Monday Mumblings and Musings

When you're wondering if your writing is up to par, there's nothing like entering a contest to see how you rank. I submitted book two of my "Highlander's Beloved" series--A HIGHLANDER'S PASSION in the paranormal category of the HOLT Medallion Contest. Word of the finalists went out today. And my bear-shifter romance was among them. I was thrilled. Validated. Dancing the happy writer's dance.

Folks, I was feeling my oats, as the old expression goes.

Then I noticed a new review for the book. A two-star did-not-finish review. And there was a wind storm in Lynchburg as the air whooshed out of my ego balloon. I think it was a wake-up call. You're still not writing good enough to please readers. You need to work harder. So, it's back to the drawing board for me.

But we won't dwell on that. I was able to rank in the top few. For that, I'm grateful.

The winner will be notified on June 11th, the day my granddaughter gets married, so I won't be able to attend the luncheon. Just as well. I don't expect to win. I'm just thrilled I finaled.

The really neat thing? Two of my Vixens--my Street Team--finaled, too. And in the SAME category! What are the chances of that? I'm always bragging that I have the most talented Street Team--and I do. I'm surrounded by supportive people. Especially Calvin.

My problem? I'm in a blue mood. I want to try new things but that old rascal self-doubt moved in a couple weeks ago with a three-piece set of luggage. And it doesn't look as if the bugger is moving out anytime soon. I'm beginning to wonder if once this contract is over and my old books are self-published if it won't be time for me to turn off my laptop and call it a day.

I'll be 68 in a week and a half. I'm tired. Writing trends are changing. Reviewers are getting more cruel. My writing career isn't moving forward at the pace I'd hoped. Maybe it's time to make my goals more realistic....and maybe in a few days I'll feel completely different. Who knows? But for right now, my emotions are swinging. I need a vacation, wine, and a girl's time out--and not necessarily in that order.

Write on, my lovelies.

The Bare Facts on Bears by Vonnie Davis

I was never one to read shifter romances. Odd, wouldn’t you say, now that I’m writing them? You see, I had an underlying fear that bestiality would come into play. Yeah, what did I know?

Nothing could be further from the truth; shifting typically happens when a danger of some type is present, not for sexual reasons. The animals are attracted to other animals of the same species. Humans are drawn to other humans. No mixing; only matching. At least in the books I’ve read and enjoyed the last couple of years to see how shifters are handled.

In fact, with an open mind, anyone can read and adore shifter romances—even me. I’ve read about wolves, lions, jaguars and tigers that change into humans. However, I write about bear shifters. Who knows why. Perhaps it stems from my childhood beloved raggedy Benny Bear, who’s been re-stuffed, sewn and carefully hand-washed many times.

As a topic to write about, I didn’t choose bears. They chose me. An alpha bear meandered into a dream, shifted into this sexy hunk of Highlander hotness, and told me the history of how his bear ancestors came to be shifters. He shared Viking mythology that happened in the 900’s along the shores of the Scottish Highlands. My chore was to write it all in a believable way that you intelligent romance readers would accept (enter copious amounts of coffee and chocolate).

Bear shifter romances are very hot right now. I think part of it reverts back to our childhood when many of us had a cherished teddy bear. Now, as grown women, we are often attracted to tall men. Romantic heroes are almost always six feet or more. Think how tall a man who shifts into a bear would be? No matter how independent and trained you are in self-defense, there’s a deep-seated attraction to a man one can rely on when the going gets tough, like an attack of demons or rogue CIA agents. Sometimes, we just want to snuggle and be cuddled in return.

Every paranormal writer creates her own world for her stories. Authors have to make sure the boundaries, laws, and routines of our paranormal world stay consistent throughout the book or series. Various authors use the same laws. I tend to make mine up, because I love the creative process.

Some authors don't have the human and animal speak to each other. Since I talk to myself all the time, I felt a human would speak to his bear and his bear would respond. At times, they'd argue. Express an opinion the other would not care for.

For example, in my books, it is the bear who selects the mate for his human. After all, who knows the man better than his animal counterpart? The shifters do mate other shifters, but not always. Sometimes the bear picks a non-shifting woman his male half would never choose for himself, and it’s fun to listen in on the private conversations between bear and man.

Oh, I like her. She’s ours.

“Her? But she’s nay me type.”

Aye, she is. Look at her bonny soul and how spunky she is. She’s ours. Claim. Protect.

But what of their personalities? Would the man and his bear be alike or opposite? I chose to make them different. After all, their souls are two jagged pieces of a strange puzzle—part man with hopes, desires and passions and part animal with a need to protect both his human and the physical world around him. On one hand, we get a picture of tranquility with the bear and, on the other, the bear is a dominant warrior.

As a totem animal, the bear carries many messages for us; profoundly meaningful messages that guide us through some tough times in our lives. In addition, there is an unfathomable power surging just beneath the surface of the bear. It has eminent domain and is fully prepared to defend. In this powerful impressive display of security and aggression, we pick up bear meanings of sovereignty, courage, and themes of the warrior as defined in ancient Celtic deities. Artio and Thor are often depicted with the bear. Our nature-savvy ancestors recognized the dual nature of the bear—caring, yet ferocious. Warning, yet curious. Loving, yet loyal.

 

Feeling For That Opening Hook

Don't you love it when the opening sentence or paragraph of a book grabs you by the throat? I do. We all know how important the first page of our manuscript is. It's do-or-die important. So, drop the reader into the action right away. Then go back and evaluate every word. Rewrite it until you've got an opening hook that keeps the reader's eyes glued to the page.

I've heard a few editors say they can tell from the first paragraph if they want to contract the book. Yoowza! Where's my file? Let me sharpen my opening hook?

Sometimes you get a visual of how you want a book to start. I did with my first published book, Storm's Interlude. I've gotten the rights back to it, revamped it, and altered the storyline a little. The book will be included in a romantic bundle from various romance authors, coming out in February. But I did not change the opening paragraph.

Someone swaggered out of the moonlit night toward Rachel Dennison. Exhausted from a long day of driving, she braked and blinked. Either she was hallucinating or her sugar levels had plummeted. Maybe that accounted for the male mirage, albeit a very magnificent male mirage, trekking toward her. She peered once more into the hot July night at the image illuminated by her headlights and the full moon. Sure enough, there he was, cresting the hill on foot—a naked man wearing nothing but a tan cowboy hat, a pair of boots and a go-to-hell sneer.

Other times you put yourself into the character's head at the moment, feel her or his emotion and the opening line just smacks you. In fact, you make it the complete paragraph.

 
Her new neighbor was a man-whore.

The worst times are when you feel you have to give a bit of background to set the scene or describe a character. I have those times more than the ones above that I seem to luck into. This means writing and rewriting. Pouring through my thesauruses and synonym finder books, searching for the right word and, often it's the simplest word.

Kenzie Denune pedaled the bicycle harder, her thighs burning from the exertion. Thanks to a car that refused to start, she was going to be late fer her job interview at Iverson Loch Manor. Grunting and pounding from the shrubs ahead, near the road’s edge, snagged her attention.

Naked shoulders glistened in the afternoon sun. Back muscles bulged and undulated with every thrust. “Bloody hell. Come fer me. Come.”

In all of Mathe Bay in the Scottish Highlands, only one deep masculine voice had the power to raise the hair on her arms like this. A man with braided russet-colored hair that brushed broad shoulders inked with a bear’s claw marks, woven into an intricate tribal design—Bryce Matheson. Damn him to hell. Who’s he shagging in broad daylight? Out in the open, no less. Has he no shame?

There's a bit of confusion in this beginning and I love leading the reader on, if only for a few lines. In my current WIP about ex-SEALs, I did this...

Dustin Franks sat on the edge of the bed, gasping for breath as sweat poured off of him. His palms settled on his moist thighs and his chin rested against his collarbone.

“You went longer than you ever have. I was beginning to think you’d never finish.”

His gaze slowly shifted to hers. “You had me fired up.”

“I meant every word I said.”

He blotted the perspiration from his face and neck with a towel. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

His physical therapist rubbed her small baby bump. “No, you big worrier. You’re leaning less on me and the bar and putting more weight on the titanium calf and foot.” Rebecca handed him a cup of water. “Drink. You know the drill.”

They don't come easily. Or quickly. I often spend days on opening hooks to hone them to my satisfaction. Even then, the editor might change it. But it has to be good enough to grab her attention and make her want to read on. Or her pinky finger will edge toward that delete key.

 

On Sale for 99 Cents!

I admit to being cheap, unless it comes to my grandkids. traveling, or shoes. I love a good sale, especially in books. Show me a lower price and I'm headed to Amazon. One of my "Highlander Beloved" books--the second in the series--is on sale for another week. And a BookBub deal on Labor Day, the 7th.

I received a great review from Deb at Debbie's Book Bag. Part of it says, "I take the Scottish aspects of these kinds of books very seriously and apparently so does Vonnie Davis. It's not easy to get a Scottish brogue right on the page. I've heard it often and it's hard to write. Davis has certainly done her homework. I love the way a Scot sounds, the way the words flow off the tongue, so hard to get right in a book, but Davis does it with style. Not only that, but her descriptions of Scottish life, both contemporary and in the past are spot on. I like to see the Highlands written in a way that celebrates the spirit and heart of it's people and Davis does that very well here."

Well, cyber hugs to Deb!

Will Three Title Changes Be the Charm?

I started my Highland bear-shifter stories with different titles, and I admit to being bad with titles. Book three was initially A HIGHLANDER'S SANCTUARY since most of the story takes place in Ronan's little log cabin hidden farther into the Highlands. A place where he likes to go to get away from what he considers crowds at the Matheson Lodge. There he can shift and let his inner bear run wild without fear of detection. This is his home. A place he built mainly himself.

 

Soon after I'd submitted my first manuscript with a title I no longer recall, my editor thought we should change all the titles and have them similar, focusing more on the romantic end than the paranormal. Fine with me. What do I know about what types of titles sell? So, all three books got new names: A HIGHLANDER'S OBSESSION, A HIGHLANDER'S PASSION and A HIGHLANDER'S HEART.

 

A meeting was held in New York this week about changing the focus more toward the paranormal aspect of the series. The title for book three, due out in October, has been changed to BEARING IT ALL. The cover will focus more on the paranormal part of the story. I don't have the cover yet, but I'm dying to see it.

 

My editor is currently reading the manuscript and I'm beyond eager to hear her reaction for it's a bit different than the previous two. But different is one thing I do best. I deal in unique.

A Highlander's Passion and Sneak Peek Sunday

The opening of A HIGHLANDER'S PASSION

Kenzie Denune pedaled the bicycle harder, her thighs burning from the exertion. Thanks to a car that refused to start, she was going to be late fer her job interview at Iverson Loch Manor. Grunting and pounding from the shrubs ahead, near the road’s edge, snagged her attention.

Naked shoulders glistened in the afternoon sun. Back muscles bulged and undulated with every thrust. “Bloody hell. Come fer me. Come.”

In all of Mathe Bay in the Scottish Highlands, only one deep masculine voice had the power to raise the hair on her arms like this. A man with braided russet-colored hair that brushed broad shoulders inked with a bear’s claw marks, woven into an intricate tribal design—Bryce Matheson. Damn him to hell. Who’s he shagging in broad daylight? Out in the open, no less. Has he no shame?

Not that she cared one Scottish whit, fer she dinna. Not after he’d cast her aside over a year ago to wallow in the memories of the wife he’d lost years earlier from complications in childbirth. Och, the man could romance a woman fer some physical release, he just couldna move forward and commit.

Kenzie snapped her eyes from the randy spectacle and forced them straight ahead. She struggled to keep control of her bike’s handlebars on the pitted rocky lane. With every meter gained on the decline, the auld bike bounced along faster and her arse was airborne more often than on the narrow seat. Her jaws jarred together and she bit her tongue fer the second time.

“I canna keep pounding at ye like this all bloody day. Me back is about to give out.” Bryce moaned and groaned again as if he were in the throes of ecstasy. The bear-shifting bastard. She eased up on the brakes to whiz past his love nest of bushes and brambles.

BUY LINKS: http://amzn.com/B00N6PD78S
Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-highlanders-passion-vonnie-davis/1120261295?ean=9780553394641

A Highlander's Passion is Coming

Two of the wildest hearts in Scotland fight for their destiny in this searing-hot romance, sure to be devoured by fans of Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound series and Shelly Laurenston’s Pride Stories.
 
As a bear-shifter in a pack roaming the Scottish countryside, Bryce Matheson embodies brute force and untamed abandon. As a widower, he’s running scared. When Bryce attempted to open his scarred heart to another, she grew tired of waiting for him to state his intentions, and the unearthly beauty spurned him for someone who wasn’t worthy. But now that fate has conspired to set Kenzie Denune free once again, Bryce vows to finally win her love.

Kenzie is a witch who summons her powers to protect those too weak to care for themselves. After surviving an abusive husband, she swears off men—even men like Bryce, whose iron muscles make her knees weak, and whose piercing eyes fill her with longing. Her life’s purpose is to help others. However, dark forces have different plans for her gifts. To save herself, Kenzie must team up with the shifter who has always stirred her soul—and trust in a passion powerful enough to set her blood aflame.

Advance praise for A Highlander’s Passion ~
 
“A sexy power play between two characters that brought me to tears with laughter and emotion . . . I’m in love with the Highlander’s Beloved series!”—Kelly Moran, award-winning author of Return to Me

“A sexy-hot blast of mystery, magic, and a second chance at claiming the love of a lifetime.”—Maeve Greyson, author of the Highland Time Runners series

“Packed with red hot passion, mystical suspense, and snicker-inducing humor, this heart-tugging kilted romance entertains and satisfies from beginning to end. Well done, Ms. Davis.”—Mackenzie Crowne, RONE Award–winning author of A Song for Sophie

“Vonnie Davis is a bard of romance in the truest sense of the word: She’s a comedian, a storyteller, and a poet. I never hesitate to recommend her to readers because she never fails to deliver. She’s absolutely brilliant.”—Melissa Snark, author of Battle Cry

You can pre-order A HIGHLANDER'S PASSION on Amazon at http://amzn.com/B00N6PD78S

Writing the Final Book of a Series by Vonnie Davis

As a typical practice, publishers like to contract books in series of three. Sometimes more, but three seems to be their "go to " number. I'm writing book three of "A Highlander's Beloved" series. Book one of my bear-shifter romance came out in September this year.

Hoping it would eventually end up as book one of a series, I made it easy on myself and put three brothers in the storyline. I also made up a character sheet I opened every time I worked on a book. I made four columns--character's full name and age; occupation; role in the story; and physical description. I didn't want the mother to have blue eyes in book one and brown eyes in book three. Or a twenty-eight year-old woman be twenty-five in the next story. After all, I'm the only one allowed to get younger. All point of view characters were written in red; the rest in black. You can imagine by book three, the list is quite long, but my characters are consistent. The groomsman in book one is not the gardener in book three. I even list people who are only mentioned, but are never "on stage" in the book.

Book two releases on April 7th and it's available for pre-order now. The hero and heroine have a past history. There's a lot of pain to overcome and a lot of trust to rebuild. Love can be scarred and dented.

A wounded heart can take a lot of time to heal. One minute you feel good about the other person and ten minutes later, old doubts resurface.

I've also worked hard to make sure each brother has a distinct personality. Creighton, the eldest, is overly protective of everyone and blusters a lot. Since his dad passed when Creighton was ten, he's taken to heart being the head man of the family. Bryce is the youngest and feels the deepest. His wife died in childbirth and he's the single dad raising and worrying over his daughter, Colleen. He's also struggled with letting go of his grief of losing his wife at such a young age. Then there's the middle son--Ronan.

My Street Team's Slogan

Ronan is more of a loner. He gets tired of being polite to guests at the family lodge and, every so often, he and his inner bear take off for a cabin he built higher in the rugged Highlands. He needs the solitude. He needs to treat his bear with the freedom to run, which is what his bear was doing when a woman parachuted from an aircraft and landed right on him. Here's a sneak peak--

A sound snagged his attention. A whooshing. His bear stopped and tilted his head, seeking the direction of the unfamiliar noise. At first, he suspected something…a tree, perhaps…had fallen across the stream, blocking the natural flow of water and creating the strange racket but, nay. This was different and growing louder.

He stood on his hind legs to get a better view.

“Oh shit! Oh holy shit! Ohhh blessed mother of Prada, holy effing shit!” A strange human shrieked.

He glanced skyward at a person plummeting toward him, tied to a billowing red parachute.

Shift!

Nay, buddy, ye take care of the intruder. Roar yer furry arse off.

The bear roared and waved his upper legs in a threatening manner.

The trespasser yanked like crazy on the ropes as if they’d swerve him in a different direction. It didna matter. He crashed into the bear with a potent combination of weight and the force of his speed, his knees ramming the beast’s shoulders to the ground. Fer an instant, the wind was knocked out of the bear as both he and the person from the sky fought to push away the silky fabric. Fer a few fear-filled minutes, the two made eye contact and the dark-lashed person screamed so loudly, the bear glanced back over his head at the forest behind them for a quick retreat from the infernal racket.

The skinny human’s heart beat like a frightened rabbit. It had an odor of wild strawberries and arms that wouldna be still as the person fought to escape the bear’s hold. And its persistent high-pitched screeching made the animal’s ears ring.

Finally, the person stopped screaming and spoke, “A b-b-bear! I’ve landed on a wild and wicked bear! Christ, I’ve escaped the CIA only to become a bear’s dinner.” The person reached between them and unclicked the belt holding the parachute apparatus before slipping his arms free, tossing more of the red silk over the bear’s head, and rolling away from the parachute.

Ronan’s bear fought to work his way from under the soft batch of fabric and with one eye exposed, lay still to watch his advisory roll toward a tree and stand.

The human was a woman.

A frantic woman with arms that waved as she grumbled.

“A bear! A freakin’, smelly, hairy bear. Survival classes never taught me proper procedure for landing from a jump with my crotch under a bear’s chin. Damn incompetent instructors. Hell, they claimed they were preparing us for anything and everything we’d encounter.” She slipped off her backpack. “Calm down.” Both of her opened hands made a pushing down motion. “Calm down. I’ve read several survival guides. I know what to do. I can handle this. I can.

“Do not run from a bear. Make yourself a large target and yell to scare the bear away. Bears are easily frightened unless it’s mating season.

“Oh, wouldn’t it be just my freaking luck to fall on a horny bear? Oh, hell and shit.” She stood on her toes, her arms upstretched, and her hands poised like claws. “Roar! Growl! Snarl! Hiss! Run, you hairy bastard!” She bellowed like Colleen, Ronan’s niece, when she was throwing a tantrum.

Even with his bear at the forefront of their dual persona, Ronan rolled over and laughed. Laughed like he hadna in years. Me God, what a gutsy woman. Funny and plucky at the same time.
 

 

I'm going to have a hard time saying goodbye to these characters when I finish this book. My editor mentioned if I started gaining a following, there would be books 4,5 and 6. Dare I hope?

Cover Reveal of A Highlander's Passion

I CAN FINALLY SHARE IT!

 

THE AWESOME BOOK COVER

 

FOR BOOK TWO OF THE HIGHLANDER'S BELOVED SERIES.

 

 

 

ISN'T IT FABULOUS?

 

Two of the wildest hearts in Scotland fight for their destiny in this searing-hot romance, sure to be devoured by fans of Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound series and Shelly Laurenston’s Pride Stories.

 

As a bear-shifter in a pack roaming the Scottish countryside, Bryce Matheson embodies brute force and untamed abandon. As a widower, he’s running scared. When Bryce attempted to open his scarred heart to another, she grew tired of waiting for him to state his intentions, and the unearthly beauty spurned him for someone who wasn’t worthy. But now that fate has conspired to set Kenzie Denune free once again, Bryce vows to finally win her love.

Kenzie is a witch who summons her powers to protect those too weak to care for themselves. After surviving an abusive husband, she swears off men—even men like Bryce, whose iron muscles make her knees weak, and whose piercing eyes fill her with longing. Her life’s purpose is to help others. However, dark forces have different plans for her gifts. To save herself, Kenzie must team up with the shifter who has always stirred her soul—and trust in a passion powerful enough to set her blood aflame.

 

This book releases from Random House Loveswept on April 6th.

 

If you haven't read Book One, THE HIGHLANDER'S OBSESSION, it's available now...

 

 

VIDEO FOR A HIGHLANDER'S OBSESSION....TURN UP THE VOLUME!

 

Nine Days and Counting Until Book Release!

 

MEN IN KILTS RULE!

 

Releasing on the 19th from Random House Loveswept is A HIGHLANDER'S OBSESSION, Book One of my Highlander's Beloved Trilogy.

 

Book Two, A HIGHLANDER'S PASSION is still in my computer and undergoing heavy editing. It will release on April 7th of next year.

 

Book Three, A HIGHLANDER'S SANCTUARY is presently ping-ponging around in my addled brain and releases October 8th of next year.

The First Time He Sees Her

Five weeks and counting. That's how long before A HIGHLANDER'S OBSESSION releases. Am I nervous? Do washers eat socks? For one thing, this is my first romance with paranormal elements, something I know so little of. I know, I know. What was I thinking? Second, this is my first book with Random House Loveswept. What if it completely bombs?

Quick, someone pass me a pitcher of margaritas and ten pounds of chocolate. I'll be all right.

I thought I'd share the first time my hero, Creighton Matheson sees Paisley Munro. It's a stormy night and the power is knocked out at the castle turned lodge. Even so, he stands at the top of the steps to greet his guests. First, I'll give you Paisley's impression of him...then I'll pop heads on you and show you how he reacts the first time he sees her. Oh, and it will help you to know that Paisley is an animal communicator. She can hear and speak with them ... One more thing. Baffies are Scottish for bedroom slippers. It's explained in the book, but not in this passage.

Paisley stared at the darkened shape, illuminated and shadowed by twin torches flanking each of the five stone steps leading to the massive doorway. Their flames danced in the wind, bouncing, twirling, and bowing.

A mountain of granite sculpted into the shape of a man—or so it appeared—stood between the rows of torches. His stance wide, proud chin jutted into the howling wind as if he commanded its force. Long dark hair billowed. Eyes blazed with arrogance. A width of plaid draped diagonally across his broad chest while his kilt flapped in the tempest.

Fascination and foreboding swept through her. Her stomach tensed. Her breathing quickened. Whoever he was, she wasn’t eager to meet him.

* * *

Creighton Matheson’s jaw clenched as the Land Rover approached. What few leaves remained on the whitebeam and birch trees tumbled across the driveway in a windswept dance. Tires crunched on the gravel as the Land Rover eased to a stop at the foot of the steps.

He was eager to meet these Munros from America, especially Angus Iverson’s niece. He scowled at the vehicle, allowing his ire to flame and spread. One of the passengers planned to break up the six hundred acres of the Iverson estate and sell to American corporations. The pristine habitat, freely roamed by his ancestors and his current sleuth of bears, would be greatly reduced. They’d no doubt lose access to their caves and dens.

Ronan helped an older woman from the Land Rover while Bryce hurried to the back hatch to remove their luggage. Creighton blinked as his gaze settled on the small, spindly woman. The beam from Ronan’s flashlight flickered over her for a few seconds. Bloody hell. Is that pink hair? What manner of baffies is she wearing on her feet? She looks like a walking pink crayon.

A younger woman slid across the backseat to exit the vehicle and pulled on a coat. For a few seconds, something unseen fisted its scorching hands around his lungs and slowly squeezed until his breathing stopped. Although he enjoyed women, none had ever sucked the breath from his lungs before. Ye are a simpleton, man. She’s just an ordinary lass.

Her hair was the color of sweet golden gale, his favorite Highland flower. She wore her tresses chin length, a tempting sight blowing wild in the wind like the blonde mantle of a Viking princess. Creighton scowled; too bad he hated the Vikings.

Ronan escorted the lady in pink up the castle’s steps. The younger woman hurried to catch up. Her open coat billowed, showcasing long legs in snug blue jeans and full breasts under a white sweater. She fought to keep her windswept hair out of her face.

He reached to take the hand of the pink person, trying hard to focus on her face and not those ridiculous pelican baffies. “Welcome to Matheson Lodge, ma’am.”

The woman barely acknowledged him, waving a hand in his direction and speaking to her blonde companion. “He’s all yours, sweet pea. Where’s the bathroom? I have to tinkle.” She whizzed by him, a woman obviously in need of the lavy.

Shocked by her dismissal, Creighton’s hand remained outstretched. Wait, this wasna how he did things. Before guests stepped into his home, he gave them a brief prepared speech on the history of Mathe Castle and how his family converted it into a lodge. People didn’t just barge in like field mice in search of cheese. There were customs and rituals to adhere to.

Ronan spared him an aggravated glance as he hurried after the older woman. “I’ll see to the generator. Take care of Paisley. She saw some strange animals on our way here.” His expression and tone were telling.

Creighton mentally opened the telepathic shield to his inner bear’s thoughts. Did she now? I’m sure the American twit didna ken what she saw. He turned his gaze on the blonde. Blue eyes, snapped open impossibly wide, dominated her face. Or was it those round, black-framed glasses? Her mouth opened and closed as if she were trying to speak and couldn’t find her tongue. Her hand fluttered to her throat and her eyes rolled back in her head.

“Bloody hell.” He reached out and caught her as she folded at his feet. He brought the limp form to his chest. She’d passed out. Travel fatigue, perhaps? He sneered. “Fragile Americans.” What was he to do with the lass? He studied her face. She was a pretty thing with lots of alluring curves.

Bryce took the steps two at a time, his hands full of luggage. “Bloody hell, Creighton. Ye’ve got the ladies swooning at yer feet.” He paused and stared at the unconscious woman. “She’s a looker. Got an eye-catching form, she does. I wouldn’t mind snuggling up to her on a bitchin’ cold night.”

Creighton’s scowl deepened and he pulled her closer to his chest. The urge to swipe at his brother was strong, which bothered him, but not nearly as much as this novel feeling of possessiveness. Mine, the bear within him proclaimed.

YOU CAN PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON AT  http://amzn.com/B00ILX9WC0

Meanwhile I'm frantically writing A HIGHLANDER'S PASSION, book two of the Highlander's Beloved Trilogy, which is the romance of the youngest brother, Bryce, and his childhood best friend. A grown woman that he's hurt a time or two. Can she forgive and trust this chick magnet?

I'm a Pantser Whose Pants are Too Baggy

I've never made any secret out of being a pantser. I don't outline; it takes too much time. I don't do character analysis, but I did buy the book to tell me how to pair one type of personality with his or her opposite. Nor do I lay out conflict, chapter by chapter. But I do design my characters from the inside out, deciding on his or her points of pain and develop the character from those scars. 

Scars--internal or external--determine how we act and react to most situations. 

Knowing my heroine and hero's scars and sometimes their names, I type Chapter One and forge ahead. That's not to say the brakes don't screech on page four or five, they do--and have. Nor do I mean to give the impression I'm typing into a void of having no idea where the story's going. I usually have a scene in mind...I just have no clue when it'll happen. Sometimes I can even envision the ending...once more, with no clue how to get there. I guess one could call me a clueless writer. 

I'm currently writing book two of my Scottish Highlander Beloved series,  A HIGHLANDER'S PASSION. Book one releases on August 19th by Loveswept Random House and is called A HIGHLANDER'S OBSESSION.

.

But book two has my pants in a bit of a twist. My contract states the book must be a minimum of 80,000 words. For me, that's no problem. As a pantser, I've got so many ideas shoved into my pants that they've stretched quite large even for an "extra fluffy" person like me. If I use every idea crammed into those bloomers, we're talking about an epic novel here. I don't think my editor will be pleased. 

So, how to chose, because I'm telling you my pants are stretched to the limit--even for me. The waist and hips are so baggy, I can barely keep them up. Some of my ideas are a little wild, perhaps too violent, even for a paranormal romance. A few are too hawt, even for Bryce, my hunky, passionate Scot. One or two might be just plain unbelievable, even with my wonky brain. So, I ask, how do I pick and chose? How does a pantser make sense out of a big pair of bloomers full of too many ideas?

In 2014, Five is my Magic Number of Flowers

My debut novel, Storm's Interlude, came out nearly three years ago. For the next couple of years, I had to turn in a completed manuscript in hopes of getting another contract. One book or novella at a time, although I often submitted another before the previous one released. What can I say? I love to write and I'm retired. The kids are grown, living in other states. It's just Calvin and me. Writing keeps me from that mindless activity of watching TV.

Then I started getting contracts from the Big Five. They operate a little differently. Once they see your writing and know you can meet deadlines, you can contract from proposals. I typically write four paragraphs about each book, something similar to a back cover blurb, just more detailed. My agent sends them to an editor along with my publishing and promotion history.

As a consequence, for the next two years, I'll be writing exclusively for both HarperImpulse and Loveswept/Random House. Contract stipulations prevent me from submitting elsewhere until all contracted books have been released--all eight of them.

Of course, I have to write the books first...and that's the thing. I'd be a fool to even hint that I'm not a bit overwhelmed or worried or scared plotless. I mean, think about it...

For 2014, five is my magic number.

 

Or maybe my downfall...

 

I have five books contracted to turn into my editors on scheduled dates. All of them must be 80,000 words, except for the Highlander book, which must tip the scales at 85,000 words. My fingertips are typing out words--at times, woefully inadequate words. My mind is focused more on my literary dream world than it is on reality. And my self-control is working hard at keeping my eyes from straying to the dates on the calendar like magnets of nerves. You see, I have five romantic flowers to produce this year.

 

 

April 24th -- Book one of Firemen's Wild Heat series, To Catch a Flame.

July 8th -- Book one of my series set near New Orleans, KnightShades: Maximo

August 11th -- Book two of Highlander's Beloved series, A Highlander's Passion

October 4th -- Book two of Firemen's Wild Heat, Firestorm

December 20th -- Book two set near New Orleans, Knightshades: Sloan

 

The following year should be easier. Only 3 contracted books are due in 2015. So, if you don't hear much from me, don't think I don't care. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Stay well...stay healthy...stay in touch. Your words might be what keeps me in the reality of writerly sanity.

 



Is it August yet? A HIGHLANDER'S BELOVED releases August 18th

The date's been announced for the LoveSwept/Random House release of A HIGHLANDER'S BELOVED: August 18th.

There's no cover art yet...sigh...I'm getting anxious.

I do have the blurb and thanks to some gracious souls, who consented to read and write a few sentences, the "advance praise" requested by my editor are now listed on Random House's website. Her edits arrived last Friday and I sent them back on Monday, so things are moving along nicely.

Now my editor wants the first 3 chapters and a synopsis of the next book in the series. The working title for it is A HIGHLANDER'S PASSION. So I am writing and deleting and writing, working to capture their chemistry. These two are not strangers. They've known each other all their lives and, for a brief time a couple years ago, loved each other but something happened--doesn't it always?--and now my heroine wants nothing to do with my hero. She's got enough to contend with: the loss of her unborn child, widowhood, a new job working for the baffy pink-haired American (my alter-ego) and honing her newly-discovered witch's temperament. Oh...did I fail to mention she's a witch? Now, do you see what I'm dealing with here? And just wait until the hero finds out she's got powers. She might just knock him on his bear-shifting behind. Ohhh, I see possibilities. Don't you?

In the meantime, here's the blurb and advance praise for A HIGHLANDER'S BELOVED.

Two wandering souls discover that true love needs no words in this explosive, fantastical novel from Vonnie Davis.

Paisley Munro often considers her ability to telepathically communicate with animals more curse than gift. Even so, she's found meaning in her so-called gifts by working as a veterinary assistant. But while traveling to Scotland for a relative’s funeral, Paisley fears that she really has lost her mind. Out in the highlands, she hears distinctly human thoughts coming from a wild bear. Terrified and desperate, she returns to the lodge and collapses in the powerful arms of its owner, a mysterious man with whom she shares a simmering attraction.

Creighton Matheson and his fellow shape-shifters have been roaming this land freely for centuries. Now Paisley may inherit his home, putting his kind in grave danger. His mistrust only deepens when he realizes she can read his mind. Yet he cannot deny that this tantalizing woman makes him burn with desire—and hunger for the prospect of a tender love. Now Creighton must decide which would hurt more: revealing the truth or losing Paisley forever.

Advance praise for A HIGHLANDER'S BELOVED --
 
“Sexy, magical, and full of hot, kilted men! The perfect romantic read!”—New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Kaye

“While I enjoy all sub-genres of romance, A Highlander’s Beloved, Ms. Davis’s funny, sexy, and suspenseful new paranormal romance has shot to the top of my list!”—Dixie Lee Brown, author of the Trust No One series

“Brilliant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud hilarious, A Highlander’s Beloved belongs on the keeper shelf to enjoy again and again, right next to all of Vonnie Davis’s fabulous stories! Get ready to fall in love. Creighton Matteson has just skyrocketed to the top of my all-time favorite romance heroes list! I can’t wait for the other books in this series. Kudos to Ms. Davis for creating this memorable paranormal romance.”—AJ Nuest, author of The Golden Key Chronicles

“Sexy and funny with characters that walk straight into your heart . . . Vonnie Davis will have you rushing to turn the pages until the very last word. Scots, kilts, and bears, oh my!”—Sarah Grimm, author of the Black Phoenix series

“Vonnie Davis delivers a sexy paranormal romance to tickle your funny bone and leave you sighing.”—Mackenzie Crowne

“A Highlander’s Beloved is one of those stories you never want to end, a sizzling romance packed with a hot kilted hero, an ancient curse, and the magical beauty of the Highlands. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I cursed. Don’t miss this delightful escape from ‘real’ life!”—Maeve Greyson, author of A Highlander in Her Past

“Charming, sexy, and full of surprises: A Highlander’s Beloved is all this and more. Add it to your ‘must-read’ list. Warning: You’re going to fall in love with Creighton and his clan.”—Amie Louellen, author of Ten Reasons Not to Date a Cop