During 2017, a discussion via my newsletter and email from various readers alerted me to the confusion over book lengths and what makes a book a book, or a novel a novel. Novels and books are not interchangeable terms, anymore, although they used to be. A “novel” is a preset wordcount range that defines a […]
What Makes a Book a Book? Read More »
A young Queen Elizabeth on a one pound note, circa 1976The second season episodes of the most expensive TV series ever produced, The Crown, which cost a mere $130M, just dropped on Netflix a few days ago. It’s interesting timing, because today is the 81st anniversary of the day that Britain’s King Edward VIII renounced
Auspicious Timing? Read More »
When most people think of “traditions”, they’re thinking of society-wide customs and habits that become ingrained over years and generations. The holiday season is a good example, for it is stuffed full of traditions. But traditions can be more personal and often, far more significant. For instance, a personal tradition of mine is to step
The Meaning of Traditions—to you. Read More »
I’m having so much fun at the moment. This year, I made it an ambition to make as many Christmas gifts as possible, including the wrapping, cards, packaging and ornaments to go with them. That has led me into some interesting by-waters, as my Street Team already knows, for I’ve shared some of my
Gifts for readers and from readers (you!) Read More »
It’s snowing! I can see it through my window. Got your winter reading sorted out? Now you have an excuse to sit by the fire…. Have a great weekend!
Historical romance gets short shrift from the traditional publishing industry. Fifteen years ago, it was selling like hotcakes, until they declared that the historical romance market was dead and promptly stopped buying historical romance from authors…which killed the market for them. (Funny how that works). As the ebook market was just starting up around that
Plaid, Breeches…what’s next? Read More »
It’s a sign of the times: I have learned over the last few years to be wary of any book published by the last remaining five traditional New York publishers because the price is usually outrageous, and the story a re-hash of recent best sellers, with anything resembling originality edited out of it. For the
Pulse Pause Moments – lots of ’em, including Lucifer in a suit. Read More »
In your newsletter, you said that The Branded Rose Prophecy is extra, extra-long. I was curious. What’s the longest you’ve ever written, and what’s the shortest (complete story, that is!) you’ve ever written? This mailbag question was an interesting one for me, as Thor: Ragnarok was released a few days ago. It’s the third movie in
Epically Giggle-Making Read More »
I’m always amused by readers who think I only write erotic paranormal romances. I received a number of emails from readers in response to last week’s post, expressing surprise to learn I write (and have always written) romantic suspense as well. As this month is a romantic suspense kind of a month, I thought I’d
Short, Very Much NOT Sweet Thrillers Read More »
’tis the season for all things taut and thrilling. Lately, I’ve been writing a lot of romantic suspense. Actually, I should say, I’m getting back to writing a lot of suspense thrillers. For readers who have only just stumbled over my stories in the recent past, it seems like a new genre for me, but it’s
The Most UNLIKELY Setting For A Thriller Read More »