Mallory Kane: This spring will be an interesting time of year for me. It's definitely a time for new beginnings, in life as well as in writing. I'm thrilled to announce that I'm starting a new ongoing series. It's now officially flashed as The Delancey Dynasty. The series will be set on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, just above New Orleans, and centers around the descendants of Con Delancey, a colorful, wealthy and scandalous Louisiana politician who was mysteriously murdered thirty years before. Each one of the Delanceys has a secret, and each one has a story. The first Delancey Dynasty book will be on shelves in May of 2010. It's called Her Bodyguard, and features Lucas Delancey, who's been recruited to bodyguard his best friend's little sister. Only she's not little any more, and he's not sure he's going to get through this assignment with his heart intact. Happy reading.

Dana Marton: Since I write undercover agents and princes, I'd love to learn more about super secret spy stuff.. (rudely, the CIA is not answering my emails)... and royal protocol. Unfortunately, the dearth of dashing princes in my immediate surroundings is an impediment. (I might have dashing undercover agents around, but they're not showing themselves :-( Being a writer can be very frustrating at times. You don't know the half of it. On the upside, my hubby is looking at a job with the DOD right now, and I'm in Europe, surrounded by beautiful castles. So I might yet learn some things after all. Happy Spring, Everyone!!!

Julie Miller: It’s probably the teacher in me, but I always love to learn new things—whether they apply to a specific book or not. I’m a firm believer that lifelong learning keeps the brain active and promotes all kinds of great ideas when it comes to story writing. Traveling is my favorite way to do research—to actually experience a place and the people I’m going to be writing about. And often times, a trip will inspire the story itself. Specifically, though, I’m planning on spending some extended time in Kansas City, Missouri this summer. While I visit there several times during the year since I still have family there, I plan to make a research-focused trip. For example, I’ve been to many of the historic sites and neighborhoods I’ve used in my Taylor Clan and Precinct stories—but I know many of them have been remodeled/upgraded/redesigned since I was there last. Of course, I can call on friends and brochures for specific info. But I’m working on a novella for October that celebrates the 10th anniversary of my first Taylor Clan book for Intrigue, One Good Man. And I know revisiting my roots, both in Kansas City and in my fictional world, will help me enrich the story. Plus, I’d bet money the trip will generate more Precinct story ideas.

Angi Morgan: What new topic, profession, item or place would I like to learn more about for an upcoming book? This question had me stumped. What's next? Hmmm... I had to think about it. I waited on ideas to come to me, THEN I'd find out about the job the characters had. So I was thinking... I have an unusual "day" job. I run a softball concession stand. We've already been playing softball in Texas for a month, last night at the fields, a woman walked up in uniform. Not unusual, police officers have daughters who play. When she walked away, written on her shirt in big gold letters was ARSON INVESTIGATOR. I called her back, asked if I could contact her. I even asked if she read romance. Her reply was a very enthusiastic yes. She's about to celebrate 23 years with the force and was the second woman ever hired by her city. I'm looking forward to learning about the female side of being an officer, an EMT, and an Arson Investigator. She told me that people ask her why she still carries a gun... "Because people who set fires are absolutely crazy." My mind's already working on a possible story.

Ann Voss Peterson: I'm always up for new adventures! That's one of the best parts of writing! In the past few years, I've participated in citizens' academies put on by my local police department, fire department and county sheriff's department. I've taken lessons in marital arts. And last summer, I took a big research trip to Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota that I've already used in several Intrigues. This summer, I'd like to do more research pertaining to law enforcement (much to learn) and forensics, wilderness survival and spy craft. Seriously, I will jump at whatever opportunities I can find!

Patricia Rosemoor: Saving Grace (her 50th Intrigue!): Actually, I am looking forward to a trip to India later this month to give me all kinds of details for a reincarnation thriller I've been wanting to write for years. JEWEL OF INDIA (working title) has two time periods--the British Raj and the present day. It's a challenging story and one that really excites me. I always love doing personal research in the locations I use. I went to New Orleans while writing Saving Grace. As a matter of fact, I wrote some of my favorite scenes while there. I hope to do the same with Jewel of India. I bought a netbook to bring with me and plan to keep an electronic journal--entering stories and details I gather at the end of each day, so that I don't forget a single detail. I'll be working on my current Intrigue, as well. No rest for the wicked.

Kay Thomas: I need to learn about Ireland because the hero in a book I’m currently working on grew up in Dublin. All the action takes place in the US, so I haven’t quite convinced my husband that this requires a research trip…but I’m working on it.  In lieu of an overseas trip, I’ve been consoling myself with watching Gerard Butler and Jeffrey Dean Morgan in PS I Love You. Strictly for research purposes of course!

Joanna Wayne: There are always so many new things I'd love to learn, but for the next book, I have to learn all about the care of quarter horses and about horse whispering. Fortunately, I have a friend in Texas who raises quarter horses, so I'm going to spend quite a bit of time helping her care for the horses. Also, she has had personal experience with "horse whisperers" so I'm looking forward to hearing her stories.  And I'll be making a trip to New Orleans soon and staying in the French Quarter. New Orleans always inspires me.  Happy Spring and Happy Reading.