Big Easy Blog Hop ☼

Welcome to the Big Easy Blog Hop! Author Sharon Drane invited me, and I am honored to participate. 

Sharon Drane lives in North Florida and is currently president of Ancient City Romance Authors, a chapter of RWA®. Her novel TOUCH THE SKY will be released later this year. It is the story of lovers who suffer a catastrophic event.  Wrenched apart, each filled with pain, is there hope of reconciliation?

Here are the four burning questions on Sharon's mind:

1. What am I working on currently?

I am writing A DOSE OF ROMANCE (Drake Springs Book 3) for Turquoise Morning Press. It's the story of Woody Fox, a pharmacist engaged to be married, who meets the woman of his dreams right before the wedding. Tiffany, who pours his coffee each morning at Boyd's Diner, seems to be his soul mate. Unfortunately, she has other plans for her future that don't include him. Never fear. This is a romance and they'll figure it out.

The first three Drake Springs category romance novels are scheduled for a fall, 2014, release.

Return to Drake Springs--October, 2014

Foster Care--November, 2014

A Dose of Romance--December, 2014

Three more Drake Springs category romance novels are slated for 2015. FYI, each story stands alone. While you may enjoy reading them all, you will find each one a stand-alone book.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I write in several sub-genres, but this series of sweet romances is set in the small North Florida town of Drake Springs and revolve around the lives of several people in the community. The line is called Boutique Collection--Next Door because it offers books about close-knit communities. 

A common thread running through the Drake Springs romance series is a child stricken with leukemia. Her treatment is in a larger town, which costs her young parents much in transportation costs (as well as other out-of-pocket medical expenses), but the town rallies to lend a hand. I base this subplot on a real life story and small town. It's heartwarming and encouraging how communities can pull together to help when needed.

3. Why do I write what I do?

I'm an incurable optimist. I look for the best in life and want that for my characters, too. Romance is the perfect genre because by definition there's a happy ending. But one trademark of my writing is the lesson learned, and it often involves forgiveness. That's a strong theme for me because it's a necessary part of making peace with one's past.

4. How does my writing process work?

It's still evolving. I write better when I've written out a detailed synopsis--sort of a short story telling what's to happen in the novel. Preparation and planning make the writing flow easily. However, I have been known to write out a story by the seat of my pants with little more than an idea. But I'm more comfortable having a blueprint to follow.

I like Elizabeth Sinclair's technique for plotting in her The Dreaded Synopsis, a book I highly recommend to other writers. My old, tattered copy has been beside my keyboard for a dozen years and I may need to replace it soon. But doing without it isn't an option.

Following me in this Big Easy Blog Hop are two authors of varying styles and genres. On June 2, visit:

1. Anne Carter, who is a favorite of mine to read. She's passionate about writing and lighthouses. Visit her at http://beaconstreetbooks.com/.
2. Judith Leigh, who co-wrote the Romance on Route 66 anthology with me in 2009. Visit her at http://judithleigh.net.

Political Correctness in Writing

If you write contemporary fiction, this post is for you. If you write only historical fiction, please ignore. 

A colleague recently asked me about the blond vs. blonde conundrum. While I've addressed this on The Grammar Cop (Blonde is slang, used as a noun; blond is an adjective), it occurs to me the issue resolves itself with political correctness. No longer do we refer to females as stewardesses, waitresses, or actresses. They are flight attendants, servers, and actors, same as their male counterparts.Your will has a personal representative, not an executrix or executor. 

Blonde is defined as a woman who has blond hair. It's slang for a sexy or glamorous woman with blond hair. There is no word for a man who has blond hair, so why do we need "blonde?" Short answer: We don't. Lose it.

Please don't buy into the explanation that women have blonde hair while men have blond hair, at least if you live in the United States. While the "e" denotes gender in some languages, it doesn't apply to English. I have a daughter named Lynn. Not Lynne. And she's as feminine as any woman I know. My nickname is Cheri (Originally French), not Cherie. I am a female, but I live in America. Gender distinctions are outmoded.

(Too bad Starbucks didn't get that message. They refer to their light roast coffee as "Blonde Roast." But I overlook the name since it's my favorite brew.)

Other politically incorrect or obsolete terms include master bedroom. It's now owner's bedroom. Master is mindful of serfdom and slavery. Again, obsolete. 

If you use MS Word, enable your spelling and grammar review programs (under Options). Any outdated or insensitive word or phrase should be underlined for your attention.

Happy writing, authors (no more authoresses!).

SPRINGING INTO A NEW SERIES

Hi folks!

It's spring. Finally! I've finished writing the first two books in my Drake Springs category romance series. I've even finished edits on the first, RETURN TO DRAKE SPRINGS, and it's scheduled for an October release. The line Boutique Collection ~ Next Door is eBook only, available in all popular formats for your reading device. 

I introduced my heroine in RECLAIM MY LIFE when she helped the sheriff and his love interest treat a poisoned golden retriever. Little did I know this minor, walk-on role would later lead to a starring role in a future book!

Here's the blurb for RETURN TO DRAKE SPRINGS.

      Lance George debates his decision to return to his hometown, but the price is right on the abandoned veterinary hospital he hopes to buy. He’s saved his money to open his practice by living frugally and purchasing wisely. There’s no room in his life for wasteful spending. His alcoholic mother squandered everything she had when he was growing up, leaving him with an obsessive motivation to achieve financial security.

      Iris Porter is unaware that she broke Lance’s heart in high school. She’s too busy trying to earn a living in a tough economy. She hopes to reclaim her old job as a veterinary assistant when Lance reopens the town’s only animal clinic. Popular and friendly, Iris is known to be generous to a fault. When a friend’s baby is stricken with leukemia, she organizes fundraisers and enlists Lance’s help.

      Lance’s feelings for Iris rekindle when he realizes how much she’s changed. The high school snob is at odds with the caring, sensitive woman who wants to help a family in need. But can he reconcile Iris’s generous spirit with his overpowering need for penny pinching? 

The fun in writing a series is the abundance of characters and stories that emerge with each book. In Book 2, FOSTER CARE, I hint at a couple of potential romances that I feature later in the series. As soon as I turn in Book 2, I can begin A DOSE OF ROMANCE, Book 3. Stay tuned!