Writing Life

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Escaping the winter blahs

Living in the Pacific Northwest has its perks and privileges, but the cold, gray, dreary winter months don’t fall into this category. I’ve escaped for a short while to the warm, sunny beaches of Puerto Rico where the water is blue, the drinks are refreshing, the fruit is fresh, and the smile never leaves my face.

I’ve even gotten some writing done.

Where is your favorite place to get away during the winter months?

I Zoom. Do you Zoom?

Last week I presented a workshop with two other publishing professionals at the Pacific Northwest Writers Association’s conference. I’ve led workshops before so it doesn’t sound like a big deal until I casually mention it was a virtual workshop. Indeed, the entire writers conference was virtual. I’m sure some people were skeptical, but let me tell you – it was a great experience. It was also a new experience.

Aside from Facetiming with family members or the occasional Skype call, I rarely participated in video calls. Knowing I would be presenting virtually was a bit intimidating but it turned out to be easy. More importantly, it was fun. We had more than 55 people “attend” our virtual workshop, which is a great turnout.

To prepare, I did some research and assembled a few tips for making my conference call experience positive. I’m happy to share them with you.

1. Check out your surroundings. Take a few minutes to declutter your background, remove items you don’t want to show, or set up on an area without visual distractions.
2. Prepare for your video call by downloading the app or creating an account with the video conference service if required.
3. Log in early to make sure you have a good connection.
4. Mute your microphone if you’re in a group call. Background noise can be very distracting.
5. If you aren’t familiar with video call technology or commands, practice with a friend first.

Video calls are becoming a common way for coworkers, organizations, and groups to stay in touch. These tips can help you relax and enjoy connecting. Oh, one final tip – if you’re wearing pajama pants, don’t stand up during your video call!

Read my interview in Uncaged Book Reviews

Read my interview in the July edition of Uncaged Book Reviews. I’m on page 82! Maybe you’ll learn something new about me.

Yay, it's release day! Now what?

A writer’s work is never done.

There isn’t really a saying like that, but there should be. Why? Because even when a book is finished, the job isn’t over. There’s always another book to be written, another story to be told.

I recently released Mission: Impossible to Forget. It was months of research, writing, editing, and rewriting. After investing hundreds of hours and a big part of my heart in the story, I released it to my readers. Even thought it wasn’t my first book, every launch is a momentous event that fills an author with pride and anxiety–Will readers like it? Was it a good story? Could it have been any better?

Happily, the reviews for Emily and Nick’s story are strong. It’s heartwarming and exhilarating to read reviews like these:

“This story has it all going on suspense, kidnappings, murders, loving ex-military brothers, a cello, a feisty heroine, romance and a dog.” —Angela, Goodreads

“Five stars! Secrets, lies and danger around every corner. Loved this book.” —Sue, Goodreads

“One of the things I love about this series, and admire the author for, is the way she tells each characters story with scene overlaps that gives you a real sense of the timeline in which they are happening. As you read each book in the series you are able to easily fill in the gaps and feel more connected to the characters.”  —SIMATSU, Amazon

I’m still enjoying the Mission: Impossible to Forget ride, but there’s another roller coaster beckoning. It is the next story waiting to be told.

A May Day Code for Love is part of a Regency romance box set coming out on May 5th. I’m shifting from contemporary romantic suspense to Regency romantic suspense, but I love the Code Breakers world and the characters who reside there.

I hope you’ll come along for the ride. It’s always more fun with friends!

Preorder A May Day to Remember for just 99¢

Eight all-new novellas full of May Day Mischief and heart-pounding romance. Indulge in these novellas from USA Today and bestselling authors.

One Fateful May Day by Amanda Mariel
The Vixen in Red by Dawn Brower
A May Day Code for Love by Jacki Delecki
Falling for the American by Aileen Fish
Lady Mary’s May Day Mischief by Cerise DeLand
The Queen of May by Diana Bold
Magic in Mayflowers by Sandra Sookoo

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

Apple Books | Kobo | Nook

The Joys of Researching Romantic Suspense

I’m still in production mode, getting words on the page for Mission: Impossible to Forget which releases April 1. The research has been a delight, I must say.

I’m a huge fan of music and the performing arts so learning about professional musicians has been fascinating. I discovered 2CELLOs, a duo of young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser.

They are so talented and very attractive (a must for romance authors and readers!). You can enjoy a performance by 2CELLOS on YouTube.

Coming April 1, 2020

Available for preorder on Apple Books | Kobo | Nook | Google Play

Professional cellist Emily Hewitt loves nothing more than creating music. Sharing her musical gift with the world is all she lives for. Until her life is threatened. Caught up in a treacherous conspiracy, Emily becomes the pawn in an international play for power and must be assigned a bodyguard.

Former Special-Ops Marine Nick Jenkins, is out of a job and out of patience. Discharged from the Corp because of hearing loss, the last thing he wants to do is babysit someone who’s surrounded by the haunting sounds of music he can no longer appreciate.