Writing Haunts

Buy Homecoming HERE

By Cate Masters

Since we moved from our small rancher a few years ago, I’ve been so lucky to have a writing room. I love love love it! Very cool art on the walls, a book case jammed with favorite reads and writing books, a desk and comfy chair. But home has many (many many) distractions. So I thought I’d go searching for a place away from home where my characters could tell me their stories and I could transcribe it in relative peace.

First stop, a nearby library.  In the summertime, it's not exactly a quiet place. Trucks rumbled past, the reading room filled with women with magazines, one whispering to herself almost the entire time, “This is so cute!” “Oh, look at that.” And kids—lots of them, a constant stream in and around the checkout desk with their moms. Thank goodness, they’re our future readers! And I loved hearing them gush about Myrtle the turtle and other children’s books.

I absolutely love this library too. It’s set in an old mansion, and the reading room where I worked must have been the front parlor. As you can see in the photo, its fireplace is lined with embossed tiles. The closeup shot shows the detail of a woman’s head in one corner and in the other, a man’s. Perfect atmosphere for romance writing.

The woodwork is amazing, and a large stone pillar behind the checkout desk must have been a central fireplace in the olden days.

And thankfully, they have public rest rooms. But in addition to the noise, I worried that my laptop cord would trip someone, the table being situated far enough from the outlet to have to stretch it just above the floor. And the library chairs kill my back. Such hard wood, no give whatsoever. So I tried another place.

A café in another small town seemed perfect, its outdoor patio so inviting. Directly across from a manmade lake, the geese and ducks made a pastoral scene floating serenely and calling to one another. But the seating was limited, and I felt terrible taking up a table and giving them so little business.

On to the next writing haunt. It may sound strange, but the third place worked out the best. Our local Target has a small Starbucks store inside it. Rarely do customers ever sit in the small cafe area. Not the best view, looking out over the parking lot, but when I tucked myself away in the far corner, it seemed heavenly. Far enough away from the store’s hustle and bustle, but close to a steady supply of coffee (and a nearby rest room, also essential!).

What about you? Do you have a favorite writing haunt? A writing cave-away-from-home? Share! I’m still exploring my options. :)

And here’s a 1NS story for you to explore! Homecoming’s a contemporary story about second chances, one of my favorite kind of romances. The hero and heroine are both strong characters who desperately need a second chance that will alter their lives. Madame Eve, of course, is always willing to oblige. :)

Blurb

Her abusive husband finally out of her life, Jennie Mayfair arrives in her hometown to rekindle old friendships and make a new start. Jennie wants someone safe but sexy to hold her again and make her feel loved, and a surprise invitation from Madame Eve seems to be exactly what she ordered. She never expects her wish list to be filled to such sublime perfection. But how can she trust the guy who shattered her heart years ago?

Nick Spencer’s business success doesn’t keep him warm in bed, and neither did his wife, though she knew how to keep other men warm – in his own bed. When he learns his first love, Jennie, is single again, he arranges for a blind date. One night with her convinces him he’s missed too many years of happiness. He doesn’t intend to let her get away from him again. But can he convince her their past will be a solid foundation for a new future?

Buy

Available from Decadent Publishing’s 1NS http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=757&osCsid=9u8ko9967ssm1h7k91kc1n6om1

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Homecoming-1Night-Stand-Series-ebook/dp/B00C6PVLEQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365202995&sr=8-1&keywords=cate+masters%2C+homecoming

All Romance:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-homecoming-1151945-149.html

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/homecoming-cate-masters/1114987905?ean=2940016661056

Coffee Time Romance:  http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookStore/pubs_product_book_info/decadent-publishing-c-93/homecoming-p-9833