Though my first four books, Rules of Engagement (May 2004, Warner), Lady in Waiting (January 2005, Warner), A Lady’s Guide to Rakes (September 2005) and Love Is in the Heir (June 2006, Warner) are often referred to as the Featherton sisters series, they are actually connected books. This means that each book stands on its own, and does not need to be read in particular order.

That said, the books are chronological, and characters in the earlier books do make appearances in later books. And of course, the Featherton sisters make matchmaking mischief in all four books.

The ideas are always there in my head, begging for their turn on the page. Anything can spark them. The ones that refuse to let me sleep, make me pace around the room in the dark (much to my sleep-deprived husband’s annoyance), are the ones that earn a story.

Oh, the endless creative possibilities. When I sit down to tell a story, I can explore any topic, fold in elements of other genres, put my characters through the wringer or let them savor a moment in each others arms. Anything is possible.

Revisions. Ugh. What is it that they say? Something like the real writing is in the rewriting? It’s true, I know. But for me, its like cleaning up after a party. I know it needs to be done, and I’ll feel better afterwards, but the initial writing was so much more fun.

Now that depends on the season. Right now, it’s strawberries. Yum. In another month, tomatoes off the vine.

This is a hard question because, like most authors, I read so widely. In romance, my all time favorite author is Mary Jo Putney, hands down. There is a magic to her stories, a richness, that goes far beyond characterization and craft. Her stories take romance to an entirely new level as she deftly examines human frailties and the power of love to heal. She’s a phenomenal talent.

But of course, I have dozens of favorites.

People often say that writing is a solitary endeavor, but it’s not, for me anyway. I have a wonderful mentor who taught me by example, and bless her heart, by reading and commenting on my early pages. I also work with an informal critique group. Thankfully, we each possess different strengths and very different writing styles. We celebrate and hold sacred these differences because it allows us each to protect and develop our own unique voice, which is so important. I also surround myself with my writer friends who generously provided the guidance, support and direction, I needed to see my first book sell.

I wish I had a definitive answer that would work for everyone. For me the answer was simple. Read. I learn something valuable from every book I read (and like most of you, I am a voracious reader.) But read widely, from a variety of genres.

And write. There is no substitute for time spent at the keyboard. Nora Roberts once said, “I can fix a bad page. I can’t fix a blank page.” Sit down and write. Don’t stop. Don’t listen to your internal critic. Don’t give up. Finish the book and you’ve already dramatically increased your odds of selling your work.

Finaling with such an esteemed group of writers, more so than winning the Golden Heart, reaffirmed my belief that I was close to publishing. Sure enough, a two-book contract with Warner was only a few months away.

Bare feet with snazzy red painted toe nails.