As I write this, spring finally seems to be arriving in Albuquerque. Shoots are popping out of the ground, the sun is bright, and the birds are singing. I’ve just turned in my second fantasy novel in the "Stone God" series, HAMMER OF THE EARTH (to be published in early 2006), and two romance novels are due to be released this season: the long-awaited reprint of my Bantam "futuristic" STAR-CROSSED (which has been unavailable for several years) and the next in my werewolf series, TO TAME A WOLF, from HQN.

TO TAME A WOLF is set in Arizona Territory in the early 1880's, and it’s a story I had fun researching last year on one of my frequent trips to southern Arizona. Of course I always enjoy revisiting my werewolf universe, especially when I get to revive a favorite secondary character ... in this case, Sim Kavanagh from ONCE A WOLF.

Sim starts out as quite a scoundrel, and only two things have the power to redeem him: true love and the right woman. Tally Bernard is Sim’s match in every way, and she’s not about to let him forget it! As a writer, I find nothing more satisfying than watching a character develop from edgy loner to bewildered lover to fiercely loyal hero who’ll do anything to protect the woman he adores. I’ve always believed in the power of redemption through love.

Now, with HAMMER OF THE EARTH completed, I’ve begun work on my next HQN romance novel, as yet untitled: the sequel to THE FOREST LORD. The book is set in England in the 1840's, and I’m getting an unexpected treat this year ... the chance to do some on-site research in England! I’m extremely excited about this first overseas trip; I’ll finally get to visit all the places I’ve read and written about, including the Cotswolds, the Lake District and Northumberland. Can’t wait!

I hope you also have a delightful and productive spring.