I’ve just had the best couple of weeks, and I’ve also had the worst couple of weeks.
Best because the first book in my new series, SHADOW FORCE is on the shelves and selling well! Best because the second book in the series (out in May), SHADOW WATCH, has been getting rave reviews too! And best because I finally finished the manuscript that had been stressing me with a looming deadline. (and mailed it off!)
Worst because my editor informed me that the rest of the books in my new series won’t be released until 2007. Worst because my surgeon called and said my shoulder surgery is scheduled for the middle of April. And worst because now I have to come up with a new story idea for the next deadline book. I feel so scattered that I can barely think, let alone be creative.
I need to stop. Take a breath. A couple of years ago I did an online writers workshop about setting goals. I credit past goal setting for getting me whatever I have. So maybe I should go back to my basics. While I was researching for my workshop, I reread books from many motivational authors. People like Zig Zigler, Tony Robbins, Tom Peters and Gene Donohue. They all claim there are seven magic steps to goal setting: (Why should I argue with the experts)
1. Make sure you know what you want. Your goal should be clear with a specific time period.
2. Write your goals down.
3. Decide how badly you want to reach the goal. What price are you willing to pay?
4. Make a plan. (Find the time)
5. Begin today. Failure is bad. Not trying is worse!
6. Do something every day that moves you in the direction of your goal.
7. Decide you will never quit!
The one step of the seven that has always given me the hardest time, yet is the most important is to WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN! I know I need to do it, but still I drag my heels. Actually, I shouldn’t be that way because I’m a big list maker. I have lists of books I want to read. Lists of recipes I want to try. Lists of places I want to visit before I die. Daily to-do lists. Lists of people I need to contact.
And speaking of lists, what I need now is a new list of possible romance plots. I really would like you all to lend me a hand. PLEASE! I know each of us likes to read different genres; like mystery/suspense, paranormal vampire heroes, historicals, mainstream women’s fiction and erotica (just to name a few) But I’m hoping you will think of your favorite romances and be able to tell me what kind of plots struck a chord with you in the past. Was it a reunion romance? Or maybe a virgin heroine? Or could it be a cinderella or ‘fish-out-of-water’ plot?
I need a new list! Either romance plots or reasons to make up new lists. (and avoid my current problem totally) What plots do you love and why? What lists do you make or wish you did?
Your reward? Late tonight I’ll draw three names from the comments to receive a copy of my upcoming May release, SHADOW WATCH!
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I always enjoy a plot that involves the hero screwing up and then having to grovel for forgiveness, especially if my husband has annoyed me that day. My lists usually involve housework that needs to be done because I hate it so writing it helps to motivate me to get going.
by Maureen
on April 14th, 2006 at 6:48 am
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Maureen! How fun it that idea!
Thanks for both a good plot idea to add to start my list and another list idea. Hmm Housework? Or… maybe not.
I love the idea of the hero screwing up and needing forgiveness! But then lots of times my heroines are screwing up too. 
by Linda Conrad
on April 14th, 2006 at 6:54 am
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Hi, Maureen -
Good luck about the books, sorry about the shoulder surgery. Hope it is a quik recovery.
Now in regard to your question - there are several plots I like of course.
One night of passion producing a child the hero doesnt know about - sometime later he comes back into the picture and discovers the child/baby.
Rich hero/poor heroine who feels she isnt good enuf for him - and he tries to spoil her to death and convince her she is good enuf.
by Pat
on April 14th, 2006 at 7:10 am
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How about twins one good, one bad both wanting the same girl. Or you could add that the girl is also a twin and they maybe switch unknown to the guys. And the guys switch unknown to the girls. Who knows it could get really crazy. Add more spice to it and make one set triplets.
by Tammy G.
on April 14th, 2006 at 7:49 am
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How about a story about an undercover cop or agent who -besides getting the bad guys- ends up helping an innocent bystander who might have seen or heard much more than she (or he!) is supposed to.:shock:
by Minna
on April 14th, 2006 at 8:17 am
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Linda,
You’re new series looks great. I’ll have to pick up a copy of Shadow Force.
Plots I like are:
Heroine/Hero stranded in an isolated location where someone is trying to harm them (ie:stranded on a mountain top/bad storm prevents them from leaving).
Heroine traveling on her own (has a secret to hide/or is hiding from someone) and she stops in a new town where she meets the hero who ends up helping her. I love these stories where the town and townspeople are well developed.
Have a great weekend.
by Sandra M.
on April 14th, 2006 at 8:53 am
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Whoa, some great ideas here!
Love the secret baby plot, Pat. Have used it myself a few times. But it never loses that special spark! PS, thanks about the shoulder surgery. Doc says it should be fairly minor (I hope)
Twins, Tammy? What a great idea! One evil one good. Interesting suspense idea!
More suspense plotting Minna. But I love that the cop must save an innocent bystander. Should we make the cop the heroine instead of it being the hero? Just a little twist (that my twisted brain came up with)
Sandra, you should love my new series then. The location is both isolated and the locals become well developed. I love those plot ideas too! Is today a holiday? No school and no mail?
by Linda Conrad
on April 14th, 2006 at 9:13 am
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I am personally a sucker for a cinderella plot. Rich guy meets spunky poor girl or former poor girl who has pulled herself from out of a miserable past. Virgin heroines are always a plus. I don’t like heroines who have slept around so much they can’t even keep count of the number of guys they have slept with. That just takes away my respect of the heroine and if you can’t respect the heroine that does not bode well for continuing to read the story. I loved the heroine in Shadow Force. She was not a virgin but I did not have a problem with that because she only had one other lover and was by no means a slut. She was also spunky and no pushover. I really enjoyed reading Shadow Force. Love the paranormal twist as well as the whole idea of the brotherhood. What a great plot you came up with there. Can’t go wrong with another plot involving a team of hunky guys. Another secret elite group of fighters dedicated to protecting the United States against evil. Anyway, hope those ideas help. G ood luck with the surgery. Have a great weekend!
by Cherie Japp
on April 14th, 2006 at 10:14 am
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I hope your surgery goes well and that you feel better soon.
by Carol
on April 14th, 2006 at 10:23 am
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I forgot to say that I like the mistaken identy type of story no matter what it is about.
by Carol
on April 14th, 2006 at 10:24 am
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I’m a sucker for a secret baby — especially if a hapless man ends up having to take care of it. Nothing sexier than a man operating on just a few hours sleep and trying to figure out just how that diaper goes on.
A lot of women think the virgin heroine is unrealistic in today’s world, but I like a virgin heroine and a loving hero who shows her how wonderful making love can be. In my stalled novel, the heroine is what I call an “emotional virgin” — she’s had sex, but never with a man who cared about her pleasure. So when the hero makes sure she’s satisfied first, it’s like the first time for her.
Cinderella and Beauty & the Beast are favorites too. I just read a good Cinderella plot earlier this week. Gosh, when I think about it, I like them all. It’s all in the execution and how an author puts his/her special twist and voice into it.
Have a great weekend everyone!
by Marilyn
on April 14th, 2006 at 11:00 am
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Forgot about lists.
I make a “To Do” list each day — or rather each night before I go to bed. I don’t always get it done, but the intent is there.
Now goals are a different animal. I should work on that. I’d probably accomplish more.
Right now my goal is to get packed and out of here before 11:30. 
by Marilyn
on April 14th, 2006 at 11:02 am
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Hi Linda,
first of all I hope everything goes well with your surgery.
Now to the story line. I really like dominant bad boys with a soft spot. Maybe one of those paired with a rather innocent and naive heroine, who tames him a little bit
by Danny
on April 14th, 2006 at 11:52 am
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Thanks for the great words about SHADOW FORCE, Cherie! Gotta say it’s a blast writing these secret Brotherhood heroes! And you’re right about the cinderella stories. They are always popular and get to me every time!
Carol, mistaken idenity stories are fun to write! It takes a certain special plot to pull it off well, so no wonder you love them!
Oh Marilyn, I just love emotional virgin stories! I wrote one similiar once about a woman who’d been married and divorced but had never uh…enjoyed…having sex because her husband had never cared whether she did or not. It was different but interesting to write. And the hapless dad stories are really heart warming.
Looks as if we all like those bad boys, Danny! And the spunky but naive heroines! I don’t think we ever see enough of those!
Thanks everyone about the surgery. It’s supposed to be just in and out, but then the doc talks about a ‘pain pump’ to give me pain medicine. Yikes! Okay, now I’m scared.
We’re getting a good long list going here! And I’m starting to form some neat ideas! Thanks to you all for taking a moment out of your holiday weekend!
by Linda Conrad
on April 14th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
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Good luck on the surgery!
I like plots where the couple starts out as friends and then it progresses to something more. For example, they have known each other their entire lives and then become lovers. I find the transition neat because they both know each other so well.
I also like the bad boys with a soft spot plots. Or the Beauty and the Beast type stories….pretty girl, tough guy. She breaks through the ice and loves him despite his faults.. Or the ugly duckling stories…self-conscious girl doesn’t think she is pretty…guy loves her for who she is and makes her feel beautiful. Modern takes on fairy tales are always fun to read.
by Jennifer Yates
on April 14th, 2006 at 2:23 pm
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Good Luck with the surgery.
I like a plot where the bad boy comes back to town, makes good and proves himself to the unforgiving (at first) town. I like it especially if he rides back in on a motorcycle.
by Karen
on April 14th, 2006 at 4:20 pm
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Thanks for the kick in the pants, Linda. I needed to be reminded to set goals!
by Gail Barrett
on April 14th, 2006 at 4:33 pm
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I like a plot with 3 or 4 hunky died in the wool bachelor brothers, with a warm funloving family. That way there are several books - one for each brother with great family interplay and I love to watch the love a good woman get each and every one of them.
by Helen
on April 14th, 2006 at 4:37 pm
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I like the seal/special ops/CIA/ agent who involves the unwitting hero/heroine in the dangerous situation. While they are on the run/in danger they try to keep their emotions in check, but the attraction grows out of control.
Yeah!
by Angie
on April 14th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
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I like second chances, office romance, best friend turn lovers, damsel in distress storylines.
by Jenny
on April 14th, 2006 at 5:20 pm
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Oh Jennifer, old friends become lovers! I love that one! And Beauty and the Beast stories are a real favorite. In fact, I think I might write one next. Hmm.
Karen, on the motorcycle! Gotta love those hunks!
Hey, Gail!!!! Get busy and write down those plans! (I know it’s hard with family and daily life) But do it anyway! Your fans are waiting!!
Oh, hunky brother heroes, Helen. Yeah, I did that once and will likely do it again! What’s not to like!
One of my all time favorite series books by Suzanne Brockmann was just like you describe, Angie! The hero saves the heroine and then finds himself out of control over her! Yeah!
I’d almost forgotten about office romances, Jenny! I can’t exactly use that one for my secret Navajo Brotherhood series, though. I did use hero and heroine doctors for SHADOW WATCH, and they had to work together! Is that sort of the same?
by Linda Conrad
on April 14th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
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How about the handy carpenter type neighbor next door. Heroine with a small child - since they are next door they keep running into one another, heroine of course needs help with repairs, and a cute lovable child is good to bring them together. One of them could have some kind of tragic event in their past where they dont believe love is in the cards for them.
by Helen L.
on April 14th, 2006 at 5:45 pm
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I’m a sucker for the thriller/suspense story. So your Shadow Force was very enjoyable. Looking forward to Shadow Watch.
Hope your surgery goes well. I’m facing knee replacement in the next month or so.
by Joyce
on April 14th, 2006 at 8:02 pm
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Ohhh I love the carpenter next door, Helen. (especially with the tool belt riding low on his hips)
Sorry to hear about the knee replacement Joyce. I’m hoping my surgery is a LOT easier than that! Glad you liked SHADOW FORCE!
Does anyone have a storyline that they are just sick to death of seeing?
by Linda Conrad
on April 14th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
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I am not really sick of it, but I have seen quite a few “marriage of convenience” plots.
by Jennifer Yates
on April 14th, 2006 at 9:01 pm
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Not really sick of any plot. I guess if you read a lot of romance, there are only so many plots to go around so to speak and there are quite a few different ones.
by Pat
on April 14th, 2006 at 9:11 pm
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“Marriage of Convenience” plots. Hmm, Jennifer, I haven’t read one of those in years. I guess I’m not reading the right stuff.
That’s the trick, Pat! To make the plots seem fresh!
My dh just picked numbers and names for the three winners tonight! Number 3 - Pat! Number 13 - Danny and Number 15 - Jennifer Yates! Congrats all! email me your snail mail address to: LindaConradbooks@aol.com and I’ll send you copies of SHADOW WATCH!
And thanks everyone for giving me a great new list! If you all don’t mind, I think I’ll use it for my Silhouette Intimate Moments workshop next summer in Atlanta!
Thanks for spending part of your busy Friday with me!
by Linda Conrad
on April 14th, 2006 at 10:29 pm
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I see it frequently in the historicals I read…not as much in the contemporaries. I am not really sick of it though. Oh, and thanks so much!
by Jennifer Yates
on April 14th, 2006 at 10:38 pm
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Thanks again, Linda.
I have sent my info to you.
Congrats Danny and Jennifer.
by Pat
on April 14th, 2006 at 11:47 pm
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Woohoo thanks so much Linda!
Congrats Pat & Jennifer!
by Danny
on April 15th, 2006 at 6:04 am
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Thats great about your books. I think your so funny,you make lists for everything then you leave one out,lol. I really like the seven steps to making goals, makes it easier to achieve them.
I hope all goes well with your surgery Linda, I’m sure it will. The part I always hate for having surgery is getting knocked out. I usually have bad reaction when waking up,I’m not saying this to worry you ok,thats just me and my crazy body.
CONGRATS ladies!
by Dena
on April 15th, 2006 at 7:36 am
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Oh gosh, thanks Dena! Just what I needed, one more thing to stress about.
(Really, I’m only a little bit nervous)
And I’m glad you like the seven steps to making goals. They really do work for lots of things in life. Hope you give them a try!
by Linda Conrad
on April 15th, 2006 at 9:44 am
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Congrats Pat,Danny and Jennifer !
Carol
by Carol
on April 15th, 2006 at 7:03 pm
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wtg
by KIM H
on April 17th, 2006 at 10:40 am
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Hi Linda,
Book and chocolates came today. Thanks. Sure I will enjoy the book. I did the chocolate. LOL.
by Pat
on April 17th, 2006 at 9:01 pm
