As you know, Julia Quinn’s BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON comes out next week. For the countdown, Avon writers volunteered to share a pic of themselves reading one of their favorite JQ books. I chose her amazing book, ON THE WAY TO THE WEDDING.
This was where my fabulous idea came in…
What better place to take a pic than in front of a beautiful church, right? Brilliant!
After patting myself on the back, I drove a short distance, parked away from the other cars, found the perfect spot, set up my tripod, and then… met a security guard.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t blown away by my brilliance, or concerned that my perfect light was dwindling, or that it was windy and I needed to get a pic asap before my neatly coiffed hair turned into its usual state of disaster. Nope. He wanted to have a chat.
Blocking traffic at the exit, he rolled down the window of his tiny truck. Apparently, toting a romance novel and a camera, I looked like I was up to nefarious deeds. His reason for stopping me (or so he professed) was because he thought that I was going to post a picture of this chapel on a haunted buildings website. When I tried to explain what I was doing, and that I only needed a shot of the steeple (no gossamer figures in windows required), he just continued to talk over me… and talk… and talk.
In fact, he was still talking (a growing line of traffic behind him, mind you) even as I loaded my car. His mouth was still moving when I closed the driver’s side door and turned on the ignition. Who knows? He might still be talking.
So then, I drove home, walked over to my neighborhood wishing well, hair a complete disaster and losing light by the nanosecond, but somehow managed to snag a pic (which I’ll post on my Facebook page Wednesday, March 23rd).
Not only that, but now I have a story to share about how JQ and I had a brush with the law. 😉
For my third series with Avon Romance, I wanted to do something extra special. So I’ve decided to order cover art mugs. Pretty cool, huh?
They’ll arrive any day now and I’m so excited!!!
Of course, I’m not showing you this pic just because Cafe Press makes it so easy (even though they do). 🙂 I wanted to give you a sneak peek at one of the prizes that will be part of the first giveaway!
This first giveaway will be for my newsletter crew.
The newsletter with the giveaway info will be sent out this Wednesday, March 23rd. So, if you want a chance to enter, simply sign up for my newsletter (sign up located at the bottom of each of my website pages).
THE DEBUTANTE IS MINE will be released in just over 3 weeks! You know what that means, don’t you? It’s time for GIVEAWAYS!!!
Throughout these next weeks, I’ll be hosting giveaways; in my newsletter, on my blog, and on Facebook. So be sure to sign up for my newsletter (sign up is located at the bottom of my website pages), check Facebook, and here for the latest details.
I’m so excited about the April 12th release of THE DEBUTANTE IS MINE and I can’t wait to share Jack and Lilah’s story with you!
“May you always have…
Walls for the winds
A roof for the rain
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all your heart might desire.”*
(*Blessing includes: the guy in the pic, and heart shaped waffles.) 🙂
In the beginning stages of a book (plotting, arc, development, etc.), I think it’s important to see what a hero is made of. What is he like when he’s exposed and vulnerable and… Um… what was I saying?
Not only was she a strong, classy first lady, an advocate against drugs in school, and a devoted wife and mother, but she was also part of a special true-life love story that left an indelible mark on my heart.
The book, I LOVE YOU, RONNIE, is a beautiful collection of letters that offers a glimpse into the undeniable romance between Ronald and Nancy Reagan.
An excerpt from I LOVE YOU, RONNIE:
Feb. 14,1977
Dear St. Valentine,
I’m writing to you about a beautiful young lady who has been in this household for 25 years now – come March 4.
I have a request to make of you but before doing so feel you should know more about her. For one thing she has 2 hearts – her own and mine. I’m not complaining. I gave her mine willingly, and like it right where it is. Her name is Nancy but for some time now I’ve called her Mommie and don’t believe I could change.
My request of you is – could you on this day whisper in her ear that someone loves her very much and more and more each day? Also tell her, this “Someone” would run down like a dollar clock without her so she must always stay where she is.
Then tell her if she wants to know who that “Someone” is to just turn her head to the left. I’ll be across the room waiting to see if you told her. If you’ll do this for me, I’ll be very happy knowing that she knows I love her with all my heart.
Well… mostly. I still have three rounds of edits to go. A little nip. A little tuck. A few little volts of electricity and then it will be alive and ready. I can’t wait to share it with you!
The Avon Art Department is also putting together a cover for THIS EARL IS ON FIRE. They’ve created so many amazing covers in the past–I’m so excited to see this one, too!
Typically, while in the planning stages of a book, I’ll find images that fit the characters who’ve been living in my mind. Here is one of “Adeline and Liam”:
I have an assortment of pics and quotes on my Pinterest page. So if you’re curious about part of my process, here is the link: https://www.pinterest.com/vivlorret/
Now that I’m done with this book, I’m wired. The first days after finishing a manuscript are difficult for me. I’m usually so revved up from pulling all-nighters that I stay on an adrenaline high for days.
Since I couldn’t sit still, I spent time visiting DS 1.0 and the grand-kitty…
cleaning the house, organizing the “This Earl is on Fire” file, consuming a few more cups of tea than I probably should have, downloading more books on my Kindle, and cleaning my desk in preparation for beginning book #3.
I’m still in awe thinking about it… Book 3 of my third Avon Impulse series (plus 2 novellas)! I feel very blessed and thankful for each of you. <3
You know what this means, don’t you? I’m going to need to find pics and quotes for Max and Juliet’s story, WHEN A MARQUESS LOVES A WOMAN. 🙂
