sold!

A NIGHT WITH THE SOCIETY PLAYBOY has sold!!!

This is my fourth Modern Heat and my first post baby book, written and revised in six weeks. Phew! Feeling a tad like superwoman today. We'll see how long that takes to wear off.

The book stars Caleb, the bad boy best friend who appears in THE MAGNATE'S INDECENT PROPOSAL. I say that because from the first sentence I really felt like this was Caleb's book. My others book are usuallY more heroine-centric but after knowing Caleb from the first book, I felt like I could have written the whole thing from his point of view.

Can you blame me. I mean look at the guy! ;)

what a difference a picture makes

I'm currently working super duper crazy hard finishing my first post-baby book. I didn't write a word for the first two months after Bridget was born, preferring instead to simply be with her, anhd sleep when I could!

And now that I'm neck deep in this story there is something I am sooo glad of. And not just my super-understanding editor!

I'm really glad of my process.


These pictures of my hero and my heroine have given me so much for this book which is the most character centric one I have ever written. I guess that's what comes of a terrifying time limit; no time to do anything but work out the romance.

McSteamy - AKA Eric Dane - was a no brainer choice for Caleb. The stubble, the lazy smile, the sex appeal. I orginally used a picture of Amanda Peet that gave me the vulnerability I needed when getting to know my Ava, but now this picture of the heavely Zooey Deschanel is giving me everything else I need to make Ava loveable. Hoorah for Google!

I've also had the most amazing soundtrack; several slow songs and several happy songs that each fit the mood for different scenes. I even gave these to my editor to help her come up with a blurb and cover picture and title they were that important to my story. George Michael's Kissing a Fool and A Different Corner are staples for me.

Anyhoo I'd better get back to editing like crazy. And I haven't yet quite written the end which is always one of the most pleasurable parts for me. Getting to write those two magical words...

Don't forget to keep track of the Modern Heat Authors Valetines Treasure Hunt clues! Check out the Modern Heat blog to find out how to win a dozen signed Modern Heat/Harlequin Presents/Sexy Sensation novels!

rolling with the punches

Good day today. I managed to write a bunch of HANKY PANKY. Now that I've found a picture of Ava that resonates with the girl in my head it has become easier.

And I finished the collage for my next Romance. It's funny that I've found full on collaging really helpful for my Harlequin Romances and completely debilitating for my Modern Heats. I'm of the mind that my limited artisitc skills bend towards the "pretty" rather than the "dramatic". Anyhoo, here's Wynnie and Jeremy. I think they are going to be a delight to get to know.

Now I just have to settle on a Working Title. Right now I'm leaning towards, TREATS, TREASURES AND SIMPLE PLEASURES. Watch this space...

Oh, and Bridget discovered her left hand today! She really is such a beautiful time waster that kid of mine...

hanky panky ensues

This is Ava. the heroine of my current Modern Heat WIP, HANKY PANKY.

And I have to say my Glimore Girls jag is helping form her in my mind. She is the sister of my hero from THE MAGNATE'S INDECENT PROPOSAL and though she doens't make an appearance in that book, she is mentioned. A perennial student off at Harvard. So having Rory Glimore front and centre in my mind is just a bonus.

Though my Ava is a good ten years older, looks more like Amanda Peet and comes from a very different background anything that helps get the creative juices flowing is much appreciated. Especially when one's brain is like cotton wool after my poor little Miss Boo has had a few days of being "unsettled".

This is Caleb. The hero of my WIP.

He is the best friend of the hero of THE MAGNATE'S INDECENT PROPOSAL. I'd like to say that I have needed some kind of equally representative, philosophical, creative mode of inspiration when trying to connect with him. But come on... Look at the guy. God did enough creating for all of us when he built this guy ;).

And speaking of Modern Heat, do keep your ears and eyes open come February as we Modern Heat authors are cooking up some fun and games for you!

Hanky Panky

That's the working title of my next book. Kinda obvious this is going to be a Modern Heat book, huh? ;)

The piccies here are Ava and Caleb two characters who made an appearance in my most recenly sold Modern Heat, THE MAGNATE'S INDECENT PROPOSAL, May 08.

Ava was the hero Damien's sister who though mentioned is overseas at the time of the book, while Caleb is his best mate, and a bit of a lad really, so it will be interesting to see how such a naughty boy roustabout can be tamed!

Do you think this gal looks like she has it in her to try?