The Writer's View: Jackie Braun

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My Ideal Writing Space
By Jackie Braun

Around the time my first book came out in October 2000, my husband and I were in the process of building our dream house.

We’d had plans made up that included three bedrooms. We wanted kids, and, after a long and painful struggle, we were finally parents. The same month I received copies of my first book, we welcomed a 3-month-old baby boy. We’ve since adopted a second son. We traveled to China for that nearly 3-year-old bundle of joy.

Anyway, in addition to three bedrooms, I wanted a proper work space for writing. I was still working full time at as a journalist at that point, but I had hopes of quitting and writing full time. (I did so while under contract for my fifth book in 2004.)

My must-have list was long.

* I wanted bookshelves, lots of them. (I’ve since filled them up a few times over. The local library is always happy to take donations for its annual used books sale. Of course, now that I own a Kindle, I also buy fewer print copies.)

* I wanted a big desk where I could spread out my notes while working at my computer. (My husband, of course, complains the desk is always cluttered.)

* I needed a door that I could close to minimize distractions. (I foolishly went with a glass one through which my kids watch me with pathetic expressions when I am on deadline.)

* A big window to bring in natural light, especially in the winter when the days are so short and dreary.

* And I needed a couch. Something I could lounge on while working out plot problems. (Okay, this is also known as napping.)

Well, I got all of that and then some.

I know plenty of talented and prolific authors who write on laptops in coffee shops or at their dining room table or in a lounge chair on their patio. They can and do write anywhere.

Me, I need a dedicated work space. Well, I have that thanks to my wonderful husband, who has never questioned why I should have my very own office while he has to make do with a rickety desk in the corner of the kids’ play room.

What can I say? I married a gem.

About the Author:

Jackie Braun is the author of more than 30 contemporary romance novels. She is a three-time RITA Award finalist, a four-time National Readers’ Choice Award finalist and was nominated for Series Storyteller of the Year by RT Book Club in 2008. She lives in Michigan with her husband, their two sons and a former shelter dog named Pip.

"Love Unleashed" in The Billionaire's Matchmaker.

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Read an excerpt from "Love Unleashed":

Marney leaned down and patted Charlie’s head. “Bye, boy. Don’t let her do anything I wouldn’t do.” He let out a soft yip, almost as if he understood.

Mia, however, wasn’t sure she did. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. Be good.” Marney pointed a finger at the dog. “Charlie’s going to be on his best behavior for me. Aren’t you?” Mia said.

Was it her imagination or did the little dog wink?

“You just keep telling yourself that. Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to run.” Marney was halfway out the open front door when she called over her shoulder, “Oh, by the way, Charlie has a checkup with the vet at five-thirty today. Don’t be late.”

The door closed on Mia’s shocked expression. By the time she made it to the porch, Marney was already in her car driving away. Tires actually squealed. Mia scowled. The only veterinarian in Chandler’s Cove was Gideon Roth, hence Marney’s speedy getaway.

Gideon was a prime specimen of a man with a muscular build, thick sandy hair, rich brown eyes that could undress a woman with a glance, and a mouth that could turn her most wanton fantasies into reality. Mia knew all of this firsthand.

Gideon Roth was her ex-boyfriend.

She’d broken up with him six months earlier. Marney and Gabby, as well as Jenny Travolini—the other woman who formed their close quartet of friends—had been surprised. And no wonder. Gideon was a prize. Not only gorgeous and gainfully employed, but smart, funny, and abundantly decent.

Mia’s reason for dumping him? He’d said, “I love you.”

Three little words that most women longed to hear. Not Mia. Especially when Gid had gotten down on one knee on Christmas Day and backed them up with a diamond engagement ring large enough to have its own ZIP code.

Panic had bubbled up, burning her like lava. God help her, for one foolish moment, hope had as well—a geyser’s worth of it had shot up and then rained down on the old, painful memories. But nothing could wash away the past, which was why Mia had come to her senses.

Why did Gid have to go and ruin a really good thing with a declaration of love and a proposal of marriage?

Mia trusted neither.

Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?

Driving Mr. Wrong Home by Shirley Jump: When a handsome man from Gabby’s past agrees to a cross-country road trip, her master plan to re-launch her art career quickly morphs into an unexpected, romantic reunion.

The Sheriff’s Secret by Susan Meier: Marney’s 9-1-1 emergency help arrives in the form of a rugged, blue-eyed cop. Now she has the perfect bodyguard to keep her safe during those dark, steamy nights…

Love Unleashed by Jackie Braun: The last thing Mia wants is a relationship…yet the headstrong florist can’t keep her hands off her sexy-as-sin ex-boyfriend. Will she open her heart before he leaves town for good?

Love in the Shadows by Barbara Wallace: Jenny is a woman on a mission – she’ll even resort to dognapping to make her point! But can she teach a reclusive, emotionally-wounded tycoon that love heals all thing?