You’ve heard all the rules: open with action, open in the middle of things, open with excitement, with things blowing up, with body parts flying. Me? I’m a fan of softer, but no less engaging, openings. Like these first couple of pages from A GENTLEMAN’S BARGAIN.

Before we get into it, though, I should tell you that this book is written under my pseudonym, Hunter Raines, and is male/male romance. You’ve been warned.

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“So, what do I wear for this?”

“Socks. Anything else will only get in the way.”

David Leone fixed his friend with a hard glare … Read More »

It’s been a good week. Work is busy but not overwhelming, and things at home are wonderful. We’re all settled in to our new house and really enjoying it. We quickly developed a routine, too. Although I have a gorgeous office, I spend most of my time in hubby’s office, curled up in a corner of the leather couch, with a blanket, the cat, and my laptop. I get lots of writing done while he works, and we still get to hang out together.

So, on the writing front… I started a new project last weekend, tentatively titled RISE AND … Read More »

Image by Churl

My writing process has changed. I used to be a plotter, but lately, I find that trying to outline makes everything grind to a halt. So I’m embracing my organic writing abilities. I’m loving the discovery process–getting to know my characters, learning what makes them tick, putting them in situations new to me (and them) and watching them react.

So last night, I started working on a new novella. Today, I wrote 1,150 words and in the process, learned that my heroine performed a heroic act that she can’t escape, and that her father, who’s six feet … Read More »

Today’s Snippet Saturday theme is “The First Meeting Between a Character and a Villain.” I love this theme, because the possibilities are endless! So many options… I scanned through my books, and ultimately decided to share a scene from IN THE DARK, one of the stories that’s part of the NOTHING TO FEAR omnibus available at Loose Id.

This scene is unique, in that it comes very close to the end of the book. And yes, it is the first face-to-face encounter between the hero and the villain — the man who’s kept him from his … Read More »

I don’t have a writing mentor in real life. No professors, or experienced writers who have taken me under their wings. And yet, I do have a mentor. She just doesn’t know it.

Holly Lisle, for those of you who aren’t familiar with her, writes fabulous fantasy and sci/fi novels, and she’s taken forays into paranormal romantic suspense and young adult fiction. She also writes books on writing, for authors who want to make a living at this. She pulls no punches, but what I admire most about her is the dedication she has to helping other authors improve … Read More »

My good friend and fabulous romance novelist, Beth Kery, has a new release coming out next week, and I’m delighted to share a bit of info with all of you.

If you like your romance spicy, emotionally rich and satisfying, then read on!
Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Restraint-Beth-Kery/dp/0425227693/
Excerpt: http://www.bethkery.com/sweet-restraint

SWEET RESTRAINT
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: July 7, 2009
Format: Trade Paperback

This time, he’ll never let her go…

Chicago Special Agent Shane Dominic was in love with Laura Vasquez until the day she left him and married another man. Thirteen years may have passed, but Laura’s never disappeared from … Read More »