THE BOOK IDEA FACTORY

By Caroline Clemmons

One of the most frequent questions authors receive is, “Where do you get all your ideas?” One author, Bobbye Terry, says she gets them from a small factory in Ohio. That always makes me smile.

The truth is that ideas are everywhere. They pop into my head when something I read or hear sparks an idea. Anything works. When I was about twelve, my father told me a good writer could create a story about a grain of sand or a fly on the wall. I was incredulous until I thought about his comment.

Where had that grain of sand been? Had it traveled around the world on someone’s shoe or had it blown in from New Mexico on a dust storm? (I was raised in West Texas where we had frequent sandstorms and dust storms.) How did the fly get on the wall? Had it narrowly avoided a spider web? I realized my father was right—a writer can use anything as the impetus of a story.

Newspaper work is fun but didn't pay very well.

Much later I worked for a newspaper as a columnist and reporter. My job was to talk to interesting people and write about them in my column. Given that much license, I went crazy. Soon, I was filing too much content for my column and they were printed as human interest stories. I met so many fascinaing people in that job. But I digress.

You see, the idea for a book is the easy part. Yes, I’m serious. Numerous people have told me, “I’ve got a great idea for a book. Why don’t you write it and we’ll split the royalty 50/50?” Um, thanks but NO WAY!  The hard part is taking an idea and developing it into an interesting story.

Author Gene Fowler said, “Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank piece of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.” Fortunately, writing is not that bad.

How do authors actually produce a book? I can only speak for myself. I’m part of a wonderful plotting group. To plot, four of us get together about twice a year for a several day retreat where we sequester ourselves in a lake house or hotel suite. (Adult beverages may be consumed to facilitate the process—as well as chips, guacamole, and lots of chocolate.) Each author brings her ideas for three or four books to the retreat.

Of course we look like this when we meet. ☺

She has to already have the hero, heroine, location, situation, motivation, conflict, and resolution in mind. Then we take turns fleshing out the book’s order, turning points, boosting sagging parts, and so forth. It was one of the members of this plotting group, Kathy Shaw, who came up with the name Bride Brigade for my latest series. The other two members are Geri Foster and Sylvia McDaniel.

Realize we aren’t “writing” the books together. We come up with a basic outline which the author takes home. The outline is like a road map when traveling. You know your starting point, your destination, and stops in between them. However, you can take side trips or add an extra stop or two on the journey.

If one of us has a problem between retreats, we meet for lunch and resolve the issue.  And we also meet to talk about marketing.  There’s always something new to learn about marketing. Keeping up is an author's constant battle.

Marketing--the author's dilemma

For critiquing the work, I am part of a great critique group of Geri Foster and Brenda Chitwood. We are constructively brutal when we read each other’s work, which means we don’t just pat one another on the back but we aren't mean-spirited. Each of us wants our book to be the very best it can be and want the same for our other members.

Now you know how we take an idea and create the framework for a novel. Then comes hours and hours and hours of time at the computer. I use a desktop PC in my “pink cave” office and tap away at the keys. I love writing. As my grandmother used to say, “I’m as happy as if I had good sense.”

Happy me in my little office

My latest release is ANGELINE, Bride Brigade book two, which came out March 1 and is available at http://www.amazon.com/Angeline-Bride-Brigade-Book-2-ebook/dp/B01CEK3W0S/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1456929859&sr=8-18&keywords=Caroline+Clemmons.

I’m still promoting my Montana Sky Kindle World, AMANDA’S RANCHER and the link to buy that is http://www.amazon.com/Montana-Sky-Amandas-Rancher-Kindle-ebook/dp/B01BL0HKPK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1456929757&sr=8-3&keywords=Caroline+Clemmons

In April, I’m part of an anthology titled COME LOVE A COWBOY. My contribution is a novella, GRANT ME THE MOON, which will be released as a single in June.

As you can tell, I have lots of ideas and implement as many as possible. 

Thanks for stopping by. I’ll give away an e-copy of ANGELINE to someone who comments today.

REVIEW OF OUT OF LUCK, A FALCON SECURITIES NOVELLA

By Caroline Clemmons

Don't you love when good things happen to good people? I do, and my critique partner, Geri Foster, is truly one of those good people. Writing is a competitive business. Some authors act as if sharing any information with another writer might damage their sales. Hey, there are billions of readers so I think there are enough to go around. 

Geri Foster is one who excels in her field yet finds time to share her "secrets" with others. Pardon the clichés, but she is always giving back and paying it forward. She has helped me and countless others and I am extremely happy to see her success rewarded.

OUT OF LUCK is Geri Foster's latest in her Falcon Securities series. A bit different than others in the Falcon series, this is a novella in Kindle Worlds' Hot Seals series. Amazon recruited  Geri due to the success of her previous Falcon novels. That's right, Amazon called her. What a coup!

In OUT OF LUCK, Michelle Slater is being targeted by her ex-boss. Michelle turns to a friend for help, who recruits Dan McCray, an ex-Navy Seal now a Falcon agent. At first the assignment seems simple enough—convince the stalker to cease his obsession and move on. Ah, but things in a Falcon novel are never that simple.

Soon Dan learns that Michelle’s pursuer is much more; he’s a serial rapist and killer. And this villain believes Michelle is his property and intends to claim her. All seems lost, but those Falcon agents are good. How will Dan save Michelle? Will he lose his heart?

OUT OF LUCK is a cleverly written novella sure to keep readers pouring over every word. If you want your e-copy, you'll be happy to learn it's only $1.99 and is available at: http://amzn.com/B0131RE39M. 

WOMEN OF COURAGE--ROMANTIC SUSPENSE SET IN 1947

By Guest author, Geri Foster, USA Today and NYTImes bestselling Author

For all the years I’ve been writing, not once did I consider writing a Historical Romantic Suspense. I’ve always leaned toward danger and suspense, but more in the contemporary world with spies, special agents and lots of action.

As I continued to write these books, in the back of my mind was a very frightened, weary young woman begging me to tell her story. I ignored her for over a year, with my critique partners, writer friends and even my editor telling me to go for it. I believed that Women of Courage simply wasn’t my kind of story and not what people had come to expect from me.

What would my readers and fans say? Would they cross over? Going from Action Adventure to Historical Romantic Suspense is a wide gap. It was a gamble. What if no one liked that era? Was it too soon to write a post-World War II book?

I would be stepping out of my comfort zone as a writer and I was very leery.

Another thing that frightened me was that this story would be an extremely emotional story of true love and I didn’t know if I was up to that. I would have to write raw, gritty and heartbreaking scenes. That’s so difficult for a writer to settle into. But, the story also had its rewards. There were other touching scenes of tenderness of loving a child, heartwarming reunions, true bonds, and happy ever after.

No longer able to keep the story inside, I set out on this daunting journey with the idea I’d write one book and see how it goes. I learned in the writing world it doesn’t pay to make plans. Every story has a life of its own and Women of Courage would not allow me to stop until the story was finished.

I set the story where I was familiar, my great grandmother’s hometown. My hometown is twelve miles away. So much of the story is set in a fictional place that’s a blend of both places.

My character’s name is Cora and so was my grandmother’s, and that’s just a hint of how much of the story parallels things I’m comfortable with.

I hope you will try this serial. While I’d meant it to be one, maybe two books, it’s grown much larger and even as I write this, it continues to grow.

If you like to immerse yourself into the lives of fascinating characters facing the difficulties of life after the Second World War, people forgiving the past and finding true, deep, abiding love then you’ll enjoy Women of Courage.    

Thank you,

Geri Foster

The first volume is free everywhere except at Amazon, where it’s 99 cents. 

Here are the buy links:

Amazon=99 cents    FREE@ Apple        Nook          Kobo     Google Play                   

Here’s the blurb for WOMEN OF COURAGE: LOVE RELEASED, book one.

EMOTIONAL, HONEST, ENDURING

He stands on the other side of sorrow and despair with a love so vast and strong it reaches into her soul and sparks the courage to become the woman waiting for her.

She’s running from her past and he’s duty-bound to protect her.

Cora Williams is an ex-con exiled to Gibbs City, Missouri. A small town where she hopes to remain undisturbed and unobtrusive. With her nephew Jack, her wants are simple, to hide from the horrors of her past.

Sheriff Virgil Carter is a WW2 veteran with demons of his own, but Parker County is his to protect. That includes a young, beautiful woman newly released from prison who longs to be left alone.

Love often comes like sleep, softly, quietly and unexpectedly. You just have to close your eyes. 

THANKSGIVING AND A NEW RELEASE

By Geri Foster

Fall is a hectic time. Can you believe Black Friday sales have already begun? Every year the sales start earlier. Not that I mind a bargain, but really?

One of the things for which I'm thankful is that I can write what I wish and many of you wonderful readers help by buying my books. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

What are you doing for Thanksgiving? This year, we’re having Thanksgiving at my daughter’s house, so I’m off the hook as hostess. I’ll still bring some of the food, but I won’t have to prepare turkey or get the house ready for the invasion. Yes, invasion is the right word because we’re a large clan.

My daughter acting as Thanksgiving dinner hostess leaves me more time to write. And I’ve been writing up a storm. No, don’t blame me for the cold front—not that kind of storm. I’ve released my latest Falcon Securities novel, OUT OF THE DEPTHS. I love writing romantic suspense, action-packed novels, but they leave me exhausted. By the time I finish a Falcon novel, I am limp as a wrung out dishrag and feel as if my brain has exploded. 

But I have no plan to stop writing, and am already at work on the next Falcon novel, OUT OF THE BAYOU. In the meantime, here’s the 411 on the latest Falcon novel, OUT OF THE DEPTHS:

Falcon Securities Agent Jake Taylor has been sent to protect a young woman who’s out to avenge the murder of her DEA brother . . . Trouble heightens when an Afghan extremist is involved, along with politicians and government employees trusted to protect the country.

Tessa Adams is out to kill Antonio Ramirez, the Mascota Cartel drug king who murdered her brother. While working undercover on her own, she not only steals the drug lord’s money, but uncovers valuable information that can either put the killer away for life . . . or send her to a watery grave. The only person she can trust is the Falcon agent who promises to protect her.

Can Jake and Tessa find the homegrown terrorist who threatens American shores in time to save the lives of millions? Can Jake bury the past and find happiness? Will love break the hold revenge has on Tessa’s heart? In the midst of destruction, corruption, and lies, can these two people who deserve love find it, or will they lose everything?

Excerpt of OUT OF THE DEPTHS:

Jake swam as fast as possible. His eyes stung and his lungs hurt, still he couldn’t find her in the opaque water. He dove further knowing if he ventured much deeper he wouldn’t be able to surface for air.

Scissoring his legs, he clawed through the water descending deeper and deeper. Then he caught a glimmer of long auburn hair swaying beneath him. He thrust harder.

Jake instantly regretted there was no way to apply brakes underwater. Below him, sharks circled Tessa while she bobbed helplessly. 

Ramirez must have really hated her. Obviously her cover as their accountant had been blown, and they’d only taken him because he was in her company. They didn’t know he was from Falcon. At least, they hadn’t mentioned anything.

A Tiger Shark headed in Jake’s direction. He allowed his body to drift. The killer nosed around a little but soon lost interest when Jake tried to appear more like debris and less like a meal. That didn’t mean he hadn’t wanted to scream like a girl.

His head pounded and vision blurred. Jake ignored the sharks and continued toward Tessa. Reaching her, Jake saw her entire body shaking with terror.

Her eyes wider than a window, her gaze darted between him and the pod of Tigers circling them. She grabbed for him, but Jake stayed clear for a moment. He put his finger to his lips to calm her. By now, he was completely out of air and close to passing out.

Buy link:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00PJM7PDE

Coming soon to other sites.

Whether your family is large or small, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

How Many Books?

By Geri Foster

How many books does an author have to write before you become a fan? I ask this question because there has been a great deal of discussion lately about how many books there must be in a series before readers really become fans. The magic number seems to be seven, however, that isn't written in stone.

I've enjoyed many series that were only three books long and found this very fulfilling. Several authors have written twelve to fifteen books in the same series, and the readers come pouring in to stay up with the latest installment.

I think if you're reading about a family or a place, the stories can go on as long as the writer wants to write in that series. As long as they aren't dragging people out of the woodwork to come up with a new story. It all has to be come organically from the series. We're not really interested in a distant cousin that shows up out of the blue. We want to read stories about people we've been following. At least, that's my take on series. What about you?

That's why many readers will ask an author, "When are you going to write so and so's story. I've been hoping your next book would be about this secondary character that's been showing up since you started the series. I can't wait to read the story of the guy you just introduced in your last book."

Recently at a book signing a reader came up to me and ask me to never run out of Falcon agents. She loved them all and looked forward to reading stories of the agents I've already introduced. Of course, that's exactly what a writer wants to hear. I asked her how many books she needed to read in a series to get hooked, she said as little as two. She's obviously willing to wait for that next book in the series to come out.

How about you?

WHAT LIES WITHIN?

By Geri Foster

Those who know me know I love quotes. I have them everywhere. My house, my car, my desk, my office... You give me an empty space and I’ll nail up a quote.

I particularly like to read Ralph Waldo Emerson. One of my favorites is: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within us out into the world, miracles happen.”

Yeah, that’s on my desk!

Emerson

As a writer I think Emerson is talking to the creative spark inside us that creates every word we witers put on paper. Writers are such magical creatures we don’t even know our own powers. Writers pull more stuff out of the ‘blue’ than any other profession. We put together other worlds, people, towns, tragedies and love stronger than anything else on earth. The amazing thing is, people reading our books often believe they are real. We transform the reader into another world. Ar least, that's our goal.

And we do it without acknowledging where it all comes from. All of us have sat in the dark and typed away on our computers; creating God only knows what, until it’s done. There are times I have no idea where I’m going with a story, but something within me does. Something guides me to the end of that raw chapter, and often ignites an idea for the next chapter.

Muse adding Fairy Dust

To some, it’s simply their muse. It shows up and words get written on the page. Ideas materialize out of nowhere. All is well, and the muse gets all the credit, for we are mere mortals. Nothing of genius comes from us.

Fairy Muse with magic wand

It does according to Emerson. It’s all within us right now and has been since the very beginning. There is more within us than we can ever imagine. The stories are unlimited and they get better and better as we go along. We overcome great adversity, we learn things we never knew. We push to the absolute limits of our imagination to come up with a plot others will believe.

Those of us associated with this blog are writers, so in the above way we’re mystical. What is the secret power within you?

I leave you with this quote by Orison Swett Marden: “There are powers inside of you, which, if you could discover and use, would make of you anything you ever dreamed or imagined you’d become.”

Read on!

Geri Foster

CRAZY LIFE OF A MOSTLY SANE WRITER

By Caroline Clemmons

Non-writer friends often ask me how I think up all the stuff in my books. I wish I knew a clever comeback. My friend Bobby Terry tells people she gets her ideas from a small factory in Ohio. What really happens is our crazy brains conjure all these characters and situations. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. And we’re not really insane, either. Well, most of us aren’t. I’m not naming names, but there are a few people on my Probably Certifiable List.

And there are those (lazy?) people who say, “I’ll feed you ideas, you write the book, and we’ll split the royalties.” Uh, no. Not happening. Ever. The idea is the easy part. In fact, I have more than I can list. Writing a cohesive book with a credible story line is the hard part.

I’m fortunate enough to have three great critique partners who help me plot my books and who are members of this blog: Geri Foster, Brenda Daniels, and Carra Copelin. Sometimes Hero helps me over a sticky plot problem. I can plot by myself, of course, but an exchange of ideas spurs creativity. Even if I don’t like their suggestions, hearing them helps me formulate my own. And if I lose my way writing, they help steer me back on course. (Plan to join Geri Foster and me for our BAD BOYS AND COWBOYS Facebook Launch Party on April 18th.) 

Then comes the hard part. Some parts of writing become easier with each book. One part that does not is making basic plots fresh, giving a tried and true idea a new twist. People argue over how many basic plots there are. The number varies from nine to twenty-seven. Supposedly, any book is a variation of one of those few basic plots. And the more books an author has written, the harder that new variation becomes. Yeah, bummer.

How to make feisty, spunky heroines differ from those in past books? How different is one handsome cowboy from another?  How many ways can Tab A insert into Slot B? You get the idea, right?

Hero and I used to joke about a favorite author who repeated her basic plots. We would say, “This one is plot A.” Or plot B. She only had two. The city and names varied, but little else. At the time, we had no notion of the difficulty of a fresh plot. And, hey, she sold a gazillion books and is still even though she’s passed away.

The main problem I encounter is that life keeps slapping me upside the head. Literally, if you count the fall I had last August. You know the usual: dental appointments, doctor visits (or your prescriptions won’t be refilled), and all the errands and social stuff necessary to function. Plus, we’re still recovering from our move, the deaths of friends and family members, and all the other stuff that hinders everyone everywhere.

Many people think that if you work from home, you can stop and do this or that because, after all, you don’t have a “real” job. Sigh. This is why Debbie Macomber has an office away from her home, by the way. If we stop writing, we lose our concentration, our “groove”, and have to reread the last portion we wrote to get back into the zone. Fortunately, Hero understands this. Full time authors have to set goals in order to stay on target and publish frequently enough to stay in readers' minds.

I try to vary settings and events so that my books appear fresh, even though they are always in my style and voice. Whether contemporary or historical, with the exception of one novella set in Georgia, they’re always set primarily in Texas. They’re the same, but different. Each main character has a journey, both external and internal. The same, but different.

So, now that I’ve finished GABE KINCAID (which will launch April 18th please remember) and it’s off to my editor, I’m taking a few days off to clean house. Yeah, it’s way past time—even the dust bunnies are writing “help me” on the furniture. While I clean, I’m mulling over my next book or two.  

I’m sure you’ve heard that writers are either writing or thinking about writing. It’s true. We can’t help ourselves. For the next few days, I’ll be thinking about writing. And cleaning. Ah-choo.  

P.S. Did you see Geri Foster's and my ad in InD'Tale E-zine? The e-zine is free. We're on page 37 of the April issue. 

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My Busy Life!

Hi all,


My, time passes so quickly I can't believe it's my turn to blog again. Where does the time go? But, I'll be glad to see old man winter ride off into the sunset. I want flip flops and beaches. Of course, there isn't a beach close to me, but I'll settle for warmer weather.


Just a heads up on what's going on in my corner of the world. The most important thing is I've been writing up a storm and reading every thing I can get my hands on. No matter how hectic life gets, stop and read a book.


I sometimes just need to recharge my batteries and a good page-turner does that for me. I love melting into a story as the real world fades away. I've been so busy reading Romantic Suspense that often I have to change the genre and pick up something completely new and exciting.


Recently I read a Young Adult and a Sci-fi. I usually don't go to those places, but I thought I needed something different and I was delightfully surprised. I loved both books and will again go to the far side of the reading spectrum and tip my toes into something completely different than what I normally read. I think it spruces up the brain and gets the creative juices going.


If you feel a little stale, take my advice and wonder over to something you'd never thought of reading before and see if you don't walk away with a new perspective on that genre. Also, don't be afraid to live a little dangerously and read that different 'kind' of book.


Happy Endings,
Geri Foster

SHORT STORY, EPIC SAGA OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN - WHAT'S YOUR PLEASURE?

 By definition, WORD COUNT is the number of words in a document or passage of text. Since the word count for each story varies, we, as writers, can write short stories with a designated word count of less than 7500 words, a novella of about 17,000 to 40,000 words, or a novel of over 40,000 words, maybe around 60,000 to 70,000.

Back in the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties most writers felt that the longer a story was the better the book. Most titles, especially in Romance topped out at 100,000 to 125,000 or beyond. I don't know if we had more time to devote to large novels back then or what, but, oh my gosh, as slow as I read today, I'd never finish a book!

When I started writing in the mid to late nineties shorter books were becoming more popular. Different lines were introduced like from Silhouette there were Desires, Intimate Moments, Special Edition, and Intrigue. Harlequin had their own lines, as well. It seemed to me that life was more busy and chaotic than ever before, yet suddenly, I could finish a book in a day or two. Not the standard two to three weeks or longer.

Today I feel we as readers prefer a well written shorter book to sink our teeth into. We want a story that pulls us in, carries us away, but drops us back into the demanding day-to-day ready to pick up another. Below are books from three of my favorite authors, each selection being from a series created by these authors. These are of the shorter novel length and, I believe, are representative of the size book readers are looking for. From L to R, Kincaid Series, Falcon Series, and Running Series.

                                                                           

This shorter length is what I like to read and write. My novel, CODE OF HONOR, Texas Code Series, Book One is 62,000 words and, in my opinion, a good length to get the story told.

Excerpt:

Graeme pushed onto the porch to find Maggie held in Riordon's arms. Oh hell no! With the speed of a raptor, he reached Riordon, stopping short of taking the man out with a punch to his face. His anger teetered closer to the edge when he looked into the asshole's shit-eating grin.

Maggie intervened. "Graeme, please calm down. And you," she said glaring her displeasure and jabbing her finger into Riordon's chest. "Go. Now."

"Okay, beautiful." Riordon chuckled. "I'm leaving." With a taunting glance toward Graeme, he lifted her chin and covered her mouth in a kiss, stopping abruptly when his collar whizzed past his ears.

"Get the hell away from her," Graeme growled holding on tightly to the wad of shirt in his fist. It gave him great satisfaction to see the slightly shorter man's heels lifted off the wood planks. Blistering heat infused his glare as he stared Riordon in the eye. "Don't ever touch her again, got it?"

"Message received." Riordon grinned and straightened the collar of his shirt. He laughed and, as he bounded down the steps toward his car, said, "Don't look now, but you've got it bad, my friend."

Maggie steadied herself against the porch railing and swiped at her mouth with the back of her hand. What just happened? What in the world had gotten into Trevor? He'd never done anything like that before. Maybe she overreacted, but she felt like he'd violated her and the trust between them.

She sensed rather than heard Graeme's presence beside her. His warmth and spicy scent tempted her to lean closer to him. An intrinsic need compounded by desire coursed so strongly, it nearly drew her off balance. She tightened her hold on the railing to keep from falling into his arms. Her tenuous grasp on reality, though barely recognizable, stopped her from making a fool of herself.

His hands lightly supported her upper arms. "Look, I –"

"I'm –" she said simultaneously. When he nodded, she continued, "I apologize for whatever that was just now."

"No, your life's none of my business."

"Trevor's never done or tried to do anything like that before. Truth be known, from the look on his face, I think he was trying to make you mad for some reason."

"Or jealous."

"Were you?"

"Hell, yes," he growled.

She offered no resistance when he pulled her to his chest. She wrapped her arms around his waist, sliding her hands up his tautly muscled back. She lifted her face to his meeting his lips in a kiss that stole her breath and all cognizant thought. There was something she'd intended to ask him, something . . . needing . . . clarification. Just then his hand slipped into the waistband of her jeans at the small of her back. Bells and whistles went off in her clouded brain or maybe they were Black Cats and sparklers. She couldn't tell.

One conscious thought did wheedle its way in between his tongue in her mouth and the feel of his fingers sliding farther down her backside. They were still outside, on the porch. When she managed to break contact, she murmured against his lips, "Inside."

He missed her meaning, for he maneuvered his free hand to the front of her jeans working to undo the snap and zipper.

"The house," she managed. "Inside the house."

CODE OF HONOR buy links Amazon for Kindle ebook and print:  http://tinyurl.com/muln4r9

So which type and length of book do you prefer? Contemporary or Historical, Fantasy or Young Adult? Short, Long or somewhere in the middle? Drop me a comment for inquiring minds want to
know.

Thanks for stopping by today and listening to me prattle on. I love your company!

Carra

Find me on my website: http://carracopelin.com
Facebook: http://facebook/carracopelin
Twitter: http://twitter/CarraCopelin

REVISITING FAVORITE BOOKS

By Caroline Clemmons

So many books, so little time. As an author, hundreds of my friends and acquaintances are authors of fine books. My already long TBR list grows every day. Thank goodness for my Kindle Fire. I'm sure you who love to read have a similar problem.

But do you ever reread books? Among my friends, we’re divided about evenly in this. I’m in the group that rereads favorites. Why?

Each time I read a favorite book I learn something new. How the author phrases description, the emotions evoked, and the setting not only entertain me, but teach me for my own writing. Each read reminds me why this book is one I treasure. I embrace the characters and their story again.

The characters in these books are old friends who I love to revisit. The authors excel in writing a memorable book. I dissect the most memorable passages to discover what about this book made it unforgettable.

Here are some of those I reread:

PRINCE CHARMING – As with most of Julie Garwood’s historicals, this one begins in Great Britain. But Taylor Stapeleton and Lucas Ross move quickly to the United States and their frantic race to rescue Taylor's nieces and escape a truly evil villain.

FOR THE ROSES – Julie Garwood takes a group of orphans from New York west to establish a home. Imagine children caring for an infant and surviving on their own as they escape pursuit. Not only surviving, but thriving to establish a dynasty.

THE PROMISE OF JENNY JONES – Maggie Osborne creates the opposite of most governess-type stories when Jenny Jones—a tall, gangly, red-headed muleskinner—give her promise to a dying woman. Against seemingly insurmountable odds, Jenny Jones safely delivers her young ward to the girl’s father to fulfill her promise.  

LORD PERFECT – Loretta Chase always uses vivid descriptions, but I believe this one is her finest. Bathsheba Wingate is a delightful heroine and the perfect foil for Lord Perfect, Benedict Carsington. Ms Chase’s description of the first meeting is especially priceless.

TO KISS A TEXAN – Jodi Thomas. Wes McClain’s story and that of the woman he rescues touches my heart each time. I have long wondered why women captured by Indians and recovered ceased to be human to bigoted pioneers.

Louis L'Amour

FALLON – For some reason, this Louis L’Amour story relaxes me each time I read it. But that goes for all Louis L’Amour stories. The man was one of America’s most gifted storytellers. My husband and I have each of his books from the Louis L’Amour Book Club and reread them occasionally.

MUCH ADO ABOUT MARSHALS – Like all Jacquie Rogers’s books, this one makes me smile while she leads me through a twisting plot. Cole is one of my favorite heroes. By the way, that's her nephew on the cover. She has a new cover, but this is the one on the book I have.

OUT OF THE DARK – Geri Foster writes great romantic suspense filled with sexy adventure. This one, her first of the Falcon series, is my favorite. I can easily picture Geri as the heroine, Emily.

Among other authors I reread are Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick, Nora Roberts, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Marjorie Allingham. These authors make us believe that good triumphs over evil and people can live happily ever after. I like that. They write hope in their stories.

MOBY DICK and CRIME AND PUNISHMENT are not on the list. No, these cited are not heavy reading, although I have favorite classics also. Among them are THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexander Dumas and A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens. You’ll note that both of those is  romantic, although in a different context than a modern romance novel.  

Those listed as favorites are books that lighten my heart, renew my appreciation for the printed word, and confirm my belief that great writing is not limited to the classics or only in “literary” works. Great writing happens every day with thousands—maybe hundreds of thousands—of writers working alone in their writing caves or on the laptop surrounded by family.

Reading is exercise for the mind. Imagination allows us to visit anywhere in this world or another, to vicariously become any profession. It also sharpens our appreciation for the here and now.  Is it any wonder Smart Girls (and Guys) Read Romance?

Happy Holidays

By Geri Foster

Hi All,

Aw, it's that time of the year, again. I'm sure many of you, like me, are very busy this season. I'd posted on Facebook that I would take next December off and I'm going to try to make that a reality.

Writing is such a mind thing that it's difficult to download our creative muse when we have so much partying and shopping and family to tend to. I know, it's hard to concentrate on plot when our brains are planning meals and our bodies are exhausted.

So, next year if you find me writing... remind me to stop and enjoy the season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's! Hope you have a very prosperous 2014!

Geri Foster

Reading a new Genre

Hi All,

As many of you know, I write the Romantic Suspense, Falcon Securities Series. I love Suspense and have a list of writers I read faithfully. I'm happiest chin deep in a good action read. But, I also read other genres, often written by the same authors.

I've often wondered how a writer could switch around like that and still write a great story that I loved reading. I don't have the answer, but I tried it myself in my latest release. I wrote an Erotic Romance that I think is very vanilla. No hard core stuff for me.

In writing a different genre I worried about how it would affect my series that is very successful. I found several readers crossed over from WRONG ROOM Room to my Falcon Series and enjoyed them both. I was very surprised.

When I questioned my street team they said, first they make a connection with the writer while reading their book. If they enjoy the read, they want more of what that author writes, the genre doesn't  matter.
They're actually buying our voice because it shows up in every book we write.

Walk on the wild side, try new reads, buy a book from an author you've never read before, try different genres and set your imagination free. I hope you'll try my new Erotic Romance novella. WRONG ROOM is the first installment in the Accidental Pleasures series.

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Room-Accidental-Pleasures-Foster-ebook/dp/B00GM9PU94/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1384972007&sr=1-4&keywords=geri+foster

INTERVIEW WITH GERI FOSTER

By Caroline Clemmons

Readers, please welcome my BFF and great author Geri Foster today. Instead of writing today's post, Geri is in the interview spot. Geri is a bundle of energy that puts the Energizer Bunny to shame, a great writer, and a loyal friend.

Geri Foster, Author

Caroline: Geri, I love hearing tales about your life, especially with your dad’s mom. Tell readers something about your growing up.

Geri: I grew up in a very small, close-knit town called Picher, Oklahoma. I was the baby with two older brothers until my mother surprised us all by having my sister when I was thirteen. We moved to Kansas for about five years, finally landing in Buffalo, New York when I met and married my navy husband. Together we had two kids, both grown now and out on their own. I pray every day it stays that way. LOL! Now I'm married to a wonderful man I've known for half my life and we share our life with our dog, Lola.

Caroline: You left out your grandmother and the story of her using a broom to chase the bull. ☺  Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

Geri: Growing up I was rarely without a book. My family liked that because when it came to presents, they knew just what to buy. Learning to read was almost magical to me. It opened a different and kinder world than I lived in growing up.

I have always loved romance. There is nothing happier than ever-after.

Caroline: True, which is why we write as well as read romance. What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Geri: I’m pretty hyper, so I tend to crash and burn, put out the fire, and start all over again. I’m a chronic multi-tasker, and I love being in over my head…until, like I said, I crash and burn.

I find a nice glass of wine at the end of the day pretty much clears my head and puts me to sleep so I can wake up and start all over again.

Caroline: Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

Geri: God blessed me with the best friends in the world, and I thank him every day for that. So my quote is: There is no problem that FRIENDS cannot confront, combat, plot against, ignore, make fun of, drown in chocolate sauce, or run over with a car!

Also: Life is Good!

Caroline: How long have you been writing?

Geri: I’ve been working at my craft for about fifteen years. I’ve been writing seriously for about five.

Caroline: Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

Geri: I’m one of those crazy people that can’t listen to anything when they write. If there is music, I want to sing or dance, if the TV is on, no matter what channel, I’ll stop and watch it. So, for me it’s being all alone with my laptop.

Caroline: I’m asking even though I know the answer: Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Geri: I Plot! I say that proudly because I write Action-Romantic Suspense. Without a plot it can get really scary. I need to know what’s going to happen and where I’m going. Also, it points out when and where I need to ratchet up the tension.

Caroline: Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

Geri: No. For some unknown reason the inciting incident comes to me first in a story. It just pops up. Then I plot from there.

Caroline: Do you set daily writing goals?

Geri: I shoot for ten pages a day, but consider five pages a good day.

Caroline: What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Geri: Pure entertainment. I’m not a teacher, or a history buff or someone with a message. I do a lot of research because I have to keep my facts straight and know what I’m talking about, but I don’t try to educate anyone. I want my reader to feel my characters’ emotions, good and bad, and I want them to fear the goal won’t be reached, and I want them satisfied at the end. If I have that, then I’ve done a good job.

Caroline: What long-term plans do you have for your career?

Geri: To write more books. I even have three comedies I plan to put out there. J

Caroline: Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

Geri: Right now I’m finishing up OUT OF THE NIGHT which is the third book in the Falcon Series. OUT OF THE DARK and OUT OF THE SHADOWS were just released.

Caroline: What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Geri: Write until you reach the end. Don’t start another book and don’t put it off, just finish the damn book.

Caroline: Tell us a fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you.

Geri: I constantly talk to myself. I rarely read instructions. I’m into Feng-Shui

Caroline: What’s something about you that would surprise or shock readers?

Geri: I’d love to skydive…just once.

Caroline: Is your book a series?

Geri: My books are a series called Falcon Securities. It’s about ex-military and ex- intelligence officers who become agents for Frank Hamilton who owns Falcon. They work exclusively for the President of the United States and the DOD

Caroline: I know your books are available in both print and as ebooks. Where can readers find your books?

Geri: OUT OF THE DARK – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CB8GY9K

OUT OF THE SHADOWS – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CB4QY8U

OUT OF THE NIGHT - http://www.amazon.com//dp/B00F1F7Q9M/

Caroline: How can readers learn more about you?

Geri: FB: www.facebook.com/gerifoster1

Twitter: @gerifoster

Website: www.gerifoster.com

Caroline: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?

Geri: I love hearing from my readers!

Geri Foster, Author

As long as she can remember, Geri Foster has been a lover of reading and the written words. In the seventh grade she wore out two library cards and had read every book in her age area of the library. After raising a family and saying good-bye to the corporate world, she tried her hand at writing.

To her surprise, she won a couple of contests, hooked up with a really great critique group and her writing career was well on its way. She spent several years studying her craft and developing her voice.

Action, intrigue, danger and sultry romance drew her like a magnet. That’s why she has no choice but to write action-romance suspense. While she reads every genre under the sun, she’s always been drawn to guns, bombs and fighting men. Secrecy and suspense move her to write edgy stories about daring and honorable heroes who manage against all odds to end up with their one true love.