Thank you for having me! I always wanted to ride with the top down, but never had the car to do it! At least, now I’m doing it virtually. I’ve been just finishing one book and now starting another, and could definitely use a road trip in between. My current release, ROYAL CAPTIVE
, is a road trip kind of book. In a way. Prince Istvan of Valtria expected to inherit his crown, not lead a death-defying chase to retrieve it. The dashing handsome prince had always been the quiet scholar in the royal family, happier in ancient ruins than the arms of a potential princess. Until museum curator Lauryn Steler storms into his life, sets off sparks, and just as quickly vanishes—with the crown jewels! Risking his life, the prince travels in disguise to exotic lands, as desperate to rescue Lauryn as he is to save the priceless gems.
I love Indiana Jones movies. I love visiting the royal castles of Europe. And when we visited Cyprus two years ago, I instantly fell in love with the island and its history, the exotic blend of East meeting West. (I even visited a centuries old harem!) I used all of these fun elements when writing ROYAL CAPTIVE, a pure fantasy of romantic suspense.
Other people might think of nothing but the blue sky when they’re lying on the sand, but I’m usually plotting on vacation. My husband is resigned. I volunteer to leave the laptop home and, in exchange, he doesn’t frown too hard when I pull out a simple notepad. To stop thinking up stories would be simply impossible. I hope customs officers will never page through my notes when my luggage is checked. I’d be arrested on the spot! Those pages are usually filled with plans for kidnapping and murder. All fictional, of course, but I sure wouldn’t want to explain that.
I envy people who can turn off work when they leave the office. Can you do that? I’d love to know your secret. I can’t even turn off the writing tap when I go to sleep. I often dream whole scenes for future books, or even a complete story outline. I keep a notepad next to the bed just for that. Of course, dreaming of handsome princes is not much of a hardship. I’m not complaining. Do you ever dream about being a different person? Over the weekend I had a dream where I was a duchess. I have to stop visiting those castles! But we're in Europe right now due to hubby's work, so it would be a shame to waste all this opportunity.
Wishing you happy reading, happy dreams and happy travels. With the top down, of course!
Dana Marton
Author
www.danamarton.com
8 comments:
Dana, what a juicy premise! Love the crown jewels angle! You dream some of your scenes?!! I wish! That has only happened to me a few times. Congrats on your new release and welcome to the convertible. Enjoy your travels! I'm sure there will be more books inspired by your current trip!
Thank you for having me! Yes, traveling is a great inspiration. I dread the getting there part (especially flying), but I love seeing new places and meeting new people. I can't wait until the teleporter is invented. Beam me up, Scotty! :-) Dana
Welcome, Dana!
I think it's a good sign when you can't turn your mind off to the WIP. That means you're into it. Once that track is firmly in place, I like to be able to follow it to the end. Real life can make it difficult, though, especially with children. That's the challenge for me--giving the family their due when the story calls.
It is hard today to turn off work when you leave, but you have to do it. for sanity reasons.. And a good book can do that for me everytime.. My mother loves these Intrique books and I have them shipped right to her in the nursing home. Even though her body doesn't work anymore, her mind is still strong and she loves to read. I will for sure have her save this one for me..
Good luck with your sales.
Thank you, Karyn! I'm pretty excited about this release. I hope it goes well.
Kathleen E.--You're right. The family is a big challange. I always feel like I'm shortchanging them, then I feel guilty. Something to definitely work on. This is usually my #1 New Year's resolution.
Kathleen 0.--Please say hi to your mom for me! When I get older, I hope my eyesight will be the last to go. I love reading. That would be hard to give up. She must love you for sending her all those books! I know anyone who sends me books is a friend for life! We've been in Eastern Europe with hubby's work for a while now and I'm lucky enough to have some good friends in the U.S. who send books to keep me going.
Dana
www.danamarton.com
Hi Dana and congrats on your new release!
I fantasize all the time while traveling. Many of the plots and characters I've imagined won't ever make it into a book, but it's still fun!
I had actually set part of one of my books, before I got published, in Cyprus. It does seem like an amazing island. Some day I hope to make it there!
I love your plot line, Dana! I don't know why husbands aren't resigned to the scribbling and muttering by now. I also dream about my books...usually the one I'm currently writing.
Have a great time and get more wonderful ideas for your future books. Where are you going to visit? I'm so jealous!
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