Music provides a large amount of inspiration for me. I listen to music a lot, and often wake up with a song playing in my head. (I just hope it's one that doesn't annoy me. Nothing worse than a bad ear worm!)
Every one of my books has a theme song or playlist. I use them to zero in on a particular character’s motivation or state of mind. Music also sets the mood for certain scenes or conversations.
Recently I ran into a snag with Nate's book (Backstage Pass Book 4) and realized that the heroine, Sara, didn't have her own song. So I started going through my music. Usually, I'll run across something that will just click, and I know it's right.
But nothing came up for Sara. Then one morning, I woke up with a song running through my head – one I hadn't heard in many years, but I instantly knew it was Sara’s theme.
http://youtu.be/bhWEI6-_w9E
Love this! Not slow or sad. Even though Sara’s past has granted her the right to be those things, she chooses to focus on the present. Working hard and enjoying life – preferably with the man who has treated her like a little sister for years. Here's hoping she gets him for an eternity, not just the weekend that he's offering.
What's your favorite "old school" song?
Dani
Recently I ran into a snag with Nate's book (Backstage Pass Book 4) and realized that the heroine, Sara, didn't have her own song. So I started going through my music. Usually, I'll run across something that will just click, and I know it's right.
But nothing came up for Sara. Then one morning, I woke up with a song running through my head – one I hadn't heard in many years, but I instantly knew it was Sara’s theme.
http://youtu.be/bhWEI6-_w9E
Love this! Not slow or sad. Even though Sara’s past has granted her the right to be those things, she chooses to focus on the present. Working hard and enjoying life – preferably with the man who has treated her like a little sister for years. Here's hoping she gets him for an eternity, not just the weekend that he's offering.
What's your favorite "old school" song?
Dani
This afternoon I'm hanging out with some cool authors to celebrate Ella Sheridan's new release, TRUST ME (Book 2 in her Southern Nights series). Join me and authors Ella Sheridan, Angel Payne, Sandra Owens, and Emma Leigh Reed for some good, old-fashioned, honky-tonk fun on Facebook! You can join the party here today from 12-2 CST.
Sis and I were having a texting meltdown after she'd had one of THOSE days. You know the kind. When everything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Yeah, THOSE days.
These conversations make me feel kind of helpless, because there's not much I can say to help – and I feel like I should help. Without thinking, I finally told her to go online, and look at pictures from the place that she was vacationing at later this year. To imagine herself being there, and how much she was going to enjoy it.
[caption id="attachment_1003" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani in Dublin, Ireland park[/caption]
It wasn't until then that I realized I've been doing exactly the same thing for a month. I got a bee in my bonnet that I wanted to go on a little weekend writing retreat, all by my lonesome, sometime this spring. While hubby was completely agreeable, the decision will rest on the same thing it always does – finances.
So I have no idea if I will get to go, but I've been searching online for hotels, places to eat, walking trails – and with each picture, I feel calm and happy.
That may be sad to some, but I consider it to be self–medicating — without the happy pill. I can take that trip any day. :)
[caption id="attachment_1004" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Store in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
If you could take a virtual vacation anywhere at all, where would you go?
Dani
Dani in Dublin, Ireland park[/caption]
It wasn't until then that I realized I've been doing exactly the same thing for a month. I got a bee in my bonnet that I wanted to go on a little weekend writing retreat, all by my lonesome, sometime this spring. While hubby was completely agreeable, the decision will rest on the same thing it always does – finances.
So I have no idea if I will get to go, but I've been searching online for hotels, places to eat, walking trails – and with each picture, I feel calm and happy.
That may be sad to some, but I consider it to be self–medicating — without the happy pill. I can take that trip any day. :)
[caption id="attachment_1004" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Store in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
If you could take a virtual vacation anywhere at all, where would you go?
Dani
Today I'm heating up this cold winter day with some hunky goodness, sizzling scenes, and fantastic prizes at the Nice Girls Writing Naughty January Facebook Event. I'd love for you to join me and lots of other authors for our reader party, where we always have a great time! Just click here to join us (may have to sign into FB along the way...).
Dani
Merry Christmas to You and Yours!
What better fantasy to spice up the season than spending it with your favorite book boyfriend? The Nice Girls Writing Naughty Hunky Holidays Blog Hop lets you do just that!
Today I’m visiting with a couple of my heroes to see how they are celebrating this holiday season.
Colin McIntyre, Beneath the Surface
I know exactly what Colin will be doing for the holidays! He’ll close Bailey’s for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, and spend some quality time cooking with his favorite women—his grandmother, sisters, new niece, and Emma.
Christmas morning will involve a nice lie-in, but not exactly for sleep. *wink* After all, Emma is the best present he’s ever gotten. Then Christmas brunch with his family, Emma, Amy, and Bob.
Damon West, Snow Bound
Damon is praying for another winter blizzard to hit southern Tennessee this year! He’d like nothing more than a repeat of his last snowy escapade with Tori—minus the crazy stalker ex.
Have I mentioned that Damon is free? His novella, that is, when you join my newsletter!
What’s your favorite Christmas activity with your sexy sidekick? Share for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Also comment on at least 5 blogs to qualify to win the Hunky Holidays grand prize of a $50 gift card and selection of hostess Tina Christopher's books!
Visit the rest of the Nice Girls Hunky Heroes Blog Hop here for more chances to win.
Christmas morning will involve a nice lie-in, but not exactly for sleep. *wink* After all, Emma is the best present he’s ever gotten. Then Christmas brunch with his family, Emma, Amy, and Bob.
Damon West, Snow Bound
Damon is praying for another winter blizzard to hit southern Tennessee this year! He’d like nothing more than a repeat of his last snowy escapade with Tori—minus the crazy stalker ex.
Have I mentioned that Damon is free? His novella, that is, when you join my newsletter!
What’s your favorite Christmas activity with your sexy sidekick? Share for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Also comment on at least 5 blogs to qualify to win the Hunky Holidays grand prize of a $50 gift card and selection of hostess Tina Christopher's books!
Visit the rest of the Nice Girls Hunky Heroes Blog Hop here for more chances to win.
I'm excited to be joining fellow Nice Girls Writing Naughty author Cynthia Sax for an interview about my newest release, BENEATH THE SURFACE, and what I love so much about it (and hope you do too). While you're there, check out some of Cynthia's hot, hot romances! She has a very cool serial being released right now that I'm following, both to see how the releases are handled, and to see how the story ends. :)
...and I'm feeling the pinch!
Releasing a new book is always nerve-wracking, simply because perfect strangers are now reading the part of you that you put down on (virtual) paper. But there's also a lot of "things" that need to be done to make it happen. And did I mention that it's the Thanksgiving holiday this week in the US? And I have family coming to stay... All of this combined leads to me looking like this:
But regardless of whether it all gets done, BENEATH THE SURFACE will be live on Sunday, Nov. 30th! I've got a lot of cool things planned, including some guest posts that you'll find out about here on the blog. For the first time, I'll be hostessing a big Release Day party on Facebook from 4 to 7pm with some fellow authors! Lots of giveaways and fun, fun stuff. You won't want to miss it, so friend my profile here to receive an invite.
Hopefully the next time you see me, my hair will be less crazy...
Dani
But regardless of whether it all gets done, BENEATH THE SURFACE will be live on Sunday, Nov. 30th! I've got a lot of cool things planned, including some guest posts that you'll find out about here on the blog. For the first time, I'll be hostessing a big Release Day party on Facebook from 4 to 7pm with some fellow authors! Lots of giveaways and fun, fun stuff. You won't want to miss it, so friend my profile here to receive an invite.
Hopefully the next time you see me, my hair will be less crazy...
Dani
So much going on over the next few weeks! I’m getting ready to launch my newest series, Small Town Secrets, to readers on Nov. 30th. BENEATH THE SURFACE was my first true book of my heart, and finalled in the RWA Golden Heart contest in 2009. Sharing it with readers is beyond thrilling.
I’ll be revealing the cover on my brand new Facebook author page on Wednesday, Nov 19. Like my page to be one of the first to see it, and receive an invite to the Release Day Party!
BENEATH THE SURFACE, Coming November 30th
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret gathering exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin sister, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?