Today we have one of our favorite authors, Vivian Arend, back to talk about the first book in her new Cowboy Series. Rocky Mountain Heat is the first book in the Six Pack Ranch Series, re-released with even more content than the original!
BREAKING ALL THE RULES
I am that happily confused author who never learned the rules before I started. Didn’t know you weren’t supposed to write both contemporary and paranormal, but I’m very glad I do.
There are different challenges to each of them. I can’t have someone in a contemporary sniff out the crook. But then, I can’t have that happen in a paranormal unless it’s been established in the first place that sniffers are stronger than normal.
So it comes back to…shudder…rules.
That’s one of the words that I have a love/hate relationship with. Following the rules sounds so staid and boring, doesn’t it? But then again, rules are little pieces of order, keeping things lined up and logical and I’m all about the logic.
And here in the Six Pack Ranch I’ve discovered a new area of happy/sad for me. I don’t usually plan ahead of time when I write. I have an idea, or a scene. I have characters. And then I go for it.
But there are a lot of brothers in this series. And cousins. And they are all different ages and have different interests and personalities and how can I keep this straight and make sure to share the important details during each book and…
I caved, and made a chart. Because while I dislike rules, I LOVE charts. Hmmm, charts…
I now have a chart with each potential book listed. The hero/heroine. Who else in the family will have/might have a significant situation in the story. How old they all are in THAT book—very necessary as there are no children in the families, and the books are covering a timeframe of 6 months to a year…
In the end, do you as a reader need to know that I planned that far in advance? No. But if I do my job well, the bits of planning and my lovely chart will make the stories stronger and make your experience in the world more enjoyable. Because even though it’s a contemporary, I have to build the world.
I did have an OMG moment when I caught myself writing down the birthdays for each of the boys. Oh, I have succumbed to the rules!!
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Release information for the upcoming SIX PACK RANCH books
Book 1: Rocky Mountain Heat: November 15.
Book 2: Rocky Mountain Haven: January 10, 2012
Book 3: Rocky Mountain Desire: March 13, 2012
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Rocky Mountain Heat
Six Pack Ranch, Book 1
He’s the one who taught her to ride. Now all he wants is to ride her.
Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.
Jaxi has other plans for Blake’s hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s perfect for him. Except he can’t seem to see past the big “don’t touch” sign that’s apparently still hanging around her neck.
When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake’s nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi’s brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones.
That is, if Blake’s finally ready to let go the reins and fight for what he wants…
Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Droolworthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride?
~~~
First Chapter: Excerpt
Buy links: Samhain | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo |
Vivian Arend: Website | Blog | Twitter
Thanks so much Vivian for the info about Rocky Mountain Heat. Vivian is offering one commenter a chance to win an ARC of Rocky Mountain Heat as well as any ebook from her backlist. Just tell us what “rule” is your favorite to abide by to enter. The contest will close November 17th and is open internationally. Good Luck!
I never knew there were so many rules to writing romance novels! But I think you’re doing a great job of following them. 🙂
I love your Xtreme adventure books and can’t wait to read this new (and also old, as I’ve learned 😉 ) series!
Thank you for the post and giveaway!
My favorite rule? Does “whenever possible, pre-order books by auto-buy authors” count? Nah? I got nothin’ then.
I’m really looking forward to getting back to the Coleman brothers, as I read the original version of Heat. More content FTW! 🙂
im not sure what rules you meant but if i were to choose one, id say always follow your heart. its quite general and fits anything.
rules? let’s see…. How about read every book I can find that has a smokin hot cowboy in it… does that count… nothing like cowboy butts to drive ya nuts!~
One of my rules is that I have to read at least one book from my TBR pile each month. Looking forward to reading the new series. Thanks!
I think one rule in PNR/UF that as a reader I can’t stand to see broken is that there has to be some form of permanent death for your characters. I’m not sure that’s a rule or just a preference, but there it is.
One rule I abide by – read the rules when entering a contest! There are a lot of times I like to color outside the box, but I’m basically a rules oriented person.
Really like the sound of this series. Thanks for the chance to win the re-released version of Rocky Mountain Heat.
One rule that I am “trying” to follow is to only buy a new book after I read one from my TBR list. Unfortunately, with the short-term deals that some publishers run on e-books, this does not always work. Oh well, it’s something to strive for, lol.
I am so glad that you did not know about the rule that authors are not supposed to write paranormals and contemporaries. Although I think a lot of authors ignore this one.
I enjoy having the rules broken but one rule I almost always have to have followed in a book is the h/h have to have a happy ending, or at least a happy-for-now 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
smaccall AT comcast.net
I like the rule of writing what you like, rather than what is popular or what is “expected”. At the very least starting with what makes you happy should be the foundation of your stories. Everything comes so much easier if this happens.
My favorite rule is food related: I always try to follow the rule on the amount of fruit & veg I eat each day.
Rules make competitions fair too – I like that.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
First rule: Rules are meant to be broken.
Second Rule: Refer to Rule #1.
OK, I’m a rebel at heart. If I have followed every rules that were given to me, I would be playing it too safe in my life. By breaking the rules, I’m really living my life the way I envision it to be.
Thanks for hosting – I love Vivian Arend books! Rule: Life’s short – eat chocolate!
bevsharp@desch.org
I never knew there were rules to writing novels but I think they exist to help you.. and i don’t usually follow rules XD.. just for the giveaways :p..
darksiry(at)gmail(dot)com
Any rule is made to be broken, but always feed the cats!!!! They whine worse than children, then they start staring at your toes…..
acm05atjuno.com
I actually the wonderful opportunity to review an ARC of Rocky Mountain Heat and soooo LOVED IT!!! I hadn’t read the first, but Ms. Arend did an incredible job with this first in the series… can’t wait to read the next!!! My rule in life is to never have regrets.
yadkny@hotmail.com
My favorite rule to abide by is a rule I made for myself a long time ago. Always look on the bright side of life. Sounds stupid but I was in a crappy job and beginning to take it out on everyone around me. I am naturally positive so I decided to embrace it and find that one bright spot. That one little rule has never steered me wrong. I am looking forward to reading this series. I must admit, I might have to get it in paper so I can have the cover of book 3 to stare at. I just love the cover of book 3! Bummer that I have to wait till March!
jepebATverizonDOTnet
Rules who needs them! But if I really had to chose it would be “Put it back where you found it.”
The different rules I follow often depend on the situation I’m in, but one of the general life rules I try to live by is to be honest with myself about all things. It’s one of those simple yet complicated things to do – at least for me – because if I can’t be honest with myself, how can I possibly be honest with another person?
I love, love, love the cover of this book!
MJB
msmjb65@
I’m a big fan of the golden rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I find that pretty much covers every situation and means that I don’t have to worry about following any other rules. I love Vivian’s books. I’ve read all of the Granite Lake Wolves plus a few others and would love to win this.
jen(at)delux(dot)com
oooo would love to read this
Rules…as another commenter already stated the golden rule. It is good one to live by. Thanks for a chance to win this book!
areeths at new dot rr dot com
My favorite rule is red wine pairs with anything. I made it up and I stick to it! Looking forward to reading this series. Who doesn’t love sexy cowboys?
Can’t wait to read this. Last day to enter congrats to whoever wins
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