Dragons and Dragonflies

I love dragonflies: I can sit and stare at for hours as they weave and bob, dive and hover. And those magnifi colors! This is why, I suspect, I slid into writing about dragons. While I was creating Midnight Wildes, I learned a lot about dragons, but more importantly, I learned about dragonflies.

Doesn’t look much like a Dragonfly, does he?

How about now? Still working on this image.

It only seemed natural that if a Dragon from the Wildes was here in Austin, especially a very young Dragon, there would also be a Dragonfly. Thus was Jasper born. Until that day when he—Wait: No Spoilers. Let’s just say I thought he was just one of Randall’s goofball friends.

xxx

Peace,

L.K. Latham

No one is lonelier than a vampire who loves.

Lydia is an exceptional vampire—not only as an urban scout and skilled fighter, but because she’s regained her ability to love others. While her family teases her for having crushes, traditionalist vampires would kill Lydia if they knew about her forbidden feelings.

But when an investigation takes her to Bolingbrook, she falls for the editor of paranormal tabloid the Babbler. Sara is one of the few humans who believes in the vampires she reports on— and, freshly heartbroken and devastatingly lonely, Lydia finds herself imagining things she shouldn’t.

Happy Halloween!

I’m not the only one enjoying Halloween this year, so is my new friend from Home and Dragons.

First, let me assure those who asked: Home and Dragons is NOT a romance novel. Poor Randall is very much in love, but his romantic life is subplot. He’s such a fun character, I think you’re going to enjoy following is journey. 

The first draft of Home and Dragons is almost done. Hurrah! Soon, the “serious” part begins – editing and editing and editing. That will be my November. 

This is my favorite time of year, and even though the Fates have blocked me from doing my usual decorating, my writing friends are helping me celebrate this most joyous season and constantly remind me to get back to work.

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween!

Peace,

L.K. Latham

Where’s the Romance!

I always thought I sprinkled a bit of romance in every story, and then a good friend called me out. She said, “Where’s the romance? I need someone to fall in love!”

Mind blown.

Now, I’m wondering: How much romance is too much? How much is enough?

Just to clarify, I am not writing a romance novel. Not sure I have it in me. Luckily, one of my characters in Home and Dragons, Randall, is head over heels for another character, who is oblivious to his attentions. So, before his pining gets on my nerves, how much romance should be in a good Urban Fantasy novel? 

Here’s Randall. AI finally got a character right! He’s a mess and as much of a goofball as he looks. He’s also smarter than most of us. How can I refuse to let him have a meaningful relationship?

This is my quandary this week. Right now, I’m letting him moon over his love, follow her around like a puppy, and she still has no clue.

Looking for suggestions.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

P.S. For those who don’t care for romance, don’t worry. Home and Dragons is not a “Romantasy” novel, even though Randall is not the only one who wants to strike up a romance with another character.

Spoilers! But not too many.

I’m working full time on Home and Dragons, and I’m having a blast! To say my characters are taking on their own lives and telling their own stories is an understatement.

Today, let me tell you how it all began: An accident. I’m sitting with a group of writer friends, and we’re challenging each other with various prompts. The prompt I was given had nothing to do with dragons. I can’t recall it having anything to do with anything that’s in the story at all, but it’s where I met my first two characters, Jasper and Randall. In that first meeting, they told me all about the first dragon attack. 

Before long, I was playing with AI images and came up with this one.  

60K-plus words of many wee stories and character sketches followed.

I’m devoting the rest of 2025 to completing Home and Dragons. While I introduce the characters and a few events to you, I promise to give away any spoilers: at least; I hope not, but you may get one or two. 😉

Peace,

L.K. Latham

P.S. Can there be too many spoilers? How about a few hints of things to come?

That Tingling Feeling

When I released Midnight Wildes, I’d hoped to sell a book or two. While I’m no threat to Amazon’s top ten authors, I’m actually selling books. Thank you!

My next project is moving along. Almost done with the outline; the characters are lining up as they should; the timetable flows logically; and the settings are fantastic. This is where I need your input.

What do you think of this:

Winter Solstice: A penthouse in Austin’s newest and grandest high rise, two contestants clasp hands as they wait for the winner to be announced, and their careers to soar, on America’s favorite home decorating contest. The director calls, action. The host radiates her delight at the camera. A dragon attacks.

 Is this a good hook? Would you pick up this book to see what happens to the host, the camera crew, the contestants, the dragon, the floor plan?

I need to know. My brain is tingling. I’m missing something. What is it?

This is the point where I can incorporate your input. Please let me know what you think of this premise and what you’d like to see in this story.

Get your copy of Midnight Wildes at your favorite online bookstore.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

P.S. More books to add to the to-be-read pile! Can the TBR list ever be too big?