Mishmash of Inspiration

Inspiration comes in so many packages. It can be a book that sparks a "what if" idea or a song with lyrics that speak to you. It can be a movie or a person that touched your life. Really, inspiration can be and can come from anything.

When you consider how many books use song titles as titles...yeah. It's easy to see how much music feeds creativity.

While I was writing Evermine, one of my critique partners emailed me a link to a song and said--this is Emma. I gave it a listen, and it is. I got chills listening to it. I still do. I'd like to share that song with you.

I guess I have Emma on the brain lately, since I'm working on second round edits on that book. She was the voice I heard while writing Everlong. Her story, and Harper's, I sometimes think is the reason I wrote the first book. (Let's not tell their siblings that, shall we?)

Once I wrap up Evermine, I still have Frost edits ahead of me. Once those are finished, I'm looking for a way to reconnect with Dillon and Isabeau as I write Eversworn. Music seems like the logical choice, and I have a song in mind...

Yep. I'm smiling as I write this. That song speaks to me on so many levels, and I think it's a good connection between Dillon and me. Of course, while I was song shopping, I found one for Vaughn (from the next Araneae Nation novel), but I think I'll keep that under my hat for now.

How about y'all? Any songs you listen to over and over to connect with a character or to get in the mood to write certain scenes?

The Nutcracker Ballet Tradition

Although I don't celebrate holidays, I look forward to this time every year. I'm a sucker for egg nog, candy canes, my pumpkin spice flavored coffee (and ice cream) and most of all the Nutcracker Ballet. Not just any Nutcracker rendition, mind you. By Mikhail Barishnikov and Gelsey Kirkland's version. Up until a few years ago, my local PBS station would play it without fail every year but for some reason it stopped.

For some reason, this version just stood out to me even though it was the same story. There was something magical about Tchaikovsky soundtrack mixed with the fantastical elements of the dream-like story. The costumes were elegant and the set were gorgeous. It even had a handsome prince.

I really wish this was broadcast on TV again for many more generations to come but at least there's the DVD to keep it alive. :-)




Le swoon. :-)

I hope everyone has a wonderful, warm and safe winter season!

Just an FYI, if you're a classical and sweet romance fan, my newest release Voice of Abandon will be available tomorrow in digital format at Smashwords and on the Kindle.

His music inspired her to live again. His heart inspired her to love again.


After losing her husband to a fatal heart condition, Her Serene Highness Julianna DeWinters falls into a depression. She lives her life on auto pilot, making preparations and setting things in order for her country but not for herself. Assisted by her in-laws on an evening visit to a classical concert, Julianna hears the most beautiful sound that awakens her to life once again. The violinist’s passion through his music not only livens her will but also her heart as she finds the ability to love. If she allows herself the possibility...


Andrew Graham never settled down and loved again after losing the love of his life. Throwing himself into his music, he fuels his passion through the strings of his violin. Once he stops in Welshire to play for the royal family, a beautiful princess captures his interest and his heart. Soon he finds himself on the edge of a romance that will test his ability to trust and love once again.


Voice of Abandon or, The Princess and the Violinist is a sweet, classical novella that proves life and love can begin after loss. Especially when you least expect it.