But first…
Don’t you hate it when characters aren’t forthcoming?
Since I write without a firm outline (OK, even a limp one—but that’s a word you’re NEVER supposed to use around a romance novel) I was almost at the end of HEARTBREAK CREEK, Book 1 of my new runaway brides trilogy, when the hero, Declan Brodie, whispered in my ear, “You do know I’m afraid of heights, don’t you?”
Hell, no, I didn’t know. And why did he have to tell me that at page 300? Gads. I had to re-do a lot of stuff and change the entire ending (which made it better, I think. Darn him.)
Then in Book 2, I was at the halfway point when that hero, Angus Wallace, Fifth Viscount Ashby, looked over my shoulder and said, “What’re you writing there, lass. Being dyslexic, so I am, I canna read all those words.”
What? Dyslexic? They didn’t even have dyslexia back in 1870. What the…
But then I realized that was probably the reason he hadn’t written to his poor wife, bless his heart. Still…he could have told me sooner.
In Book 3, the hero has an odd voice. One with sort of a whispery, rusty, gravely quality. I thought it was just part of his charm until he showed me the scar on his neck and happily related the details of his near death by hanging.
He was hanged? (And hung—this is a romance, after all). What had he done? And how did he get away? And why did he wait until now to mention it?
Do you see a pattern here?
It’s the guys who aren’t communicating. The heroines are right up front with all their likes and dislikes and fears and such like. I always know what’s on their minds. They tell me constantly, in fact. But the guys? Pathetic.
Women have a lot to say—just ask them. But men? Think onion. Layers upon layers upon layers. And not very thick ones, if you catch my meaning. Whoever said women were complicated must have been a man. At least women bring all the pieces of the puzzle to the party. Maybe even more pieces than we’ll ever need. And maybe ones that don’t even fit. But at least they give you something to work with.
Heavens, my own father didn’t tell me he was blind in one eye until I was thirteen! When he saw my shock, he just shrugged and said, “It’s not important. The other works fine.”
Seriously? That’s it?
It’s a little disturbing. That’s what I think. But what about you? Any “why didn’t you tell me?” stories you’d like to share? Just leave a comment sometime between now and Sunday, July 10th and your name will be entered to win one of several entirely FREE, AUTHOGRAPHED (by a RITA-WINNING AUTHOR—meeee!), DELIVERED to your door copies of HEARTBREAK CREEK! What a country!
P.S. Did I mention PIECES OF SKY won the RITA for Best First Book? Woohoo!!!!
Hi, Kaki! I love your books, and I was super excited and so happy about your RITA win!!! Congrats : )
I have a big “why didn’t you tell me” story. My mother and father stayed together less than a month after they were married. Mom moved back home with her parents and never saw my dad again. I was on the way by that time, and I was raised by my grandparents and my mother. Three parents make for an uncomfortable triangle. I didn’t know that my granparents were actually my legal guardians until many years after they had both passed away. My mother had given them my guardianship, but she felt conflicted about how to handle their involvement. I only saw my dad twice in my life, and that was after my grandparents had passed away. I was in my twenties, and I initiated the contact. We spoke on the phone for over ten years, but I was never a part of his life. Mom and I lived in VA, and Dad moved back to his home area in TN. He never told anyone about me. I have never met anyone from Dad’s half of my family. However, my grandparents were the people I was meant to be with, and they are the ones who loved me, wanted me, and made me the person I am today. I am very thankful to them, always!
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Our son did not tell us about some serious health issues he was having. He didn’t want us to worry. Seriously?? He didn’t realize we worry regardless whether he tells us things or not!
Virginia–what a story. You should be writing your own books. I’m so glad you realized the love and sacrifices of your grandparents. It sounds like they did a great job.
Kathy–you’re right. Kids don’t realize how constantly they are in their parents’ thoughts, even when they’re gown and on their own. I hope all is well with him.
Your books are exceptional. In these days, it’s a pleasure to find a book that is clean; but exciting. See, you don’t need sex and violence in great stories. What a joy and I hope to read more. Thank you, Kaki
So so so so well-deserved, that Rita! Could you hear me cheering for you all the way from NYC? I can’t wait for the next series.
I didn’t find out my parents “had” to get married because I was on the way until I was in high school. Coming from a rural area, supposedly everyone in town knew and my birth was quite the scandal.
Kathleen, I agree. It’s awfully refreshing to see a romance without graphic sex scenes.
Looking forward to reading all of your books, Kaki! I believe almost everyone holds back something about themselves in the beginning of a relationship whether it be family or friends or a new relationship. Once the trust has built up, then more of the “details” come out.
Thanks, Kathleen–I really appreciate the kind words.
Wow, that must have been a “gotcha” moment for you, Joy. Hope it wasn’t too unsettling and it’s all behind you now.
I agree, Terri. I’m “old school” and truly believe the most important component of any relationship is trust.
And G., thanks for cheering me on. I’ll be there cheering you soon (but your debut book doesn’t come out until 1/12, does it? That means I’ll have to wait until summer 2013–Gads.)
I never really liked historical love romance books but ever since i started reading yours I’ve gotten to love them,especially yours. I can’t wait to order your new book! Gonna wait for i may win it-my had to story, I was working on the boardwalk in New jersey at this bread and breakfast place and also selling T-shirts and I met this guy and we started dating and it turned out he was my uncle’s son from a girl that he met years ago, he supported Marco but he never came to Chicago to visit. What a heartache.
That is a sad story, Carole. Thanks for sharing. And good luck on winning a copy of Heartbreak Creek. I’m giving away several.
we have “why didn’t you tell me?” moments happen all the time around here. we’ve been married 24 years and i’ll still be waiting for him to say he’s ready to leave a party. finally when i ask him if he’s ready, he says, “i’m ready. i was waiting for you.” and i invariably answer with, “i was waiting for you.” so i can’t blame him entirely.
Kaki, I’m so pleased people recognized your talent–the RITA was so well-deserved. I TOLD YOU SO. And no, I’m never gonna get tired of saying that. I have exquisite taste in books–even if I do say so myself.
Luckily, these days my “Why didn’t I tell you so” moments come more from my characters too. However, my mom was afraid someone else would tell me, so she informed me when I was eight that my dad was married before and my 3 older brothers and sister were from his first marriage–they were my half brothers and sister. I didn’t really see why that should change anything–and it didn’t. To this day it doesn’t mean anything to us and is a constant irritation when someone else brings it up. Usually a rude, prying person.
My dad tells me he has lots of family secrets he’s taking to his grave. How’s that for suspense? Perhaps that’s where I get my story-telling desire. Please leave me out of your drawing as I’ve already ordered my book.
Tell your agent you need to write 1book a year so you don’t burn out. We want you to keep on entertaining us for many more years to come! Love ya!
Congratulations on your RITA Kaki! My son forgets to tell us things all the time.
Congrats on the upcoming new release and the RITA, Kaki! I can’t wait to read it.
I know what you mean, Michelle–anyone who lives with a man has a lot of “those” moments.
T., I couldn’t stand not knowing what your father meant–but then, I might not live if I did. LOL. Thanks so much for the kind words and generous support throughout this journey. You’re the best!
Maureen, maybe that’s self-preservation–not forgetfulness. HA!
And thank you, Rosie. I hope you like it.
I can’t think of any “why didn’t you tell me stories” but I do have a “Kaki won a Rita” story.
I’m in Seattle with my sister. I saw on FB that you had won late the 2nd night I was here. The first thing I did the next morning was to call Marne. When she answered, I said “Kaki won a Rita.” She said “huh?”. I repeated the wonderful news and she said “huh?” and I repeated it again very slowly. Kaki…won…a…Rita. At that point Marne started celebrating.
When I got off the phone, my sister asked me if Marne and I have our own language or if my conversation had something to do with an inside joke. She wanted to know what kahkiwannareada meant.
So happy for you. So well deserved.
Vicki
Kaki, he might say the same thing about me. but we love each other dearly. those moments fade pretty quickly.
Lucky you, Michelle. Those moments are not always a bad thing…just a thing. Right?
Vicki, you goofball. Are you enjoying your trip to the Great Northwest? Chicka-boom-boom and Owly say “hi”. Cute story–thanks for sharing. Now get your book written and send it out.
Congrats for the Rita and the new release. And for all your other awards. I’d give you one myself for best funniest reading or longest-waited-finally-a-great-Western-Historical reward, but the best thing I can do is tell everyone about your books ( and I do) and run down tomorrow to buy Heartbreak Creek. I simply can’t wait to see if I was to win anyway and can’t think of one of those ‘why didn’t you tell me’ stories right now. And frankly, I’m usually the one that didn’t tell someone a secret. I’m terrible that way…Someone told me it was because it’s because my birth sign is scorpia, if you believe that sort of thing.
Hoping the local Target/Walmart/ store has your book but if not, I’ll make the drive to the bookstore. I read your newsletter, too and you crack me up. Your humor is great, making me wish you were just next door where I could pop over (when you weren’t writing), have coffee and laugh every once in a while.
I loved the little tidbit about your hubby and the model trains…my husband worked on the trains for over 30 years…the big ones, that is. Something about trains get into those boys blood, I think.
Another train geek! Oh, Toni–what we have to deal with. Could be worse, I guess. Thanks for dropping by–I always like visiting with you. Hope your writing is going well and wish you were a neighbor, too. (Although I have pretty great neighbors–there’s ALWAYS room for more.) Stay in touch.
First of all, a BIG congratulations for your RITA award. Well deserved.
Your newsletter was hysterical. I was laughing and had to share it with my husband. Even though he is male, he thought it was funny too, especially the first part concerning your husband and getting in touch with your sexuality. Um, maybe we can relate to that scenario a little too well.
Just recently my dad was doing the code breaking thing in the paper with the cross word puzzle. He is really good at it and showed me how to break a code. Cool and he is good at it. He said of course, that was what I did in WWII. He always said he was a radio operator on a ship during the war. Now I find out he was a member of a rather special group of code breakers.
Just this past week, my daughter and I were talking about her fear of water and my not wanting her to pass that along to her son. She had an tubing accident at camp one summer and got caught in a hydrolic which kept her pinned to the river bottom. She almost drowned. What she didn’t mention until last week, was she had two canoe accidents that same summer, getting caught under the canoe when it capsized.
Best of luck with the release of HEARTBREAK CREEK.. I love your sense of humor.
Another GREAT blog, Kaki – you slay me! Some really great responses too!
I am so very glad you are getting the recognition you deserve!!!!
You are a FANTASTIC writer! You’ve got a FANTASTIC sense of humor! And… you are a FANTASTIC friend!!! I’m soooo lucky to be your neighbor!! 😀
Love you loads girlfriend!!!
P.S. You don’t need to put me in the drawing, I’ve already got mine 🙂 oh, you probably weren’t going to anyway were you… 😉
OMG, Pat, how scary for your daughter! You would have freaked too, no doubt. Maybe it’s best you didn’t know until now. As for the Dad thing, maybe it’s something in that generation. My dad told us the most astounding things about his youth (being chased down the street by a gun-toting classmate named Yam Fed–Truth or fiction? I don’t know.). As for the “getting in touch with your sexuality”…isn’t it amazing how many guys want to help us with that? Bless their hearts. Thanks for sharing.
Well all the men I know shudder at how “women just tell all that emotional stuff – to anyone, anytime at the drop of a hat”. I guess they needed to you were serious aboout their stories! Congrats on the RITA what a way to start your publishing career!
I thought of a silly ‘why didn’t you tell me’ story. When my boys were young I took the oldest to the doc. with a stomache ache. I asked him for a new prescription for paragoric (used sometimes, back then). He asked what was wrong with the one he’d given me a few months ago. I told him it was all cloudy and I didn’t dare use it. He asked me where I was storing it. I told him, in the fridge. He asked me why. I said, that’s where my mother always kept it. He asked me why. I said, I don’t know.
Later that day, I asked my mom. She said, I kept it in there to hide it from your dad. I guess my dad…a good little Morman, liked a little nip now and again. In my defense…how many things do we do because our mothers did them and they really don’t make sense. Or is that just me.
I found your book. It was worth the three stops and the longish drive.
Well my “Why Didn’t You Tell Me” momment was a bit alarming to say the least. My daughters and her best friend have know each other since kingergarten. They were in all the same classes until 4th grade. After 5th grade her friend farther down south. Her mother was a stay at home mom with three girls. I was a single mom with 2 girls and 1 boy. They had play dates, and they were the only people outside of my family I allowed my daughter to spent sleepovers with. I knew the mom and dad pretty well. A couple of years ago I drove my daughter down for a weeks visit over the summer. They were both juniors in high school and still the best of friends. Whenever I called I would always ask to speak to her mom, and was simply told she was not there but I had several conversation with her dad. Apon dropping off my daughter I again asked to speak with her mom and was told she was not home. Her dad was there and we spoke briefly before I left to spend the night at my cousins home who lived a couple of hours away. (long drive home) When I went to pick up my daughter I asked if her mom was there and was told she was not home. I spoke with her dad and siblings for awhile before we left for our drive home. I asked my daughter if she had seen her friends mom. She told me “mommy, her mom does not live with them any more, I know she is away and can only speak to the girls on the phone. But she does not want to talk about it it upsets her, O.K.” I did ask if she knew why she said what ever it was it was bad. I have come to find out that she was in jail for hiring a hit man to kill her husband. Totally did not see that. I wish I would have at least know she no longer lived there so I would have not brought it up to the family everytime I called or came by.
I totally agree, Karen. And thanks for stopping by.
Toni, good point. Our first teachers are our mothers–no wonder we hold to some of the things they showed us by example. My mom kept face cream in the fridge because she thought it shrank pores. (It might have looked the same as mayo but wasn’t as tasty, I’m sorry to say.) And thanks for buying my book.
Lolaraine, that’s a little freaky. And oddly loyal of the family to keep quiet about what Mom was up to. Was she crazy? Or did he need killing? I smell a story there… Glad you’re safely away from it. Thanks for sharing your story.
Sad to say, I believe she thought she would lose out in the divorce. Her hasband has always seemed like a nice guy, and she was the mom most women believed they wanted to be. And I know his kids are loyal to him and they are always laughing and joking when I have seen them. I know her family still has contact with him and even visit the girls at his home, mind you they now live several hours away. Just sad. But you never know what goes on behind another persons closed door. On a happier note, I can’t wait to read “Heartbreak Creek”, the wanted ad had me hooked.
Congrats on winning the Rita, so well deserved! Don’t enter me in the contest because I have read your new book and ladies if you don’t win make sure you go out and get this book, its FABULOUS as all of Kaki’s books are. I pimp her books all over because she is my number one author! I love your books and they are all fantastic reads that keep you up all night reading but well worth it. Thanks for bring us such wonderful reads.
Whew–made it under the wire! I knew my husband was legally blind before our first date–the why came later, after I’d already fallen in love with him. No surprises there. It wasn’t until 9 1/2 years after our marriage–and five full years after our son was born–that it was revealed to me over lunch that my husband’s father–like his father before him–was blind in one eye with the same condition–and that our nephew was also partially blind at the age of 10. Up until that very moment, I had always thought my husband’s blindness was a unique medical issue–not a genetic trait that had been passed down through at least four generations. No one had relayed this to me–and after lunch, my blind-in-one-eye father in-law was driving my son back to the family farm. I have never feared for my boy as much as I did that day. The driver was BLIND!
I am so excited to read the next books in the series! Will they be coming out this year or the next?
Thanks, Lolaraine for the update. Sounds like the kids are doing well despite all the turmoil. You’re right, though, you never know…
Quilt Lady–who could ask for a better pimp? Thanks soooo much for your support. It means a lot.
Sarah–Wow! That sounds like a real “gotcha”. But the brain is marvelous the way it compensates (my dad was the best shot in our family, even though he had to sight across the stock). So hopefully The Kid was in no real danger. But maybe, next time, just to be sure….
Arnique, I appreciate your interest. Book 2–Colorado Dawn, is out January 2012, and Book 3, Bride of The High Country, is out the following June. The covers are totally different from anything so far. And the three books of the first trilogy are being re-released in mass market, starting in October. Look for the mustache-less Brady then.
Hello, Ms. Warner,
This is my first time posting but I’ve been a fan since I discovered your books about three months ago. I’m sure I’m going to love your new series as much as I did your Blood Rose Triligy.
As far as a no communication experience, I believe I can add a pretty good one. This took place some time ago in the days before cell phones.
My two sons aged 7 and 8 were playing at a friend’s on the other side of the block.I My husband played basketball in a community league and left for a game. I didn’t expect him home until after 7 p.m. It was now around 4:30 in the afternoon. My sons were supposed to come home by 5. At 5:15. When they didn’t arrive on time I called the friend’s home but the mother told me my sons had left for home around 4:00.
I then began walking around the block thinking I would find them dawdling the way boys often do, but didn’t intercept them. The thought then enterered my mind that they could have disobeyed me and gone to another friend’s home without permission so I returned home and spent the next half hour calling everyone on the block to see if my sons were at their house, but no luck; no one had seen them.
By this time It was near dark and I was beginning to get seriously worried. They usually DID come home when they were supposed to. I got in my car and drove to a nearby park, the corner store, the vacant lot, a wooded area, and up and down surrounding blocks to no avail. It was now close to 7 so I returned home with the hope that my boys had returned home while I had been out looking for them. When I arrived back at the house the boys weren’t there. By this time it was pitch dark and I was frantic. I was just picking up the phone to call the police when my husband’s car pulled into the driveway and my two sons got out of the back seat, all smiles looking as if they hadn’t a care in the world.
“Where have you been,?” I demanded. as soon as they entered the house. “With Dad, We went to his game,” they answered as simple as you please. I then turned to my husband, “I’ve been going out of my mind looking for them. Why didn’t you come back and tell me they were with you?” My husband then said,” I thought you’d figure it out.”
I can not repeat what my next words to him were.
Gads, Mesadallas. And he’s still alive??? And if you made that assumptoin, and it wasn’t right…I don’t even want to think about it. I think that’s one of the scariest things a parent faces–that moment when they don’t know where the kids are. I’ve had one of those moments and it still gives me a stomach ache to think about it. Glad it turned out well. And thanks for stopping by.
Howdy Kaki!
My mom & my best friend & I just love your books. Congrats on your well-earned Rita award!!
My husband neglected to tell me the two worst things he’s done during our marriage. He co-signed on a credit card for our daughter & didn’t EVER ask to see the statements; I found out when she was over $6,000. in debt & the bank came after my husband for it.
Many years ago when I was a stay-at-home mother & our daughter was quite young, my husband cancelled his life insurance policy because he was angry with the insurance agent for a mistake the man had made in the policy. I found out YEARS later! If he had met with an untimely demise, we would have been destitute as well as devastated. I am not only the beneficiary of his new policy, but the OWNER of it as well. No one can cancel it but me!
Apart from the above, he’s a wonderful husband!
I love your newsletters Kaki~they always make me laugh! All the best to you!
You’re a very forgiving lady, Diana. I hope your husband knows how lucky he is. Your daughter, too. Sounds like you’ve got it all under control now…thank goodbness. And I’m glad you’re liking the books and newsletter. They’re fun to write. Good luck on winning a copy of HEARTBREAK CREEK, and thanks for chiming in.
Hi Kaki, I don’t have any “why didn’t you tell me stories” but I wanted to say Congrats on your much deserved Rita win! I absolutely loved your Blood Rose Trilogy and I am anxiously waiting to read Heartbreak Creek. I have one request. I would greatly appreciate it if you could either write a little faster or have your books published a little quicker. I read much too fast for my own good and I carried your books with me wherever I went. Except in the shower of course, lol. Thank you for the hours of reading enjoyment. I’m looking forward to many more.
Kaki,
Read the new book on my Kindle while in Seattle. Wonderfully, crafted. You are brilliant, dahling. Can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks for the read!
Vicki
I don’t have a Why didn’t you tell me story; but I wanted to tell you how you’ve changed my life. I wasn’t much of a reader before…hardly ever read an entire book…just magazine articles sometimes. But I started vounteering at the local library and someone returned your book, Pieces of Sky, and it caught my eye. I took it home and started reading it, and couldn’t put it down!! My husband was a little annoyed that I was totally ignoring him and kept on reading that book. Anyway, now I can’t get enough of your books…I love your writing. It maks me feel like I’m right there in the story. The love story of Brady and Jessica has touched me so much, it’s made me feel more lovingly to my husband of 31 years….things had gotten so routine and hardly ever cuddled anymore; now my husband wonders where my recent loving attitude toward him came from. Then,he sees me reading your book and I think he’s figured it out. So, I think he loves you, too.