I find every aspect of the writing process challenging—but I love a challenge, so that’s what makes this profession so exciting and endlessly interesting and enjoyable. But I have to say that the hardest part of writing a book is the planning and execution of the entire first draft. It all begins with an idea, which sometimes is inspired by something I’ve read or seen, but often comes after months of determined brainstorming in search of the right idea. After a bit of initial research I scribble notes expounding on the concept, jotting down possible characters and story directions. I put the idea aside for a while, and if it still intrigues me weeks or months (or years) later, I do further research and write a detailed story outline. At the outline stage it’s a huge challenge to develop the elements that I feel are essential to any good book: the theme of the novel and the main characters’ arcs. It’s vital to me that the hero and heroine each begin with a problem, a need, a goal, and an inner wound of some kind; that the story takes them on a journey which forces them to confront and overcome…

It shouldn’t even be a question. But for me, as I’m sure it is for many whose minds are inundated with stories begging to be told, I often asked myself the very same thing. Do I do it? Do I simply go for it? And the most pressing one: When? Let me back up a little, and start from the beginning-that pivotal moment when I realized maybe I had a talent, a knack for prose. No, not trying to sound cocky, but I do believe each of us has a gift or talent that should be shared in some way. I just managed to peg mine early, first grade to be exact. That was my moment in time when I knew no spelling bee, no grammar test, and no essay would send my mind a-whirling and my a-stomach churning. Research papers beware! English was always my best subject, and my first grade teacher recognized this, setting me aside and letting me write stories while the rest of the class labored away at other subjects like math(I’m sure this is why I still use my fingers to count). And even then, the limited capacities of my seven year old mind understood…

July 2012 On Sale: July 2, 2012 320 pages ISBN: 0373837666 EAN: 9780373837663 Kindle: B007UNC40O Paperback / e-Book Add to Wish ListInspirational Fiction Amish Buy at Amazon.com Top Pick by Fresh Fiction Reviewers Dark Crossings by Patricia Davids, Karen Harper, Marta Perry The Covered Bridge by Karen Harper When Benjamin Kline returns to the fold after eight years, Abigail Baughman welcomes him with an open heart. But all is not well in their Amish village. Mysterious happenings put Abby in harm’s way, forcing Ben to run to her rescue. He’s vowed never to let anyone hurt her, and suddenly everything is at risk—their community, their way of life…and their future together. Fallen in Plain Sight by Marta Perry Childhood friends Sarah Weaver and Jacob Mast see each other in a different light when violence shatters their peaceful society. Now a series of accidents put their faith—and newfound love—to the ultimate test. Outside the Circle by Patricia Davids Isaac Bowman is an outsider, but Lena Troyer makes the widower and his daughter feel like part of the community. So when a deer-poaching ring divides the town, Isaac vows to keep this gentle woman safe from harm…in spite of the danger to…

Hello, everyone! I’m thrilled to be able to reveal the cover for the final title in my upcoming Camelot series with Loveswept: FLIRTING WITH DISASTER. I hope you love it as much as I do! I’ve been really gratified to see each of the covers the Random House design team comes up with for this series — all of them sexy and intimate, but with that spirit of fun that infuses all three of these stories. The Camelot series consists of a hundred-page novella and two full-length novels set in the Midwestern college town of Camelot, Ohio. It revolves around the three Clark siblings — Amber, Caleb, and Katie — and contains a number of hot security guys, extended-family shenanigans, banter, angst, and of course the occasional steamy scene, just to keep things interesting. Here’s a handy cheat sheet so you can keep the stories straight: I’m looking forward to sharing these books with romance lovers everywhere. Happy reading! XOXO, Ruthie Along Came Trouble – Description and Excerpt on Ruthie’s Website | Preorder from Amazon | Preorder from Barnes & Noble | Preorder from iTunes | Add to Goodreads Flirting with Disaster – On Ruthie’s Website | Preorder from Amazon…

Last year, after writing thirty-four historical novels and novellas, I finished my first book for Harlequin Desire.  I was sweating bullets all the way.  The book, IN HIS BROTHER’S PLACE is a brand new release this month.  And my respect for authors who write contemporaries has grown by giant leaps. Let me explain.  Yes, historicals take a lot of research.  The Westerns I write are easier than most because the Wild West is bred into my bones.  The Mountain West is home to me.  I grew up on my grandparents’ stories of what it was like to be a pioneer, a settler, a cowboy.  I wouldn’t think of trying, say, a Regency, which involves a feel for England and enough historic minutiae to fill a shelf full of encyclopedias.  But the West just flows for me.  And when I get to a blank spot in my story, I can always throw in a gunfight, a prairie fire, an Indian attack or a rhapsodic description of a desert sunrise. A series contemporary, on the other hand…What can I say?  A story for a line like Harlequin Desire is bare bones plot—a hero, a heroine, a compelling situation and some (lots of)…

July 2012 On Sale: June 26, 2012 Featuring: Will Thwaite; Evelyn Oliver; Meg Barrett 400 pages ISBN: 0778313654 EAN: 9780778313656 Kindle: B0080GUZDS Paperback / e-Book $15.99 Add to Wish List  Romance Suspense Buy at Amazon.com Top Pick by Fresh Fiction Reviewers One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf On a bitter March day, as a sudden snowstorm envelops the small town of Broken Branch, Iowa, an unknown man with a gun enters the town’s only school and takes a classroom of children hostage. As awareness of the situation spreads, the panicked community is ready to do anything to protect their children, but can only watch and wait. As a teacher with a long career behind her, Evelyn Oliver is ready to enjoy retirement with her loving husband. But now, faced with a crazy man armed with a gun, terrorizing her classroom, she’d rather die than fail to protect any of her students. But why is he doing this? Evelyn’s been scouring her mind but doesn’t recognize the intruder. Maybe one of the students is the key? Holly Thwaite left Broken Branch and her family behind without a word eighteen years ago, vowing never to return. But after a debilitating accident leaves…

Okay, perhaps there’s still a little too much holiday nog in my system making me feel warm and fuzzy as I type this, but I’m about to lay a true confession on you: I’m truly, madly, deeply in love with artist who designs my book covers. Not, you know, that way, I’m talking a spiritual appreciation here people. As renowned cover designer Chip Kidd says, a cover artist’s job is to ask “What do the stories look like?” This is a big flipping deal for an author, because the way a cover artist answers this question can and does affect a reader’s desire to pick up a book. I’ve been known to grab a book for the cover alone, so I know first-hand that this importance. As an author, you must have love and respect for the person who does that job for you and does it well. Equally important for me, during the writing of a book, is how does the story feel? Every writer has a different process, but for me the way a romance feels comes in part with the music that helps act as a sort of invisible score. A backdrop that infuses the scenes with…

Best Genre Fiction of 2012 With the advent of 2013 the reviewers at Fresh Fiction were asked to make a list of our favorite 2012 books.  As a group we reviewed approximately 2,000 books making choosing a top 10 a huge challenge.  We love our books and get pretty attached. So after much arm wrestling, hair pulling, and attempts at bribery, we’ve settled on letting our reviewers have their own top 5. So, here are some of our reviewers’ selections for the best genre fiction of 2012. Jessica Dunn # of books reviewed 2012- 61 Genres: Romance (Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Erotica), YA For someone who averages a book a day, I found it extremely difficult to narrow down my top pics. I have favorite authors whose series I have followed over many years but then I began reviewing for Fresh Fiction six months ago. As a result, I expanded my genres and tried new authors. As a result I found authors like Lori Wild and Sarah MacLean whose books had characters I was invested in.  For a book to become a favorite I need to be drawn in, feel where the character is coming from, and be taken along their…

Dragon Kin #6 September 2012 On Sale: September 4, 2012 Featuring: Eibhear 352 pages ISBN: 1420108905 EAN: 9781420108903 Kindle: B007V5AW64 Paperback / e-Book $7.99 Add to Wish List Romance ParanormalBuy at Amazon.com Best Books of 2012 by Fresh Fiction Reviewers How To Drive A Dragon Crazy by G. A. Aiken She’s his firestarter Some things never go away, like vile enemies, bad ale, and annoying kin. But I thought I was finished with the one dragon I’d have done anything for: Eibhear the Blue, a big, gorgeous, blue haired beast who thinks the world belongs to him. The world and, apparently, me. So if Eibhear wants to play the caring hero and travel into the most forsaken of Gods forsaken lands to protect the one woman who doesn’t need it namely me I’ll let him. Because while I’m trying to fulfill a ridiculous quest for a pushy god, I’m going to draw this overconfident warlord much too close, rekindle his fires, and enjoy every minute of his delicious defeat… Adventure, Excitement, Aiken’s Readers DO Crave These Things and Book Six in the Series Delivers! Taming a dragon is not for the feint-of-heart… Previous Picks

In the past, New Year’s Eve was always bittersweet. I spent Christmas with my adoptive family before returning to my lonely condominium in Toronto. By the time New Year’s Eve arrived, I’d be itching for human contact. So I’d do what I always did when I craved a connection. I’d walk to Lobby, my favourite club. On New Year’s Eve it was difficult to get in. But on this particular evening, as on most nights since I became a club VIP, I was welcomed by the bouncer, who directed me to skirt the long line and enter the building. I approached the bar and ordered my favourite drink – a double shot of Laphroaig, neat, with a side of spring water. Within five minutes, I was sitting on a banquette near the wall, sipping Scotch and scanning the room. My criteria for female companionship were simple. I preferred tall, leggy blondes but would occasional approach a red head or a brunette. I liked women who were attractive, confident, and intelligent. I avoided those whose mannerisms hinted at self-esteem issues or overt aggression. I also steered clear of women who arrived at Lobby in packs, since I found it tiresome to…