It's raining men . . . Hallelujah, it's raining men!

Not that it's all that shocking, and most of my readers have probably guessed as much by now, but I hereby admit freely to the world at large:

I like men.

A lot.

Some more than others, of course, and it has nothing to do with how a guy looks, but rather his attitude, his sense of humor and intelligence {they go hand in hand, doncha know}, his sense of ethics and honor. And yes, I'm fairly certain this affinity for the male half of the population spills over into my writing. Kind of in the same way a really good kiss has the ability to stay with you throughout the day.

Some authors enjoy writing ambiguous heroes. Others like their boys baaaaad. Still more want their men non-wimpy, who, despite that inclination, still let the heroine be in charge.

As for me? I like the unexpected.

We live in a world where things are not always what they seem. It's a theme that fascinates me, which I suppose is why it shows up in every aspect of the Bewitching series. Including the men -- but why should they be any different? Whether it's a businessman who dresses like a million bucks but wears his socks until they develop holes at the toe and heel, or a hard-nosed biker who demands that a lady be treated with all due respect. Or how about a male witch who loves old churches, an Amish furniture-maker who dowses for spirits, or a pig farmer with a degree in psychology who likes talking to his animals more than he does other people . . . They're all as diverse and quirky and real to me as the people I know in real life.

Not all of them are heroes, of course . . .

Currently my Maggie is finding herself attracted to two very different men for very different reasons. Tom is a straight-arrow cop, someone who sees the world we live in as being black and white. No shades of gray for this guy -- you play by the rules, always, and you'll come out ahead. It's the people who don't fit into those neatly labeled niches who give Tom fits. Like Felicity Dow, Maggie's boss, who by all outward appearances seems to be nothing more than a beautiful woman who is aging with elegance and dignity, but whose religious practices fall far outside Tom's comfort zone. Or, perhaps more importantly, like Marcus Quinn, Tom's antithesis and secret rival for Maggie's affection. A male witch with a penchant for black leather and snug denim, Marcus is edgy, a little dangerous, a lot mysterious, and he and Tom are like oil and water -- never the 'twain shall meet. The two hard-headed males are just fine with that, thankyouverymuch, to Maggie's constant bemusement. In fact, Marcus could not be more unlike Tom in Maggie's eyes. At least on the surface. Deep down, both hold dear the importance of justice, and both have great respect for Truth with a capital T. It's just that Tom's notion of truth tends to follow a worldly path, while Marcus is drawn to truth on a more cosmic level.

Which one will Maggie choose? Tom? Marcus? Or neither?

Ah, but my dears, that I cannot say. For me, part of the delight in the storytelling is the element of surprise and discovery.

Trust me . . . when Maggie makes up her mind, you'll be the first to know.

Love to all,


Mad {madly!}