I am so, so, so thrilled that our long-time MSW gal Roxanne St. Claire is back as a special guest! Please welcome her back and read on … because she’s giving away books, too! ~Allison
Hello old friends and new ones! So great to be back at Murder She Writes, but I admit I barely recognize the place. What an incredible transformation this blog has experienced!! Congrats to the new team who’ve continued a long tradition of keeping a group blog lively and informative. And special thanks to Allison for inviting me back to my old stomping grounds.
Speaking of changes, it’s been well over a year since I was a regular at MSW and much has changed for me, too. For one thing, no one dies in my books anymore. (Well, not by anyone else’s hand, at least.) Writing contemporary romance has been a terrific move for me professionally (the first one hit the New York Times list!) and has been a lovely palate cleanser for me creatively.
Change is a funny thing, isn’t it? There are changes we love, changes we dread, changes we want to make but can’t, and those we will never ever make. Sometimes, I feel like a bit of a “change addict” — longing to move furniture, paint rooms, start the next book, flip the calendar, and switch to a different handbag. Certain changes make me absolutely joyous (all new makeup! better neighbors next door! fresh plants on the patio!) but many changes can be downright intimidating (a new editor for my books, a new girlfriend for my son, a new genre of writing).
Switching from romantic suspense to contemporary romance was all both terrifying and thrilling. Now that my third book is out in the Barefoot Bay series, I’m comfortable saying it was a smart move — but I’ll be honest, not all my readers loved the change. Although I ’ve met a whole new world of fans who like their books emotional and romantic, with no dead bodies or surprise villains, I’m still fending the same question on a daily basis: When is your next romantic suspense?
The short answer is “sometime in the near future.” The long answer is…too long for a blog. I’m not entirely finished with romantic suspense, but I’m devoted to the series I’m writing for now. And I’d love to share those books with someone who has yet to discover the heart-wrenching love stories that take place in Barefoot Bay.
So let’s talk about change and I’ll give away all three books in the series so far — Barefoot in the Sand (A RITA nominee!), Barefoot in the Rain (a National Reader’s Choice nominee!) and Barefoot in the Sun (just released this week!) to one commenter. Three books, three questions:
– What is one big thing you’ve changed in the last year?
– What is one thing you wish you could change in the next year?
– What is one thing you’ll NEVER change?
I’ll start. My answers are: 1) I started attending a new church; 2) I’d like to redecorate my office; 3) I’ll never cut my hair!
How about you? I’ll come back and comment all day — that much certainly hasn’t changed!
Allison Brennan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly three dozen romantic thrillers and mysteries, including the Lucy Kincaid series and the Max Revere series. She lives in Northern California with her husband, five children, and assorted pets.
Hi Roxanne! Has it really been over a year? Sheesh. Times flies.
LOL, this post is definitely for me. My mantra this year has been EMBRACE CHANGE (and every once in a while: embrace it before it crushes you).
One big change: We moved from Colorado to Missouri last month. 2) In the next year, I’d like to get closer to publication – either by getting an agent or a contract. 3) I’ll never change who I am inside.
Great seeing you here again, Roxanne. And may you sell a ton of your new books. =o)
B.E.!! Great to “see” you, too. Well over a year – yes time flies. I love your mantra. And I love that you’ll never change who you are. How do you like Missouri? Were you at RT? IT SNOWED IN KANSAS CITY. (And I, of course, had a suitcase full of summer conference clothes.) Thanks for the comment! xo
Hi Rocki!! A year gone already, wow. I’ll answer the last question–I will be forever amazed at the talent and drive of my kids. Oldest daughter is taking AP tests this week in high school.. I wish I could go back and be a quarter of the student she is. I’m amazed at her brains and dedication. Can’t wait to pick up Sun and dive in!!
Catherine — I know what you mean! My son has attacked college and I just marvel at all he’s doing there. I cruised through and didn’t even know about half the extra curric stuff he does. Same with my daughter in high school. She has her first AP test next week — best of luck to you and yours! xo
So glad to see you here Roxanne!
Change is a good thing, sometimes. Though there have been times I have found that God has a sense of humor when you ask him to help change your life.. let’s just say the last time I asked him to do that I got more then I bargined for.
So what have I changed in the last year: eating habits, that is leading to weight loss and hopefully eventually off of insulin.
What would I change in the next year? My relationship status.
What I will never change? What makes me me. And having animals being a major part of my life.
Way to go on the books, I finished Sun last night while on call!
Hey, LInda. I’m praying for you to change that relationship status, too. You’re awesome and you shouldn’t change. The animals of the world need you! But getting healthy is a great change and I fully support that.
Thank you for reading SUN! You’re an awesome fan and friend! xo
So, after I sent Allison my post, I got some incredible news that some of you romantic suspense fans might like! Pocket Books has just reduced the ebook price of my first three books to just $3.99. Some “classic” standalone romantic suspense is finally available for Nooks and Kindles at a reasonable price! TROPICAL GETAWAY, FRENCH TWIST and KILLER CURVES are priced to sell, so grab them while you can! xo
FANTASTIC news, Rocki! Whoot!
Wow, Rocki! My how time flies. Welcome back, even for a short visit. 😀
One big change: I self-published an urban fantasy series and made PAN doing so, with a new series planned for late summer.
Something I wish I could change: My fear of marketing. Ugh. I need an assistant.
One think I’ll never change: My imagination–even as warped as it is. 😉
My dearest Silver! So happy your self-pubbing venture is a huge success. And very excited about your new series! I don’t fear marketing, but I kind of hate it. And an assistant would be GREAT. Love your imagination! And you! xo
One big change: I left my day job one year ago this month. I don’t miss it one bit.
I wish would change: I wish my husband would work less! We’re working to change that!
I’ll never change: I’m with you on the hair. I like mine long!
Be careful what you wish for, Kendra. My husband retired years ago…and I wish he would work MORE. I am NEVER home alone, LOL. Yay for long hair. I’m going to be one of those old ladies with a gray braid, I just know it. xo
I changed my hairstyle during the last year (growing it longer).
What I wish would change is my tendency to be a packrat. (I am working on it.)
I’ll never change: my values.
Good call on your values, Crystal! I’m the opposite of a packrat — I don’t keep anything. Including receipts, which often comes back to haunt me! xo
ROCKI!!!! So good to see you here! Always great to see your blogs <3
1) Changed in the last year: my hair! I'd been letting it grow for two years, and then bam, haircut!
2) Umm, in the next year? I want to get to grad school 🙂
3) Never change? My loving and kind personality? My stubbordness? My fierce loyalty? You pick 🙂
Why is there a d in stubborness? 🙁 Damn you, iPad!
Love the haircut and grad school. Don’t change your ENTHUSIASM. xo
– What is one big thing you’ve changed in the last year?
*** I started going back to a trainer. Without someone riding my ass, I don’t exercise. Lost 15 pounds in five months — not huge, but steady. And I’m walking (almost) daily.
– What is one thing you wish you could change in the next year?
*** Wish I could be more disciplined about my writing.
– What is one thing you’ll NEVER change?
*** My writing process. It sucks, but whenever I try to change it, I end up screwing up the story and it takes longer to write!
Good girl on the training! 15 lbs in five months is great. Yes, we’ve talked process. Some things should NOT change! xo PS. Thanks for the invite, dear friend!
Whoa, has it really been a full year?? Where’s the time gone?! (Um, lab & thesis writing?)
1) The change hasn’t happened quite yet, but it will by the end of July… I’m leaving the rarefied world of academia! It’s quite a big deal for someone who’s been a career student for 28 years :). [Yes, I was studying even before I started school, haha. No, really, I was multilingual & had learnt to read by following along with the older sister before kindergarten!].
2) Wish I had and actual plan (or, hell, right now I’ll take an idea!) for what to do with my life after graduate school! Right now I feel like I’m going to be that person working at Starbucks with a science Ph.D. from Harvard and living in the parents’ basement. Which wouldn’t be a bad thing if I actually drank coffee… think of all the free drinks I’d have! [Also, the parents don’t actually have a basement. But I hope they’d still let me move back in when I’m unemployed and homeless in a couple of months… I promise it’ll make up for the bi-annual weeklong visits home of the last 6+ years :P]
3) I’ll never change my restless, travel-whoring ways. I’ll travel anywhere, anytime, and with anyone (even alone…. sometimes, especially alone). I just need to find a job that will pay me to be a travel ‘ho…
LOL on travel-whoring ways. Funny! You plan will form, Cris, and good luck with leaving academia! xo
Hi Rozanne!! Loved your post! And congrats on your change. Your books look so fun and I will definitely have to pick them up. They look like great summer reads!
Change? In the last year, I started writing for both HQN and Intrigue.
Like Allison, I wish I could be more disciplined. There is so much I want to do.
Won’t change? It definitely seems to be my hair. It just keeps growing and I hate that society seems to say once you reach a certain age you have to cut it. I think I’m rebelling. It seems I am going to be one of those gray-haired women with long hair.
Hi BJ! We can be long gray-haired women together!! xo
Last year I had back surgery and I haven’t been quite the same since, so this has been a big change for me.
I would like to get back to my old self again
I will never change my hair again. I cut it really short and I don’t think I will ever go back to long again
ROCKI, it’s so good seeing you back here at MSW 🙂 It’s funny you should be talking about change today. I’m in the process of making some major life changes right now. It’s uber scary especially since I don’t do change very well. But, it’s time.
1) I will be moving to some place totally different and working somewhere new for the first time in 13 years. The interviewing process was very strange for me. A totally new arena after being in one place for so long.
2) In the next year, I hope to change my perception of self. It will be a long journey, but I’m committed to being less critical about me and finding all the positives.
3) Something I will never change is my love of reading and books.
That’s it for now. It’s great having you back here, even if it’s just for one day.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Paula! You have some very exciting stuff going on in your life. I’m happy for you. I feel like this is going to be a GREAT change. Never stop reading!! xo
Changed my hair…added Pink!
Need to work out!
Won’t change…my reading! Everyone says I read too much! My husband is the exception…he says if I like to read…go buy another book!
Love your books!
– What is one big thing you’ve changed in the last year?
Got off my procrastinating butt and started working as hard as my muse would allow me on my WIP.
Dyed my hair
– What is one thing you wish you could change in the next year?
To get more in gear with my other stories.
Get a little healthier
– What is one thing you’ll NEVER change?
My openmindedness and inspiration
Good change, Rao. No procrastination — it’s the worst. Thanks and great to “see” you here! xo
My job!!!! Same company but a great new job, with amazing people!
Hit post too soon :-S
New this year? Change my dress size by losing weight!
Never change? I could say my love of God and my family, but both should change and grow. My love of reading will never change!
I figured that, Cari. Love of God is THE biggest change in my life and it has been a glorious one! xo
What is one big thing you’ve changed in the last year? Gained weight
– What is one thing you wish you could change in the next year? Lose weight. Would also like to change jobs.
– What is one thing you’ll NEVER change? My single status (unless Hugh Jackman proposes and then I might be tempted) 😉
This past year I changed our diet, making healthier meals. I want to get our house cleared out and ready to sell in the next couple of years and I don’t know what I wouldn’t change but I would have to go with never having short hair.
Love all these die-hard long haired girls, Maureen! xo
Glad to see you here again! In the last year the major change I made was stepping down from my director position at the hospital and started working a virtual position. What I would like to change in the next year is becoming financially smarter and I would never change me nor my family for anything in the world!
Welcome back, Roxanne.
1. No big changes at all.
2. I’d like to move, my apt. is falling apart and even if they fix the water damage, etc. I don’t want to live there through it.
3. I would never cut my hair shorter than my shoulders again (can we say MANLY?!?), but since you used hair: My employer because I now have 4 weeks vacation and other great benefits that are really hard to find these days.
Thanks, Anne! More long hair girls. Four weeks vacation? I could only dream of that! xo
Lets see…1) moved to the coast(Alabama)
2) Redecorate the house
3) time with family(wished the kids did grow so fast)
🙂 Loving the Barefoot Bay Series!!
Didn’t grow so fast.
Thank you, Misty! You’re right up in Alabama…so close! xo
– What is one big thing you’ve changed in the last year?
Nothing comes to mind except since the end of December i am full time at my job instead of the part time i have been for the past 15 years. BIG adjustment and i am still working on that.
– What is one thing you wish you could change in the next year? My health. Needs to get it much better. Struggling with some things.
– What is one thing you’ll NEVER change? Who i am. No idea how i would even begin to do that. Take me or leave me. At my age i think it’s a done deal by now right?
Lisa B
Glad to see you back and congrats on your new series. I’m happy to see your successful with it but i do of course miss your Romantic Suspense. Cut my RS teeth on your books lol ((HUGS)) I’ll be patiently waiting and enjoying the contemporary books too. It’s all good!
Oh, Lisa B, thank you for that. I know you miss the suspense. I appreciate you sticking with me during this change! xo
Hi, Rocki! Love the Barefoot series! My life has changed dramatically in the last year. We sold our house, are building a new one while living in our motorhome, lost weight by giving up meat, dairy and wheat, and dyed my hair dark! I am working on a website for my new venture, The Gluten Free Grammy, a website where I will share my gluten free experience, coming the end of may. My husband and I now have four grandchildren and we love spending time with them. What will I never change? Spending time with my family and writing, whether it is fiction or non-fiction.
haircut, exercise, family
Hi Rocki. You are adorable and thanks for making me think over the past year.
1. The best thing would be my commitment to serious romance writing. Iove doing this work. I am retired, all my children are adults and so I have quite a fun day with my characters. I am so glad that I crashed
the STAR meeting. I have been writing at least 5 hours a day for the past month. My characters keep talking to me, even keep me awake at night and say “good morning” every day.
2.The coming year is a puzzle.I guess I wish I could renew some old friendships with friends who helped me through some difficult times and with whom I have lost contract.
3. I would never want to change the close relationships I have with my daughters. They are grown into such amazing women.
.
One big thing that was a change, but not necessarily one that I did, was my son and his girlfriend moving out and getting my house back to myself. It’s been nice to have all the say in what goes on in my domain again.
One thing I wish I could change (and I will) is I am going to adopt two cats. I haven’t had any pets for the last two years and I’m ready to have them again – especially with an empty house.
One thing I’ll never change is probably being single. I like not having to answer to anyone or argue with anyone too much! 😀