For the most part, I have a dream job.  I spend my workdays creating stories to touch a reader’s heart.  And better yet, I get to do that in the privacy of my own home.

While most people fight rush hour traffic on their way to and from work, I pour myself a second cup of coffee and remain in my jammies or a comfy pair of sweats.
But there are times when writing can be a lonely profession, especially when my family or friends are heading to the mall, the movies, or my favorite restaurant for dinner, and I can’t go with them because I’m struggling to make a deadline.  That’s when my office becomes a dark, dank writing cave.  And I have to admit, it’s not fun to be chained to my desk when I’m struggling with stubborn characters or plot holes.

However, that’s not the case when working on a continuity series, especially the Fortunes of Texas.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with the process, I’ll tell you know how it works.

Suddenly, out of the blue, my agent calls and tells me that I’ve been invited to take part in a new series.  And I’m thrilled.  I’ll even shuffle other deadlines, just so I can take part.

 

Next the continuity bible, a detailed account of the series, arrives via email.  There’s an overview of the series and the continuity plot that begins in book one and builds until the wrap up in book six.   A brief synopsis of each book in the story, is included, including a cast of characters, certain locations, and other details.

Last comes the list of participating authors, their contact information, and their assigned books.   The authors then contact each other and work together to create six solid romances in a successful series.

 

Some authors don’t like the constraints of following the plot details created in the series bible, but I’m not one of them.  I love looking over my story assignment and making those characters my own.  I also enjoy hammering out plot or character issues with the other authors.

 

My most recent participation in a continuity series was the Fortunes of Texas:  Whirlwind Romance.  My book, MENDOZA’S MIRACLE, was the third of six books. 

In book one, FORTUNE’S CINDERELLA by Karen Templeton, a tornado strikes Red Rock and affects the lives of all the characters.  My hero, Javier Mendoza, was critically injured in the tragic event.  And it’s not until book two that his family and friends learn that he’s going to live.

So what happens in my story?

Here’s the back cover blurb:

From the Desk of Leah Roberts

Review of Patient Case

Name: Javier Mendoza

Age: 31

Condition: Injured in Red Rock tornado—still hospitalized. Recovering nicely. Too handsome for a hospital bed. Too sexy for his own good.

Prognosis: Likely to cause racing pulse, sleepless nights and hospital gossip.

Course of treatment: Walk away, STAT!

The Fortunes and the Mendozas had been anxiously awaiting Javier’s recovery. Finally he was on the mend, and no one was happier than his nurse, Leah Roberts. She’d been his rock during the ordeal, but now she was having thoughts that were most unprofessional. She was losing her heart to her flirty, sweet-talking patient.

But did Javier also have a case of true love?

When the Jaunty Quills asked me to blog, I thought it might be fun to discuss continuities, especially the Fortunes of Texas, and their appeal to readers.

So if you have any thoughts, suggestions, or questions, I’d love to hear them.  In fact, I’ll be giving away autographed copies of MENDOZA’S MIRACLE to two lucky commenters.

***************************************************************************************

Be sure to check out all six books in the newest Fortunes of Texas: Whirlwind Romance series

Available now:

FORTUNE’S CINDERELLA – by Karen Templeton

FORTUNE’S VALENTINE BRIDE – by Marie Ferrarella

MENDOZA’S MIRACLE – by Judy Duarte

FORTUNE’S HERO – by Susan Crosby

 

Coming in May and June 2012

FORTUNE’S UNEXPECTED GROOM – by Nancy Robards Thompson

FORTUNE’S PERFECT MATCH – by Allison Leigh