Seriously, a Series

I've always enjoyed reading series. Some of my favorites are Cynthia Eden's Deadly series and Allison Brennan's Lucy Kincaid series. I've never ventured into writing my own romantic suspense series before, but I decided to give it a try about a year ago. And damn, it wasn't easy!

First, you have to come up with a world to build, some characters with a common thread or one character with a whole lot to him or her. I decided to add a little paranormal flare to my series by setting in a spiritualist community and making my heroines witches. Not point-and-shoot witches, like Samantha Stevens, but real live, modern day witches. They are members of the same coven, and each has her own special talent. And her own suspenseful plot to meander through.

So I worked, I researched, and I even attended a few witch circles. And finally, I've released book one and two of The Witches of Freedom Moon—Hidden Magic and Killer Magic. But I wonder how the reading public will take to my modern version of witches. They do spells, but they can't wiggle their nose to make things happen. They are spiritual—not demonic. They worship nature and embody all that contemporary pagans do. I hope that realism isn't off-putting for anyone expecting Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

But I digress. The series has been challenging for me, mostly because I have ADD! One book captures my attention, and then one day, another spark of an idea steals it away! Although I've planned the series as three books, I don't know when I will get to book 3. Unless of course, a gazillion people read the first two books and beg me to write the third;-)

I seriously admire anyone who can write series well, particularly those with more than three books in them. Many of those very talented series writers are right here at NYUS! Hats off to you if you can capture not only your own attention for multiple books, but that of your fans. I sure hope I can follow in your footsteps. 

Personal Rituals

I was looking through my old emails the other day (which I have broken up into files for each of my publishers and other categories) and I noticed something interesting. I had kept the very first emails I’d gotten from each of my publishers – that note that said ‘welcome to the company’ or ‘we’d like to offer you a contract on your submission.’ But it’s not only the very first email, but nearly all the letters pertaining to that first book with that company. I just can’t bring myself to delete those emails. I guess I’m afraid I’ll jinx myself if I do. Saving those emails is my personal ritual, a comfort of sorts. I occasionally go back and reread one or two, just to pump up my confidence when those pesky self-doubts creep into my head.

Another little ritual I have is to celebrate on the day of a book release. And today is one of those days for me. Not only is Protective Custody out today, but tomorrow is my birthday, so I’ll be doing a little extra celebrating.

In Protective Custody, Megan Jackson has a different type of ritual, a way more personal one. She has a candle at her bedside that she lights when she has male company. (Nod, nod, wink, wink.) Her ex-boyfriend, Will McCoy knows this ritual and when he goes into her bedroom after they’ve been apart for months, the first thing he notices is that candle and whether it's burned down at all since he was last there. But you'll have to read the book to find out!

Here’s a little about Protective Custody from Carina Press:

Witness to a murder, but no one will believe her…

Shocked by the brutal crime she witnesses through the window of her small office, Megan Jackson calls the police and is devastated when they question the truth of her story. With no body and no evidence of a crime, she’s written off as a nutcase.

Megan suspects the killer saw her face. Terrified, she calls the only person she can trust—her ex-boyfriend and former police officer, Will McCoy.

Despite a devastating breakup, Will jumps at the chance to help the woman who broke his heart. When the killer ramps up the stakes, Will is forced to take her into hiding—where the passion they once shared reignites, deeper and hotter than ever. But can Will keep Megan alive long enough to win back her heart?

What about you? Do you have any rituals (that you can share;-) that you’re not willing to deviate from?

Text Copyright © 2011 by Wynter Daniels

Cover Copyright © 2011 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.