Whether you’re writing your first book or your fiftieth, there are always ups and downs along the way.
Today, 7 of our authors with a November release join us on the blog to tell us about the easiest, hardest, or most fun part of writing their new books.
A Highlander to Protect Her by Jeanine Englert
The hardest part of writing this book was knowing it was the last in the Secrets of Clan Cameron series, as I hate to say goodbye to my characters. Kenna was also reluctant to share with me her story at first until I stumbled across a book on runes and realized she was a rune caster. Once I began my research into runes and saw how they would drive her story and put her on a beautiful collision course with my reluctant warrior Rolf, the book began to write itself.
Under Lock and Key by K.D. Richards
Under Lock and Key features a protagonist who is a curator at a museum. One of the most fun parts of writing the book was researching what curators do and how the art and museum world functions. While the missing jewel in the story is fictional, I spent a lot of time researching museum robberies and famous stolen pieces of art and jewels. As a lover of mysteries, it was fun and interesting to learn about the art history and pieces of famous art and historical pieces that have been stolen – some of which have never been found.
FA-LA-LA-LA Faking It by Teri Wilson
The hardest part about writing this book was working on the scenes between my hero Jace and his Uncle Gus, the grinchiest Grinch in the Lone Star State. Uncle Gus has built an impenetrable wall around himself, and flannel-wearing Christmas tree farmer Jace is determined to crack it. There’s a happy ending, of course, but writing the more difficult scenes definitely made me shed a tear…or ten. This is one of my favorite books I’ve ever written, and the joyful Christmas ending is made even sweeter because it’s so hard won by my characters.
The Anti-Social Season by Adele Buck
The hardest part about writing The Anti-Social Season was the hero, Simon. I’m always impressed when people can pull off the grumpy/sunshine trope and I was a bit out of my comfort level. Plus, I’d already “met” Thea in Fake Flame, so I felt like I had a good handle on her personality. But figuring out what made Simon grumpy and how to make him relatable in spite (or perhaps because) of it was a unique challenge. In the end, when I started fleshing out his family situation, things came together more easily, and Simon’s personality really started making sense.
Search and Detect by Terri Reed
Writing the last book in a series is always a good challenge. I work hard to make sure the threads left dangling in the previous books are tied up while setting up the upcoming novellas. Also, I enjoy finding places to insert characters from previous books into the story without muddling the flow of the narrative while also developing a stand-alone story that someone new to the series can enjoy. I always liken writing a continuity story to doing a jigsaw puzzle. There are lots of these pieces, and it’s my job to fit them together. Thankfully, I like puzzles.
Colton’s Secret Past by Kacy Cross
One of the easiest parts of writing Colton’s Secret Past (Owl Creek #10) was delving into the charged dynamic between Archer and Hannah. Archer pretends to be his twin brother Owen so he can investigate his brother’s death, but he’s shocked to develop feelings for Hannah, his brother’s ex-wife. At the same time, he’s faking amnesia, which adds a compelling layer to their interactions. One of my favorite things to write is complex motivation and conflict, and this book has such a great combination of hidden motives and unanticipated emotions that their chemistry nearly burned up the pages!
The Cowboy’s Forgotten Love by Tina Radcliffe
Lazy M Ranch Series Book 4 is Lucas Morgan’s story. The hardest part of writing this book was saying goodbye to the Morgan Family. Grandpa Gus, older brothers Drew, Sam and Trevor became like family to me. However, it was fun that each book was tied together by the love of housekeeper Bess Lowder’s cinnamon rolls. With the conclusion of the series, the cinnamon roll recipe is now on my website https://www.tinaradcliffe.com for all to enjoy. Happy Trails, Morgan brothers.
All of these titles are out today! Check out these books and more on Harlequin.com
