$2.99 e-books!

My publisher is offering a summer special on Between the Sheets in e-book format!


Also-- the dates are set for my next "How to Write a Novel" course.   I'll be teaching this five-week course on Tuesday nights from Sept. 4- Oct. 2 at Southeastern Louisiana University's St. Tammany Center.  For more information, go to www.sel.edu/stc, then click Continuing U, then Mandeville Courses, or call 985-893-6251.

How To Write a Novel Class

When I was first started writing fiction, I took a non-credit continuing education course at the University of New Orleans called "How to Write a Romance Novel."  Taking the step of signing up for the course was a big deal to me; it meant I was finally doing something to pursue my secret dream of writing a novel.  It was taught by Martha Corsen, a multi-published novelist.

 I don't remember a whole lot about the course, but getting affirmation from a published author meant the world to me.  I told myself then and there that if I were ever published and in a position to help and encourage new writers, I'd do so.

Fast forward several years later:  every Spring and Fall, I teach a five-week course through Southeastern Louisiana University's Continuing Education Department, "How to Write a Novel."   I cover the basics of story structure, plot, character development, dialogue, description and point of view.  I have the most fascinating students-- doctors, lawyers, policemen, administrative assistants, firemen, contractors, interior designers, photographers, ex-CIA operatives, executives, stay-at-home moms, retirees, college students... you name it!

If you live in the Mandeville area and you're interested in writing, consider signing up.  I'd love to meet you!

To register or get further information, contact www.selu.edu/stc, then click Continuing U, then Mandeville Courses.  Information is alsp available by calling SLU's St. Tammany Center at 985-893-6251.

Arts Awards

       Really excited about the St. Tammany Parish President's Arts Awards Friday night!   I am very honored that Parish President Kevin Davis and the Commission on Cultural Affairs have named me the Literary Artist of the Year.
       These awards really bring home how are rich this area is in the arts, and how many talented people have chosen to live here. What makes this extra special is it is a chance to honor outgoing Parish President Kevin Davis, who has made promotion of the arts a big part of his legacy.

Adopted Babies in Novels

Charli Mac wrote a great article on adopted babies in novels on her website.  Here's the

link: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/blogs/2011/10/adopted-babies-return

Secret Formula for Writing a Novel

 Some people (usually non-readers, almost always non-writers) say that genre novels are formulaic.  I've tried and tried to figure out what that means, and I think I've finally broken the code.  Here, at last, I'm revealing the....

Secret Formula for Writing a Novel

Create characters your readers care about. 

Develop a plot that keeps your readers turning the pages. 

Write in a compelling, consistent voice that fits your story.

Skillfully weave description, dialogue, narrative, action and internal dialogue together, while heightening tension, constantly raising the stakes, adding in your characters’ back stories, developing your theme, and illustrating how your characters are growing and changing.

Bring the conflict to a climax where your protaganists face their worst fears.

Create a black moment when all seems lost.

Surprise the reader with an unexpected reversal that shows the characters’ personal growth.

End the story in a way that ties up all loose ends, answers all questions and leaves the reader thinking,  “Wow!  What a great book!  I can’t wait to read this author’s next one!”

New e-book out!

I have a new ebook, Love and Other Surprises, available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!  

Actually, it’s an updated old book-- the very first one I ever sold.  It was originally published as The Wedding Kiss by Silhouette in 1996 and it won the Golden Heart Award from National Romance Writers of America.  

When the rights reverted to me, I decided to modernize and update it, rename it, and put it back out there.   The new cover was designed by my talented daughter, Taylor.

Love and Other Surprises is a short, light-hearted tale that I hope will make you laugh.  At least the price should make you smile -- for a limited time, it’s being offered for just $0.99.  

Many of my other novels are available in e-book form, too -- including Still the One, which was nominated for this year's Rita Award-- so if you're an e-reader, look for me in Nook Books or the Kindle Store.

Happy reading!

RWA was a blast!

Photos from RWA conference in New York

Above:  With my agent, Steve Axelrod
  With my editor, Selina McLemore,  at the Rita awards