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!

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

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