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Every writer has their own specific oddities or quirks, and I am no different than all the others in the respect of having a quirk. However, I haven’t heard of other authors having my particular quirk, which I think stems from my being a plotter. I cannot do anything, not write one word, until I’ve finished the outline for the entire book. I don’t mind adjusting the outline after I start writing, but I’ve got to have the outline—a very detailed outline—completed before I can sit down to write a word.
When I have the luxury of time, I hand write the first draft, although that doesn’t affect the really quirky part of my writing routine. Once I finish the outline and start to write, I set myself word goals for different sections of each chapter that will total 3,000 words. Usually, the chapter is divided into thirds, and I write 1,000 words for each section. Sometimes, depending on what’s going on in the chapter, I’ll divide the chapter into halves, and write 1,500 words as one section and 1,500 on the other. I’m not exacting with the specific word count of the chapter as long as I make at least the minimum of 1,000 or 1,500 for each section. That way I’m sure to complete the word count for the novel (usually 90,000). With 3,000 words per chapter, I’ll need 30 chapters to make that magic number of 90,000 words.
Most people look at me oddly when I tell them about this writing regimen, but it certainly helps me be productive and on track for deadlines for my editors. All I can say is “Thank God computers are equipped with Word Count!”
The Battle of Waterloo made them widows, but each has found new happiness. And Jane, Lady John Tarkington, intends to keep her freedom, even if love—and one particular gentleman—are determined to claim her heart . . .
It is a truth rarely acknowledged—at least in public—that a wealthy widow is free to pursue a great many adventures. For two years, Jane has privately enjoyed her independence. Why should she remarry, even when the gentleman proposing is as wonderful as Gareth, Lord Kinellan? She entreats him never to ask her again. But as her Widows’ Club friends—now all joyfully remarried—gather at Castle Kinellan, Jane begins to wonder if stubbornness has led her to make a terrible mistake . . .
Kinellan needs a wife to give him an heir, and he wants that wife to be Jane. They are perfect together in every way, yet she continually refuses him. Just as he is on the point of convincing her, a series of accidents befall Gareth and point to an enemy in their midst. He has promised Jane a passionate future filled with devotion, but can he keep them both alive long enough to secure it?
Enjoy an Excerpt
Throwing up his hands, he groaned and sagged against the wall, his banyan sliding half off him. “Have your way with me, woman. I surrender myself into your hands. Do with me what you will and I swear I will enjoy it.”
Panting, she stepped back from him, seeing the sculpted muscular form, strong arms, and dark eyes glazed with smoldering desire as if for the first time. This man wanted her, or had wanted her to be his wife for a long time. No one would ever make her feel this way again, mo matter how many lovers she might take. She could look for the rest of her life and not find a man as kind or generous or loving as he. And she had all but thrown his love away with both hands. The revelation devastated her and she hung her head.
“Jane?” Kinellan straightened, peering into her face.
Sobbing, she threw her arms around him, laying her head on his broad chest, the only place she wanted it to be. Tears pricked her eyes. The fast beat of his heart beneath her ear should have given comfort, but did not, for her own heart was tearing asunder. The trickle of tears became a flood.
“Darling.” He slipped his arms around her, cradling her close. “What is wrong?”
“I…I don’t want to leave.”
“Sweetheart.” He cupped her chin and turned her face up to his. A thundery frown marred his brow. “Who has asked you to leave? Was it Aunt Prudence? Fiona?”
“N…no.” Jane sniffed, trying to blink back the tears and regain her composure.
“Someone else?” His frown grew darker.
She nodded. “You.”
About the Author 
Jenna Jaxon is a best-selling author of historical romance, writing in a variety of time periods because she believes that passion is timeless. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, Jenna has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories.
She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets–including two vocal cats, one almost silent cat, two curious bunnies, and a Shar-pei beagle mix named Frenchie.
Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iBooks, or Google Play.
Thanks for hosting!
I can’t wait to read it.
Thank you, Rita! I hope you enjoy it!
Sounds like an interesting book.
Thank you, Sherry.
Was it difficult picking a title and book cover?
Hi, Marisela! The title was actually easy. Once I decided to set it in Scotland, the title suggested itself easily. It was a great way to tell the reader that it was Scottish themed, without using the word Scotland. For the cover, Kensington asked me for my input–as they always do– and I have to say they gave me a cover that was exactly what I asked for, the hero in the kilt and the heroine in a gown draped in plaid. So I was extremely happy when I saw the end produce. 🙂
Thank you for posting about this book, it sounds like an excellent read
Thank you, Bea. I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you so much for hosting me!