February 14, 2008
Joanna Wayne Blogs on Her Most Romantic Valentine’s Day
Written by Jaunty Guest in Jaunty Post
Hi, I’m delighted to be asked to blog for Valentine’s Day. I know some people hate the day. I love it for several reasons. The main one is that romance gets a lot of hype on and around February 14. I like people talking about romance and hopefully buying romance novels. I have one out this month. It’s POINT BLANK PROTECTOR, the third book in my Colts Run Cross Series. So join in today’s discussion and two readers who comment will be randomly selected to receive copies of the book.
I’m always open to questions about writing for Harlequin Intrigue, so feel free to ask about that. And since my current series is about a large Texas family with four very sexy brothers, I’d also love to talk about how you feel about writing or reading family sagas, especially those that come as a series.
And lastly, what do you like – or dislike – about Valentine’s Day. My most romantic Valentine’s surprise was when my husband hired a barbershop quartet to come to my house, sing me a love song and give me a rose. Only problem was that when they got there I was busy writing.
I looked out the window, saw four men in bright red sports jackets and decided they were either selling something or part of some strange religious cult. I think they saw me when I peeked. Nonetheless, I went right back to my writing and didn’t go to the door in spite of the fact that they kept ringing the doorbell. Finally the phone rang and when I answered it, it was the quartet telling me they were supposed to sing to me and would I please let them in.
Where was my husband during this romantic moment you might ask? On the golf course. Oh, well, it was still romantic.
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Shana Says:
Oh! That is romantic, Joanna! Thanks so much for blogging with us today. I love reading family sagas. Do you find keeping all the plots and storylines straight a challenge? What do you like about them?
As far as my most romantic moment, it has to be my marriage proposal. Rose petals, a wonderful card, my husband down on one knee…
Theresa N Says:
He hired a quartet to sing to you!!
Wow! That is romantic. I’ve always greatfull my husband remebers Valentine’s day, which he always does. The best Valentine’s Day was when my daughter was born!!
Robyn DeHart Says:
Thanks for joining us today, Joanna. And what a great story. The Professor would never hire anyone to sing for me, but that’s only because he’s a classically trained singer and he can sing for me himself. And in Italian. *sigh* But I’d have to agree with Shana and say my most romantic moment was definitely my marriage proposal. It still gives me tingles when I think about it.
Kathryn Says:
That’s too funny… and pretty romantic too!
I dislike the hype and pressure around Valentine’s Day. I think it’s nice to celebrate romance, but you can celebrate it year round too!
Serenissima Says:
Hi Joanna and all on this board,
Joanna, you got four men singing just for you…? Fantastic surprise.
I really love to read about family sagas. Usually the previous heroines and heros “visit” the new books, so that is like meeting old friends again. If they are in the plot of the new book, I´ll like it even better.
Crystal B. Says:
How romantic.
I love all the red and pink decorations for Valentine’s Day.
I am a big fan of family sagas/series. I like to read the stories of different family members. If there is a sibling who doesn’t have a story, I am always wondering about his or her story. Your series sounds awesome. I love the cover of Point Blank Protector.
Joanna Wayne Says:
Marriage proposals are always romantic. Don’t you love men on their knees?
In my family sagas, I put the whole family in every book but the hero and heroine take center stage. I’m writing a Christmas book for the Colts Run Cross series now. It’s very suspenseful and full of angst but with lots of tender moments as well - and of course a very happy ending. This one is the oldest daughter’s story. I got into this when I wrote Family Ties. The hero had four brothers and we got so many requests to know their stories that I did a series with an overarcing mystery. This is similar. We planned a four-book sereis for the brothers, but readers want more. So, of course, I willingly give it to them.
Maureen Says:
What a nice story. We do celebrate but nothing big. I don’t like spending a lot of money on the day but we always give small gifts.
I like family sagas. The only problem is when I start reading in the middle of a series and I don’t know what’s going on. If each book can stand alone and you don’t need to read the previous ones then that works best for me.
Margo Maguire Says:
Hi Joanna ~ Thanks for telling us about your hubby’s romantic Valentine’s Day gesture!
My husband always comes up with a card and flowers, but it’s the day-to-day stuff that matters more to me. Like today - he took a couple hours off work to take me to the eye doctor. There was a chance one of my eyes would be bandaged at the end of the visit and he didn’t want me having to take a cab, or worse - trying to drive.
Amy Says:
Hello Joanna, Thanks for stopping by. My husband doesn’t have any romance in his soul
, so I’m not even going to ge into that. However, I do LOVE family sagas. I adore that you put all of the family into each book, but put the main characters center stage. I’m from Nebraska, so your series right now is right up my alley… 
LOL…Being able to get into a book and feel as though you know the characters as a family and wanting to know how all their lives play out is something every reader hopes for. That must be something that a writer finds hard to do? Have you had any trouble keeping everyone together? I am a reader not a writer, so speak slowly 
*G*
Amy
Christie Craig Says:
Joanna,
Great post. I love Valentine’s Day. Last night I got a dozen red roses from my hubby. He can still make my heart go sigh.
I can’t wait to read your book.
Have a great Valentine’s day.
Christie Craig
Helen Says:
What a lovely gift a lot of thought went into that I get the usual presents on Valentines day flowers chocolates cards this year I got a new mobile phone.My Hubby and I never forget this day and always do something for each other.
I love family saga’s especially about brothers I have read lots of series books about families and friends and I love to keep up with all of them in the continuing books.
Thanks for the great blog
Happy Valentines Day evertone
Have Fun
Helen
Joanna Wayne Says:
Believe me, I know about unromantic husbands - which is what made the quartet such a surpise/shock. But a nice one. Today I got a bouquet of roses from the grocery store and a nice card. And he’s taking me to dinner tonight. That works!
Speaking of the continuing family sagas, I always make each book so that it will stand alone, but I sometimes have overarcing mysteries as well. To keep up with everyone I write what Harlequin call a bible that includes all the continuing characters and their descriptions as well as their personalities. I also include descriptions of the ranch, house and the town. By the time I’m to the 3rd book, I know the characters so well, I seldom have to go back to my notes. They’re more than old friends. They’re family!
Taryn Raye Says:
I love Valentine’s Day. Last year my hubby surprised me with one of those musical cards that plays one of my all time favorites songs- My First, My Last, My Everything by Barry White. It had me in tears!
This year my hubby asked what I wanted and I didn’t really know so I started searching amazon for something. I found what I wanted and he told me to order it. Little Women with June Allyson and the soundtrack to Music and Lyrics.
I love series/sagas. (I think that goes back to my teens when I discovered V.C. Andrews sagas.)
I’m unpublished, but I’m attempting a series myself at the moment. I’m working on the first of four about sisters.
catslady Says:
I’m guessing those that get wined and dined during holidays are going to enjoy it a lot more
Mine’s a kind of hit and miss guy (he’s home with the flu today) but it keeps me surprised when he does come up with something. I do prefer the heartfelt surprises over him doing something because he felt he had too. I think the quartet was a great surprise!
Teresa W. Says:
I don’t really need a gift on this day just want to spend it with that special someone at home while watching a great romantic movie!
Joanna Wayne Says:
Yes! Don’t even get me started on romantic movies. I love them! I watch them over -and over - and over.
I agree that it’s those real surprises from the heart that matter the most. And those times they say I love you for no real reason. Or take care os us when we’re sick. Mine’s romantic only on rare occasions, but I always know he’ll be there for me. and that’s romantic enough for me.
Gosh it was fun chatting to all of you today. Maybe I’ll get invited back again.
Jane Says:
Hi Joanna,
I loved “Alligator Moon” and its tortured hero. Will you be writing more books set in the Bayou?
Rainy Says:
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Could any day be more perfect for romance writers/readers?
In our early years, my husband gave me the flowers and cards,but years down the road he said that he didn’t agree with “Hallmark” telling him he was less of a lover because he didn’t get a card for his wife. So he said he would give me flowers or whatever when unexpected. That works for me. This year he actually gave me a card and I just about fell over.
I love family sagas because when I’ve invested some time in one particular family, I love to see how they all do down the road. You’ve got past, present and future.