Typewriters?

When David and I first started writing we had two matching typewriters. We had no money to buy a desk, so we used an old ping-pong table that we'd bought at a garage sale. The net divided his half of the "desk" from mine.

A typewriter never caught a virus, and what you typed, well, that's what you got.

Now we work on computers. What you type could turn into a million little symbols that no one except another computer can read. However, they're more fun.

With that in mind, I'm opening the floor to suggestions. Please go to our web page and take a look. Overall, what's your impression? More "us" photos? Less? And under "Friends" you'll meet some other authors we've come to know. But the intial page where you actually click on the name needs work. What would you put on the blank section? Their photos? Panoramic vista of NM or something  like the bear fetish on this post?

(The bear, like it is with the hero of our new book Power of the Raven) is David's fetish. Mine- raven.)

I really would welcome your feedback. We've been working on the web page for months, and I don't think it's there yet!

oh-- the URL is aimeeanddavidthurlo.com

Thanks, guys!

Aimée Thurlo

Spotlight on January Intrigues: Last Spy Standing

Dana Marton delivers another edge-of-the-seat Thriller in Last Spy Standing:

Black ops specialist Mitch Mendoza had thought this South American rescue mission would be routine. But the jungle held unexpected dangers: deadly snakes, armed drug runners and Megan Cassidy. The undercover CIA agent had legs for miles and a hidden agenda—one that interfered with Mitch's plans. So though he was a lone wolf, he had to keep her close, or risk letting his mission fail. After years of working alone, Mitch found himself distracted by Megan's steely resolve and her soft curves. And he couldn't afford that. Not if he wanted this assignment to be a success…and get both of them out of the jungle alive.

Spotlight on January Intrigues: Sudden Insight

Rebecca York begins her exciting new series Mindbenders with Sudden Insight:

New Orleans tarot card reader Rachel Gregory foresaw a dark, sexy stranger but she had no idea Jake Harper would be her soul mate. Someone who literally read her thoughts…and she his. But when they were both nearly killed, Rachel had a feeling they were never meant to be together.

On the run, they searched for the source of their eerie connection—one that grew more powerful with each fevered kiss and heated caress. But were they willing to risk everything to uncover their secret past hidden deep in the bayou for decades? They had to hurry, before Rachel could foresee their deaths.…

ROBIN PERINI

Angi Morgan & Robin Perini show off their Golden Hearts.

On July 15^th, 2010 Julie Miller introduced me to the eHarlequin Intrigue community. I have the pleasure of introducing new author Robin Perini who’s debut Intrigue, FINDING HER SON, will hit the e-book shelf on February 1^st and regular bookshelves in March.

Julie Miller and I have something in common with Robin…we’re all Golden Heart finalists (along with many other award-winning Intrigue authors). Robin and I were both finalists in 2004 and won our categories later--me in 2010 and her in 2011.

Like Julie and most of our fellow Intrigue authors, we all love Romantic Suspense especially with Happily Ever Afters. But enough about me… I decided to throw out the same questions to Robin that Julie asked me. So here’s a little about Robin and her first Intrigue: FINDING HER SON (which I’ve already read and loved!!)

"Perini keeps the tension taut, the romance irresistible and the mystery so deep readers are going to have to pay close attention to the final, explosive climax." 4.5 Stars Romantic Times 

FINDING HER SON

THE ONLY MAN A DESPERATE MOTHER CAN TRUST…

Investigating a cold case is SWAT cop Mitch Bradford’s worst nightmare—especially when it involves a kidnapped infant. But thanks to an injury, he’ll have to settle for following Emily Wentworth instead of breaking down doors and cuffing criminals.

The prime suspect in a mysterious disappearance, Emily has always claimed she was framed. And as he earns the trust of the incredibly desperate—and unbelievably beautiful— mother, every instinct tells Mitch to believe her. Then new evidence unfolds, revealing an elaborate conspiracy and forcing Emily into a deadly spotlight. Now, torn between loyalty to the badge and his promises to Emily, Mitch may have to make the ultimate sacrifice if he’s to bring her little boy home.

~ ~ ~

Award-winning author Robin Perini’s love of heart-stopping suspense and poignant romance, coupled with her adoration of high-tech weaponry and covert ops, encouraged her secret inner commando to take on the challenge of writing romantic suspense novels. Her mission's motto: "When danger and romance collide, no heart is safe."

Devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high stakes adventures with a love story sure to melt their hearts, Robin’s strong characters and tightly woven plots have garnered her the prestigious Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Award. By day, she works for an advanced technology corporation, and in her spare time, you might find her giving one of her many nationally acclaimed writing workshops or training in competitive small-bore rifle silhouette shooting. Robin loves to interact with readers. You can read excerpts, review, sign up for Robin's mailing list and even request trading cards or a Kinlegraph on her website. She'd love to hear from you. 

~~~

How many manuscripts did you write before you sold one?

ROBIN: Whew! I had to go back and count. I have ten manuscripts, not all of them complete. One of them I abandoned halfway through because my hero fell in love with another woman (not the heroine). Kind of put a damper on the story!

Which book was your hardest to write and why?

ROBIN: The current book I'm writing is always the hardest. I love planning my stories. I love having written my stories. But while I'm writing and revising, I'm always wondering if my skill can live up to my vision. Right now, I'm working on my third Harlequin Intrigue, which will be out during Christmas 2012. Royal Secrets tells the story of a woman driven into hiding by an assassin. This unexpected heiress to a throne must protect her young twins by relying on the man who betrayed her–her children’s father.    

I love the story…and I know I'll enjoy having written it!  But right now…it's the hardest thing I've ever done. (And yes, I say that with every book!)  

What do you think is the most difficult thing about being an author?  

ROBIN: Balance! I have a day job and family and friends, so I have to work my author life into an already busy schedule. I must confess, I'm a bit of a nut. Just ask my friends and family. I've tried a million different ways to write over the years, and for now, this works for me. First, I should say that I have a day job, so I work writing around paying the mortgage, and of course the rest of my life—family, exercise, chores, and occasionally a little fun. :-)

I'm actually one of those irritating morning people. I write from 5:30 am – 7:00 am weekdays. Mostly to get the adrenaline pumping because I thrive on deadlines—and being panicked! If you only have an hour and a half, you have to make the most of every second. Also, I write in 'sprints'. 20 minutes of writing and a 10 minute break. This idea was introduced to me my fellow Intrigue author, Angi Morgan and it really works for me. If nothing else my body doesn't go numb from sitting in the chair.

On Saturday, I write for about 5 hours in the morning, and on Sunday, after church, I write for three hours. I usually write new material on those shorter stretches on the weekdays and revise on the weekends. As for promotion—like working on my website, blogs, designing romance trading cards, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, I work on those in the evenings as needed—or as the deadlines loom.

And sometimes sleep becomes a luxury. But, guess what. I wouldn't change it for anything! I'm living my dream.

What authors have most inspired your work?        

ROBIN: I have so many authors who have brought me incredible joy and inspired my love of reading and writing. In fact, on my website I have included a page listing many of my all-time favorite books and authors. There are many Intrigue and Harlequin Romantic Suspense authors on the list.

Those books typically evoke deep emotions within me. They are my window into pain, joy, insight, and wisdom. One of my very favorite authors is Sharon Sala. This New York Times Bestselling Author has written novels that twist my heart through a painful suspense-filled journey, but end in hope. Her ability to touch my soul makes me go back to her stories again and again.

Even more than that, Sharon Sala is a mentor to me. She read my debut novel, In Her Sights, several years ago. She believed in me and my book at a time when it was hard to believe in myself. I'm not sure I would be here today without her encouragement. She is an amazing writer, of course, but even a more amazing person.

I'd like to be her when I grow up.

What are you working on now?

ROBIN: I already described what I'm working on, so let me tell you about this year. 2011 was a dream come true. And in 2012, I get the honor of releasing three Harlequin Intrigues. Finding Her Son, which won the 2011 Romance Writers of America ® Golden Heart® Award in Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure as Stolen Lullaby, will be released in March 2012. In the story, a woman determined to find her kidnapped son, and who is suspected in her husband's death reluctantly teams with the embattled SWAT cop assigned to prove her guilt. Cowboy in the Crossfire, in which a woman desperate to protect her young son after he witnesses a murder, is forced into an alliance with the disgraced Texas Sheriff who her family framed, will come out in July, 2012. Lastly, Royal Secrets (working title) will hit the shelves, Christmas, 2012.

I'm living my dream. What can I say?

Tell us about getting “the call” even though it was from Amazon Montlake for your GH finalist: IN HER SIGHTS !   

ROBIN: What an amazing day! I had received a rejection letter on my story, In Her Sights. I loved my heroine, Jazz, a SWAT Team sniper. My literary agent, Jill Marsal, asked me if I would be interested in submitting it to Amazon for a new romance line they were starting. I said 'yes' and about a month later I received a call from my agent. I was at work, and she asked me if I was sitting down. Luckily, I was, because my knees shook, my breath caught and I screeched. Several people ran down the hall to my office, hoping nothing was wrong. I didn't stop smiling all day!

My call from Harlequin Intrigue was no less dramatic. I had entered the Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® contest with my story, Stolen Lullaby. I finalled in the contest. In May of 2011, I received a phone call from my agent, once again asking me if I was sitting down? You guessed it. They wanted Stolen Lullaby. The next day, my amazing editor, Allison Lyons called me. Dream come true. I know I keep repeating myself, but I can't help it. I'm giddy still. In a period of just a few months I'd sold two books!

I just have to say to everyone out there, dare to follow your dreams and be persistent and focused in your pursuit. You can grasp the rainbow, too.

You can find Robin on her website or become a fan on Facebook or on Twitter or on Goodreads.

WELCOME TO INTRIGUE, ROBIN !!

~Angi

Networking-Deadline Style

(blog cross-posted from http://bit.ly/yB9fZ9)

Hey, gang--I'm scheduled to blog today. But since the deadline on my next Precinct: Task Force book got moved up, the deadline is also TODAY! So forgive me if you've seen this blog post on my Facebook page, but I'm recycling (saving my fingers and brain cells to type the end of this book and get it out!)

Last weekend we had a retreat for my local writers' group, the Prairieland Romance Writers (www.prwne.com). I had some writing time, some fun time, but mostly it was about networking.
At any rate, have a little fun with this list and see if it gives you any insight into how a writer's mind works. ..
.
This year the Prairieland Romance Writers is celebrating its 20th anniversary! (And none of us have aged a day) As a fun way to commemorate the event, we're going to post a list each month. Some will be silly, others more serious. But they'll give you an idea of the depth and variety of talent within our writers organization. Enjoy!

20 Topics Discussed at the PRW 2012 Annual Retreat:

1. Book Reviews--the Good, the Bad and the Huh?
2. Stealing copper pipes
3. Social networking--how to do it, various platforms, what readers want when
interacting with authors, and where to get the best return for the investment
of time and energy involved.
4. Swearing and/or throwing things as a stress reliever
5. Roundtable topics for PRW meetings throughout 2012
6. Need to update PRW's Policy & Procedure Manual
7. How to celebrate PRW's 20th anniversary
8. Incredible announcements
9. Monthly goals
10. Writing plans and career road maps
11. Candy corn pumpkins
12. Unique pizza rolls
13. Longest and shortest rejection times for proposal or manuscript submissions
14. What makes us feel successful as a writer (and it's not the same for every
member)
15. Our favorite wine
16. Our favorite chocolate
17. Rapid changes in the publishing market
18. Our kids, spouses and parents
19.Time management (productivity tips and tricks that work--or don't)
20. The benefits of networking at the annual retreat

So what's an interesting/fun discussion you've had recently? What did you learn from it? Or was it just about sharing time with a friend or loved one? I'll give away a copy of my current release, ICE LAKE, to a lucky poster who leaves a comment or ask a question. 

Julie Miller 

NANNY 911-Dec 2011
ICE LAKE-(Anthology w/ BJ Daniels & Delores Fossen) Jan 2012
ALWAYS FAITHFUL--ebook release Jan 2012
THE MARINE NEXT DOOR-May 2012
KANSAS CITY COWBOY-Aug 2012
New Book GiveAway this month at www.juliemiller.org

Spotlight on January Intrigues: Green Beret Bodyguard

It's time for the action-packed finale of Carol Ericson's Brothers in Arms series, Green Beret Bodyguard:

He may have lost his memory, but not his mercenary skills. And once Jack Coburn learned his real name, he sought out the woman who could help him piece together the rest of his past. Lola Famosa had hired the green beret months ago to find her missing brother. And that mission had nearly cost him his life.

But locating the lovely doctor presented new dangers. Someone was determined to keep Lola from her quest, and her life hung in the balance. Jack's first concern might have been regaining his memory, but now it was all about protecting Lola. For she was the one thing this loner was determined to keep.

Spotlight on January Intrigues: Cowboy Conspiracy

The exciting conclusion to Joanna Wayne's Sons of Troy Ledger series is here!

Ex-lawman Wyatt Ledger came back home to find his mother's killer…even if it was his father. The truth had haunted him nearly twenty years, but now nothing would come between them—except a damsel and her daughter in distress.

Kelly Burger sought a fresh start in the Hill Country, but when her dangerous past followed, she turned to the safe arms of her cowboy protector. Though he now battled two killers by day, at night Wyatt was defenseless against her seductive touch. Secrets of their past lurked in town—unspeakable and deadly. Once he uncovered them, could Wyatt save himself, his family and the woman he loved?

Spotlight on January Intrigues: Nate

Nate, latest installment in Delores Fossen's series The Lawmen of Silver Creek Ranch, is available now!

On the day Lieutenant Nate Ryland's baby daughter is kidnapped, he finds hope in the most surprising of allies: Darcy Burkhart, a woman he never thought—never wanted—to see again. But Darcy's son has also been taken and there's nothing that will keep them from bringing their children home. Unfortunately this is no ordinary adversary, and even someone like Nate, who's used to dealing with the worst of society, can't predict the enemy's next move. As the search continues, Nate finds himself admiring the woman he once considered his greatest opponent—and desiring her in a way he never would have thought possible.

Spotlight on January Intrigues: Certified Cowboy

Don't miss Certified Cowboy, the first in Rita Herron's new series Bucking Bronc Lodge:

After a successful career as a Texas rodeo champ, Johnny Long quit living on the wild side. Now he was devoted to a cause he understood all too well: giving kids a second chance. But when he hires a mysterious woman, Johnny knows trouble has reentered his life. Not only is Rachel Presley beautiful, but the fear in her eyes—and in those of her five-year-old son—practically breaks his hardened heart. It isn't long before strange "accidents" put Rachel in serious jeopardy, convincing Johnny her past has caught up with her. Sharing some of his secrets is the only way to get to the bottom of Rachel's…even if revealing them could have their own dangerous consequences.

Coming Attractions

Here's a peek at what's coming to you in the first half of the year from Harlequin Intrigue:

January 2012

1323. Certified Cowboy -- Rita Herron
1324. Nate -- Delores Fossen
1325. Cowboy Conspiracy -- Joanna Wayne
1326. Green Beret Bodyguard -- Carol Ericson
1327. Sudden Insight -- Rebecca York
1328. Last Spy Standing -- Dana Marton

February 2012
1329. Cowboy in the Extreme -- Rita Herron
1330. Scene of the Crime: Mystic Lake --Carla Cassidy
1331. The Lost Girls of Johnson's Bayou -- Jana DeLeon
1332. Sudden Attraction -- Rebecca York
1333. Power of the Raven -- Aimee Thurlo
1334. Her Cowboy Defender -- Kerry Connor

March 2012
1335. Corralled -- B.J. Daniels
1336. Cowboy to the Max -- Rita Herron
1337. Secret Identity -- Paula Graves
1338. Lawman Lover -- Lisa Childs
1339. A Wanted Man -- Alana Matthews
1340. Finding Her Son -- Robin Perini

April 2012
1341. Son of a Gun -- Joanna Wayne
1342. Secret Hideout -- Paula Graves
1343. Midwife Cover -- Cassie Miles
1344. Baby Breakout -- Lisa Childs
1345. Purebred -- Patricia Rosemoor
1346. Raven's Cove -- Jenna Ryan

May 2012
1347. Colby Law -- Debra Webb
1348. Secret Agenda -- Paula Graves
1349. Obsession -- Carol Ericson
1350. The Marine Next Door -- Julie Miller
1351. Private Security -- Mallory Kane
1352. When She Wasn't Looking -- HelenKay Dimon

June 2012
1353. Wrangled -- B.J. Daniels
1354. High Noon -- Debra Webb
1355. Eyewitness -- Carol Ericson
1356. Death of a Beauty Queen -- Mallory Kane
1357. Thunder Horse Heritage -- Elle James
1358. Spy Hard -- Dana Marton