Sunrise & Promises

I sat on the beach and watched the sunrise this morning. It peeked on the ocean's horizon and slowly the flaming orange ball rose majestically as if from the depths of the sea. Its ascent flooded the land with light and warmth, and I thought along with it came the promise of a new day. Always a new beginning, a chance for a new start, change. Whatever it is you need, you have that promise of another chance with the sunrise.
In Lachlan's book, The Angel and The Highlander, he and Alyce, the heroine, watch the sunrise on a hillside in the Scottish Highlands. They talk and get to know one another and naturally fall in love. He makes her a promise, one that may be more difficult to keep than he realizes, but then there's always sunrise and a chance for new beginnings.

My Laptop, My Trusty Companion

I'm off to the Jersey shore to visit family and friends for a few days and naturally my laptop is going along. How can it not when it's my trusty companion. I rarely travel without it and I don't know how I'd live without it.
When I first began writing I used a typewriter and wrote three books on it that never sold. I was thrilled when I got a word processor, and more thrilled when I sold my first book written on it. As technology advanced so did I and when I got my first laptop I was overjoyed. I don't always like being stuck in the same place to write. And there have been times (due to unexpected moves) that if I hadn't had a laptop I would have never met my deadline. With my laptop I'm not confined to place or time, I'm free to write wherever I please, which is a great help to me.
So while I'm away I will take my laptop and sit poolside and write. A nice change for a short time and with the cooperation of the weather. Otherwise I will find a niche somewhere for myself and curl up with my laptop, my trusty companion, and write to my heart's content!

Butterflies & Writing

Recently I was sitting outside on a beautiful summer day writing in my journal when a butterfly landed nearby. It was a lovely colored butterfly and I thought how it had taken a period of gestation before its beauty was ready to emerge.
I realized then that writing is much like a butterfly. At first you have the stirring of a story, perhaps a title or a character. You give it thought, jot down some notes then put it aside. More thoughts, more notes and more gestation. Then you begin to write, then edit, then write some more. Until before you know it an amazing story emerges.
I have several ideas gestating right now while I finish the Sinclare brothers series. I revisit them from time to time, adding notes and giving them thought. Sometimes I grow anxious and want to hurry them along, but I know I must remain patient and wait. That only in their own good time will they emerge a beautiful butterfly.

Lachlan's Book

Right now Artair's book, Under The Highlander's Spell, is getting all the attention, but I thought Lachlan deserved a mention. After all, a charmer like him can't be ignored, though under that charming facade there's so much more. And readers will learn all about him in his book The Angel and The Highlander, in stores May 2009.
I want to thank all those who suggested titles for his book and while none were chosen, I intend to keep them in mind for future books.
Also you'll be meeting some interesting characters in the Sinclare books. Some are already telling me their stories, and you know that I just can't resist a good story!

Calling All Knitters

Another hobby of mine is knitting and as any avid knitter knows you can't be without a project, though one is never enough. I'm usually working on three or four at a time. In a way it's like writing. Once you get started you're caught in the rhythm and there's no turning back.

There's a project that caught my sister's attention and she got me involved. Coats and Clark http://www.coatsandclark.com/ is sponsoring a project for the Special Olympic World Winter Games. They hope to provide scarves for all the participants. Their goal is 5,000. That's a lot of scarves. They're asking all knitters who are interested to help.

You can find all the info you need at http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Features/Special+Olympics.htm

So for those of you who are interested get knitting! And a big thank you to all who do!

Hobbies

I have various hobbies, naturally reading is high on my list, but another hobby I enjoy is rock hunting. It may seem a strange hobby to some, but interestingly enough rock hunting has its origin in Shamanism. Many shamans believe that rocks contain stories. So rock hunting isn't about finding any rock. It's about finding a rock that tells you a story (and what writer can resist a story?) and that's part of the joy of rock hunting.
On a recent hunt, the day hot and humid, I ventured into a favorite woods of mine. The preponderance of trees and bushes provided shade that quickly vanquished a good portion of the humidity. With no clear path to follow I wandered over uneven terrain when suddenly I spied a rock. It was a good size rock about six inches long and two inches thick and it had many interesting markings on it.
I observe the old way of rock hunting. I don't just grab a rock and if it's not for me carelessly toss it to the ground. I examine where the rock sits and I try not to disturb it until I determine if it is meant for me. I then carefully pick it up, find a spot to sit and focus on the rock.
The marks and lines on the rock told me a personal story, but rocks can tell you a multitude of things, if you take the time to observe and listen.
It may seem crazy to some, but to me it lets me touch on old ways and believe as once our ancestors did.
Some rocks are meant to be kept while others are meant to be left where they are. This particular rock I brought home. It occupies a special place in my garden.
Sometimes when I'm in the woods I imagine the women of years past walking in the woods doing as I do... searching for a rock that will tell her a story.

My Website

While my website continues to be a work in progress, it is up and running. More content has yet to be added, but please browse and enjoy. If you run into any snags I apologize. We're continuing to work it all out. And if you have any comments or suggestions feel free to email me.

www.donnafletcher.com

Pics of Northern Scotland

If you'd like to see some of the beauty of the Scottish Highlands check out this website...

http://www.northernsights.net/

Updates to Blog Page

I wanted to point out a few updates to my blog page. To the right and with thanks to my publisher HarperCollins you'll find Under The Highlander's Spell cover with a countdown clock to the book's release date. I just love it! It's like a countdown to that great man who's going to walk into your life... and believe me Artair Sinclare is worth the wait. Remember he's the handsomest of the four brothers and the most practical. So, naturally he has to meet a woman who tests that quality.
There's also a brief trailer that's heart pumping and just above the new trailer is a place to subscribe to my blog. After all you don't want to miss out on what's happening with the Sinclares, especially what's keeping Ronan from returning home. And do browse my Shelfari bookshelf to see what I've read and what I'm reading and believe me I have more books to add.
Enjoy my blog page and feel free to comment or e-mail me at donna@donnafletcher.com

Characters... My Friends

I have found myself unwilling to let go of some of my characters. They've become good friends that I enjoy visiting. In The Buccaneer, Lucian Darcmoor helped me through my divorce. I went home after work every night and got lost writing his story. I recall phoning my sister and being upset because I only had nine pages left to go. I didn't want to write the end to that book. I didn't want to say good-bye to him. The Irish Devil was there for me during a difficult move and The Daring Twin and The Bewitching Twin (USA Today Bestseller) allowed me to explore the joys and pitfalls of my own twinhood.
The Sinclare Brothers have entered my life at another time of change... new direction, just as each of them have gone in new directions.
So, though I begin the last Sinclare brother's journey (Ronan's story) with excited anticipation, I already know it will be difficult to write the final page, but...
I may have a chance to revisit the Sinclare clan in a new series.