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My BooksWhat do I write? I call my novels literary romance, meaning they have the elements of traditional literary/mainstream literature with explorations of social/cultural aspects, psychological facets, and deep characterization, plus strong romantic elements.
It's reality fiction. You'll know my main characters inside-out and feel like you could run into them on the streets of your own town. It's also romance with emphasis on a relationship between at least one couple, the development and obstruction of the romance, and an upbeat denouement. It's not stuffy and it's not fluff. I have no objection to either kind of fiction, but it's not what I do. It's also non-erotic, written for adults, but safe for most young adults. It's classic romance with a strong literary edge ... or it's mainstream fiction with strong romantic elements. Check it out and let me know which way you would define it!My short stories tend to be straight mainstream fiction, possibly with a touch of a romantic element but less so, sometimes with no romance. Why? I have no idea. That's how they come out. You can find free stories on my Smashwords page. You may want to bookmark it, since I'll be adding to it as I go. Or subscribe to my Blog to find all the most current news, as well as my ramblings about the arts, writing, and societal issues.
To download a free chapbook that includes the beginnings of each of my novels to date, click HERE. This is a 35+ page pdf file. If you need the free Adobe Reader, download it from Adobe.com.
Click on the cover or title to go to each book's site.
Jenna Rhodes escaped her mother's idea of a successful, elite life with an early marriage to an unknown artist, but her husband's eventual success has catapulted her into the midst of another world in which she feels she doesn't belong. Now, in her early twenties, she finds herself alone with a young baby and fighting against her overwhelming artistic desires. With memories of the past and the rekindling of an old friendship, Jenna struggles to find her own world. Rejecting her impulses becomes impossible, though, when a handsome magnetic force begins to pull at her spirit. (2003) Susie Brooks is a nineteen-year-old dance teacher whose main stability through an uncertain childhood was her best friend, Evan Scott, a guitarist with a flair for the business world. Evan’s other best friend is Duncan O’Neil, also a guitarist, but with a flair for attracting women’s attention while hiding his past. When Duncan moves into Evan’s world, he changes the dynamics not only within the band, but within Susie and Evan’s relationship. The three friends find themselves struggling with love, loss, and secret passions during the turbulent Seventies. (2006)
With rising fame comes rising tensions and decisions that build relationships or destroy them.
Susie, Duncan, and Evan lead Raucous through the music world jungle heading toward the top. Along the way, family secrets are revealed and new additions come along, and the friends must redefine themselves within their new roles. While making sacrifices and reconsidering relationships, they’ll have to choose between clinging to their current worlds and letting go to explore new possibilities. (2008)
"Riveting" Ryan Reynauld is immersed in a world of music, parties, and temporary companionship. Having risen to the top of the pop charts, his biggest concern is objecting to the way his music is produced. That is, until he finds a young woman standing on a window ledge. Against the advice of family and friends, and through media attacks and fan protests, Ryan determines to care for her himself, making a promise that threatens to destroy his career.
Convincing the skittish girl she can learn to trust again comes with a steep price. Sometimes the path to recovery begins by allowing your world to implode. (2009)Abraham Luchner pulls up roots from his Snake River Valley home in support of the war effort. Joined by his friend Cameron Terry, an impulsive adventure seeker, Abe determines to sever ties at home in order to minimize distractions.
Maura Laerty has been claimed as Cameron's betrothed in the eyes of the community. Determined not to become a war widow or caregiver of one more soul who needs her ongoing assistance, she refuses his proposal, at least until he returns. Despite her efforts, Maura soon finds herself saddled with responsibilities that tax her resolve and turn the townspeople away. (2010)Several years ago, I wrote a story for my children, nieces, and nephews, illustrated it, and bound it as Christmas gifts.
I decided to share it further after Mom turned my illustrations into a beautiful Stanley quilt. This full color little book tells of a raindrop that always finds the hardest places to land. Inspired by a scene from Rehearsal: A Different Drummer, Stanley is available in print and download with both my own illustrations plus photos of the quilt.
