Characters I Love to Read and Write

Characters I Love to Read and Write

Would you still love the books you love if the characters developed differently? Would Harry Potter be just as great if Hermione was focused on fashion rather than magic and studying? Would Silence of the Lambs be as disturbing if Hannibal Lecter merely killed his...
Schedules: Not Just for the Anal Retentive

Schedules: Not Just for the Anal Retentive

I’m a touch anal retentive. I like rules. In fact, it’s how I make my living. I like knowing what’s going to happen so I plan things out, even for contingencies that won’t likely happen. I’m very well prepared for the zombie apocalypse, btw. But by planning, I take...
Am I Still a Romance Writer?

Am I Still a Romance Writer?

I started writing romance when I was 15. I fell in love with the genre after reading a series of historicals by Patricia Matthews and Kathleen Woodiwiss. I think I loved historicals initially because it was about women doing things they wanted or had to, in an...
The Seven Layers of Writing

The Seven Layers of Writing

When I think of writing, I think of a recipe. I know some writers are loathe to think of a formula for a book, but for me – scientist, plotter, chart maker extraordinaire – I hope that by following even a basic recipe I will produce a good product. The recipe is...
Literary License: Taking History for a Ride

Literary License: Taking History for a Ride

My very first contest win was with an historical entitled Southern Belle, a post-Civil War story set in the fictional town of Belle Terre, Louisiana. This was before they told me post-Civil War stories didn’t sell, but not before I imagined an epic love story spanning...