Even though I was thrice published, and deemed by the
writing world as an author, I found it difficult at times to think I had anything worth saying that could help aspiring authors.
Apparently I do, as I discovered at the author's panel held on February 9th, 2008 at the East Greenbush library.
At least, those who asked me questions seemed to like my answers and I was invited to sit on another panel on May 14th, 2008 at the Arvilla E. Diver Memorial library in Schaghticoke.
The other discovery was, in spite of being extremely nervous, I didn't make a fool of myself and I actually had a good time. Goes to show you giving new things a try is always something we should all experience.
I had lots of fun writing A River Of Orange. Although it is a paranormal, it differs greatly from my previous two novels.
This book is an adult fairy tale, set in the 1800's on a ficticious island inhabited with Elwins, Pixies, a Mermaid, a Witch Queen, a Healer, and a Shape-shifting hero....and of course, an orange river.
I think having a walking disability since birth has helped to fine tune my writing talent.
When you can't be active you do more people watching....and listening.
All that close scrutny can form thousands of ideas for characters and stories throughout the years.
COMA COAST was not the first book I wrote, though it was the first of mine to be published.
In 1984 I was going through a divorce from my children's father. To get my mind off the bad times ahead
a friend gave me a book to read by author Kathleen E. Woodiwiss entitled, A ROSE IN WINTER.
I devoured each page and ended up buying every one of Kathleen's books.
I always wrote....poetry and short stories....but after reading Kathleen's work I was inspired to try my hand at wrting romance. Within a year I'd researched and completed an historical entitled, THE GOLDEN LADY, and its sequel ONE PERFECT FLOWER, plus I had material for two more books. Thus, my own historical series began.
But after years of rejections from large publishers I put the mauscripts away, along with the hope of being an author.
However, when something is your true calling, it does just that...calls to you until you can no longer avoid it.
Before I pulled out the historicals again, I joined Romance Writers of America and went to workshops, meetings and conferences the organization held.
I bought "how to write" books and tapes and educated myself on the dynamics of writing romance.
Then I tried my hand at writing a paranormal romantic suspense and COMA COAST was born.
My grandmother alway said, "You can't start out as a CEO of a company before you're the mail clerk."
She was so right! I realized I was not just a writer, but a business woman as well and I needed a five year plan.
If the big publishers wouldn't give me the time of day, I'd try a smaller press. Going at it smaller would at least get my foot in the door
and my name out there, which is as important as as writing a first rate novel. So, when I finished COMA COAST I sent it to Wings Press
and within a month I was sent a contract.
COMA COAST was released October 1, 2006 and since that date it has been ranked "GREAT" by www.fictionwise.com and marked
as a Ebook bestseller. Its sequel, a paranormal romantic thriller entitled THE VANITY, was set to be released August 1, 2007 (my birthday).
And my third book, a romantic fantasy entitled A RIVER OF ORANGE, was accepted by The Wild Rose Press; with a release date the end of 2007.
Not long ago I took out THE GOLDEN LADY and ONE PERFECT FLOWER, rewriting and revising each one. Because I've built a writing resume THE GOLDEN LADY was taken for consideration by an agent. Even better both have been accepted by The Wild Rose Press.
I've also secured a position as an Assistant Editor for Inependence Today newspaper.
I'm glad I didn't give up or ignore my heart's desire. When I think of each new story I plan on writing, I get as excited as a child on
Christmas morning. I guess you could say, I can't NOT write. And now, finally given the opportunity to share my writing voice and thoughts
with others, is all the more wonderful.
I think every author, after learning a publisher wants to contract their novel, looks forward to their first book signing. I was certainly excited about mine.
It was June 2nd, 2007 . . . a nice spring afternoon at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, NY, where my local RWA group, Capital Region, held their annual workshop.
After the luncheon members were given a chance to display their books for a signing. I set up my little corner table and waited.
At some point or another I had previously bought members' books, supporting them in their writing careers and giving them feedback at how much I loved their work. Now it would be my time to share what I wrote.
I had a total of fourteen books with me, and worried if I'd sell any. To my surprise I sold all but three. Seeing my fellow writers lined up at my side of the room, waiting at my table
for me to sign my name on a copy of a book I wrote and they wished to read, filled my heart with joy.
All the research, the hours banging out conflict, character development, plot, double plot and catchy dialogue, suddenly was all worth it.
IN SOME FAMILIES, NOT EVEN DEATH IS FINAL!
Growing up in an orphanage for boys, Guylan was told his parents were killed in an accident. After he proposes to his beloved Nela, he discovers there are much more then skeletons in his family's closet.
When a mysterious stalker invades Guylan's privacy, the doors to the truth of his past are revealed. He's the great-grandson of a powerful Scottish Druid who bestowed a blessing many years ago on Nela's family.
Was it a blessing or a curse? Guylan is soon faced with challenges forcing him to travel back in time to save the family he never knew. But changing the past directly affects the future. When all is said and done, will Nela still know him; be a part of his life?
Or will he have forever lost her love?
"TIS THE SEED PLANTED WITH LOVE, FROM WHICH ONE PERFECT FLOWER GROWS....AND LOVE ALWAYS FINDS A WAY!
Raven Eagle, compromised by a white agent invading her village,
is sent to live in England with her mother's people. Separated from her siblings,
she mistakenly boards a ship owned by the Lord of Limerick, going to Ireland instead. To save her from the threat of the Sea Patrol, the lord agrees to an arranged marriage.
Braiton Shannon, suffering from an inherited illness forbidding intimacy,
becomes tormented by his heart's desire to love Raven. Her courage in the face of danger saves him from death,
risking her own life to release him from his curse. Raven's spirit and determination spans the globe from an Apache Reservation to an Irish manor,
and she learns if you are true to yourself, love always finds a way.
LOVING SOMEONE IS HARD…ESPECIALLY IF THEY'RE SUPPOSE TO BE YOUR ENEMY!
Willow Creek, Arizona saw its share of Indian attacks. Amanda Gregory witnessed the sorrow first hand with her father's murder. Refusing Reverend Joshua Holmes' proposal,
Amanda decides to stay on her farm and run it alone. When she saves Proud Eagle, a wounded Apache warrior, he wins her heart, calling her his golden lady and Amanda's hatred of Indians begins to change.
The night the Chiricahua's attack Amanda's farm, Proud Eagle helps her to escape, taking her back to his tribe to become his wife. But their love is forbidden and Amanda finds herself fighting the biggest battle of her life . . . the right to love her enemy.
Where is it written only men can be heroes?
Meav O’Shay didn’t start out to be a hero….in fact, circumstances started her in the opposite direction….
fleeing Ireland like a coward in the dead of night, after declining the proposal of the lecherous Hollister McGreary,
who murdered Meav’s entire family, Now Meav found herself a stowaway, hiding with the rats in the hull of the Sea Dragon,
the British vessel crashed upon the shores of a magical island…. Little did Meav know her coming had been foretold in the island’s Prophecy.
What do you do, after looking into a mirror, if the eyes looking back aren't your own?
Jules and A.J. Wheaton are newlywed, settling together in Port Rose, a quaint and quiet bedroom community outside of Boston.
After purchasing an old mansion for the purpose of turning it into an art retreat, Jules discovers during renovations an antique vanity walled up in an upstairs bedroom.
Intriqued by the entries of a diary she finds in one of the vanity drawers, Jules unleashes an evil presence trapped in the mirror and waiting to possess her body and soul. Will reflections of the past win, or will her husband's love be strong enough to save her?
Finna Tarellie always knew love grew from the heart, but what happens when it's all in your mind?
Coma Coast is the story about two people meeting and falling in love while both are comatose, only to lose each other when one awakens
