Sourcebooks Casablanca Romance Authors

The best part about Cinco de Mayo (two days late) by Jade Lee I know it’s not May 5 th , but I’m still celebrating Cinco de Mayo. So guess what’s the best part of about that special day. A. Margaritas! Tequila! What’s not to love? B. Celebrate your Mexican pride! Doesn’t matter if you’ve never been south of the Mason-Dixon line or, as in my case, your ethnicity is Chinese, put on a sombrero and get a drink! C. It’s my birthday!  Isn’t it amazing that the entire country of Mexico celebrates my birth? D. Are you kidding? It’s May. It’s spring. Every day that it doesn’t snow is a miracle. Answer: C   Although I’ll accept any answer because there’s lots to celebrate on May 5 th . Not just cool mixed drinks and the lack of snow. I actually do appreciate any country’s independence day because I’m all for standing on your own two feet and being strong! (Tell me again when adult children STOP getting support from their parents? Oh wait...did I digress...

Just before Thanksgiving, I wrote the two words that every author loves--“The End,” marking the completion of my latest Victorian romance. The first in a projected series, taking place in a different year and a different setting, and featuring a cast of new characters whose dynamics are complicated and contentious even on a good day. As you can guess, it’s been quite a ride, bringing these people to life and giving the lead couple the happy ending they (mostly) deserve! Over the years, I’ve learned that every book I write has something to teach me. The first one, which remains close to my heart, showed me that I could see a project of that scope through to the end. Waltz with a Stranger taught me about perseverance, about getting back in the game even in the face of distractions and disappointments. A Song at Twilight taught me about taking risks and trying new approaches in storytelling--because how else does one grow as a writer? This last one? Taught me about focus ....

It's DONE!!!  By Jade Lee Guess what??? A. Martians have landed in my back yard and they're pooping gold! B. My 3 year old niece has just created the formula for the cure for cancer in crayon! Or was that cancer in crayons? Not nearly as exciting. C. Her dog Molly insists on putting her nose in my suitcase and slobbering on my clothes. D. I turned in the manuscript for my Nov 2015 book on time!  Er...assuming you add 2 months to my deadline. Answer D!  And honestly a month ago the Martians were more likely. As for C, I managed to close the suitcase so poor doggie is foiled! So after this miracle created thru hard work and coffee was emailed to my editor, I celebrated by... A. Dusting my house from top to bottom. B. I took a shower. Believe me, I needed it. C. I went grocery shopping for something other than chips and chocolate. D. I watched a marathon of a new TV show called Get off your Couch, you fat slob. Answer: B...

If you've followed me in the blogosphere, you know that I've had an interesting summer. Mostly it's been... A. Conference, conference, conference. Oh and a racquetball tournament. Why? Were you thinking I did anything different this summer? How's that for a pink shirt? And no, neither player is me. B. My daughter's wedding. Sure it was months ago, but hey...I haven't paid for the pictures yet, so in my mind it's been all I've done all year. C. Massive ADD from hyper-thyroidism. And btw, this blog so far as taken me three days to piece to--squirrel! Laundry! Which project was I on? Oh yeah. Health insurance form... D. Writing! Writing! Writing! Answer: All of the above! Yes, I've done conferences, my daughter's wedding, hyperthyroid ADD, and writing. Because of the ADD, what I wrote wasn't really coherent, but I typed things. I know I did. I was probably brilliant but obviously corrupted by that squirrel I saw. Since I had t...