June Book-a-palooza

June is here, which--for me--means it's finally the season to write outside in the sunshine, rather than in my office.  Since winter is long in Massachusetts, I savor these days.  I tend to get a lot done from June through August while writing on the deck.  If you want to read more about my writing habits, where I get the ideas for my characters, or how I came up with the water gun game for my current book, Shot Through the Heart, check out today's interview on author Jo Ramsey's blog.  I'll be reading the comments and answering your questions (plus it's a great chance for you to check out Jo!)
 
The other reason to celebrate June?  A ton of spectacular books have hit the market in recent weeks.  I've made some great finds, so I wanted to share them here:

For YA fans, author Terri Clark has a fantastic new romantic story out called Hollyweird.  It's a hilarious look at both the demons and angels of Hollywood.  I've participated in a couple of teen anthologies with Terri and love her work.  If you haven't read her yet, Hollyweird is a great summer beach book. 

If you like steamy paranormal romance, Susan Sizemore just released the newest book in her Primes series, a vampire story called Primal Cravings.  It tells the story of two Dark Angel commandos who are forced to work together to save the world despite their resentment for each other.  Sizemore's books are always rich, creative, and fun--I love her Primes series and have already loaded this one on my e-reader as a reward for meeting my own writing goals.

For those who adore Regency romances, one of my all-time fave romance authors, Elizabeth Boyle, debuts her new Rhymes With Love series this week.  Along Came A Duke is out now and will soon be followed by two more stories, And The Miss Ran Away With the Rake and If Wishes Were Earls (which is perhaps my favorite book title ever.)  Boyle's books are perfect for anyone who likes snappy dialogue and hilarious heroines who refuse to settle.  (Deal alert:  Duke is currently only $4.99 on Kindle through the link above, so it's a steal!)

Finally, for anyone who missed it, Christina Dodd has re-released a phenomenal Regency romance, The Smuggler's Captive Bride.  It's filled with smugglers (obviously), revenge, weddings, and all sorts of drama.  I think Dodd is one of the most talented writers working today, so if you're looking to fill your e-reader, this is a great title to grab (especially since it's $2.99 right now.)  You'll fly through it.



I'm always looking for great new books and authors, so feel free to share your summer beach reading here.  What's surprised you?  What are you most anticipating?

Role Models in Fiction

Each day Smart Pop Books posts an essay on a topic of interest to teens. Today they're featuring an essay I wrote on the topic of fictional characters as role models.  It's based on subject matter from the bestselling books Crankand Glassby Ellen Hopkins. The books deal with meth addiction and are told from the point of view of a teenaged addict (and are based on Hopkins' daughter's real-life experience.)  You can read the essay here:


Smart Pop Books - Role Models


I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject.  Do authors have a responsibility to ensure that the characters in their books act as role models for teen readers?  Why or why not?

Why We Need Romance Novels

Happy Valentine's Day!

What...you're not a fan?!  Whether or not you have a sweetie with whom you're celebrating, I'd argue that Valentine's Day is worthwhile.  It's an optimistic holiday, one that speaks to humanity's faith in itself.  A holiday that celebrates the fact that, no matter what else may happen in the world on a day-to-day basis, love will find a way to thrive over the long haul.

This optimistic view is also why I believe we need romance novels.  Yes, they're often described by the highfalutin' as fluffy, worthless, or mindless.  However, my guess is that those who describe romance novels in that manner either haven't read one or completely missed the point when they did.  There's a time and place for everything, including entertainment that's optimistic and carries the message that love triumphs, and that's the need romances fulfill.

For those make the case far more eloquently than I do, check out today's issue of USA Today.  A group of romance authors all speak to why we need romance novels.

Now...go forth and have a Happy Valentine's Day.  Make a list of what you have to look forward to in your life.  If nothing else, celebrate the fact that tomorrow the chocolate goes on sale at stores everywhere.

Pinterest

If the television is on in my house, the odds are good that it's tuned to HGTV, DIY, or the Travel Channel.  I am a home design fiend.  I also have subscriptions to a number of home decorating/design magazines, and have well over ten years of Architectural Digest and Traditional Home on shelves in my basement storage room, completely tape-flagged with notes like "sunny library shelves" or "great fireplace surround."  Anytime something in one of those magazines catches my eye, I flag it.

Of course, this means that when I discovered Pinterest I was all over it.  It allows me to "pin" items I see on websites to a virtual bulletin board that can be shared with others.  By the same token, I can peruse other people's boards to get ideas.  I've started a board with design ideas (of course) as well as boards for my fitness obsessions and favorite books/books I want to buy.

Are you on Pinterest? What do you like?  What kinds of boards have you created? Let me know!

Sticky Fingers Interview - The Busy Bibliophile

Happy Monday, all!  (Well, maybe not so happy for Patriots fans like my husband, but we'll forget the Super Bowl for now.) 


Today I'm on The Busy Bibliophile answering questions about Sticky Fingers, fan mail, books I love to read, and my biggest writing challenges. Chocolate may be mentioned.  If you have follow up questions, feel free to post tot he comments here or on The Busy Bibliophile.