica Andersen
The Christmas Stranger – Beth Cornelison
The Soldier’s Secret Daughter – Cindy Dees
In Care of Sam Beaudry – Kathleen Eagle
Silent Watch – Elle Kennedy
Cold Case Affair – Loreth Anne White
The Christmas Present – Tracy Wolff

Contemporary Single Title Romance:
Talk Me Down – Victoria Dahl
True Love and Other Disasters – Rachel Gibson
For the Love of Pete – Julia Harper
Too Good to Be True – Kristan Higgins
A Little Light Magic – Joy Nash
Dirty Sexy Knitting – Christie Ridgway
Instant Attraction – Jill Shalvis
Fireside – Susan Wiggs

I was fortunate to be a finalist for the Booksellers Best Award. Those of us present for the winners’ announcements enjoyed a fabulous evening of getting to know other authors and a delicious “spread” of appetizers. Please understand. I never expected to win. I was up against Hannah Howell and Anna Campbell in the long historical category. I was just happy to be in the mix. Hannah Howell was our winner. She and I spent some time on Thursday discussing books (naturally) and skunks (from the original post below).
Which of these nominees have you read?
TRADITIONAL: From the Outside (Helen Brenna); Italian Tycoon, Secret Son (Lucy Gordon); Invitation to the Boss’s Ball (Fiona Harper); Dreaming of Home (Glynna Kaye); CEOs Don’t Cry (Joselyn Vaughn)
SHORT CONTEMPORARY: The Perfect Country & Western Story (Christine Columbus); The Billionaire’s Fake Engagement (Robyn Grady); Having the Billionaire’s Baby (Sandra Hyatt); What Family Means (Geri Krotow); Temporary Doctor, Surprise Father (Lynne Marshall); Twin Temptation (Cara Summers); Christmas Male (Cara Summers)
LONG CONTEMPORARY: Simple Wishes (Lisa Dale); A Kid to the Rescue (Susan Gable); No Hero Like Him (Elaine Grant); Hot Mail (Janice Maynard); A Small Town Reunion (Terry McLaughlin); Simon Says Mommy (Kay Stockham); Caitlyn’s Prize (Linda Warren)
SINGLE TITLE: One Reckless Summer (Toni Blake); According to Jane (Marilyn Brant); Breakfast in Bed (Robyn Kaye); Hot on Her Heels (Susan Mallery); The Lost Hours (Karen White)
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE: Waking the Dead (Kylie Brandt); Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam (Marilee Brothers); Skin Game (Ava Gray); Free Falling (Sandy James)
EROTIC: Riding on Instinct (Jaci Burton); The Satin Sash ( Red Garnier); Rogue’s Run (Lara Santiago); Take Me (Shelli Stevens); Tracy Wolff (Full Exposure)
SHORT HISTORICAL: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Jennifer Ashley); Where the Wind Blows (Caroline Fyffe); Indiscreet (Carolyn Jewel); Knight of Pleasure (Margaret Mallory); Lord Braybrook’s Penniless Bride (Elizabeth Rolls); Wicked Little Game (Christine Wells)
LONG HISTORICAL: Captive of Sin (Anna Campbell); If He’s Wicked (Hannah Howell); If He’s Sinful (Hannah Howell); Darcy’s Temptation (Regina Jeffers)
PARANORMAL/TIME TRAVEL/FUTURISTIC: Ravenous:The Dark Forgotten (Sharon Ashwood); Vanished (Maureen Child); Immortal Bride (Lisa Childs); New Blood (Gail Dayton); Midnight’s Master (Cynthia Eden); Dyad Dreams (Ann Hinnenkamp); The Warrior (Sharon Sala)
INSPIRATIONAL: Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida (Sandra Bricker); Paper Roses (Amanda Cabot); An Eye for an Eye (Irene Hannon); Sunset Beach (Trish Perry); If Tomorrow Never Comes (Marlo Schalesky); Missy Tippens (His Forever Love)
BEST FIRST BOOK: According to Jane (Marilyn Brant); The Satin Sash (Red Garnier); Dyad Dreams (Ann Hinnehkamp); Dreaming of Home (Glynna Kaye)

I just returned from the Romance Writers of America convention in Orlando. It was 4 days of intense workshops. One of my favorites was by 3 of my fellow chapter members from Heart of the Carolina chapter. Claudia Dain began by describing her writing process as being a “pantser.” For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a pantser “writes by the seat of his pants.” He does little planning…the ideas simply happen…sometimes even surprising the pantser himself. Deb Marlowe described herself as a “plotser,” meaning she plans parts of the story but other parts are created much as a pantser would do. Then, Sabrina Jeffries explained her need to be a “plotter.” Sabrina outlines and pinpoints the different parts of the story’s exposition. She also creates a very detailed synopsis before she begins to write. Well, despite my type A personality, I am definitely not a plotter. I usually have key points in the story I wish to make (although those often change). However, getting from point A to point B is a ride I never plan. Which type of writer are you?

After spending several hours  doing yard work (out at 7 A.M. before the heat advisory set in once again in Charlotte), I have been working on a new novella (tentative title “His American Lovesong”). I conceived this piece taking a totally different direction from what it has. Originally, the girl was to be a bit “bungling” – you know, falling in the pond, etc., but it has not come together that way. It probably comes from the fact that I thought it would be funny if the main female character got sprayed by a skunk. The only problem is there are no skunks in England. As this is a Regency romance, my concept changed, and the work has taken on a life of its own. Unfortunately, that happens to me often. I plan one path for the characters, and another one “magically appears.”

It seems that Ulysses Press is considering my “Touch” series. I have finished the first two and am working on the third. The new mystery “The Phantom of Pemberley” should be out within three weeks.  I am anxious for its release. Supposedly, several large orders are expected if we can get it out by that time.

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