Spotlight in Six - Shirley Jump

This month please welcome bestselling author Shirley Jump to our Spotlight in Six! Shirley's got a new book out in the Brides for All Seasons series, and here she is to tell us a little about herself!

1) Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

My answer probably isn't a lot different from everyone else's--I find ideas everywhere. I read voraciously, everything from Newsweek to Rachael Ray magazine to cereal boxes, and watch so much television, I should just glue one to my forehead. ;-). All that media influence gives me a swirl of ideas floating around in my head. Like with MARRY-ME CHRISTMAS, I thought about food (okay, so I'm ALWAYS thinking about food) and whether a food could make someone fall in love. I've seen all these destination restaurant/shop/diner shows and thought I could combine something like that with a food that made someone fall in love and chose my favorite food--cookies. That's where the idea for MARRY-ME CHRISTMAS came from. I set the story in Riverbend, which was really popular with readers last Christmas (in MIRACLE ON CHRISTMAS EVE) and brought back several favorite characters (including Earl, who gets more of a starring role this time, and a little love story of his own). I used to keep folders with ideas but they were starting to take over my filing cabinet, and I found that I kept having so many new ideas I didn't get back to the old ones. So now I just let them file away in the old noggin', and somehow they shuffle out when I need them.

2) Writers often use photos of celebrities as "casting". Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

I don't use any photos or images of anyone. I find it distracts me to base my characters on anyone real. I want them to form themselves, with their own looks, personalities and quirks. A few times, I've had to provide the art department with a photo of a character, and that's been tough, because I can see the character in my mind, but there is no one person who looks like my character, if that makes sense. They are as individual as my brother and sister, as quirky as my cousins and aunts and uncles (apologies to the fam ;-) and as unique as anyone you know in your life.

3) What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

I call the beginning of the book the "honeymoon" phase. It's like meeting a new person. You really, really like them. You can't WAIT to get to know them more, to hear their story. To see them again and again. I'm writing and writing and writing, dying to see what happens next. I get about a third to halfway in, and then--

The book begins to stall. I start writing one word at a time. Every sentence is a chore. I don't like these people all that much. I've spent way too much time with them and they are SO uncooperative. That's when I know it's time to go back and revise. I do a pretty massive revision at this point of the book, looking for all those clues that will tell me how to move forward. I'm more of a pantser than a plotter, so my subconscious usually buries everything that I need back in the original few chapters. There's that offhand remark by the hero about a girlfriend in the past, or the heroine's single reference to a tragedy. That starts my brain moving and asking all the questions that deepen the middle and move the book forward. Then I get to the point a couple chapters before the end, and I am stuck again.

That's when the next massive revision happens, and probably the time when I am the worst person to live with. I am writing the black moment of the book, when things seem the worst for the characters, and it seems there is no way they can solve their problems--and to me, as the author, I can't see a way out either. I go back and reread, and revise, and thank goodness, that trusty subconscious has buried little nuggets again, and I can write the rest. But those two stopping points are the worst for me as I puzzle through the turns in the plot.

4) When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

Anyone who knows me knows I am a shopper. I love the mall, love to get out there and shop! I just finished a book, and have a revision to turn in before the middle of the month, then I'm free for the holidays--to shop! I love, love, love shoes, and those are probably my biggest downfall. I also LOVE to cook. My blog (http://www.shirleyjump.blogspot.com/) is all about cooking. I post recipes most days of the week, and also do a writing lesson three times a month on Mondays. Cooking is my "downtime" thing and it really relaxes me. I'm one of those quick and easy cooks, though, so I'm usually in and out with most recipes in a half hour, hour tops. And the dishes are always left for someone else ;-).

5) Imagine you're stranded - where are you and who are you with?

Besides my family? And a whole lot of books to read? Because seriously, I'd want them and a LOT of books to read! That's the one thing I do on vacation, is read CONSTANTLY. I don't get nearly enough time to read when I'm working, and I've been known to read 10 or 12 books in a week when we go on vacation. And I don't get near enough time with my family when I'm on deadline, because my head is buried in my laptop, so I'd love more time with my kids and husband. So strand me with them ;-)

6) Finally, Shirley, please tell us what's up and coming for you in the months ahead!

So much! I am contracted all the way through the rest of next year, so I'll be busy writing all year. This month, I have a Harlequin Romance, MARRY-ME CHRISTMAS and a new single title out with Zebra, SIMPLY THE BEST. Then in February, a Harlequin Diamond Anniversary release, THE BRIDESMAID AND THE BILLIONAIRE. In June, I'll have another Romance, DOORSTEP DADDY, plus a new Christmas book in October, A PRINCESS FOR CHRISTMAS. And my second release for Next, AROUND THE BED, is being released in August, with a second printing of THE OTHER WIFE. Also, my first collaboration with my daughter, THE WELL, a horror young adult, will be released in September 2009 under the pen name AJ Whitten by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Graphia imprint. I think I'll be sleeping in December ;-).

Um Shirley...you do realize that's EIGHT releases, right? (does it make you wonder when she has time to sleep? Cook? Watch tv?)

Shirley's giving away a copy of last season's MIRACLE ON CHRISTMAS EVE! Just send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line SHIRLEY and we'll draw at the end of the month!

Thanks Shirley for being with us!

Spotlight in Six - Melissa McClone

This month we welcome Melissa McClone to the hotseat with her Spotlight in Six!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

I find ideas everywhere. Sometimes I hear a song on the radio or I'm watching a movie or show and think "what if..." Magazines, newspapers, books, even eavesdropping provide tons of fodder for book ideas, too.

The idea for my November release, Rescued By the Magic of Christmas, came from two places all related to the same news story. Three climbers went missing on Mount Hood (about an hour and a half from where I live) in December of 1996. I wanted to know more and ended up on a Pacific Northwest Climbing forum. Mountain rescuers who had been part of the search up to that point were posting. One or two had been on the mountain that day.

I thought a man like of these guys (volunteer, dedicated, using skills/talent to help others) would make a great romance hero. The only problem I thought I'd have would be finding the right story. A day or so later, I was watching the rescue mission on a cable news channel when the idea for the book hit me. I grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled out a one page synopsis.

Writers often use photos of celebrities as "casting". Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

I use pictures for "inspiration" all the time. I'm very visual, and though my characters are never that particular person, I need a marker so to speak. Some of my past Harlequin romance heroes have been inspired by Eddie Cibrian, Eric Close, Gabriel Aubry.

For my mountain rescue hero, Jake Porter, I didn't use a celebrity for inspiration, but pictures of actual mountain rescuers. Esquire Magazine provided eleventh hour help with this style spread featuring members of Portland Mountain Rescue. Some of the guys pictured helped me with my research, too!

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

I'll start with my least favorite part...the blank page. I'm what you'd call a rewriter. I much prefer revising to the actual writing part. The other part I've struggled with in the past has been chapters four and five. I seem to hit a big bump after writing the first three chapters for some reason.

My favorite part is writing the end (i.e. the resolution.) I love bringing two characters together so that they can live their happily ever after! And of course, the actual writing of "THE END" is always nice, too.

When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

When I'm not writing, I'm taking care of my family. I have three children (ages 10, 8 and 5), three cats and a dog so I keep pretty busy aside from writing.

To pamper myself, I read and I climb. I discovered climbing while researching my November book and fell in love with the sport in spite of my fear of heights. It's the one thing I've found to quiet the voices in my head and allow me to get away from everything whether its for a few hours at the rock gym or a couple of days outside somewhere. The perfect pampering for a writer-mom!

Imagine you're stranded - where are you and who are you with?

Hmmm...I've written two stranded romance novels, and I much prefer the tropical setting in my Silhouette Romance, The Wedding Adventure to the snowy forest in my Harlequin Romance, SOS Marry Me. It's warmer and much easier to find food!

So I'm imagining my husband and I on a sunny island somewhere with the scents of salt water, cocoa butter and rum in the air. But since I hike and climb, there's a better chance I'd actually end up in stranded in a snowy forest with one of my climbing partners!

Finally, Melissa, please tell us what's up and coming for you in the months ahead!

As I mentioned above, Rescued by the Magic of Christmas hits the shelves this month. Blind Date with the Millionaire will be out in June 2009. The book is the third in a trilogy called Blinddatebrides.com with Jennie Adams (book 1 out in April 2009) and Fiona Harper (book 2 out in May 2009.)

Melissa also has an online read going on at the Mills and Boon website! Click here to read her short story, HUSBAND MATERIAL!

Spotlight in October - Ally Blake

This month our Spotlight shines on Harlequin Romance, and new Harlequin Presents author Ally Blake.

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

Everywhere. They come to me in the shower, watching the news, talking with friends, listening to music, going for a walk. The first idea can be the smallest thing; an image of a beautiful indoor pool, a couple locked in a building in the dark, a restaurant that makes you hand in your mobile phone to the cloak room, these ideas all gave me stories.

My current Harlequin Romance HIRED: THE BOSS’S BRIDE came about after I went to a fine art auction with a friend who had a painting for sale. It was very elegant, very cool, and lots of fun!

Writers often use photos of celebrities as "casting". Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

Since my very first book, since before I even knew it was a thing writers did! I had Chris Noth of Mr Big fame very much in mind in writing my first hero, and funnily enough Charlotte from Sex and the City looked so much like my heroine it was uncanny. Having those pictures in mind to ground me has meant I’ve done the same thing on every book since! My most used inspiration would be Christian Bale. I’ve been a fan of his since I was 13 years old so I think I can claim him all for my very own!

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

I love the beginning, when everything is new and fresh and exciting, when the page is blank, the possibilities are endless, and I feel blithely unaware of what my hero and heroine are going to put me through. (You’d think after 18 books I’d have leant by now!) I also love typing those two magical words “the end”. To have gone through the wringer with my characters and have all come out the other end in pretty much one piece is always a thrill. My least favourite part? Now that I have a beautiful 10 month old daughter, when deadlines are close I have to lock myself away for a couple of days and let my hubby get to do all the fun cuddly kissy stuff with her while I’m strapped to my computer ;).

When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

I follow my little girl around. I clean the spots atop the kitchen cupboards where she manages to fling food. I wash her clothes – which she has far more of than I do. And we read, and cuddle, and dance, and play with her little friends. And every now and then when I’m really lucky my other mum friends and I get to leave the kids at home and go on a shopping date for a whole afternoon!

Imagine you're stranded - where are you and who are you with?

You know what? I’ve love to be stranded right where I am. Snug in my home, with my husband and little girl, our plethora of pets, the sun shining, the sounds of the neighbourhood filtering through the open windows, and a cupboard full of chocolate! My star sign is Cancer. Obvious, huh?

Finally, Ally, please tell us what's up and coming for you in the months ahead!

September, October and November see three releases across North America in three months, which is really exciting.

In September THE MAGNATE’S INDECENT PROPOSAL was my first ever Harlequin Presents release. My latest Harlequin Romance, HIRED: THE BOSS’S BRIDE is out in October in the UK and North America. And A NIGHT WITH THE SOCIETY PLAYBOY is out now in the UK as a Modern Heat, and next month through Harlequin Presents across North America.

Our September Winner!

Congratulations to Kathleen Evans, our Spotlight in Six prize winner!



Kathleen has won a signed copy of Trish Wylie's THE MILLIONAIRE'S PROPOSAL. Kathleen - if you can e-mail the blog (hrablog@hotmail.com) with your mailing address, we'll pass it on to Trish and she'll send out your prize!

Spotlight in Six - Trish Wylie

Please welcome Trish Wylie to the Spotlight in Six this month!

A reader favourite, Trish is here to talk about writing in general and her latest Romance release, The Millionaire's Proposal, in particular.

This book is the "Fall Brides" contribution to the "Bride for All Seasons" series...Welcome, Trish!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

In the most random of random places frankly. Magazine articles, line from a song, a scene in a movie, a conversation with a friend. It starts with that small random thing and then has a tendency to snowball…

Writers often use photos of celebrities as 'casting'. Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

Yup. I do. And I even have a theory all my own to go with it. I call it Backwards Casting and you can learn all about it on the Tips Page of my website. These days I even make up story boards with pics of each scene to help me along. In The Millionaire’s Proposal we had the very lovely Hugh Jackman as my inspiration for Ronan and the gorgeous Emily Deschanel of Bones fame as Kerry’s inspiration… I’m a bit of a fan of the tall,dark and handsome hero so a lot of my heroes have had that combo; Kyle Chandler, David Boreanaz, Eric Bana… go Google them. You know you want to ;)

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

My favorite part is the creative stage.The part where your imagination can let loose and run wild and free. My least favorite is of course that horrific middle section of the story when all you want to do is get to the good stuff but your word count says a big fat NO. It’s probably because it involves discipline – and I parted the ways with discipline the second I could afford to buy chocolate on my own…

When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

I’m an outdoors kinda gal so I like to go play with my horses or go for walks with the family’s gazillion dogs by the lakes or take trips abroad and go sight-seeing. It helps to balance out the many, many months I spend locked indoors tied to a computer and immobile barring the hand to mouth problem most writers suffer from. I also LOVE a day doing hair and nails followed by an afternoons shopping and dinner out somewhere with the gals. BLISS.

Imagine you're stranded - where are you and who are you with?

Oooohhh. Anywhere??? Can I be stranded on a Fiji island like the one out of this month’s book? I based it on Turtle Island. Doesn’t it look like heaven on earth??? And I think for conversation, mental stimulation and erm… well… you can fill in the blank here yourself… I’d quite like to be stranded with a cross between Nathan Fillion, David Boreanaz and Tom Welling.

Not asking much, am I? And now we can ALL SEE why I’m still single, can’t we?!

Finally,Trish, please tell us what's up and coming for you in the months ahead!

The Millionaire’s Proposal is the last Romance of 2008 for me, (but I do have a Presents out in the States in December). In 2009 I have a February book for the Romance line titled Manhattan Boss, Diamond Proposal. With a hint of Breakfast at Tiffany’s running through it, the book is one of several Diamond Themed books in celebration of Harlequin’s 60th Anniversary in 2009!

NOW COMES THE FUN PART! For your chance to win a signed copy of The Millionaire's Proposal, send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line TRISH! You have until the 30th, and then we'll be drawing! Good luck!

Spotlight in Six - Donna Alward

This month Romance author Jackie Braun takes the reins and turns the Spotlight on Donna Alward, whose current release is FALLING FOR MR. DARK AND DANGEROUS.

Where do you get the ideas for your books?

Ideas are everywhere. Sometimes I’ll get the idea from a headline or another person and an experience they are going through. For this book, I had introduced the heroine (or at least the idea of her) in earlier books. I wanted to find someone for Maggie that was the exact opposite of what she’d want. And then my husband was talking to a couple of buddies that are Marshals and I asked if they’d give me information, and it all kind of generated from there. I know for my next book I got the idea from watching The Princess Diaries (One and Two, I have girls,lol). My editor called and asked if I could write a cowboy story. Then it was a matter of “marrying” the two worlds together – Alberta Ranch and Mediterranean Royalty!

When you find time to read, who are your favorite authors?

My favourite author of all time is LaVyrle Spencer. There are times I just NEED her so I pull out my very worn copies. I also recently discovered Julianne MacLean. I love her historicals, and I also like a lot of Judith McNaught’s regencies. If I’m reading category romance, Liz Fielding and Lucy Gordon are two of my absolute faves.

Do you ever use real situations or experiences from your own life in your books?

Of course I do! A shocking number of my recipes end up in my books. My characters are always eating. LOL. And little things that happen often morph their way in. I had a lot of people who know me say they saw a lot of me in The Soldier’s Homecoming, especially in the way Shannyn spoke to her daughter. And a scene in The Rancher’s Runaway Princess is straight from an experience with my husband. Only more angsty and pretty, LOL.

When you're not writing what fills up your time?

Motherhood, wifedom, and I tend to enjoy a lot of things and have trouble with the word “no”, so lord only knows where you’ll find me. I stay pretty musical, and unless I’m severely deadlined, I don’t work at night. After 8 p.m. I’m either reading or watching dvd’s. Something completely relaxing.

Okay, Donna, you've asked other spotlighted authors to imagine they are stranded and then to share where that might be and with whom. Turnabout is fair play. So, do tell.

The politically correct answer is my husband. However in the interest of fantasy, if I’m stranded I’m going to be snuggled up in a cottage in the English Countryside. Jamie Bamber will be there. I will be fifty pounds lighter and we will drink wine and talk about very interesting subjects in foreign languages. Of course I probably wouldn't understand him, but would that really matter? LOL

What are you working on now and what other books of yours can we look forward to reading in the months ahead?

January sees the release of THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, which was so much fun to write and I cried writing the last third – my husband was working in Hawaii and I was stuck in Canadian winter and typing with a cast on my arm. I absolutely loved how it all came together and wrote the last 17000 words of it in one weekend. Then in June of 09 we have HIRED: THE ITALIAN'S BRIDE which filled my desire to write an Italian hero – only I transplanted him to beautiful Banff and the Rocky Mountains and gave him a damaged heroine who is reclaiming her life.



Right now I’m working on a Christmas novella that is scheduled for the holiday season in 2009, and which will lead into a couple of linked books that I'm really excited about.





Now here's the part that's fun....for your chance to win a copy of Donna's August release, FALLING FOR MR. DARK AND DANGEROUS, just drop a line to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line DONNA and we'll draw at the end of the month!

Spotlight in Six: Jessica Hart!

We're thrilled to have Jessica Hart with us this month for our Spotlight. Jessica is also offering a great prize to a lucky reader: a signed copy of her new release Newlyweds of Convenience, as well as a special Jessica Hart tote bag!

1. Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

Sometimes a song or a film can trigger a light bulb moment. For instance, the idea for the book I’m writing at the moment came about as a result of a discussion I had with a friend as we were driving back from seeing MADE OF HONOUR recently, and NEWLYWEDS OF CONVENIENCE (July 2008) was inspired by seeing a trailer for THE PAINTED VEIL. I really liked the idea of a woman falling in love with her own husband, and started to think about how that might work in a book. But I get most of my ideas from talking with friends. We go out and have a bottle of wine and thrash out our latest emotional crises, and it’s amazing how often a germ of an idea arises from those discussions … I’m always asking my accountant if my bar bill could be tax deductible!

2. Writers often use photos of celebrities as "casting". Do you do this,and who has inspired some of your characters?

Not really. I did have a photo of Patrick Dempsey modelling Versace stuck up by my computer when I was writing CINDERELLA’S WEDDING WISH (2009) but that was more for the way he was wearing the suit than any similarity with what my hero looked like. Otherwise, I tend not to have a very detailed image of my characters in mind. In real life I think attraction is often a gradual process, so I like to have heroes who seem quite ordinary-looking to begin with, but who become steadily irresistible to the heroine as she falls in love with him.

3. What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Isthere a particular section that you struggle with?

Struggle??? Oh, yes, indeedy! Chapter 7 on the first draft is my most common crisis point. It always feels like I’ve been writing and writing and I’m not getting anywhere, and that what I have done is an absolute disaster. Invariably I get to the point where I realise that I’m going to have to bite the bullet and rewrite entire book – ugh, I hate that moment! I think the bit I like best is plotting, which for me means sitting down with a friend and a bottle of wine and thrashing out the whys and wherefores of the back story. The story always has so much potential at this point, and I feel as if it’s going to be the best book ever - until I start writing! The truth is that I like being a writer, but I don’t really like writing that much … although I absolutely love typing ‘The End’!

4. When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

It’s embarrassing to realise how many of my favourite activities revolve around food and drink! I love cooking, and eating, and meeting friends for coffee or a glass of wine. One of my favourite evenings is playing bridge with fellow foodies, where we take it in turns to cook a special meal, and hunch over the cards until the small hours. I love to walk, too, although now have to leave my elderly dog behind, and my ideal holiday is walking somewhere wild with a big horizon. But really what I like to do best is to talk, and I don’t mind where I am or what I’m doing as long as I can have a really good conversation – maybe to make up for all the hours I have to sit silently in front of my computer! As for pampering, I always celebrate finishing a book in my lovely bathroom, lying back in a deep bath with candles, bubbles, music - and a glass of champagne.

5. Imagine you're stranded - where are you and who are you with?

It just so happens that the book I’m writing at the moment is set on a private island in the Maldives, so I wouldn’t mind being there in the shade of a leaning coconut palm, looking out at that perfect lagoon (in my mind, I already am!) and if I could be with someone who loves me the way Tom loves Imogen, that would be very nice!

6. Finally, Jessica, please tell us what's up and coming for you in themonths ahead!

I’m off to San Francisco for my very first RWA conference at the end of this month, so am looking forward to that with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Barbara Hannay, Barbara McMahon and I are presenting a workshop on writing romance for a global audience, and will be talking about how to achieve the emotional tension that is key to Harlequin Romance, and that appeals to women around the world. It’s quite difficult trying to plan it when we live on three different continents, but we’re hoping the workshop will be fun as well as useful, so think of us on Friday 1 August!

September marks a personal milestone for me when I turn 50 (I’m trying to be brave about it) and by a happy coincidence my 50th book, Last-Minute Proposal, will be published in October. I’m already planning a party to celebrate both!

Thanks Jessica! To enter the monthly contest to win Newlyweds of Convenience AND the tote bag, drop a line to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line Jessica and we'll draw right around the time that she's giving that workshop! :-)

Spotlight Winner!

Congratulations to Robyn Lee who has won our Spotlight in Six contest! Robyn, I've forwarded your info to Barbara so she can pop your book in the mail.

Come back later this week for this month's releases!

Spotlight in Six - Barbara McMahon

This month's spotlight is with Barbara McMahon, whose latest release, The Pregnancy Promise, features a unique twist on the twin relationship!

Thanks for joining us, Barbara!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

Hard to answer--everywhere. I had the inspiration for DADDY AND DAUGHTERS from seeing a really cute young man with a toddler. No wife in evidence. Another--ONE STUBBORN COWBOY is about a crippled rodeo rider. I got that idea when I came out of the supermarket one day and say a rugged cowboy sitting in a truck in a handicap space--wheelchair in the back. Sometimes a song, a picture, or just by watching people.

Writers often use photos of celebrities as “casting”. Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

No, I usually picture them in my mind. Once finished a book, sometimes I’ll look for a photo that matches what I’ve envisioned to send to the art department. They rarely use them, however, and most of the time I don’t recognize the people on the cover as the same as the way I imagined the hero and heroine to look.


What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

I love starting and ending a novel. It’s so exciting to begin the story and get to know the character and start the conflict and motivation part. But the middle always slows me down. I know where I want to go, but getting there sometimes is a chore. I write linearly so don’t jump around. That’s part of what drives me, I want to get to scenes I’ve seen in my head and have to transition to get there. Friends who write scenes as they come and then put them together later are a marvel to me. I’d have all the fun with the scenes I really liked and then skip the transitions, which, for me, would mean no book.

When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

I’m very involved in our county’s (rural county) genealogy group and in the Daughters of the American Revolution. I love researching family history, whether it’s mine or someone else’s. A friend of mine and I are also transcribing all the old tombstones in our historic cemeteries. (We live in Gold Rush country in California.) There are no records for those old cemeteries and the stones are wearing out fast. We are capturing what we can, mapping them, so future genealogists can find ancestors buried in our county.

My idea of a pampered day is to sleep late, like 8 o’clock which is late for me. Have a nice breakfast on the deck, and then sit in a comfy chair and read. I don’t read much while writing, so between projects, I read constantly.


Imagine you’re stranded - where are you and who are you with?

I’d love to be stranded on a deserted island in the middle of a tropical sea, with plenty of food and water. I’d have my family there with me, especially my adorable grandchildren, and maybe a couple of good friends. I’d also want pad and pencil as I can’t be away from writing for too long without needing to jot down ideas and notes.


Finally, Barbara, please tell us what’s up and coming for you in the months ahead!

This month’s book, (June) THE PREGNANCY PROMISE, is the first of two linked books. In July, PARENTS IN TRAINING will be published. The heroines of the books are twins. I love twin stories and am fascinated with how two people can look alike and be different.

I’m currently working on another book that will be out early next year but the title and pub dates haven’t been set. That one I’m calling Baby Lost, Baby Found. After that I’m writing about a fabulously wealthy Greek playboy and a woman who returns to Greece to find her family. And then I’m doing a book about a hot air balloon race across Spain. I have plenty to keep me busy over the next months.

If you want a chance to win Barbara's June book, THE PREGNANCY PROMISE, just send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line of Barbara and we'll do the draw at the end of the month!

Spotlight in Six - Natasha Oakley

This month we're thrilled to shine the spotlight on Romance's RITA finalist...Natasha Oakley!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

Ideas are the easy bit. I just have them. Always have and it was a huge surprise to me when I discovered other people didn’t have stories popping spontaneously into their heads. What very dull lives they must lead.

‘Fresh’ ideas are perhaps more tricky. In romances I think you’d be hard pushed to find an idea which hasn’t already been used. The knack is to be really character focused. Everyone is different, shaped by different experiences, and when you allow your characters to be multi-faceted that automatically takes a book in a direction which is distinctly ‘yours’.

Writers often use photos of celebrities as “casting”. Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

Well, I play at it because fellow Pink Heart Society editors do it! It’s kinda fun but it’s not honestly something I need to do. A celebrity comes with too much ‘baggage’ really and it gets in the way. Occasionally I happen across a particular photo where there’s an expression, a look in the eyes, which sets my imagination alight but that’s more about ‘where ideas come from’ than a need to ‘cast’.

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

The beginning is by far the worst for me. I hate that blank page. And then there’s the fear of failure. It’s about finally letting go of a lovely big WIP and starting all over with people you don’t know so well.

I’m a ‘tidy’ writer. I’m much slower at the beginning of a book than I am towards the end. I’ll go back and comb through new ideas before I can move on. I don’t write a ‘dirty’ draft. When I get to the end I can push ‘send’ straight away. It’s a bit like building a house. I have to have the foundations really solid before I’m ready to move on.

When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

I watch a lot of movies. A glass of wine, large packet of cheddars and a romantic comedy and I’m a very happy girl.

My all time favourite is a little black and white movie called ‘Hobson’s Choice’. Directed by David Lean, it was released in 1954 and stars the great Sir John Mills as Willy Mossop, the boot-maker. It’s pure charm. Find it if you can.

Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?

Danescombe Cottage in Cornwall. It’s my favourite place on earth. Tucked away in a wood behind Cotehele House, it’s owned by the National Trust and you can rent it for holidays – which my mum and dad did when I was ten. (http://www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk/)

We had ‘the’ most fantastic holiday there. We made dams in the little streams all about, walked for miles, played cards (I’m a demon card player) and wandered up through the gardens of Cotehele House whenever we chose. It’s a little piece of heaven.

I wouldn’t mind being stranded there with my husband but I’m going to go for my late mum. I miss her.

Finally, Natasha, please tell us what’s up and coming for you in the months ahead!

I’m currently writing book two of a ‘sheikh duet’. The first one is ‘Cinderella and the Sheikh’ and that’ll be out January 09 and the second one, the one I’m writing now, is tentatively called ‘The Desert King’s Bride’. Both books are set in my fictional kingdom of ‘Amrah’ which I’ve squeezed in next to Oman. Just room there I thought! Hanif is getting paired with Seb’s ‘wild child’ younger sister from ‘Crowned: An Ordinary Girl’.

This month I’m at the Lincoln Book Festival on a Mills & Boon panel with Kate Walker, Trish Wylie and Kate Hardy. 17th May if you are in the area. It would be lovely to see you. http://www/lincolnbookfestival.co.uk

The other thing that’s happening this month is I become Bedfordshire libraries ‘writer in residence’. This is part of the UK’s 2008 Year of Reading which is all about promoting a love of reading. Each of the 149 participating library authorities have been paired with a local author – not just authors of category fiction. It’s a real cross section. I’m very excited about that. http://www.yearofreading.org.uk/

Well Natasha as long as you're not busy....

Thanks for joining us this month!

Natasha is giving away a copy of her current release Wanted: White Wedding to one lucky reader. Send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line of Natasha to be entered.

Spotlight in Six - Claire Baxter

Welcome to April's Spotlight In Six! This month we have Claire Baxter with us! Claire's current release is The Single Dad's Patchwork Family.

Welcome Claire!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

They pop into my head when I’m least expecting them! Actually, I think they’re already in there – it’s the only explanation for those ideas that you wake up with.

But sometimes they need a little prompting, so I have an Ideas Box filled with newspaper and magazine clippings and other items which some instinct has told me to drop in even though I have no clue why. When I go through the box some of the bits and pieces will trigger ideas for my story and I know that’s why I included them in the first place. I think the subconscious is amazing.


Writers often use photos of celebrities as “casting”. Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

No, I don’t. When I have an idea for a book, I get a clear image of each main character in my head. In fact, they never look like celebrities. They’re just…themselves.

Once, though, I had a book half-written and was browsing the internet when I came across a photo of my hero. He was the spitting image of the guy I’d pictured, right down to the clothes!

I printed the photo and pinned it up on my board but only because it was weird to think the man I’d imagined did exist in real life. He was a model, I think.


What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

I love starting a new story (does every writer say that?). It’s true that there’s nothing more exciting.

I don’t enjoy the middle. I have to struggle through it, a page or two at a time. It’s not so much that the middle sags, more that I do. But once I near the three-quarter mark, all my enthusiasm comes back again.


When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

I read. I love reading It’s always been my favourite occupation. I also love to swim and in the warmer months, if I’m not at my computer, you’ll probably find me in the pool. Once I’ve done my laps, I like to float on one of those inflatable recliners with a book (yes, reading again).


Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?

Hmm, I was going to say “anywhere with my husband”, but then I got this vivid image of being locked in a book shop - yes, I could imagine this happening because I lose all track of time when I’m book browsing. In this fantasy, I know the staff will be back to unlock the next morning so I’m not too worried, and the best thing is, I have nothing to do but read and read and read.

Who am I with? Well, if there has to be someone else there, it needs to be someone who loves to read too so they won’t disturb me, but they also need to know how to make coffee. I know! My husband.


Finally, Claire, please tell us what’s up and coming for you in the months ahead!

‘The Single Dad’s Patchwork Family’ is out now (April) in the USA and UK, or on-line. Chase, the single dad of the title, has moved to a secluded location to raise his daughter and he plans a simple life. He meets a single mom, Regan, who is not looking for distractions either. They form a special bond which breaks down their isolation then leads to love and a blended family.

Later in the year – December – ‘Pregnant: Father Wanted’ will be released. This one is set in Italy and I had a really good time writing it. It’s the story of Lyssa, an Australian travel writer, and Ric, an Italian soccer player.


Thanks for having me! It’s been fun.

Claire is giving away a signed copy of The Single Dad's Patchwork Family to one lucky blog reader! Send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line of CLAIRE and we'll draw at the end of the month!

Spotlight in Six with Jennie Adams

This month we have Jennie Adams with us from Down Under! Jennie has a copy of her current release, To Love and To Cherish, up for grabs so read on to find out how to enter!

Welcome, Jennie!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

I think if you are in love with life and enthralled with people and the human condition and are cursed/blessed with an overactive imagination, the ideas are always going to be there. Frankly, it’s a relief to have an outlet, LOL. Where the ideas come from? That’s hard to answer. A little bit from that pondering, from wanting answers to universal questions about love, friendship, relationship, commitment, heroism and a whole lot of other stuff. A little from playing the ‘what if’ game about things I see or notice or worry or care about. And a lot from characters who circumvent any conscious thought process of mine and somehow manage to come alive to address some of those things I’ve wondered about, in their own unique way.


Writers often use photos of celebrities as “casting”. Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

I tend to divide the use of celebrity pictures between physical description, mood, and emotion. I used two different actresses for ‘The Boss’s Unconventional Assistant’, my August 08 release. A picture of Scarlett Johansson in evening wear became the inspiration for the glamorous side of Sophia Gable, but the emotion between the hero and heroine came from a beautiful movie still of a man and a woman holding each other in a kitchen. My hero description is nothing like the picture I clipped of Jude Law, but Jude’s expression encapsulates several key things about my hero’s character and emotional position.

It’s magical when you take pictures at the start of the creative process and later discover all their hidden meaning. This happened for me with my hero inspiration in my March release, ‘To Love and To Cherish’. After looking through a lot of pictures, I chose one of Keanu Reeves for my hero Jack. The picture is sensual and guarded. Keanu is in the process of pulling a dark fitted T-shirt up to take it off and his eyes are full of secrets. I had no idea when I chose the picture that it would end up representing something quite heart-wrenching about my hero.


What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

Novel writing is like bungee jumping. The big leap, the sick stomach, the soaring sensation as though you could own the whole world, over and over until it finally stops and you get off and feel sick, then line up to do it all over again. I love the start of a new story when everything is fresh and the ideas are flowing. I hate it when a new story idea won’t come together and the hero and heroine won’t ‘talk’ to me. I particularly hate it when I take that problem to stream of consciousness interviewing and my hero tells me I’m the problem, and I should loosen up! But the joys of the work far outweigh the tough bits. I wouldn’t change what I do for anything.


When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?


Well, first there’s ‘speed pampering’ for those times when there just isn’t time. Good quality facial products feel brilliant on your skin at the end of a long, tiring day. I’d say chocolate, but there are days when I think that’s more like medication. There’s a reason there’s a whole range of greeting cards and other stuff that says ‘Hand over the chocolate and nobody will get hurt’. LOL. And I love to be swept away by a great romance story, be it in film or written form, or to listen to romantic music. If you have a favourite movie or book or song, please tell me. I’d love to hear!


Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?


I’m trapped in a lift with three talkative experts who can answer all my current research questions. I think three hours should do it. And maybe when we’re all rescued, it could be by a team of Special Armed Services men who (unbeknown to us during my research talks), are here to defuse the bomb stuck to the top of the lift, save the building, the city and the country. I did mention that overactive imagination of mine, didn’t I?


Finally, Jennie, please tell us what’s up and coming for you in the months ahead!

In the month of March ‘To Love and To Cherish’ is out as a Harlequin Romance in the USA. Check it out at http://www.eharlequin.com/ in print and ebook formats or buy from the amazons. The third and final Gable Sister book, Sophia’s story, hits the shelves as ‘The Boss’s Unconventional Assistant’ in August 08 in the USA and UK. I’ve recently handed in a boss/secretary story, and I’m working on a new book and in talks with my editor about other upcoming projects. 2008 is looking to be an exciting year.

Love and hugs to you all, and please feel welcome to visit me at my website at http://www.jennieadams.net/.

Thanks Jennie! To win a copy of TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH, send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line of JENNIE. We'll draw at the end of the month!

Spotlight in Six - Nicola Marsh

Welcome to February's Spotlight in Six! This month we welcome Aussie author Nicola Marsh, who is giving away her latest release! Read on....

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

New ideas spring from everywhere…and usually when I least expect it. Want to hear something strange? A lot of my ideas come to me in that half awake/half asleep state; you know, the drowsy time just before you drop off to sleep? I’ve had ideas and the exact starting line or paragraph for several books happen this way. Weird, huh?

Writers often use photos of celebrities as “casting”. Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

I didn’t do this for my first 5 books, then discovered other authors did it and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Now, I’m hooked! Mind you, I’m not a visual writer so despite doing loads of research for the perfect hero (and yes, maybe it’s just a poor excuse for me to ogle great looking guys!) once I’ve ‘cast’ my characters, I don’t often look at the pics.

Though I find doing this helps get my creativity flowing before I start the book and is great during the revision process too, when you’ve had time away from the story and want to jump back into the ‘mood’ of the book.

As for who has inspired some of my characters, let’s focus on the heroes, shall we?
Pierce Brosnan, George Eads, Wentworth Miller, Rodrigo Santaro, Scott Speedman, David Beckham, Matthew Fox…I could go on but maybe it’s worth googling pics instead? J

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

My favourite part of writing a novel is the beginning. There’s nothing like that initial burst of creativity when the words fly from your fingertips and your characters can’t leap onto the page fast enough.

My least favourite part would have to be the insecurity. With every book I write, I wonder if my editor will like the story, then whether my readers will like the story.

As for struggling, I think the dreaded sagging middle is the hardest part of a novel to write. To keep the tension escalating, to build towards the black moment, to make sure you’re staying on track and not going off on too many tangents…the middle is tough work!

When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

Probably not a good time to ask me this, as I spend all day running after 2 boys, one an active preschooler, the other a 8 month old baby. So when I’m not writing, I’m a busy mum. Pampering is something I’m looking forward to when life gets a bit quieter…I’d love a massage…and a pedicure…and a few blissful hours curled up in bed with a great book from my TBR pile…

Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?

If we’re talking real life, I’d have to say anywhere private with my hubby.
But if we’re talking fantasy, please strand me on Capri with Don Hany (I’ve just rediscovered this Aussie actor through a fab 6 part gritty TV drama. He’s little known so I’ve attached a pic for you all. He oozes charisma on the screen…mmm…)

Finally, Nicola, please tell us what’s up and coming for you in the months ahead!

February sees the release of EXECUTIVE MOTHER-TO-BE, my Harlequin Romance featuring a high-powered TV exec producer who doesn’t have time for anything else but her career, let alone kids. So imagine Kristen’s shock when she discovers she’s pregnant…to her boss!

(I also have PURCHASED FOR PLEASURE, my first Harlequin Presents out in Feb so I’m thrilled about that. This is my Navy SEAL book and I love it!)

July sees the release of my next Romance, THE DESERT PRINCE’S PROPOSAL. Think modern sheikh without the robes: alpha, strong, sexy and you have Prince Samman. He meets his match in Bria Green, Australia’s top architect who gets more than she bargains for when she travels to the exotic desert kingdom of Adhara.

Thanks Nic! Nicola has generously offered a copy of EXECUTIVE MOTHER-TO-BE to one lucky reader! Send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with a subject line of Nicola and we'll draw at the end of the month!

Spotlight in Six - Melissa James

Welcome to the first Spotlight in Six for 2008! This month we're joined by Melissa James, whose current release is Mother In A Million.

As part of our Mills and Boon Centenary celebrations, we're holding contests throughout the year. Melissa is generously offering a signed copy of Mother In A Million to a lucky reader! All you have to do is send an e-mail with the subject line of CONTEST to hrablog@hotmail.com to be entered. The closing date is Jan 31 and then the winner will be announced on the blog and contacted for their mailing information!

Here she is....Melissa James!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

The news, the net, songs, chance remarks by family, friends, strangers – there’s so much inspiration out there. I find listening to people talking on buses and in cafes very inspiring – though it’s much harder now that everyone around me speaks in foreign languages. I’m trying to learn German but I’m finding the grammar very tough going!

Writers often use photos of celebrities as “casting”. Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

I have, actually – not all the time, just when faces inspire me. I’ve used Ewan McGregor for the face of Noah in A Mother In A Million, my January release; I’ve used Australian actor Ernie Dingo for the face of Jim in Her Outback Knight, my July 07 release. I trawl the net for faces that suit my characters, and quite often they’re just interesting faces, not famous ones.

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

Favourite? The exciting part is starting a story, with so many possibilities! I love the tense leadup to the first kiss; I love discovering things about my characters at the same time they do. I love finding beautiful similes and poetic stanza to bring my readers lovely visuals or insights to my characters.

I hate saying goodbye, really. My stories and characters haunt me while I’m writing and saying goodbye hurts. The only antidote is, of course, starting a new possibility – a new book! J

When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

Moving to Switzerland from Australia was pampering in itself in a way. We live in a small but postcard-pretty village in eastern Switzerland, in rolling hills and wine country, with the Rhine River winding through. A walk, even in freezing winter, is a treat, with the cold, clean air and the views. I love going to the movies – really looking forward to seeing P.S: I Love You with one of my new friends here. And we’re discovering the delights of skiing together as a family on weekends. I’m falling over a lot but loving it anyway! And finally, my darling husband takes us out once or twice a week to the local restaurants to try Swiss/German food. I feel very pampered lately!

Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?

Anyone apart from my darling husband, you mean? Nope, sorry, it’s just my man. We’ve been together 25 years and I’m looking forward to the rest. My kids could come along, too, if they wanted, though the fights would drive me batty. The only other non-related, non-friend person who could tempt me would be the divine and very talented Gerard Butler…but I’d still pick my man first!

Finally, please tell us what’s up and coming for you in the months ahead!

Release-wise, I have two books and a novella released this year, including taking part in two exciting promotions: the Marriages of Convenience anthology, and my novella was a ton of fun to write – an ex-rocker and a wild old boy’s daughter running off to marry for all the wrong reasons. I had a ball with it. And starting in April and finishing with my novel in September, the Wedding Planners series is a fun, touching series about 5 cynical women who find love unexpectedly – and the one woman who did believe in a happily-ever-after, whose wedding is going to save The Wedding Belles from going under (my heroine, Julie), looking as though she’s going to lose it all.

Right now, I’m working on my own series, which I’m very excited about. Look for the Suddenly Royal series in 2009…a fireman and his ballet teacher sister find their lives changing suddenly and irrevocably. It’s kind of a Princess Diaries meets Notting Hill…fun and poignant – and with very high stakes. I don’t have a release date as yet, but I’m loving writing the books and very much looking forward to seeing what my readers think of it.

Thanks for having me on the blog, and all the very best to your readers in the coming year. Happy reading with Harlequin Romance!

Spotlight in Six with...Lucy Gordon

This month we're pleased to have with us Lucy Gordon, whose current release is The Millionaire Tycoon's English Rose. Lucy was even kind enough to supply us with a few pictures to go along with her answers!

On to the questions!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

This is a real factor in my writing life at the moment, because I’ve decided to explore new territory. I’ll still be setting some of my books in Italy (the one I’m writing now is set in and around Florence) but there are other places in the world, and not all attractive men are Italians. (Don’t tell my Italian husband I said that!)

Earlier this year I went to China and saw some wonderful sights – the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors. I’m still working out a way to use China as a setting.

Writers often use photos of celebrities as “casting”. Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

I definitely do this. Among American actors I use the younger Charlton Heston a lot. For English actors I use Nathaniel Parker (the Inspector Lynley Mysteries) and Richard Armitage (Guy of Gisborne in Robin Hood.)

Nathaniel Parker is the face of hero of the book I’ve just finished, The Italian’s Cinderella Bride, out next April. It’s set in Venice. The hero is a Venetian Count living alone in a deserted palace, trying to cope with his guilt over the death of his wife. The heroine is suffering partial amnesia, and her need of his help is the thing that draws him out of the shadows.

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

The beginning, when there seems to be such a huge task ahead. I often liken it to a plane heading down the runway at the start of a journey. At about 15,000 words I usually achieve take-off, and start to believe that I can actually do this. Then it becomes really enjoyable.

When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

I love classical music, especially grand opera. I’ve got a collection of opera on DVD. I go for anything with Placido Domingo in it.

Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?

I’m with my husband, who comes from Venice, and we’re floating in a gondola, onward and onward……

Finally, Lucy, please tell us what’s up and coming for you in the months ahead!

As part of exploring new territory, I’ve ventured into Presents, and my first one is coming out next May. This is a big thrill for me. Called ‘The Italian’s Passionate Revenge’ it concerns a man who lures a woman to Rome, seeking to revenge himself on her because he blames her for the death of his cousin. But things don’t go as he planned.

At this moment I’m writing a book that’s also a departure in that it covers darker territory than I usually write about. The hero looks like Charlton Heston. He’s an Italian called Drago, a harsh troubled man whose wife left him for her lover, and the two of them died together in an accident. A year later he chances to meet the other man’s fiancée, and they grow close because they understand each other as nobody else can. It’s a troubled relationship, and their love develops against all the odds.

Thanks for visiting with us Lucy! For more info on Lucy (including her incredibly romantic story of how she met her husband), visit her website at http://www.lucy-gordon.com/.

Spotlight In Six - Rebecca Winters

One of the very best things about November and December are Christmas books and anthologies. I'm so pleased to bring you this spotlight...Rebecca is one of the authors I have read for a long time and now she's taken part in a gorgeous collection just in time for the holidays.

Christmas Proposals is out this month with other superstar authors CaroleMortimer and Marion Lennox. Here's a teaser:


HER CHRISTMAS ROMEO by Carole Mortimer

Italian executive Roberto Romeo seems very taken by his pretty sales assistant. So as the snow falls and the Christmas festivities begin, he sets about finding a new role for her…as his fiancée!

THE TYCOON'S CHRISTMAS ENGAGEMENT by Rebecca Winters

Annie can scarcely believe it when her dynamic boss, Mitch Reynolds, bestows a kiss beneath the Christmas party mistletoe. Could the tycoon really be thinking about making Annie's Christmas dreams come true?

A BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS by Marion Lennox

After wealthy Guy Carver arrives in Australia to take over Jenny Westmere's wedding salon, he finds he has only one piece of business in mind: to make Jenny and her little boy his family—by Christmas!


Now....without further ado....your SPOTLIGHT IN SIX WITH REBECCA WINTERS

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

From television programs like the discovery and history channels, from trips, from personal experiences, even a trip to the grocery store.

Writers often use photos of celebrities as “casting”. Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

I’m afraid I don’t. A picture is too confining for me. In my heart of hearts I believe I’ve always seen the ultimate hero in my mind. He’s Errol Flynn of the Sea Hawk and Captain Blood. He shows up with different colored hair and eyes, but he’s the same dashing, noble, thrilling, handsome, fantastic hero underneath.

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel?

Each part has its own fascination for me. I love the research, the first moment the hero and heroine meet, their light and dark moments, but I have to say that if there’s a struggle, it’s in the first three chapters where I’m layering the problems they have to overcome. That can be a real challenge. You know—to dig deep enough into their character.

When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

I read a lot and listen to music of all kinds, but particularly classical. My grandchildren take up a lot of my time and I love spending hours with my children. Occasionally I go out to lunch with friends which is a real high point.

Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?

That’s easy. I’m on the French Rivera with Errol Flynn. (When he was 26 and I was 23) He’s at home at the helm of his yacht the Sirocco, a fabulous swimmer and a devil may care adventurer. I would be endlessly enchanted.

Finally, please tell us what’s up and coming for you in the months ahead!

Nov, 07, THE TYCOON’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL from the Christmas Proposals anthology.

Jan 08, The Vow, Harlequin Everlasting Romance

Feb 08, Adopted Baby, Convenient Wife- an anthology

March 08, Along Came a Daughter- a Mother’s Day anthology

Apr 08, The Italian Tycoon and the Nanny

July 08, The Italian Playboy’s Secret Son

Oct 08, The Unexpected Bride

Look at those releases!

Thank you so much Rebecca for being with us!

Spotlight in Six with....Jackie Braun!

This month's spotlight features Jackie Braun, author of Found: Her Long Lost Husband. Let's get right to the questions, shall we????


After writing so many books, where do you find new and fresh ideas?
I’m currently working on books 16 and 17 and, honestly, I have no ideas where my stories come from. It’s one of the great mysteries. Ideas just pop into my head, usually when I don’t have a pen handy or access to a computer. Often, I get the idea for a character first and then find myself fleshing out his/her life and what challenges he/she might face, etc.

Writers often use photos of celebrities as “casting”. Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

Generally speaking, I don’t do this because then I start thinking of that celebrity’s speech patterns, mannerisms, etc. For my heroes I have been inspired by celebrities’ looks on occasion. I had a character with a Dennis Quaid grin and another with a Brad Pitt jaw, for example. I have loosely -- and I mean very loosely -- based a couple of female characters on celebrities. I started thinking about how people think they “know” these celebrities. What if these people were misunderstood and not at all like what the public perceived? How hard would it be to live down an image under those circumstances? Tempest Herriman, my heroine in the novella “Sex, Lies and a Security Tape” in the book titled EXCLUSIVE! is a Paris Hilton-type, or so she seems. Perception is one of the issues the hero has to overcome for their relationship to work. Likewise, Audra Conlan in A WOMAN WORTH LOVING, the first book in my Conlans of Trillium Island trilogy, is a wannabe actress who had been married to a much older wealthy man who dies and leaves her everything. In the opening scene she’s being strangled nearly to death by her stepson, who is upset about losing his inheritance. Anna Nicole Smith was sued by her late husband’s son rather than nearly killed, but her story (before her tragic death) was a bit of an inspiration for me. Audra was so flawed, so damaged. I wanted to explore how someone like her could rise above her very public past, heal and find redemption.

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

Are you kidding? I struggle with the beginning, the middle and the end of each book! But I absolutely love it when my characters surprise me. When they take off in a direction I didn’t anticipate and I’m forced to scurry after them, those days are wonderful, exhilarating. The worst days are those when I can spend an entire morning at a computer and my characters refuse to come to life. They remain words on paper rather than interesting individuals with conflicts and quirks I want to explore.


When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?
When I’m not writing fiction, I’m often doing freelance or reviewing children’s books for local newspapers. I’m also a mom. I have a seven-year-old son (and a toddler on the way via international adoption), so I’m busy around the house. I like to putter in my flowerbeds and take bubble baths. I just got some new lavender-scented bath stuff that promises relaxation. Sounds good to me!

Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?

Stranded, eh? Hmm, it would have to be with my hubby. He’s the only one I’d wanted to be stranded anywhere with. He’s a pretty smart and resourceful guy. Sexy, too. We spent our honeymoon in Aruba way back when and had a ball lying on the beach and doing next to nothing, so a Caribbean island holds appeal. But can we be stranded in a luxury resort with room service? Now, that’s a fantasy.

Finally, Jackie, please tell us what’s up and coming for you in the months ahead!

Well, I have the last book in the Secrets We Keep trilogy, out in October. It’s titled FOUND: HER LONG-LOST HUSBAND. Liz Fielding wrote the first book, REUNITED: MARRIAGE IN A MILLION, which came out in August. Barbara Hannay’s NEEDED: HER MR. RIGHT was the second book and it came out in September. It was a thrill to work with Liz and Barbara. They are both gifted and generous writers. To recap briefly, our three heroines meet during a charity bike ride through the Himalayas and wind up sharing their secrets, things that have held them back from being happy and fulfilled. In my character’s case, she married young in an attempt to get out from underneath her father’s thumb. The marriage crumbled quickly as a result of secrets and lies, but in addition to feeling guilty about using Ethan Seaver, Claire’s always secretly wondered … what if?

I also have MOONLIGHT AND ROSES coming in January. When wealthy California vintner Zack Holland buys the vineyard Jaye Monroe helped her late father start, she never imagines she’ll also lose her heart to him. EXPECTING A MIRACLE is due out in April. Pregnant and alone, Lauren Seville is looking for peace in the Connecticut countryside. She finds much more than that when she meets Gavin O’Donnell.

Thanks Jackie for being here with us!