Live Chat TODAY With Christina Dodd

A quick heads up: tune in to Christina Dodd’s Facebook page TODAY at 4PM Eastern/1PM Pacific for a live chat!

 

As many of you know, Christina and I have been brainstorming books together for several years, which means we have loads of embarrassing stories about each other. We’ll share those (because how can we not?), and we’ll talk about upcoming projects.

 

Come ask your questions and enjoy! See you on Facebook this afternoon!

 

 

What's In Your TBR?

Romance writer Patricia McLinn recently went through her TBR pile--you know, those books that are To Be Read that accumulate on our nightstands, bookshelves, and e-readers--to see what gems she bought, but hadn't yet gotten around to reading. She talked about her discoveries with other authors, encouraging them to go on a #TBRDive, and to invite their readers to join in and share their hidden treasures.

It's not quite Jennifer Garner asking, "What's in your wallet?" but my guess is it's far more entertaining.

A quick perusal of my e-reader and the top shelf of my nightstand brought up several titles that have now been flagged with the goal of reading before the end of the year. What about you? What books do you have ready to read? Which most excite you?

My #TBRDive Titles:

The Viper, by Monica McCarty. This is the fourth title in Monica's Highland Guard series. I loved the first three books, and can't believe I didn't read the fourth right when I bought it! Now I'm anxious to crack the spine and continue with the series. The Viper is available on Amazon in every format you could imagine, as well as from Apple Books.

An Affair With a Notorious Heiress, by Lorraine Heath. I've enjoyed every historical romance I've ever read from Lorraine Heath, so she's an autobuy for me. This is one I know I'll tear through. The son of a duke and a mother whose reputation is less than impeccable, Alistair Mabry is determined to marry an honorable woman so his children will never have to endure what he did as a child. Then, of course, he falls for a scandalous woman. Just my kind of read! Find it on Amazon in the format of your choice, or grab it from Apple Books.

The Kill Artist, by Daniel Silva. I read a lot of thrillers, but I haven't tried Silva's popular series about assassin Gabriel Allon. I have the first few titles, so it's high time I started reading. The Kill Artist is the first of what's currently an eight-book series. You can find it on both Amazon and Apple Books.

Just One Damned Thing After Another, by Jodi Taylor. When this book came out, author friend Christina Dodd emailed to tell me how much she was enjoying it. Based on her recommendation, I bought a copy, but have yet to read it. It looks wildly entertaining, so I have a feeling this will be a nice end-of-year reward for hitting my writing goals. No surprise: you can pick it up on both Amazon and Apple Books. 

Summer Indulgences

I've been head down, hands on keyboard for the last few months working to bring you Lina Cornaro's story. I'm doing the final passes through the manuscript now and can't wait until it's in your hands. I think you'll enjoy delving into Lina's relationship with Formula One driver Ivo Zanardi. They have a complicated, passionate history together, and I've had a total blast writing about them.

In the meantime, I wanted to share two fantastic reads that are perfect for summer (if you're here in the northern hemisphere) or that'll warm up your winter if you're in the southern part of the world.

First, many of you know that I am part of a plot group with authors Emily March, Christina Dodd, and Susan Sizemore. We meet yearly to discuss our works in progress, brainstorm, and talk shop. Part of what makes the group work is that we all truly enjoy reading each other's work. While you're waiting for the next installment in the Royal Scandals series, I'm happy to let you know about two great releases from Emily and Christina.

First, Emily March has a new book out TODAY that I'm dying to read. Not only is Emily an incredibly talented storyteller, I love her Eternity Springs series because it has all the heart and rich family dynamics I want in a romance series. Check out her newest, A Stardance Summer, set at a glamour camping site in the Colorado Rockies, and tell me what you think. I suspect you'll enjoy reading about the Callahan family as much as I do. Here's a quick excerpt to whet your appetite:

No. No way. She couldn’t be Derek’s sister. Brick’s childhood best friend’s uptight, nerdy overachieving good-girl little sister must have a doppelgänger. Liliana Howe would never skinny-dip in public.

And yet . . . she’d always been tall. Those legs. But she’d been skinny. She’s not skinny anymore!
 
Somebody abruptly switched off the music. Into the sudden silence, Brick said, “Freckle-Sticks? Is that you?”

I bought my copy this morning and can't wait to start reading.

Second, Christina Dodd's latest romantic suspense novel, Because I'm Watching, is out in paperback. This is one of the best romantic suspense novels I've ever read, and definitely topped my favorites of 2016 list when it came out in hardcover last year. If you enjoy movies like Rear Window, this book is for you.

Enjoy...and stay tuned for news on Lina Cornaro's story. Release date info coming soon!

 

Goodreads Q & A with Emily March and Christina Dodd

Fans of Emily March's romance novels, including her popular Eternity Springs series, have an active discussion group on Goodreads. The group is open to anyone on Goodreads, and they're about to start reading the compilation Family Secrets, which features one novel each from Emily, Christina Dodd, and me. (A great deal at only $5.99 for three full-length stories!)

Starting this week, Christina and I are joining Emily's group to answer reader questions. We'd love to have you participate! If you've never read a book from Emily or Christina before, this is a great opportunity to discover a new-to-you author.

To participate, or just to read along, visit the group page, then scroll down to Family Secrets.

If you're not yet a Goodreads member, joining is free and easy. The site is a gold mine of information for book lovers. You can find reviews, chat groups, reading suggestions, and more. Reading isn't limited to paperbacks and ebooks, either...even audiobooks are actively discussed.

I look forward to seeing you there!

The Process, Part II

This is part two in a three-part blog about my writing process.  Here's the link to The Process, Part I, where I discuss how my stories originate.

Once or twice a year, I get together with friends and fellow authors Christina Dodd, Emily March, and Susan Sizemore for what we call plot group. We meet for three days. Before we get together, we send each other lists of our upcoming projects and we set up a schedule of what we want to plot. This is when I pull out my idea file. I might send the others an email along the lines of, "I'd like to plot a new Royal Scandals book. Here are the characters I have in mind..." and I'll send along what details I have. I'll also say, "here's what I have so far on the book" and include several plot points I've fleshed out from my idea file.

Plot group in Sonoma, California, with (l to r): Christina Dodd, Emily March, Susan Sizemore, me

When we get together, we take turns brainstorming each other's books. Now, this isn't WRITING each other's books...far from it. It's talking through them aloud, discussing different possibilities for the plots, fleshing out the reasons characters might make certain choices, and anticipating problems. Each of us have written books that are part of series, and we're familiar with each other's works, so sometimes we'll be discussing a plot point and someone will say, "If you do X, won't it be in conflict with what you wrote in the third book in the series, where Y happened?"

In the end, we come up with major plot points. Often times, the finished book will deviate greatly from what we plotted. The purpose of plot group is to help each author brainstorm different ways their story could be written. I can't tell you how many times I'll read a book we discussed at plot group and discover that it's nothing like what we discussed! On the other hand, I can usually see how the finished product evolved from the concepts we tossed around, which is fascinating.

We do have a few rules for plot group. First, the author is the arbiter of all. If the author whose story we're discussing doesn't like what we're brainstorming, or the direction feels wrong, out the window it goes, no matter how great the idea. I've frequently said, "That would make a killer book, but the character I have in mind wouldn't do that. Instead, I want to explore this direction...." Second, if a story idea isn't working, we put it aside for another day. We frequently start discussing a story, get stumped, then discuss it again a few hours later and have several solutions to the earlier problem. Third, we need good food. When we're together, it's work, not social hour, tempting as it is to kick back and shoot the breeze. We need to feed our brains to be productive and focused.

During breaks, we each hide out in our rooms and write. We tape record our discussions and listen to them, either between sessions or on our flights home, so we can get back to each other with questions. At that point, each of us is on our own to put meat on the bones of the story.

Next, in The Process, Part III, I'll tackle the hard part: producing pages and editing.

The Process, Part I

The question I'm most frequently asked is, "When will your next book be out?" Usually, I have an easy answer. However, a close second would be any of a dozen variations on, "What is your writing process?" In my next few blog posts, I'll tackle the answer.

First - I should note that there's no one way to write a book. Every writer I know uses a different method to get from point A to point B. I start with an out-of-the-blue idea.  It could be spurred by an overheard conversation, a snippet of a book or a movie, or an interaction I witnessed on the street or while traveling. Sometimes, believe it or not, I get ideas in dreams. Whatever the origination, the idea itself comes from asking myself, "What if?" What if that couple I overheard discussing the awful service at a restaurant vowed to take revenge on the waiter? What if the little boy I saw holding his dad's hand as they cross the street decides to find his dad a date?

From the idea file for Slow Tango With a Prince

Basically, I let my imagination run wild. I'll scribble down these snippets, then file them away. (Yes, I literally have an idea file.) However, an idea, in and of itself, isn't a complete story.

At the same time I file away possible story ideas, I think about characters. Characters often come to me the same way ideas do. I might sit up late watching SportsCenter and think, "What is day to day life like for a skiier on the World Cup circuit? Do they have difficulty maintaining relationships when they travel so much? What if they have a significant other who can't--or won't--travel with them for some reason? How would they handle it?" (That "what if?" line of thinking gave birth to Justine Cornaro, who became the heroine of The Royal Bastard.) Characters go into the idea file, too.

While I work on other projects, I let those characters and story ideas simmer in the back of my mind. From time to time, I pull out the file and add more details to the notes on certain characters or ideas.

Next time, in The Process, Part II, I'll discuss how I flesh out those ideas and characters to create actual stories. This involves my plot group, where I brainstorm with friends and fellow authors Christina Dodd, Emily March, and Susan Sizemore.

Then, in The Process, Part III, I'll tackle the hard part: producing pages and editing.

Black Friday Reads

For those of us in the United States, it's the Black Friday holiday...which isn't a holiday at all, but rather the Friday that happens to be tucked between Thanksgiving and the weekend.  Because many people have the day off, it becomes a natural Christmas shopping day.  Over the last decade or two, it's become a crazy shopping day, with more and more stores encouraging shoppers with sales, promotions, and extended hours.

I'm not a Black Friday shopper.  I'd much rather stay far from the crowds and read.  If you're of the same mindset, give one of these great books a try.

For a taste of holiday romance, there's  Mistletoe Mine by Emily March

Newly engaged to her college sweetheart, Molly Stapleton has one wish for her holiday wedding: get her estranged parents back together. Will they accept this last chance to renew their promises of love—and cherish the gift from the daughter who loves them both?  Available on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble for only 99 cents, this is a novella you're bound to love.

For something completely off the Christmas grid, try a vampire romance.  Susan Sizemore's Primal Cravings is a fun, sexy read set in her Primes world.  If you haven't read her vampire romances, this is a great one to try.  Again, it's available from both Barnes and Noble and Amazon, and it's a full-length story for only $3.99.

If you're craving (ha...craving...I couldn't help using it again!) a romantic suspense, some of my faves are from Christina Dodd.  Her classic novel Lady In Black features a straitlaced lady butler, a powerful billionaire, kidnapping, scads of conflict, and some steamy scenes in a shower.

You can find it by following these links to Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Many of you know that I'm a sucker for historical romances of all kinds.  Though it's not out for a few weeks, I've already preordered a copy of Elizabeth Boyle's upcoming story If Wishes Were Earls, which is the third story in her popular Rhymes With Love series (no worries about reading earlier books to follow the story, though...you can read them in any order.)

Amazon has it on sale right now for only $4.74 for the Kindle version (though it could pop up to regular price at any time) and it's $4.99 for Nook at Barnes and Noble.

Finally, I've become completely addicted to author Julie Anne Long's Pennyroyal Lane historical romances.  The latest (and so far, my favorite!) is It Happened One Midnight.  Devastatingly romantic and very well-written, it'll make you a Julie Anne Long fan, too.  You can find it for only $4.74 for Kindle and $4.99 for Nook.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with great books...whether you choose to shop from home, or face the crazy crowds!

One Bed, Four Stories

I admit, I'm a voracious reader when it comes to novellas.  I love stories I can finish in an evening, but that feel 'complete' when I finish that last page. This month, I want to give you a heads-up about a must read for fans of romance novellas: Check out the ONCE UPON A PILLOW series by New York Times bestselling authors Connie Brockway and Christina Dodd. It's one of the best novella collections I've read in a long time and the concept blew me away.

The stories each stand alone--you can read one story or read all four, and in any order--and are centered around a magnificent bed and the people who've owned it through the ages. The stories were released once a week over the last four weeks and the final story in the collection, Christina Dodd's Last Night, is available as of today. Of course I grabbed it immediately and dove in.

Here's the official blurb on Last Night :

The man in her house is a stranger to her, a danger to her ... and the one man she should never love. What events of passion and peril could occur on this, their last night at historic Masterson Manor? 

If you've never read books by either Connie Brockway or Christina Dodd, this is a great chance to try their work at a fantastic price. Each story is only $2.99 on Kindle, Nook, or iTunes.  Here are the Kindle links:


First Knight 



Kidnapped




Her Captive



Last Night

Feel free to post your thoughts on these (or novella reading in general!) to the comments.

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?

Video Blog: On My Desk, What I'm Reading Now

Presenting episode number one of my new video blog, where I answer readers' questions. In this video: "What do you keep on your desk for inspiration/good luck?" and "What are you reading right now?"

Royal Wedding Watch Party

Tomorrow, I'll be on Twitter early in the morning, posting my thoughts about the royal wedding. If you're on Twitter, please join in! I'll be using the hashtag #royalwed and will be joined by several other authors. Expect--among others!--Harlequin Mills & Boon author Kate Hewitt, who's written royal romance for Presents/Modern, as well as Christina Dodd, whose current release is the bestselling book Taken By The Prince.

We'll be chatting about everything from Kate's gown to the processional to who's wearing what. Of course, as a writer, I'm always fascinated with what's going on beneath the surface...how will Kate's parents feel? What would it be like for you if one of your friends married into the royal family? Watching the faces in the crowd should prove interesting!

And then there are the souvenirs. I've already blogged about some of them, but tomorrow I'll be highlighting a few more. Please join in with your discoveries. The more offbeat and fun, the better!

If you're in the US and want to watch the royal wedding along with us, here are some options I've discovered:

BBC America: BBC America will be simulcasting BBC One's reports beginning at 3 AM. If you want the British perspective on the royal wedding, this is the channel to watch.

ABC News: Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters will begin reporting at 4 AM Eastern time. There are also iPad and iPhone apps available from ABC online that will allow you to follow along.

CBS News: Katie Couric begins her reporting at 5 AM Eastern.

NBC/ITN: Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, and Brian Williams will begin at 4 AM Eastern.

MSNBC: If you're up REALLY early, MSNBC starts their reporting from London at 3 AM Eastern, with reporter Martin Bashir.

CNN: Coverage starts at 4 AM Eastern with Anderson Cooper, Piers Morgan, and the always funny Richard Quest.

Fox News: Fox is partnering with the UK's Sky News for coverage beginning at 4 AM Eastern.

If you'd like a different perspective than the news stations offer, The Weather Channel will be covering the event. There's also a pajama party on E!, hosted by Guiliana Rancic.

While the truly British at heart would have a cup of tea to stay awake at that hour, I heartily recommend coffee. I'll have a mug of Green Mountain Mocha Java in hand, but I just might treat myself to a Walker's Shortbread to make up for my lack-of-Britishness.

See you then!