What's New... September 29, 2005

Happy Autumn! This is one of my favorite times of the year! Pumpkins. Scarecrows. Apple cinnamon potpourri. I'm already gearing up for those cute little goblins that will come a'calling soon and try my best to stay out of the candy. I admit it, I'm a kid at heart. My life-size Frankenstein greets visitors with “Who Can It Be Now” (knocking at my door) and a bat flaps around to a spooky scream. The remnants of my summer garden are replaced by mums and snapdragons and the yard is prepared for the upcoming winter. (Okay, not a REAL winter compared to you guys in most parts of the country, but winter for me, anyway!) I'm already looking forward to sitting by a fire and reading a good book!

And speaking of books--I'm currently working on my next SECRETS! book, BLACKHAWK'S BETRAYAL and I'll be sharing bits and pieces with you (without giving too much away!) I love being back with the Blackhawk family. It's been quiet around Wolf River for too long. Time to shake things up in their world! But I'll tell you more later...

MY AUTOGRAPHED BOOK AND ROSE SACHET WINNER IS JENNIE FERRARO, from New Jersey and my THREE AUTOGRAPHED BOOK WINNERS ARE TINA RUMMER, from Nevada, MICAL HOLCOMB, from Washington, and SAUNDRA MCKENZIE, from Arizona. Congrats, ladies! Hope you enjoy!

All the Best,

What's New...August 12th, 2005

BACK FROM RENO WITH MY BEAUTIFUL RITA STATUE!

I can't stop smiling! It's an understatement to say I'm thrilled that I won a RITA for MISS PRUITT'S PRIVATE LIFE at the Romance Writers' of America ® National Conference. MISS PRUITT, the last book in my SECRETS! series, won Best Short Contemporary category at the awards ceremony on July 30 at the Reno Hilton. The beautiful statue is in my office (my husband put the taboo on me bringing her to bed with us) and I will forever be reminded of that magical moment when the master of ceremonies said, "And the statue goes to...MISS PRUITT... After that I couldn't hear because my editor, Melissa Jeglinski, on one side of me, and Roxanne St. Clair, on the other, both screamed. I honestly felt numb and so excited I was shaking. I have no idea how I gave an acceptance speech, but somehow I managed! Considering the talented writers I was up against (including Roxanne!) I'm amazed that it's me sitting here with this golden beauty.

The conference itself was great fun! My roomies, Sandra Paul, Barbara Benedict, Angie Ray and I shared a spacious, beautiful suite with TWO bathrooms. (Four women in one room--think about it!) We had a beautiful view of the city and at night, it was spectacular. We stayed up late every night (Angie and I are the lightweights, but managed to stay up until 3:30 one morning--needless to say, we slept in! The hotel/casino was huge, the food at the luncheons terrific, as were the speakers, Debbie Macomber and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. The Harlequin party at The Peppermill Hotel and Casino was one of the best ever and dancing was non-stop. Kudos to Harlequin for once again treating their authors so wonderfully!

Other BIG news from the conference--I went to Jo Leigh's wedding! Yep, right there in front of friends and family and her editors, Jo Leigh got married to Laurence Wendelken! It was a beautiful ceremony at the chapel in the hotel and Jo looked beautiful. (she cried through most of the ceremony and she made all of us cry, too!) We all went up to Jill Shalvis's room for champagne and cake and celebration. CONGRATULATIONS Jo and Laurence! (see pics on my scrapbook page) May you be blessed with a long, happy life together.

It was wonderful getting together with old friends and meeting new ones, and I came home exhausted, but very happy. I already can't wait for next year! If you'd like to see pictures from the conference, go to my scrapbook page, and also check out my journal from conference. Never a dull moment with my wild and crazy friends!

THE WINNER OF MY JULY TOTE BAG AND AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF BLACKHAWK LEGACY IS...DEBRA FRISCHKORN, from Wisconsin! Congratulations, Debra! Hope you enjoy! And my three AUTOGRAPHED BOOK WINNERS ARE: JOAN WOODS, in Florida, SHARON BERGER, in New Mexico and PAM PELLINI, in Connecticut. Thanks to all of you who visit my site and sign my guest book! I LOVE hearing from everyone!

All the Best,

What's New... July 6th

SUMMER'S HERE! The temperatures are quickly rising here in Southern California, but not overwhelming yet. June was an incredibly busy month for me. Took a much needed vacation to the beach and it was fantastic. School wasn't out yet so we practically had the beach to ourselves. A relaxing and renewing trip and I came home ready to hit the ground running and get moving on my next book-- BLACKHAWK'S BETRAYAL, which will continue my SECRETS! series. There's a surprise coming to the Blackhawk family...but more about that later...

My BATH SET IN PINK BAG AND AUTOGRAPHED BOOK CONTEST WINNER for June is Susan Lathern in Nebraska. You're In the Pink, Susan! My THREE AUTOGRAPHED COPIES OF BLACKHAWK LEGACY are: KAY MONTE, in Louisiana; CHRISTA RUNGE, in Ontario (Canada): and GEORGIA SCHNEIDER in Alabama. Congratulations, ladies, and thanks for stopping by!

I've been working like crazy in my garden. Added two new archways and finally started the "storybook garden" I've been thinking about for two years. My wonderful husband cleared an area behind a shed, leveled it, built a small retaining wall, laid a stone path and dropped in a liner for a new pond. This man is truly my hero! I found a small scale water wheel and we'll set it up beside the pond. There's lots more to do, but it's a labor of love. Can't wait to get the pond running and put some plants in--I'll get some pictures up on my garden page when I do. I have three turtles in my existing pond now, bought three new chicks, and a gorgeous red-headed parrot has taken up residence in my garden. It has to be someone's pet, but there's no way to catch it--won't let me get close. I managed to get a picture of it--check out my garden page and take a look. My husband and I also went "treasure hunting" and found an antique galvanized bathtub with a wooden rim. I plan on making a small pond out of it when we figure out where to put it.

Thanks to everyone for all the hellos and notes you've dropped me to tell me how much you enjoyed BLACKHAWK LEGACY. Your kind words keep me inspired and at my computer!

Regards to All,

What's New...May 11

Finally I'm back! A case of bronchitis and a treacherous deadline took me out of commission for a few weeks, but I'm happy to say the book is done (more about that later) and I'm fully recovered. Sorry this has put me SO far behind on my website updates and contests, but I'm back on track now.

My happy news is my Best Short Contemporary of 2004 RITA nomination for Miss Pruitt's Private Life! I am so excited! The winner will be announced at the Romance Writers of America National conference at Reno in July. I'll be on pins and needles, but I'm thrilled just to be nominated! Cross your fingers for me, okay?

The winner of my shopping bear is Leah Hurwich in Maryland! Congrats Leah! Hope you enjoy her. And the fever from being sick must have made me loopy! I'm giving away 5 books from last months drawing! My book winners are: Cindy Huffman in West Virginia, Julie Stroup in Ohio, Robin Bell in Virginia, Rachel Nosack in Washington and Nina Crespi in New York. You ladies all have an autographed copy of Blackhawk Legacy coming to you!

Check out my May Man of the Month, Rob Brown. When his wife, Marie, e-mailed me about her real life hero and told me how he stood by her side during her cancer treatments, I knew he had to be my next Man of the Month! Rob was born in Calgary, Canada and was with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,. He's a man's man who loves the outdoors and his family. Go to my Man of the Month and read more about Rob. And if any of you ladies would like to share a hero you know, just let me know. I'm always looking for one!

My garden is looking fabulous. Flowers are blooming, veggies are growing (I even have some zuchinni already!) I've taken a ton of pictures and I'm putting them up on my website so you can enjoy, too. I'm having a great time with all the birds and squirrels, too and tried to get as many photos of the critters in my garden as I could. I have gained a new appreciation for wildlife photographers! It's not easy and you need lots of patience, but it's fun when you finally get the picture.

I just finished my December book, NAME YOUR PRICE, which is the last book of the Dynasties: Ashton's Desire series for this year, and will be starting my next SECRETS! book that will be a continuation of the Blackhawk family. I can't wait! There will be some surprises to reveal... I'll keep you updated as the release date comes closer. In the meantime, be sure and pick up ALL of the Desire Dynasties books!

All the best,

What's New...March 15th

Happy Easter! Can't believe spring is almost here and Easter is so early! I've got to get busy for my annual family Easter brunch--about 50 friends and family (and friends of friends) come by for food and fun that includes an Easter egg Hunt and bounce house for the kids. Hope my yard dries out by then! It's done nothing but rain here in Southern California. We're up to nearly 34 inches! (our annual is around 14 normally) I was about ready to buy a boat and get the animals on board!

And speaking of animals, I thought I'd lost my pond turtles, but they both turned up a few days ago! They are such a tasty treat to critters (raccoons adore them with a dash of salt and pepper) and I was very worried. In a couple of weeks, I'll have to drain some water and climb in (a very slimy, unpleasant job) and see if I can dredge up the other turtle. They are such shy little things, but fun to watch when they come to the surface.

It's also that time of year to get my garden in, so I'll be busy the next few weeks digging and planting and of course, my favorite thing--buying flowers! We need new beds for veggies (I can taste those tomatoes already!) My roses need food, my shrubs needs pruning--the list goes on forever. Like my books, it's a continual work in progress and a labor of love!

I'm currently finishing up a Desire Dynasties due out in December, then I'll be working on more SECRETS! books. More about those later (just a hint-- there will be some big surprises for the Blackhawk family.)

I love hearing from you all. Thanks so much for taking the time to drop me a note--I'm so glad to hear you like my Man of the Month and the recipe pages I've added. I've got several more new things coming up in the next few weeks--drop by any old time--my cyber home is open 24/7!

What's New . . . February 7th

It was an exciting January in California --rain, rain, and more rain! Our usual rainfall average for the entire year is 14 inches and we've already had 22+! One especially bad day, my husband, Frank was out digging trenches in the pouring rain to try and divert water from flooding under our house. He had all my sympathy that day. Things are starting to dry out a bit and we're back to our beautiful Southern California weather--blue skies and 75 degree weather. After all this rain, my roses are going to look awesome this spring!

Recently I attended my local Romance Writers of America® chapter meeting and what a day we had! 270 people came out in the pouring rain to hear Elda Minger and Dean Koontz speak. Elda Minger discussed the book "AUTHENTIC HAPPINESS" by Martin Seligman. According to the book, most people have confused happiness with pleasure, true happiness that lasts comes from helping others, not in instant gratification and that the core virtues of happiness are: wisdom and knowledge, courage, love and humanity, temperance and spirituality and transcendence. We all came away feeling wonderfully motivated and inspired--thanks Elda ! (I've read LEARNED OPTIMISM by Martin Seligman--an excellent book!)

Dean Koontz, who spoke in the afternoon, was absolutely amazing! He entertained us with tales from "the biz" and had us mesmerized the entire afternoon with his wit, charm and intellect. He even stayed and signed books two hours after, talking with everyone and taking pictures. See my pictures with Dean Koontz in my scrapbook. I bought LIFE IS GOOD, by Dean's dog, Trixie, a darling story about life as a dog. Dean signed the book for Trixie, however, with a hearty "woof, woof," and "death to fleas."

A big thank you to everyone who has dropped me a note on my website and told me you loved Dillon and Rebecca. It means a great deal to me to hear from readers across the United States and other countries. I am truly humbled, honored and so grateful to each and every one of you.

My website is growing, so check out my new pictures and recipe page, and of course, my very first Man of the Month, Chris Fregeau. I'm really thrilled about this new page I've added to my website--be sure and share with your friends!

What's New...November 30, 2004

Happy Holidays! I LOVE this time of year. Thirty boxes have already come down from the attic (my husband shakes his head every year as we bring them down) the trees are out of the shed and I'm busy decorating , listening to Christmas music and getting ready for my annual Writer's Holiday Luncheon. Every year around forty romance writers get together at my house and we all have a great time. I used to cook everything myself, but last year I had a Pot Luck and it was so wonderful I'm doing it again. Can these ladies cook! I'll have to post some recipes this year.

BLACKHAWK LEGACY will hit the stands this month and I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. I'm so excited over my first single title. So many of you have written and asked me to tell Dillon's story, and I want to thank each and every one of you! I hope you'll have a chance to pick up a copy and let me know if you fell in love with Dillon as much as I did. He is definitely a man who can keep a woman warm on a cold winter night!

My fall garden is in just in time! No veggies, just flowers. We've had lots of rain here in Southern California , which is early for us. Our local mountains have snow, which is great for all the skiers and the mountain communities. I'm not a skier, but my husband can't wait to hit the slopes. Maybe while he's skiing, I'll head down to the beach! We have a favorite restaurant in Malibu and there's usually a celebrity sighting, too. Recently we've seen Pamela Anderson , Kid Rock, David Kelly and Michelle Phieffer (she makes a great romance heroine, don't you think?) and Nicholas Cage. Never know who you'll see!

My TBR pile is increasing by the day and I'm way behind, but currently I'm enjoying Ann Marie Winston's "The Enemy's Daughter." Ann Marie is such a talented author , as well as a delightful woman. (I know she has a book out this month I've GOT to pick up!) I'm also reading "The Monkey's Raincoat" by Robert Crais, the first book I've read by him (and the first book he wrote) It's about a hard edged PI named Elvis Cole and I'm really liking his style. I highly recommend him and of course, for suspense, any Harlan Coben book, too. I'd love to hear what you all are reading, too. So many books, so little time!

Enjoy the holidays and MAY THE GLOW OF THE SEASON BE WITH YOU NOW AND THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR, AND MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

Warmest Wishes,

What's New...October 18, 2004

I admit it, I'm just a kid at heart. Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. As a child, I couldn't wait to dress up and run from house to house collecting candy, then finally run home to dump my treasures out and gleefully check each precious piece of candy. As an adult, I'm just as happy to be on the giving end, enjoying that same gleeful look in children's eyes as they yell "Trick or Treat!" Halloween has always been the start of the holiday season for me. Thanksgiving right around the corner, then Christmas, each holiday special, complete with its own sights and sounds and smells. It's my favorite time of year, (until spring comes along, of course--I love spring!)

This has been a typically busy year, though with a couple of tough deadlines and the loss of my dear mother-in-law, an especially rough one. I look forward to sharing the holidays with my family and reminding myself how incredibly blessed I am.

THIS MONTH I'M GIVING AWAY A HALLOWEEN BASKET, which includes a handmade patchwork pillow, candy and fall leaves and an AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF MISS PRUITT'S PRIVATE LIFE. On October 25th, the winner will be selected randomly from my guest list on my website, so if you haven't signed in already, please do. In addition, I'll also be giving away FIVE FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPIES OF MISS PRUITT'S PRIVATE LIFE. Good luck to everyone!

YOU ASKED FOR IT--and it's almost here! Dillon Blackhawk's story will finally be told. My first single title, BLACKHAWK LEGACY will be released this December, 2004. This story continues my SECRETS! series, but not as a Desire. This one is SEXIER AND BIGGER than any story I've written. Dillon Blackhawk is the man who'd run from his past, Rebecca Blake is the woman determined to make him confront it. Read an excerpt...

Happy Halloween everyone!

Till next time,

What's New...August 20

Hi all! Back from Dallas --not with a RITA I'm afraid! Once again that beautiful golden lady has eluded me, but I'm still honored to be a part of it all. Maybe next year!

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who so graciously replied to my survey. Now that I'm back from conference and I finished the book I was working on, I can put the survery together and send out the results in a newsletter. It was fascinating reading all your replies. Desire readers are definitely smart, savvy women! I have e-mailed the book winners and THE HAT BOX WINNERS ARE GIGI HICKS IN GEORGIA AND MARY MURPHY IN FLORIDA. Congratulations ladies!

Those of you who didn't win this time, not to fret. You know I love to give things away! I'll be putting together a fall basket and get a picture up on my website and of course I'LL BE GIVING AWAY MORE BOOKS! 

Thanks to everyone who read MISS PRUITT'S PRIVATE LIFE and SUMMER IN SAVANNAH and sent me notes to tell me how much they enjoyed the stories. I really love hearing from you all and love it when you write and just say hi and tell me what you're up to. You are all so terrific!

I'm looking at a pretty sad garden right now. Between work and conference (coming home with bronchitis!) and the heat, my yard is very sad. Even my tomato plants are gasping for their last breaths. Fall will be here soon (can you believe it!) and I'll get my fall garden in. In the meantime, I've got plenty to keep me busy. I'll start my next book when I get back from a much needed vacation. This next book will be part of the continuing Dynasty series in Desire, but won't be out till late next year, then I'll be writing more SECRETS! books. I'll keep you all updated on that!

I can't thank you all enough for supporting me and sending such kind words. I'll be updating my website soon and will start working on a newsletter, too, so check back with me! For now, enjoy the rest of your summer and stay cool!

All the Best,

What's New...June 15

Happy June! Graduations, Weddings, Babies, Father's Day--whatever you're celebrating, congratulations and enjoy. Are you ready for that summer vacation? Getting the air conditioner revved up? Or maybe you just want to sit and relax out of the heat with a summer book...and speaking of books, I've got two suggestions! SUMMER IN SAVANNAH, my June anthology with Maureen Child and Sheree Whitefeather, and MISS PRUITT'S PRIVATE LIFE, my July Desire, the next installment in my SECRETS! series. All summer long I'll be GIVING AWAY FREE BOOKS and a SUMMER BASKET with Bath and Body Works lotion and bath splash, plus scented rose petals and an autographed copy of SUMMER IN SAVANNAH. If you're signed up in my guest book, you're entered to win! All winners for books and basket are selected randomly by my webmanager--GOOD LUCK!

As for me, I've working away on my next book, BLACKHAWK'S LEGACY. Many of you have asked me about Dillon Blackhawk's story and it's coming! It will be a December Silhouette Single Title release, and as the time gets closer, I'll tell you more about him and Rebecca, the woman who brings this lone wolf howling out of his cave.

July is the month for Romance Writers of America National Conference, this year in Dallas , and I can't wait! I'm also excited to have WOLF RIVER SUMMER up for best short contemporary. You can read an excerpt from this book on my website--it's my EIGHTH RITA NOMINATION and I won't pretend not to be thrilled! The book is up against some tough competition, but win or not, I'm honored to be among them. If you'll be attending the conference, please say hi! I won't get there in time for the big Literacy Signing, but I'll be out and about the rest of the time.

As for my garden, weird weather has made it a bit sparse right now, but I hope to get some flowers in if we get a few cooler days. I am excited I've got lots of green tomatoes on my vines and I can't wait until they're ripe, plus my bell peppers, zuchinni and eggplants are all looking good. As soon as I can get some good pictures, I'll put them up on my site. I have two new additions to my pond--red slider turtles! My husband, Frank, bought them for me and though they're very shy, if I'm still, they'll eventully pop up and stare at me (or maybe it's glare at me for disturbing them!) No names yet, though my daughter suggested Raphael and Donatello. I'm still thinking...

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has signed my guest book, and an extra special thank you to everyone who takes the time to say hello and share a piece of your world with me. I love hearing from readers!

So whatever you're doing this summer, stay cool, have fun, and please send prayers and good thoughts for all the young men fighting to preserve what we all sometimes take for granted--freedom. God Bless you All and this Great Country!

What's New...April 1

HAPPY SPRING--HAPPY EASTER! It's so wonderful to be warm again. California has been wonderfully sunny and my garden is coming to life. I'm slowly getting things cleaned up and some new flowers in. I'll put some new pictures up next month.

CONGRATULATIONS to Tangela Williams in Alabama . She won the bear basket. I need to put a spring basket together now. Watch for it in a few weeks. I WENT CRAZY last month and gave away a ton of books. Congrats to all my winners! This month I'll be giving away a copy of THE CINDERELLA SCANDAL. Everyone in my guest book is signed up for a chance!

MY GOOD NEWS IS THAT "A WOLF RIVER SUMMER" IS A RITA FINALIST in the Romance Writer's of America annual contest for best short contemporary of 2003. The conference will be in Dallas this year--I can't wait! I'm just so thrilled to be amongst so many wonderful writers. Soon as I get a break in my schedule, I'm going to celebrate the nomination.

And speaking of my schedule--my next book out, an anthology with Maureen Child and Sheree Whitefeather is SUMMER IN SAVANNAH, coming out in June. Then in July, MISS PRUITT'S PRIVATE LIFE, a Desire that continues my SECRETS! books will be out. Miss Pruitt was one fun character! Currently I'm working on BLACKHAWK'S LEGACY, but that won't be out until later this year--I'll let you all know about it then.

I love hearing from everyone. I'm trying to get a newsletter together to send out to everyone who has signed my guest book. I'm just way behind on everything these days!

Best to Everyone!