The HEA Cafe

Archive for the ‘Chit Chat’ Category

Lyn Cote here-In the manuscript I just turned in, I have two golden tabby kittens that my heroine and her two little nieces adopt.
I need names for them. Will you help me?

These are all photos of the type of kittens. I always call these golden tabby. Maybe that’s not their correct name but it will serve my purposes.

So what should I name them??? Please leave your suggestions through Sunday, the 12th.

I need to let my editor know no later than September 13th.
The person who comes up with the winning names for the orphaned, adopted kittens will receive a copy of my latest Love Inspired Romance, Shelter of Hope.

The book that these kittens are in is titled, DADDY IN THE MAKING and will be released in April 2011. I know it’s hard to remember but I’m always writing a year ahead.

Here are the directions to join the fun & perhaps win a signed copy of Shelter of Hope.

Drop by my blog http://strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com/2010/09/name-kitties.html
and leave a comment with your name suggestions & your email written like this l(dot)cote(at)juno(dot)com. Deadline Sunday the 12th!

And there’s a really cute kitten video there too. Join the fun!–Lyn

Perhaps you haven’t heard but Dorchester, a notable romance publisher, has decided this week to end print publication and go to ebooks exclusively.

Today I had a conversation with a twenty-something woman. She didn’t know about much about electronic books and how the industry is changing. I thought that interesting since she is in the younger generation.

I wonder if publishers will themselves begin to push readers into buying ereaders like IPad or Nook or Kindle. That’s something to think about!

If you want to read what a ebook writer has to say about this drop by JA Konrath’s blog. http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2010/08/beginning-of-end.html

The times they are a-changing!

This month, PROOF OF LIFE, Super Agent Series, Book 3, is released in print. CIA Deputy Director Michael Stone is the hero. Some of you will remember Michael from OPERATION SHEBA, the first book in my Super Agent Series. He was involved in a love triangle with counterterrorism expert Julia Torrison and a rogue spy named Conrad Flynn. Conrad won Julia in the end and a lot of readers were upset Michael ended up alone. He’s such an awesome guy (totally based on my hubby) and his UNhappy ending in OPERATION SHEBA left me unhappy, too. I had to give him his own story and a fantastic heroine to match.

Dr. Brigit Kent is Michael’s new love interest in PROOF OF LIFE, Super Agent Series Book 3. She’s also his newest enemy. Writing a heroine who could grab Michael’s attention was challenging. Writing one that could keep him on his toes was extra tough. I was halfway through the first draft before I understood Brigit and all her secrets. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t focus. Her elusiveness drove me crazy, but in the end, it helped me keep Michael guessing about her as well. I had to give in and stop trying to figure her out while I was writing before I could uncover all her secrets. Luckily, it all worked and my editor loved how Brigit kept Michael and the reader guessing about her true identity and her past.

Knowing your characters backwards and forewords typically makes for the best storyline. Especially in a romance, where the characters must grow and change and come together in the end. Once in awhile, though, you get a character who refuses to divulge everything up front. That’s okay. Whether you’re a writer or a reader, give that character a chance. He or she just might surprise you and be the perfect hero or heroine for your story.

Misty Evans loves her heroes tough, her heroines tougher and her stories full of action and fun. Visit her at www.readmistyevans.com and chat with her on Twitter @readmistyevans .

WATERMELON COWBOY

Short Story by Lyn Cote

(Copyright 2010 Lyn Cote)

“Hi, are you a cowboy?” Danny asked.

Sarah stood behind her freckled, about-to-enter-kindergarten son. Affectionately she finger-combed his red curls. On the way home from her new job and Danny’s new daycare, they’d stopped at the roadside produce stand.

“Well…” The tall, good-looking man in denim eased out of his lawn chair, then stood up by the weather-beaten stand. “Do you think a watermelon needs roping?”

“But you got on a cowboy hat.” Danny pointed to the battered straw hat shaped like a Stetson the man wore.

“No, this is my melon hat. Always wear it when I work the melon patch and this stand.”

“Oh.” Danny’s voice showed his disappointment.

Sarah sighed inwardly. She knew all about the kind of disappointment that comes when appearances were deceiving. Her six-year marriage to Danny’s father had been an unfolding story of disillusionment. The only things genuine she’d gotten out of the marriage were debt and Danny.

“What can I get for you, ma’am?” the Watermelon Cowboy asked.

To read the rest, visit

http://strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-gift-to-my-readers-short-story.html

Happy Mother’s Day 2010!

Since the focus of my personal blog is Strong Women, I celebrate with Mother’s Day with an all month special, MEGA May! I celebrate by asking readers to share their own family stories of strong women.

This year only two readers have so far shared their stories. Tuesday was Shirley from Mississippi and later in the month Edna T from South Carolina will pay tribute to their mothers. I have room for more if you have a story about a beloved mother, grandmother or daughter, let me know! You can email them to me at l(dot)cote(at)juno(dot)com

This year three brave men are going to pay tribute to their wives, authors Thom Lemmon, Harry Kraus, and Jeff Gerke. Also authors, Betsy St Amant, Linda Goodnight, Cheryl St John, Ruth Axtell Morren, Sharon Dunn, Stephanie Grace Whitson, Irene Hannon, Marta Perry, and Elizabeth Johnson will be sharing stories.

MEGA May is the only month where I ask authors to donate books for a HUGE once a year prize. Drop by this month and share a story or comment and your name will be entered to win the MEGA May basket of books and goodies.

So don’t miss MEGA MAY!–Lyn