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| 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
