Research and the songbird

Writing a novel takes research. Doesn’t matter what you write – mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi, and yes, even romance takes research. (And get your mind out of the gutter – I’m not talking about that kind of research!)

Looking things up is one of those catch-22 situations. It can be daunting, but at the same time it can be really fun. For instance, I’ve got this scene in my current WIP where my hero and heroine are out walking at night – sherbert sky on the horizon, humid night air as they walk under a canopy of two hundred year old oak and maple trees…

What’s that they hear in the trees? Why it’s the Northern Cardinal. A songbird to serenade them as love blooms between them.

What more perfect bird for this event – did you know the Northern Cardinal mates for life? Isn’t he beautiful.

And since my novel is a time-travel how much more perfect can the use of the stunning bird be. Not only does the pair of mating cardinals have their own unique song they sing to each other – spotting a cardinal in New York state before the late 1800’s was rare. So, when my hero comments on the rarity of the event – my heroine thinks he’s lost his mind.

I am lucky enough to have a pair of cardinals that have nested somewhere near my house. They frequent the trees outside my window and delight me daily with their whistles and songs. Knowing the male will fiercely defend both his territory and his mate brings a smile to my romantic heart

Isn’t it wonderful when nature can inspire your creativity. Does nature inspire you?

Today’s Coffee: Green Mountain - Southern Pecan

Book Review – Spirited Away

Thirteenth century Knight. Modern woman. A ghost and a medieval castle – what could be more fun?

Here’s the back cover to properly entice you:

“When Tristan de Barre and his men were murdered in 1292, their souls were cursed to roam his estate for all eternity. It’s been a long, dull, celibate ever after. But now Tristan’s phantom heart is pounding again for the first time in more than seven hundred years because of the beautiful scientist who’s digging up his castle’s bailey. Can he make her notice him, or will she see straight through him?

The opportunity to exacavate the remains at Dreadmore Castle has forsensic archaeologist Andi Monroe tingling with excitement. It’s an incredible find and a chance to study the mysterious legend of Dragonhawk, a medieval knight who disappeared without a trace. Lately, though, rational Andi is having a hard time telling fact from fiction. She could just swear she met the vanished knight, and he’s a fantasy come true. But until she finds a way to help Tristan lift the curse, their love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance…”

I loved this one and am eagerly awaiting the next ghost story from Cindy Miles. It was fun and flirty, and a quick satisfying read. Tristan is one alpha knight with wit and most definitely a hero worth spending a night curled up with!

Today’s Coffee: Green Mountain - French Vanilla

School’s out

Sing it with me – “school’s out for summer.”

No, I’m not exactly doing the happy dance, but I did get an extra hour sleep this morning, so that’s go to be worth something right?

I’ve already heard there’s nothing to do at our house, we don’t anything “good” to eat for breakfast and lunch isn’t looking much better. The phone’s been ringing non-stop and I had to fight my daughter for the computer just to read my email and post this heartwarming blog!

Hmmm, what’s that word that keeps popping into my head? Oh, yeah – a SCHEDULE! Okay, that might work.

Off to ponder over my coffee…

Today’s Coffee: Green Mountain - Hazelnut

Shhh – I can’t hear myself think

Ever have one of those days when your alpha hero just won’t shut up?

What’s a writer to do when her leading man has begun to whine?

He wants to do this, he wants to do that – and he wants to do way to much with my heroine – way to fast! Men.

So, I’m forced to sit with my butt in a chair and have an ongoing conversation with William (my ghostly hero in Fate) and try my best to wrangle his character into something we can both live with. With him being from 1806, he’s not exactly seeing things my way – modern woman that I am. But, at the same time, spending my days with the brawny blacksmith (even though he’s only a figment of my imagination) isn’t exactly a tough job! Did I mention he’s brawny and is good with his hands?

Well, before this post takes a turn well past PG13, I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. Wish me luck with William…sigh…a writer’s job is never done.

Today’s Coffee: Green Mountain - Rain Forest Nut (Cause that blacksmith is making me just a bit nutty if I do say so myself!)

Luncheon Report

Just like Christmas, the day came and went in a blur.

Being on the committee, I had to arrive early and stay a little later. Left my house by 10:15am and with Friday afternoon traffic what it is on Long Island, I didn’t arrive home until close to 6pm! That’s a full day for me anyway you slice it.

Not only did I have the pleasure of sharing my table with some of fabulous chaptermates, but we were joined by Agent Donald Maas and Kensington Editor Hilary Sares. Needless to say, the atmosphere, the food and the company were incomparable.

We had a full house of close to 80 attendees. I mingled with my champagne punch in hand and spoke with agents and editors. I even met some people that seem like old friends, but I’ve not met in person (isn’t the internet amazing?)

I was so caught up in gabbing and schmoozing – I took only one photo – and here it is.

Two woman I am proud to call both my friends and fabulous critique partners. From left to right: Penny from Australia, Gina Ardito and me.