It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Don’t say you don’t have enough time.  You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo de Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.”  - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Jennie Marsland, author of historical romance Deliverance.  Welcome Jennie!  Here’s the first kiss between Carl O’Neill and Naomi Franklin.

Carl lowered his hand. It curled into a fist at his side. Whatever had happened must have been bad, if she couldn’t stand a simple touch. “I’d like ten minutes alone with the man who did this to you. Naomi, I’ve done plenty of things that I’m not proud of, but I’ve never, ever forced a woman to do anything she didn’t want to do. Do you believe me?”

She swallowed, nodded. “Yes.”

“Good. Because looking at you now, I think maybe you’re feeling some of the same things for me that I’m feeling for you. If I’m wrong, go ahead and tell me so.”

Naomi’s answer came out small and fearful and she wouldn’t look him in the eye, but her words rang with honesty. “I…I wish we could pretend we weren’t both so alone.”

“Maybe we can.” And Carl knew how he wanted to go about it – if he managed not to scare her off first.

He touched her cheek again, just a brush of his fingertips. This time, she didn’t flinch. “Naomi, have you been kissed before?”

Colour burned into her cheeks. “Of course I have, but that was before…” Her voice trailed off. Carl tucked  a finger under Naomi’s chin and very gently lifted it.

“Are you going to let some man take that pleasure from you forever?”

Naomi tensed, but she didn’t pull away. She met Carl’s gaze squarely, in spite of her obvious fear. “I… No.”

“Then maybe you should consider trying kissing again.”

Inch by slow inch, he lowered his head. The smell of her hair, the sound of her breath catching. The warmth against his lips when she exhaled. To Carl, a kiss had never been more than a prelude to sex, but none of the few women he’d been with had trembled when he touched them. None had made him tremble in return. He couldn’t have rushed if he’d wanted to.

He slid his fingers into the silk of Naomi’s hair, tucked a softly curling lock behind her ear and lingered to stroke her there. They were only pretending they weren’t alone, like she’d said, but why not pretend while they could?

“Easy… If you want me to stop, just say so.” Hell, she shouldn’t have to say so, O’Neill. You don’t need her to tell you this is stupid.

But Naomi said nothing. Their lips met, and Carl’s conscience headed south. So what? His conscience had never been much good at keeping him out of trouble, anyway.

He didn’t kiss her full on at first. Instead, he teased the corners of her mouth, first one, then the other. Her lips relaxed, but she still held her body tense, ready to run. He ran his fingers up her arms to her shoulders, trying to soothe her, but she flinched. He dropped his hands and gave her a little space. Hell, his own nerves were bowstring tight. He’d never made this kind of effort to be gentle with a woman before. Did he even know how?

“This will be better if you relax.”

Naomi turned her face away. “I’m not sure I can.”

Carl took her hands and twined his fingers with hers. To anchor her – or himself?

“Don’t think. Just feel.”

Feel? He didn’t have names for the feelings rushing through him right now. He brushed Naomi’s lips with his again. Her fingers curled, her shoulders stiffened. Then, between one breath and the next, she relaxed. Her mouth opened, soft and quiet, inviting him to taste her. That was all it was at first, acceptance, but the sweetness of it made him ache.

Then she started kissing him back.

Oh, yeah.

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

So you have your work area.  You’re ready to start writing.  But what do you do next?  What I do is start with my characters.  To me, these are the most important thing in your novel.  If they are strong and well defined, the plot will come from them.

When I start writing, I know what type of book I want to write.  Yes, it’s usually medieval romance.  But I need to know a little bit more then that.  Is it a book about redemption?  Is it a book about family?  About loyalty?  This is called theme.  I’ll talk about this more in another post.

I like to jump right in and begin writing.  That’s because I’m a pantser.  I write by the seat of my pants.  For me, writing this way allows me to explore the plot and characters and sometimes, it even holds a surprise for me.

In order to do this, I need to know a little bit about my characters.  Their name, what they look like, a little bit about their background.  Not everything, just enough for me to be able to relate to them, to sympathize with them.  I don’t need this information for all of the characters, not yet anyway.  Just for my hero and heroine.  For names, their are numerous sites on the web where you can find first names.  (Below is a small sample)

Medieval Names - http://www.thinkbabynames.com/search/1/medieval
Top 100 Medieval Boy Names - http://www.top-100-baby-names-search.com/medieval-boy-names.html
Behind the Name: Medieval Names - http://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/medieval

Also places to find surnames.  (Below is a small sample)

Medieval English Surnames - http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/medieval_surnames.htm
History Learning Site – Medieval Surnames - http://tekeli.li/onomastikon/England-Medieval/Surnames.html
Surnames Meanings and Origins - http://www.lisagenealogy.com/Surmean/surintro.html

What the characters look like is totally up to your imagination.  Background, again, is up to your imagination.  Below are some helpful links about medieval life that you might find helpful.

Medieval Life - http://www.historyonthenet.com/Medieval_Life/medievallifemain.htm
Medieval Life and Times - http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-life/
Life in a Medieval Castle - http://www.castlewales.com/life.html

At this point, I know just enough to begin the story.  As I write, more comes out, more ideas, more background.  More story.  This is were I begin writing.  Remember, characters not only come from your mind, but they are born from your heart as well.

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” – Louisa May Alcott

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

The Bride and the Brute is featured on the Kobo BookHub!

It’s a great place to find free books for your Kobo reader and other featured ebooks.

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Nikki Lynn Barrett, author of contemporary romance Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas).  Welcome Nikki!  Here’s the first kiss between Avery Callimer and Lucas Bennett.

“Wow.  This is a nice kitchen,” Lucas said, closing the door behind him.

Avery faced him.  “You like to cook?”

“Oh yeah.  I learned at a young age that I had to take care of myself, so I taught myself to cook.  Now it’s something I enjoy.”

“Are you good at it?”

“I’m good at a lot of things, Avery.”  Lucas closed the gap between them.

Too close, too close!

She couldn’t back up anymore, though.  Behind her was the counter.  Her back was already pressed up against it.  Lucas looked at her like he wanted to devour her.

“Lucas…”

“I know I need to stay away from you, Avery.  All I want is one kiss.  I’ve got to taste you.  Tell me no, right now, and I’ll back away.”

Lucas pressed his body to hers.  He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her to him.  His face, only inches from hers, lowered.  “Tell me now, Avery.  Because if you don’t, I’m going to kiss you.”

Don’t!  No!  Yes!  Do it!  No!

She couldn’t get the words out.  All she could think about were Lucas’s lips, mere inches from hers, sexy, tempting, inviting.  Avery opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.

“I’m not supposed to be so attracted to you, Avery,” Lucas whispered, then his lips crashed down on hers.

He cupped her face, pulling her into his kiss.  She didn’t even have time to decipher what that comment meant.  Avery tilted her head upward, responding to his kiss.  She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders as her fingers dug into them.  Holy hell, this  man  could  kiss.  The  deep  urgency  of  his kisses drove her mad.

“Lucas,” she muttered against his lips.  His touch was lethal.  It wasn’t supposed to feel this good.  Or amazing.  Or sensational.  Avery wasn’t supposed to react to him this way.  She didn’t even know this man!  Oh, but she knew his gaze, so intent on her, and she was fixated on him.

“Yes, Avery?”

He trailed kisses along her neck now.  Desire burned within, igniting quickly.  His lips were back on hers now.  He darted his tongue out, touching the corners of Avery’s lips, pushing his way in gently.  Avery opened for him, needing another taste.  Lucas’s erection pressed into her, only making her want him more.  She lost all senses, other than to kiss him.  Lucas hoisted her up, still pressing her against the counter.  Avery squealed and wrapped her legs around him.  More fiery kisses came next.  His tongue was gentle, daring, inquiring. “Avery.”  He moaned against her lips, nipping lightly.  “I want to take you to-”

They broke apart as the sound of loud voices neared.  Lucas put her down quickly and backed away from her.

“Oh shit.”  Avery giggled, heart thundering in her chest, and blood roaring in her ears.  That was close.  Had anyone come in to see them, especially her parents … she’d never live it down.  Need pooled within her, but the distraction was probably a good thing, otherwise she didn’t know what would have happened next.  She could almost picture what they might have-  No, no.  She wouldn’t have let things go that far, not here!

The fact that she had to convince herself of that meant that she very well might have given herself to Lucas, right then and there.  What was wrong with her?  She never lost that much sense, not for anything or anyone.

Emotions heightened, she fidgeted with her hair, smoothing it back and straightening her clothes as if nothing happened.  Lucas still stared at her, that look of lust in his eyes, and smiled.  “Well, that was fun,” he teased.  If he was trying to ease the tension, it worked.  Avery laughed out loud.  Inside, she wasn’t.  How could she lose control like that?

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “There are two kinds of writers: those that make you think, and those that make you wonder.” – Brian Aldiss 

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Sarah Jae Foster, author of Christian Western romance Three Hearts, One Town.  Welcome back Sarah Jae!  Here’s the first kiss between Cameron Engel and Jake Collins.

Cameron noticed the vacant tables around them and saw Liam stacking dirty dishes onto the counter. “I hope we didn’t keep you.”

Liam peeled off his apron. “You two stay here any longer and I’ll put you to work washing up all these here dishes!”

That was it. They rushed out laughing heartily, the heavy mood lifting, which she was grateful for. They stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Cameron placed her finger to her lips and whispered, “Shhh.” The last thing she needed was for Lacey to get upset with her for waking up the guests.

Jake lifted her finger and placed her hand to his cheek. He closed his eyes as if to savor her touch. She stood there, stock still, for what seemed like eternity. When he opened his eyes, he gently pulled her close until their foreheads touched. She knew what he was doing—he was wrestling between letting her go, and keeping her with him. Waiting with suspense, she afraid to move. He lifted his face to search hers. If she didn’t let him know what she wanted, he’d walk out the door. Cameron stood up on her tiptoes to get herself kissed.

Without further hesitation he did kiss her, firmly, wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her steady yet protective of her wound. He eased her back into the stair rail while she bravely pulled herself into him, sliding her arms up and around his strong neck, feeling his muscled shoulders. Jake’s breathing increased, then suddenly he broke away.

“You don’t want this, Cameron.” He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as if he could blow out the flames of her burning passion.

“Please don’t tell me what I want. Everyone tells me what I want. Mama told me that I wanted to come here. My brother tells me that I don’t want him or to be a part of his life, and now you. I do want you, Jake.” She would help him decide. “Please,” she appealed.

He shut his eyes, deliberating, wrestling, weighing. He knew if he searched her face, the act would wash away the last of his integrity, and worse, steal her purity. Cameron must have taken his silence as rejection because she roughly pushed him away and ran up the stairs. He placed his hand on the rail where her warmth still remained. It took him three seconds to decide to go up after her. Taking the steps in twos, he reached her door just as she did. He pulled her into him and kissed her mouth over and over, all the while fumbling with the door handle. When he got it open, he paused to give her one more chance to stop him. Cameron held his anxious gaze with her welcoming one and backed slowly into the room. He followed and clicked the door shut.

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

Most writers have a spot where they feel comfortable writing their stories.  For each writer it’s different.  I’m going to tell you about the spot I write in.  For me, the ideal spot would be on the beach somewhere.  I think that would be the most inspirational place for me.  But, since I don’t live near the beach, let alone any body of water, I write inside in the air conditioner (or heat in the winter).

Upstairs in my bedroom there is a fairly large desk.  It holds copies of each book I have ever written.

I have beautiful angel statues on my desk.  I like to think the angels guide me in my writing.

I have a plaque on my desk that reads “Life is not measured by the number of breaths that you take, but by the moments that take your breath away”.  I try to put these moments in each of my stories.

Statues of knight figurines and a 13^th century key (it’s cool because it is from the medieval era) line my desk.  They are there just for inspiration.

All kinds of journals are stacked on a shelf to the side of my desk.  I like to have these when I go out.  I bring a journal in case inspiration strikes.

Near my feet on a shelf is a row of books that I occasionally use when I write – from baby name books to Heroes and Heroines by Tami Cowden, Caro LaFever, and Sue Viders.

Prominently displayed on top of my desk is the computer screen and keyboard (the computer itself is tucked away below the desk).

That is where I write.  A few inspirational items.  A few fun items, but mostly it is for creating.  Now, if I had to, I could write anywhere.  I’d rather do that then not write at all.  I am, after all, a writer.

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday!  Here’s the quote for the week – “That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.” – Ninon de L’Enclos

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy