2022 was a busy production year for me. No sooner did I send off the complete manuscript of Book 5 to my editor than it was time to start work on Book 6. The deadlines were tighter than usual because these are both holiday books–a first for me. They’re part of my Truly Texas series, but they share a closer kinship in that the heroes are step-cousins. Book 5 takes place during a Texas Snowpocalypse, and Book 6 picks up right afterward.
A Snowpocalypse inspired by actual events!!!
It was nice that the bulk of the work on both these books took place during winter. I kept the shades in the study raised so I could see and be inspired by the bare-limbed trees, bleached grasses, and overcast Texas skies. I also listened to some soothing wintry instrumental music for ambience, like this three-hour track from composer Peder B. Hellend, and this cozy cabin track by Tim Janis.
Winter is just a memory now. We’ve had an exceptionally hot summer this year, with high temperatures in the 104-105 range more often than not, and very little rain. I’m longing for fall weather, and for the kind of foliage color and leaf drop that come from seasonal change rather than drought stress. Summer isn’t over yet, but it’s losing its grip. Things are finally starting to cool off a bit, and we’ve even seen some wet stuff fall from the sky.
Book 5, Snowbound with the Rancher, will be released in a month, just in time for fall. Book 6, Her Valentine Cowboy, comes out in late January. I’m hard at work on Book 7 now. Any ideas as to who the hero and heroine will be?? Hint: if you’ve read Books 1-4, you’ve already met them both. Drop me a line with your guesses. If you guess correctly, I’ll send you free digital copies of both books!
In the meantime, enjoy these pictures taken last winter on the farm.
Hang in there, friends! Fall will be here soon…unless you live in the southern hemisphere, in which case spring will be here soon. Fall or spring, I hope it’s a blessed one for you!
