Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome! Happy Tuesday and thanks so much for joining us. It means a lot!!!!

Here is this week’s challenge:

How’d you get started in your career? How’d you get to where you are today? What’s next for you?

I think I started out as a child…I know, very funny…but it’s true. Even as a little one, I always had a rich imagination and when I was old enough, I wrote down the stories in my head.

As I got older, the writing took a back seat to life and only occasionally would I write an article for business. But then, one day, I was home and cleaning my house. I thought: I can either change my sheets or write a book. You can guess which one I chose.

Now, it was a terrible book and I had no idea what I was doing with regard to style or voice or any of the important craft details, but it didn’t matter. I had found my passion.

I went on to write some TV scripts and a movie (which was actually optioned), but decided I preferred writing novels. A friend gave me a copy of a romance by Kathleen Woodiwiss and I was hooked. And today I have sixteen published romances and more to write.

What’s next? Maybe a different genre, maybe some short stories…I’m not sure. All I do know is that I will continue to write because it is more than a career…it is who I am.

Now let’s hop over to the talented Andie Fenichel, but first, you have to check out her wonderful anthology…

Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction

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☆¸.•´. 𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓞𝓻𝓭𝓮𝓻 and claim your FREE gifts below!

Desiring a Duke? Craving a Cowboy? Longing for a Laird?

This sweet and steamy collection of historical romance will transport you to a time when gentlemen were plentiful, and every scoundrel capable of seduction possessed a heart waiting to be uncovered.

Hidden identities, scandalous secrets, second chances, and happily ever afters fill this boxed set of more than 16 standalone romances, guaranteed to make you swoon.

Each unique tale in the Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction Boxed Set delivers a stand-alone story that fans of Julia Quinn, Sally Britton, and Lorraine Heath are certain to love.

How do you capture a man’s heart… A lady never tells.

Authors included in this set are: Lynn Donovan, Sofie Darling, Alyssa Drake, Emily E K Murdoch, Cat Cahill, R.L. Ashly, A.S. Fenichel, Marie Higgins, Robyn DeHart, Christine Sterling, Linda Rae Sande, Adara Luann, C.K. O’Connor, Marianne Spitzer, Rose Pearson, and Sophie Smith.

https://books2read.com/u/4joPNj
#historicalromance #amazon #nook #applebooks #secretsscandalsandseduction #sss

★★Want some freebies with your purchase? Claim them here!★★
https://www.cassidykoconnor.com/sssfreebies

http://asfenichel.com/blog

Romance Writers Weekly

Happy Tuesday and thanks so much for joining us today. We love having you here!

This week’s challenge comes from the fabulous Brynn Paulin:

Do you have favorite writing tools or things that are a must while you write (particular pen, scent, sound, etc)

My favorite thing when I write — and a must for me — is quiet. I truly envy those writers who can click into the zone with music or candles. I wish I could do that. But those things tend to work in the opposite way and distract me. I think part of the reason is that most of my books are historical and anything that is contemporary tends to pull me out of the story. I think it would take me longer to figure out what tools might be appropriate than it would to actually write the books.

In fact, when I was writing “The Defiant Bride”, set in 1510 England, the phone rang and for a moment I had no idea what that noise was.

There is one thing I love when I write—my dog sleeping under my desk. If you ask her, she will say she is really doing all the writing and I am merely channeling her thoughts. Possible. She is pretty smart.

But, for me, all I need is peace and a keyboard.

Now let’s hop over to the talented Brynn Paulin and hear what she needs to write. But first…

Pre-order Fling With the Secret Sheik

For twenty-two years, I’ve been the good girl. Toed the line; followed all the rules. So when I sneak out of town for my final spring break for college, I’m ready to have my last hurrah before graduating and entering “real” adult life.

My first day in my tropical paradise, I run into Mr. Tall, Dark and Dominant and find myself falling head over heels into the very fling I’d searched for. It’s all too good to be true. It’s a week of bliss. Until I find out he’s been keeping a secret, and he has a life I could never be a part of. I can’t ever be more than a temporary distraction.

But that’s what flings are, right? They’re not for real life. They’re for the instant then left behind. But even momentary idylls have consequences. The question is, am I ready to pay them?

https://www.brynnpaulin.com/post/romance-writers-weekly-tools

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello! Happy Tuesday and welcome. So glad you’ve joined us this week. We love that you’re here!

This is the challenge for this week:

Are you superstitious? Tell us about it.

Okay, I admit it. I am. Now, intellectually, I am sure that whether I wear my lucky earrings or my ‘power’ ring on a specific occasion probably doesn’t make any difference in the outcome of things, my heart just doesn’t want to take the chance of ignoring the possibilities. I have lucky numbers and unlucky numbers and gemstones that make me feel stronger or luckier when I wear them. There are also gemstones that seem cursed for me. As I write this, I realize it all sounds fairly lame, but some things are just too ingrained to ignore.

If I see a hat on a bed, I quickly remove it. Do bad things really come in threes? I think so. And if I spill salt, do I immediately throw some over my shoulder? You bet.

Knock on wood, spit so bad things spoken don’t happen, knock on wood, cross my fingers? Yep. And I will never walk under a ladder if I can help it. When I get a sudden shiver, is someone really walking over my grave (the grave that won’t happen for a very long time if I keep up with these superstitions, that is)?

So, I have to ask myself why. And I suppose it all comes down to a measure of control over things in our lives. Because the truth is, it is uncomfortable to think we cannot control things. So it makes sense that if we follow a prescribed list of universal rules, we can make events go our way or certainly prevent disaster from falling on us or the ones we love.

Honoring age old superstitions strikes me as harmless insurance. Why take the risk of flaunting these beliefs? Especially when it doesn’t hurt anyone or anything? And they had to have come about for a reason, right?

————————————–

Now let’s hop over to the marvelous PG Forte and hear about her superstitions (or lack thereof). But first, check out her wonderful book:

The Name Game

Atlas Beach is experiencing a retail renaissance—and Carly Meyer is determined to be part of it. But she and her sandwich shop, The Lunch Box, are 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.

https://books2read.com/u/boaKv1

http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com

Romance Writers Weekly

Good morning and happy Tuesday. So glad you decided to join us! We love having you here.

Here is this week’s challenge:

If you could choose one superpower, other than being a writer, which one would it be and why?

When I think about superpowers, there are some I definitely would not want: I don’t want to fly (not without an airplane anyway) or have x-ray vision. There is no appeal to super strength, and reading minds would tend to be very noisy all the time.

But if I really could choose one, it would have to be invisibility. Imagine being able to be anywhere and no one would know. It’s the fulfillment of the old ‘I wish I was a fly on the wall’ scenario. I could be just that. Listening, watching, anonymously. But then I think about it. Do I really want to know all the things I would discover? Do I need to know secrets and eavesdrop on private talks? Hmmm. Maybe. It would probably be very disheartening to know what others really thought. Or maybe enlightening. Or both.

And then what would I do with the information? Could I resist the temptation to repeat what I overheard? Would I remember to be discreet and stop listening when the conversation was clearly private? Would I try to right wrongs? Would I sneak up behind criminals and disarm them? I hope so.

I can think of a thousand possibilities if only I was invisible. But, since I’m not, I’ll have to focus on writing. If I can’t actually experience it, I can always imagine it.

Now let’s hop over to the incredible Jenna DaSie and find out about her chosen superpower…

But first from Jenna…

I entered a 100 word flash fiction contest. My assigned genre was historical fiction, my assigned action was playing a piano and my assigned word was peak.

The distinctive plunk, plunk of the ivory teeth grinds my heart to a stop. The man playing the piano flashes images of chunks of ice and the screams of thousands being dragged under the frigid current to their watery grave through my mind.
I saw the peak of the berg before she hit. The air was still. The moment eerie. Nothing to be seen except the circular puff of air releasing from my mouth.
In an instant, chaos.
The waves lap over the resting place of so many.
Once named unsinkable, now laying in ruins on the ocean floor.

https://jennadasie.com

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and happy Tuesday and welcome! Thanks so much for joining us. It means so much!

Here is this week’s challenge:

What is your favorite game? Is it because you usually win or because it challenges you every time?

My answer would have to be bridge. Like chess, the basic rules are straightforward and fairly simple. Don’t let that fool you. It can take a lifetime to be really good. And that’s the challenge. Of course, unlike chess, luck has something to do with it. Even the most skilled player can’t do well with bad cards. Unless, of course, their partner gets a good hand.

That’s one of the really nice things about the game. Communication between you and your partner. It’s like learning another language with all the bids and conventions. And, like anything else, the longer you have the same partner or one who ‘speaks your language’, the better your interaction and the better the play.

Do I usually win? Well, I win enough to keep me coming back. Constantly losing at something makes it difficult to keep up the momentum. But I also lose—enough to keep me coming back to improve.

The thing I don’t like is when people get nasty if you don’t do what they expect or want you to do when you bid or play. My response to that is: come on people, it’s a game. It’s recreation. Unless you’re a master. And masters are way out of my league.

So, just like any other game, choose your companions well and focus on the stimulation of learning how to get better while enjoying the process.

Now, let’s hop over to the fantastic A.S. Fenichel.

But first, it’s  Magic Touch Release Day

ESME I never dreamed my small curatives shop in Windsor, England would attract the attention of war hero Sir William Meriwether. My feminine heart is aflutter when he enters. But I’m a witch and a healer, and he’s a man in pain, so I heal him. Desperate to do him a good service, I stretch my powers to the limit—or perhaps beyond. Somehow, in curing his ailing leg, I unleash powers inside William. At a loss to stop what’s begun, I’m forced to seek assistance from the coven I’ve sworn never to join. I dread the encounter, but for William’s sake, I put my family’s hatred aside. Getting to spend more time with William is an added enticement.

WILLIAM I’m mesmerized by Esme O’Dwyer from the moment I lay eyes on her. Despite our different stations in society, I want something more personal than any restorative tea she might offer. As a gentleman, I contain those baser needs and accept her assistance to ease the pain in my leg. When the alluring witch’s touch bestows me with magic of my own, I want no part of it. But the coven’s leaders insist magic never makes mistakes, and for this to have happened, I must be needed. I’ve never been one to shy away from duty, and being secluded for training with Esme is magical in more ways than one.

ESME Trouble is coming to Windsor. The signs are all there. The race is on to train William as a witch before his power is needed, but our growing attraction is as undeniable as the battle that lies ahead.

Magic Touch | Universal Book Links Help You Find Books at Your Favorite Store! (books2read.com)

http://asfenichel.com/blog

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to our weekly hop. Thanks so much for joining us! We really appreciate it!

Here is this week’s challenge:

If you weren’t a writer, what would you want to be and tell us why you would choose this.

Over the years, I’ve had lots of jobs and even a few careers. I’ve run the gamut from owning a breakfast catering company for NBC, therapeutic horseback riding for the disabled, advertising media buyer, self-defense instructor and eighteen years as a licensed veterinary technician.

But always, I wrote. First it was magazine articles, then screenplays, then TV shows. One of the screenplays became a novel and I decided I liked writing books better than scripts. And sixteen novels later, I am still going. Now it’s full time, instead of working a day job and only fitting in the writing when I could. And I am so much happier.

What would I be if not a writer? I would only be a small part of who I am. Writing isn’t just a job or even a career. It’s me. I have had stories in my head all my life and from the time I was small, I wrote them down. And it defined a very important aspect of me.

I loved the day jobs. Well, most of them. There was a few I don’t miss. But no matter what else I was doing to make ends meet, I have always been a writer. I couldn’t be anything else.

Someone once asked Stephen King why he chose to write horror. His response was (paraphrased) – why do you think I chose it?

That’s how it is. Writing chooses you.

Now, let’s pop over to the fabulous A.S, Fenichel…

But first – you can’t miss her newest – up for pre-order……

Magic Touch

https://books2read.com/u/mZZoz

ESME I never dreamed my small curatives shop in Windsor, England would attract the attention of war hero Sir William Meriwether. My feminine heart is aflutter when he enters. But I’m a witch and a healer, and he’s a man in pain, so I heal him. Desperate to do him a good service, I stretch my powers to the limit—or perhaps beyond. Somehow, in curing his ailing leg, I unleash powers inside William. At a loss to stop what’s begun, I’m forced to seek assistance from the coven I’ve sworn never to join. I dread the encounter, but for William’s sake, I put my family’s hatred aside. Getting to spend more time with William is an added enticement. WILLIAM I’m mesmerized by Esme O’Dwyer from the moment I lay eyes on her. Despite our different stations in society, I want something more personal than any restorative tea she might offer. As a gentleman, I contain those baser needs and accept her assistance to ease the pain in my leg. When the alluring witch’s touch bestows me with magic of my own, I want no part of it. But the coven’s leaders insist magic never makes mistakes, and for this to have happened, I must be needed. I’ve never been one to shy away from duty, and being secluded for training with Esme is magical in more ways than one. ESME Trouble is coming to Windsor. The signs are all there. The race is on to train William as a witch before his power is needed, but our growing attraction is as undeniable as the battle that lies ahead.

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http://asfenichel.com/blog

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello, happy Tuesday, and thanks so much for joining us this week. It means so much that you’re here!

And now for this week’s challenge:

Who gave you the best advice ever? What was it and how did it help you?

Actually, it was my husband – and the advice was: “Don’t quit”. Sounds simple enough, but said at the right time, it made all the difference.

What happened was this: my first critique partner savaged my first novel. Before I started writing romance, I had some success with screenplays and TV shows. So, when I changed to romance books, I thought I had at least some ability as a writer.

I sent her my manuscript and she basically told me I had no talent at all. She said the story was contrived and needed a complete overhaul and I might consider starting from scratch. It was devastating because I trusted her opinion. So, I crawled into my bed in a fetal position and vowed never to write another word.

Enter the husband and his words. He went on to say that hers was only one opinion and maybe it made her feel better to criticize others. So, I picked myself up, sent it off to an editor and got my first contract. The first contract of many. I have now published sixteen romances, contributed to an anthology and compiled a cookbook.

The moral here is obvious: “non illegitimi carborundum” which is Latin for do not succumb to the oppressive influence of others (also known as “don’t let the bastards grind you down”).

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

https://jennadasie.com

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to our weekly hop. So glad you could join us!!!!

Here is this week’s challenge:

It’s creeping out of winter to the spring. Is this your favorite season? If not, which one is and why.

Spring is definitely my favorite season. It always seems as if January through March takes years instead of months. The weather is gray (yes, even in Florida sometimes) and it always seems as if everything is waiting. Finally, the daffodils and crocuses announce that winter has reluctantly given up its hold and moved on until next year.

The air is suddenly fragrant and the birds – well, they’re just twitter-patted, singing and building nests. The sky is bluer and the sun warmer and everything feels clean. That is, everything except my house, which then demands attention. But, at the end of the day, with a home that has also welcomed the new season, I can sit back on my porch and watch my neighbors enjoying a walk or a bike ride and I plan to do both tomorrow.

Stories wake up in my head and begin to write, characters stretching after a nap and getting into some adventure. In fact, one of my creations is just to embark on a time travelling path to find true love. And in the second book of my ‘Notorious’ series, murder and mayhem keep everyone busy. (yes, two books at once).

Taking a deep breath, I am ready – spring is here!

—————————————————————

Now let’s head over to the fabulous A.S. Fenichel and hear about her favorite season. But first…

Here is the gorgeous cover reveal for Magic Touch

ESME – I never dreamed my small
curatives shop in Windsor, England would attract the attention of war hero Sir
William Meriwether. My feminine heart is aflutter when he enters. But I’m a
witch and a healer, and he’s a man in pain, so I heal him. Desperate to do him
a good service, I stretch my powers to the limit—or perhaps beyond. Somehow, in
curing his ailing leg, I unleash powers inside William. At a loss to stop
what’s begun, I’m forced to seek assistance from the coven I’ve sworn never to
join. I dread the encounter, but for William’s sake, I put my family’s hatred
aside. Getting to spend more time with William is an added enticement.

WILLIAM – I’m mesmerized by Esme O’Dwyer from the moment I lay eyes on her. Despite our different stations in society, I want something more personal than any restorative tea she might offer. As a gentleman, I contain those baser needs and accept her assistance to ease the pain in my leg. When the alluring witch’s touch bestows me with magic of my own, I want no part of it. But the coven’s leaders insist magic never makes mistakes, and for this to have happened, I must be needed. I’ve never been one to shy away from duty, and being secluded for training with Esme is magical in more ways than one.

ESME – Trouble is coming to Windsor. The signs are all there. The race is on to train William as a witch before his power is needed, but our growing attraction is as undeniable as the battle that lies ahead.

http://asfenichel.com/blog

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to our weekly hop. Thanks so much for joining us. It means so much!

This week’s challenge is from me:

What is your favorite book and how many times have you read it?

My favorite book is a primer on how to create great stories. “Adventures in the Screen Trade” by William Goldman is a fantastic guide to Hollywood and screenwriting, but it is so much more. The author talks about the difference between reality and believability, be it in written words or splashed across the silver screen. He gives a specific example of how to lose your audience by relating about a movie he wrote where the hero failed – and so did the film. Great lessons!

There is a wealth of information on how to create dialogue, plotting and characterization. It is an amazing book. And even though he is generally talking about movies, it is clear that great writing is great writing, no matter the medium.

But he wasn’t just a screenwriter. Never forget he wrote “The Princess Bride”, both the book and the screenplay. And at least six other novels and a book of essays.

How many times have I read this book? Too many to count. In fact, I think I’ll read it again, starting today.

Now let’s jump over to the fantastic Jenna DaSie and hear about her favorite…

https://jennadasie.com

Romance Writers Weekly

Hello and welcome to our weekly hop. Thanks for taking the time to join us. It means so much!

Here’s this week’s challenge:

Try something new… What was the last NEW thing you tried. Was it a writing in a new genre, tense or something else? It could be skydiving, eating haggis for the first time, meditating at a Buddhist monastery, or really anything at all. Did you learn anything?

Over the years, my life has been filled with new things. I have lived in eleven states and pursued many diverse careers in addition to being a writer, including owning a catering service for NBC in Los Angeles, therapeutic horseback riding instructor for the disabled, and licensed veterinary technician. Those professions each fed a part of me and I definitely learned from all of them.  

I have surfed and gone snorkeling and traveled to Europe and Mexico. I sang with a band. I have tried all kinds of foods and have hobbies ranging from sewing to painting to making jewelry.

In other words, lots of new things.

Now, I find that stability and constancy is my comfort. I have a routine and I love it. Trying new things definitely expanded my universe and opened my eyes to not only differences, but similarities. But the time has come for me to appreciate my home, my husband, my dog. There are not a lot of changes and new things in my life these days – okay, I do try new recipes all the time – but it is the predictability of my days that allows me to access all of my experiences and has helped me settle down to be a better writer.

Now let’s pop over to the fantastic Brenda Margriet and hear her new things. But first:

It’s release day for A SEASON FOR LOVE. 99 cents this week only. Includes Brenda’s novella, SECRETS UNDER THE COVERS and 12 other stories.

A Limited Edition Collection of Steamy Contemporary Romances

Sometimes forever begins after forty.

A collection of fiery and passionate contemporary romances featuring characters in their 40’s, 50’s and beyond. These authors don’t close the bedroom door on the good stuff, so be prepared to get hot and bothered in the best of ways. After all, lust has no age limit!

From billionaires and alpha military heroes to nerds and single dads, this limited-edition collection of sensual and sexy stories will keep you up all night and daydreaming all day!

Includes Brenda Margriet’s novella, SECRETS UNDER THE COVERS

Two long-time friends…one impulsive seduction…zero percent chance their lives will ever be the same again.
https://books2read.com/Aseasonforlove

https://www.brendamargriet.com/blog