I was born in a small town in Iowa, and have traveled extensively, living in several different regions of the U.S. and briefly overseas. I ended up back in the Midwest where I’m married to a very talented glass artist who spends alot of time in the studio, making amazingly beautiful things. We have assorted animals who live with us and who make regular appearances in my books under various pseudonyms (they know who they are).
In 2003 I read my first romance novel and immediately decided this was the genre for me. But there was a problem: the books I read all featured young heroines, interested in starting a family and having babies. So I started writing romantic suspense (with an occasional side trip into paranormal fantasy) about older women, with some age on’em, who are interested in men and sex and having a good relationship (which may or may not include a marriage). I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I enjoy writing about them.
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It seems like whenever I’m here at Jen’s blog I’m talking about second books in a series. I’m not sure what bit of timing causes that, but it’s interesting.
I have the second book in my “Fatal Writer’s Conference” series out now. The series features B.R. Emerson (Bea or “Ralph” to her friends … her pen name is Raphael Emerson, hence the Ralph). Bea writes sexy mystery stories featuring Cal Delvecchio, a fictional hero she created. But then she met a guy who reminds her so much of Cal. The problem was, the guy was a cop and he was investigating a murder that took place at a writer’s conference where Bea was a guest — and almost a victim.
The first book took place at a fictional writer’s conference in Abilene where I introduced Bea and the cop, Lucas Remarchik. The second book is set in Florida and I created a fictional conference based on the Clue board game. The categories for writing awards are the Mrs. Peacock (best historical), the Miss Scarlet (best sexy mystery), Mrs. White (best cozy) … you get the idea. The workshops are all held in board rooms with Clue board game names (the “conservatory” is where forensics talks are held; the “library” is the bookstore).
As part of the conference, there’s a cover model contest (anyone who’s gone to RT will be somewhat familiar with this, although I’ve changed it a bit to suit my purposes). As the book opens, one of these male models accosts my heroine, Bea Emerson, giving her a big kiss in the hotel lobby. Unfortunately Bea’s lover, Lucas, sees it and he has an argument with the model. When the model is found dead on the beach later, well, Lucas is a suspect. A few days later …
Oh, that would be telling. Suffice it to say, Bea & Lucas have had their ups and downs in their relationship (which started with the first book, Autographs, Abductions and A-List Authors). In this book, their relationship takes a definite twist, one that Bea didn’t see coming. What is it? Find out in June when the third book releases!
Here are links to excerpts for each book:
Autographs, Abductions, and A-list Authors
Sun, Surf, and Sandy Strangulation
For more info about both books (and the other books I have out), check my web site.
Are there more books coming after the third one? I didn’t plan to create more, but I went to a conference in January. It was on a cruise ship and I found the *perfect* place to murder someone on that ship. Then I came up with a motive, and a victim and a villain. And before you know it, I brought Bea and Lucas out of retirement and I’m working on that book now.
Sometimes these characters take on a life of their own…
Buy this book! Also available in print!
Yes! Bring it on!
by anny cook February 27th, 2009 at 11:05 pm