March 11, 2008

REACHING A TURNING POINT

RENEGADE photo-tour: This is Whistler Village, where Luke and Jessica go to develop the film the Triad is prepared to kill for. It’s a side trip Luke never intended taking, and it marks a key turning point in the HEART OF A RENEGADE.

It’s also my home

***

As an aside, I’ve been inspired by  Cole to lace up the old running shoes again, and aim for another marathon in the Fall. And I couldn’t feel happier for the decision. I met Cole through my books, my blog, her blog, and the blogs of others, and have come to consider her my friend (Hope you don’t object, Nicole!). And recently I have been infected by the energy and way she has tackled some things in life, and once again am reminded how setting — and achieving – physical goals can help everything else — including writing — fit into place.

It gives you control, it gives you power, it makes you feel strong, and everything else seems to hum back into harmony. I know, it sounds sappy. But believe me, it works. And I sure missed not having the bookend of a Fall marathon last year.
I felt lost.

I meandered into winter, not as sharply focused. I worked hard. I got my books done. But something was missing. Some verve. Some spring in my step.

But I’m back! I didn’t train last year because of a problem knee — but if it plays up again, I will walk that marathon. With poles  if I can. And as fast as I can :). Already my days have fresh focus. And there’s that feeling of laughter in my step. Thanks, Cole. And happy running ……

My Path: 40 minutes run/walk. Round Whistler Golf Course. Cold with flecks of snow. Air heavy and beautiful.

March 10, 2008

THE RENEGADE AND THE MERC

RENEGADE photo-tour: While beautiful, the Sea to Sky highway that snakes up from Vancouver to Whistler can be deadly to drive. This is the road Luke and Jessica must navigate in their snowy night flight from the city. And above is a scene I shot while driving it this winter.

And in other book news — I was delighted to learn this past weekend SEDUCING THE MERCENARY has won the 2007 Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Silhouette Romantic Suspense!

March 7, 2008

PHOTO TOUR CONTINUES

RENEGADE photo-tour: A factory in rural China, one very much like the factory/warehouse Jessica was held captive and tortured after she was kidnapped from the Shanghai business district. It’s an experience that comes back to haunt her, setting her on the run for her life in the Pacific Northwest.

March 6, 2008

RENEGADE WINNERS

RENEGADE photo-tour: Above is a daylight aerial view of where Luke and Jessica guide their Zodiac in between that tug on the left, and the bigger boat on the right (a floating restaurant) on a black and frigid February night. They have just fled the Triad in Gastown, crossed the Burrard Inlet, and made for the safety of Vancouver’s North Shore.

Luke inches the Zodiac towards that dock (above)……. Coming up on the inside of the row of tugs (below) to dock near the Seabus Terminus where Luke removes his disguise, and they blend into the crowd of late-night passengers coming over from the city (the skyline of which can be seen across the water).

The WINNERS of a signed copy of RENEGADE are Tami, and Cheryl S. Please send me your snail addies and I will pop a signed copy into the mail ASAP. Thank you to all who entered!

March 5, 2008

RENEGADE ROAD TRIP

RENEGADE photo-tour: This is Vancouver’s Chinatown with the snowy mountains in the backdrop. It’s where Jessica takes the photo that lands her life in danger — and puts her into the very capable arms of bodyguard, Luke Stone.

I’ll be drawing the winners of two signed copies of THE HEART OF A RENEGADE tonight, after midnight EST. To enter, either post a comment below with the words “RENEGADE” and “contest” in it, or drop me line via my contact box using those two words. Contest closes midnight Wednesday March 6.

And today is my last day at ROMANCE NOVEL TV where I’m answering questions that make me think too hard  . The direct link to my thread is: HERE. And for those unfamiliar with the site, please don’t forget to check out some of the awesome ‘red carpet’ video footage of the RITA and GH awards shot in Dallas last summer. Or some of the author interviews. It’s a slick, informative — and addictive — website showcasing romance novels and novelists

March 4, 2008

RENEGADE INSPIRATION

RENEGADE photo-tour: Actress Ziyi Zhang is, in looks, an inspiration for my RENEGADE heroine, Jessica Chan — the one woman who will challenge rough-around-the-edges bodyguard Luke Stone … in more ways than one

I’m giving away two signed copies of RENEGADE on Thursday. To enter into the draw, either post a comment below with the words “RENEGADE” and “contest” in it, or drop me line via my contact box using those two words. Contest closes midnight Wednesday March 6.

Also — please stop by and visit me at ROMANCE NOVEL TV where I’m currently guest author on the Message Boards of that fabulous site until Wednesday March 5. I’m answering questions about writing for SRS,  writing in general … and anything else that piques your fancy :). The direct link to my thread is: HERE