I've been tagged by Dani Jace and Susan Peterson Wisnewski in the Lucky 7 game.  


The rules:Go to page 7 or 77 in your current WIP.

Go to line 7

Post on your blog the next 7 sentence or 7 lines —as they are!

Tag 7 people and do the same.

You can choose between page 7 or 77.

From my work-in-progress which I'm calling The Ghost Story until the perfect title comes to me, page 7, line 7.

Now, I'm tagging Raine Balkera, Renna Morgan, Veronica Forand, Tmonique Stephens, Jen McConnell, Shannon Kennedy and Morgan Wyatt to post your Lucky 7s!

1. How much of yourself do you write into your characters? Or do you write characters completely opposite to you?
None are completely the current me but each character has some aspect of me. Even the villains or antagonists have some trait of mine. Well, except for the ghost I'm currently writing.

2. Has your writing helped you see events in your own life clearer?
When I started writing, I accessed issues I had locked away. Immersing myself in the scene and the heroine's viewpoint, I realized I had held resentments. Dredging up negative emotions and pouring them into my characters helps me release them.

3. Have you written a character with more of your personal characteristics than any other? What are they?
All of my heroines are partially me. The one character who is most me is Caitlyn from my paranormal romance which is on the back burner. She is strong, independent and sensitive. She's way nicer than I am, not nearly as sarcastic. She's like the zen me. Hopefully soon I can share her with the world.

Next on this blog hop is Leslie Hachtel, author of historical romances. Drop in to discover if her sexy heroines are borne from her personality.

1. If someone could observe you writing without you knowing they were there, what strange practices might they catch you doing?
Gesturing with my hands, mouthing words, squeezing my eyes shut. The worst is when I'm in the car alone. I carry on my characters' dialogue aloud. Strange, I know. It just helps to hear the words out loud. They carry more impact, I guess. Besides, the words belong to the characters, not me. I'm just the conduit.

2. Other than a creative outlet, how does writing benefit you?
Writing relieves stress. If someone ticks me off, I save it up and spew it into the story. Sometimes I make a character like a real life person and torture them (not literally). Very therapeutic. Like a voodoo doll on paper. It's also a creative outlet. I need to write or the voices in my head don't leave me alone. Once the characters' story is on paper, that's where they exist and some other folks move in. And I get all the adventure I want and need without the angst and danger.

3. How do you feed your muse?
Peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches. No, just kidding. I read alot of thrillers and conspiracy adventure books. What I call men's fiction. I also watch what I call geek TV. Shows on the History, Military History, Smithsonian, Destination America and SyFy channels. Whatever catches my fancy. Much of it inspires facets of my plots or characters.

Hop along now and visit the beautiful Katherine Givens, writer of historical romances.


Don't forget to enter our massive giveaway through Rafflecopter. 

Thanks to the lovely and talented Kim Handysides who asked me to take part in the Writing Process Blog Tour.

She writes contemporary romance and is currently working on a series. The first, Stolen Kiss, is about a Boston princess and a hot blue collar mechanic. Sounds awesome. Can't wait for it to be released!

Now on to the Tour.


I have accepted the challenge of answering questions about my writing process. Here goes.


What are you working on? 
I am editing a submission to Wiccan Haus, a shared world series with several authors. I am privileged to be one such lucky writer. Imagine Fantasy Island for humans, shifters and all types of people with paranormal powers. The staff remains the same, but the guests have their experiences and leave. It's amazing and fun to write these novellas.

I am deep in the editing process of my military novella which made it through the trial by fire of my critique group. Each one of them helps me hone the characters and plot through their unique viewpoints. I love them!

Finally, I am working on my ghost story, the first full novel and hopefully the first in a series. It's going slow, because well, I have kids and a husband and this annoying day job.

How does your work differ from others of its genre?
My characters are a bit older than average, usually mid-thirties to early forties so they have a different world view and richer history. I also don't like perfect people. Not in looks, not in personality. There is no true perfect man or woman.

Why do you write what you do?
I write paranormal and contemporary. Most of the contemporary involve military or former military members. I grew up in an area with bases and posts of every branch of the military so I have high regard for our men and women who serve our country. 

I write paranormal because I grew up wishing I could wiggle my nose like Samantha and make things fly through the air or say and spell and the broom would magically sweep the floor. Magic is fun and mysterious. I understand that power can corrupt so there is a battle in my stories between good and evil (or misuse of magic).

How does your writing process work?

I wish I were one of those scheduled, sit down and put my hands to the keyboard and let the words flow kind of people. I'm not. Period. I'm a dreamer. The story comes to me and I write it down. I have a mercurial muse who frequently allows characters through who I'm not ready to meet yet. I have a sneaking suspicion she can be bribed. 

Romance Weekly's Authors answer questions about serious and non-so-serious aspects of writing. Enjoy! This week's questions come from Amy Jarecki.

1. When did you start writing, and why?
I wanted to write heroines who were more mature, imperfect and flawed. Like me and most women I know. My heroes are tough, sexy, and have to overcome their own demons to earn happiness and love. I get to live fantasies and adventures through my characters from the safety of my writing desk. 

2. What do you like best about writing?
I get to live vicariously through my characters. Drama, murder, intrigue, emotional turmoil. Everything that gets your pulse racing but you don't really want to be in the middle of. And of course, the roller coaster ride of falling in love and the wondrous sex with each couple are exhilarating. Also, the time travel and globetrotting I get to do as research and while translating the story from my head to the page lets me go where I want when I want.

3. If you could go on a writing retreat, where would you go and for how long?
Well, my writer's group (Chesapeake Romance Writers) hosts an annual long weekend writers' retreat which I live for. But ideally? A summer in Ireland, Scotland and Wales (one month each) where a group of writers stay in castles, manor houses and villages would blow me a way! My other ideal locale would be somewhere in the Middle Keys of Florida. Again, a whole summer in paradise would be paradise!

Hop on over to the always delicious J.J. Devine to take a peek inside her author's mind. 

1. Do you prefer to write futuristic, contemporary or historical romances and why?
I prefer to write contemporary. Writing futuristic requires a lot of world building. Historical requires accurately representing the time period in every way: dress, language, customs and social structures. When I write contemporary, I can focus on the characters and the plot. I have mad respect for historical, sci fi and fantasy writers because they have to create a world that is realistic to today's readers.

3. How has your life experience contributed to your writing?
Since hindsight is 20/20, I use the many mistakes I've made and experiences I've shared to infuse depth into my characters. Everyone has loved and lost and everyone has skeletons in the closet. Everyone. Sometimes shining a light on those artifacts reveals a different kind of truth. Sometimes the daylight dispels those ghosts of the past. It's what makes writing so cathartic.

Romance Weekly's Authors answer questions about serious and non-so-serious aspects of writing. Enjoy! This week's questions come from my friend Dani Jace! Thanks for the thought provoking questions, Dani!

1. What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever done in the name of research for a book?
I don't think I've done anything really unusual. I'm fascinated with other people's cultures and beliefs so I don't feel respectfully observing or participating in others' ceremonies or services that strange. 

2. Name a nonfiction book you’ve read for research that you wouldn’t have read otherwise.  Not including writing craft books. 
Celtic Magic by D.J. Conway. It's an awesome resource book for Celtic rituals and legends recommended by a solitary wiccan practitioner. I love the legends behind the customs and place names in Ireland, Wales and Scotland. This provides a better understanding for the history and culture of a wonderful ancient society where women and men shared equal respect.

3. If you could travel anywhere to do research for a book, including back in time, where would you go?
Well, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. I've always felt an affinity for the lore and mystical beauty of the ruins of the British Isles. I'd love to visit the lesser known stone dances and fairy mounds, the castle ruins and small villages, experience the spirit of the thin places of the Celts for myself.

Hop over to visit Dani Jace, author of hard, hot, and handsome heroes. Many of her stories take place in one of my favorite places, the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Romance Weekly's Authors answer questions about serious and non-so-serious aspects of writing. Enjoy! This week's questions come from Julie Abdinoor! Thanks for the thoughtful questions, Julie!

1. What ages are your characters? 
So far, all of my characters are in their thirties and forties. Since that is where I am in my life, I can say with certainty that both men and women with experience and wisdom can be sultry, sexy, and sophisticated. When I started writing, it was because I wanted to read realistic romances about characters I can identify with. 
I have plans for a middle grades or YA adventure/mystery story and I can see writing characters in their late twenties. Perhaps because I made some foolish choices in my early twenties I don't want to revisit those years.

2. What special things or places inspire you to write? 
Many times images I see on social media or the internet inspire my settings, but normally it's people who inspire me. I am a total people watcher; I invent their backstories from what I observe. Sometimes I just "what if" situations and that reverie turns to an element of the story.

3. What is the one message you hope women will receive when they read your stories?
Power resides in every single woman. Only you can relinquish that power, only you allow someone else control over your life. Discover your innate gifts, develop them and take risks. With love, you can make dreams reality.

Check out Amy Jarecki's blog where you'll find her answers about characters, inspiration and the message she wants to share. Considering her heroes are Highland hotties, her blog is a must visit!

Romance Weekly's Authors answer questions about serious and non-so-serious aspects of writing. Enjoy! This week's questions come from Joanne Guidoccio. Great questions, Joanne!


1. Scenario: A Hollywood producer is interested in your book. Can you come up with an enticing logline (plot summary of 25 words or less)? 
Seeking redemption, Ex-priest Nicholas Serafini returns home to renovate the house that's haunted his nightmares. Protecting first love Liz wasn't part of the plan.

2. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I had already pinned Chris O'Donnell as my hero, Nick Serafini. He's a grounded, sincere, passionate actor and that's what I see in Nick. He comes home to reconnect and face his demons. He does not expect to face his first love, Liz Williams, the new owner of the dilapidated house of horrors. I see Jayma Mays as Liz. She's got that girl-next-door look (at least in this picture), sexy but sweet.

3. Does the storyline of your novel compare with any films out there?
Not that I know of and I really hope not! I have a manuscript I wrote that strongly resembles a bestseller from Nicholas Sparks. I wrote it before his was published, so I know his didn't influence my story unless we have a psychic connection. Still, I've left it for fear of being perceived as a knock off artist. Sooner or later, a plot twist or change of characters will come to me that will make it fresh and unique.


Hop on over to Elizabeth Jannette's blog, Writing Romance Mixed with Murder and Mayhem, to find out what script-I mean storyline- she's plotting!

1. How does your writing impact your inner life?
I live a hectic, routine and generally undramatic life. It's the way I like it. Generally. But this mother of two, happily married wife craves adventure and magic. 

Writing inspires me. I can walk through a doorway to another world in my mind and live another life through my characters. Anything is possible, magic pervades every scene, sparkles in the air.

2. How do you hope your books affect your readers?
I hope to take them on a magnificent emotional ride that always ends with a happy ending. We all need an escape where we see ourselves in someone else's struggles, where we can celebrate another's success in overcoming adversity. I hope we can remember that no one is perfect and even flawed individuals deserve second chances for love and happiness. Most of all, I want to celebrate diversity. No matter a person's race, creed or heritage, we are all more alike than different. And different makes life so much more interesting.

3. Has anyone ever told you your book changed their life? If so, how?    
As a newly published writer, I haven't had the pleasure of such a statement. I do love when my critique partners tell me they love a particular scene or metaphor. That is pure magic.

Hop on over to Rebekah Ganiere's blog to discover how she's feels about impacting her readers! I bet she wants heart and soul, blood and passion.