One of the hard things about being a contractor is the uncertainty. When will I find the next job? How long will it last? I changed roles a few years ago and went to work for an agency so they … Continue reading Same story, same chapter

I despise contrivances. Those annoying shortcuts writers will take when they don’t know how to get from point A to point B in a new or at least interesting way. Take for example Hijack, a new Idris Elba series on … Continue reading Layers aren’t just for bean dip

Such prophetic words, right? Right place. Right time. They cover such a large part of our lives. Meet the perfect person? Right place, right time. Find the ideal job? Right place, right time. Sign with your dream editor or agent? … Continue reading Right Place, Right Time

I’m finally making the leap into print and audio. I’ll announce the release dates next month but wanted to give you a first look at my new cover for the box set of my erotic series, Mastered by Degrees. The … Continue reading Coming Soon! Print and Audio

We’ve all met them. Characters that are TSTL. Too Stupid To Live. The classic example is the buxom lass in stilettos who runs into the basement while being chased by the knife-wielding serial killer. You know she’s dead. That’s a … Continue reading TSTL

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 … Continue reading Characters I Love to Read and Write

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 … Continue reading Schedules: Not Just for the Anal Retentive

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 … Continue reading Am I Still a Romance Writer?

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 … Continue reading The Seven Layers of Writing

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 … Continue reading Literary License: Taking History for a Ride