Romance in Seattle

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Using local settings in my romantic suspense books

I’m currently working on the next book in the Grayce Walters series, MEN UNDER FIRE. Writing contemporary romantic suspense requires just as much research as historical romance suspense, but it’s a different kind of fact-finding. Since my books are set in Seattle, where I happen to live, it’s easy to incorporate my research into other activities.

For example, I volunteer as children’s tour guide and frequently lead groups through Pike Place Market. Because of spacing limitations, many of the marketplace vendors store their inventory in the Sanitary Market food locker. It’s rather dark and foreboding — the perfect backdrop for something sinister or dangerous, don’t you agree?

I’m also developing a female character who is a rocker trying to break into Seattle’s grunge music scene. To get some insight into this character, I interviewed Gretta Harley, a local musician. I believe this authenticity enriches my stories so that when readers step onto the page, they enter a world that is part fiction, part fact, but always entertaining and compelling.

Is there a location in your hometown that would make a good setting for romantic suspense?

Make every day Valentine's Day

For romance authors especially, Valentine’s Day–with all its hearts and roses–is a big holiday. After all, romance is our specialty. While some people do it up big, others complain that February 14th has been commercialized by the greeting card and candy companies.

Personally, I think any occasion that gives us an opportunity to show love and appreciation to those around us is an okay thing. I hope your Valentine’s Day was filled with love and romance, even if you celebrated alone. I plan to continue celebrating Valentine’s Day throughout the entire year by expressing my feelings for loved ones, indulging in an occasional treat for someone special and remembering that love makes all things possible.

What is your favorite way to show someone you care?

The Nutcracker Tradition

One of my longstanding Christmas traditions is appearing in the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker performance in the role of “Grandmother.” This year’s participation is especially poignant because it is the last year that the Maurice Sendak / Kent Stowell production will be presented. I’ve been a part of this holiday tradition for more than 20 years and have many special memories of the cast and audience.

This unique interpretation of Nutcracker debuted on December 13, 1983, and soon became a classic Seattle tradition. The vibrant stage sets, designed by Sendak, also required the engineering brilliance of Boeing. The Christmas tree, which doubles in size during a dream sequence, was re-designed by a Boeing jet interior designer so that it no longer required nine stage hands and operated more smoothly.  (You can see this tree in the photo collage below.)[…]Continue Reading

Elegant Thanksgiving Side Dish

I love the holidays and I love to cook, but there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the kitchen slaving over a meal when the rest of your friends and family are gathered elsewhere. That’s why I look for elegant but easy recipes for holiday meals.

Epicurious is my go-to site for recipes, but this recipe is my favorite from Williams-Sonoma. It features two of my seasonal favorites: Brussels sprouts and chestnuts. I hope you’ll give this delicious recipe a try, perhaps as part of your Thanksgiving dinner or other festive occasion. It’s even simple enough to enjoy for a weekday meal!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:

6 oz. bacon, diced
5 shallots, minced
4 lb. brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise
1 cup roughly chopped roasted and peeled chestnuts (fresh or jarred)
2 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 425ºF.

In a large roasting pan or ovenproof sauté pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the shallots and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the brussels sprouts, chestnuts, thyme, salt and pepper and stir well.

Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 15 minutes, then stir the ingredients. Continue roasting until the brussels sprouts are tender, about 10 minutes more. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately. Serves 6.

Enjoy!

You're invited! Oct. 18 Book Signing

Jacki Delecki will be participating in the 2014 Emerald City Writers’ Conference Book Fair on Saturday, October 18, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Westin Hotel in Bellevue, Wash. This event is free and open to the public.

The event features more than 80 authors, all of whom will have books for sale and be available for signings and meet-and-greets. For a full list, click HERE.

Stop by and meet some of the Pacific Northwest’s most talented romance authors.