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I’m so excited! I got to start a new book today! What a fun, scary process that is. To open up a brand new, blank page, and type in a killer title, and then just let your imagination run wild, inventing all sorts of interesting characters and sizzling situations and—
::sound of a needle scratching across a vinyl record::
Uh...right. Who am I kidding? Let your imagination run wild? Not exactly. Well, not yet, anyway.
I sincerely wish it were that easy! But I am one of those writers who needs to plan a story out in advance. Not in a lot of detail, mind you, but enough to know where I’m going. Maybe a sentence or two about each chapter—the main plot points. And a log line (sort of a TV Guide blurb with specific ingredients that tell you if you’ve actually got a story or just a big yawn). Oh, yeah, and a little chart with each character’s goal and conflict graphed out so when they start digging in their heels and yelling at each other I’ll know why. That always helps.
Okay, it usually helps. Sometimes my characters keep secrets from me. Like the time my hero neglected to tell me until halfway through the book that he was still married. HEL-LO?!? 
Did no one tell you this was a romance? Anyway, that one worked out okay. Eventually. (After a stern lecture from me... Yeah, like he actually listened. Ha.) Cole from Warrior’s Bride, in case anyone wanted to know.
Say, speaking of brides... My upcoming July Silhouette Romantic Suspense, book 4 of the LOVE IN 60 SECONDS series (that starts this month!), PRINCE CHARMING FOR 1 NIGHT, is all about a very unique kind of bride. A fake bride. Yes, dear reader, my heroine plays a very naughty bride in a...well, not to put too fine a point on it...a Las Vegas gentlemen’s club. 
:: More scratching on vinyl::
Ex-cuse me?
Okay, once again. Dude! Did no one tell me this was a romance?
Yes! They did! Can you believe it—-it was actually my editor’s idea to make my heroine an exotic dancer. But you know what? Secretly? I think she really meant a showgirl. LOL!!! But, hey, you tell Nina Bruhns to make her heroine an exotic dancer and you’ve got to know what’ll happen! My hero was pretty darn excited, let me tell you. 
His family? Not so much. The Las Vegas Rothchilds are a pretty snooty bunch. Did you read the description of them in Marie Ferrarella’s launch book of the LOVE IN 60 SECONDS series, The Heiress’s 2-Week Affair? Absolutely priceless! Of course, my guy, Conner Rothchild, is not one of those Rothchilds. He’s from the other branch of the family—the poor branch. They’re only billionaires, not super-gazillion-jillionaires like his stodgy Uncle Harold and murdered cousin Candace. Yeah, okay, so he’s playboy. And a lawyer. (My editor did not make it easy in me!) Sure, but with a heart of gold. Uh-huh. Still. Have I mentioned the man is hot as the Mojave desert in summer?
So what exactly is this sexy paragon doing at a strip joint? Ah! Well, you’ll just have to wait until July to find out his secret!
Hint: read the first three books in this fab series filled with murder, mayhem, and ancient curses in a sizzling Las Vegas setting. But be sure to have a cold drink and a fan on hand.
Meanwhile, back at the keyboard... If PRINCE CHARMING FOR 1 NIGHT is already finished and at the printers... What, you ask, is the book I’m starting on today?
Hmmm. Weelllllll, maybe I’ll tell you next time. But for now, that’ll be my secret. 
Have a great week!!!
Nina
NinaBruhns.com
Shoot To Thrill, Aug 09
If Looks Could Chill, Dec 09
Vegas
We enjoy going to Vegas so I plan on reading this series to see what I have missed! One of my favorite stops is the Bellagio flower display and another is Ethel M's cactus garden at Christmas (Ethel M's any time for the free chocolate!)
New books
Hi Nina-
I started a new book last week too! So fun! I actually love the first chapters of a new book, discovering things about my characters, the excitement of those suspenseful opening scenes. They can be the toughest to write too, because of all you have to squeeze in (setting the scene, backstory, character description that doesn't slow the pace and so forth). I tend to take several days to go back and layer things into the opening chapters or two.
The new LOVE IN 60 SECONDS series sounds great! I love the challenges your editor gave you with your characters! But I know you (creator of the sexiest undead pirates around!) did a great job with it!
Happy Monday!
Beth Cornelison
Beth Cornelison- www.bethcornelison.com
THE CHRISTMAS STRANGER-Silhouette Romantic Suspense- October 2009
BLACKOUT AT CHRISTMAS-SRS- November 2009
new series
Nina - I read the first book in the series over the weekend (The Heiress's 2-Week Affair), and it's great. I laughed out loud about Rebecca Lynn (trophy wife) and her bratty kid. And I must confess that I also wasn't sad to see Candace meet her demise. Now I can't wait to read the other books in the series!!!!
THE ROYAL AFFAIR - March 2010 SRS
MELTDOWN - May 2010 SRS
www.gailbarrett.com
What happens in Vegas...
Oh, Nina, an exotic dancer? Sounds GREAT! I had so much fun writing my Vegas book (Heat of the Moment)! Vegas is just one of those towns where anything can -- and usually does -- happen. Rife with naughty possibilities. One of my SWAT heroes dressed up like Dorothy for a Vegas Wizard of Oz Review. Complete with combat boots. Apparently, Ruby Slippers don't come in size 14.
.
I'm just starting a new series of books, too (not under contract yet, but hoping, hoping hoping!) I find the process fun, but frustrating. I want to go fast and until I get to know my characters, the writing takes way longer than I'd like. One of my heroes has a BIG SECRET too, but fortunately, he didn't take too long to share it with me. Like you, tho, my response was..."Uh....pal...what are you talking about? This is a romance!"
.
The unexpected while I'm writing...that's what makes it such a blast. When my hero, heroine or villain says or does something, and I do a double-take and go...WHAT? Where did THAT come from? Makes all the other frustrating moments worthwhile.
.
Diana Duncan
LETHAL ATTRACTION ~ 2009 RITA Finalist
FULL EXPOSURE ~ 2009 Romantic Times Book of the Year Finalist
http://www.dianaduncan.com
writedianaduncan@msn.com
Just a Hi
Hi Nina!
I have enjoyed meeting you over at Dangerous Women this weekend :)! I can't wait to Prince Charming for 1 Night comes out it looks like such a wonderful read - so does all of your works I haven't gotten to read yet :)!!
I also liked your research method and approach when fiing new story ideas and plots!
Chat again soon - have a great week :) !
Pam S
LOL!
Yeah, Gail, after reading Marie's description of Candace, I was surprised she wasn't murdered sooner!
Sounds like several of us are starting new books this week. How cool is that? How do you other SRS authors start a book? Do you need to outline or write a synopsis? What comes first, the story or the characters?
Nina
NinaBruhns.com
Shoot To Thrill, Aug 09
If Looks Could Chill, Dec 09
starting new
Hey Nina! Can't wait to read the new series it sounds like fun. Just love Vegas-it's so over the top. I always have such a blast when I go.
I'm trying to write a synopsis for a new series this week myself. I HATE writing synopsis. I want to do like you do with the characters, the setting and a few plot points -- and go! But the editors insist. Grumble grumble. Guess I'll go stand in the shower and write dialogue from my heroine's POV so I can get a better feel for what she's going through.
Good luck with your new book!
Linda Conrad
www.LindaConrad.com, www.myspace.com/lindaconrad
SAFE BY HIS SIDE - SRS March 09
IN SAFE HANDS - SRS April 09 RT TOP PICK!
Re: Gambling on Love?
Hey Nina!
Popping over to greet you from the Dangerous Women party (that never ends...even on Monday morning! Woot!)
I was just reading all about your Prince Charming for 1 Night book and love the premise. I recently wrote a novella set in an Atlantic City casino. What is it about these gambling hot spots that brings out the romance and love stories? Why do you think our minds tend to match up the two?
I think it has something to do with the risk we take when we give our heart to someone else in the big gamble of love. What do you think?
Hugs,
Kerri
Kerri Nelson
Romance with Twice the Spice
www.kerrinelson.com
Hi Nina... Comments and Questions..
Hi Nina!! I know as a reader I jump into the story and gets me right going and the more I learn from authors like you, the more I realize how much you do to put this book together! I'm so not a writer. I struggle with writing a paragraph! I like hearing how you come to writing a few notes for each chapter to know what you are working with. I heard too some just write at the seat of their pants.
How did you all work together to put this series together? Did you have some communication going with each other to do this? I always wondered how that worked with a variety of authors doing a series!
Great to chat with you on the Dangerous Woman chat too!
Caffey
Hey dangerous ladies!
Hi Pam, Kerri, Caffey and KCE (Karin, is that you?)!!! Thanks for jumping over from the Dangerous Women loop to check us out! SRS books and authors are the best!
Not that I'm biased, or anything... 
Since all you guys are such great fans, I'm going to make a royal decree that ALL of you win a book! Congrats, ladies! Just send me your choice and your snail mail (NinaBruhns@aol.com).
Nina
NinaBruhns.com
Shoot To Thrill, Aug 09
If Looks Could Chill, Dec 09
working on continuities
Hi Caffey,
As you can imagine, it's really fun to work on a multi-author series, or continuity as we call them. And it can also be a lot of work and/or frustration, depending on the individual authors. Luckily, all the SRS authors I've been with on the various continuities I've done have all been fabulous to work with.
What happens (usually) is that an editor or a group of eds will come up with an idea for a great series, and then ask various authors if they'd like to participate -- trying to fit the stories with the right authors. The eds come up with what's called a 'bible' which contains the basic premise of the series, the series characters, and an outline of the action that carries over throughout the series. Each of the authors gets a copy, along with the general gist of what's supposed to happen in her individual book. From there, the authors take over, and each one comes up with a story that fits the characters as well as the continuing action of the series.
Usually the authors will set up an email loop together and discuss the series arc, and any details that carry over from book to book, including what clues and developments happen in each story. The loop usually stays active until long after the series actually comes out. In fact, I am still on three or four loops with authors from past continuities. Some of us get along so well we decide to continue the series into a second or even a third round of books. That happened, for instance, with the authors in the CAPTURING THE CROWN series. We went on to come up with our own spin-off continuity, MISSION: IMPASSIONED. We're even talking of a third series set in Australia, but haven't actually gotten it togehter yet. Hopefully one day soon!
So, do any of you other SRS authors have a fun continuity anecdote to tell about?
Nina
NinaBruhns.com
Shoot To Thrill, Aug 09
If Looks Could Chill, Dec 09
new book
Like Linda, I hate writing a synopsis, too. When I start a book, sometimes the story comes first and sometimes it’s a character (or two). That's when the fun begins!
The new continuity sounds like a blast!
Deb
~ Deb
www.debracowan.net
Nina,
The heroine being an exotic dancer and a hero as hot as the Mojave ... sounds very intriguing! Sounds like something I'm going to have to read!
Adopt a shelter pet. Save a life; gain a best friend for life.
View my DD's very public video acting debut at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E-v05kMucw.
July 2009 Member of the Month
Hi, Nina!!
Hi, Nina!! I can't wait to start the Love in 60 Seconds series....ordered Marie Ferrarella's book today!!
And OMG, I cannot even imagine sitting down and staring at a blank page and trying to come up with something exciting, interesting, and vivid enough that I'D want to read it, let alone anyone else, lol. So glad you authors excel at that, because I love to read!!
Melissa
Mimmi862@aol.com
http://www.myspace.com/mimmissanctuary