And, don't forget to enter the contest to win a copy of Donna's book, Back on Track. Read to the end of the post to find out how to win.
Welcome Donna!
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| Donna Cummings |
The Strangers on a Train series started with a random conversation on Twitter, when Ruthie and Samantha were chatting about a pic of a hot guy riding a train. Serena and Meg and I joined in -- and it was probably one of those times when I was thinking, "I really should be writing, not chatting on Twitter". But that's how serendipity works, if you're open to it. I added my thoughts, and next thing I knew, there was a "we should write some books!" comment thrown out there, and well, here we are. The series is going to be released in just a few days!
My story, Back on Track, had a few more instances of serendipity. I had originally started with a slightly different story, on a completely different train, but I was struggling a bit. For some reason the Napa Wine Train popped into my brain one morning. I still don't know how or why, since I hadn't seen anything about it. In fact, I thought for a moment I'd made it up! So I looked online and found that it really did exist. Then I thought, "One of the other authors must be using it", so I checked the email conversation where we'd all said which train we were going to write about -- and there was nothing. So it became mine, all mine.
The title was another bit of Twitter inspiration. I was chatting with Samantha about how our writing was going, and she tweeted something about getting back on track, and I said, "That's my new title!"
My heroine, Allie, is trying to get the hero, baseball superstar Matt, to pose for her beefcake celebrity calendar. It's to benefit greyhounds that have been rescued once they are no longer able to race. I stumbled across an article about the dogs, and it struck a chord with me, and in that out-of-the-blue way that things were happening, I knew it would be a perfect fit for Allie's project. It was also something Matt would find a worthy cause, since he can sympathize with what life might be like after he's unable to compete.So, after the way this story--and series--came together, if I wasn't a fan of serendipity before, I certainly am now!
Has serendipity worked for you? I'd love to hear your stories!
One random commenter will win an e-book of Back on Track. Contest closes on 7 April. Don't forget to leave your email address in the comments so that we can let you know if you are the lucky winner!
Preorder/order links – releasing April 2
Strangers on a Train at Amazon
Strangers on a Train at Barnes & Noble
Strangers on a Train at Samhain
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/series/92319-strangers-on-a-train
About Strangers on a Train
Romancing the rails…
Tight Quarters by Samantha Hunter
Reid isn’t happy about the mix-up that saddles him with a claustrophobic roommate on his New York train tour. Then his weekend with Brenna progresses to a weekend fling, and so much more.
Ticket Home by Serena Bell
Encountering her workaholic ex on her commuter train is the surprise of Amy’s life. Especially since Jeff seems hell-bent on winning her back.
Thank You for Riding by Meg Maguire
At the end of Caitlin’s commute, her extended flirtation with a handsome stranger finds them facing a frigid winter night locked in an unheated subway station.
Back on Track by Donna Cummings
A wine tour isn’t enough to take Matt’s mind off his baseball slump—until sexy, funny Allie plops into the adjacent seat and tells him three things about herself. One of them, she says, is a lie. Then Allie lets slip one truth too many…
Big Boy by Ruthie Knox
Mandy doesn’t want romance, but monthly role-playing dates with her stranger on a train—each to a different time period—become the erotic escape she desperately needs. And a soul connection she never expected.
About the Authors
Serena Bell - Website Twitter Facebook Goodreads
Ruthie Knox -Website Twitter Facebook Goodreads
Samantha Hunter - Website Twitter Facebook Goodreads
Donna Cummings - Website Twitter Facebook Goodreads
Meg Maguire - Website Twitter Goodreads
Woo hoo! This whole experience was some of the best kind of serendipity. I've found that happens a lot on the internet (met my husband there, met a lot of friends, etc). The internet seems like a prime place for serendipity to happen because it's just easier to bump into people, etc that you never would otherwise.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, Donna.
Sam
Marg, thanks so much for having me here today -- I love your description of the series!
ReplyDeleteSam, this really was wrapped up in serendipity, wasn't it? (I'm still having my first cup of coffee, so the S word is hard to get right the first time. LOL) I agree about the internet being Serendipity Central -- I've met so many wonderful folks there, from all corners of the world!
I second that--I've loved being part of this project so much, and the way it came together just felt magic! Great post, Donna!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read this one Donna! Sounds so cute!
ReplyDeleteMy serendipity....I had just come out of a 1 1/2 year relationship with a guy. I was in the middle of my 11th grade year in high school and decided I didn't want any more boyfriends, I just wanted to have fun hanging with my girlfriends. Well that lasted 2 month. I met my hubby on a blind date (one that I didn't even know was happening because I was being set up!) We just clicked and 32 years later we are still together!
So I guess someone had other plans for me!
Oops...forgot
Deletesuegaluska (at) yahoo (dot) com
Serena, thanks -- there was definitely some magic swirling through Twitter that day. :)
ReplyDeleteSue, I hope you enjoy it! I love the story about your husband -- that's the best kind of serendipity. :) I think the universe is tempted whenever we say things like "I'm just gonna hang with my girlfriends". It loves to turn things around. LOL
Serendipity? I needed an idea for an article I was writing, decided to waste time at a local Starbucks, and while waiting in line thought to myself: if these coffee descriptions were men (dark and exotic; rich and mysterious; bright and uplifting), which would I choose? And the idea for the article was born! ;)
ReplyDeleteConnie -- that sounds like an awesome article. I'd love to read that. :) I've spent a lot of writing time at Starbucks, which may be why so many of my characters are coffee drinkers too. LOL It's such a great place for research.
DeleteI love serendipity stories! I think they are fodder for the soul. Trains are so romantic, it's wonderful to see a cluster of new romantic train novels. Good luck to you all!
ReplyDeleteGemma, I love stories about serendipity too -- it seems we're all connected in lovely ways. And thanks for the good wishes!
DeleteHasn't happened yet
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Maybe there's some serendipity waiting around the corner for you. :)
DeleteI've never been that lucky on a train! On aeroplanes, I've met a few of guys but nothing long lasting (one time I had to hide in the galley much to the crew's mirth). I keep seeing a lot of people I know on Twitter recently which is a bit...odd (I don't hang around with many tweety types - or so I thought!)
ReplyDeleteOooh, good to know serendipity works on planes too! I'm always surprised at how many people I *see* on the internet, in various spots. At times it seems like such a small place. LOL
ReplyDeleteI met my husband through serendipity. Or whatever the word for "that'll teach you" is. Maybe the second is more apt. :). I despaired of ever meeting "Mr. Right" so I decided I just had to get on with things myself instead of waiting to do them together. So, I signed a contract to build a house. Within a very few weeks, I met my man (although I didn't know it immediately). He started working at the same company I worked at, at the time. He was seated right next to me, so I could hardly miss him! 15 years on, the rest, as they say, is history.
ReplyDeleteLove the strangers on a train concept. Looking forward to reading all of the books. :)
Hankts AT internode DOT on DOT net
Kaetrin, maybe serendipity is another term for "that'll teach you". LOL I love that story. :) Hope you enjoy the Strangers on a Train books!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new release Donna :) I loved it when I read it and am crossing my fingers for another anthology soon!!
ReplyDeleteI have Samantha Hunter on my blog today if you'd like to stop by @ http://brunettelibrarian.blogspot.com/2013/04/strangers-on-train-tour-guest-post-from.html
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :) And I'm the one who managed to comment TWICE on your blog. *red face*
Deletewoooo hooooooo! What a great train ri:De!! soundz sexy& romantic..((sigh))! Congrats 2 UR bk. endeavors!!
ReplyDeleteredz041@yahoo.com
Thanks for the well wishes, rubyswan. :) It's been a fun ride, that's for sure!
DeleteMarg, thanks again so much for having me on your blog. I had a great time!
ReplyDeleteThank you Donna!
DeleteIt was fun to have you here, and thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway.