I never question the idea machine that is my brain. That's why when people ask, "How did you come up with the idea for this book?" I usually turn and run away. These things come to me out of the ether, sometimes in dreams and other times in the middle of incredibly stressful or happy times. I never know when I might see something that sends me to the computer typing as fast as my fingers will go.

The one exception for me is the Caruthers sister's series. That series was born out of the watching my kids interact one Sunday afternoon, and wondering what it would be like to come from a big family with lots of siblings. I grew up an only child, and always wondered what it would be like to have that sibling bond.

What I learned from watching my friends and their families, and later on with my own two boys, is that bond is often strong but messy. I know sisters who are the best of friends, and others who haven't talked to each other in years. My own kids talk a lot of trash to one another, but if someone picks on the other one, watch out! I once called them on the rather disturbing way they talked to one another, and they both said, "Mom, this is how we communicate." I find it all immensely fascinating.

The Caruthers sisters are a tight group, but that doesn't mean they are always kind to one another. These are tough chicks, and they don't mix words.  They are also very protective of their younger brother Bailey, who has a homing device for trouble. And when someone picks on one of them - well, it's funny but they have the same reaction as my children. *Smile*

I also liked the idea of women who have to live dual lives. To the outside world, the Caruthers sisters look like privileged heiresses, and they are. But they are also Guardian Keys, warriors who protect us from other worlds. They can only share this secret with each other, which makes them even tighter as a family.

So I'm curious about you. Do you have siblings and what kind of relationship do you have with them? Do you have any funny stories you want to share? Tell me, I want to know?

I'm doing a treasure hunt contest on my Big Summer Blog tour. All you have to do to enter is make a comment here, or visit and make comments on any of the blogs on the list at www.candacehavens.com.

Candace Havens, Dragons Prefer Blondes, paranormal romance, Berkley, Penguin Books