You know those documentaries where they show you how they made the movie? Well, consider this a very brief equivalent.
I wrote most of my books while engaged in other pursuits: studying, teaching, lawyering. For The Betrayal of the Blood Lily, I went on writer’s retreat. In June of 2008, I took a summer house with some friends. We made a deal. They would come out on weekends, but for weekdays, I was on my own. Entirely on my own. It was a twenty minute walk into town– and I didn’t know anyone in town anyway. I gave myself a “no phone calls during the day” rule. There was nothing to do but write.
It worked brilliantly.
This is where we lived.
And here’s my workspace. This little desk in the front hall is where I wrote the first two hundred pages of Blood Lily. Note the piles of research books, romance novels, and, yes, shoes.
A few blocks away, there was a public rose garden. Perfect for thinking through thorny plot problems!
Many thanks to my friend Lara for sending me the photos and for being such a wonderful summer housemate!
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Looks lovely! Coincidentally, I am about 200 pages into Blood Lily right now and very much enjoying it. In fact, I just got home from work [I'm not sure that it's relevant, but I feel compelled to say that I'm a librarian] and am dying to get back to it, so I think I’m off to read now!
by Heather
on January 28th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
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Very nice. 
I just finished Blood Lily last night. I really enjoyed it. I was thinking of reading it through again but I have to give it to my mother. I guess I’ll just have to read the series though again until she’s finished with it.
by Stephanie W
on January 28th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
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it’s great that you have those pictures to document your process! i’m glad you were able to accomplish your goal and in such a nice environment. can’t wait to read the book!!
by jenifer nelissen
on January 28th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
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Just finished Blood Lily….and I officially have a serious book-crush on Captain Reid!
by Michelle
on January 28th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
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Finished Blood Lily on Tuesday, fantastic book, although there was the odd occasion where a cold shower may have been required, haha! Slightly more risque than Night Jasmine. Loved the setting in India, loved the characters growth and LOVED the twists, Brilliantly done! Please don’t stop writing these until you feel you ‘must’, they seem to get better all the time
by Zoe J
on January 30th, 2010 at 4:33 am
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I’m almost done with Betrayal of the Blood Lily, and I just wanted to say that Captain Reid is my new literary crush. I just want to jump in the book and molest him. This also might be my favorite of the series so far.
by Lindsey
on February 2nd, 2010 at 9:29 pm
