April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

LuAnn Morgan

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127 comments posted.

Re: Risking Trust (10:58am November 9, 2011):

When you put someone on a pedestal, the only place they have to go is down.

Re: Chosen By Fate (12:14pm October 9, 2011):

You might mention to your brother that I read hundreds of books a year in all different genres, yet I find it difficult to get through a Grisham novel, especially those that deal with courtrooms and the legal justice system. While I admit Grisham is an excellent writer, most of his lawyer books are dry to me.

Re: Jennifer's Garden (9:23pm September 26, 2011):

Sounds like a great (and very real) combination!

Re: Deadly Identity (11:13am December 30, 2010):

My writing is journalism, but I'd someday love to find the time to craft a novel. I was drawn to your post because I grew up in Akron and found it interesting that you taught at the university there!

Re: Paraworld Zero (3:27pm December 21, 2009):

I'm a regular reader of your newsletter, so I know of the fire you talk about. I was always very impressed with the way you and your family handled that situation.

Re: Sounds to Die By (5:48pm December 9, 2009):

Very intriguing trailer! I'd love to read this book myself.

Re: Searching For Pemberley (2:39pm December 3, 2009):

I often talk to myself, too, when I'm writing! My husband is hard of hearing, so he thinks I've been talking to him. I have to tell him that no, I was just talking to myself. Always good for an eye roll or two!

Re: Sex Drive (12:31pm December 2, 2009):

I enjoy some series, as long as they do actually connect. I'm a big fan of Jan Karon's Mitford series and I plan to read more of the Charles Towne Belle series by M.L. Tyndall. I read the first of her series books (The Red Siren) and really liked it.

Re: Over My Dead Body (4:54pm November 27, 2009):

I'm nominating a special friend who is very worried about how she will afford Christmas gifts for her two little boys this year. She is recently divorced and although she is able to cover her housing costs and miscellaneous bills, it's rather tight for extras. The other day, her oldest, who is 9, said to her, "Santa isn't coming to our house this year, is he?"

Re: Willoughby's Return (12:55pm November 12, 2009):

Yes, the clothes were great during that time, but I'm glad we don't have to wear them today! I love my sweats and tank top!

Re: The Perfect Couple (11:09pm August 9, 2009):

I find this all very sad. My book buying habits haven't changed and most of the readers I've talked to still continue to buy books. It's too bad the publishers don't see that.

Re: Bad Moon Rising (11:29am August 7, 2009):

How fun! Looks like a great time!

Re: Nothing But Scandal (11:28am August 7, 2009):

I don't always identify with the heroine. Rather, I often see someone I know within that character. That typically has to do with the personality portrayed and the voice she is given.

Re: Spackled And Spooked (9:32am August 6, 2009):

We've been in the process of fixing up our 100-year-old house for quite some time now. We still have a long way to go. So, this book sounds absolutely just the right read for me!

Re: Babydoll (5:22pm August 4, 2009):

I could never write a book with my spouse. Well... if he started it and wrote the basic premise, then turned it over to me to polish and never looked at it again. Maybe?

Re: Bachelor CEO (2:13pm August 3, 2009):

I've yet to find "what works" for me. Writing seems to be more spur of the moment and I am only able to write as the urge strikes.

Re: Hot Pursuit (6:44pm August 2, 2009):

The economy hasn't changed my book habits at all. I figure I'm worth a new book now and then.

Re: It Happened One Night (9:47pm July 31, 2009):

We were visiting the local wildlife refuge and found a flock (is that what you call them?) of pelicans. They were absolutely wonderful and I thought about them several times over the next few days. Later, we decided to take a trip to the coast and as we followed the river, there were more and more pelicans along the way. By the time we got where we were going, I just couldn't get my mind off those wonderful birds. We stopped at an out-of-the-way antique shop and there was a precious sculpture of two pelican sitting on logs. It was a surprisingly low price and I bought it. Why? This inspired me to create a beach scene with the pelicans as the focus. Now, I'm on the lookout for the perfect base that I can fill with sand to set them in. I will include some shells and other objects and use it as a conversation piece in my living room.

Re: Red, White & Dead (5:02pm July 30, 2009):

What a great series!

Re: Face Time (3:13pm July 28, 2009):

I get along with my mom now, but that wasn't always the case. Our relationship definitely changed for the better after the death of my father.

Re: Seeing Red (12:01pm July 28, 2009):

I grew up in the big city and now live in a very small town. Sometimes, I think there must be a happy median somewhere.

Re: The Diva Takes The Cake (7:17pm July 23, 2009):

I'd love to read this book. I'll have to add it to my list!

Re: Waking Nightmare (10:30am July 22, 2009):

I always thought I'd like to have a little used book store. I could sit behind the counter and read or work on my craft projects. I could sell homemade bookmarks and other related reading items. There could be a corner especially for children so my grandkids could spend some time there with me. And I could have a place for people to form a book club or just sit and visit.

Re: Bending The Rules (5:23pm July 20, 2009):

I tend to hide my feelings most of the time. When I do reveal them, they come out with a vengeance!

Re: Black Hills (1:20pm July 19, 2009):

How fun! And lucky Peaches to get a chance to meet all those wonderful authors!

Re: Swimsuit (11:25am July 17, 2009):

What a wonderful story and great memory! It must be very satisfying to look back at a special time in your life!

Re: Art Of Sensuality (11:59am July 10, 2009):

I'd love to someday have the opportunity to attend a writers conference.

Re: Happiness Key (12:27pm June 30, 2009):

I grew up in Ohio and live in a another part of the country, so I know how different settings can look. Certainly makes for an entirely different feel to a book!

Re: Wild Heart (10:03am June 29, 2009):

Wow! This must have been a really long year for you. Glad to hear it's just about at the end. Congrats.

Re: Redemption (11:26am June 26, 2009):

I imagine it could also be one reason why people don't start the first ... what to follow it with!

Re: The Scot And I (4:24pm June 25, 2009):

Historical fiction is a wonderful genre!

Re: The Best Of Everything (4:48pm June 24, 2009):

We have a joint checking account and I also have my own personal account. Let's just say a previous relationship taught me to keep some of my own!

Re: Seducing an Angel (5:24pm June 23, 2009):

Like they say, you have to love yourself first before you can truly love another!

Re: Queen Takes King (9:47pm June 21, 2009):

They say a picture is worth a thousand words! These truly fit that.

Re: A Thread Of Truth (9:46pm June 21, 2009):

As a proofreader, I get very discouraged when I read a book with lots of errors! I'm glad to find out there are some books that can still be appreciated despite the goofs!

Re: Dial Emmy For Murder (12:39pm June 21, 2009):

I'm curious, though, how did you find your writing partner?

Re: Jump (4:13pm June 18, 2009):

I love a good mystery!

Re: Last Resort: Marriage (11:46am June 17, 2009):

I have just about every book written by Taylor Caldwell. She wrote historical romance, mostly, and several of her novels were made into mini series in the 1970s when that was the vogue. I admit I liked some better than others, but she was a very unique author. The books are don't have of hers are the ones that are out of print, but I'm sure a search of ebay would change that!

Re: From Friend To Father (7:29pm June 15, 2009):

I think you're very lucky you are able to do what you enjoy.
So many people are stuck in dead-end jobs they hate ... maybe that was the man's problem -- jealousy!

Re: The Beautiful Being (10:03pm June 14, 2009):

I, too, feel I've gone through many changes the last couple years. And I don't think it's done!

Re: Undead And Unwelcome (11:19am June 14, 2009):

I'd love to meet David Guterson. He's an author from my own state and several of his writings take place in the area where I live. When I read those books, I can see exactly where he's talking about!

Re: Final Approach (8:46pm June 8, 2009):

I find myself doing many of these things, too, especially staying up way too late (while my husband's head is buried under the blankets to block out the light) and thinking about what I'm going to say when I review the book for my blog or on GoodReads!

Re: The Red Pony (8:34pm June 7, 2009):

By the time I was in the fifth grade, I was reading at college level, so I was in a special class for advanced students. So, with me, reading was the opposite. I missed the classic books girls my age read. At home, I read Nancy Drew with a vengeance. When I went to college, however, some of the books I should have read in grade school became required reading for some of the history courses, such as the Little House books. That's when I finally read the books I missed out on as a child and I so enjoyed them! What wonderful reading and I'm so glad I finally had the opportunity!

Re: How To Seduce A Texan (5:18pm June 4, 2009):

I liked the 20 questions format for your interview! Thanks for sharing.

Re: A Bride For His Convenience (1:10pm June 3, 2009):

This is a sad day indeed for the literary world. A lovely lady and a wonderful author.

Re: The Baby Bond (1:09pm June 3, 2009):

I absolutely love independent book store owners, whether they be new or used books. They have a wonderful love for the written word that is unsurpassed!

Re: Lucky Streak (6:38pm June 2, 2009):

I believe we make our own luck ... unless I'm playing yahtzee with my husband. Then, it's ONLY luck because I swear he cheats!

Re: Lip Service (2:22pm June 1, 2009):

I wish for my grandchildren to live healthy and productive lives. That may seem pretty mundane for a wish, but my first grandson was born premature and has several issues he's dealing with still at age 5.

Re: Believe (1:26pm May 31, 2009):

I also read anything. Every now and then, anthologies are kind of fun and although it's nice if the stories connect to each other, separate themes are appreciated, too.

Re: A Thread Of Truth (1:16pm May 30, 2009):

I've done all these for my children ... and more! Now, my grandkids are expecting it!

Re: Beneath Bone Lake (9:49am May 28, 2009):

Spiders! Of course, I'm allergic to their bites, so I always run the other way when I see them.

Re: Master Of Craving (6:04pm May 27, 2009):

I can always play with my grandkids. That will wear a person out fast!

Re: A Little Light Magic (12:59pm May 27, 2009):

My mother was a middle child and she always felt it affected her life in a big way.

Re: My Forbidden Desire (1:05pm May 25, 2009):

I've heard deer can carry their babies a little longer if it's a late spring. Maybe it's a similar phenomenon?

Re: Dragons Prefer Blondes (12:51pm May 24, 2009):

I always decide which book to read when it's time to start a new one. Sometimes, I have a specific genre in mind or a certain length of book. Other times, I just grab what looks good at the time.

Re: The Warrior (12:49pm May 24, 2009):

I'm probably somewhere in the middle. Not really impulsive, but I don't stick to an absolutely strict schedule, either.

Re: The Accidental Lawman (12:48pm May 22, 2009):

This book sounds like great fun!

Re: Storm Glass (4:31pm May 21, 2009):

It's nice to hear from someone who loves to read messages from the reader! Thanks for appreciating us.

Re: Saved By The Monarch (6:48pm May 20, 2009):

Definitely a fun idea!

Re: Moonburn (2:25pm May 19, 2009):

This does sound like a good book!

Re: Kissing The Man Next Door (1:39pm May 18, 2009):

I've never had a neighbor who fit that bill, so no, I've not thought about it myself. However, my son's girlfriend did that after their baby was born. Needless to say, they aren't together today!

Re: Pretty in Plaid (4:36pm May 17, 2009):

I try to be right on time. If I show up too early, I feel like I'm rushing the person I'm meeting with and that may make them uncomfortable.

Re: Mistress (11:35am May 16, 2009):

That is surprising! I hadn't ever thought about name pronunciation. In fact, I'm sure I've read books where I haven't pronounced a name the way the author meant it to be, but who would know the difference!

Re: Taking Flight (12:32pm May 15, 2009):

I read lots of different authors and genres, but every now and then, I mention one that someone will say, "Oh, I'd never read that!" Good grief. If you don't try something new, how do you know you wouldn't like it?

Re: The Infamous Rogue (11:17pm May 14, 2009):

I like both!

Re: A Trace Of Smoke (8:50pm May 13, 2009):

What a wonderful idea for a book! I'd love to read your story.

Re: Let It Ride (3:49pm May 11, 2009):

I would love to have a lazy summer, but writing assignments don't allow for that this year. However, I do plan to take some day and weekend trips just to get away. Other than that, I hope to get a lot of reading done.

Re: With a Twist (4:47pm May 8, 2009):

Most people tell me I'm patient, but they don't see the churning taking place inside. LOL!

Re: Red Kiss (3:29pm May 7, 2009):

You're definitely in good company with that anthology! Congrats.

Re: Bunco Babes Tell All (12:36pm May 6, 2009):

I've not played bunco but I have a friend who has a regular party. She's says it's a blast!

Re: Sea Lord (1:12pm May 5, 2009):

I've never seen these particular books! Thanks for sharing.

Re: Relentless (3:38am May 4, 2009):

Great title, great story!

Re: Under Her Skin (3:37am May 4, 2009):

Gorgeous!!!

Re: Sunset Bay (2:04pm May 2, 2009):

I enjoy meeting authors, singers, actors, etc., either before or after I see their work. Sometimes, though, I think it makes it more special if I'm already familiar with what they've done. It puts a face to something I've enjoyed.

Re: Fight Fire With Fire (1:05pm May 1, 2009):

My husband spent 42 years in uniform, so this should be a fun book to read!

Re: Wild Heat (1:01pm April 30, 2009):

My mother and I both read romance, too. I prefer the lighter, fun stories. She likes the historicals, although I do read those occasionally, too.

Re: Enchanting the Beast (7:05pm April 28, 2009):

Maybe a piranha!

Re: Heartbreak River (1:46pm April 27, 2009):

Music has always been an important part of my life. These days, I find certain music helps me concentrate while writing. I use it to block out distractions around me.

Re: Rescue Me (2:39pm April 24, 2009):

This sounds like a great series. I'll have to watch for the books!

Re: The Secret Mistress Arrangement (5:23pm April 22, 2009):

The one thing that makes a character NOT a hero in my book is someone who is bossy and too domineering. A little respect and class goes a long way!

Re: Killer Keepsakes (12:30pm April 21, 2009):

I've often found the same thing to be true. If I'm stuck on how to write a line, I'll wake up in the middle of the night with just the write answer!

Re: Take Me Two Times (9:44am April 20, 2009):

This sounds like a great read. Do you worry about getting your characters mixed up when you write since you mention you sometimes do when you're talking about them?

Re: The Promise (12:51pm April 19, 2009):

I don't remember learning to read, either. It's just something I always remember doing. By the time I was in fifth grade, I was reading at college level and was placed in an advanced reading class. Today, I read anything and everything I can get my hands on. Genre isn't important, as long as the author can keep my interest. Just this weekend, I finished a crime novel by Patricia Cornwell and a romance by Linda Lael Miller.

Re: While My Sister Sleeps (11:44am April 17, 2009):

I have a blog and I've been invited many times to start Twittering. After reading this, I suppose I should take that advice to heart.

Re: Mastering The Marquess (12:32pm April 16, 2009):

As the mother of three children, I know how all their personalities are so very different. I love to see that in novels. I think the sister fascination for many readers goes way back to "Little Women." Those girls were portrayed as different personalities and that's one reason why I enjoyed the book.

Re: The Texas Twins (8:43pm April 15, 2009):

I don't usually make lists. I've found that if I forget to put something on a list, I'll forget completely to do it. It's much easier for me to have a little note to myself or just simply remember.

Re: The Heir's Scandalous Affair (2:38pm April 14, 2009):

I like series books, but I also like it if the stories can stand alone in case I'm not able to read them in order.

Re: The Accidental Human (10:31am April 13, 2009):

I don't buy a book just because of the cover, but it typically is one thing that will attract me to it.

Re: Paradise Valley (4:15pm April 11, 2009):

I'm so glad to see more people are reading. It's so very important for both children and adults!

Re: Unseen (1:29pm April 10, 2009):

My grandson was just born on March 13. Although he doesn't share anyone else's birthday in the family, his special day is definitely unique as this year, it fell on a Friday! Must mean lots of luck for the little guy.

Re: Last Gasp (6:33pm April 9, 2009):

Those old true crime magazines were really something! I especially remember the photos, which were often pretty gruesome.

Re: 4 Bodies And A Funeral (4:37pm April 8, 2009):

I definitely agree. As a journalist, I often know more about the law than the local cops do!

Re: Rewriting Monday (12:36pm April 7, 2009):

We tried to convince my grandmother to spend some of the money my grandfather left behind and do the things she always wanted to but hadn't. Too bad she didn't listen to us. She never went to Australia, which was her lifetime dream. Sad.

Re: Dragonbound (1:23pm April 6, 2009):

Can you move back and forth? I prefer the regency novels, but I'd hate to see your new fans be without.

Re: Temptation Ridge (5:40pm April 4, 2009):

Gosh, Gwen, that same thing happened to my sister when her daughter flipped her car and ran all the way home. She was OK, but it was scary.

Re: The Wine Seekers (3:01pm April 3, 2009):

I've asked author this very question before and many do say they base their characters on people they know or a conglomeration of people.

Re: A World I Never Made (7:13pm April 2, 2009):

I'm also a big fan of thrillers, suspense and mysteries!

Re: Red-Headed Stepchild (8:30pm April 1, 2009):

I'm actually a big fan of horror and thriller books! Stephen King is one of my favorite authors.

Re: The Inn at Eagle Point (8:10pm March 31, 2009):

I know I'm looking forward to another Sherryl Woods book!

Re: Lady Anne And The Howl In The Dark (2:05pm March 30, 2009):

One of my favorite authors is Taylor Caldwell. She wrote historical romances back when women weren't recognized as authors. In fact, she chose the pen name Taylor (after her supportive grandfather) because she felt it would make people think the books were written by a man.
Every now and then I would run across one of her books that was of a different genre and I often wondered why. I would still (most of the time) enjoy them, of course, but they didn't read quite the same.

Re: Whisper of Warning (2:01pm March 30, 2009):

I also love mysteries, especially psychological thrillers. Other books that keep me pinned to my seat are those that add a touch of comedy. They make me keep reading while I laugh at the antics of the characters.

Re: Kiss Of Darkness (12:15pm March 27, 2009):

I've always believed vampires were gentlemen!

Re: Lords Of Corruption (2:52pm March 26, 2009):

The Internet is a boom in more ways than one. I remember when it first became popular. My daughter did a report on James Dean and she had all kinds of information she wouldn't have had otherwise.

Re: Too Rich and Too Dead (10:15am March 25, 2009):

I remember many of the summer trips we took when I was a kid. I've often thought I'd love to travel and write about the many places when I retire.

Re: Pursuit (11:32am March 24, 2009):

These books sound really intense. I can't wait to read them.

Re: To Beguile A Beast (1:32pm March 23, 2009):

Congrats on your new release!

Re: Evil In Carnations (10:39am March 21, 2009):

Wow! That really was quite a ride. Glad to hear you came through it OK.

Re: Sophie's Secret (9:05pm March 19, 2009):

Anything that can be done for domestic violence victims is a wonderful thing! Thanks for picking that as your charity.

Re: A Knife Edge (11:57am March 18, 2009):

I haven't read any of your books, but they sound great! I like heroes who are "real" and not the Mr. Perfect macho-type.

Re: Would-Be Witch (1:23pm March 16, 2009):

I would love to visit the old wild, wild west. It's surely not a time I would have liked to live in, but it would be fun to visit some of the people, especially the women who were so strong and capable and helped build the towns.

Re: The Deepest Cut (12:25pm March 14, 2009):

I especially like No. 8!

Re: Intimate Beings (6:24pm March 12, 2009):

As a journalist, I, too, have seen and heard just about everything. Not a lot shocks me, anymore.

Re: Simple Wishes (3:26pm March 11, 2009):

What a great book! I'd love to win a copy.

Re: 4 Bodies And A Funeral (2:49pm March 10, 2009):

It also goes back to "if you look like a victim, you'll be a victim." Bad guys prey on fear. The key is to look calm and confident when walking down the street.

Re: Fury Calls (7:55pm March 9, 2009):

Happy Birthday, Caridad!

Re: Summer On Blossom Street (12:42pm March 8, 2009):

I would love to be a character in Jan Karon's Mitford series. I'm not really sure which one, but I love the whole concept of that town and the people in it.

Re: Book of Sudoku (11:05am March 7, 2009):

I've always loved books and have tried to care for them, but I have been known to dog-ear the corners in a fit of desperation! Drives me nuts!

Re: Safe By His Side (10:50pm March 5, 2009):

One of the things I really don't like is shopping. I like to get in and out, so if you see me standing in a long line, you can bet I'm seething inside. Now, on the other hand, I do enjoy perusing the shelves of bookstores. But is that really shopping? Or is it satisfying an addiction?

Re: Fury Calls (4:09pm March 4, 2009):

One of the things I've noticed is that when an author, such as yourself, develops relationships with their characters, the book is much more readable. The characters do, indeed, come to life for the reader.

Re: The Better To Hold You (11:13am March 3, 2009):

My husband tends to read "traditional" westerns, but I have convinced him to read a few others, such as Fannie Flagg's books and Nicholas Evans. Romance? Not likely, but at least he does branch out occasionally!

Re: The C.O.O. Must Marry (3:48pm February 27, 2009):

I've definitely had a long journey to get to where I am today. In 1989, I went back to school after a failed marriage. I had three young children and no marketable job skills. Six and a half years later, I had my bachelor's degree in hand. Since then, I've worked myself up the so-called "ladder." Starting as a news clerk then to reporter and on to editor at newspapers, I eventually gave it all up to freelance. That meant starting over to "get my name out there." Today, I'm a published writer world wide and very well known in my area. In the meantime, my children grew up and have children of their own and I've remarried. Most of my writing is still for newspapers -- after all, it's what I love to do.

Re: Kisses Like A Devil (11:41am February 26, 2009):

My favorite place to go is always Old Town San Diego. There is so much culture and history there. Beautiful buildings! Friendly people! Lovely weather! It's like stepping into another country while still being in the United States.

Re: Secret Fantasy (1:48pm February 14, 2009):

I agree that love is not easy. Everyday pressures can be very overwhelming. It pays to remember the little reasons why you fell in love to begin with.

Re: The Man She Married (12:41pm February 12, 2009):

It sure does make the ride worthwhile!

Re: Smoke Screen (2:01pm January 11, 2009):

I enjoy trying new author's books. Often, I've found one that has been very impressive. Of course, there have been some I would never read again. However, if I didn't try new authors, I might miss out on some great reads!

Re: Mona Lisa Darkening (11:45am January 8, 2009):

I prefer print books, but I do have a wide variety of e-books on my computer. I download them in pdf format, which works well for me.

Re: Mona Lisa Darkening (11:44am January 8, 2009):

A great blog post! I did leave a comment on the blog.