Dreaming of a Blood Red Christmas (7 page)

I have so many stories going around inside my head, sometimes I wonder if I look a little spacey. Several current projects are taking up most of my daydreaming time, including the next Sweet Seduction book, as well as the next Mixed Blessing Mystery one as well.

But as of today, the editing and final preparation of Dreaming Of A Blood Red Christmas (the Kindred Series Christmas Special Novella) is the piece of work that is currently on my mind. I loved writing a little more of Lucinda and Michel's story and can't wait to get it out there and see how readers find it. But I have the fifth Sweet Seduction book waiting patiently for me to finish as well, so that is also very much on my mind right now.

For me, it's important to write when the mood takes me. I find my best work is when the creativity flows and isn't forced. So although I was in the throes of finishing a Sweet Seduction book, I just took time out to write the Christmas Novella, because the desire struck. Sometimes I can be writing up to three different books at once.

If the mood takes me, I'm there.

So, keep an eye out for new books in Sweet Seduction, Mixed Blessing Mystery and Elemental Awakening. Oh, and I'm toying with a contemporary romantic suspense story about a paramedic with a twist. Is it any wonder I look a little spacey sometimes?

Oh my, that is a very long list. But not surprisingly one that is predominantly filled with paranormal romance writers - my genre of choice.

The person that influenced me the most, and made me think about putting myself and my stories out there, is New Zealander Nalini Singh. I love her Guild Hunter series.

Follow that up, in no particular order, with J.R. Ward, Karen Chance, Patricia Briggs, Kresley Cole, Karen Marie Moning, Richelle Mead, Dianne Duvall and Darynda Jones.... whew! And still there's so many more I have enjoyed over the years.

J.K. Rowling has a special place in my heart too. Love me some Harry Potter, that's for sure.

So much...

My kids and my hubby.

The next scene to write in my latest book I've just dreamt about.

Coffee.

Catching a trout on the Tauranga-Taupo or Hinemaiaia Rivers.

Going for a walk along the foreshore of beautiful Lake Taupo.

Coffee.

Seeing if I've received any more nice reviews overnight.

The book I'm currently reading.

Going out on our boat and soaking up the sun.

Oh, and did I mention coffee?

With my family. I have two young, energetic and gorgeous boys. And a husband who means the world to me. Without them I couldn't write. I wouldn't have an everlasting romance story of my own to call upon, or the countless humorous moments with the kids to fill me to the brim with joy. I strongly believe none of my books would have been nearly as good as they are without my family. And that's not even considering the technical support my hubby offers. Just being with them makes my world a better place.

So, when not writing I'm doing something with them. We love to fish for trout, either on the lake at Taupo or up one of the world class fly-fishing rivers nearby. In winter we ski on Mt Ruapehu, at the Whakapapa Ski-field. In summer we swim at the end of our street in the bay. We go for drives and have picnics. The boys help me bake cakes, and we all help hubby when he's got a project on, like the chicken coop to beat all chicken coops he built a couple of summers ago.

There's always something to do, and we always do it together. My family is how I spend my down time, and I thank my lucky stars every day for each one of them.

Nicola