Month: April 2015

Writing in Two Genres

On Saturday, May 2, one of my dearest friends and critique partners (Gayle Callen/Emma Cane/Julia Latham) is going to be talking to my local RWA chapter about writing in two genres. She’s published in historical romance (Gayle), medieval romance (Julia), and small town romance (Emma) by Avon Harper Collins.

All of my critique partners write in two genres. Kris Fletcher writes Women’s Fiction and for Harlequin Super Romance, and Christine Wenger writes romance for Harlequin Special Edition and cozy mysteries for Obsidian (Penguin).

I felt like such a slacker. Then I realized that on Tuesday, May 5–less than one week from now–I, too will be published in two genres: paranormal werewolves with Soul Mate Publishing and contemporary baseball romance with Loose Id.

And what do my two genres have in common? The heroes are men in organized groups (packs & teams). They’re the guys who break away from the stereotypes to find a life beyond the safety of male bonding. This was not conscious on my part, but it’s certainly been a lot of fun.

What’s next? Maybe a baseball playing werewolf!

Et Tu Baseball

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“Baseball lasts as long as it takes. Like life, like love, baseball exists in real time.” Carol Travis

I went to opening day of the local Triple A baseball team last week. Opening day frequently isn’t kind to baseball in my neck of the woods, but not this year. It was a beautiful, sunny day. There were hugs a-plenty as I greeted my baseball family. There were a lot of people in the stands.

Several innings passed before I noticed it. I probably wouldn’t have noticed if someone hadn’t mentioned it.

A clock. A countdown clock.

“Part of the game’s genius is the absence of a running clock, granting us the coveted commodity of time, in which anything can happen before the last out is made.”  Jean Hastings Ardell

The pitcher now has 20 seconds from the time he receives the ball to throwing his pitch.

It seems “people” think the leisurely pace of baseball is out of hand.  It could be TV/radio wanting a fixed block of time; it could be the MTV generation with its lack of focus prompting the change. Regardless, I am appalled.

Baseball is the only North American team sport played without a clock. The game allows its fans to breathe. It’s spiritual, like yoga.

The clock could force its way to the big leagues by next season. That would be a terrible thing.

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The Delta (Reluctant) Hero

(DISCLAIMER: This blog post originally appeared on Cathy McRae’s Bits & Bobs on Feb 11, 2015.)

Fleshing out Stoker Smith, hero of my new release, AND JERICHO BURNED, was a bit of a challenge. You see, he’s a werewolf. And werewolves, as opposed to the general population, are very alpha. Stoker is intimidating, dominating, and confident: all signs of alpha maleness. And yet, he’s not an alpha male. At least, not in his pack. He’s delta. A real middle of the pack kind of guy.

He has no desire to lead anything, mostly because leading would involve thinking and making decisions, and he has many more important things to do than clutter his brain with details other people are more qualified to ponder. Mostly he likes to compose music. He co-writes most of the songs performed by Toke Lobo & The Pack, the country band his pack alpha started. When he meets Lucy Callahan, heroine of the book, even making music takes a backseat to wanting to take her home and start making babies with her. His ultimate bliss is within reach–except for one or two things.

First of all, there’s Lucy. Lucy thinks. She plots and strategizes, and even failure doesn’t stop her from doing it again. Stoker knows he should be flattered when the pack alphas listen to her, because that’s an honor, but he and Lucy are delta. Deltas don’t think. His mate needs to learn that.

Then there’s her sister, Michelle, who is now part of his family. He promised Lucy he’d get Michelle away from that heavily-armed religious cult she joined. The pack alphas don’t want to hear that, so he has to deal with it himself. And while he’s capable, he’d much rather be led.

Except when someone hurts Lucy. Revenge is his and his alone. And that’s what makes it a romance.

Spring!

February of 2015 was the most brutal February on record for the city in which I live. Brutal cold, brutal snow. In the top 5 of the worst winter sites in the nation. Is it any wonder my neighbors, family, and friends are rejoicing in blue skies (when they peek through), sunshine and warmth?

Here are my spring flowers in bloom. I honestly never thought I get to see them due to the snow cover.

APRIL 2015 CROCUSAPRIL 2015 BLUE FLOWERSAPR 2015 CROCII

Next spring, I want a field of daffodils where the backyard pool once stood.

Breaking News . . .

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If you’re one of my newsletter subscribers, this isn’t news. But for followers who don’t receive my newsletter, I have a major announcement.

I sold another book, this time to Loose Id. Summer Fling is one of my contemporary baseball romances. It’s scheduled for a May 5 release. Check it out here.

I am beyond excited about this.

And here’s the cover, by talented artist Mina Carter. Isn’t it gorgeous?MJC_Summer Fling