Sitting at breakfast at the New Jersey Romance Writers Conference several years back, I remember being especially moved. Conferences are designed to motivate us as writers, to bring together a community of people who share a similar passion so that we can all learn, motivate and inspire one another. But this particular speaker blew my mind. I'm embarrassed to say that I can't even remember who our breakfast speaker was at this particular conference but she had me walking away from the table feeling like I was going to change the entire world by writing romance novels. I don't believe I've done that as of yet, but give me a little time! I started writing very young, and have been motivated to do it ever since. I was, at least, until one day, I wasn't.
Like most people, I have many friends for whom, writing is not their passion. I'll break that down even further and say that writing FICTION is not their passion--it is a rather tight knit community of people who would rather make up their own stories, versus living in the "real world" every minute of every day. I've also heard writers who once loved writing say that writing no longer brought them joy. My heart broke for those writers and I thought that will never be me. I'll live my entire life through, have a career, a family but writing romance will always be my passion, my purpose. Then, things began to change, like a torrent I couldn't control. The web designer I'd been using since the beginning of my writing career shut down. Changes occurred at my publishing house. And in the midst of all of it, I fell in love. The most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me affected my inspiration in a major way because what I had been searching for in my heart was found. I had my other half. And I lost my inner muse in the process.
I've been reading articles in RWA's Romance Writers Report, written by authors who share my feelings about our modern day world. It's tough out there right now and as if the negativity that is rampant in our day-to-day lives and our internet isn't enough to dry up inspiration, the money isn't always there. Lines are cut by publishers, sale numbers aren't always what we expect them to be and authors who had a lot of success just a few years ago don't necessarily have that success today. That's enough to make any writer feel as though they're on a fool's errand, only, we're not fools. We're wonderfully talented, uniquely gifted individuals with the power to entertain. We evoke laughter and tears and happiness and with that ability, we hold the power to reshape this cynical world we live in for better or for worse. Don't ever forget that, guys!
We all have ups and downs in our writing careers, and in our lives. I experienced plenty of both this past year and having come through it a stronger person, I've remembered that I have a responsibility to my creative mind. I may not always have the time to write as much as I might like to, but writing is a part of my soul. It is as much a part of who I am as the body I reside in and I plan on making the most of it. I begin today by doing something I've been looking forward to for some time, revealing the cover of my 8th novel, A Sultry Performance. This story was even more fun to write than the two before it, though as with all of my stories, you need not read the other titles in the series to enjoy. Chris Gordon, stage manager at Rabourn Theater will do anything to avenge his wife's murder, but falling in love with her fiancee's killer wasn't part of the plan! Fasten your seatbelts cause this one's gonna be a bumpy ride! Release date will follow shortly!
Thank you so very much my dear readers and friends, for your support, encouragement and love! This story, and the final 2 titles in the Rabourn Theater Series are for you!
I'm thrilled to reveal the cover of
A Sultry Performance!
Click on the cover to preview an exclusive excerpt from the story!
Chris Gordon, stage manager at Rabourn Theater, suspects his late wife's hit-and-run was never an accident. He believes the man she was having an affair with, Oakley Sutherland, was responsible and he vows to get Evelyn justice, igniting a plot to ensnare Oakley, working through Oakley's fiancee, Victoria.
A well-known exotic dancer by night, Victoria Morrow has been fighting to make a better life for herself, and she won't be taken advantage of. But when the most handsome man at Rabourn Theater takes an interest in her, she finds herself spiraling down a path she never expected to. Can Victoria resist Chris's charms? Or will both of them fall prey to the danger that lurks in the wings?
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