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.

Characters of the Week

Lucian Darcmoor, or as he's referred to in The Buccaneer, Captain Lucifer, is a favorite character of mine. I've had the pleasure of revisiting him since I'm getting the book ready to be made available as an e-book. A handsome man besieged with justifiable anger, he captures the daughter of the man he perceives as his enemy. He intends to take his revenge out on her, thus making his foe suffer. Catherine, however, has a different plan in mind. One that not only drives the captain crazy, but has him losing his heart to a very special woman. And as cliched as it might be I had to have a scene where he holds her tight and swings on a rope from one ship to another. He just wouldn't be a pirate if he didn't do that. Then there's the rescue scene. I recall writing it and thinking how would Captain Lucifer save the woman he loved. The answer was simple. He wouldn't let anything stop him from reaching her even if it meant marching straight into into the hands of his enemy.

Other characters I want to mention are from a book I'm reading and one I've already read.
I'm having a delightful time reading Murder by the Slice by Livia J. Washburn. I adore the main character Phyllis Newsom, a retired middle school teacher. Between trying not to interfere with her son Mike's, a Parker County sheriff's deputy, investigations and in constant baking competition with her best friend Carolyn Wilbarger and finding herself attracted to her new boarder Sam Fletcher (great last name) she's got her hands full. Phyllis is one of those no nonsense characters with a big heart who you never grow tired reading about.

And then there's Maggie O'Neil from The Trouble with Magic by Madelyn Alt. I get a kick out of Maggie who has some trouble adjusting to her new found abilities as an empath. Her new boss Felicity Dow, a proclaimed witch guides and helps her adapt. But Maggie's Catholic guilt keeps getting in the way, not to mention her family. You can't help but love, laugh and cheer for Maggie, and of course continue to read her adventures. A great character and series if you like magic.


That's this week's cast of characters. Look for more next week and happy reading!

Donna's Older Titles

I'm pleased to announce that I've gotten the rights back to some of my older books, and excited that I will eventually be offering them as ebooks. My first book San Francisco Surrender will be the first one available followed by one of my favorites The Buccaneer.
I'll be letting you know more about it in future blogs, so stay tuned for all breakout news!

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.