I can't reveal TOO much about the plot of PROTECTING WHAT'S HIS before it's release on Monday, February 25th, but I wanted to give readers an idea of how I pictured Derek and Ginger as I wrote the book. In a scene in PWH, I describe Derek as having the physique of a bar room brawler and this picture of a brooding Eric Bateman screamed Derek to me. Because Derek, although young and hot, does like to brood. Next we have my girl, Ginger! I looked for weeks to find someone who fit the image in my head and I didn't find her until last night when this actress, Shelley Hennig, popped up in an episode of Justified (one of my fave TV shows). Just picture her with some cowboy boots on and we've got Ginger :) I hope you guys love the book. I had a fabulous time writing it!

Below is an interview I conducted with the hero and heroine of my upcoming release, PROTECTING WHAT’S HIS. They gave these answers before they met…I think by the end of the book, their answers may change J Enjoy!

Name: Lieutenant Derek Tyler	Name: Ginger Peet
Age: 30	Age: 23
Eyes: Green	Eyes: Hazel
Height: 6’2”	Height: 5’6” in my cowboy boots
Hair Color: Brown	Hair Color: Chestnuty...depends on the lighting
Occupation: Lieutenant of Homicide, Chicago PD	Occupation: Bartender
Favorite Book: The Art of War by Sun Tzu	Favorite Book: My checkbook
Favorite Music: I prefer silence	Favorite Music: Loud, hot country!
Favorite Movie: Dirty Harry	Favorite Movie: Thelma and Louise
Weaknesses: N/A	Weaknesses: Good tippers ;)
What makes you happy? Solving a homicide	What makes you happy? My little sister, Willa
Ever Been in Love? God, no	Ever been in love? Sure! I’m in love with a pair of boots right now.
Secret to a happy life? Define happiness	Secret to a happy life: Not answering to anyone
Philosophy: Protect and Serve	Philosophy: “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails” – Dolly Parton

1/20/13
Here it is, my first blog post...I've never written down my own thoughts, only those of my characters. Which I guess are ultimately my thoughts...but. See? I'm already terrible at this. IN ANY CASE, I'm going to start by sharing my writing process! STEP ONE: Buy a brand new notebook. Blank pages are such a turn on! I almost always gather inspiration from music. In fact, I've created a playlist for PROTECTING WHAT'S HIS below. I wear out my playlists as I create character profiles and decide how my hero and heroine's pasts or presents will affect their future together. Conflict is what makes a story interesting! Then I loosely outline the chapters, noting POV changes and when certain plot points need to come into play - seeing it on paper helps create a balance. Then I scrap almost everything I've done up to this point and let my characters decide what they want to do :o) They never listen to me anyway.
PLAYLIST: PROTECTING WHAT'S HIS
1. Bad Man's World by Jenny Lewis
2. Stop Stop by The Black Keys
3. Backwoods Barbie by Dolly Parton
4. Love Affair by Regina Spektor
5. The Twist by Frightened Rabbit (Willa and Denny's song)
6. In the Cold Cold Night by the White Stripes
7. Holy Roller Novocaine by Kings of Leon
8. I Wanna be Adored by the Stone Roses
9. I'm Shakin' by Jack White