The Angel And The Highlander In Stores Today!

Read all about Lachlan Sinclare, the third brother in the Sinclare series, in The Angel And The Highlander in stores everywhere today!
Happy Reading!

Conference, Beach Weather & Pirates

My friend and I had a great time at the ASJA Conference. While it was primarily for non-fiction writers, I gained a lot of info on the social media realm. Things sure have changed since I started writing romance, and I must admit I like much of it. Years ago I got letters from fans and I wrote back. Now I get e-mails and it's so much easier and faster for me to answer my fans and for them to get in touch with me. I even love blogging, since it allows me to not only keep my fans updated on my books, but allows me to interact with all of you. I appreciate the sharing and comments. It makes writing a less lonely profession.
Now while I did enjoy the sessions I went to, knowing it was a gorgeous, eighty plus degrees outside (we were reminded by the speakers) got my imagination churning. I couldn't help thinking about the beach and once I had the vision of the beach in my head, the next thing I knew there was a pirate ship in the distance. Then lo and behold, not one, but three pirates introduced themselves to me and the next thing I knew I had an idea for a pirate trilogy.
So while taking notes on social networking I was also scribbling away about three pirates, (lord, are they sexy) who insisted on being heard. Now mind you I am already deeply involved in my next Highlander series, which I've called the Warrior King Series and those handsome Highlanders certainly do have my full attention, though not yesterday. The pirates captured me and that was that. I've written only one pirate book, The Buccaneer, and I had the grandest time writing it. I always wanted to write another, yet somehow I got caught up in Highlanders.
So please, drop a message in the comment box and let me know if you would like me to write a pirate trilogy.

ASAJ Conference

Tomorrow I'm off to the city with a friend to attend the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) conference starting early Saturday morning. It's an organization of independent nonfiction writers. I attended one a few years ago and enjoyed it, and being the conference is on nonfiction writing it gives me a different prospective on the craft. As with any writers' conference there are different workshops to choose from and I've found some interesting ones I plan to attend.
I'll let you know all about it when I get back, but I was wondering... is anyone interested in nonfiction writing? I have a friend who does travel articles, though she isn't paid to travel. She writes about her family vacations and never fails to make a sale. Another friend sells health articles, though she never worked in the health field. She's always had a deep interest in all areas of health and loves research. She's found some weird, yet interesting things to write about.
So how about it, anyone interested in writing nonfiction?

The Death Of Books, Or Is It?

Recently I've been reading numerous articles on people debating and bemoaning the demise of print books versus the rise of electronic books, while others insist readership is on a fast decline.
With millions addicted to the written word, I'd say readers are here to stay. The format and presentation of it may change with time, but then change is inevitable. Nothing remains the same forever. However remember it's the written word itself that's important. As long as it is always available to all that's what counts.
Do I prefer print books versus electronic books? Yes, I do. I love the feel of a book in my hands, placing a bookmark between the pages to await my return and finally making it part of my library to enjoy over and over again, or passing it on to other book addicts to enjoy.
I also think about how great it would be to have a Kindle and download a bunch of books. Imagine the convenience when traveling, not to mention storage. In the end I believe it will all sort itself out, to the disappointment of some and the satisfaction of others. But always remember it's the demise of the written word that should remain our main concern.
I'll leave you with a quote from a true book addict... Erasmus. "When I get a little money I buy books, and if any is left I buy food and clothes."
How do you feel about print books versus electronic books?

The Angel and The Highlander

I can't believe that next week The Angel and The Highlander will be in bookstores. When I started the Sinclare brothers' series I enjoyed getting to know Lachlan, but then he wasn't a man you could ignore. He was the charmer of the four brothers, the one the women found irresistible and the one who had no plans of marrying anytime soon. He enjoyed his single life and watching the problems his two brothers, Cavan and Artair faced when falling in love, he determined that love wasn't for him, he was sure of it.
So naturally, I pondered what type of woman would best suit him, who would be the one who would change his mind. As I got to know Lachlan better, I soon realized it wasn't so much the woman, but love itself that would change his thoughts. Of course I couldn't make it easy for him. He faces all sorts of obstacles and even when he thinks everything is all right, he discovers nothing is what he thought it was. Lachlan has to work to keep hold of the woman he loves and let me tell you he doesn't give up. He actually makes a decision no one expects him to make. He's a true hero.
And of course I didn't forget Ronan, the youngest of the Sinclare brothers, who has yet to return home. You'll find out more about what's going on with him, and perhaps you can figure out what's keeping him from coming home, if you haven't already.
I'll be reminding everyone again about The Angel and The Highlander's release, after all Lachlan wouldn't want you to miss his story.

Home Again

After a few days of visiting my granddaughter and babysitting my grandson, I'm home again. And after playing pirates, coloring, making snakes out of play doh, doing puzzles, reading some great books (Walter The Farting Dog is hilarious), trying to make sense of the game Mousetrap, playing soccer and climbing trees, I required a little downtime. So I spent an entire day watching movies. And as in books, so in movies, heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and I must tell you I enjoyed every single hero.
Here's the movies that had me laughing, crying, sighing and on the edge of my seat. None disappointed and all worked wonders for my downtime.
I started with a comedy, Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler and Keri Russell. It's about a hotel handyman who gets stuck watching his niece and nephew and to his surprise discovers that the bedtime stories they share with him come true. It's funny and heartwarming and Adam Sandler's character is a hero in more ways than one. Fools Rush In was next with Matthew Perry and Salma Hayak. I've seen this before but it's a favorite of mine. It's a truly a feel good movie and I love how love triumphs over the skeptic character Perry plays. And some of the scenes are just hilarious, while others can bring tears to your eyes and then there's the sigh factor. Now I couldn't let the day pass without a Johnny Depp movie and I chose Chocolat. Vianne Rocher does a remarkable job in portraying a woman who arrives in a French village, opens a chocolate shop and changes many lives including her own. It's a beautiful story I never grow tired of watching. The last movie a friend gave me and I thoroughly enjoyed. It was different from the others. Outlander with James Caviezel and Sophia Myles had me enthralled from the very beginning. An alien ship crash lands in ancient Norway during the Viking reign and inadvertently unleashes a bloodthirsty creature called the Moorwen. After first being accused of destroying an entire village, the local Vikings realize they need the stranger's help to combat the creature. There's so much more to the story and characters, you won't want to miss, including love.
That concludes my downtime day. What do you do when you need downtime?

To Write or Not To Write

I love writing romance. So why is it that I find other things that must suddenly be done before I get my butt in the chair to write? And why is it that once I am writing I don't want to stop? It's sought of a catch 22 situation, or damned if I do and damned if I don't. An age-old question asked by all writers one time or another, and one with no definitive answer. Though I sometimes wonder if I actually feel guilty about doing something I love, and therefore, I feel that I have no right to enjoy myself. So naturally I force myself to do the necessary or boring chores before I can reward myself.
Then of course there is also the problem of people thinking you don't REALLY work when you're home writing. I continue to remind myself not to answer the phone, let the machine pick up, but there's something about a ringing phone I just can't ignore. My writing friends will ask are you busy and if I tell them I'm writing, they always say I'll let you go, give me a call when you're free to talk. Some of my family do the same, and then there are those that don't and continue to do so no matter how many times you tell them. But I am learning and using caller ID to my advantage.
So to write or not to write is not really the question, since I always get my butt in the chair and write. I suppose the question truly is do I ALLOW myself to write or not to write. Do I shed the guilt and allow myself to enjoy my work? Do I tell those pesky people who don't think I REALLY work that I'm busy with a hot hunky Highlander and I much prefer spending time with him than talking on the phone?
As I said, I love writing romance. I love creating characters and bringing them to life and seeing what will happen to them, for they never fail to surprise me with a twist or turn until finally love conquers all. And that's another great thing about writing romance, you know it's going to end happily ever after.
So after writing this blog, I definitely have the writing itch and while there are other things that need doing,I'm going to scratch that itch and write and... not feel guilty for enjoying myself.
I invite you to do the same... don't feel guilty for doing something you enjoy.
Take a moment and let me know what you're doing that you enjoy. It will help me and countless others feel less guilty!

Flower Symbolism

A busy weekend ahead baking, buying chocolate bunnies, coloring eggs, putting together Easter baskets (don't forget the jelly beans) and buying flowers. You can drive down almost any road in Jersey this weekend and you'll find someone selling flowers from the back of a truck, or a roadside stand. You'll find your usual assortment of Easter flowers and people. There'll be kids bouncing out of cars, eager to pick flowers for mom and grandma, and then there are the husbands anxious to find something special for their wives and something nice for their mothers. I get a kick out of seeing the men who buy bunches of flowers, since they're not sure who'll be at the family gathering and they don't want to be caught short, bless their souls.
Being it's Friday and you have a little time and thought to put into your choice of flowers, I thought it would be a good idea to let you know the meaning of popular Easter flowers. This way you can give a specific flower to a specific person, for a specific reason, and also flower symbolism can make for a great conversation. Daffodils (my favorite) means I'm happy when I'm with you. Tulips expresses your love. Calla Lily means you're beautiful. Hyacinth is pure happiness. Iris signifies meaningful friendship and hope. Orchid means your thoughtful and loving. Pansy let's someone know 'you are on my mind.'
Have a Happy Easter everyone!

Imagination

Where would a writer be without imagination? Where would anyone be without it? I'm always amazed when someone tells me they have no imagination. Imagination never leaves you, you leave it.
Think about when you were a child and the games you made up, the hours you spent with your toys. Even playing video games takes imagination. It takes imagining yourself part of that game to succeed or enjoy it. And then there are your daydreams. Where do you think they're conjured up? You're imagination lets you be anything you want to be. Why do you think Halloween has gained in popularity? Grownups can be kids once again and dress up in any costume they want and no one will laugh, unless the costume is funny. And then there's the books we read. How often do you imagine yourself one of the characters? You face the perils and passion along with the heroine and for awhile escape. What a great way to get away from it all.
One person who had a fantastic imagination was Walt Disney. And you have to admit that when you go to one of his theme parks, and just like the commercial, you turn into a kid again. But, hey, imagination let's you be whatever you want, or as Disney himself said, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."
I love calling on my imagination and I'm thrilled when it calls on me. It takes me places I've never been and helps me create characters that fast become good friends. Why did I choose to blog about imagination today? I imagine it's because too many people of late have been insisting that they have no imagination. I know that their imaginations are probably poking and prodding them, trying desperately to get their attention. And even when it shows up, they don't recognize it as such. So I want to let everyone know not to ignore their imagination. It's crying out to you, embrace and remember Disney's words. "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

Sneak Peek

If you'd like to take a sneak peek read of the third book in the Sinclare brothers' series, The Angel and The Highlander, then pop on over to Avon's Love Gives Back. And after you're done getting a taste of Lachlan, you can read Return of the Rogue in its entirety there, though time is limited, so don't waste a moment.
Each month Avon offers new releases for sneak peeks and the authors choose a back list title to make available to their readers. I chose Return of the Rogue so that those who haven't read the first book in the Sinclare brothers' series would have the opportunity to meet the brothers from the beginning. And if you're new to the series, Artair's story Under The Highlander's Spell follows Return of the Rogue. The four book series ends with the youngest of the Sinclare brothers, Ronan. His book Highlander's Forbidden Bride has a tentative release date of January 2010.
It seems like only yesterday the Sinclare brothers introduced themselves to me and I began telling their stories. I loved being involved in their lives and cheered as each one found love. And I looked forward to bringing Ronan home to his family. I can't say I have a favorite brother, since all four have distinct personalities that I found more than simply appealing. They are each special in their own way.
So hurry and go read the sneak peek and see what Lachlan, the charmer of the four brothers is up to.

Romance Books & The Recession

It seems that romance books are experiencing "recession-busting sales" according to a Canadian article. People want to feel good and what better way than to read a book with a guaranteed happy ending. But romance books are so much more than simply a happy ending. It takes good characterization, a range of emotions and a strong plot to get to that happy ending.
Ask any avid romance reader why she reads a romance and by the time she's done telling you, you'll hurry to the store to buy one... one she recommended.
And while most believe it's only women who read romances, they'd be wrong. I was doing a book signing with two other romance authors in a mall bookstore when a man walked up and asked which one of us was Donna Fletcher. I raised my hand and smiled. He told me that he loved my books and read them on the bus on his way to work. I was stunned, not only that he read them, but read them on the bus to work. And, yes, he bought my book. He made my day and he hasn't been the only male romance reader I have had the pleasure to met.
There's tons of great books out there to read and tons of great authors, but there's something extra special about romance books. Once you fall in love with them, there's no turning away. You're hooked and I must admit, it's not a bad addiction, not bad at all.