THE DIAMOND STILL SPARKLES

Wow, this is amazing. TOUGHER THAN DIAMONDS was released in March of 2007. This morning another review showed up in my mailbox. And it's a fine one!

The Romance Studio has given it Five Hearts! Here's a snippet of the review:
"Delia Carnell does an exceptional job telling the tale of these two people and their lives...This is one of those books that was hard to put down as the suspense built to a well done ending."

It's such a treat to hear words like that. And this time, I received praise for a facet that's never been mentioned to me before. Check this: "There are some interesting secondary characters...also make great additions to the story."

That's fun to hear. And it's something I tell my students when I teach the writing class. Even if the characters are only in the story for a short time, they have to have a purpose, and they have to be well defined.

TOUGHER THAN DIAMONDS is one of my favorite books (yeah, I know...I say that about whichever one I'm talking about at the moment) because I truly love Jake. He's so tortured. So emotionally bankrupt. So easy to fall in love with. And this was the first book I set in my hometown of Tampa. That was fun. And easy. No research needed! I enjoyed sending Jake and Rebecca to places I go on a regular basis. Rick's on the River. Jackson's Bistro. The Florida Orchestra.

If you'd like to read the entire review at The Romance Studio, click here.


And if you'd like to fall in love with Jake yourself, click here.

Thanks very much to Dee Dailey at The Romance Studio for making this rainy morning a little bit sunnier.

Have a great day!
Susan

Top Ten Lists - The Other Side!

Usually if there's something to do with a Top Ten list in this Blog, it's because I've made one. Today, it's because I'm ON one.

Not too long ago, I got a fabulous review for TIME TO KEEP, my time travel romance that was out this year. Now Kimber at Fallen Angel reviews has compiled her list of the Top Ten best books of 2008.

Guess who's on it!






Yes, that's right. Kimber has honored us with a spot on her list. I can't tell you what a thrill this is. I've said this here before, and I'll say it again: Writing is a Very Solitary Experience. I sit here in this little space that I've made as visually appealing and inspirational as I can. I have mood music, photos of people who resemble the major characters (Mark Harmon, usually), and a few reference books. I try to capture what I see in my head, the dialogue I hear, the emotions my characters are feeling.

But I never know if I'm getting it right. One of the difficult things about writing is the huge length of time between creation and feedback. Did I get it right? Does it make sense? Will someone else be as crazy about it as I am?

You just don't know, so you keep on putting down the words, day after day, working on nothing but blind faith. Someone will love it. Someone will buy it. Someone will be glad she read it. This time, I have my proof. Someone not only liked it, she liked it TOP TEN BEST of all the books she read this year.

Wow.

Thanks, Kimber, for not just the honor, but for the inspiration, the kick-in-the-pants to go on. And on and on.

If you'd like to see the rest of Kimber's list, click here.

And if you'd like to read TIME TO KEEP yourself, then click here.

Thanks, Faithful Readers. What would I do without you?

Susan