Born To Write

I am sitting here thinking about the fact that I have written 60 books over the past 30 years. That’s an average of two books a year, and I have no memory of when or how I did that. Each book takes about six months to write, some less, some more. That does not include the edits and re-writes that come back once the book is finished and sent in, so it’s a constant procedure of writing, reading, editing, writing, reading, editing, writing …

I have written a minimum of SIX MILLION words, based on 60 books at 100,000 words. However, most of my books ranged closer to 120,000 words, so I’d better up that to a total of SEVEN MILLION, TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND words. And again, that’s just first drafts. And it doesn’t count all the blogs and magazine articles and proposals I have written over the years. And of course there is the research, probably thousands of hours of research. I have hundreds of research books in my personal library, and I have read pretty much every one of them. They are all filled with highlights, underlining, hand-written notes and dog-eared pages. I don’t remember when I did all that either.

Christmas Giveaway!

It's the week before Christmas, and I've got a special gift for all my fabulous Readers! Starting tomorrow, December 20th, enter the giveaway below for a daily chance to win a copy of my Brides Omnibus! Then, on Christmas day I'll draw a name for the Grand Prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I can’t believe we are headed into Christmas. It seems summer always disappears suddenly and without warning. And the way the weather has turned, I am already looking forward to NEXT summer! I am especially anxious for the Romantic Times conference next May in Dallas, Texas, because there I will be pushing my 60th published book, DO NOT FORSAKE ME, a sequel to OUTLAW HEARTS, which will be reissued and published next June, right before the sequel. The covers for these books are outstanding {what do you think!?!}, and I am planning some wonderful promotional events for these two books, which I absolutely loved writing.

     

Haunted Open House Blog Hop!

Glad to jump into this Haunted Open House Blog Hop for Halloween in support of one of my favorite writers, Nancy Gideon! For more Tricks and Treats, visit Nancy's Haunted Open House - She'll be there all week with special guests and fun Halloween activities.

My all-time favorite movie is THE HAUNTING – the old 1950’s b&w version, not the newer one. That movie doesn’t need a screamer mask or bloody murders to be scary. I much prefer the “unseen” spirits that lurk dark corners or only as cold vapors. To me that is much more frightening. 

The Ideal Hero

After 35 years of writing, even more years of reading, and having completed 60 novels, I’ve come to the conclusion that most female readers’ ideal hero (and yes, male readers, too) is the alpha male who is tough and able on the outside, but vulnerable and tender on the inside. I absolutely love the “tough guy” persona, a man who’s strong and brave and can handle weapons and fists … but a man who would never dream of laying a hand on the woman he loves.

Don't Try To Be God

At the MMRWA's June meeting the discussion of omnipotence came up, and I have been thinking about that ever since because it’s a problem I had earlier in my writing years. Being the dense person I can be sometimes – as well as writing back when there was no help of any kind in this business and no opportunity to learn through others, I thought I’d share an article about this problem many writers have had, or still do have. I know it took me a while to catch on to what all this meant and if there is anyone out there who isn’t sure what omnipotence is all about, I thought I’d offer some help.

Review of DESPERATE HEARTS by Long and Short Reviews!

DESPERATE HEARTS received a 4 Star Review from Long and Short Reviews!

Review of DESPERATE HEARTS by Night Owl Reviews!

DESPERATE HEARTS received a 4 Star Review from Night Owl Reviews!

Book Signing This Saturday!

Mark your Calendars! I'll be celebrating the release of DESPERATE HEARTS and signing books this Saturday {August 30th} at Purely Michigan, 406 State Street Saint Joseph, MI. Purely Michigan is a fun store that "features everything/everyone 'Michigan'" -- Join us, then stroll the Regatta Craft Show on the bluff as part of the Labor Day/Tri-State Regatta weekend!

Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Desperate Hearts - Coming Soon! #Giveaway

DESPERATE HEARTS will be released September 2nd, but you can Pre-Order it at the links below! And, as some added excitement, I'll be giving away five copies of DESPERATE HEARTS to five lucky readers with a Grand Prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card awarded to one lucky fan!