May is  book release month for my alter ego, Hope White.  Hope’s inspirational romantic suspense, SafeHarbor, received a 4 Star review from Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine and has already garnered excellent reviews on Amazon.    

In other book news, I’ll be hosting a free book promo June 3 – 5 on Amazon.  Kindle readers can pick up the first book in my romantic comedy series, Got a Hold on You, for free!  Mark your calendars!

It’s been a busy month in the screenwriting department.  I’ve had two producer requests for my Page award-winning script Escape. 

Pitch:  After her parents are killed in an explosion, 17-year-old Jade Masterson is hunted by a mysterious organization that wants to control her telekinetic powers.

I’ve also finished my first original TV pilot for Out of My Mind, based on my YA book that's currently making the rounds with publishers.

Pitch: Overachieving high school cheerleader Catherine Westfield fights to get her life back after suffering from a traumatic brain injury caused by a hit-and-run driver.  Worse than struggling with basic cognitive function, Catherine experiences violent visions when she looks into people’s eyes – visions that often come true.

For writers:  I’m reading a fantastic book by Eric Maisel called Making Your Creative Mark.  I can highly recommend it.  

Springtime Specials!

I’m gearing up for some great spring promotions!  Mark your calendars for April 17 – 19 when I’ll be offering 

Love on the Ropes free on Kindle. Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine gave Love on the Ropes 4.5 stars with the following review:

“Once again White brings to life the world of wrestling with a fast-paced story that has a delightful romance as well as an intriguing mystery. Even those readers who are not wrestling fans will find the characters in this story captivating. The personal growth the main characters experience is wonderfully depicted and the secondary characters portray a fascinating background.”

In May I’m planning to combine my wrestling romantic comedies into a boxed set to sell at a discounted price. Three books for under $10 – what a deal!

If you’re a big sports fan and love to read romance, don’t forget to check out this blog featuring sports romance writers: romancingthejock.com

My alter ego, Hope White, has a book out May 5 – “Safe Harbor” which received a 4 star review from Romantic Times Magazine. Check out Hope’s author page for details: www.hopewhiteauthor.com.

Happy Spring!

Free Books!

In honor of WrestleMania I’m offering a free set of my wrestling romances (print or digital) to one lucky winner!

The contest is open until Monday, April 8, Noon (PST). A winner will be chosen at random. These books received excellent reviews by Romantic Times Magazine, and Ring Around My Heart was named Best Contemporary Romance (2004) by RT!  For your chance to win the three-book set click on the link to the right.

Booklist Review for Ring Around My Heart:
"Once again White, author of Got a Hold on You, has penned a surprisingly poignant, often humorous story of a ringside romance, where the hero finds it's easier to grapple with an opponent than to wrestle with love." 

And to celebrate spring, I’m also planning a FREE book offer April 17 - 19 on Amazon. You’ll have 3 days to download Love on the Ropes for free on your Kindle. If you don't have a Kindle, the three book series will be available on other sites, like Barnes and Noble, in May.

Keep an eye out for my wrestling novella, Down for the Count, another story in the Ringside Romance series.  I also plan to release my short contemporary, The Sheriff and the Striptease, as a summer beach read.

Thanks for stopping by!  

All Three Rom Coms Now Available on Amazon!

How’s 2013 going so far? I’ve been sticking to my New Years resolutions—drink more (water J), fret less, and eat only the most expensive chocolate—while writing more books and screenplays.

 

I’m excited that all three of my romantic comedies are available on Amazon.com.

Love on the Ropes, the third book in the series, features DEA agent Jason McBain, who goes way under cover as professional wrestler Jack the Stripper. It’s bad enough he has to hold his own against seasoned wrestlers, but the physical therapist for the promotion, Sandy Ryan, is setting his body on fire with her healing touch.  Sandy’s been burned and knows not to mix business with pleasure, yet there’s something about The Stripper’s vulnerable eyes that tugs at her heart.  Jason’s feelings for Sandy go beyond primal desire, but he fears she’ll never forgive him once she discovers his true identity and ultimate goal to take down the wrestling promotion she calls family. 

Love on the Ropes earned a 4 ½ star review from RT Bookclub Magazine! The reviewer wrote: “Once again White brings to life the world of wrestling with a fast-paced story that has a delightful romance as well as an intriguing mystery.” 

Check out the entire review at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/love-ropes

For something darker with a bit of an edge, I plan to release my first young adult novel Out of My Mind sometime this spring. Here’s a teaser:

Catherine Westfield had it all — the perfect boyfriend, 4.0 GPA and top spot on the cheer team. But a random car accident strips her of her perfect life, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury that challenges her coordination, focus, and cognitive function. Worse, her condition gives her the ability to see into people’s minds if she looks into their eyes too long.  Not exactly the kind of talent she wants, especially after she sees some pretty scary stuff when looking into her would-be boyfriend’s eyes. Worse, the only person who senses that she’s not her former, perfect self is the same guy who hit her with his car and caused her condition.

I’m also working on two short contemporary romances, The Sheriff and the Striptease and My Pretend Fiancé, plus I’m writing another thriller screenplay and crafting a TV pilot.

In between deadlines I’m trying to catch the Oscar nominated films.  There are some great movies on that list.  I especially enjoyed Silver Linings Playbook.  Talk about amazing acting!

Thanks for stopping by!

Release Day!

The first two books in my romantic comedy series — Got a Hold on You and Ring Around My Heart — have been released on Amazon just in time for the holidays! These books were previously published by Dorchester but never available in E-book format.  Needless to say I did a little tweaking (I don't know many people who still carry flip phones) and found myself falling in love with Frankie and Jack, and Alexandra and Luke all over again!

Both books received a TOP PICK review from Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine when they were originally released, and Ring Around My Heart was named Best Contemporary Romance by RT Bookclub Magazine (2004).

When I mention the book series to a potential reader the reaction is usually the same: first, a second or two of silence as she processes the combination of romance and wrestling, followed by a light-hearted chuckle, and then the question, "Why a rom com series set in pro wrestling?" A few things inspired me to chase this story.

One day I was walking through our family room and the boys were watching pro wrestling on TV.  Hulk Hogan was twirling in the center of the ring flinging a yellow feather boa around his neck and I thought to myself, "What on earth would compel a grown man to act like this in public?"

Then I had a flashback: Me and Googie (my grandmother) sitting in front of her black and white TV when I was a little kid watching the likes of Verne Gagne and Baron Von Raschke throwing guys around a wrestling ring.  Although intrigued by the wrestling, I was more fascinating by my 80-year-old grandmother who watched with such focus and concentration!

The third element of inspiration for writing this series?  My fascination with fame and how it affects people.  As I researched the pro wrestling world I discovered a tragic element I didn't expect to find.  Pro wrestlers really do get hurt, they abuse their bodies and some die young due to steroid abuse. At the core of these romantic comedies is a message of compassion and understanding I want to share with my readers.  Things are not always what they appear to be, so it's a good idea to keep an open mind and an open heart.

Philosophy aside, my Ringside Romance series is meant to make you smile, and hopefully swoon, as these macho alpha heroes struggle with their personal journeys and the dangers of falling in love.

The third book in the series, Love on the Ropes, will be out in January 2013.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by my website featuring news about my books and screenwriting projects. You’ll also find scoop about publishing and the film business that I’ve picked up during my career as a published author and screenwriter.

My journey started in the 90’s when I decided to write my first romance novel, Ice Princess. While the kids were busy watching favorite afternoon TV programs (thank you Barney and Thomas the Tank Engine!) I’d be pounding away on my Mac, conveniently set up on our dining room table. Since then I’ve published 17 books, I’ve written 4 screenplays, and am currently working on book and script projects simultaneously.

I learned a ton about publishing and the movie business through professional writers organizations like Romance Writers of America (Chicago-North and Greater Seattle chapters) and the Northwest Screenwriters Guild in Seattle. I’m currently President Emeritus of the NWSG.

I’m excited about the upcoming E-release of my romantic comedy series set in professional wrestling. No, I’m not kidding.  As a reviewer from RTBookclub Magazine wrote: “Wrestling, romantic?  Absolutely!” The series kicks off with Got a Hold on You (Romantic Times Top Pick), followed by Ring Around My Heart (Best Contemporary Romance, Romantic Times) and finishes with Love on the Ropes (4 ½ stars, Romantic Times).

In 2013 I plan to release my two YA novels, Escape and Out of My Mind. Unlike my romantic comedies, these books are dark, mysterious and suspenseful.  Escape is the book version of the script that won the 2011 Page Screenwriting Competition.

Thanks again for stopping by.  I'm off to rassle with my current projects including revisions (when are we ever NOT doing revisions?) on my current script, mapping out a new book series, and trying to keep the puppy of of trouble.  Talk about a project!

Write on,

Pat