Welcome Helen C. Johannes

Today we have Helen C. Johannes in the garden

Helen, tell us a little about you

Do you plot or let the story unfold as you write?

I’m an ‘into the mist’ writer. I begin with main characters and an idea of conflict, let that mull around for a while until I think I have enough material to sustain a story, and then I write. What I’m working with is a reasonable handle on points A to maybe F, with a sense of a few random other points and an end concept. How the story takes off from point F depends on the characters, and that end concept is a moving target. My method would drive a plotter crazy, but my subconscious is very good at creating a cohesive story and every so often dropping in a significant object or eye-opening discovery that, if I go back and tweak a few things, blows my mind and takes the story to another level. I’m therefore a firm believer in right brain/left brain integration.

What was the hardest chapter/book to finish and why?

By the time I get to the last third of a book, and the pace picks up, the pace of my writing picks up too. The scenes are shorter, more intense, so each scene can be written in a shorter amount of time. Unless I have a chapter-length scene with a large cast of characters, such as in Lord of Druemarwin.  That chapter took a week to write because, while the scene is delivered via one character’s point of view, each of the other cast members must behave true to whatever his/her motivation might be. I had to go through the chapter multiple times to make sure I’d represented each character appropriately and hadn’t forgotten anyone, even the wolfhound.

What tips would you give a new writer?

Write the best story you can, don’t be afraid to put emotion on the page, be specific in your word choices, employ significant detail rather than cluttering the page, and be sure your reader knows what’s at stake for your characters and why it matters to them. Then get someone to read it who’s not your best friend, family member, or significant other but someone who knows writing, especially in your chosen genre. You need a critique from someone who will tell you when your prose is not delivering the message or effect you are aiming for, when you’re leaving out important information, or when you’re simply confusing the reader. Sometimes our ‘darlings’ aren’t perfect as ‘birthed’ and need multiple polishing passes if we hope to see them published.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

My books share a common theme expressed in my author tag line: Brave men, bold women—hearts in search of home. My characters all feel a sense of disconnectedness that fuels their journeys. They may have a physical home at the beginning of the story, but they don’t feel they belong there or feel they don’t fit in their community. Or they’ve been uprooted as children and raised among strangers who treat them with prejudice. They’re searching for love, friendship, a sense of belonging, often in a world torn by war. This theme comes from my own sense of rootlessness caused by growing up as a military brat. My message is to not dismiss people based on stereotypes but to get to know them personally because friends bond best over shared experiences.

When did you decide to become an author?


I started writing in early grade school, and I’ve always made up stories to entertain myself, so I can’t pinpoint a specific time. I didn’t decide to pursue publication, however, until I was a stay-at-home mother and I was reading Harlequin novels bought at rummage sales and decided I could write something at least as good as those. I filled spiral notebooks with romantic suspense novels, and shopped them to agents with some interest, before I decided to dust off a fantasy romance I’d started in high school. That, after many years of writing, critiques, and polishing became my first published novel, The Prince of Val-Feyridge, #1 in the Crown of Tolem series.

and now for some fun

Who do you see as a hero/heroine in your life?

I think it would be my mother. Like my heroine in Lord of Druemarwin, she left her home, family, community, country, and culture to marry my father, move halfway across the world and learn a new language.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

At one point I wanted to live on my grandmother’s farm and have a horse (I still love horses; that’s why I write medieval-type settings), but I always played ‘school’ with my toys, so it’s no wonder I decided early in life to become a  teacher.

Have you ever found true love?

Yes! But it takes work and shared self-sacrifice.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Beware of a tendency toward cynicism, skepticism, and sarcasm; possesses eyes in the back of her head.

If you were a tool what would you be?


One of those multi-tools: I’m a Rube-Goldberg-type, using creative methods to solve problems and fix things, both around the house and in fiction. I love to brainstorm solutions to others’ issues.

where can we find more about you and your books

Website: https://helencjohannes.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031965.Helen_C_Johannes

Learn more about  Lord of Druemarwin, Crown of Tolem #2 on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Druemarwin-Crown-Tolem-Book-ebook/dp/B07YNWLPQ2/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=04D72CQNZKKTGG0RX209

and other online retailers

An interview with Michael B. Coyle

Welcome Michael B. Coyle to the garden

Lets chat about Michael, the author

Do you plot or let the story unfold as you write?

My mystery stories unfold as I go along. Sometimes I don’t know who the killer is until I am well along in the story. Then one morning I wake up and it becomes obvious “who done it.”

Are your characters based on real people?

My characters are based on people in other books. I have abducted my main detectives, Blathers and Duff, from “Oliver Twist.”

How did you do in English as a kid?

English, both lit and comp, were my favorite and best subjects. My only problem was that I was a very poor speller. Now that there is Spell Check, I am much better.

When did you decide to become an author?

I decided to become an author when I was in grade school. Oops I decided I couldn’t be an author when I got married and had kids. Forty-five years later, I retired from business and I then, I could afford to have a profession that doesn’t pay all that well.

Who is the biggest influence on your writing?

The greatest influences on my writing have been Charles Dickens and Rex Stout. My work is an effort to combine the two.

and for a bit for fun

Do you have a favorite quote?

My favorite quote is:  A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization” Samuel Johnson 1770

What song would best describe your life?

If we are talking about my whole life, any song that Willy Nelson sings on “Stardust” would fit the bill. If we are talking about my life as it is today, the “September Song” is it.  

What is your favorite drink?

My favorite beverage is a CC Manhattan on the rocks, with an extra splash of sweet vermouth. Every bartender is our little town Knows how to make it the way I like it. 

Do you enjoy giving interviews?

I like talking to folks. When I was in business, I put on seminars, and taught professional coursed for local Colleges. Interviews are easy in comparison.

Are you fun to go on vacation with?

My wife and I have been vacationing in Barbados for the last 25 years. We must be having fun, because we have established good friendships with folks from far and wide.

Author of The Sons of the Fathers

Available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Sons-Fathers-Michael-B-Coyle-ebook/dp/B07JKNBVP6

and other online retailers

New Releases from the Wild Rose Press

Eternally cursed, the Demon of Temptation's last hope of Divine forgiveness slips through his fingers. But, for the sake of his brethren, he takes one last mission to guard a very special Halfling. The feisty woman sets fire to his blackened soul. Curse or no curse, he will stay by her side—even though he is more of a threat to her than the demon prince plotting to take over the world. Despite her birthright, Maggie is happy with a career she loves and a place of her own. But Gideon seduces her out of her comfort zone and plunges her into a world of angels and demons. Entangled in the blurred lines between good and evil, desire and destruction, her only chance for survival is to trust her life to the one man who doesn't even trust himself.

Megan Carlysle will do anything to climb the ladder in the world of high-powered insurance companies. Including taking an assignment no one else wants: investigating a suspicious death at a remote Kansas monastery. There she meets enigmatic religious scholar Conrad Hampton who, if his intuition is correct, may have uncovered something more sinister than an accidental death: satanic rituals. The surviving monks aren't talking and it's clear some will go to any lengths to keep secrets. Conrad and Megan must decide how far into harm's way they'll go to uncover the truth.

Anne Jamieson is not immune to death—after all her boyfriend is a police detective. But when she finds a dead woman floating in a pool, suspicion falls on Anne's friend, Candace Warren. Not only was she recently released from jail, she's a convicted murderer. And the murder scene is Candace's former home. With her friend the only suspect, Anne takes matters into her own hands. She joins the country club where the deceased was a member—to track down the real killer. After a second body surfaces in the club's hot tub, Anne becomes the target. Can she and her Snoop Group cronies catch the killer before Anne ends up in her own watery grave?

CAMELLIA HOLIDAY wants it all – love, family, and a career in fashion design. At twenty she snagged a dream job with one of the top designers in New York. However, scandal in the fashion world unravels her life when her boss is accused of stealing a famous fashion ingénue's designs. Entangled in the sordid mess and with her fashion future in ruins, Camellia decides to return home to Serenity Island to start over and be with family. The downside? She must face her past, which include her ex-fiancé Noah and her longtime nemesis Trina who both seem determined to ruin any chance of reconstructing her life. Old rivals, new love, and a needed do-over challenge Camellia to design a new, stronger self. It will take home, family and caring for a young boy to help her find the right path and make the right choices.

Escaping for a few days is the perfect antidote to Greg Parker's hectic week. As he watches the city diminish in his rearview mirror, the stress lifts. But things get complicated when he finds his reserved room already occupied by a sexy, smoky-eyed woman who has no plans to vacate the premises. Leesa Clark needs a break from the real-life pressures at work that force her to be someone she isn't. Chez Luxxe sounds like the right place to rediscover herself until a handsome stranger crashes into her hotel room. Should she throw him out or share the double-booked getaway…and see what happens?

Welcome Jennifer Wilck to the garden

Today we have Jennifer Wilck in the garden

Jennifer, tell us about you, the writer.

Do you plot or let the story unfold as you write?

I let the story unfold as I write, although I will often jot down notes of where I want the story to go. However, my characters don’t always get me there. Most of my stories start in my head with a conversation between two people. I write it down and then go from there. Of course, that conversation might occur at the middle or end of the story, so I often have to go backwards before I can go forwards. As you can tell, it’s a form of chaotic organization (or at least, that’s what I tell myself).

How did you do in English as a kid?

I always loved my English classes. I was the nerd who cheered when the teacher announced a pop vocabulary quiz, while everyone else groaned. And the reason I don’t use outlines to write a story is that when I was young, my English teachers taught us to write without one. Later, we moved to a different district and they were entirely focused on outlining. The first paper I did for that teacher got me a D. She pulled me aside and asked what happened. When I explained, she actually let me write out of order (first the rough draft, then the outline and finally the final copy) since it was obvious I knew what I was doing.

When did you decide to become an author?

When my kids were young, I was watching TV with my husband one night and this secondary character came on the screen. He fascinated me. So I raced to my computer and started writing his story. That eventually turned into my book, A Heart of Little Faith. I haven’t stopped since, although sometimes it’s hard to find the inspiration, especially when the world is going crazy.

Do you have trouble saying goodbye to characters?

Yes! I still dream scenes for A Heart of Little Faith, as well as for Addicted to Love. I love my characters.

Do you have set times during the day that you write?

I try to start writing around lunchtime or early afternoon and go for as long as I can. That usually takes me to around dinnertime. The words don’t always flow, and sometimes I have to completely redo what I did the day before, but I work better on a schedule.

and for a bit of fun

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a marine biologist, but I have a problem with my ear that keeps me out of water, and I’m really not good with science.

Do you have a favorite quote?

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. – A. A. Milne

You can erase one embarrassing experience from your past. What will it be?

Actually, I’d rather not. While I hated every embarrassing moment, each one has helped me grow as a person and develop a thick skin—essential for a writer—so they had value.

Do you enjoy giving interviews?

I do, actually. It’s fun to talk to people about what I do and I like finding out about them, too.

Have you ever found true love?

I’m pretty sure I have with my husband. He’s my best friend and the person I most want to be with

Where can we find our more about you and your books

Website: https://www.jenniferwilck.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jennifer-Wilck-201342863240160/?eid=ARA_b6mKVa2Z8kbg-X_X4swYsBvWIWTTkLHgklsoNMHqS2ITcQMhbU-l0Pfxby_5ZgixyhVwOQCGKZPL

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JWilck

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorjenniferwilck/

Read Waiting for a Miracle

On Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Miracle-Jennifer-Wilck-ebook/dp/B07ZMQ2BWZ

and other online retailers

An Interview with B. Davis Kroon

Welcome B. Davis Kroon to the Garden this morning.

Lets find out a little about you as an author

Do you have trouble saying goodbye to characters?

            Yes. I love the character Frank Leit in Trap Play. He’s only in two chapters but he’s such a lovely man. Necessary to have him as a victim though. I carry him with me. On the flip side, in spite of how evil she is, I adore the villain in the same book. Fun to write: physical, narcissistic, snappish, in-charge--you don’t want this character as a neighbor or a babysitter. And you definitely don’t want to wake up next to her in the morning. Sad to see her go but the world is definitely a better place without them.

Do you plot or let the story unfold as you write?

I have begun books as a pantser, but it isn’t long before I’m developing a step-sheet (pretty necessary when you write the kind of time-sensitive story that seems to be what I do). On the other hand, I’m not so wedded to my step-sheet that I can’t shift things around, or shake up the beginning of the story.

Do you research (choose one of the following item) your sex scenes?

Fun question given that I’m not writing romance. Do you call a class “research?” The whole idea of writing a sex scene scared the laylights out of me and yet it was a necessity in Trap Play. I found a section on writing sex scenes at the Willamette Writers annual conference. The teacher writes erotica. Her tips on balanced language was very helpful and the class was priceless.

Who is the biggest influence on your writing?

            Though it seems like I’m always learning from the books I read, probably the greatest influence on my work is my writing group—four women and one man who generously focus on one another’s work with a goal of making that writing as good as it can be.

Are your books or characters based anyone you know, or events in your own life?

            The beginning idea for Trap Play (and the sequel I’m working on) come from my own interest in football and the impact of game injuries on the players once they leave the field of play. As for other ideas, I worked in law for many years. That experience certainly left its thumbprint on Trap Play. I’m also working on a stand alone novel where the core issue is based on a case I worked on for five years.

and now for a bit of fun

If you were a tool what would you be?

            A Swiss Army knife- lots of parts, lots of applications, handy in a pinch.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

            Warning: Appears kindly. But inclined to be fizzy. Impatient to a fault.

Are you fun to go on vacation with?

            I suspect it depends. I’m good with maps and strangers. As for languages, I get along okay in Modern Greek and can fumble my way through enough French to generally be forgiven by the natives (and my pronunciation’s great if I do say so myself). I’m an adventurous eater (not bugs, please but I’ve eaten escargot) and I’m delighted with cities. But, if you can’t stand spending days at the museums, maybe you wouldn’t find me such a perfect companion. Other down sides? I’m less willing to dash from one metropolis to another. Let’s just live in the French countryside for a month and walk to town, do a little painting, eat local and relax. Or take a place at the beach, build a fire in the fireplace, plus read, do beach walks and dine in.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential for you?

            A seaworthy boat, excellent navigation equipment, and seasick pills.

Have you ever found true love?

            Several times. I met Robert and Elizabeth when I was living in San Francisco. They moved into my Pacific Heights flat. We were together fourteen years. (West Highland White Terriers) Then Fergus (another Westie) and Phoebe (Cairn terrier) joined me when I moved to Portland. Then Biscuit and Tully (Cairns). All have traveled the Rainbow Bridge. I live now with Parker (another Cairn)…oh yes, and my husband and a Siamese cat named Karla.

And were can we find out more about you and your books

Website: http://bdaviskroon.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bdaviskroon

Twitter.com/daviskroon1

Discover Trap Pay on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B084FV49GG

and other online retailers

New Releases from the Wild Rose Press

Reeling from loss and heartbreak, Stella King is desperate to escape painful memories. The position of nanny on an isolated ranch in British Columbia's rugged Chilcotin Plateau seems the answer to her prayers. Cattle rancher, Dawson Wheeler, has worked hard to overcome grief and build a predictable world for his young daughter. The last thing he needs is the all-too-attractive Stella disrupting the smooth running of his ranch, especially now that disturbing incidents are happening on his property. Defending his land against those who want to gut it will be a challenge, but the biggest threat of all may be to his heart.

Natasha Peterhoff is the luckiest vampire in the world. Having pined over the sexy, but aloof Vladimir Starikovich for centuries, her feelings are reciprocated when the pair are drawn to each other the night of her brother's wedding. Unfortunately, the stark light of day dawns, and the couple parts ways. Back in Siberia, Vlad is overcome by doubts. Not only will Natasha's brother kill him, but his own past is reason enough to keep her away. He vows to do everything in his power to keep her safe, even it if means never seeing her again. With so many reasons to stay apart, will the ties that bind be strong enough to pull them together?

Some secrets are deadly, and ghost-blogger Jillian Winchester and her photographer boyfriend discover it's true when they set out to investigate an Australian family who disappeared without a trace in the 1880s. An abandoned sheep station rumored to be haunted by the Kinsley family with ghosts instead of dead bodies or clues is one challenge. The other is the beautiful but deadly Outback. As Jillian probes deeper into the mystery, one thing becomes clear: She might not make it out of this quest alive.

After one concussion too many, Ben Leit is done as the NFL's golden boy quarterback. Then his father, who was about to expose a bombshell sports scandal, is murdered. Mimi Fitzroy, CIO for Rex Sports International, panics as she discovers thousands of stolen emails that prove Rex is breaking federal laws—big time. As Ben and Mimi work together to find a killer, they also find a connection they weren't expecting and didn't want. They are headed for an explosive showdown in Seattle...and not everyone will walk away.

I wanted one thing—to never fall in love again. But the universe had other plans. One look into Tom Wright's olive-green eyes, and I free-fell crazy in love with the one man destined to break my heart. I know, because I've yet to learn my lesson. The past never dies, and mine is ready to rear its ugly head. Question is, will I be strong enough to survive the fallout? She wasn't supposed to happen. I'd vowed to never let anyone in, but with one curve of her lips, Sara Hart bulldozed through my heart. I'm happier than I've ever been, yet scared as hell of how much I love her. Despite my best intentions, I haven't been one-hundred percent honest. My biggest torment still lurks within, threatening to unwind the strings holding us together. And if I lose her now, it might as well be the end of me.

New From the Wild Rose Press

Ireland Jacobson is desperately trying to survive the death of her fiancé, one day at a time, one breath at a time, while working for her cold, controlling mother. When a shocking secret about Ireland's father comes to light, she makes an impromptu trip to find answers. But rather than finding answers, Ireland stirs up painful complications with the man's current family. Ireland returns home and attempts to resume life as it was before. With her job and security on the line, she must make difficult choices, rely on people she has just met and hurt those she has known for years in order to heal, forgive and find her own personal inner strength.

Caryn Orlane has law enforcement in her blood; her father was a cop, and his father, too. She's a federal agent in northwest Montana, protecting the old forests and keeping the peace. Levi Bradshaw also believes in protecting the forests, but has a very different MO. He's the leader of a group of eco-warriors, determined to save the trees of the Bitterroot by legal—and illegal—means. When they meet in the woods at gunpoint, their encounter ignites a spark of interest, despite operating on opposite sides of the law. When their worlds turn on them, they only grow closer. If they don't work together, can either survive?

Roanne O'Casey has no desire to wed…but is under the control of an ancient prophecy. Fate takes away her choice when the fiercely independent Irishwoman is forced to marry the enemy, an Englishman…and is swept off her feet. Simon Lancaster never intends to wed, but he agrees to marry the redhead in the rollicking Irish pub, in front of her rowdy brothers, as an amusing lark. His attraction for Roanne grows until he learns of his brother's death, and evidence points to one of her brothers. When Roanne accompanies her husband to England, she walks into a trap for a killer. How can she solve the murder and win Simon's heart?

At the top of her game as a prestigious attorney, Evangeline Zanipolo walked away from it all. Despite an obvious lack of skill, she tries her hand as a massage therapist. But professional success is not her goal. All she wants is love, marriage, and babies with the two men she's engaged to marry. Then both men dump her, and she's left questioning her life's decisions. Just when she's ready to throw in the towel and try a traditional relationship, three forever-bachelors walk into her life prepared to give her everything she's ever dreamed of...if they can iron out all the kinks. Sexy businessman Brice Loffiten has always kept his lovers at arm's length, but Evangeline has snuck past his barriers and secured her spot inside his heart. He wants her all to himself, but her insatiable desires have him doubting he'll be enough. Power attorney, Dylan Russo is back in town and ready to assert control—in the bedroom. But Evangeline might not be ready to surrender to his type of dominance. Champion Jerry Wynn needs to be number one in a relationship. With him at the helm, the four could conquer anything. But can the other men in Evangeline's life accept him as the head of the household?

Christopher Flemming is flung into a trap—two hundred years in the past. His fiancée Arianna Miller is shocked when Christopher's time-traveling device returns home empty—except for a letter declaring his love for another woman. Arianna struggles through stages of grief, but it's difficult to fight a betrayal haunting her from two centuries ago. The only way for her to discover the truth is to face the dangers of traveling back in time herself. Doing so might save Christopher's life—or Arianna might find herself tumbling into a deadly time trap as well.

Backlash Small town teacher, Lily Wheeler, is plunged into a world of violent extremes when one of her students becomes the target of a vicious gang member. Exposed Disgraced model, Kate Logan, is looking for redemption but what she finds is a man determined to destroy her. Gone When a body is discovered in the woods, Grace Bighill's search for answers promises to unravel the family she's fought to keep together.

New releases from The Wild Rose Press

When Maddie MacGillicuddy loses her job, she's desperate to find another. Though good jobs are available at the stables, only men are hired. A big, strapping girl, she becomes Matty in her brother's clothing. Complications arise when a city magnate, assembling a tournament hockey team, admires Matty's skating skills and recruits "him," with real money and the city's reputation on the line. Huritt Gilbert is used to battling his way through life. At the stables, he routinely endures racial slurs, sometimes striking back. He's never met a woman like Maddie and would do anything for her, including accept the dangerous position of goalie for her team. But when competition heats up, loyalties get twisted. Will Gilbert and Maddie play for glory, or love?

Charlie McKay couldn't be happier with her life. Taking care of her daughter and everyone else around her is a labor of love. But the truth she's buried lurks beneath the surface and letting the oh-so-tempting Craig Sutton into her world is the last thing she needs. Purchasing the small-town bar is only one of the reasons Craig Sutton moved to Blue Creek. Despite having his own agenda, Craig is unable to resist getting involved with the McKays. And the closer he gets to Charlie, the more entangled he wants to become. But secrets in this town run deep, and someone is dead set on exposing Charlie's. She isn't the only one with something to hide, and deception threatens their happily ever after. The danger increases, and Charlie must come to grips with the past that haunts her or lose everything.

Detective Jesse Aaron has no leads in the murder of Rosa Logan when pretty blonde Sariah Brennan claims to have seen the killer—in a vision. Unfortunately the man she identifies is dead—or is he? Sariah is an unsophisticated small town girl, but her background and her motives are mysterious, and she seems to be hiding something. Jesse is increasingly convinced she has guilty knowledge of the crime, even as he finds himself more and more attracted to her. How can he unravel the web of secrets, without putting Sariah at risk, before the killer strikes again?

A grisly murder...a Dom with plenty to lose. My name is Jordan Caldera, and that's me, the Dom with everything to lose. Yes, I hated the woman who threatened to expose the passionate BDSM lifestyle I share with my wife, Angel. But contrary to what the evidence implies, I didn't kill her and my alibi is solid. Unfortunately, I was indulging a few powerful clients, administering to their dark desires, and they would sooner see me imprisoned than to publicly reveal their misunderstood cravings. My choices are simple—put my life and high-profile career at risk by exposing the truth or go to jail for a crime I didn't commit.

Elon loved traveling the world. The complexity of being a Marine from Texas and of the sixties generation stirred a curiosity that led him to Taiwan, a small Chinese island. Life in a country that spoke a language he would never understand, one with an exotic history and culture, where he found himself broke and needing a job while surviving a near-death experience, fit the bill for his adventurous spirit. But nothing enticed him like meeting Brigitte, the Belgian model and agent, a survivor herself, who took him under her wing and successfully promoted his talents. Their experiences together seemed a destiny. "I will survive" was the life they took for granted.

Are you a Plotter, Pantser or Plantser?

Originally Posted on Dalia Dupris Writes
https://www.daliadupris.com/post/are-you-a-plotter-pantser-or-plantser

These are terms that refer to the way a writer approaches her craft. Are you someone who prefers to outline every detail, from the beginning to the end? Are you excited about the prospect of utilizing storyboards, graphs, charts, and grids to calculate your story timelines, characters’ birthdates, eye and hair colors? Is it important for you to know what kind of music a character would buy or their favorite television show? Writing without an outline would feel like going on a trip, with no particular destination in mind, which isn't something you would ever do. You plan where you are going, down to where you'll be dining and every sight you'll be seeing. If this sounds like you, most likely, you are a Plotter.

However, if you prefer your story to happen more organically and to be surprised by your characters’ actions and various plot twists, you are a Pantser. Otherwise known as a writer who likes to ‘fly by the seat of their pants.’ You probably feel that detailed plotting would stifle your creativity when you prefer to go with the flow. Planning out every detail would rob you of the fun of discovering minute by minute how your story will evolve. You enjoy the process of discovering what will happen as you are writing, not before.

Perhaps your technique is more like mine and you utilize a combination of the two methods described above. In that case, you are a Plantser. Most of my planning is done in my head. Generally, I know something about the beginning and the end, but how the characters arrive at their destinations is sometimes a bit of a mystery. I may or may not develop a concrete story outline, but I definitely don’t fill in all of the details in advance. I don’t plan exactly how my characters will react to events, even though I have a strong idea of who they are before sitting down at my desk.

Embracing your strategy can save you time, energy and frustration. Follow the path which works best for you and helps you to get those words on the page.

Download your copy today

She's Pallas Mulroney, a financial genius and top-notch poker player, in Lake Tahoe to win the money to buy a partnership in her chosen career. Her second agenda, to find out why her father was banned from gambling casinos in Tahoe twenty years ago. Danny Tarantino's new club is his whole life, and someone's out to destroy it. This threatens Pallas's plans as much as her attraction to Danny threatens her peace of mind. He has enough to handle without worrying about the redhead he can't get out of his thoughts—especially when she's determined to get involved.

True "TJ" Bannister, haunted by his past, abandons the world of sex, drugs, and rock and roll to live a peaceful life as a bookstore owner on Cape Cod. The reformed bad boy thinks no "nice" girl will ever see beyond his tormented soul. Innocent Sara Storm barges into TJ's shop, and his life, with her sunshine personality. Her dream is to be a singer—she's come to Cape Cod to further her goal at a local concert venue and escape comparisons with her successful siblings. TJ and Sarah are drawn to each other, but will his past and desire for a calmer life and her aspirations as a recording artist doom their romance before the last note is sung?

Dr. Dana Null awakens in a deserted alley bleeding and with no memory. Lost, alone, and desperate after her pleas for help go unanswered she physically accosts a Baltimore PD detective. Detective Lance Barnes recognizes her distress and takes on her case. His investigation brings more questions than answers. He finds himself drawn to the beautiful doctor and struggles to maintain his moral code of conduct. Dana has her own struggles besides Lance's magnetic pull. Someone still wants her dead, and Dana must trust the one man determined to uncover the truth before her assailant strikes again.

Pets that touch our lives are no less loved than friends and family. Here are stories of unique dogs, precocious pot-bellied pigs, savvy cats, horses, and other animals beloved by humans who have created memorials in loving tribute to their companions.

A chance encounter with a roguish, kilt-wearing lord at a historical Highland reenactment has Tara Holder dreaming of a better life. When she discovers her summer job involves working with the sexy Scot who literally swept her off her feet, she's torn between wanting to remain professional or to shag him for all he's worth. Andy Campbell has big plans for the family castle, ones that will once and for all prove he's worthy of being in charge. He doesn't need interference from the new castle manger his mother hired. When he realizes the manager is none other than the lovely wisp of a woman he "married" and kissed at the fair, he's suspicious of his matchmaking mother's attempt to find him a real bride. He's determined to keep his distance despite being plagued with dreams of the alluring lass wearing his plaid...and nothing else.