Romance Writers Weekly

Hey there and happy Tuesday. Hope your day is wonderful! And thanks so much for taking time to join us. We appreciate you so much!

Today is another interesting challenge:

If you could be any one of your characters, which one would you choose?

I think this is like asking which of your children you like best. Well, I love them all. But I would not want to be one of my villains. Hurting people has never been my idea of fun. It is, however, interesting to watch them work their diabolical schemes on our heroes and heroines.

Of all the heroines, though…It would be great to be able to enter dreams like the Lady Bryce in “The Dream Dancer” or connect with the past through another woman with a similar history to mine, as in “Stay With Me”. It might be fascinating to be one of my detectives in the romantic suspense books, since I love solving puzzles. My female characters are strong and brave and full of love and I think that’s great!

But, the one who I’d really like to inhabit…would be Skye Blaine in “Come Back to Me”. She found a portrait of a man from hundreds of years in the past, fell in love declaring him her soul mate, and was able to actually travel through time to be with him.

I’ve written time travel romance before in “A Dance in Time” and I love the character of Grace, but I think Skye’s personality is more like mine. It would be fantastic to go back and experience the world as it was so long ago as someone who was ready to believe.

Now, do I think there’s such a thing as time travel? I actually had an agent tell me it’s not real. Seriously?!? And in the sequel to “Come Back to Me”, “Follow Me” (coming out soon) even the heroine Harper is pretty skeptical. But then, who knows what secrets we haven’t uncovered about the universe.

Now let’s hop over to the fabulously talented Brenda Margriet and hear which character she’s like to be. But first…check this out!!!!

Abigail Garsson feels trapped in her safe, boring, conventional life. Desperate to escape, she signs up for an adventure vacation on the Portuguese island of São Miguel.

Santos Carregado enjoys introducing tourists to his tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic. At first he barely notices the unassuming Abigail. He soon finds her meek exterior hides a vibrant woman who teases his senses and ignites his passion.

Abigail is stunned to discover the handsome, confident Santos is attracted to her, but his fiery kisses and searing caresses convince her to accept a sensuous invitation.

Will the realities of life shatter Abigail’s holiday daydream? Or can the shifting sands of a short-term fling become the rock on which a life-long relationship is built?

https://books2read.com/NoLifebutThis

https://www.brendamargriet.com/blog

Romance Writers Weekly

Hey, there…it’s Tuesday again and tomorrow marks a new month—already. Where does the time go? We hope your day is wonderful and thanks so much for joining us!

Here is this week’s challenge:

Write a letter to one of your characters, either from yourself as author or from another of your characters.

This letter is from the contemporary heroine of my novel “Come Back to Me” to a man she has just seen in a painting from the sixteenth century in Scotland:

Dear …I don’t actually know your name…yet,

When I saw your portrait at a local estate sale—when I saw your face, your eyes, well, I wondered if I’d ever be able to breathe again. Yes, of course I bought the painting and I have to do some research, but I intend to find you. And marry you. And spend the rest of my life with you. It might sound crazy, but I knew instantly, in my very bones, that you were my soul mate and time can’t defeat that. Nothing can stop true love. As Wesley said in “The Princess Bride”:

Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.

And if death cannot stop it, why should I be discouraged by a little thing like time?

I have always loved stories of romance and fairy tales and my imagination can sometimes run wild, but then why not? Magic is real. And time travel? Well, why not? I’m not sure yet how I’m going to accomplish it, but I am determined.

So, I will find you and I will love you and somehow I am certain you will love me, too. Because everyone is entitled to a happily ever after.

Soon my love…

Skye

Now let’s hop over to the very talented Jill Haymaker and read her letter. But first…check this out!!!!

Colorado Summer Stars

How did her relationship go so wrong? When Nicole’s boyfriend’s jealousy turns violent, she escapes to the only place she feels safe-her small hometown of Peakview, Colorado.But can she really leave the past behind? Can that boy she once ignored as a nerd, step up to save her?

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Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and happy Tuesday. Hope you’re having a great day! So happy you could join us today. It means so much to us!

Here is this week’s challenge:

Choose a photo that you’ve taken and that you love. Tell the story behind the photo.

This is a picture of me with Nicholas.

He is the male giraffe at the Memphis Zoo and he is fabulous. Meeting him, I was in love!

As a birthday gift, I asked my husband if I could meet the giraffes, since they are some of my favorite creatures. So he bought us ‘behind-the-scenes’ tickets at the zoo. We were able to learn all about the habitat and the animals and I got to get up close and personal.

It wasn’t enough. The following day, I applied as a volunteer at the giraffe exhibit and was able to get to know Nicholas and all his ladies so much better. It was amazing. They are so much taller than I imagined and so sweet. Nicholas even allowed me to kiss his cheek.

Unfortunately, too soon, we moved to Florida and I had to say good-bye.

I gained a very different insight through that experience. They all were so beautiful and well-treated and they seemed as happy as anyone can be in captivity. But then, they also lived so much longer and were safe from predators. And they gave and received love from those they knew cared for them.

I miss Nicholas and his ladies every day. But, at least I have pictures!

Now let’s hop over to the talented PG Forte and see her photo.

But first, please check this out!!!!!

Scent of the Roses

For years, Scout Patterson has tried to run from the mistakes in her past.  Now, she’s coming home–to face the ghosts she’s never laid to rest, and the love she thought she’d lost forever.  

​Memories and dreams are the only things that have gotten Nick Greco through the past twenty years.  Memories of the girl he loved and lost, and dreams of what his life would be like, if he could only find her again.   And if he can bring himself to believe that anything she tells him is true.

 Can the star-crossed lovers put aside the hurt and distrust they still harbor toward each other?  Or will the evil which already nearly destroyed them once, triumph yet again?

https://books2read.com/ScentRoses

https://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com

Romance Writers Weekly

Hey there! Happy Tuesday. It’s already the middle of April and spring is finally here (for most of us). Thanks so much for joining us. It means so much!

Here is this week’s challenge:

What common mistakes or misunderstandings do readers have about authors? What myths or half-truths do you find yourself hearing again and again?

The most common misconception about authors is that writing a book is easy. Hemingway said “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed”. And truer words were never spoken.

We all have stories. Some we would like to tell, and some not so much. But when we decide to put our thoughts into words and our experiences into exact truth or metaphors, it is not easy, nor for the faint of heart.

First of all, with some exceptions, most writers are notorious procrastinators. Because writing is hard.  As Stephen King said, “The scariest moment is always just before you start”. Because it’s like standing at the bottom of a mountain and looking up, knowing in order to reach the top it’s going to be one heck of a climb.

I think many who don’t write but love to read think the words just flow. Well, when we’re lucky, they do, but that is not always the case. And if you wait for the muse to strike – well, guess what. There is no muse. It’s difficult, sometimes painful, work. But it’s also the best job in the world.

When I can look at what I’ve put on paper, and I’ve expressed exactly what I meant to, laid bare the scars and celebrated the triumphs – well, that’s the best of all.

Now let’s hop over to the wonderful Jenna Da Sie and hear her thoughts.

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Romance Writers Weekly

Hi there and happy Tuesday. Hope your day is going great and thanks so much for being here with us. We are so grateful! And speaking of grateful…here is this week’s challenge:

What are you most grateful for in your life today.

There is so much in my life to be grateful for. I have a lovely, comfortable home that is my sanctuary, with space just to write. And I am able to write. With all the stories chasing each other in my head, it is joyous to be able to put them into words and actually have books as a result.

I am grateful for my husband, who encourages me in my work and gives me the gift of time to pursue my creativity and all that entails. And love. Lots of love!

I have enough money to pay my bills and plenty of food to eat and enough clothes. (Well, are there ever enough?). I am so blessed.

And, last but not least…I have Josie.

One of the world’s most spoiled dogs, she is a constant source of entertainment and happiness. I have no doubt she knows she is on Facebook and Twitter every week and she exemplifies how a creature can grow strong and confident with so much love and attention. As I write this, she is lying down beside my desk ready to offer support and doggie kisses. That unconditional love has taught me how important it is to just feel that.

Every day I am reminded that above all, love is the answer. So all my stories end with that ‘happily ever after’ which means finding love. And I am so grateful to have it in my life.

Now, let’s hop over to the talented Jill Haymaker and hear about her gratitude.

But first…check this out!

Rise up to Love

Charlotte moves to a small town in the Colorado Rockies to begin a new chapter in her life. But what happens when the past she walked away from suddenly is standing right in front of her? Can she really ever start over?

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Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and happy Tuesday and happy spring. Hope you’re having a wonderful day and thanks so much for joining us. We really appreciate you!

Here is this week’s challenge:

Write a flash fiction with the words spring, boat, and shadow.

The quote from T.S. Eliot was suddenly a constant refrain in Mari’s head. “April is the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land, mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain”…

She didn’t need to wonder why she never agreed with him on some of that. Mari always thought spring was way too busy scrubbing away the stark shadows of winter and besides, how could raising beauty from the soil ever be cruel. On the contrary, spring was full of joy, of promises, of toy boats on glistening ponds, of young girls decorated with flowers in their hair and love in their eyes. Especially this year which, if for no other reason, hope was blossoming brighter.

Just the other day, on her daily walk, she had seen that very attractive man again and this time he had smiled at her. It was the expression of possibilities and the tingling in her stomach made Mari aware of all things undiscovered.

This morning, she primped a little before going out, reluctant to admit to herself that she hoped to see him again. The streets were shiny with the overnight rain and the air smelled clean, as if it had been washed and was ready to let the sunshine polish it. And then, there he was. In his right hand, he carried a daisy. It was a delicate flower, white with a yellow center, and Mari lifted her gaze to see his eyes shining. As he reached her, he stopped and held out the blossom.

Smiling, she took it from his hand, noting that his hand shook with the same nervousness that was rippling through her. Then she moved alongside him and together they walked into springtime.

Now let’s hop over to the fantastic PG Forte and read her offering. But first…check this out!

The Name Game

A Games We Play Story

He knows what to do to save her business. She knows what he needs to fix his life!

Atlas Beach is experiencing a retail-renaissance—and Carly Meyer is determined to be part of it.  But her sandwich shop-slash-food-truck, The Lunch Box, is struggling to stay afloat.

Luckily, help is on the way thanks to the Chamber of Commerce’s innovative mentoring program—partnering successful Atlas Beach business owners with some of the newer start-ups. Too bad the mentor assigned to her is the delectable—and highly annoying—Tino DiLuca.

Tino knows exactly what’s hurting Carly’s business and—exactly how to fix it. But his number one solution, changing the name of her signature sandwich, is the one thing she’s not prepared to do.

https://books2read.com/The-Name-Game

https://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and happy Tuesday! Hope you’re having a great day! And thanks so much for taking the time to join us. We really appreciate it!

Here is this week’s challenge:

What self-care activities do you enjoy?

Taking care of myself used to make me feel guilty. But then I realized that I can’t help anyone else unless I’m well and strong, and that includes both mentally as well as physically.

I’ve always enjoyed massages. Yep. They are my (not so guilty anymore) pleasure. An hour on the table with strong hands working out the kinks in my neck and back makes a world of difference. It’s also the time when my world quiets and I can work out plots for my books or just let the problems of the day drift. It’s an hour with no internet, no phone, nothing else to do but turn into a noodle as the knots soften and my thoughts drift.

Now, I also love to have pedicures and go for walks and just sit back and binge watch some TV. I like to bake and find cooking meditative. I live near the beach, so taking some time to watch the surf is very soothing. Sometimes, it’s a power nap. I mean, you can’t get massages every day, right?

Most days require a break, even if it’s just for a few minutes, to regroup and just let it all go for a quick respite.

Reading this back, it sounds like I never accomplish anything, but the truth is, when I take a little time for myself, everything is better.

Now, let’s hop over to the talented Jill Haymaker and check out her favorite self-care options.

But first…you should check this out!!!!

Montana Pines Spring Forward
Colby Harte never saw it coming. When his wife suddenly leaves him and their eight year old daughter, he decides to start over in the small town of Pine Meadows, Montana. But just when he’s found not only a home, but possibly the chance at love again, will his wife’s return threaten everything?

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Romance Writers Weekly

Helo and happy Tuesday. Hope you are doing well and that today brings you joy. And thanks so much for joining us!!!!

Here is this week’s challenge:

Do you ever feel like giving up on writing? If so, what motivates you to keep going?

It takes courage not to be discouraged. There are so many obstacles in this occupation and yet, whenever I feel like I shouldn’t bother, something happens to lift me up. At the end of last year, for example, I was beginning to wonder if my work was actually any good. And then I won a national award for one of my books.

Or I’ll be scrolling through my reviews on Amazon and find that they’re really pretty good. So, people are reading my stories and liking them.

When I first started writing full time, I had a friend (another author) read one of my books. After getting her feedback, I nearly threw in the towel. But then, my husband reminded me it was only one person’s opinion and a few weeks later I got a publishing contract for that novel.

Another time, I had a woman respond that I should get a day job since I had no talent. And then come to find she’d plagiarized my story. Well, I suppose if she thought it was good enough to steal, maybe it was pretty good after all.

But at the end of the day, I write because I have no other choice. The stories in my head demand I put them on paper and it’s icing on the cake when I can share them and people like them.

Now let’s hop over to the talented PG Forte and hear what keeps her going. 

But first…you should check this out!

Waiting For The Big One

LA Love Lessons 1.0

One girl, two guys and a quest for ultimate satisfaction.

Aspiring actress Gabby Browne refuses to consider her best friend, and personal trainer, Derek Novello for the role of soul mate fearing sex will ruin their beautiful friendship. When she meets Zach, she’s convinced that he could be The One. Too bad Derek isn’t willing to share-leaving Gabby forced to choose between two sexy co-stars.

An early morning earthquake provides Gabby with the impetus she needs to stop waiting for the stars to align and finally cast her leading man.

https://books2read.com/the-big-one

https://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and happy Tuesday. So glad you decided to join us today. We are so happy you’re here! And now for this week’s challenge:

What other hobbies do you have besides writing?

I like to keep busy most of the time. So, when I’m not writing, which I consider my full time job, hours are spent doing lots of other things. Painting on canvas with acrylics is something I love to do. Color inspires me and fires my imagination. I also make most of my own clothes, since sewing is something I’ve always enjoyed. And I make jewelry.

There is also the vegetable garden: tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, herbs. Because I love to cook. Finding new recipes and expanding old ones is so much fun. And eating food I’ve grown myself is wonderful.

Taking breaks from writing to give attention to my hobbies refills my creative energy and gives me space to plot and develop my characters. And I am never bored.

Now let’s hop over to the wonderful PG Forte and check out her hobbies. But first – don’t miss this!!!!!

Old Sins, Long Shadows

Children of Night, book two

Of all the mistakes Conrad Quintano has made, driving Damian away is the one that haunts him the most. He hates the fact that he’s hurt the man he loves more than anything. For the sake of the twins, though, Conrad and Damian parent as a united front, a challenge that grows more and more difficult with each passing year. And with Conrad in his weakened state after his kidnapping, it grows more difficult than ever to be around the one man he can’t have.

But an old enemy’s mission to create a dangerous new breed of vampire threatens the twins’ lives, and it’s now more important than ever that the estranged lovers put the past behind them, or everything they hold dear might be ripped apart.

https://books2read.com/u/31KAka

https://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and happy Tuesday. Thanks so much for joining us today. We so appreciate you.

Here is this week’s challenge:

Scent is important. What is your favorite and does it help in your work?

I have a very sensitive nose. That is, when it’s not allergy season. But it’s important to me to be surrounded by good smells. I love coffee perking in the morning, bacon frying, meat on the grill, fresh air and, of course, flowers. Roses, daffodils, jasmine, always lift my spirits.  I suppose my favorite would have to be gardenia blossoms in the spring. It’s very difficult to duplicate, so I have to go for the real thing. Luckily I’ve planted a bunch in my front yard. Come on spring!

Does it help me in my work? I know authors who light candles when they work or surround themselves with fragrance, but I prefer to recall the aromas from my memory depending on the situation. As a pantser, it is usually pretty difficult to anticipate what comes next in my stories. But, if my heroine finds herself by the sea, I can remember inhaling salt spray. Or, if my characters walk through a garden, I can choose what is blooming around them. Or just the clean wisps of snow.

So, to answer the question, yes, scent does help me enhance scenes and magnify experiences. And I love that.

Now let’s hop over to the wonderful and talented PG Forte and hear about her relationship to scent.

But first…and how perfect for this week…

Don’t miss this!!!!

Scent of the Roses

Oberon Book 1.0

Scent of the Roses (book one in the Oberon series) is a slow-burn, second chance, paranormal romantic suspense story featuring a (42M) former bad-boy cop and the (36F) girl who got away. 

Available now in print and digital formats.

https://books2read.com/ScentRoses

http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com