5/13/2008 Happy Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day! Okay, I'm a little late on that, but I wanted to say it anyway. I've been busy writing new proposals, and I'm happy to say that I've contracted for two new Superromance novels. First up is THE WRONG MAN, a story about a man who spent ten years in prison for a crime he didn't commit and the woman who wrongly identified him as her assailant. The next book is RETURN TO SPIRIT CREEK, a reunion story between highschool sweethearts whose lives took drastically different directions due to a bad decision that ended in tragedy for many. Both books are set in my home state of Arizona in a fictional mountain town called Spirit Creek near Sedona. Doing research in the Sedona area is not a bad gig either. Watch here for more information on both books. Ciao for now, Linda   12/7/2007 GOING FOR BROKE Just in -- GOING FOR BROKE is on bookshelves now!! There must be a new schedule because the Superromances usually come out mid-month. But this is great. Remember, books make great stocking stuffers. :-) I'm also blogging today on www.muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com and invite you all to stop by. I'm answering questions on the series or any other writing questions you'd like to ask. I'll be announcing the November contest winner later today. And remember, the first person to send me an email with a photo of my book on the shelf at a bookstore wins the first two books in the Hold 'Em series. Hope everyone is having a great holiday season so far. Linda   11/5/2007 Question of the Day Earlier, I mentioned that I'd talk about writing, so today I decided to start with a question from an another writer. How do I find my writer's voice? GOING FOR BROKE is the title of my next book, but the phrase represents so much more. It’s a willingness to put yourself out there…a willingness to forge ahead, take a chance…risk it all. It’s something many of us fail to do when writing. And that failure is one of the reasons a writer's voice doesn't resonate with the reader. So, what is a writer’s voice? It’s your personality on paper. It’s who you are, your world view, how you think and respond and interact with others. Who you are is derived from a combination of your early environment and events in your life. And every single one of us, no matter how much we’re the same, have a unique set of life experiences that make us who we are. I am the star in the story of my life. You are the star in yours. Okay, it’s a given--we are unique individuals. And yet, so many writers sound alike. What’s up with that? I believe a part of the problem is that many writers are so intent on making their manuscripts perfect, they remove all personality. Another reason is fear. Not fear to put words on paper, but fear to put yourself out there. It has to do with our inability to let our true selves be seen. As writers, the more willing we are to risk what’s deep inside—the more willing we are to expose ourselves— (and I'm not talking about specific details about our families and friends lives) and be who we truly are on paper, the more our voice will emerge. Voice is about authenticity. Authenticity is writing with authority. Being true to who you are. This is the reason editors always tell beginning writers to “write what you know.” Does that mean because I’m a cop, I need to write a cop story? No, what it means is that if you write what you know, you’ll be writing from your heart. It means your story will have more authenticity if you have feelings (an emotional connection) about what you’re writing than if you don’t. I’m also not talking about beating the reader over the head with your particular cause or piling on information about a subject because you know it. Both of those will bore the reader to death. If you write about what you know, and if you allow yourself to be who you are, your voice will appear naturally. Your voice is in the type of stories you choose to write, the tone, the subject matter, the characters you choose, themes that emerge and the words you put on paper. When I write, it’s not about my life, but my voice is there. That voice will tap into my world view, my values and beliefs, it will encompass the depth and breadth of my experiences and emotions, my education or lack thereof in some areas, my feelings about …well just about everything. It’s not me in my books…and yet it is. It has to be. I bring to the table what I know, believe and feel and what I understand or don’t understand. The old adage, no tears from the writer, no tears from the reader, is right on when it comes to voice. If you don’t feel what you’re writing about, it will show. Go for Broke and let your voice be heard. Linda P.S. Lots of authors write about what they don't know and they write with authority. That's because they research. You don't have to have direct experience to write with authority. But you do have to do the research. P.P.S. Mini Movie Review -- Michael Clayton -- Excellent! The Kingdom -- Excellent! Oscar nods all over the place.   10/25/2007 GOING FOR BROKE -- a new contest! Beginning Nov 1st, I'm holding a brand new contest. Two winners per month will win a Texas Hold 'em related prize--something you might find in my new book, GOING FOR BROKE, which hits bookshelves in December. A Texas Hold 'em T-shirt, Hold 'em playing cards, poker chips and more. And the first person who sends me a photo of GOING FOR BROKE on bookstore shelves will also win the first two books in the series. Last month Harlequin asked the authors in the series to talk about our books...as our heroes. Now, Jake and the other guys in the "Wild Bunch" weren't so sure they wanted to do that...because chatting online isn't exactly a guy thing. But...with a little convincing, our heroes stepped up to the plate and what a fun time it was. If you want to check out the dialogue between Blake, Cole, Jake (my guy) Brady and Luke, just click on the Harlequin archives at http://community.eharlequin.com/webx?14@@.4a84b231/0 Happy trails to you!   9/10/2007 Going For Broke Read more about my upcoming Harlequin Superromance Going for Broke here. Comments: Wow, Linda! Two fabulous covers in a row! Love them! And I found THE MAN FROM TEXAS at the bookstore yesterday, so I'm all set to enjoy! Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 9/14/2007   9/8/2007 Cowboy Up!! Welcome to the new "What's New" page. So, what's new? THE MAN FROM TEXAS, my September release, is in bookstores now! That's a whole week earlier than the release date I thought it would be. I started a new contest in August where you can win a full three-book set of my COLD CASES: L.A. series. Check it out on my contest page. Congratulations to the August winner Joy Isley! I've left my favorite cold case detectives behind in favor of a couple of cowboys...Jack Parker, THE MAN FROM TEXAS, (Sept) and Jake Chandler in GOING FOR BROKE, (Dec). It's been great fun since part of my research involved revisiting some of my favorite western movies. Shane, The Magnificent Seven, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (how about them cowboys), Tombstone, and High Noon, to mention only a few. Happily, I've noticed the new fall movie season is western heavy with 3:10 to Yuma (a remake of an old Glenn Ford classic), another Jesse James movie with Brad Pitt, and the Cohen brothers addition, No Country for Old Men. Not exactly a renaissance for the oldest movie genre around, but it's a good showing. My favorite western title is The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Maybe because it reminds me of my first attempt at writing. :-} First on my list of new westerns to see is "3:10 to Yuma" with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale and you'll likely see a review here afterward. Watch for more news on my December release, GOING FOR BROKE . It's the third book in the new Texas Hold 'em continuity series set in River Bluff, Texas. The first book in the series, THE BABY GAMBLE by Tara Taylor Quinn, is an October release, and the second is COUNTING ON SANTA by Debra Salonen in November. Each story stands alone, but you'll find all five hunky cowboys in all the books--each with his own intriguing story to reveal. Check out the cover and other information on GOING FOR BROKE on my books page. The last new thing is that I'm now able to make my own entries on this page, which makes it kinda, sorta like a blog, but I'm not saying it is. :-} What it means, though, is that I'll be here more often to let you know what's new...and I may even chat about some of my favorite things...like writing, and movies, and writing, and music, and writing, and food, and well...whatever comes up. My passions are many. :-) The new format also allows responses for you to chat with me if you wish. So, come back soon and see "What's New!" Cheers, --Linda Comments: Just thought I'd drop you a note and let you know that your What's New page is great. I'm my way out the door to buy THE MAN FROM TEXAS. I love all the westerns you mentioned and am looking forward to the Christian Bale/Russell Crowe movie. Ginny Posted  by Ginny  on 9/8/2007 Linda, You named some of my favorite old movies and actors. I can't wait to read your "cowboy" books. Posted  by Susan Vaughan on 9/9/2007 I love THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY! I think my favorite old western is ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST. Henry Fonda as a bad guy. Too cool. And the music is so vast and haunting. I can't wait to read THE MAN FROM TEXAS! Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 9/9/2007 Linda, I love your latest cover for THE MAN FROM TEXAS! Can't wait to read the book! Posted  by Sheila Seabrook on 9/9/2007 Sounds like some tough research, Linda. :-) I loved Tombstone (Sam Elliott!) and the 3:10 movie looks terrific. (Trailer is at imdb.com). Best of luck with your September release. I'll be looking for it! Posted  by Jennifer Ashley on 9/9/2007 Hi Linda, Can't wait to meet your Cowboys! Posted  by amy  on 9/11/2007 I LOVED The Man From Texas, Jack & Taylor's story immediately "roped" me in, and was as thrilling as a Bronc ride at a rodeo with all the Twists and Turns, I was capitvated till the end. So fun to read, I didn't want the book to end! What an imagination, characters are so real- do movies help you spark that? What are your favorite mystery movies or books? Trying to put the puzzle pieces together was my favorite part of this romance with mystery. Posted  by Theresa Sheridan on 9/20/2007

03/7/07: Happy St. Patrick's Day!
What's new?  Some new dates and new titles.  THE MAN FROM TEXAS will be September 2007 release, and the Texas Hold'em book has a new title.  GOING FOR BROKE will be a December 2007 release.  It's the third book in the new series beginning in October 2007.  Be sure to check out the first book by Tara Taylor Quinn, and book #2 by Deb Salonen.  Keep watch on my website for a new contest to celebrate my September release as well.  As always, my website is a work in progress with new photos on the Romantic Travels and Linda's Gang pages.  Ireland and Portugal will be the next travel destinations.

8/15/06:  So, what's new?  Lots.  I just heard that AND JUSTICE FOR ALL is a 2006 Cataromance Reviewer's Choice Nominee.  Also, I'll have two new books coming out in 2007, one with the working title, THE MAN FROM TEXAS, and the other for the new Texas Hold 'em series.  I had a great time at the RWA National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.  Check out some photos here and on my Appearances page.  I keep changing photos on Linda's Gang and in the Romantic Travels sections, too, so check them out.  HUSBAND AND WIFE REUNION received a five-cup review from Coffee Time Romance.  You'll find the review on my Books page.  Last, but not least, CONGRATULATIONS to Julie Bouchard, winner of my July contest.  Julie will receive a three-book set of my COLD CASES: L.A. series.

7/10/06:  Congratulations to Carol Mintz, the winner of the first two books in my COLD CASES: L.A. trilogy.  Tomorrow is the day HUSBAND AND WIFE REUNION hits the shelves!  Check out the great reviews for the third book in the series on my Books page.  A 4 1/2 star review from CataRomance and 4 stars from Romantic Times.  I'll be in Atlanta at the Romance Writers of America national conference at the end of July and signing HUSBAND AND WIFE REUNION.  I'll have a few copies of the first two books in the series on hand as well.  Hope to see you there.

6/13/06: Check out my new contest!  To celebrate the release of the last COLD CASES: L.A. story, HUSBAND AND WIFE REUNION in July, I'm running a new contest for the months of June and July.  I'm giving away the first two books in the COLD CASES: L.A. trilogy.  While each book stands alone, it's fun to read them all and get to know the detectives who appear in all the books, but star in their own stories.  Just click on the contest link, answer a couple of questions and hit enter.  That's all there is to it!  And while you're visiting, take a peek at the photos of my new granddaughter, Kylie Marie.

5/5/06:  Happy Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day!  It's getting hot in Arizona and my friend Brenda Novak's auction to benefit juvenile diabetes is even hotter.  Check out all the items on the auction block, including my donation of a critique of a contemporary series ms proposal--AND--you can also bid on a complete autographed set of my COLD CASES: L.A. miniseries, including an early copy of HUSBAND AND WIFE REUNION, a July release.  Check it out at http://www.brendanovak.com and help stamp out juvenile diabetes.  While you're there, make a bid on a complete six-book set of the Women in Blue series, which includes an autographed copy of my book THE WITNESS.  Other books in the series are by talented authors Kay David, Roz Denny Fox, K.N. Casper, Anna Adams and Sherry Lewis.

Great news!  I've been asked to participate in a new series for Superromance tentatively titled TEXAS HOLD 'EM, which will feature five exciting heroes from Texas.  The series will debut in 2007.  Other good news...HIS CASE, HER CHILD, the first book in my COLD CASES: L.A. series has been nominated for the Golden Quill Award.  Watch for a new contest in June to celebrate the July release of HUSBAND AND WIFE REUNION and while you're at it, check out my Appearances page for my latest booksigning photos at the Desert Dreams conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.

3/15/06:  Congratulations to contest winners, Mary Darnell and Cathy Cookie.  On the writing front, I've been busy completing the last book in the COLD CASES: L.A. mini-series.  Watch for HUSBAND AND WIFE REUNION in July 2007.  Also check out the new photos on the Linda's Gang page and the Romantic Travels page.

Valentine's Day Booksigning:  Fellow Superromance author Roz Fox, Linda and Cheyenne McCray

12/26/05:  HAPPY NEW YEAR!  To celebrate the January release of AND JUSTICE FOR ALL, the second book in my COLD CASES: L.A. trilogy, I'm running a special contest in which the winner will receive a full set of the WOMEN IN BLUE series, a gift certificate and autographed books from some of my favorite authors.  The new contests runs from January 1st through the end of February.  Also, in mid-January, look for more new travel photos on the Romantic Travels page.

11/16/05: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  What's new this month--my oldest son was married two weeks ago and I'll have some new photos for the Linda's Gang page soon.  And there's a new excerpt of my upcoming book AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.  check it out on the books page.  Also take a peek at Romantic Travels--when I travel, I love to go off the beaten track and see what's out there in this fascinating world of ours, so I'm adding some photos of unusual and unique places I've been.  Check out the new heading "Expect the Unexpected."  First up is The Madonna Inn.

10/20/05:  Wow, a whole month passed me by--mainly because my eldest son is getting married in a couple of weeks--and I just finished the third book in the COLD CASES: LA series.  More excitement--today I received a copy of the cover for the 2nd book in the series, And Justice for All, January 2006, and I love it.  Check out the backcover copy on the Books page and watch for an excerpt coming soon.

8/5/05:  HOT, HOT, HOT!! No, that's not a new book I'm writing.  It's the temps in Phoenix--over 100 degrees very day.  Fortunately I can sit at my computer in the cool air conditioning and finish the last story in the COLD CASES, L.A. series.  I'll be so sad to leave these characters, but then there are always delightful new characters and stories on the horizon.

*CONGRATULATIONS to Vicki Wurgler, the winner of my July contest!  Vicki will receive an autographed copy of one of my backlist books (her choice) and also an autographed copy of THE SECOND SISTER from my writing buddy, Carrie Weaver.

*More HOT news!  I've just returned from the national Romance Writers of America conference in Reno, Nevada.  Take a peek at some fun party photos by clicking on the "Reno 2005 RWA Conference" link.

What the heck are you doing down there, girl?
(Friends Susan Vaughan, Linda, Connie Flynn and Ann Voss Peterson showing off her net stockings)

7/9/05:  Happy July and CONGRATULATIONS to Kristy Elliott, the winner of my special June contest.  Kristy won a set of the six-book WOMEN IN BLUE continuity series.  It was a true pleasure to work with the five wonderful and talented writers in this series.  I have a new contest in which you can win not only books, but a mystery prize.  Check it out on the contest link.

6/23/05: BOOK ALERT!  HIS CASE, HER CHILD is in bookstores now!  Some fab reviews are already in.  "Great story!  Intense.  Mystery...danger...love and betrayal.  Another couldn't put it down story you'll really love."  To read the reviews so far, check out the Books link.

6/01/05:  Summertime...and the Reading is Super!  That's the caption on a recent ad I used with three other Superromance authors, because when I wrote HIS CASE, HER CHILD, the first book in the COLD CASES: L.A. miniseries, I knew it would be a perfect beach book.  Read an excerpt and watch for HIS CASE, HER CHILD to hit the bookshelves in mid-June.  Or pre-order on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

6/01/05: SPECIAL CONTEST!  To celebrate the release of HIS CASE, HER CHILD, I'm holding a new one-month contest (June 1 - 30) to give away a complete set (six books-some autographed) of the exciting WOMEN IN BLUE series from Harlequin Superromance.  To see the books and titles, check out the contest page.  I wish you all good luck!

5/7/05:  Happy Mother's Day!  I received a nice present already, but it wasn't from my kids.  I learned that THE WITNESS is a finalist for the Golden Quill Award in the long contemporary category.  It's a great contest for published authors, and I'm honored to be among the finalists.

4/27/05: I've added an excerpt for HIS CASE, HER CHILD, the first book in the COLD CASES: L.A. series.  Also check out some new photos on the Romantic Travels page, Catalina Island and other additions.  Since I like to explore unusual places, I'm getting together my "Off the Beaten Track" photos that include some pretty funky places to visit.  I'll be adding new places each month.

3/15/05:  Happy St. Paddy's Day!  I'm revving up for the release of HIS CASE, HER CHILD, the first book in the COLD CASES: L.A. series and will run a special one month only contest starting June 1st and ending on June 30th.  The winner will receive a complete set (6 books) of the WOMEN IN BLUE series.  See all the books on the contest link.

AND JUSTICE FOR ALL -- that's the cool title for the second book in the COLD CASES, L.A. series.  Book two features detective Jordan St. James, LAPD Homicide.  Coming in early 2006.

2/14/05:  Happy Valentine's Day!  I celebrated early by participating in the Glendale Chocolate Affaire, a wonderful chocolate festival put on every year.  Romance was definitely in the air as dozens of authors signed their books for readers.  Here are a few of us having fun.

From left, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Roz Denny Fox, Laurie Campbell, Connie Flynn and me.  Cerretos Chocolate Company in Glendale gave all the authors a box of assorted chocolates as a gift.  What could be better than that!!

My Barnes and Noble booksigning for THE WITNESS was amazing.  I sold out almost immediately.  Here's a picture at the signing with some of my favorite people, my grandchildren, Courtney and Connor.

Other fun stuff--I'm heading to Los Angeles next weekend for more research on my new mini-series COLD CASES: L.A., so watch for some photos of the settings I'm using.  The first book in the series, HIS CASE, HER CHILD, is already up on Amazon (sans cover) and available for pre-order.

I'm getting off my duff and scanning some new travel photos of my favorite places.  Check them out on the Romantic Travels page when you get a chance.

1/11/05: Happy New Year!  I'm happy to announce that THE WITNESS hit the bookstores mid-December and has received some fabulous reviews.  Five Stars from Harriet Klausner and Five Hearts from The Romance Reader.  Check out the Books page to read all the reviews.

Want a way to help the tsunami victims?  You can donate to the cause and get a book at the same time.  I'm donating a percentage of the sales from THE WITNESS to help the tsunami victims.

And now that the holidays are over, I'm back at work on my second COLD CASES: L.A. book.  The first book in the series, HIS CASE, HER CHILD, will be released in June 2005.  Watch the Books page for a blurb and an excerpt, and do check out the contest page.  I have lots of books from some of my favorite authors to give away as well as those on my backlist.

12/10/04:  Just five more days!  THE WITNESS will hit bookstores on December 15th, and I'm happy to say THE WITNESS has received some great reviews!  Check them out on my Books link.

10/28/04:  Countdown -- Only 32 days until THE WITNESS is on the shelves!  Read an excerpt online now.  And check out the new link on http://community.eharlequin.com/WebX?50@@.3b9c24ed where readers are talking about the new Women in Blue series.  Join us for some great conversation.  The first book, THE PARTNER by Kay David is out this month and it's an exciting read.

I've just received an okay on my title for the first book in my new COLD CASES: L.A. series.  HIS CASE, HER CHILD will be out in June 2005.  Watch for more about the new series.

8/8/04:  I'm excited!  I've recently signed a new contract for a three-book series called COLD CASES: L.A.  The stories are a spin-off from my award-winning book THE MAN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH and will follow a unit of LAPD cops solving cold cases.  The first book in the series will feature Detective Rico Santini, who made an appearance in TMITP.  Watch for more on those stories and an excerpt.

8/8/04: I've just sent off the final changes for my next book, THE WITNESS: Women in Blue, a new continuity series coming from Harlequin Superromance in October 2004.  THE WITNESS is the third book in the series and will hit the shelves 12/04.  I had great fun meeting with the other authors in the series, Kay David, Roz Denny Fox, K.N. Caper, Sherry Lewis and Anna Adams at the RWA national conference and working with them to brainstorm this series.  WOMEN IN BLUE is about six women who attended the Houston Police Academy together, and each book will feature one of the heroines.  The heroine in the THE WITNESS is Crista Santiago, a Latina who works on Houston's Chicano Squad. Watch for an excerpt!

2/04:  Valentine's Celebration.  More than 25 authors participated in the Glendale, AZ Chocolate Affaire booksigning.  What great fun to share the day with so many friends, both romance authors and faithful readers who came to visit.  Here I am with friends, Superromance author Roz Denny Fox and Vicki Lewis Thompson, who's first single title book was lucky enough to be a Kelly Ripa pick last year.

Roz Denny Fox, Vicki Lewis Thompson and me at the Chocolate Affaire

Another Valentine's Day booksigning at Barnes and Noble in Scottsdale, AZ, where a dozen romance authors signed their books.  I shared a table with friends, Susan Yarina and fellow Superromance author Tara Taylor Quinn.

At Barnes and Noble with Susan Yarina, me and Tara Taylor Quinn