Ben is a secondary character in Debra's This Can't Be Love.
Secondary characters are hugely important in a story. Most of the time, unless we're talking stranded in the wilderness or snowed in by a storm type of scenarios, our characters are interacting with other people throughout the course of their stories. Secondary characters often help us provide depth to our characters. They can act as a sounding board or a shoulder to cry on. They might be part of the back story. We don't want our background characters to take over the story, but more often than not, they are vital to it.
Ben O'Connor is the grandfather of Jessica Hart, the heroine in This Can't Be Love. Ben only has about eight total pages (if that) of face to face interaction with Jessica or Zach, but his role is vitally important. It's his absence in the story that sets up two conflicts between Zach and Jessica.
Jessica arrives at her grandfather's secluded cabin needing to get away from the emotional fallout of a failed relationship. She craves the peace she'll find there, but also knows spending time with Pops (as she calls Ben) will help her regain some equilibrium and put things into perspective. Instead, she finds Zach has taken up residence because Pops has gone on a month-long trip to trace his roots in Ireland. Jessica quickly lets Zach know in no uncertain terms that his service as a house-sitter is no longer required and the door shouldn't hit him on the way out. Zach, however has made a promise to Ben to take care of the place while he's gone, and he doesn't take that likely. Not to mention that he's sublet his apartment for the duration and doesn't have any place else to go. Jessica also comes to quickly realize that she wouldn't be able to handle everything that Zach is able to in Ben's absence. So, although neither is really comfortable with the idea, they wind up calling an uneasy truce and decide both will stay at the cabin.
As they get to know one another, an attraction grows. Zach is reluctant to act on it, however, because he doesn't want to betray Ben's trust in him by hooking up with his granddaughter. For her part, and for very personal, emotional reasons, Jessica is desperate to hook up with Zach before Pops gets home.
Ben doesn't make a physical appearance until page 188 in the book, but his specter 'haunts' both characters for most of the story. When he finally does make an appearance on his arrival back from Ireland, we still don't hear much from him, aside from now its his presence back home that's now keeping Jessica and Zach apart since they're no longer living in the same place, until almost the end of the story, where he provides the much needed shoulder to cry on and some sage advice that helps Jessica put her feelings for Zach in perspective.
I never knew either of my grandfathers, so it was fun to create and live vicariously through this imaginary character. And for a guy who wasn't around a lot in the story, he certainly played a huge role in it.
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
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Showing posts with label This Can't Be Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label This Can't Be Love. Show all posts
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Z is for Zach
Zach Rawlings is the hero in Debra's This Can't Be Love.
Zach started out as one of the 'good' guys in another story, and he remained that good guy throughout his own story as well.
We first meet Zach in This Time for Always. He's one of Sharlie's best friends. The guy who was always there for her. The guy always hoping she'd think of him as a bit more than a friend. I always knew Zach would have a story of his own, but I really didn't know what it would be. While vacationing in the Ozarks, I decided I wanted to use the location as a setting for one of my stories. One day it dawned on me: Zach's story could be set there.
So....Zach became the house sitter for someone he knew from The Corral. Zach wasn't looking for a full-time career. He loved being a bouncer at The Corral, and this side job suited him perfectly. Along comes Jessica, who isn't amused to find Zach at her grandfather's ranch while he's off touring the world. She also isn't amused that Zach has zero ambition in life. She's met far too many men just like Zach.
There is, of course, an immediate attraction, but Jessica is gun shy from her past, and Zach doesn't want to damage the trust Ben put in him by making a move on his granddaughter. No matter how much he wants her, he's not going to take advantage of the situation. See? One of those good guys.
Thankfully, this being a romance with a HEA, the good guys gets the girl in the end. Zach deserves to be happy, and he certainly finds happiness with Jessica.
Here's the blurb:
After the disastrous end of another dead-end relationship, all Jessica Hart wants is solitude and time to heal at her grandfather's mountain retreat. Instead she finds Zach Rawlings.
Zach has made himself at home at the cabin. He's house-sitting while the owner is away, and the temporary nature of the job suits him perfectly. For Jessica, Zach is everything she wants to escape.
As she gets to know him better, she realizes there's more to him than meets the eye. His patience and tender concern begin to heal something deep inside of her. But can she trust her heart to a man like Zach?
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Zach started out as one of the 'good' guys in another story, and he remained that good guy throughout his own story as well.
We first meet Zach in This Time for Always. He's one of Sharlie's best friends. The guy who was always there for her. The guy always hoping she'd think of him as a bit more than a friend. I always knew Zach would have a story of his own, but I really didn't know what it would be. While vacationing in the Ozarks, I decided I wanted to use the location as a setting for one of my stories. One day it dawned on me: Zach's story could be set there.
So....Zach became the house sitter for someone he knew from The Corral. Zach wasn't looking for a full-time career. He loved being a bouncer at The Corral, and this side job suited him perfectly. Along comes Jessica, who isn't amused to find Zach at her grandfather's ranch while he's off touring the world. She also isn't amused that Zach has zero ambition in life. She's met far too many men just like Zach.
There is, of course, an immediate attraction, but Jessica is gun shy from her past, and Zach doesn't want to damage the trust Ben put in him by making a move on his granddaughter. No matter how much he wants her, he's not going to take advantage of the situation. See? One of those good guys.
Thankfully, this being a romance with a HEA, the good guys gets the girl in the end. Zach deserves to be happy, and he certainly finds happiness with Jessica.
Here's the blurb:
After the disastrous end of another dead-end relationship, all Jessica Hart wants is solitude and time to heal at her grandfather's mountain retreat. Instead she finds Zach Rawlings.
Zach has made himself at home at the cabin. He's house-sitting while the owner is away, and the temporary nature of the job suits him perfectly. For Jessica, Zach is everything she wants to escape.
As she gets to know him better, she realizes there's more to him than meets the eye. His patience and tender concern begin to heal something deep inside of her. But can she trust her heart to a man like Zach?
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Thursday, November 5, 2015
R is for Rodeo
The rodeo features prominently in Debra's Corral series.
I've always loved the rodeo. I don't know specifically how my interest began, it's just always kind of been there in my life. So it was a no brainer that when I started writing my first book, I knew it would feature the rodeo in some way. In fact, the rodeo plays a role in all three books in the series.
In This Time for Always we're first introduced to the rodeo in town when Sharlie and her buddy Zach attend the annual event. Here's how the MC describes it:
“Rodeo is America’s favorite sport. We say this ‘cause it comes from the heart of America, right here on her soil. Rodeo isn’t derived from any other sport or from any other country. These boys are America, and the sport is from her land.”
In This Can't Be Love, the rodeo is more in the background, but Sharlie's conversation with Jessica clues us (and her) in on Zach's growing feelings.
“Zach’s never brought someone to the rodeo before.”
“What?” The comment was unexpected.
Sharlie nodded. “Before Logan moved back, Zach and I came to the rodeo every year together. Now it’s been the three of us. But he’s never made it a foursome.” She looked down at the stroller she pushed in front of her. “Well, a fivesome, I guess.”
Jessica hid her shock. “I find that hard to believe.”
Sharlie shrugged.
“Never?”
“Never.”
“But, he’s had women in his life, right? I mean girlfriends?”
“Some,” Sharlie admitted. “But I’ve never seen him like this before.”
Jessica swallowed. “What do you mean?”
“He’s happy. Don’t get me wrong,” the other woman laughed, “I’m not saying he was miserable before. But now, it’s different.” She glanced over at Jessica. “It’s good.”
Jessica didn’t comment. What could she say? She sipped her drink, hoping the cold beverage would dissolve the huge lump in her throat.
“I think he’s falling in love with you.”
Jessica choked. The soda burned as it went down the wrong way. “What?” Her heart sped.
Sharlie smiled. “I’ve known Zach a long time. He’s never been like this with anyone else. I can tell by looking at him. By the way he looks at you.”
Jessica forced down the panic rising in her throat. Zach couldn’t be falling in love with her. Their relationship was about sex, not love.
And finally in This Feels Like Home, Jake is a bullrider, so naturally lots of the action takes place at the rodeo. Here's how Amber, a certified disability counselor, feels the first time she watches Jake ride.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our bull is Hot Tamale and we’ve got Jake Hawkins on top of him.”
The crowd’s anticipation thickened at the mention of Jake’s name. Amber held her breath.
“This bull tips the scales at well over two thousand pounds. He’s literally a ton of fun.”
She glared in the direction of the announcer’s box but then quickly returned her gaze to Jake.
Inside the chute, he sat atop the enormous beast. The animal snorted and tossed its head. Its curved horns clanked against the metal bars.
Her heart lurched and dropped into her stomach.
Jake moved forward on the bull. He nodded. The cowboy in the ring pulled the chute gate open with a rope. With a twist of its massive head the giant bull jumped out into the ring. As it turned in a tight circle, it kicked its strong legs out behind. Its front hooves pounded the dirt again and again.
Time froze. Amber couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move. Eight seconds lasted a lifetime as Jake fought to stay balanced on the monster. He sat tall upon its back. One hand gripped the bull rope. The other stayed above his head as the wildly thrashing animal tried to unseat him. His body bowed and flexed like a rag doll as the creature jerked him about.
Finally the buzzer sounded.
Jake dismounted, landing on his feet as the crowd screamed its approval. The bullfighters rushed in to guide the still-kicking bull back to the large, middle chute. With one final toss of its head, it cantered down the center alley. The gate swung shut behind it.
Jake took off his hat and dropped to one knee. He bowed his head. His lips moved as he murmured a prayer. Then he stood and waved at the cheering crowd, before he gathered his bull rope and exited the arena.
Amber’s breath whooshed out as the tension drained from her body. Her fingers trembled, and she fumbled to unscrew the cap on her water bottle. With greedy gulps, she chugged the cool, refreshing liquid
into her parched throat. Around her the crowd went wild as Jake’s score was announced.
“No one should be able to beat that.” Sharlie fairly glowed with pride.
Amber merely nodded. She didn’t care about his score. All that mattered was Jake was safe.
Until next time,
Cowboy Up!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
I've always loved the rodeo. I don't know specifically how my interest began, it's just always kind of been there in my life. So it was a no brainer that when I started writing my first book, I knew it would feature the rodeo in some way. In fact, the rodeo plays a role in all three books in the series.
In This Time for Always we're first introduced to the rodeo in town when Sharlie and her buddy Zach attend the annual event. Here's how the MC describes it:
“Rodeo is America’s favorite sport. We say this ‘cause it comes from the heart of America, right here on her soil. Rodeo isn’t derived from any other sport or from any other country. These boys are America, and the sport is from her land.”
In This Can't Be Love, the rodeo is more in the background, but Sharlie's conversation with Jessica clues us (and her) in on Zach's growing feelings.
“Zach’s never brought someone to the rodeo before.”
“What?” The comment was unexpected.
Sharlie nodded. “Before Logan moved back, Zach and I came to the rodeo every year together. Now it’s been the three of us. But he’s never made it a foursome.” She looked down at the stroller she pushed in front of her. “Well, a fivesome, I guess.”
Jessica hid her shock. “I find that hard to believe.”
Sharlie shrugged.
“Never?”
“Never.”
“But, he’s had women in his life, right? I mean girlfriends?”
“Some,” Sharlie admitted. “But I’ve never seen him like this before.”
Jessica swallowed. “What do you mean?”
“He’s happy. Don’t get me wrong,” the other woman laughed, “I’m not saying he was miserable before. But now, it’s different.” She glanced over at Jessica. “It’s good.”
Jessica didn’t comment. What could she say? She sipped her drink, hoping the cold beverage would dissolve the huge lump in her throat.
“I think he’s falling in love with you.”
Jessica choked. The soda burned as it went down the wrong way. “What?” Her heart sped.
Sharlie smiled. “I’ve known Zach a long time. He’s never been like this with anyone else. I can tell by looking at him. By the way he looks at you.”
Jessica forced down the panic rising in her throat. Zach couldn’t be falling in love with her. Their relationship was about sex, not love.
And finally in This Feels Like Home, Jake is a bullrider, so naturally lots of the action takes place at the rodeo. Here's how Amber, a certified disability counselor, feels the first time she watches Jake ride.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our bull is Hot Tamale and we’ve got Jake Hawkins on top of him.”
The crowd’s anticipation thickened at the mention of Jake’s name. Amber held her breath.
“This bull tips the scales at well over two thousand pounds. He’s literally a ton of fun.”
She glared in the direction of the announcer’s box but then quickly returned her gaze to Jake.
Inside the chute, he sat atop the enormous beast. The animal snorted and tossed its head. Its curved horns clanked against the metal bars.
Her heart lurched and dropped into her stomach.
Jake moved forward on the bull. He nodded. The cowboy in the ring pulled the chute gate open with a rope. With a twist of its massive head the giant bull jumped out into the ring. As it turned in a tight circle, it kicked its strong legs out behind. Its front hooves pounded the dirt again and again.
Time froze. Amber couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move. Eight seconds lasted a lifetime as Jake fought to stay balanced on the monster. He sat tall upon its back. One hand gripped the bull rope. The other stayed above his head as the wildly thrashing animal tried to unseat him. His body bowed and flexed like a rag doll as the creature jerked him about.
Finally the buzzer sounded.
Jake dismounted, landing on his feet as the crowd screamed its approval. The bullfighters rushed in to guide the still-kicking bull back to the large, middle chute. With one final toss of its head, it cantered down the center alley. The gate swung shut behind it.
Jake took off his hat and dropped to one knee. He bowed his head. His lips moved as he murmured a prayer. Then he stood and waved at the cheering crowd, before he gathered his bull rope and exited the arena.
Amber’s breath whooshed out as the tension drained from her body. Her fingers trembled, and she fumbled to unscrew the cap on her water bottle. With greedy gulps, she chugged the cool, refreshing liquid
into her parched throat. Around her the crowd went wild as Jake’s score was announced.
“No one should be able to beat that.” Sharlie fairly glowed with pride.
Amber merely nodded. She didn’t care about his score. All that mattered was Jake was safe.
Until next time,
Cowboy Up!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Thursday, September 10, 2015
J is for Jessica, Joe, Jason, Jake, and Jesse
Apparently Debra likes names that begin with J.
I never really thought too much about it until I sat down to write my J post for this blog series. A lot of my characters have names that start with J. I didn't plan this. Or do it on purpose. It just kind of happened. So I might as well introduce them to you by sharing their portion of the blurb for their story:
Jessica Hart is the heroine in This Can't Be Love.
After the disastrous end of another dead-end relationship, all Jessica Hart wants is solitude and time to heal at her grandfather's mountain retreat. Instead she finds Zach Rawlings. Zach is everything she wants to escape. As she gets to know him better, she realizes there's more to him than meets the eye. But can she trust her heart to a man like Zach?
Joe Mason is the hero in An Unexpected Blessing.
Joe Mason is the town's bad boy. Literally. He's just returned from a four year stint in prison. He wants nothing more than to put the past behind him and get on with his life. He's had a secret crush on Katy since grade school, but when Katy's parents hire him to be their handyman, she's less than thrilled to have him around. But soon, through her young son's eyes, Katy discovers the good in Joe. As their feelings for one another deepen, small town gossip and prejudice threaten to ruin everything. Will Joe's past come between them, or will they be able to get beyond it and hold onto a love neither expected?
Jason Williams is the hero in One Great Night.
Call him a bit old-fashioned, but Jason Williams has never had a one-night stand. And he's not about to start with his best friend's baby sister. To save Chloe from herself, he will pretend to go along with her crazy scheme. But what happens when the charade becomes all too real? For his libido and his heart.
Jake Hawkins is the hero in This Feels Like Home.
Jake's got one goal--earn enough points to ride on the pro circuit--and he won't let anyone stand in his way. Especially not a sophisticated city lady who thinks bull riding is crazy. Women like Amber are the reason he's perfected the art of loving and leaving. So why can't he get her off of his mind...or out of his heart?
Jesse Rhodes will be the hero in the yet-to-be-written "Written in Rock", the first book planned for a new series I'd like to write.
Jesse is a country rock star on a roll. Right now he's the biggest name in country music. Publicity is all part of the game, but he hates the press. He blames the tabloids for the failure of his marriage. So the heroine is going to be a reporter. Should make for some interesting conflict I hope.
So, in addition to all of these J names, I noticed another trend. I tend to end many of my blurbs with a question. Now isn't that interesting? (LOL)
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
P.S. Starting tomorrow (9/11), One Great Night will be entered in TRR's Readers' Choice Awards - Winter 2015. For the first round, it needs 50 nominations. So, I'd appreciate it if you'd head over to http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=18838 and vote. Thanks!
I never really thought too much about it until I sat down to write my J post for this blog series. A lot of my characters have names that start with J. I didn't plan this. Or do it on purpose. It just kind of happened. So I might as well introduce them to you by sharing their portion of the blurb for their story:
Jessica Hart is the heroine in This Can't Be Love.
After the disastrous end of another dead-end relationship, all Jessica Hart wants is solitude and time to heal at her grandfather's mountain retreat. Instead she finds Zach Rawlings. Zach is everything she wants to escape. As she gets to know him better, she realizes there's more to him than meets the eye. But can she trust her heart to a man like Zach?
Joe Mason is the hero in An Unexpected Blessing.
Joe Mason is the town's bad boy. Literally. He's just returned from a four year stint in prison. He wants nothing more than to put the past behind him and get on with his life. He's had a secret crush on Katy since grade school, but when Katy's parents hire him to be their handyman, she's less than thrilled to have him around. But soon, through her young son's eyes, Katy discovers the good in Joe. As their feelings for one another deepen, small town gossip and prejudice threaten to ruin everything. Will Joe's past come between them, or will they be able to get beyond it and hold onto a love neither expected?
Jason Williams is the hero in One Great Night.
Call him a bit old-fashioned, but Jason Williams has never had a one-night stand. And he's not about to start with his best friend's baby sister. To save Chloe from herself, he will pretend to go along with her crazy scheme. But what happens when the charade becomes all too real? For his libido and his heart.
Jake Hawkins is the hero in This Feels Like Home.
Jake's got one goal--earn enough points to ride on the pro circuit--and he won't let anyone stand in his way. Especially not a sophisticated city lady who thinks bull riding is crazy. Women like Amber are the reason he's perfected the art of loving and leaving. So why can't he get her off of his mind...or out of his heart?
Jesse Rhodes will be the hero in the yet-to-be-written "Written in Rock", the first book planned for a new series I'd like to write.
Jesse is a country rock star on a roll. Right now he's the biggest name in country music. Publicity is all part of the game, but he hates the press. He blames the tabloids for the failure of his marriage. So the heroine is going to be a reporter. Should make for some interesting conflict I hope.
So, in addition to all of these J names, I noticed another trend. I tend to end many of my blurbs with a question. Now isn't that interesting? (LOL)
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
P.S. Starting tomorrow (9/11), One Great Night will be entered in TRR's Readers' Choice Awards - Winter 2015. For the first round, it needs 50 nominations. So, I'd appreciate it if you'd head over to http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=18838 and vote. Thanks!
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Sunday Snippet - A Peek at Debra's "This Can't Be Love"
This Can't Be Love is the second book in Debra's The Corral Series.
Chapter One
There was a naked man in her grandfather’s bathtub.
At least she assumed he was naked. She didn’t plan on getting any closer to verify the fact. Jessica Hart stood in the doorway and worried her bottom lip with her teeth. The man had one well-defined arm slung lazily over the side of the clawfoot tub, fingers trailing on the floor. His head tilted back against the edge, eyes closed. Dark, damp hair curled over his forehead. A day’s worth of stubble shadowed his strong jaw. Her gaze drifted lower to his chest, visible above the water in the tub.
It definitely wasn’t Pops. So who the hell was he?
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. The last thing she’d expected when she walked into the bathroom was to find a strange man in the tub. She’d come to the creek looking for some peace and quiet. After the events of the past year she needed it. Desperately. The cabin at the creek had seemed like the perfect retreat. Spending time with Pops would help her gain some perspective and feel human again.
So where was her grandfather? The door to the cabin had been open, which wasn’t unusual, but Pops was nowhere around. She’d checked his favorite places before heading upstairs. A nice long soak in his antique tub would be the perfect way to while away the time until he returned. Unfortunately the tub was already occupied. Well, that wouldn’t do.
She cleared her throat.
The man opened his eyes and turned toward her. His irises were a rich brown, reminding her of hot, strong coffee with just a touch of cream. His gaze swept over her before returning to her own. He raised an eyebrow. “Yes?” He seemed completely unfazed to see her standing there.
Jessica placed her hands on her hips. “Who the hell are you?”
“Zach Rawlings.” He inclined his head.
“And you are?”
“Jessica.”
“Ah, Ben’s granddaughter.”
“You know me?”
“He talks about you all the time.”
“Oh.” She paused. “What are you doing here?”
His mouth quirked up at the corners. “Taking a bath.”
All of Debra's books are available through The Wild Rose Press and other major book sites.
Chapter One
There was a naked man in her grandfather’s bathtub.
At least she assumed he was naked. She didn’t plan on getting any closer to verify the fact. Jessica Hart stood in the doorway and worried her bottom lip with her teeth. The man had one well-defined arm slung lazily over the side of the clawfoot tub, fingers trailing on the floor. His head tilted back against the edge, eyes closed. Dark, damp hair curled over his forehead. A day’s worth of stubble shadowed his strong jaw. Her gaze drifted lower to his chest, visible above the water in the tub.
It definitely wasn’t Pops. So who the hell was he?
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. The last thing she’d expected when she walked into the bathroom was to find a strange man in the tub. She’d come to the creek looking for some peace and quiet. After the events of the past year she needed it. Desperately. The cabin at the creek had seemed like the perfect retreat. Spending time with Pops would help her gain some perspective and feel human again.
So where was her grandfather? The door to the cabin had been open, which wasn’t unusual, but Pops was nowhere around. She’d checked his favorite places before heading upstairs. A nice long soak in his antique tub would be the perfect way to while away the time until he returned. Unfortunately the tub was already occupied. Well, that wouldn’t do.
She cleared her throat.
The man opened his eyes and turned toward her. His irises were a rich brown, reminding her of hot, strong coffee with just a touch of cream. His gaze swept over her before returning to her own. He raised an eyebrow. “Yes?” He seemed completely unfazed to see her standing there.
Jessica placed her hands on her hips. “Who the hell are you?”
“Zach Rawlings.” He inclined his head.
“And you are?”
“Jessica.”
“Ah, Ben’s granddaughter.”
“You know me?”
“He talks about you all the time.”
“Oh.” She paused. “What are you doing here?”
His mouth quirked up at the corners. “Taking a bath.”
All of Debra's books are available through The Wild Rose Press and other major book sites.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
I'm a Boxed Set!
Debra's Corral Series has just been released as a boxed set.
When I set out to write my first book, I always knew I wanted it to be the first of a trilogy. Earlier this year, the trilogy was completed. The Corral series, as I call it based on the bar where many of the scenes in all three books take place, includes: This Time for Always, This Can't Be Love, and This Feels Like Home. At that point, I figured my dream had pretty much come true. I'd written my series, and it was probably time to move on to something new. (Or continue with some spin off stories, but that's another story in itself!)
Then I remembered that earlier in the year the marketing rep at TWRP sent an e-mail asking about authors with books in a series in order to put together boxed sets on the site. I told her about mine. At the time, Home was still very new, and she said she wanted to give it some time to be a stand-alone before boxing it up with the others. I let that sit on the back burner for most of the year. A couple of months ago I looked back in my archived e-mails and found the original one. I e-mailed the rep and asked if enough time had passed so that we could get the set going.
From there things went quickly. We sent a few ideas back and forth and came up with a blurb:
A small town where good friends gather and rugged cowboys fall in love.
She sent me a couple ideas for cover art, and I chose the one I liked best.
Finally she asked when I wanted the set to be released. I could pick a Thursday. Any Thursday. So I chose last week.
And wa la...I now have a boxed set of my series available in e-book format at TWRP, Amazon, and Barnes and Nobel.
To say I'm tickled pink and thrilled is an understatement. It's like that Brad Paisley song about him thinking life can't get any better...and then it does.
I'm a boxed set!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
When I set out to write my first book, I always knew I wanted it to be the first of a trilogy. Earlier this year, the trilogy was completed. The Corral series, as I call it based on the bar where many of the scenes in all three books take place, includes: This Time for Always, This Can't Be Love, and This Feels Like Home. At that point, I figured my dream had pretty much come true. I'd written my series, and it was probably time to move on to something new. (Or continue with some spin off stories, but that's another story in itself!)
Then I remembered that earlier in the year the marketing rep at TWRP sent an e-mail asking about authors with books in a series in order to put together boxed sets on the site. I told her about mine. At the time, Home was still very new, and she said she wanted to give it some time to be a stand-alone before boxing it up with the others. I let that sit on the back burner for most of the year. A couple of months ago I looked back in my archived e-mails and found the original one. I e-mailed the rep and asked if enough time had passed so that we could get the set going.
From there things went quickly. We sent a few ideas back and forth and came up with a blurb:
A small town where good friends gather and rugged cowboys fall in love.
She sent me a couple ideas for cover art, and I chose the one I liked best.
Finally she asked when I wanted the set to be released. I could pick a Thursday. Any Thursday. So I chose last week.
And wa la...I now have a boxed set of my series available in e-book format at TWRP, Amazon, and Barnes and Nobel.
To say I'm tickled pink and thrilled is an understatement. It's like that Brad Paisley song about him thinking life can't get any better...and then it does.
I'm a boxed set!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Thursday, April 11, 2013
A Long Time Coming
Last week when I got home from vacation I had some wonderful news in my in-box...I finally sold This Feels Like Home to TWRP! The has gone back and forth with an editor for the better part of the last eighteen months. I am beyond excited that this book will finally be out there. It completes a trilogy I dreamed about writing way back when I first sat down and got 'serious' about being a writer.
This story is about Jake, a bull rider, and city gal, Amber. Jake made appearances in both This Time for Always and This Can't Be Love. Now it's his turn to be the hero.
Over the weekend I spent some time working on my Manuscript Information Sheet and Cover Art Sheet. Here's what I came up with for the blurb and the excerpt:
BLURB
The last thing Amber Winfield wants, or needs, is a rodeo cowboy. She never imagined she'd be having a fling with one. Then again, she never imagined she'd meet someone like Jake Hawkins. Soon she comes to realize a one night stand with the sexy cowboy wasn't enough. Despite his dangerous career, Amber finds herself falling for the charismatic bull rider.
Jake's one goal in life is to ride the pro-circuit. He won't let anything, or anyone, stand in the way of his dream. So why can't he get city gal Amber off of his mind - or out of his heart?
EXCERPT
Jake leaned toward her, his gaze on her lips. Amber's heart thudded against her ribs as she read his intent. His mouth brushed hers. Once. Twice. Then again and again. He stroked with a teasing touch until on instinct, her lips parted, and the kiss became serious.
When was the last time she’d been kissed like this? Had she ever been kissed like this? Her heart pounded. Her pulse raced. Thick, molten heat made her limbs weak. Her hands found his shoulders, then wound around his neck.
He took a step closer and slid his arm around her back beneath the blazer to ease her against him as he slanted his mouth across hers. His lips were warm. Firm.
A petal of desire unfurled in the pit of her stomach. Less than a week ago she’d sworn she’d never had a fantasy about a cowboy. Now, in the space of several racing heartbeats, several dozen popped into her mind. All of them featuring Jake. All of them carnal. All of them begging to be fulfilled by a stranger she barely knew. She broke the kiss on a gasp, unnerved by the depth of her response. Had need ever flared this strong, this intense, this quickly?
His breath hitched in an uneven rhythm, but he smiled as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She shivered.
“I don’t suppose I can talk you into coming to my place for a cup of coffee?” The words, uttered in his husky drawl, whispered over her. Through her. Touching places deep and secret. Igniting more hidden desires. Desires she’d never had until now.
The age old and oft used line should have offended her. Instead the shocking temptation to say yes froze her to the spot.
My new editor - Home will fall under the Yellow Rose (contemporary cowboy) line - said she'd have the first round of edits to me early next week. Cowboy up!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
This story is about Jake, a bull rider, and city gal, Amber. Jake made appearances in both This Time for Always and This Can't Be Love. Now it's his turn to be the hero.
Over the weekend I spent some time working on my Manuscript Information Sheet and Cover Art Sheet. Here's what I came up with for the blurb and the excerpt:
BLURB
The last thing Amber Winfield wants, or needs, is a rodeo cowboy. She never imagined she'd be having a fling with one. Then again, she never imagined she'd meet someone like Jake Hawkins. Soon she comes to realize a one night stand with the sexy cowboy wasn't enough. Despite his dangerous career, Amber finds herself falling for the charismatic bull rider.
Jake's one goal in life is to ride the pro-circuit. He won't let anything, or anyone, stand in the way of his dream. So why can't he get city gal Amber off of his mind - or out of his heart?
EXCERPT
Jake leaned toward her, his gaze on her lips. Amber's heart thudded against her ribs as she read his intent. His mouth brushed hers. Once. Twice. Then again and again. He stroked with a teasing touch until on instinct, her lips parted, and the kiss became serious.
When was the last time she’d been kissed like this? Had she ever been kissed like this? Her heart pounded. Her pulse raced. Thick, molten heat made her limbs weak. Her hands found his shoulders, then wound around his neck.
He took a step closer and slid his arm around her back beneath the blazer to ease her against him as he slanted his mouth across hers. His lips were warm. Firm.
A petal of desire unfurled in the pit of her stomach. Less than a week ago she’d sworn she’d never had a fantasy about a cowboy. Now, in the space of several racing heartbeats, several dozen popped into her mind. All of them featuring Jake. All of them carnal. All of them begging to be fulfilled by a stranger she barely knew. She broke the kiss on a gasp, unnerved by the depth of her response. Had need ever flared this strong, this intense, this quickly?
His breath hitched in an uneven rhythm, but he smiled as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She shivered.
“I don’t suppose I can talk you into coming to my place for a cup of coffee?” The words, uttered in his husky drawl, whispered over her. Through her. Touching places deep and secret. Igniting more hidden desires. Desires she’d never had until now.
The age old and oft used line should have offended her. Instead the shocking temptation to say yes froze her to the spot.
My new editor - Home will fall under the Yellow Rose (contemporary cowboy) line - said she'd have the first round of edits to me early next week. Cowboy up!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Thursday, August 9, 2012
First Lines
It's been a busy week, so I'm going to go with an 'easy' blog today and simply share the first lines from my books. As we've discussed before at Heroines with Hearts, first lines can be oh so important for setting up the story...so here are mine:
From This Time for Always: She'd once carried this man's baby.
From Wild Wedding Weeked: "I can't believe I let you talk me into this."
From This Can't Be Love: There was a naked man in her grandfather's bathtub.
From A Christmas to Remember: Did she really expect him to be there?
From An Unexpected Blessing (Coming soon): Katy Roth refrained from kicking the ceramic turkey planter on the porch.
From "This Feels Like Home" (under consideration with TWRP): Jake Hawkins spotted the newcomer right away.
From "Family Secrets" (under consideration with Harlequin): "Why didn't you call me?"
And from "One Great Night" (WIP): "I want you to be my sex tutor."
Now it's your turn to share some of the opening lines from your stories...
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
From This Time for Always: She'd once carried this man's baby.
From Wild Wedding Weeked: "I can't believe I let you talk me into this."
From This Can't Be Love: There was a naked man in her grandfather's bathtub.
From A Christmas to Remember: Did she really expect him to be there?
From An Unexpected Blessing (Coming soon): Katy Roth refrained from kicking the ceramic turkey planter on the porch.
From "This Feels Like Home" (under consideration with TWRP): Jake Hawkins spotted the newcomer right away.
From "Family Secrets" (under consideration with Harlequin): "Why didn't you call me?"
And from "One Great Night" (WIP): "I want you to be my sex tutor."
Now it's your turn to share some of the opening lines from your stories...
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Sensory Description
Well, ladies, you've done such a great job of covering this topic all week, I'm not sure what there's left for me to say. So, I thought I'd share a few examples from my work where I've managed to work the senses into a paragraph or two. I don't think I've managed to get all five senses every time, but I think most times I've been able to get three out of the five! For me, taste is the most difficult one to include.
From THIS TIME FOR ALWAYS:
As Sharlie input the requisition list, she was distracted by Logan's presence. His spicy aftershave enveloped her in intoxicating waves. The husky drawl of his voice when he asked a question skittered over her nerves. His masculinity overwhelmed her tiny office.
From WILD WEDDING WEEKEND:
Ignoring the disgruntled expressions of the people around them, Abby rested her head against Noah's shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist, loving the feel of his arms around her. She inhaled. The sexy scent of his aftershave brought back vivid memories of his skin against hers.
From THIS CAN'T BE LOVE:
Trees lined the banks of the river, providing a lush pathway as Jessica and Zach made their way along in the gently moving current. Birds circled overhead, calling softly to one antoher. A slight breeze ruffled her ponytail and provided a measure of relief from the warmth of the sunshine pouring down.
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
From THIS TIME FOR ALWAYS:
As Sharlie input the requisition list, she was distracted by Logan's presence. His spicy aftershave enveloped her in intoxicating waves. The husky drawl of his voice when he asked a question skittered over her nerves. His masculinity overwhelmed her tiny office.
From WILD WEDDING WEEKEND:
Ignoring the disgruntled expressions of the people around them, Abby rested her head against Noah's shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist, loving the feel of his arms around her. She inhaled. The sexy scent of his aftershave brought back vivid memories of his skin against hers.
From THIS CAN'T BE LOVE:
Trees lined the banks of the river, providing a lush pathway as Jessica and Zach made their way along in the gently moving current. Birds circled overhead, calling softly to one antoher. A slight breeze ruffled her ponytail and provided a measure of relief from the warmth of the sunshine pouring down.
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Under the Influence
I have to say off the top of my head I can't think of a particular writer who influenced me to become a romance author. Sure, I've always dreamed of having shelves full of my titles like Sandra Brown, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Nora Roberts have of theirs, but initially it wasn't one writer who influenced me.
Rather, it was a line of books. While my friends in high school were busy keeping up with Sweet Valley High, I was devouring four new Harlequin American novels each month. A little thrill of excitement always danced through me when the box would arrive on my doorstep each month. Those silver-toned books were so beautiful to me. They didn't, of course, last the entire month. I usually raced through them within a week of their arrival, eager to read about seemingly ill-suited heroes and heroines who would overcome impossible odds to be together.
Truth be told, for a high schooler, they were quite racy. In fact, it's probably a good thing my mom didn't discover romance reading until I was an adult. She would have more than likely freaked out to know exactly what her teenaged daughter was reading.
But early on they started a spark inside of me and the urge to someday write 'one of those' books. I even attempted some writing in high school. Sad, sad attempts, but a learning process to be sure.
That spark and that urge are still there. I still want to tell stories about sexy heroes and spunky heroines who overcome emotional obstacles to be together and find a true love that lasts a lifetime. I've been fortunate over the past few years to have some of those stories published. Hopefully, there will be more in the future. Who knows, maybe a shelf full of them. And maybe someday I can influence others to become writers. Wouldn't that be fun?
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
THIS CAN'T BE LOVE: Love Romance Cafe's Best of 2010 Contemporary Winner
Rather, it was a line of books. While my friends in high school were busy keeping up with Sweet Valley High, I was devouring four new Harlequin American novels each month. A little thrill of excitement always danced through me when the box would arrive on my doorstep each month. Those silver-toned books were so beautiful to me. They didn't, of course, last the entire month. I usually raced through them within a week of their arrival, eager to read about seemingly ill-suited heroes and heroines who would overcome impossible odds to be together.
Truth be told, for a high schooler, they were quite racy. In fact, it's probably a good thing my mom didn't discover romance reading until I was an adult. She would have more than likely freaked out to know exactly what her teenaged daughter was reading.
But early on they started a spark inside of me and the urge to someday write 'one of those' books. I even attempted some writing in high school. Sad, sad attempts, but a learning process to be sure.
That spark and that urge are still there. I still want to tell stories about sexy heroes and spunky heroines who overcome emotional obstacles to be together and find a true love that lasts a lifetime. I've been fortunate over the past few years to have some of those stories published. Hopefully, there will be more in the future. Who knows, maybe a shelf full of them. And maybe someday I can influence others to become writers. Wouldn't that be fun?
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
THIS CAN'T BE LOVE: Love Romance Cafe's Best of 2010 Contemporary Winner
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Guess Who.....
My main characters aren't based (trait-wise) on any real person. I do have to admit that Noah Grant in WILD WEDDING WEEKEND was based looks-wise on Brad Pitt. And Jake Hawkins in my WIP "This Feels Like Home" is based looks-wise on Matthew McConaughey. But their personalities are all their own.
I do some name dropping with people I know as minor characters. In WILD WEDDING WEEKEND I used all of my friends and their families as Noah's brothers and sisters. I didn't tell them, so it was fun to get their reactions after they read the book for the first time. They were all delighted to be immortalized in print!
So far my settings have all been based on real places. It's just so much easier for me to create a world for my characters to walk around in that I've actually seen. I've done some tweaking, like "moving" the setting to another part of the country, but most of the settings are very recognizable to those who know me. THIS TIME FOR ALWAYS features the bar where my husband and I met. I take Noah and Abby to all of the places we visited on our honeymood in WILD WEDDING WEEKEND. And Zach and Jessica fall in love in THIS CAN'T BE LOVE at one of our favorite yearly vacation spots. Even my free read MISTLETOE AND FOLLY features my neighborhood downtown area.
Lawsuits? Probably not. Inspiration? Plenty of that.
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
I do some name dropping with people I know as minor characters. In WILD WEDDING WEEKEND I used all of my friends and their families as Noah's brothers and sisters. I didn't tell them, so it was fun to get their reactions after they read the book for the first time. They were all delighted to be immortalized in print!
So far my settings have all been based on real places. It's just so much easier for me to create a world for my characters to walk around in that I've actually seen. I've done some tweaking, like "moving" the setting to another part of the country, but most of the settings are very recognizable to those who know me. THIS TIME FOR ALWAYS features the bar where my husband and I met. I take Noah and Abby to all of the places we visited on our honeymood in WILD WEDDING WEEKEND. And Zach and Jessica fall in love in THIS CAN'T BE LOVE at one of our favorite yearly vacation spots. Even my free read MISTLETOE AND FOLLY features my neighborhood downtown area.
Lawsuits? Probably not. Inspiration? Plenty of that.
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Hunky Heroes and Heart-Throbs
My first celebrity crush was Erik Estrada...Ponch from CHiPs. I think I was in fifth grade! In junior high and high school I was all about Rick Springfield (still am) until Jon Bon Jovi hit the scene. My heart still stutters when I see him. If anything, he's even better looking now than back in the 80s. (Although I really was into the hair band guys.)
James Bond is the ultimate hero, especially if he's played by Pierce Brosnan - who I will watch in just about anything. Although Sean Connery gets big points for that role as well. He's really a sexy older man these days still.
Others making my "list" these days are: Brad Pitt (without the straggly beard...thank goodness he FINALLY shaved that awful thing!) and Matthew McConaughey. I've used both as inspiration for heroes (looks-wise) in my own books.
I have, of course, been head over heels for all of my heroes at one time or another. Why write them if they weren't falling in love with?
In books these days, as you may well know, I am all about the vampires. Edward from "Twilight" and Eric from the Sookie Stackhouse series are both devine. They've translated well to the big/small screen, too. Robert Pattinson is the ideal Edward, and I've enjoyed some of his other work as well (although lusting after him does make me feel a little courgarish), and Alexander Skarsgard has the character of Eric down to a T in "True Blood". Not to mention both men are sexy as all hell. (I use posters of both my favorite vampires in front of my treadmill as motivation for working out.)
MY latest hunky hero is now available in paperback from The Wild Rose Press. This Can't Be Love is Zach's story. Zach is sexy, fabulous, and crazy about Jessica. (Digital release is November 5.) My cover artist did a FABULOUS job of depicting him, don't you think?!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
James Bond is the ultimate hero, especially if he's played by Pierce Brosnan - who I will watch in just about anything. Although Sean Connery gets big points for that role as well. He's really a sexy older man these days still.
Others making my "list" these days are: Brad Pitt (without the straggly beard...thank goodness he FINALLY shaved that awful thing!) and Matthew McConaughey. I've used both as inspiration for heroes (looks-wise) in my own books.
I have, of course, been head over heels for all of my heroes at one time or another. Why write them if they weren't falling in love with?
In books these days, as you may well know, I am all about the vampires. Edward from "Twilight" and Eric from the Sookie Stackhouse series are both devine. They've translated well to the big/small screen, too. Robert Pattinson is the ideal Edward, and I've enjoyed some of his other work as well (although lusting after him does make me feel a little courgarish), and Alexander Skarsgard has the character of Eric down to a T in "True Blood". Not to mention both men are sexy as all hell. (I use posters of both my favorite vampires in front of my treadmill as motivation for working out.)
MY latest hunky hero is now available in paperback from The Wild Rose Press. This Can't Be Love is Zach's story. Zach is sexy, fabulous, and crazy about Jessica. (Digital release is November 5.) My cover artist did a FABULOUS job of depicting him, don't you think?!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Happy, Happy to Us!
We're celebrating our first anniversary here at Heroines with Hearts this week. I haven't been with the group since its inception, but I'm certainly glad to be aboard now! I'm really enjoying working with my fellow bloggers, Paula, Ana, and Margaret! So here's to us and many more years of partnership.
Of course a celebration isn't complete without presents, so I have one for a lucky guest. Leave a comment telling us about a memorable celebration of yours (birthday, anniversary, promotion, etc.) and you'll win a PDF of my new release This Can't Be Love when it comes out November 5. (Be sure to leave your e-mail addy so I can get the book to you.) We'd love to have you become a follower of our blog, too!
For me, a recent memorable celebration was my 40th birthday. I wanted to do something special, and I'm a huge Disney fan, so we decided a trip to Disney World was called for. We hadn't been there in forever, and I was really itching to go. While watching tv one night, I caught a commercial advertising free admission to Disney in '09 on your birthday. That clinched it. We were officially in.
From there, the stars aligned and everything fell into place. We had points on our credit card to pay for our hotel; my birthday was on a Friday and the flight schedule lined up perfectly with a Thursday afternoon departure and a Sunday afternoon return; my boss graciously gave me time off for the long weekend; and I had some royalty money to pay for a portion of the trip.
When I walked down Main Street toward Cinderella's Castle, I actually had tears in my eyes. It truly is a magical place.
So, now it's your turn. Share your stories of celebration. Anyone who comments will have their name put into a drawing for my new book. Good luck!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Of course a celebration isn't complete without presents, so I have one for a lucky guest. Leave a comment telling us about a memorable celebration of yours (birthday, anniversary, promotion, etc.) and you'll win a PDF of my new release This Can't Be Love when it comes out November 5. (Be sure to leave your e-mail addy so I can get the book to you.) We'd love to have you become a follower of our blog, too!
For me, a recent memorable celebration was my 40th birthday. I wanted to do something special, and I'm a huge Disney fan, so we decided a trip to Disney World was called for. We hadn't been there in forever, and I was really itching to go. While watching tv one night, I caught a commercial advertising free admission to Disney in '09 on your birthday. That clinched it. We were officially in.
From there, the stars aligned and everything fell into place. We had points on our credit card to pay for our hotel; my birthday was on a Friday and the flight schedule lined up perfectly with a Thursday afternoon departure and a Sunday afternoon return; my boss graciously gave me time off for the long weekend; and I had some royalty money to pay for a portion of the trip.
When I walked down Main Street toward Cinderella's Castle, I actually had tears in my eyes. It truly is a magical place.
So, now it's your turn. Share your stories of celebration. Anyone who comments will have their name put into a drawing for my new book. Good luck!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
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