Seriously Interviewed

Brita Addams

2012-02-25T03:43:00.002-08:00

Thank you so much for having me at Seriously Reviewed today. I'm on this site often, checking out books I'd like to read, so it's nice being your guest.

When writing your description of your hero/ine what feature do you start with? Eyes, age, hair color, etc? I seem to always start with the eyes. That's the first thing I notice about a person, so it's a natural that I would start with smoldering, blue (or whatever color) eyes.

Is there anything special you do to get in the mood to write? Truly, I just get up. I spend a lot of time thinking about what comes next while I'm waking up or before I go to sleep. I just grab a cup of coffee and let the games begin.

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why? That's an interesting question. It would really depend upon your reading preference. I have some het stories that are historical and heavily into erotic BDSM. The Sapphire Club series tells the story of members of the fictional sex club during the Regency period. The last in the series, Chocolate, Tea, and the Duchess is a ménage.

I have another ménage, Splendid Captivity, which is another historical and is in ebook, print and soon in audio. I also have a m/m vampire historical with BDSM elements.

Then I have my contemporary gay fiction, Free Me, and its sequel, In His Arms. It has light BDSM and is the story of two guys finding love with each other. I also have A Minute After Midnight, two guys discovering love—again.

I have two sensual historical stories – Her Timeless Obsession, which I wrote under the name, Tina Ordone and The Rogue's Salvation, about two indulged people who come together after a tragedy and find love together.

Last and maybe one of my very favorites, is An Evening at the Starlight, which has no romance at all, but tells the story of a romance that means a lot to the teller. It's based on a real story, slightly modified, from my family history.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories? I hope my characters will resonate with the reader, even in historicals. Human nature is what it is and feelings are universal. I hope my stories stay with people and they know that I put my heart and soul into each one.

How do you deal with bad book reviews? I just did a blog post about this subject. I've gotten my share of bad reviews and at first, they really got to me. Then I started reading reviews on Goodreads and Amazon and saw them in a whole new light.

Reviews are opinions, I have them, you have them, everyone does. More and more reviews are trending toward grading a book on what the reviewer wishes the book was and not one what it really was—it was too short, the price (especially if they didn't like the book,) the ending wasn't what the person wanted, the story didn't have enough or had too much internal or external conflict for their tastes, they bought the book and didn't know it was an historical, etc, etc.

As an author, I think that anyone, including myself, who reviews books, should grade it on the story that was written and not the one they wish was written.

These days, I don't pay much attention to the bad reviews, satisfying myself that I'm a reader too and there are books I don't like. The good ones I eat up like a great piece of pie. LOL

What song would best describe your life? All my ex's live in Texas. Sad, but true.

What is the last thing you do before turning off the lights at bedtime? Take off my glasses.

Cat’s or dog’s? I have a grouchy, old orange tabby cat named Stormee and a two year old puppy named Fiona. Sooo, I guess I'm both, at least for those two.

What’s for dinner tonight? My husband made a yummy big, fat juicy burgers, onion rings, and French fries.

If you could have three wishes granted, what would you wish for? 1) I wish that my daughter could bend her arms and legs (she has a disability called Arthrogryposis); 2) I wish I was twenty years younger; 3) I wish I'd met my husband ten years sooner.

What’s number one on your list of things you hope to do before you die? I want to go to England for a nice long holiday. Years ago, I went to Scotland, but never went to the one place I'd truly love to go. Since so many of my stories take place in England, visiting there would definitely trump all the research I do. J

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers? I love to write and I try to write stories that people will appreciate. I hope my readers will enjoy the new stories I write but will also enjoy my older stuff.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases. My newest release, Demands of the Heart, tells the story of Richard Fanshaw and Victoria Bramhill. It starts in 1807, when they are young and just falling in love. They are innocent, naïve, and can see nothing but each other.

Victoria's father enters into a contract with a wealthy nobleman—his debts would be paid in exchange for his daughter's hand in marriage. The deal destroys Victoria and Richard's lives.

Years later, Victoria is widowed and Richard is cynical. They meet by chance and that meeting sets Richard's plan for revenge in motion. The one thing he doesn't count on is the demands of the heart.

This is actually the first story I ever wrote, though it's gone through several rewrites and some heavy editing. I truly love the story and twists and turns it takes.

I have a male/male historical called For Men Like Us submitted and at this writing, I'm waiting to hear from the publisher. I'm reworking a het that's ages old and then I will dive into writing a male/male story set in old Hollywood. I'm excited to get back to it, as I've done tons of research and old Hollywood is something that I have a huge interest in.

I hope readers will enjoy Demands. It's truly a book very close to my heart. You can purchase Demands of the Heart at Noble Romance.

Email address: britaaddams@gmail.com

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Twitter: @britaaddams

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20% off To celebrate the release of Demand's of the Heart, Noble Romance Publishing is offering my entire backlist at 20% off. This is for sales on the Noble Romance Publishing site only and only my titles.

There's no limit. Buy one book, or all seven, you'll get 20% off your purchase. The eligible titles are: Serenity's Dream; Lord Decadent's Obsession; Chocolate, Tea, and the Duchess; The Rogue's Salvation; A Minute After Midnight; An Evening at the Starlight, and the book I wrote under the name Tina Ordone, Her Timeless Obsession.

The price you'll see is the reduced price.

The sale will run from midnight, Pacific time, February 20 to 11:59 pm Pacific time, March 2.

This is a backlist sale, so it doesn't include Demands of the Heart.

I have several contests running during the book tour, ending at midnight, March 2.

Contest #1:

DAILY WINNER I'll choose a daily winner from the commenters. I'll will be giving away an ebook from my backlist at each stop. The only exclusion is Demands of the Heart. One book per commenter, please.

Contest #2:

Demands of the Heart T-Shirt Contest

If you answer the three questions correctly, you could be one of four winners. The prize will be a T-Shirt with the cover of the book on it. The shirt also says that the cover is model, Jimmy Thomas's 1500^th cover. There will be four winners, each winning a T-Shirt and other swag.

All answers are found on Brita's website.

Please do NOT put the answers in the comments section of this blog or on Brita's site. Email them to Brita, with T-Shirt Answers in the subject line.

What book did I write under another name?

Who is the character, Lucien Damrill, patterned after?

Describe the signature brandy snifter at the Sapphire Club.

Contest #3: GRAND PRIZE

This contest is about Demands of the Heart. Of course, you're under no obligation to buy or read the book, but if you choose to, this contest is for you.

I've put three questions up on my website, all relating to my book, Demands of the Heart. Answer the questions and EMAIL me, with the answers, at britaaddams@gmail.com Be sure to put GRAND PRIZE in the subject line.

You must have all three questions answered correctly to be entered into the drawing.

The Grand Prize is the entire Sapphire Club series in print, signed by the author. I'll also include some other signed swag.

Good luck and I hope to hear from you soon.

Shanon Grey

2012-02-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

First, let me thank you for taking the time to visit with me. As a writer, I want people to know about me but find I don’t have as much time as I thought I would. I appreciate Seriously Interviewed helping people get to know me.

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

My readers. Of course, I love writing or I wouldn’t be doing it. But, I’ve discovered that the readers are what keep me going. I have made some incredible friends because of my writing. When someone reads The Shoppe of Spells or Pennyroyal Christmas and sends me a note, or post one on my website, Facebook page, or twitter, they are always so sweet and wonderful. It truly makes my day. It makes me want to be the best writer I can be—for them.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Time management. I am very fortunate. Writing comes easy to me. Managing everything else is nearly impossible. Like everyone else, the economy has hit us very hard. My husband works hourly when he’s at the top of his field. I spend a lot of days budgeting to survive, making ends meet and looking for outside work to tide us over. I took time off to raise my children and write so now I’m hitting an overfilled work force with gaps in my resume. Being a published author does not impress them. Well…that’s not true…they are very nice…and want an autograph, but that’s about it. So, I fit in writing every other moment. It’s my joy. My de-stressor. My characters are always there waiting patiently—not so much, sometimes—for me to get back to them. And when the book hits the market and I start getting those wonderful comments from my readers, I feel like I can do anything.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Oh, heavens, I am a pantser. I tried plotting once and nearly drove myself crazy. My stories are character driven and once I introduce them, they take over and tell me the story. I just hope my fingers move fast enough. I will dream about them. They will work out difficult scenes or give me ideas while I sleep. Like in real life, there are many twists and turns that arise while writing. I let those just happen. Sometimes my characters will totally surprise me. Sometimes a new character will jump in. I do try to have an idea of where I want to head, but once I start writing, it’s by the seat of my pants all the way.

How long have you been a writer?

Most of my life. Making money writing since college. I started editing articles and papers in college, then professors would give me outlines and data and I would write. I was offered a job as an Assistant Editor for a regional trade magazine, then went to work as a Technical Editor for government contractors. I wrote my first novel when I was in my twenties and was given a difficult time because it was too “out there.” It was paranormal romance. See how far we’ve come? I am so happy we have. I love writing paranormal romance. Mine is a little different in that my characters are pretty normal people trying to deal with these abilities. I hope to spend the rest of my life writing. In fact, they may have to pry my computer away to bury me. That’s how much I love doing what I do.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything on your road to publication?

If I got a “do over,” I would change two things. One, I would have finished college. I was on my own and trying to survive and the technical writing jobs were just too lucrative to pass up. I was lucky that I did research and all sorts of wonderful things, but I never got that degree. I really wish I had. In the larger view of things, that’s not that much time. The other is that I would have pushed to get my work out a whole lot sooner. I let life intervene. And, trust me, life can really do that. Then my original manuscript, which I had just finished editing, wouldn’t be at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, where Katrina took it and all the computers along with everything else. So, I recommend two things. Get a degree and get your work out. Just do it!

****

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?

I don’t think I’ve been invented yet because I want to be completely different. I’ve tried to give it some thought but I haven’t come up with it—yet. I am still working on it. It could do most anything and become invisible at will, yet be brilliant and compassionate—yet not be a god. I don’t know if it would be humanoid or not. I’ll let you know.

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?

Oriental food. Good—no, excellent—oriental food. I don’t know if that’s politically correct or not. Maybe Asian inspired before it definitely crosses a broad range of cuisines. But I could eat it every single day and never tire of it. Lobster Cantonese, Lomein, Rama, Egg Rolls, Gyosa, Lumpia. The list goes on and on. Geesh—now I’m hungry.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Danger, curves ahead. Both physically and mentally. I lived my youth lean and mean, surfing (well, trying to anyway), eating what I wanted and never gaining an ounce. I had children and my thyroid stopped working, so I have curves that would have served me much better when I was younger. LOL. Mentally, I’m a dreamer. I am always thinking up my next story, sometimes to the concern of those around me. A discussion can turn rather strange when I inject a scenario out of a storyline into a normal conversation without warning. Fortunately, friends and family have learned to read between the lines.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

How about perfect gentlemen who are bad boys or bad boys who really are perfect gentlemen. There is nothing more exciting than to have a multi-layered man around. Someone who thinks outside the box yet respects you. Someone who’ll give you the lead, yet watch your back. Someone in a suit who can melt you with a smoldering stare. Someone in leather and body art who can whip up a gourmet meal. Yeow!

What’s number one on your list of things you hope to do before you die?

Celebrate my 150^th birthday in great health with my 150^th bestseller having just been released.

Seriously! That’s it. Actually, I have achieved it. I am a published author. I always wanted to do that. From way back when. One of my best friends told me I would. Unfortunately, she passed before it happened. The other things I also have—a loving husband and two incredible children. Now, I’ll work on that other thing.

****

I want to thank all the readers who have taken the time to not only read my books, but also took the time to send a note, write a quick review (without spoilers) and be encouraging. Once our books are published, we are the most vulnerable of creatures, waiting, hoping, and praying for good results. Your words mean the world to us. They can make us or break us. No matter what anyone says, we write for you, our readers.

At present I have a short story, “Glynda’s Dare” in the anthology, All Bets Are On!, a novella, “Pennyroyal Christmas,” and a novel, The Shoppe of Spells, part of the Gatekeeper Series, all available. Meadow’s Keep, the second in the series, is due out this spring. Since I’m a multitasker, I’m working on several other things for the upcoming months.

I love hearing from people. They can generally find me or reach me at the places below.

My website is full of writings and things about Ruthorford, my stories, and me. Please visit. http://shanongrey.wordpress.com/

I am on Facebook as well: https://www.facebook.com/ShanonGrey

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ShanonGrey

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4833324.Shanon_Grey

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/s/Shanon%20Grey

If you want to write me, I would love hearing from you. I hope to have a newsletter out in a month or so. My email is. shanongreybooks@yahoo.com

I hope this gives you an idea of me as an author and a person. Thanks for letting me visit.

Bianca Sommerland- and contest

2012-02-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

Interview With Max Perron

Kristina smoothed her hands over her grey, knee length pencil skirt as she took a seat on the white leather chair, and glanced over at the camera crew setting up at the other side of the small studio. The bright lights blinded her, and the way the director pointed at her as he addressed the cameraman made her flush and tremble. Interviews were hard enough with just a voice recorder or a pad and pen, but in front of a camera . . . .

I'm going to pass out.

"Hey." Someone came to her side and took her hand in his as he knelt. "You just went white, sugar. You all right?"

Her eyes widened. She stopped breathing and stared into his eyes, feeling like she'd taken a trip from reality and woken up on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. The sun caressed her cheeks and she smiled.

"Okay, that's a bit better." He chuckled and his southern accent softened his tone into something comforting and familiar. "You wanna try breathing now?"

She nodded.

He frowned and squeezed her fingers. "Now, Kristina. Deep inhale." His lips curved. "Or do you need mouth-to-mouth?"

Yes, please! Her cheeks caught fire as she pictured the cameramen watching them and she quickly shook her head, inhaling deep before she spoke. "No, thank you . . . . Mr. Perron?"

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Ever call me that again, missy, and I'll tan your hide."

"I'm sorry! I—"

"Kristina, I'm joking!" He patted her hand and took the seat across from her. "I want you to feel comfortable in front of the cameras—Bianca told me you weren't used to them. Shake all the nerves now, honey. Get used to calling me Max, like we're old friends. I reckon you'll be asking me some rather personal questions?"

"Yeah . . . ." Kristina glanced down at her notes and worried her bottom lip with her teeth. "You sure you're okay with this?"

"I deal with the media every day." His brow furrowed and he leaned forward as the director announced they were about to start filming. "It's you I'm worried about."

For some reason his concern made the cameras and the lights and all the people watching less intimidating. She was able to focus on Max, and despite his handsome face and big, solid, sexy body . . . okay, it was rather distracting, but something in his smile helped with the old friend suggestion.

"I'm good," Kristina said.

"Good girl." Max winked, then laughed when she ducked her head.

"Ready?" The director straightened and gestured to the cameraman when Max nodded. "In 5, 4, 3, 2—"

Kristina took her cue and smiled at the camera. "Thank you for tuning in as we welcome Max Perron, the Dartmouth Cobras' leader in assists and last year's MVP, to our show. Max, may I say I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with me."

"My pleasure, Kristina." Max relaxed into his chair, arm draped over the back, and idly ran his fingers over the transparent stitching in the leather, his gaze trapping hers. "None of the other men were comfortable discussing the . . . intimate details of their personal lives. I don't have a problem with it."

"You don't?" The interview. Focus on the interview. "Uh . . . okay, well, my first question is something I don't think you've been asked recently, but if you have, please just clarify for our viewers. Why do they call you The Catalyst?"

"I make things happen." His lips twitched as she licked her bottom lip. "On the ice. I see it like a chess game, three moves ahead, and I know my teammates well enough that I'm usually right about how the play will turn out."

"Are you like that in other aspects of your life?"

"Sometimes." He drew himself forward and rested his elbows on his knees. "For example, I can tell you want to ask me some questions that have nothing to do with hockey, but you're stalling. So I'm going to ask the assistant director to get us each a glass of wine. This will help you relax and help me answer your next question."

Lips parted slightly, Kristina stared at him as he glanced over at the assistant director who brought the wine glasses over right away. The red liquid sloshed in the glass as the man quickly handed them each a glass and hurried off.

The sweetness of the wine surprised her and she took a few sips before looking up at Max. "Mmm, this is wonderful! I've never had wine that wasn't bitter."

"I thought you'd like it." Max smiled and his tongue flicked some wine from the rim of his glass. "Now ask me about my kink, sugar. Ask me as you slowly sip the wine and let it slide over your tongue and down your throat."

She couldn't quite form a question, all her senses had turned to the wine, but she managed to get some words out. "You're a voyeur."

"Yes." Max's tone took on a gently, lulling quality. "Are you enjoying the wine, Kristina?"

"Mmm." Another sip. Absolutely delicious. "Yes."

"You want to know how a voyeur can get off on just watching. Show me how much you enjoy it. Take your time and taste it and know you're sharing the experience with me with every reaction . . . ."

Her taste buds tingled as they explored the body of the wine. Her eyes fluttered shut as Max spoke.

"Your lashes are fluttering and I can tell you've turned all your senses inward. You're not just tasting the wine, you're feeling pleasure as the smoothness fills your mouth—take another sip, Kristina." His command created a throbbing down low and her thighs clenched. "The aroma is adding to the flavour. You're feeling warm and all you can think is that you want more."

Oh! She glared at the glass. It was empty.

"More would be wonderful."

He grinned. "I'll leave you the bottle. Now did that answer your question?"

"No." She realized she was practically sulking on camera and sat up straight, plastering an inquisitive smile on her face. "How in the world did you get anything out of that? I actually experienced the pleasure of drinking the wine." Her cheeks heated, she forced the next words out. "You just watched."

"No. I was able to fully observe the pleasure you received from something I gave you. While all your focus was turned inward, all my focus was on you."

"But I thought voyeurs just got off on watching sex." She slapped her hand over her mouth and almost dropped her glass. Blunt much?

Max arched a brow. "Do you know many voyeurs?"

"No." She looked around for somewhere to put her glass and smiled gratefully at the assistant director when he came and took it from her. "I just assumed . . . ."

"I'm not surprised. To tell you the truth, I don't know many voyeurs either." He shrugged. "Everyone is different. I've been this way for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid. It wasn't sexual; I just liked seeing how people reacted to things that made them happy. I always made my dad get expensive gift bags for all my friends so I could watch their faces light up when they opened them. I insisted it was part of my gift, so he would let me come along to pick out things I thought each kid would like. He thought I was just generous."

"So . . . ." She paused, pressed her lips together, and thought out her next question carefully. "Is that why you're okay with sharing the woman you love?"

"Yes. That's exactly why." He sat back and rubbed his knees with his hands. "Honestly, I would have been fine without sharing if Oriana was uncomfortable with it, but when I saw it was something she needed. And not from just anyone . . . ."

Kristina nodded. She knew a bit about the other men and couldn't imagine having to choose only one. "They had to be men you trusted with her though, right?"

"Right." His brow furrowed. "I don't want anyone to get the impression that I would be okay with handing her off to just anyone. Oriana isn't the type of person to sleep around. We had one special night where she got to enjoy the attentions of several men, but after that I could see there was more with two of them. I let things take their natural course and made sure she knew she had my full support, no matter what she decided."

"Would it have bothered you if she hadn't chosen any of them? If she wanted someone else?"

Max went still. "That's a good question." He brought one hand up to rub the back of his neck. "I really don't know. Oriana's been hurt enough. Bringing in a man I didn't know well would have been hard. If he hurt her . . . ." His jaw clenched. Then he laughed. "Thankfully, that wasn't necessary."

The director made a cutting motion, telling them time was almost up.

Going over her notes, Kristina saw that she had one question left. "All right. We've got to wrap this up, I see you've got an away game and have a flight to catch. I just have to ask . . . ." She laid her notepad on her lap. "Does it bother you when Oriana is alone with the other men? When you don't get to watch?"

Without hesitation, Max replied, "not at all. Oriana has gotten very good at sharing all the spicy details and it heats things up when we're alone. Just the expression on her face when she remembers everything is enough to get me hard."

Oh. My. God. Kristina brought her hand to her throat and crossed her thighs. "T-thank you for being so open with us, Max. And g-good luck with your next game."

"You're very welcome, Kristina." Max reached out and took her hand. "I think Oriana will like hearing about this interview. She's got some voyeur in her too I think."

"But she won't—" Don't even go there!

Max smiled and shook his head. "No, sugar. She doesn't share."

* * *

Blurb:

The game has always cast a shadow over Oriana Delgado's life. She should hate the game. But she doesn't. The passion and the energy of the sport is part of her. But so is the urge to drop the role of the Dartmouth Cobra owner's 'good daughter' and find a less...conventional one.

Playmaker, Max Perron, never expected a woman to accept him and his twisted desires. Oriana came close, but he wasn't surprised when she walked away. A girl like her needs normal. Which he can't give her. He's too much of a team player, and not just on the ice.

But then Oriana's father goes too far in trying to control her and she decides to use exposure as blackmail. Just the implication of her spending the night with the Cobra's finest should get her father to back off.

Turns out a team player is exactly what she needs.

Warning

This ebook contains material not suitable for readers under 18. In also contains scenes
that some may find objectionable, including BDSM, ménage sex, bondage, anal sex, sex toys, double penetration, voyeurism, edge play, and hockey equipment being used inappropriately.

Excerpt:

Blood rushed to his groin. He looked down at the woman in his arms, a woman he'd willingly have waited a lifetime for, and imagined sharing her with one of his closest friends. Or both. Or several.

He groaned as Oriana's hand glided over his stomach, then down to cover his stiff erection. Without his jeans to muffle the sensation, he would have come right then. Rein it in a little, Perron.

Ice, helmets, smelly gloves, ugly guys with no teeth—there, he'd regained control of his body. He traced a finger along Oriana's hip bone, dipped under the elastic of her panties, touched her silken folds.

Which weren't as moist as he'd expected.

"You not into this, babe?" He kept his tone neutral so she wouldn't think he was upset. Not that she'd been explicit, but he'd known she and Paul had problems with sex. 'Course, he'd blamed Paul—and still did—but maybe there was more to it.

"I'm into it, I just—" Her hips wiggled, and she tried to clamp her legs shut as he lightly tapped his fingertip on her clit. "I keep wondering what you're thinking about. Just me? Or me with the men?"

A half-truth, but he'd go along with it. "Honestly?"

She nodded.

"I was thinking about you and Mason, about how beautifully submissive you were." At that her breath hitched, and she grew nice and slick around his fingertips. He dipped two fingers inside her and smiled as her eyes glazed with pleasure. "And then with Callahan—" Her hot, tight pussy squeezed his fingers. "You seemed a little scared, but there was a dark passion in your eyes."

Her lips formed silent words before she whispered. "Max . . . ."

In this perfect setting, the two of them under the moonlight, with only sleepy plants watching, they could give each other some satisfaction. But how shallow would it be? He withdrew his fingers and caught her elbow with a hand when she swayed.

"No!" She held on to him, her eyes wide. "I want you!"

"Do you now?" He cupped her breasts and grazed his thumbs in slow circles around her nipples. His gentle ministrations had her bucking her hips and moaning out loud. "Tell me who you're thinking of, love. Just me, or more?"

* * * *

"More!" Oriana gasped as he rolled the jersey up to her throat and bent down to kiss the swell of her breasts."Oh!"

Without a moment's pause, he bared her breasts and began suckling the taut flesh of one, then the other. The sensation coiled around her clit, and her insides clamped down on nothingness, aching to be filled.

"Please." She pressed against him, her hips seeking his with aimless forward thrusts. "Max, please!"

"This will be enough, darlin'." His tongue traced the edges of her areola, coming closer and closer to her nipple. He let the moisture left behind cool while he brought his lips to hers and stole her breath with a fierce kiss. His palms covered her breasts, molding them gently, leaving her nipples untouched. "I never would have asked you to be with the men. I would have done everything in my power to be the man you needed, but you want them, don't you?"

"Mmm." She threw her head back as he lightly brushed his fingertips over her nipples, and every nerve in the tiny nubs greedily absorbed the sensation. Being neglected had made them hypersensitive. She almost wanted to pull away, it was almost too much, but his words had her ready to come apart. Visions of hot hands and mouths all over her made her knees lock and her core clench convulsively.

"Tell me. Tell me exactly what you want us to do to you." He caught her nipples between his fingers and thumbs, rolling them, tugging lightly before lowering his mouth to flick each with his tongue. "Don't come until you answer me, Oriana."

"Ah!" Her eyes teared as she fought the urge to surrender to the building climax. "Everything! Anything! Just . . . just . . . ."

His tongue fluttered over the tip of her nipple, faster and faster. He sucked the nipple, playing it carefully between his teeth, then resumed the fluttering. "Very good. You may come now, sugar."

At another flick, pleasure burst from her breasts and flared out from her cunt. She cried out as the sensations came together and ignited from everywhere at once. Her knees gave out, and Max held her tight as she rode the violent orgasm until she was deliciously spent.

Supporting her with an arm around her waist, Max straightened her bra, then her jersey. Her skin tingled as the material touched her, and she whimpered, suddenly, desperately needy. She wanted to strip and beg him to take her again and again.

"Don't give me that look." He palmed her cheek and kissed her. "It's getting cold. We'll head back to my place and get you warmed up. See where your head's at."

"Where my head's at?" She blinked at him as he draped his jacket over her shoulder. "But you said—"

"A bit of mental stimulation, Oriana." He glanced down at her bare feet and shook his head, cursing under his breath. "Mason would kick my ass if he knew I had you out here like this."

"But—"

He shook his head again and she groaned. No more talking. He obviously wanted her to make her decisions with a clear head.

But exactly what would clear-headed Oriana decide?

To tell the truth, she had no idea.

Buy Game Misconduct

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00772HW1O/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-gamemisconduct-679203-144.html

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/131031

For more of the Dartmouth Cobras, visit their website: www.TheDartmouthCobras.com

My website: www.ImNoAngel.com

Twitter: @BSommerland

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Im-No-Angel/201933239834387

One lucky commenter will get a copy of Game Misconduct. Please leave an email addy in your comment in case you win :)

Tara Fox

2012-02-09T03:44:00.000-08:00

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?

I read most anything, from bios to horror to romance to non-fiction. As for authors, I always favored Stephen King, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child’s Pendergast books, Nelson Demille, Brian Lumley, William W. Johnstone, Tami Hoag, Rita Mae Brown, and many others. Recently I’ve become fans of Jenny Twist, and also of T. Fox Durham, fellow authors I’ve met since being published. I’m always interested in new authors coming out.

Do you have travel when researching your books? If yes, where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?

The most interesting place I enjoy visiting is Letchworth State Park, which is in Western New York. I went there first for my honeymoon years ago. I go there now every year with my mom for a girl’s getaway. When I began writing, I couldn’t wait to use the romantic settings in some of my works, and took copious notes when I was there last fall. The upcoming short story Night Music of Midnight Thirsts 2 (available from Melange Books in May 2012) is set completely at Letchworth State Park. The work includes some of the landmarks, like the three huge waterfalls, the historic Glen Iris Inn, the beautiful scenic views of the river gorge, such as Inspiration Point, and the amazing stonework that graces so much of the park in bridges, walls, stairs, and culverts. You can see some pics of this lovely park here: https://www.google.com/search?q=pics+of+letchworth+state+park&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=9h4mT--RJ6HV0QHsx72wCA&ved=0CDIQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=680

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

I would ask you which genres you enjoy. If you said romance, I’d offer you the novella Surrender To Me, a historical vampire romance, or the novella Return To Me, a contemporary paranormal romance. If you said horror, I’d offer you Just Shadows, my first horror/suspense anthology from Bradley Publishing, or recommend Spellbound 2011, which has my terrifying short story “The Origin of Fear.” If you said erotica, I’d recommend Wicked Christmas Wishes, which features my short story, “Kink.” All of these stories can be read independently of one another. I like to write in various genres, and plan to try out others in the future. But you will see romance and suspense/horror works from me regularly, I promise.

All that said, Surrender To Me was my first romance work, and it’s probably most representative of the romance that I write. Devlin, the gorgeous vampire relaying the tale, will show up in other books of mine. So I’d recommend starting with that one. There’s action, adventure, and some passionate sex, along with a HFN for 3$. What’s not to like? J

How do you deal with rejection letters?

Initially, I threw them away. Shortly after, I began to track them, as I needed to know whom I’d already submitted to, so I didn’t waste time sending more submissions to someone who sent a form letter rejection. Over the years, I got depressed by the sheer stack of how many there were, and put them in a file that I tried not to look at too much when I stuffed in more. When I finally got published, I took them all out, sorted them by name, and put them in alphabetical order in a ring binder with the title “Tara’s Shit List.” It was probably juvenile, but it made me feel much better about the whole thing! J

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything on your road to publication?

I’d have not wasted my time courting agents, and instead worked harder to get my work out there and have it ready by others. There are so many places online that want new work and can make you feel valued for your writing efforts. There are many small publishing houses that appreciate new authors. I do wish I’d taken that route sooner. I’d have been happier, and wasted a lot less time, energy, paper, envelopes, and stamps.

What song would best describe your life?

Right Here, Right Now by Jesus Jones

What is the last thing you do before turning off the lights at bedtime?

I check to make sure the light in the snake tank is on, so Hannibal doesn’t get cold during the night. He’s my kingsnake.

What is the first thing you do in the mornings?

Try to determine if it’s a day I have to obey the alarm, or if I can sleep in.

What is sexier boxer or briefs?

Briefs, of course. I want to see what’s there. Boxers are way, way too loose.

What’s your favorite curse word?

I enjoy them all equally, though the F-word would probably have to take precedence.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

2012 contracted Releases:

Just Shadows suspense horror anthology - Jan 2012 e-book

End of Days horror/suspense Serial in Dark Eclipse Magazine - beginning Feb 2012 e-book

Lash - action/adventure/suspense novel - April 2012 print and e-book

Partners (suspense) and Night Music (romance) in Midnight Thirsts anthology May 2012 print and e-book

Promise Me (first in vampire romance/suspense novel series) print and e-book

Broken Promise (1st Sequel) - Sept 2012 print and e-book

Taken in the night (2nd Sequel) - Dec 2012 print and e-book.

There are other projects I’m working on, but they have not been confirmed/contracted for yet J

Website: www.tarafoxhall.com

Email: tarafoxhallATgmailDOTcom

Tara's Blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5286654.Tara_Fox_Hall/blog

Tara's Facebook Page:

www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Fox-Hall/151813374904903

For info on my recently published work, Just Shadows, click here: http://www.amazon.com/Just-Shadows-ebook/dp/B006V4HB2Y

Keta Diablo

2012-01-30T05:16:00.000-08:00

Dark Night of the Moon is a paranormal Wolf Shifter and the sequel to Holding on to Heaven.

Creed Gatlin flees to Arizona intent on eradicating the haunting memories of his brother’s wife. Brand Gatlin, presumed dead, resurfaces after a long absence and with his re-emergence, the destinies of those he loves is altered forever.

In a land rife with war and danger, Sage must travel to the village of her husband’s People. There, she is reunited with Crooked Back, the ancient healer. On the long trek back to Full Circle, devious plots are underfoot and peril lurks around every corner for Sage, Lauren and Peter Pa.

Dark Night of the Moon will take you on an unforgettable journey of war, violence, overwhelming grief, and finally, love.

Available at Amazon

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?
Most definitely the freedom that comes with working at home. That's not to say authors don't have to be disciplined. If we don't write, we don't sell. I love the idea of not having to out in the cold or the rain if I don't want to. Heck, I don't have to even get dressed. I do, however, have to make my daily word count. If I want to take a break or go for a walk, I can do that too. It's a great profession.

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?
Many different authors and books. Right now I'm reading Sea Witch by Helen Hollick, a wonderful writer. This is a swashbuckling pirate book! I'm also into YA these days like everyone else but it has to really catch my interest right away. It seems like many of the YA have the same plot, i.e. girl goes away to boarding school or high school and strange things happen or she meets a boy with paranormal abilities. I'd like to see something really different. Oh, and I loved Hunger Games! I just finished Daughter of Smoke and Bone and enjoyed really that. I tend to like the paranormal books with characters based on old myths or folklore, Norse, Wales, Scotland, that setting. If all else fails, I select a good old historical, not Regency, but something by Helen Kirkman or Medieval era.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I guess both, but not on paper. I don't do outlines or note cards. I've tried both and they doesn't work for me. Maybe an idea will germinate and I'll either forget about the idea or it nags me. If its still there two days later, I start thinking about characters, story line and where this could be headed. Again, at this point I don't write anything down; it's all in my head. Then I wait and see how my thoughts and ideas progress. Once I have it mostly written in my head, I'll jot down some notes about scenes or character traits. Several of my books have come from dreams and two from people-watching.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
I hope while they're reading they have an outlet for escape. We all want readers to be engrossed in our books not struggle through them. When they're done with the book, it's wonderful if they're still thinking about the characters or the book long after they put it down. That's a high aspiration for authors and the highest compliment. We read to escape our busy or mundane lives. I think we want to visit another place, another time and look into the lives of others. In a way, reading a book is similar to voyeurism because we're opening doors to people's lives and peering in.

Describe to us you typical day
Oh, boy, there is no typical day for me. I'm a night owl and was long before I became a writer. It's my natural bio-rhythm. I write a lot at night, sleep in the morning and begin writing in the afternoon. I know, it's a bad habit, but seems natural to me. I'm not a morning person, and I'm sure my brain will agree. I'm sharpest at night, and Good knows, I need my wits about me when I write. I can't have distractions, music or television. I like it quiet so I can think.

How do you come up with the titles?
I'm asked this often. I never choose a title without a story in my head. I might not have written the book yet on paper, but it's up here (Keta raps her noggin). About halfway through the story the title usually comes to me. Almost always the title comes from an incident or a scene in the book. With Dark Night of the Moon, I thought of the title when tragedy came to the Native American people. I don't have information that any tribe or band used that term, but it sounds to me like something they might have thought--when something bad happens, they would say the Dark Night came or we have seen the Dark Night of the Moon. Titles have never been difficult for me, but I admit, some of mine are unusual.

What song would best describe your life?Highway to Hell - no, just kidding; that's the first song that came to mind. Hmmm, wonder why?

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?Creature? If I could have a paranormal ability it would definitely be time travel. I'd love to visit (visit being the key word here) early Scotland and Ireland. lol -- I want to see how those men really looked in kilts.

What’s the perfect romantic evening?Dinner and a movie and after that I say, "That's personal!" lol.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Mouthy broad at times and "No Snorebucket Found Here." I keep things lively.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

You've got to be kidding me! Bad, double bad boys. I'm not even sure I've ever gone out with a perfect gentleman. If I did it was a blind date, and an ONLY ONCE blind date.

If you could have three wishes granted, what would you wish for?Abolish all nuclear and chemical weapons, and thereby fear.
No kids go to bed hungry . . . EVER.
Set aside a very special place in Hell for those who abuse animals.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

Thank you so much for asking. I've started the first book in the Lone Star Series about the Bannister brothers -- five, hunky, hot Bannister brothers. The setting is mid 1800's Texas Ranger, of course. I do have the titles for three of the books, but that's because I have the stories outlined in my head. I've really enjoyed writing the first book, and I'm hoping for five eventually. These are erotic romance cowboy style -- when men were men and the women who loved them were NOT cupcakes. Stay tuned!

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

Keta's Bio:

Keta is a multi-published author of paranormal and historical romance and gay fiction. In 2009, her erotic romance Decadent Deceptions was a finalist in the RWA Molly contest. In 2010, Keta's entry Phoenix Rising finaled in the Scarlet Boa contest and in 2011 Keta's acclaimed paranormal shifter, Where The Rain is Made, was nominated by Authors After Dark for a Bookie Awardand by Deep In The Heart of Romance for Best Romance of the Year.

Many of her books, including her gay fiction series CROSSROADS, have won numerous awards: Top Reviewer's Pick, Recommended Read and Best Book of the Month.

If you'd like to know more about Keta and her latest releases, she haunts the Net here:

Keta's Keep Blog, http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ketadiablo
Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/KetaDiablo.Author
Gay Fiction Blog: http://thestuffofmythandmen.blogspot.com

FOLLOW KETA'S KEEP: http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com

Mary Manners

2012-01-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

I am working on a Christmas story (that’s right…Christmas)! Quinn Sanders is a single mom down on her luck, waitressing at an all-night diner when youth pastor Jason Graves comes in looking for a hot cup of coffee and some peace and quiet. You can imagine, with Quinn involved…what he finds is anything but peace and quiet. Also, Wisdom Tree, the love story of Pastor Jake Samuels and teacher Carin O’Malley is coming in the fall, 2012. Trust me…you won’t want to miss that one!

*Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a pantser by nature. I get an idea—sometimes only a feeling—and I just run with it. I actually dreamed the entire Sweet Treats Bakery Series, and when I woke up I had to hurry and write everything down. It was the coolest thing. My husband has given up on trying to figure out how my brain works.

*If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

I’d recommend Tender Mercies. . Tender Mercies is a favorite because it’s about a football player, Cooper Jackson. My husband loves football and you could say I’m…um…less than thrilled with it. But one day when I was sitting on the couch, my eyes blurring over from watching the hundred-millionth play that looked the same as all the others that came before it, I wondered what it would be like to write a book about a former University of Tennessee quarterback who goes on to win an NFL Super Bowl for the Jacksonville Jaguars (yeah…it’s a fantasy). He’s kind of a jerk at the beginning and breaks high-school sweetheart Lexi Taylor’s heart, but he’s redeemed and ends up a pretty nice guy. It’s very cool, and who doesn’t love a quarterback?

*How long have you been a writer?

I have felt like a writer since I was old enough to scribble a pencil across paper. I think I was born with a pencil in my hand! But, I guess I knew I was ‘different’ when all my friends wanted to go out on Friday night and I preferred to stay in and write. I finished my first full-length novel in the sixth grade (it’s morphed somewhat over the years, but will be published this fall by White Rose Publishing under the title Wisdom Tree) and I have never looked back. I am so thankful to the wonderful teachers I had through middle and high school who encouraged my writing. In fact, Wisdom Tree is dedicated to them.

*What books or authors have most influenced your life?

Definitely Nora Roberts. I love writing family stories, and she’s got the best friend/family thing going on. I also like Beverly Lewis. She embodies the sensual…building romance with intrigue and the slightest nod or skim of a gloved finger. It’s amazing and beautiful. And I read The Outsiders when I was in the seventh grade. One of my sister’s friends gave me her copy because she just couldn’t ‘get into it’. Oh, man, that book was like gold to me. I absolutely fell in love with the characters!

*If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything on your road to publication?

I would change absolutely nothing. God knew what was best for me, and I truly believe He had a hand in my whole journey to publication. His timing has been perfect, and I could not have asked for a better editor (Nicola Martinez) or publishing company (Pelican Book Group) to work with. They are absolutely, positively amazing and wonderful!

*Where are you from?

I grew up in Chicago, but I have lived in Seymour, TN for almost thirty years. I love the diversity of the two places, and several of my stories incorporate both Knoxville and Chicago in some way. It’s great to have knowledge of both a big city and a smaller town. I love the mountains and rivers of East Tennessee, but enjoy the faster pace of Chicago from time to time.

*What sound drives you crazy?

Nails on a chalkboard. And, believe me, after 26 years of teaching middle school kids, I’ve heard my fair share of that…arghhh!

*If you were a tool, what would people use you for?

I am the square peg that can fir into a round hole!

*If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Constant Supervision Required.

*What’s for dinner tonight?

I love canned asparagus. I could live on the stuff! My mom gave me Beverly Lewis’s Amish cookbook for Christmas and my daughter and I have had so much fun trying out the recipes. Beverly really knows good food! Chicken casserole, meatloaf, elegant chicken, apple crisp and quiche…yum! My least favorite food is shrimp. Yuck and double yuck. It would NOT be on the menu. My husband thinks I’m nuts, because he loves them. But there’s just something about eating beady-eyed wormy things with little legs that really grosses me out.

*Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

Of course, bad boys! But, I have to say my husband is a perfect blend of both. He’s a bad boy who’s been redeemed…but a strong sense of adventure still lurks behind his baby blues.

*What is your favorite candy bar?

Forget the candy bars…just give me a bag of dark chocolate-covered raisins and I’m good for the duration!

Website: http://www.marymannersromance.com

Blog: http://www.creativewritingforces.blogspot.com

Facebook: marymanners,author

Twitter: @marymanners1

Pelican Book Group Author Page: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_tc_2_0?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3AMary+Manners&keywords=Mary+Manners&ie=UTF8&qid=1326112079&sr=1-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B004AL16YY

Diana Bold

2012-01-26T03:46:00.000-08:00

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

I love that I get to spend my days building stories with happily ever afters. I truly believe that true love is out there, and there's someone for everyone, and that love can heal any wound. I hope when people read my books they put them down with a smile and a little hope.

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

I think HALCYON RISING is my best book so far. I say this because it's my most recent, and I think I definitely learn and grow with each book, and also because I was going through a tough time in my life when I wrote it, and I think that emotion shows in my writing. It's a little different from my previous books, because it has a fantasy element. I became fascinated by the story of Atlantis, and the thought of ancient civilizations. What would happen if one of them had survived and flourished through the Dark Ages, and what would happen if my civilized heroine was captured by my very medieval knight?

How long have you been a writer?

I've been a writer since I was old enough to grasp a pen. When I was seven years old, I won fifty dollars in a writing contest, and I was hooked! The idea that you could make money with your imagination was very appealing to me. Unfortunately, that fifty dollars was only money I made during the next 29 years. LOL My path to publication was a long, hard road. Turns out I was not the prodigy I thought. But I don't have it in me to give up, and when I did finally get published, I had a whole drawer of finished manuscripts, so the sales piled up. I can't imagine doing anything else.

Did you have any other careers before devoting yourself to being a full-time writer?

As I mentioned before, my road to publication was rocky. I worked a variety of jobs during my twenties, always certain that they were just temporary stops on my way to being a rich and famous author. When I hit thirty and still hadn't sold a book, I decided I might need a fallback plan, so I spent the next ten years as a 911 police dispatcher. I absolutely loved that job - the adrenaline rush, the knowledge that I was actually helping people, the camaraderie and strangeness of my relationships with my coworkers. I probably never would have quit, even after I started making decent money with my writing, if the city government hadn't decided we should do twice the work for half the money. LOL I took that as a sign that I was meant to pursue my writing career full time and have never looked back.

Describe to us you typical day -

I wake up about eight in the morning, have breakfast, walk on the treadmill for about 45 minutes, and then head to my office. I spend an hour catching up on emails and Facebook, and then another hour doing marketing and publicity stuff. Then I spend the next hour writing on my current WIP. Then I have lunch. After lunch, I work on freelance editing or ghost writing projects for two hours, then write another hour on my WIP and call it a day. I do this Monday through Friday. Or at least that's the plan. Sometimes life gets in the way, but the great thing about working for yourself is that when it does, you have some flexibility.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Do not try to engage in conversation within one hour of waking. In fact, don't even look in my direction.

What’s number one on your list of things you hope to do before you die?

Visit at least ten countries. So far, I haven't left the United States, but I'm hoping to change that in the near future. Of course, my fear of flying makes it a little difficult. Is there enough Xanex in the world to get me through a plane ride to Europe? I guess we'll see.

I am currently working on a Victorian Trilogy I'm calling my "Victorian Spiderman" books. LOL I'm not very good at describing works in progress, but my heroes are three brothers who successively take up the guise of a masked avenger who prowls bordellos and rescues young women and children pressed into prostitution. I like the idea of a superhero who has no actual superpowers, just gadgets and his wits. I also like the idea of a man living a double life - a highborn wastrel during the day, and a champion of those less fortunate by night. I hope to have book one finished within the next few months.

You can check me out on Facebook, and read excerpts of all my books at www.dianabold.com.

Lindsay Anne Kendal

2011-12-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Trying to write some of the fight scenes I think, sometimes I just couldn’t put into words what I wanted to say. Also, when there is a house full of people I find it very hard to concentrate, I like my peace and quiet when I write.

Is there anything special you do to get in the mood to write?

Normally, I sit in a dark room with my music playing through my Ipod. Music is a big inspiration to me, without it, I don’t think my fingers would type. I make sure I have a bottle of Pepsi max close by, and cup of tea and some chocolates. If I have all that I’m a happy girl.

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?

Yes they are. Keira certainly has my personality, and Lily is very similar to my sister. None of the guys are really based on anyone, I think they are my secret fantasy guys really.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

I multi-task. I’m currently writing three novels. The third book of my trilogy, ‘Revelations’, the first in a two part series, ‘Leticia’, and a Paranormal stand alone, “Emmelia”.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything on your road to publication?

Yes, I would research the publisher before I signed the contract. The first publisher I was with... well, I can’t say much other than I’m glad I’m no longer with them. It was a very bad and costly experience. I wish I’d found the publisher I’m with now originally. They are amazing.

What sound drives you crazy?

When you’re putting your dishes away and the pots bang together. Oh my god, my eyes want to roll back in my head and I get goosebumps... its awful.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

WARNING! Crazy, gothy girl on the loose, if you wish to keep your sanity.... RUN!

If you were a tool, what would people use you for?

I’d be a hammer and I’d be used to knock some sense into certain people in my life.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

Definitely the perfect gentlemen. Simply because I don’t believe they exist. I think it’s all a front and I like to find out what lies beneath. There’s a bad side to everyone, and I would have more fun trying to find that side of him, than I would with a natural bad boy. It adds some mystery to the relationship.

Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

The second in the Bloodlines trilogy, ‘Torment’, is due for release on Nov 1^st. The third, ‘Revelations’, should hopefully be out on January 1^st 2012.

I’m also releasing the first of a two part YA/Paranormal Romance/Suspense ‘Leticia’. I don’t have a release date for that yet but it should be in the next couple of months.

I’m working on two other novels at the moment as well. But they’re top secret! J

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

My Links are as follows.

Website http://www.lindsayannekendal.com/

Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsay-Anne-Kendal-Author/205994872781867

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3433502.Lindsay_Anne_Kendal

Book trailers http://www.lindsayannekendal.com/apps/videos/

Anne Holly

2011-12-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

I love that, as a romance reader, I can stop and think, “Why don’t they do books about this?” or “I’d really like it if they did…” – and then I can go out and do it myself! That’s wonderful for me. I love romance, so I am happy to be contributing to that community.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Definitely a plotter. I’m a mom and a teacher who also writes in the third shift of my day, so I have to plot to make the most of my writing time.

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

I wrote Strings Attached in 2000-2001, I think. Finished editing it in 2001-02. Then put it away in a shoebox for about ten years before I decided to re-write it and submit it. It was accepted in the summer of 2010, and released in May 2011. So, that one was a long time in coming.

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

A cheap one? (LOL) I’d recommend my Christmas novella Unwrapping Scrooge, I think. The price is reasonable and it’s a good example of my work.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

Most of all, a bit of R&R – that might not be “artistic,” but romance readers are hard working, busy people. There’s nothing I want more than to give them a few hours of pleasurable diversion. On the philosophical end, I try to focus on the positive energy. I hope they find love as I portray it uplifting.

A biography has been written about you. What do you think the title would be?

Mothers Never Sleep

What’s for dinner tonight?

Whatever doesn’t fight back when I drag myself into the kitchen.

If you were a superhero, what special power would you have?

I am a superhero – I can lift multiple-times my own weight in preschooler paraphernalia and go extraordinary stretches without food, sleep or even cursing.

If you could have three wishes granted, what would you wish for?

A vacation, but not to go anywhere – just hide out at home and read.
A second me, to share the boring work.
That everyone has a better 2012 than 2011.

What is your favorite candy bar?

Coffee Crisps – too addictions for the price of one!

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

Right now I have a series of holiday romance shorts from Rebel Ink that have been releasing rapid-fire.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

My blog is http://anneholly.blogspot.com/, and I’m there almost every day, along with Twitter (@anneholly2010), and my holiday romance website is http://annehollyholiday.webs.com/

Tracy Sumner

2011-11-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

I love creating characters. And when I have them in my mind, I daydream. They’re very real to me.

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?

My first love is historical romance – Julie Anne Long, Meredith Duran, Judith Ivory, Liz Carlyle. Though I love contemporary, as well. Rachel Gibson comes to mind.

Do you have travel when researching your books? If yes, where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?

I don’t travel for the books, per se, as mine are southern in setting so far. And I’m a native South Carolinian. Though I love to travel! I’m at close to 50 countries – and hope to make 100 before my time’s up! Though my new WIP is set in England – a Victorian wth light paranormal elements – and we may travel in the spring to the UK. My husband is a UK citizen, so he has family there, etc.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I think I’m somewhere in between. I have scenes that I write fairly detailed notes for. Perhaps 10 or so for the entire book. Those are usually ones near the front and perhaps a key scene or two from the middle. Then, I go from there!

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

I love the romance genre – I’m a HUGE reader, too – so I hope they get the feeling I do when I read a good novel. Hope and joy!

Did you have any other careers before devoting yourself to being a full-time writer?
I still work FT. I believe in that, because I love my career, and it keeps me sane. I’m a graphic designer, though now I basically manage a creative team, as the years keep on rolling by!

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

Just under Tracy Sumner!

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

I’m not sure it’s fascinating, or horrible, but I worked in the World Trade Center. And, yes, I was there that day. I was actually working on a contracted book for Kensington Publishing and it knocked me off my writing schedule for a long time. TIDES OF PASSION is the book I had to finish around that time. It’s just being released and it’s actually my strongest book, I think. Which is odd because I finished it under pressure and wrote it faster than I ever have a book before. Go figure!

What song would best describe your life?

Wow, hard one. Something from the 80s – Psychedelic Furs, The Cure or The Police.

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?

Mind-reader! Although, after Edward in Twilight, it could be a major burden. A character in my WIP can read minds – and it causes him a lot of pain.

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?

I love wine!

What’s for dinner tonight?

Hopefully, Sushi or Thai (take-out). I’m not into cooking!

What is sexier boxer or briefs?

Boxer briefs!

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

I think I like a mix. The sexy, nerd with issues. Something that will provide a little angst along the way.

www.tracysumner.com

@SumnerTracy

Feacbook.com/TracySumnerRomanceAuthor

Tracy Summer

2011-11-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

I love creating characters. And when I have them in my mind, I daydream. They’re very real to me.

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?

My first love is historical romance – Julie Anne Long, Meredith Duran, Judith Ivory, Liz Carlyle. Though I love contemporary, as well. Rachel Gibson comes to mind.

Do you have travel when researching your books? If yes, where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

I love the romance genre – I’m a HUGE reader, too – so I hope they get the feeling I do when I read a good novel. Hope and joy!

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

Just under Tracy Sumner!

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

What song would best describe your life?

Wow, hard one. Something from the 80s – Psychedelic Furs, The Cure or The Police.

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?

Mind-reader! Although, after Edward in Twilight, it could be a major burden. A character in my WIP can read minds – and it causes him a lot of pain.

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?

I love wine!

What’s for dinner tonight?

Hopefully, Sushi or Thai (take-out). I’m not into cooking!

What is sexier boxer or briefs?

Boxer briefs!

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

I think I like a mix. The sexy, nerd with issues. Something that will provide a little angst along the way.

W. Lynn Chantale

2011-10-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?

When I’m taking a break, I can be found reading mystery/suspense. J.D Robb and Lee Child are a couple of my fave authors. I also read historical romances and I don’t have a favorite author in that genre. Paranormal romances are also fun and I love discovering new-to-me authors.

When writing your description of your hero/ine what feature do you start with? Eyes, age, hair color, etc?

I begin with the eyes, mouth, and hair. When I visualize a person, this is often the first thing I see and then I go from there.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Definitely a pantser. I tried plotting and in some cases it will work for me, but I do enjoy just going with the flow.

Did you have any other careers before devoting yourself to being a full-time writer?

Yes I did. I worked as a bank teller, call center rep, fast food manager, line cook, and a cake decorator.

When not writing, how do you relax?

Sometimes I forget to do this, but long, hot showers are good. Also any time I can spend with my hubby and children. Family is a joy.

What sound drives you crazy?

Picture this, a large church sanctuary, vaulted ceiling, 1000+ people. Every single one of them picks up a hymnal and flips the pages. The noisy fluttering builds to a deafening crescendo and finally recedes. Just thinking about that sound makes me grit my teeth. *shudders*

What is sexier boxer or briefs?

Boxer briefs. Thinking about stretchy cotton molded to thick, muscular thigh. Yeah, definitely boxers.

Where is the craziest place you’ve ever had sex? Or where is the craziest place you made your characters have sex?

I can’t tell you the craziest place I’ve had sex, my hubby reads these. :-) Now, the craziest place I made my characters have sex was the back of a moving limo. Nothing like a little seatbelt bondage.

What’s your favorite curse word?

Hell

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential for you?

Good question. Internet, laptop, and my husband.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

I have two, thus far. Both are short sensual erotic stories. One is Mistletoe Mambo and will be featured in a Christmas anthology through Still Moments Publishing and the other is Decadent Seconds through Whispers Publishing.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

Blog: http://wlynnchantale-decadentdecisions.blogspot.com/

Email: wlynnchantale@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/wlynnchantale

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/W.LynnChantaleAuthor

Haunted by nightmares, Sheridan Sinclair just wants to get through one night without reliving the terrible accident that led to her miscarriage. And she longs for the arms of the man who betrayed her. Matthew Sinclair has always loved his wife, but when she refuses to speak to him after her accident, he's left to wonder what went wrong. When a stolen kiss ignites their forgotten passion, he'll use their love as a means to get her home and in his bed again. Will a husband’s plan of seduction be enough to heal a wife’s broken heart?

Delia has just three rules for dating. First, a man should never assume he’s the only one. Second, he must stick to his day and time. Third, and most important, no sex. Following the rules has never been a problem until she meets the hottie from the pool.

Jace has only days to make every moment count, but the more time he spends with Delia, the more he realizes she may be the one. With the cruise winding down and their attraction growing, there’s only one course of action left to take. Can he convince Delia that rules are meant to be broken?

Releasing: October 7, 2011

Bio: W. Lynn Chantale resides in southeastern Michigan. Married to her high school sweetheart, they’ve been together for the last twenty years, and have three children. She has a mad affinity for milk chocolate, preferably Dove chocolate truffles or the caramel-filled squares (Godiva is acceptable), and plays the bass guitar when the Muse begs for a bit of distraction.

She’s also a member of Romance Writers of America as well Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America, Passionate Ink and Kiss of Death groups. She has one release, Seducing His Wife and a short story, Decadent Seconds under contract with Whispers Publishing. Also look for Breaking Delia’s Rules, from Breathless Press.

S. Evan Townsend

2011-10-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?
I have a thing for old science fiction, pre-1980s. I love the way they wrote the adventure and I love reading the speculations before we knew as much about science and space as we do now. Also, if you remember the context of the times they are written in, they were very socially advanced. For example, Skylark of Space by E.E. "Doc" Smith was written in the 1910s but has a strong woman character back when women were seen, not heard.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Both. I start out with a basic plot and story line in mind but I don't let bursts of creativity or strange ideas I have while writing go to waste. If I deviate from my original plot, that's okay. It often leads to fun and unexpected plot ideas or twists.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
I hope they had a good time with the adventure, but learned something along the way about history or other places in the world. I'm a born teacher and if I can sneak a lesson into the candy-wrapping of a fun read, I will.

How long have you been a writer?
Almost 40 years. I've been writing since I was 12 when I taught myself how to type (on a typewriter). That early stuff was probably pretty jejune but as I kept writing (and reading) my skill improved and my writing got much better.

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?
Agent of Artifice is full of real people and events. Since it involves the CIA in the late 1950s and early 1960s, it has the actually officials at the CIA at the time as characters. It also has a brief appearance by Bobby Kennedy. The story revolves around the Cuban Revolution, and includes the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis and Operation Mongoose (the CIA operation to assassinate Catro).

What song would best describe your life?
"Paperback Writer" by the Beatles.

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?
It would have to be something that flies. Can I be a were-eagle? I've always wanted to be a bird. I watch them ride the thermals and am so jealous.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
WARNING: Will talk your ear off about history, driving and his writing. Side effects may include nausea, vertigo, and being asked to buy his book.

What’s your favorite curse word?

"Jim Caviezel" It has all the right mouth feel of a good curse word yet will offend no one (unless they get the joke).

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential for you?

My idea of "roughing it" is a hotel without 24-hour room service. If I were stranded on a desert island I'd need a fully-stocked and staffed 5-star resort, someone to talk to, and a pile of good books to read.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

Agent of Artifice is releasing 11/1/11. A science fiction novel, Rock Killer, is going to be coming out early in '12.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

www.sevantownsend.com Twitter: @SEvanTownsend Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Agent-of-Artifice/226539177397391

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hammer-of-Thor/167924196613007

Agent of Artifice

They live among us. We know they are there. No government can control them; no authority can stop them. Some are evil. Some are good. All are powerful. They inhabit our myths and fairy tales. But what if they were real, the witches, wizards, and fairy godmothers? What if they were called "adepts" and were organized into guilds for mutual protection and benefit? And what if they started mucking around with the affairs of "lessers" (that is, those humans not able to match their powers)?

During the height of the Cold War, Michael Vaughan is a rogue without a guild. He survives by working for the CIA as NOC (Non-Official Cover). Shortly after the funeral of President Joe Kennedy, Jr., he is sent to Cuba to assassinate Castro. There he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with adepts working for Fidel.

S. Evan Townsend is a writer living in central Washington State. After spending four years in the U.S. Army in the Military Intelligence branch, he returned to civilian life and college to earn a B.S. in Forest Resources from the University of Washington. In his spare time he enjoys reading, driving (sometimes on a racetrack), meeting people, and talking with friends. He is in a 12-step program for Starbucks addiction. Evan lives with his wife and two sons, aged 17 and 20, and has a 22-year old son attending the University of Washington in biology. He enjoys science fiction, fantasy, history, politics, cars, and travel.

RACHEL LEIGH

2011-10-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

Being able to live in the imaginative world rather than the real world! How many people get to escape life’s stresses and strains all in the name of work? Not many, that’s for sure. I love what I do and hope I can keep writing for many years to come. Writing is not a job for me, it’s a compulsion. I have to do it or otherwise I am extremely unhappy…and really quite savage!

When writing your description of your hero/ine what feature do you start with? Eyes, age, hair color, etc?

Whenever I start a new story, I immediately scan magazines and the internet for the pictures of my next hero and heroine. I am a very visual writer with regard to characters and I immediately know when I have found the image I want. The pictures seem to call out to me and straight away that picture is pinned to my office wall. I will keep to the characters’ look exactly the same as the photograph.

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

The fact I write erotic romance is a subject of endless fascination to my friends, lol! Every time we go out, they need to tell new people we meet as soon as possible. It cracks me up. Most of us have sex quite regularly but because I write about it, I am the most fascinating woman in the bar!

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

I am usually working on an erotic romance story and a mainstream romance novel at any one time. I enjoy writing the different sub-genres depending on my mood that day. I hope it keeps my writing fresh for readers and my creativity free and flowing for me.

When not writing, how do you relax?

I love to read (of course!) and take long country walks with my dog and family. We live in one of the most beautiful and rural places in South West England so the choice of walks is amazing. In the evening, I enjoy watching US comedies such as Modern Family and Friends or US dramas such as Ringer and Big Love. Great shows!

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?

Ridiculously long baths with a book and glass of chilled white wine

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Do not disturb when working – may well bite!

What’s for dinner tonight?

Nachos

What is sexier boxer or briefs?

Boxers

What’s number one on your list of things you hope to do before you die?

Caribbean cruise or a long trip on the Orient Express

What is your favorite candy bar?

Snickers

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

My latest release is “Coming Back” available now from The Wild Rose Press. Here’s the blurb:

Kelly Hampton loved once...and lost. After two years of looking for Sean MacKenzie in other men--and failing miserably--she takes a vow of celibacy. No sex until she finds love. Then Sean strolls back into her bar, reigniting old flames. No one has come close to understanding or satisfying her like he did. Her body burns for the passion they once shared, but her heart still remembers the pain.

Sean escaped Jessop Hill and his father's fists in the middle of the night without a word--even to his love, Kelly--to protect his battered mother, but he never forgot the explosively erotic relationship he left behind. Now his father is dead and Sean is back for the only woman he's ever wanted. Their reunion is full of fire – but can sexual attraction and noble intentions overcome years of heartache or will Kelly walk away to protect her heart this time.

Buy:

http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86&products_id=837

Work In Progress

My next novella will be about a British hero and heroine who both emigrated to Zante in Greece in the hope of a better future. When they meet the connection is explosive! Here’s the working blurb:

Michelle Hutton leaves everything behind and flies from the UK to Greece in search of a new beginning. Her first encounter is with a sexy, pro-bono lawyer with a body that could adorn the cover of Playgirl. When they talk, he tells her his sister has a restaurant that desperately needs a new chef. Sam Clarke seems too good to be true. And Michelle doesn’t trust anyone else after being let down time and again by the people she loves. Including the mother she left behind. But damn, he’s hard to resist…

Sam Clarke is a busy man – a man on a mission to help women in jeopardy. So when a woman with hair like a sheet of gold and eyes bluer than the ocean walks into an airport bar needing help, what is he’s supposed to do? The electricity between them is hotter than a live wire and Sam soon learns Michelle is more than capable of demanding and getting what she wants. She doesn’t need him, he should walk away…yet time and again he goes back for more.

Rachel can be found here:

www.rachelleigh.co.uk

www.rachelleighromance.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/rachelwriter

Natasha Blackthorne

2011-10-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?
I read social history and biography the most. I also read psychology and history of fashion. I read historical romance both straight and erotic and some inspirational romance.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part of writing for publication for me has been to stop fighting my own creative processes.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
I hope to craft stories that have deep emotional and sensual expression. I want to create a chance to experience life in someone else's perspective in another place and time. I also hope to show stories of less than perfect people coping with adversity who find a way to new insight and new beginnings.

How long have you been a writer?
I wrote for a very long time but I got serious about learning how to write genre fiction romance about three years ago. Then I found out how much I really did not know about writing craft. I count that as my waking up and becoming a serious writer.

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?
I haven’t submitted my first book for publication nor the two I wrote after it. Those were practice and I learned a lot from writing them.

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
Jellybeans

What is sexier boxer or briefs?
Boxers

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?
I like gentlemen. I like to be the one who is naughty, well at least relatively speaking.

If you could be a shapeshifter, what form would you take and why?
I would be a cat. Because a cat’s the only cat who knows where it’s at. (Okay, really dated myself there!)

What is your favorite candy bar?
Cherry Mash

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.
I published a short story with Ellora’s Cave in May of this year titled Waltz of Seduction. It is an erotic regency romance about a young married couple that are very much in love but their preconceptions about sexuality prevent them from expressing their passion. The wife, young Sara, is shy and sweet, sort of plain and totally out of her element with her socially facile, handsome, slightly older husband, Colin. She was a well-dowered merchant’s daughter and her husband is the son of an impoverished duke. Her father wanted a titled son-in-law and his father wanted a wealthy daughter-in-law.

So they start out with many differences that help keep them from overcoming their hesitation with each other. When she finally gains the courage to wear a beautiful red ball gown, she sets into motion a chain of events that change the course of their marriage. Private waltzing lessons in their bedchambers turn indecent.

My latest release, Grey’s Lady is an idea that came after Grey, the hero, “showed” me the story through his perspective. He was staring out the bookseller’s windows at the rain and the gray sky. He made eye contact with Beth, the heroine and in that moment she touched him deeply with her sadness that mirrored his own feelings that he was disconnected from.

Grey is wealthy, powerful merchant prince from New York City who is visiting Philadelphia. He’s a millionaire in a time when millionaires are rare in the United States. He’s also a very duty-driven, emotionally controlled person. As the owner of a vast shipping company, he’s in control of his whole immediate world. He keeps his life free of messy emotional entanglements.

Beth is a dutiful sister and aunt who works hard in her half-brother’s struggling ship. But she’s so bored and feels out of place there. She’s a really impulsive, sensually driven young woman who needs something more from life than just being a good girl. Yet she doesn’t find the men around her to be the kind of man she wants. Dynamic, enterprising men excite her. She’s excited by power. Yet she has been raised to believe these gentlemen are her social betters and thus unattainable.

Grey’s Lady is the story of two people who have given up on love. Yet they are empty and unhappy inside so they find solace in using sex to gain power. Grey uses his wealth and sexual skill to make women appreciate him. Beth uses seduction to gain the excitement of conquest over the type of gentlemen that excite her yet is forbidden to her

When they come together, their attraction is irresistible and explosive. The question becomes can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts? Can they save each other from their isolation, from their auto-suppression of their true selves?

The second book in the Carte Blanche Series will be coming out from Total E-Bound Dec 26, 2011. It is titled White Lace and Promises and is the sequel to Grey’s Lady. It gets into more depth about the inner demons that trouble Beth and Grey and how they come truly together and overcome them.

The third book in the CB Series is a full-length novel titled Alex’s Angel and it comes out Feb 28, 2012. It is set in Philadelphia, PA 1793. In the wake of a devastating epidemic, sheltered Emily Eliot finds herself alone, making her own decisions for the first time. When desperation leads her to sell her virtue, she walks straight into trouble.

Enter one gorgeous, golden haired gentleman bent on protecting her…Alexander Dalton came to the Blue Duck Tavern seeking to lose himself in sexual pleasure. Yet when he saw the delicate and vulnerable young woman, he couldn’t turn away. But he needs her to believe in him a lot more than she needs his protection…Alex’s charming smile hides a dark secret that could destroy their chance at happiness. Will their passion burn them up or bring them together?

I also have a full length novel set in the English Regency that is scheduled for release from Total E-Bound April 9, 2012.

You can usually find me hard at work researching and writing my next story.
http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/Twitter: @Nblackthorne

Book Trailers: http://www.youtube.com/user/Natashasromancevideo

http://www.facebook.com/people/Author-Natasha-Blackthorne/100002385587652
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4878430.Natasha_Blackthorne

Ella Jade – Be My Everything

2011-10-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

I think it's being able to create so many interesting and sexy characters. I love coming up with new ways to have the two main characters meet. I try to write unique couples who are meant to be together. My favorite part in all of my books is when the hero or heroine has that revelation moment. When they're like, "Oh, it's always been you."

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

This is going to sound crazy coming from an Erotic Romance author, but the steamy scenes often present the hardest part for me. I love setting the scene and writing dialogue, but the sex passages don't always flow as quickly as I'd like them to. I usually leave them for the end of the chapter and then go back in and insert (no pun intended) them. I find that's what works best for me.

When writing your description of your hero/ine what feature do you start with? Eyes, age, hair color, etc?

Age seems to intrigue me the most when setting up the characters. I've always been turned on by older men, so many of my books feature an older man and a younger woman. I build from there. I like to come up with different plots ideas based on what would make these two find one another. Need, want, desire, financial circumstances…

Is there anything special you do to get in the mood to write?

I really need silence so I can focus and listen to what the characters are trying to tell me. I wait until late at night to write when the kids are in bed and the house is quiet.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I try to be a plotter, but some stories have a life of their own, so I go with it. But, my beginning and ending usually stay where I envision them. The middle gets tricky and I find that I can sometimes deviate from what I initially thought was supposed to happen. I do what the characters tell me to do.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Warning…she NEVER shuts up!

What’s for dinner tonight?

Its date night! We try to do that once a month to keep things sane. My mom has the kids and the hubs and I are heading to The Outback. I've got a serious craving for a sweet potato with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

The bad boy in a fiction world. Who doesn't live a dark, sexy, and dangerous man or vamp or wolf? When I was younger I was always drawn to the one who wasn't good for me. It's fun and exciting, but it gets old fast. I married the perfect gentlemen in RL and that works just fine.

If you were a superhero, what special power would you have?

I would love to be able to time travel like in Quantum Leap. I think it would be cool to travel back in history making right "what once went wrong." I'm trying to work that into a future story.

What is your favorite candy bar?

I have to choose one? I'll go with the Chunky. I love to have one of those when I go to the movies.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

I have a pretty busy fall ahead of me with three releases scheduled.

The first two are BSDM romances. The third is my first attempt at a m/m romance.

Be My Everything – available now with Beachwalk Press.

Lucas and Katherine enter into the perfect arrangement to fulfill their sexual needs, but what happens when their hearts get in the way?

Shy, awkward receptionist Katherine Sierra wants to explore her sexually submissive side. Although new to the BDSM world, she’s eager to learn. When she attends a play party and submits an application to one of the most experienced Doms in the room, she has no idea what she’s gotten herself into.

Successful businessman and hardcore Dominant Lucas Cain knows his way around a playroom and doesn’t normally take on brand new subs. He’s apprehensive about training someone so innocent, but the more time he spends with Katherine the more intrigued he becomes. She may be everything he’s been searching for.

But when Lucas requests that Colin, his friend and mentor, join them in the playroom for an evening of fun, it just might change everything.

Has Lucas broken his own rule and fallen in love with his sub?

http://beachwalkpress.com/be-my-everything/

The Lonely Dominant – available 11/14/11 with Noble Romance Publishers

Successful businessman Alec Carter realizes his life is less than fulfilled when he meets beautiful Princeton University senior Clara Whittaker at a local coffee shop. Alec experiments in the BDSM lifestyle but doesn't consider himself hardcore until he crosses paths with the obviously submissive Clara. The more time Alec spends with young Clara, the more his dominant tendencies push to the surface. She could be what has been missing.

After her grandmother's death, Clara ends up a guest in Alec's home until she can finish school. She quickly learns she's a natural submissive and decides she wants to explore this new side of herself with the man of house. Alec shows her a life she never knew existed as they enter into a world of role playing, fantasy, and desire. Alec may be the Master, but Clara holds the key to his heart.

As the semester comes to an end, so does their arrangement. If Alec doesn't admit his true feelings for Clara, she could walk out of his life forever. But, Alec isn’t sure which she craves more . . . his dominance . . . or his love.

Embracing the Unexpected – tentative release date December 2011 with Beachwalk Press.

Successful attorney Parker Phillips has always been straight; he's just having some trouble finding the right girl. Dr. Jace Cross is comfortable in his sexuality but has been single for some time. When the two meet in a court appointed anger management course Jace is teaching, sparks fly, but Parker isn't willing to admit his feelings. Can the sexy doctor help him discover who he truly is?

My blog - http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com/
FB - http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001950837414
Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/ellajade1

Be My Everything

Ella Jade

Lucas and Katherine enter into the perfect arrangement to fulfill their sexual needs, but what happens when their hearts get in the way?

Shy, awkward receptionist Katherine Sierra wants to explore her sexually submissive side. Although new to the BDSM world, she’s eager to learn. When she attends a play party and submits an application to one of the most experienced Doms in the room, she has no idea what she’s gotten herself into.

Successful businessman and hardcore Dominant Lucas Cain knows his way around a playroom and doesn’t normally take on brand new subs. He’s apprehensive about training someone so innocent, but the more time he spends with Katherine the more intrigued he becomes. She may be everything he’s been searching for.

But when Lucas requests that Colin, his friend and mentor, join them in the playroom for an evening of fun, it just might change everything.

Has Lucas broken his own rule and fallen in love with his sub?

Content Warning: strong language, graphic sex, BDSM themes

Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the EBooks industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, kickboxing and scrapbooking. She hope's you'll get lost in her words.

You can connect with her at http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com/

JM Powers

2011-09-23T02:38:00.000-07:00

When writing your description of your hero/ine what feature do you start with? Eyes, age, hair color, etc? His physique, after all that is what catches the eye first. *grin*

Are you a plotter or a pantser? Pantser, though I know the beginning and end, I let my muse lead the way through the middle.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories? A smile at the happily ever after.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? That a woman can be strong, and she should follow her heart no matter what.

Do you write under more than one name? Why? Yes, I’ve published under two names: J.M. Powers, and Summer Falls. I kept J.M.Powers, after several people told me Summer Falls sounded like a stripper. That’s okay though, because the book under that name is quite risqué.

If you were a tool, what would people use you for? Tickling your fancy *wink*

You can erase one embarrassing experience from your past. What will it be? The time I turned cartwheels down a hotel hallway on a dare and got caught.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say? WARNING: This woman will laugh at the most inappropriate times. You can not stop her. She cannot stop herself. Simply walk away and pretend you do not know her.

What’s for dinner tonight? Dinner? I’m so engrossed in my writing I forgot to eat—or cook. I thought it was still morning.*hits speed dial for pizza joint*

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why? Perfect gentlemen that become very bad boys in the bedroom.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

Blog: http://jmpowersromance.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002182850652

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/jmpowersauthor

Basket of Hope:

Book: http://www.breathlesspress.org/Book/348

Book Trailer: http://www.blazingtrailers.com/show/1671/

Rachel Briimble

2011-09-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

I would probably recommend The Arrival of Lily Curtis – my first historical. Although I have written more contemporary novels that historicals so far, ‘Lily’ seems to really resonate with readers. I am so happy with the reviews and feedback I have had with this book because I adored writing it and I really think it reflects my humor, my ethics and my love for all things British.

Readers have told me they have cried and had laugh out loud moments when reading ‘Lily’ – what more can a writer ask for?

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

The most terrifying thing that has happened to me, is my family and I were caught up in the French floods in June 2010. We were woken at 2am with rain hammering down and sirens sounding. We went outside to find the campsite covered in water, within an hour it was covering the car roofs. We had to stand on the clubhouse roof for 12 hours before being rescued by helicopter.

Not the best holiday we’ve ever had!

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?
They love it and are so supportive! Many of my friends have known me for years and knew this is all I ever wanted to do. When my first book was published in 2007, I felt as though I’d finally started on a long road to what I hope will be a lifetime career.

My parent’s pride shows in their eyes every time I hand them a new release – I hope to be able to keep putting that look in their eyes for a long, long time.

Where are you from?
I live in South West England and a small market town in Wiltshire – It is a small community, which I really like, and then just a short drive in any direction takes you into the countryside that is wonderful. We have some very famous tourist attractions not far from us such as Bath, Stonehenge, Avebury…the list goes on.

A little further afield takes you into the Cotswolds villages which are absolutely beautiful.

When not writing, how do you relax?
Read, walk with my beloved Labrador, see friends and family…drink white wine!

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
White wine and strawberry cheesecake – not necessarily at the same time!

What sound drives you crazy?
My daughters fighting!

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
Savage when disturbed…

What’s for dinner tonight?
I don’t know but I’ve woken up to find my husband has put chicken on the drainer to defrost!

What is your favorite candy bar?
Snickers

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

I currently have another Victorian historical and contemporary romantic suspense with my agent so hope 2012 will bring two new releases.

After a successful pitch session this summer, Mira have requested the full manuscript of the romantic suspense so I am super excited about that. Watch this space!

As well as that, I am currently writing a sexy contemporary romance set again in South West England. The heroine is a scream and totally lusting after the poor hero – I am so enjoying writing her story right now!

My current release is Paying The Piper, available from Lyrical Press on September 19^th – here’s the blurb:

Nightclub manager Grace Butler is on a mission to buy the pub where her mother's ashes are scattered but the owner wants to sell to anyone but her. And that owner happens to be her father...who has a secret she will do anything to discover.

Social worker and all around good guy Jimmy Betts needs funds to buy a house for three special kids before their care home closes. Time is running out and he's desperate for cash. He agrees to to a one-time 'job' for bad-man

Karl Butler. But in a sudden turn of events, Jimmy finds himself employed by Karl's beautiful, funny and incredibly sexy daughter, Grace. Their lives couldn't be more different, yet one thread binds them: they're both trying to escape the bonds of their fathers. Maybe the only way they'll be free is by being together, instead of alone.

Link:http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=81&products_id=424

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.
www.rachelbrimble.com
www.rachelbrimble.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/rachelbrimble

LaVerne Clark

2011-09-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

How long have you been a writer?

Like most writers, I’ve been penning stories for as long as I can remember. We’re a curious bunch, always asking the question – I wonder what would happen if…?

When I was a child, my father would take me and my brothers to church. This stopped abruptly one day after we spent the whole service making up amusing stories about some of the people around us, making each other crack up with laughter. My love of storytelling started about then.

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

My first (and only book to date) happened as a result of a submission call from The Wild Rose Press. By the time I heard about it, there was three months left to get the stories submitted. Luckily, it was to be novella-length, so I thought I’d give it a go. I thrived having a deadline to work towards. I finished and submitted the day before the deadline and then waited to hear. I actually hurt my ankle from jumping up and down in excitement when I got the lovely email to say they’d like to publish it : ) From acceptance to publication, it was a whirlwind five months as my story had also been randomly selected by all the stories accepted to open the new line.

Where are you from?

I’m a New Zealander and live in a town at the top of the South Island called Nelson. Nelson is the sunshine capital of the country – and even though it’s the middle of winter here, today is a brilliant blue-sky day. We’ve just come back from taking the dog to the beach for a run with most people sporting tee-shirts! I never get tired of the climate here.

Describe to us your typical day

I have two young children, one is ten and the other is three, so I’m a SAHM (stay-at-home-mum). After the frantic morning getting my son ready and on his way, I’ll potter around and tidy up, do some baking, play with my daughter and walk the dog. Apart from the occasional outing, my routine will be the same. When the children are in bed for the night, hubby and I enjoy a bit of precious time together before I head off to my current WIP.

What song would best describe your life?

Without a shadow of a doubt – it would have to be “Crazy” by Seal. I love this song. And I think it’s true. Some days to survive, you have to get a little crazy. We’re too serious for our own good at times.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

Ooo – good question! I was going to say bad boys, but then I thought about the perfect gentleman, and how misleading their behavior can be. What’s more fun than trying to ruffle the perfectly groomed hero’s manners – and being there when they snap – yeeha! : )

If you were a superhero, what special power would you have?

I had to answer this one since I’ve almost finished my own superhero story.

You can’t go past the ability to fly though can you? I don’t know about you, but when I have those dreams where I’m flying, I wake up so disappointed to find I actually can’t. It would be so freeing, not to mention fun and so convenient!

What’s number one on your list of things you hope to do before you die?

I want to travel through the Bermuda Triangle. I’ll wait until I’m in my late-eighties though just in case! I’ve been consumed by what happened to the people missing since hearing about it as a little girl. Maybe it’s a portal to another world? I reckon there is only one way to find out.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

Once again, I’m writing to a deadline for a submission call about superheroes, this time from Samhain Publishing. I’m closing in on the editing stage and should have it submitted within a week of writing this. I absolutely ADORE this story and really hope they love it too.

Here is a rough blurb for Affinity:

Jenna Thomas is a loner. Labeled a freak when she was younger because of her ability to ‘call’ creatures and take on their attributes, she keeps to herself as an adult, not letting anyone close. But that all changes the day she saves a young boy from drowning in extraordinary circumstances, and the story goes viral.

Nick Hawke, an off-duty policeman catches the end of the drama and investigates the incident, not sure what to believe. His cynicism and growing attraction to Jenna is put to the test when word of her abilities gets out, thrusting her into the limelight. His protective instincts kick in when she is targeted by some very dangerous people who’ll stop at nothing to get her under their control.

Blog: Novel Natterings

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LaVerne-Clark-Writer/124206597624857

Bernadette Marie

2011-09-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Bernadette Marie has been an avid writer since the early age of 13, when she’d fill notebook after notebook with stories that she’d share with her friends. Her journey into novel writing started the summer before eighth grade when her father gave her an old typewriter. At all times of the day and night you would find her on the back porch penning her first work, which she would continue to write for the next 22 years.

In 2007 – after marriage, filling her chronic entrepreneurial needs, and having five children – Bernadette began to write seriously with the goal of being published. That year she wrote 12 books. In 2009 she was contracted for her first trilogy and the published author was born. In 2011 she (being the entrepreneur that she is) opened her own publishing house, 5 Prince Publishing, and has released contemporary titles and will begin the process, eventually, of taking on other authors in other genres. Also in 2011 she became co-owner of Seven Songs Press and will release a novella as part of an anthology with other very talented authors in November 2011.

Bernadette spends most of her free time driving her kids to their many events. She is also an accomplished martial artist, working her way to her second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. An avid reader, she enjoys most, the works of Nora Roberts and Karen White. She loves to meet readers who enjoy reading contemporary romances and she always promises Happily Ever After.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? I am a pantser. I have tried to plot, I really have, but I find my characters take over the story and it always turns out much better. The only parts I know for sure are the opening sentences and how I want it to end. The characters take me on a journey for the rest.

What is sexier boxer or briefs? boxers

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why? The Executive’s Decision is to date my favorite book. I would recommend starting with this one because as a writer I have grown tremendously. Also, this is the first book in what will be at least a series of five. If you like series that follow close knit families, this will be one you’ll want to read.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why? I’m a sucker for the perfect gentlemen. But I’ll admit, what fun are they if they don’t have just a little bad boy hiding under all those “Yes, ma’am”(s)?

How long have you been a writer? I have been writing since I was twelve. I filled notebooks with stories and then began typing them on an old typewriter. It was no surprise to me that for graduation I was given a word processor and I can say I wrote on it until it died.

What’s your favorite curse word? damn

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published? I wrote my very first book for twenty-two years until I shelved it and went on to pen twelve more in one year. In 2008 I wrote Matchmakers. It was contracted in 2009 and released in 2010.

If you were a superhero, what special power would you have? I always wanted to be invisible. Then I could sneak into places and no one would see me and I could listen to them.

Did you have any other careers before devoting yourself to being a full-time writer? I’m a chronic entrepreneur. I have owned salons, internet sales companies, and a networking business. But during it all, I was still a writer.

What is your favorite candy bar? Plain Milk Chocolate Hershey’s

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you? I have five sons who are only six years apart from oldest to youngest (yes we doubled up some.) We are all martial artists and I am half way to my second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.

What else would you like readers to know about you or your work? I am a huge advocate of Happily Ever After. I like stories that end all tied up in nice packages. However, you will think it’s not going to happen. You will laugh. You will cry. And that, is what I want you to do. I want the love story you are reading to touch all of your emotions.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say? SARCASTIC

What books or authors have most influenced your life? I fell in love with Sidney Sheldon in Jr. High school and it was then that I started writing. I enjoyed the fast pace of his writing style. In 2007 I found Nora Roberts, and I was SOLD! She was amazing. It didn’t matter if she was writing contemporary, suspense, or paranormal, I was hooked from the moment I opened the cover. Likewise, Karen White is amazing in an entirely different way. She showed me that you could write amazing romances and not have to put the “steam” into, and you weren’t dissatisfied in the end either.

What’s number one on your list of things you hope to do before you die? To celebrate my 104^th birthday of course

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general? Every person in my life has always been 100% supportive of my writing. It has meant so much to me to know that my husband respects my writing and my children love to tell people their mom has books out. My friends, likewise, are amazingly supportive. They jump at the chance to beta read. They are at every signing. And of course they suggest stories all the time, which helps.

What sound drives you crazy? chewing

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task? At any given time I will have three or four projects going at different stages. Currently I am promoting The Executive’s Decision. I am in editing for Candy Kisses, part of the Sweet Talk me Anthology due out 11-15-11. I am in final stage editing and formatting for Cart Before The Horse, due out late September/ Early October 2011. I am in rewrites for An Unexpected Admirer due out late 2011. And finally the second Keller Family book is being soft edited so we can begin editing it next month. This is my normal work load.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases. (Releases listed above) The Keller Family series kicked off with The Executive’s Decision and will run for at least five books, however, if the characters are welcomed like the first ones were, there might be more. I am also working on the first release (An Unexpected Admirer) for the Aspen Creek series which will revolve in a small Colorado mountain town. I think that will be great fun to build. Already my editor has asked for sequel to Cart Before the Horse, bringing back a loved character.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

Website: www.bernadettemarie.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorbernadettemarie.com

Twitter: @writesromance

BLURB FOR THE EXECUTIVE’S DECISION:

Regan Keller fell in love with a wealthy and powerful man once. He was her boss. When that turbulent relationship ended, she swore she’d never again date someone she worked with. That was before she literally fell into her new boss’s lap.

Zachary Benson is the head of a successful empire and used to getting what he wants in the boardroom and outside of it – and what he wants is Regan Keller. He’s determined to convince Regan that even though he’s her boss, they can share a life together.

However, when Regan’s past threatens to destroy the architectural firm Zach has invested his entire career in, he has to make an executive decision whether to choose his business or fight for the woman he loves.

EXCERPT FROM THE EXECUTIVE’S DECISION

Chapter One

hunder rippled through the gray clouds that loomed overhead. Regan Keller raised her eyes to the sky. Please, please don’t rain. As she sent up the silent prayer, she felt the first drop hither forehead.

The nervous flutter in her stomach quickened as she looked down at her watch. Surely her day couldn’t get any worse. But the sky opened up, and those around her crowded together in the bus stop shelter. Her hair, tied in a tail at the base of her neck, dripped rain down her back as she hunched in her coat. How could she have forgotten her umbrella? Had her car been running, she’d have the one tucked safely away in the glove compartment because spring in Tennessee often meant sudden storms. She should carry one in her bag but had suffered a lapse in memory, having opted for the sunny beaches of Hawaii for the past two years.

As the bus arrived, those under the shelter huddled onto it ahead of her, claiming every seat. Soaking wet, Regan wedged herself between two people and held onto the handrail above her head. She looked out the window at the commuters driving themselves to work in the pouring rain. That should have been her.

A bitter-faced old woman sat below her, her oversized bag occupying the next seat. Regan bent to ask her to move it, but the woman glared up at her and gave a grunt that sounded like a dog’s bark. Regan flinched and tried to look away. But she was compelled to keep an eye on the woman.

The man to the other side of the vacant seat snickered. Regan looked down at him in his long black overcoat and perfect hair. Hemmed in between the old lady’s bag and an overweight man in a jogging suit, he was as pinned in his seat as she was to the people around her. She would have given him a piece of her mind for laughing at her had the bus not jolted to a sudden stop. It lurched forward then back and tossed Regan onto the man’s lap.

“I would have offered you my seat,” he said with a bright grin as the bus lurched again.

“Why, you…” She struggled to free herself, but the crowd moved in tightly around them as the bus bounced down the street. The pace of her heart kicked into gear and she could feel the sweat bead on her brow.

She hadn’t been this close to a man in over a year, and the panic of having him actually hold her on his lap was making her more than uncomfortable. “I need to stand up.”

“You might as well sit.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Doesn’t look like you’ll be standing again anytime soon.”

Regan took a few deep and cleansing breaths. She forced down the panic that was filling her body and tried to push it away. Alexander Hamilton thought she was dead. There should be no danger in sitting on the lap of a nice-looking man. She should find it within her to enjoy the experience and focus on something else.

He didn’t have an accent native to Tennessee like hers. Perhaps the rain had caught him off guard as well. If she didn’t relax, she’d have a heart attack, and this nice gentleman who wasn’t from Nashville would probably be blamed for her death on the bus on his way to work.

Accepting her predicament at face value would be a prime opportunity to let go of bitter feelings for the opposite gender, though after what she’d been through, she wasn’t sure she could. The thought of ever loving another man or letting one touch her made her palms sweat and her stomach clench.

The man smiled at her, and a dimple formed in his cheek. “This is your first time on this bus, isn’t it?” He pushed back a wet wisp of hair from her forehead, and she flinched away. “It’s always crowded, but I know I would have seen you.”

“My car wouldn’t start this morning.” She pressed her hand to her jittery stomach and willed it to settle. “I start a new job today. Car trouble couldn’t have come at a worse time.”

“New job? Congratulations. So what is this new job?”

God, he was handsome, and wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the ride? But she wasn’t. “Executive assistant.” The words shook as she spoke.

“Pretty important.”

“You think it’s just some glorified secretary, don’t you?” She clenched her teeth and her fists. Why wouldn’t she be angry? The last man she’d worked for had interpreted the title executive assistant as a license to run her life and to ruin it.

“No. I was serious. It’s a very important position.” He looked sincere. “So where is this new job?”

“Benson, Benson and Hart.”

“Real estate development.”

“Yes.” Her breath was becoming harder to push through her lungs. “I should get off your lap.”

“You’d ruin my day.” He laughed easily, so she tried to relax. “So whose executive assistant will you be?”

“Zachary Benson’s.” She looked around for a space to stand.

“CEO? He must have been very impressed with you.”

“I’ve never met him. His current assistant is having a baby and leaving the company. He was out of town when she interviewed me.” She thought about Mary Ellen, his current assistant. The interview had had a motherly quality to it. She wasn’t sure whether it was because Mary Ellen was pregnant or that worried for her boss. “I think she takes good care of him. It’ll be a hard pair of shoes to fill.” And if that hadn’t had her stomach tied in knots, here she was having a conversation about it with a man she didn’t know while sitting on his lap. Had she completely forgotten the last man she’d gotten this close to tried to kill her?

“I’m sure he’ll be pleased with her choice.”

“Thank you.” She wanted to wiggle away from the hard muscles she could feel in his chest, from his arms that held her tight against him, and from the legs of a man who obviously kept in shape. She couldn’t, so she kept talking. “I hope he likes me. I can’t imagine him not wanting to meet me first.”

“Maybe he’s ugly.”

Finally a laugh rolled from her throat. “That’s not what Mary Ellen said.” She tucked in her lips. “She says he’s a hottie.”

“Hottie?” His voice lit with humor. “Well, you’ll enjoy your job then.”

“Strictly business here. I don’t get involved with the boss,” she said sternly. Not anymore. This was, after all, her chance to take back her life after making such a mistake.

The bus stopped, and the old woman stood and grabbed her bag.

“Move!” She shoved her way through the people who climbed on and made her way out the door. Before Regan could stand and claim a seat, the crowd around her pushed her closer against the stranger, whose arms wrapped tightly around her as others dropped down beside them.

“Your stop is the next one,” he offered, and she nodded. “So what’s your name?”

“Regan.”

“You’re native to Tennessee, aren’t you? Your accent gives you away.”

“I was born in Memphis. I spent most of my life in Nashville though. I did a stint in Los Angeles and then lived in Maui for the last two years. I missed home though.” The more she tried to suppress her nerves, the more she talked.

“Los Angeles? Tried your hand at Hollywood?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I worked for a prominent lawyer who had some big-name clients. But I wasn’t seeking fame and fortune.”

“Well, Ms. Executive Assistant, I’m glad you came home or this would have been a very boring ride this morning.” The bus stopped, and most of the people began to move to the door. “This is your stop.”

She finally stood and turned to exit with the crowd without looking back.

The man caught her hand and held it. Her very core shook, and her first instinct was to rip her hand away. But she needed to move on and not be so damn afraid of every man that gave her attention.

“Would you have lunch with me?” he asked.

“What?” She looked back at people climbing on. If she didn’t exit the bus now, she’d miss her stop. “Oh, I don’t think so.”

“Meet me at the hot dog stand at noon just on the north corner of your building,” he said with a wink and a nod.

She couldn’t think to speak. She nodded as she hurried off the bus.

The rain had subsided for the time being. Regan had almost dried off as she sat on the handsome man’s lap. The smell of his cologne lingered on her coat. She closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of him.

She stopped as she neared the door and turned to see the bus drive away. He was watching her from the window, and he waved. It occurred to her she didn’t even know his name.

She looked down at her hands. They were shaking.

Get over it. Move on. Not everyone wanted to hurt her. Not every man was evil with ulterior motives. No, some were just nice men who wanted to take you to lunch.

Well, it wasn’t like he’d asked her to stay at a hotel. He’d offered to buy her a hot dog. Really, it was harmless. And he’d assume she was too busy with her new job if she just didn’t show up.

But she wanted to.

Well, there was no better time to move on with her life, and no better way to get to know the man on whose lap you’d ridden to work than over a hot dog.

A tingle of hope shot through her. She needed to start taking back her life the way she wanted it. No more mistakes. No more regrets. It was her life now, and she was going to enjoy it.

Ava Delany

2011-08-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

When writing your description of your hero/ine what feature do you start with? Eyes, age, hair color, etc? It really depends on what I want to say about the character. In A Librarian's Desire, my first description of her is of her Happy Burger uniform. I want the reader to see how mundane her life is before she meets the hot frat guy. In A Soldier's Woman, my first description of her is her thinking of herself as the chubby girl with her head down. I want the reader to see that she's got a low self esteem and is a bit shy.

I think description can tell you a lot about the character and first impressions are important.

Is there anything special you do to get in the mood to write?

Depends on what I’m writing. If I really want a hot love scene, sometimes I'll watch a few of my favorite sexy movies to get in the mood. (There are some hot love scenes in movies like Wild Orchid, 91/2 Weeks, etc...)

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I'm a pantser, for the most part, however, I've started plotting lately. I've got to plot a little for some of my interconnected stories.

Did you have any other careers before devoting yourself to being a full-time writer?

I was a teacher. The biggest difference between the work I did then and the work I do now is that I used to be the one grading the papers, and now it seems like I'm always waiting with bated breath to see if I got an A or an F. ;)

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?
Erotic romance is a difficult genre. Most of my family and friends are supportive of my writing in general. Some even pushed me to put myself out there and try to get published. They've been very good to me. But of course, as with most erotic writers I’m sure, only some know what I write. Several don't even know I write at all. It's a lonely job, the job of writing, but most of us knew that ahead of time. Some of us live with it and others chose this work for that very reason.

What is sexier boxer or briefs?
Boxer-briefs. Yum!!

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?
Yes please! I'll take both, depending on my mood. The bad boy, like Todd from A Surprising Day, is so hot. He'll show you things you never knew you wanted to see. The perfect gentleman, like Daniel from A Librarian's Desire, is hot in his own rite. He'll protect you from the jerks and pervs.

Where is the craziest place you’ve ever had sex? Or where is the craziest place you made your characters have sex?
In The Librarian's Love, the Daniel and Erica rekindle their relationships in the library stacks. As for me... I guess I'd have to say a tennis court at 2am. ;)

If you could have three wishes granted, what would you wish for?
I guess more wishes is out, right? Well, I guess I'd have to say safety for my loved ones, a perfect body, and the ability to make each new novel better than the last.

What’s number one on your list of things you hope to do before you die?
I'd love to see my books on the rack at Barnes and Noble with a crowd of excited readers clamoring for each copy.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

The first book in my new series, A Librarian's Desire, recently came out. A Soldier's Woman, the next in the series is coming out on Sept 9^th, and the third, A Surprising Day, will come out Nov 4^th.

Website: www.avadelany.webs.com
Blog: http://letstalkromance.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000666455673
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/avadelany
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Ava-Delany/e/B004QXQW0Y/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Allromanceebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Ava+Delany#

Dianne Hartsock

2011-08-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

I love romance! Every book I read has to have some kind of love story going on, even if it’s just the sub-plot. When I write my own stories, I get to put in all the romance I like. Everything I find sexy and endearing and attractive about people, I can use with my own characters. And even if the story is filled with heartache and struggle, I can make sure my heroes find their ‘happily ever after’.

When writing your description of your hero/ine what feature do you start with? Eyes, age, hair color, etc?
Personality always come first with me. Who is this person? Who do I want them to be? Next come the eyes. I love eyes, and eye color plays a big role with my characters. It’s usually what other characters notice first about them. Hair color and physical type come next, then style and personality traits/quirks. Age can change until I put the last word on the page. If I need them younger or older, I don’t have a problem with that.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m mostly a plotter. There’s usually a main theme I’m trying to write about, and I’ll have a beginning, middle and ending thought out before I start to write.

Then the panster in me comes out! Often I have to change the beginning two or three times to make my characters come to life. And boy do they have minds of their own! Sometimes the story heads in directions I never anticipated. But somehow I guide things back on course and manage to tell my story, but not always the way I had plotted it to begin with.

Describe to us you typical day
7a.m. The alarm goes off. Morning already? Shouldn't have stayed up so late last night. Shower. Coffee. Computer on. Check mail, social networks. News at 7:30.7:45. Time to write! WooHoo! I open my current wip and get to work. What? Wait. 8:30 already? Drag myself reluctantly to the bedroom to get ready for work. If I'm very lucky, I'll be ready by 8:50 and can get in another 25 minutes. But first, check mail again. Hey, I might have sold something while I was gone! Get home from work at 6pm. Make dinner, spend time with husband. 9pm., computer back on! Check mail, social networks. Write blogs, etc. Then back to what I love best. Writing! Hey, it can't be 11pm already? Well, I don't think another hour will hurt me. Maybe two. Who needs more than six hours of sleep anyway? If only I didn't love it so much. :)

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?
Oh, I’m definitely a multi-tasker in every part of my life! Currently, I’m working on the third book in my ‘Shelton’ series. I’m two-thirds of the way through a fantasy story, and have the outline and sketchy chapters written for a sci/fi. Also, I have two stories I add a little more to each week for one of my blogs.

What song would best describe your life?
Walking on Sunshine, Katrina and the Waves- Corny, I know, but life’s been really good to me. 

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
A white chocolate/caramel mocha with whip

What’s the perfect romantic evening?
Sitting in a candlelit room sharing a glass of wine with my lover. Soft music is playing and I’m stealing sweet kisses from him. Oh wait, I do that every evening!

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
Fragile. Handle with Care! (My heart breaks easily)

What is sexier boxer or briefs?
Oh goodness, those little buttons on boxers drive me wild!

Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.
My paranormal/suspense novel, ALEX, has just been published by Solstice Publishing: http://bitly.com/liLUSG
Severely abused as a child, he is left with horrible scars on his body and even worse scars within his mind. Even though it puts him in danger, he’s compelled to help those who call to him. He’s driven, motivated by his visions to rescue them and uncover the killer. When he can, he helps the police; yet some detectives suspect he’s the cause of the problem, not the solution. Often, Alex finds himself alone and afraid in a world he doesn’t always comprehend.

Shelton in Love, is out from Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.org/Book/291

Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil’s dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton’s desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil’s mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton’s secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.

Also, I have a short ghost story ‘The Trials of a Lonely Specter’ with MuseItUp Publishing for this October: http://museituppublishing.com/
There’s been an accident. Quinn believes he’s dead, though Liam insists otherwise. But if that is the case, why does Quinn see the two of them as ghosts? And why does Liam play along? Exposed to Mediums and apparitions, Quinn has a decision to make: either accept his fate or risk everything to trust Liam one more time.
I’ve mentioned a few stories above that I’m working on, and I’m still reworking two fantasy novels, hoping to send out queries for them soon. I seem to have more ideas than time anymore!

Wordpress: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

This excerpt comes from my m/m romance, ‘Shelton’s Promise’

Breathless Press, July 8, 2011 http://www.breathlesspress.org/Book/345

Amazon: http://amzn.to/nGt0xx

Shelton has a gift he’s anxious to give to Nevil. At the party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can’t find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?

Nevil smiled fondly down at him, running a hand through Shelton's chestnut curls. He tilted Shelton's chin up and kissed him one more time. "Get dressed, love. I'll warm the car."

"Are you sure that's what you want?" Shelton made a grab for him, but Nevil skipped out of reach. Shelton heard him laughing as he left the room. When the front door slammed, Shelton dressed hurriedly but took a moment to transfer the jewelry box from his suit to his winter coat pocket and turn off the stereo. Shelton crammed a tan snowcap over his hair and pulled on his gloves as he left the house. The snow had begun to stick, and he walked gingerly over the ice slicking the pavement. He could see his breath in the cold air and wrapped his scarf tighter against the chilled wind. He was shivering by the time he reached the car.

Climbing into the passenger seat, he noted that Nevil wore his black leather coat and cap. Nevil looked darkly handsome, the blue green eyes startlingly beautiful as Nevil glanced at him. He smiled affectionately and Shelton’s heart swelled with love for him.

"Can't we stay home?" he tried one last time, not eager to be out in the storm. And he wanted to give Nevil his gift in private that night. He'd been thinking about it all day.

"Don't be stupid," Nevil said cheerfully, steering the car into the street. The car slid a little on the dusting of snow, and Nevil slowed down to a safer speed, though he teased Shelton about his white knuckles on the dashboard. It took twenty minutes to cross town, and then they were climbing into the hills, Nevil slowing further as evening shadows settled in and the snow thickened.

Usually it was a beautiful drive into the woods, but as the car began to slide more often on the curves, Shelton gritted his teeth, wishing they'd stayed home like he'd wanted. He didn't breathe freely until they parked in the line of cars already in Stewart's driveway. Nevil left the Prius with a look of anticipation on his face, but Shelton walked more slowly through the slush before climbing onto the porch a few steps behind Nevil.

Stewart answered the door, and after a riotous greeting, Nevil disappeared with him into the crowd. Shelton took a minute to talk to Stewart's wife, though he shuddered as she drunkenly flung her arms around him. "Shelton, darling!"

"Andrea." Shelton nodded, forcefully removing her hands from his butt and stepping around her into the house. He shrugged out of his coat before shoving it into her hands to stop her from unbuttoning his shirt as well. "Thanks for inviting us," he called over his shoulder, winding his way around couples toward the kitchen. He caught Nevil's laughing eyes on him from across the room and scowled, realizing Nevil had left him with the woman on purpose. Really, Andrea's aggressive advances were enough to make any man's pride curl up and hide.

He found safety in the kitchen, where he grabbed a beer. He headed for the den, hoping someone was watching the game. Sure enough, the second period of the hockey match had already begun, ice flying on the TV screen. Ignoring the couple making out on the far end of couch, Shelton nodded to the few people he knew in the room and settled into the cushions to watch.

He took a swallow of the cold beer. God, I am tired. He never should have come out with Nevil. He didn't have the energy for one of Stewart's parties. His eyes grew heavy, and a dream began to form behind his lids of a warm bed and soft pillows and Nevil's arms, when he was startled awake by someone leaning over the couch, their hands running over his chest.

Cynthia Selwyn

2011-07-20T03:40:00.000-07:00

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing? I love to read biographies. Fictionalized biographies are great fun, but biographies about people who did unusual or amazing things are something I always seem to grab at the library. Right now, I'm reading a book called, Ivy League Stripper by Heidi Mattson. To fund her education at Brown University—only partially covered by scholarships and loans—she became an exotic dancer. She got an education about life outside small town Maine in more ways than one.

Prior to that, I read a biography about James Thurber that included his own letters and diary entries. I also read a fascinating book about Emily Dickenson…you can see, I tend to gravitate towards the lives of writers. But I also enjoy learning about people like Ann Boleyn, Henry VIII, Vincent Van Gogh…there are too many to name.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

One of my sisters once asked me, "When are you going to write a real book?" After all this time, I still don't know exactly what she meant by that. Did she mean my books are worthless?

I've finally decided—my books may not be "real" by my sister's standards but if I can help a reader escape her problems for a little while, then my books have value. I hope that's what my readers take with them: a warm and fuzzy feeling they can carry around with them for a while.

How long have you been a writer?

Well, let's see…I'm forty-six and I started being able to write words at about five…I'm really bad at math, though. How many years is that? J

I can't remember a time when I didn't write stories. You know how adolescents lock themselves in their rooms and write bad poetry? I wrote bad stories. And when all my friends were buying records (remember those round, black vinyl things?) my favorite way to spend my baby sitting money was on a ream of lined paper and a package of medium point black pens. (Geesh. What a geek.)

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

Well…my first book never did get published. And it won't EVER be published. Never, ever, ever. For one thing, it was written in so many points of view, you couldn't follow it. And it was just…well. It still lives on a 3.5" floppy disk in my bureau drawer. If I ever find a computer that still has a floppy disk drive, I might pull it out and read it. Maybe.

My second completed book is still unpublished, too. I pull it out every once in a while, look it over, make some notes, and put it back. It's just too raw and needs too much work.

My third completed book took me five years to finish and one year to polish before it was finally published by The Wild Rose Press. Kissing Trick was written using my former pen name, C.D. Yates. (I changed it because that sounds too much like a mystery writer's name to me.)

It still takes me a long time to write a book. Except…well, not that long. I've gotten smarter about plotting and planning. And I've learned how to write through to The End. (Just keep writing. You can revise bad writing, you know. You can't revise a blank page, though.)

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

Yes! My thanks. ;) If you liked my books, tell your friends.

What sound drives you crazy?

Oh boy. The sound of my husband’s spoon hitting his back teeth whenever he eats cereal. Click, click, click—it makes my insides curl. Shiver. Ugh. (He’s doing it, right now! Auuuugggghhh! The hair on the back of my neck is rising.) I wish I knew why it bothered me so much. I wish--after nineteen years of marriage!—he’d have learned it makes my skin crawl.

How much do you want to bet he’s doing it on purpose?

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Warning: This product contains gas and other hazardous materials. Avoid contact with open flame. Do not feed to children or pets. Do not use while sleeping.

If you were a superhero, what special power would you have?

I am a superhero. I’m a mom. ;) Faster than a speeding toddler. Stronger than the smell of a teenager’s gym bag. Able to leap piles of laundry in a single bound. It’s a woman, it’s a multi-tasker, it’s--the Momminator!

So other than wishing for the ability to block out the demands of three children and one husband and get some writing done (the superpower of deafness?), I’d like the power to become invisible.

Come to think of it, though, the kids would still find me. I try to hide with my netbook in a locked bathroom, but they find me there. So even if I was invisible, the sound of my fingers tapping the keyboard would tip them off; they’d still claw at the door or worse-- climb in the window to find me.

No. As a superhero, I don’t need a superpower. I need a Fortress of Solitude, just like Superman’s. A really good place to hide—and write. Oh, and stash my snacks.

If you could have three wishes granted, what would you wish for?

In keeping with my former response, I’d like a cone of silence. As I write, my four-year-old is asking me which superhero everyone in the family would be...and he wants to go visit Hogwarts…and can he go to the dentist today? (Hogwarts, dentist—whut?) And my thirteen-year-old is complaining she can’t find her eyeliner. Sigh. Yes. Please…a cone of silence, just like the one in Get Smart. Only, mine would work…

I’d also wish for an unlimited supply of money. Of course, I’d use it to make my life and the life of my family better. But I’d like to be able to just give it away to people in need. Wouldn’t that be great? To be able to say, “You can’t pay your mortgage this month? Here’s mortgage money for the next three months.” Or, “Your medical bills are too high? Here, let me help.” And I’d like to buy a big farmhouse with a wraparound porch in Vermont, with land for horses and a big barn. We’d hold writer’s retreats and raise horses…sigh. Doesn’t that sound awesome?

After that, what else is there to wish for? Except maybe World Peace. ;)

If you could be a shapeshifter, what form would you take and why?

I think it would depend on my mood or my purpose. As a shapeshifter (at least the ones I’ve read about or watched on television—True Blood!) a true shapeshifter can be any living creature they want to be.

Right now, I’d love to be a hawk. The sky is bright and blue—I’d love to soar over everything and watch what’s going on below. My fear of heights would be gone because the power of flight would be in me and there would be nothing to be afraid of…the sun would be warm on my wings and the wind would whistle through my feathers…oh, look! A rabbit!

Where does the instinct end the humanity begin? How far does the shapeshifting go? I’ve never written a shapeshifter book, but maybe I will, just to explore this idea…

I’d better lock the bathroom door. Shhh...don’t let them find me!

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

Right now, I’m working on polishing up a book requested by The Wild Rose Press. It’s about a teacher and a bagpiper. (Complete with Scots burr and kilt.) Keep your fingers crossed for me that they’ll accept it. J

I’m also working on building a side business. In addition to being a writer, I’m a content and line editor for several e-pubs. I’ve noticed that there are many indie authors out there (some of whom are my critique partners—and myself). I’ve also noticed that professional editors offer their services to these writers for an outrageous price. So I’m trying to create an editing business to help these writers polish their prose for a reasonable rate. You know, starving writer meets hungry editor…Better, my friend and fellow author, Silke Juppenlatz (who wrote a great book titled, Howl) is working on the project with me. She’s an IT wizard, and a fantastic artist. She designed the cover for my indie book, Madonna of the Horses. Besides hiring me for reasonably priced edits, independent authors can hire Silke to create their covers. We’re calling it Author-Wise Editing and it will be your one stop independent publishing shop. ;) (Incidentally, if authors are interested in editing but still want to submit their books to publishers, I’m there for that, too. I love to write and edit queries, synopsis and blurbs. Call me weird…)

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

Blog: www.cynthiaselwyn.blogspot.com
Website: www.cynselwyn.com
Other website: www.author-wise.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Cynthia-Selwyn/100001765598004

Kayla Jameth

2011-07-15T03:21:00.000-07:00

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?

I used to primarily read science fiction and fantasy. CJ Cherryh and Andre Norton are my favorites.

Now I read m/m romance and shonen ai. Favorite m/m authors are JL Langley, TA Chase, KA Mitchell, Ally Blue, Jet Mykles, Joely Skye and Drew Zachary. Favorite mangakas: Youka Nitta and Ayano Yamane.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a pantser. I take my inspiration from photos and work out how my characters would have gotten to that point in their lives. Then once I have a broad idea of what my story is about and some of the stops along the way, I just let the men tell me their story. My laissez-faire approach seems to work well for us. I do sometimes find myself taking a different angle than I had originally planned, but the story is often richer for that.

How long have you been a writer?

I started writing fanfiction slash a little over a year ago. I was lucky to have some Facebook friends who encouraged me to keep writing once I finished the slash, one of whom wants me to pick that story back up and has even given me a new story arc for it. The other friend suggested I write an m/m fairy tale for a submission call. I came up with what I felt was a plausible Cinderfella and then Cinder insisted that I write his story. He and his prince wouldn't let me get back to the slash they had interrupted until I finished their story.

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

I also write fanfiction slash as Kei-chan. That pen name was appropriate for the stories and genre I was writing. But I felt that it would likely have a negative effect when it came to mainstream m/m fiction (I love that oxymoron!) so I chose a different pen name for my m/m fiction.

How do you come up with the titles?

I try for double entendres with my titles. I like that the title itself applies to what I am writing, but if you take the second meaning it can give you a deeper look into my stories. I don’t always achieve this, but that’s my goal when choosing a title.

What sound drives you crazy?

That horrible hissing sound the Bel Ami boys make!

A biography has been written about you. What do you think the title would be?
“No shit! There I was…”

What’s for dinner tonight?

Whatever my husband makes while I am driving home from work. He’s gotten pretty good at cooking.

Where is the craziest place you’ve ever had sex? Or where is the craziest place you made your characters have sex?
The parking lot of a pizza joint in down town Austin during lunch hour. I’ll let you decide if that was me or my boys.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential for you?

My Kindle, an endless supply of paper and pens, and my guy Friday

Of course it’s imperative that the Kindle have a magical battery that never dies. Does that count as a fourth item?

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.*

"Controlled Fall"
A contemporary m/m short story set in New Zealand.
This story will be available as a free download with the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's anthology Hot Summer Days. The story will be posted sometime in July or early August.

Blurb: What do you do when you are trapped at the bottom of a ravine with your secret crush and no one knows where you are? Scott did the only thing he could think of -- let the other man know how he felt. Will the situation get out of control or will they fall for each other?

"Alexios' Fate"
An m/m paranormal novel set in ancient Greece.

I am currently finishing the third and hopefully final revision of this story before submission to my publisher.

Blurb: What do you do when you catch the eye of one of the immortals? Alexios would have cheerfully gone the rest of his life without knowing the answer; however, through no fault of his own, Apollo takes a shine to Alexios. Will it end better for Alexios than it has for any of Apollo's other lovers?

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

My FB author’s page: http://www.facebook.com/KaylaJameth
My FB acct: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100002318660540
My Twitter acct: http://twitter.com/#!/KaylaJameth
My Goodreads’ page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4905006.Kayla_Jameth

Interview with Kelli A. Wilkins, Amber Quill Press author

2011-04-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Kelli has published a dozen romances with Amber Quill Press. Her newest book, A Perfect Match (http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/PerfectMatch.html ) was released in March. It’s a sizzling contemporary set in the world of professional wrestling.
Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
A: I’m definitely a plotter! Before I start writing a word, I make sure I have an outline completed – and I know what the first line of the book will be. As I develop the story in my head, I make an outline for each scene, what the purpose is, which character’s point of view the scene will be in, high points of the scene, and any snippets of dialog I want to include. When I sit down to write the book I have a map of where the story is going. I find that it’s easier (and faster) for me to write this way, and I don’t get lost in the middle.

I have written a few books (A Midsummer Night’s Delights (http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/MidsummerNightsDelights.html ) is one of them) without an outline, and quickly learned that plotting is the way to go (for me at least)! I wrote a bunch of scenes I thought I would need (or would lead somewhere) and then ended up deleting them and rewriting from an outline.

Even though I plot out my books, I always give the characters (and myself) permission to add new scenes as needed, veer off course, or take scenes in an unexpected direction. The plot for A Perfect Match (http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/PerfectMatch.html ) came to me in a dream, so I wrote the outline based on the dream, then wrote the book from there. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen, but it’s nice when it does!

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?
A: My favorite thing about being a romance writer is that I get to create different characters, worlds, settings, relationships and romances, and then share them with readers. I enjoy writing the story – meeting the characters and following along on their adventures. It’s a very creative part of the writing process, and it’s a lot of fun.

I write in several romance genres (fantasy, historical, paranormal and contemporary), so I get to dream up very different characters, plots, and settings for my books. My fantasy romance, A Most Unusual Princess (http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/MostUnusualPrincess.html ) is a lighthearted novella that introduces readers to a headstrong princess. On the other hand, my paranormal, Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover (http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/ConfessionsVampiresLover.html ), is written in first person from the hero’s point of view. My historical, The Dark Lord (http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/DarkLord.html ) is about a brooding, mysterious lord living in an isolated Carpathian castle with a naive female companion. I never know where my next book (or characters) will take me!
Q: If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?
A: This is a tough question! I guess it would depend on what genre you like to read. A Most Unusual Princess (http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/MostUnusualPrincess.html)was my first book with Amber Quill Press, so most readers started with that one. It’s a sensual fantasy and gives readers a good dose of my writing ‘voice’. I had so much fun writing that story, that I wrote two sequels, Dalton’s Temptation (http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/DaltonsTemptation.html ) and The Pauper Prince. (http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/PauperPrince.html )

Contemporary readers would enjoy A Perfect Match (http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/PerfectMatch.html). It’s a full-length novel set in the world of professional wrestling. Another contemporary, Trust with Hearts, (http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/TrustWithHearts.html) has a sexy country singer as a hero. Both books have a good balance between character development, sensuality, and plot.

Paranormal readers with a sense of humor would definitely enjoy Beauty & the Bigfoot (http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/BeautyBigfoot.html). It’s a funny, quirky, and strangely erotic look at the legend of Bigfoot. Since it’s a flat-out comedy, I was able to let my own odd sense of humor shine through in the wacky characters.

Q: What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
A: I hope readers will be satisfied with a happy-ever-after romance. I also hope that they’d think the book was a fun and sexy read, that they loved the characters and rooted for them to be together. (I’d also hope readers would recommend it to friends!)
Q: Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?
A: I’m always multi-tasking. Although I can only write one book at a time, I constantly find myself adding something extra to my ‘to do’ list. I might be writing a book, promoting another book, blogging, Tweeting, and writing my newsletter all in the same week! I also write short horror fiction, so I’m toying with those storylines while thinking about other romances to write.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

My newest release, A Perfect Match (http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/PerfectMatch.html), was released by Amber Quill Press in March. It’s a full-length contemporary set in the world of professional wrestling. Here’s the summary:

A PERFECT MATCH
Falling for the wrestler she had been assigned to interview wasn’t part of Danni’s plan, until Vinnie Valentine pinned her heart in a flash.

Disgruntled with her job as the office gopher for a national sports magazine, Danni Stone impersonates a reporter to prove herself to her boss. Her assignment? Spend thirty days on the road with Vinnie Valentine, a sexy professional wrestler.

Life isn’t going well for the Heavyweight Champ. Vinnie is struggling with a manipulative boss, prepping for the most important match of his career, and feuding with his arch-enemy, Thorn. The last thing he needs is a nosy reporter following him around—even if she is hot.

Thrown together in close quarters, Danni can’t help falling for Vinnie. Their mutual attraction grows, and Danni gives in to the lustful feelings she’s repressed for years. As their relationship deepens, she finds herself drawn into Vinnie’s world and becomes a key player in his title bout. But before Danni can tell Vinnie that she isn’t the reporter she claims to be, he discovers her deception. Her lie threatens to destroy everything between them. Is their fragile love destined to fail, or are they a perfect match?

In May, Amber Quill Press will release my first gay romance. Four Days with Jack is a contemporary set at a tropical resort. The book explores the budding relationship between two best friends.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.
I enjoy hearing from readers and invite everyone to visit me on the web. Here are a few of my favorite places:

Website: http://www.kelliwilkins.com/ – Catch up on all my romances, read reviews, excerpts, and sign up for my newsletter, Kelli’s Quill.
Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ - Each week I share book news, writing tips, exercises, and whatever else is on my mind
Twitter: @KWilkinsauthor
Amber Quill Press author page: http://amberquill.com/AmberHeat/bio_Wilkins.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelli.wilkins1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/profile/KelliWilkins
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/authors/a987940/Kelli-A-Wilkins/

Q: What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
A: Curling up on the couch to watch mindless TV. When I need to relax and let my mind unwind, I find I’m drawn to reality shows.
Q: If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
A: “She only looks sweet and innocent.”
Q: If you were a superhero, what special power would you have?
A: Teleportation. I’d love to be able to teleport to places instantly – pop in and out like Samantha did on Bewitched! Want to go to a concert in London? Snap my fingers and I’m there. It would save time traveling.

Q: If you could have three wishes granted, what would you wish for?
A: 1. My first wish - no more homeless cats. I wish that all pet owners (and breeders) would be responsible and stop adding to the pet overpopulation problem. I’d love it if all the unwanted kitties in the world had good homes. (I wrote three cat-care books and mention this in my books, too!)

2. My second wish would be that people would stop hunting down endangered and/or wild animals (tigers, lions, elephants, wolves, etc.) for sport (or medicinal parts!) and that people in general would wise up and start taking care of nature and planet.

3. $200 million dollars (tax free!) to give away and help charities. (I’d also go out to dinner with it.)

Q: Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?
A: Why not a combo? How about a guy who’s a perfect gentleman during the day and at night turns into a sexy bad boy? Both have their advantages, but it would be fun to alternate – you’d never know what to expect!

Anna James

2011-03-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing? I love reading the “Death” series by JD Robb and the “Arcane Society” paranormal series by Jayne Ann Krentz. I like historical romance novels by Amanda Quick and Johanna Lindsey, I like a lot of Nara Roberts contemporary stories as well. I also loved the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling just to name a few. There are so many great writers out there and I like to read as many of them as I can.

Do you have travel when researching your books? If yes, where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?
I don’t travel specifically to research a book. I do like to have my stories take place in places I’ve visited. For example, Isabella’s Dilemma (currently available from Sugar and Spice Press) takes place in San Francisco, which I visited with my family both as a child and again as an adult. It also takes place in New York City and the Rhode Island shoreline, which I visit frequently.

I have been lucky in that I have visited many places including parts of Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, most of the US and parts of Canada. I have seen so many fascinating places but I can’t choose just one place as the most interesting.

Did you have any other careers before devoting yourself to being a full-time writer?
I have a very diverse work background. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked as an engineer for 10+ years. I’ve held certifications in both Personal Training and Aerobics Instruction and did that for a few years as well. Right now I have a job working in Marketing. Although I don’t write full time (yet) I write as often as I can.

Where are you from?
I was born in Connecticut and lived there until I was nine years old. My family then moved to a suburb just outside of Buffalo, NY and I lived there until I was twenty. I transferred to the University of Hartford (Connecticut) after obtaining my Associates degree in Engineering Science. I still live in Connecticut with my husband and children.
Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?
For the most part I work on one project at a time but sometimes I will start another especially if I have writers block or if I have another story forming in my head. It helps my writers block by letting me concentrate on something else for a while and it helps me get the new story out of my head.
When not writing, how do you relax?
We have a cottage on a lake and I love to go there in the summer after a long week at work and sit on the deck and watch the sun go down. I also enjoy having my first cup of coffee in the morning on my deck and watch the sun come up. Being on the water is so relaxing for me. I also enjoy kayaking on our lake in the early morning when there’s no motorboats on the lake.

When I can’t get to the lake I listen to relaxation music or my meditation CD and that helps me relax and recharge.
What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
I love to eat chocolate.
What’s the perfect romantic evening?
Spending time with my husband.
What’s for dinner tonight?
I’ll figure that out when it’s time to eat!

What is your favorite candy bar?
Anything with chocolate!

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

I have two upcoming releases so far. Coming Home will be released in May 2011 (www.melange-books.com) and To Love and Trust Again will be released in January 2012 (www.melange-books.com). I am working on some additional stories right now. The first is one that I started some time ago and have just resurrected. I am about 2/3 of the way through it and it features three sisters. I hope that this will be the first of three stories in a series. I also have another (not part of the series I just mentioned), which is really in the concept phase. I am working on the major scenes right now. After that…I enjoy writing and will continue to do so as long as I can so stay tuned for more stories!

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

Myr website: http://annajames1.wordpress.com/

Publisher's website:
Sugar and Spice Press (Isabella’s Dilemma) http://www.sugarnspicepress.com/
Melange-Books (Christmas Collectibles, Coming Home (May 2011) To Love and Trust Again (January 2012)) http://www.melange-books.com/

Book Purchase Link:
Isabella’s Dilemma http://www.sugarnspicepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=81
Christmas Collectible http://www.melange-books.com/authors/anthologies/christmascollectibles.htmls

Other Web sites: http://www.manicreaders.com/AnnaJames/

Yahoo Groups/Newsletters:
Chatting with Joyfully Reviewed: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chatting_with_Joyfully_Reviewed/
Long and Short Romance Reviews: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LongAndShortRomanceReviews/
MFRW Author News Letter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MFRW-Author-Newsletter/
Melange Social: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Melange_Social/
Sugar and Spice Press Readers: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sugarandspicepressreaders/

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-James-Author-of-Contemporary-Romance-Novels/129394040447020?v

Jamaica Layne

2011-02-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer? I think my favorite thing is knowing that my books entertain and inspire people. Whenever I get a piece of fan mail from a total stranger who gushes about how much they enjoyed reading one of my books, it’s the greatest feeling in the world.

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?
I never take a break from writing, but I do try to read every day. I read widely, across all genres and topics. I particularly enjoy historical fiction and nonfiction (especially biographies) since I’m such a history buff. Some of my favorite contemporary authors include Alexander McCall Smith, Nora Roberts, Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, Sheryl Woods, Sara Gruen, Alison Weir (historical nonfiction), Phillipa Gregory, Katie Macalister, and Sherrilyn Kenyon---but are by no means limited to these. I’ll read just about anything. I also love the classics, including Dickens, the Bronte sisters, and Jane Austen.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
One of the hardest parts about writing any book is the time that it takes to complete. It takes discipline to finish writing a novel. You have to write every single day, for one---even when it’s painful----and it can still take months or even years, with revisions. I often find I get too emotionally attached to my characters and have a hard time letting go of them. And of course there’s research, and outlining, and plot development. And once you’ve written the book, you have to go about finding an agent and/or publisher, and that’s when the REALLY hard part begins---I call it The Waiting Game.

The Waiting Game is what happens after you’ve completed and polished your novel, and have it out on submission with agents and publishers. It can take literally years before some novels see publication. That was the case with my current release, TENDER IS THE KNIGHT, which is now available from Decadent Publishing (www.decadentpublishing.com; also available at Amazon.com, AllRomanceEbooks.com, BN.com, and everywhere ebooks are sold). I finished writing this book almost six years ago, but for various reasons it didn’t find a publisher until now, even though I had agent representation the whole time, and several of my other novels sold in the meantime. Because TENDER IS THE KNIGHT is a “niche” book----it’s a romance novel set against the background of medieval historical reenactment---it took a while to find the right publisher. But Decadent has been a great home for this book and they did a wonderful job of editing, and their work getting it out to the masses has been great. It’s selling steadily in ebook format, and the print version is coming out any day now.

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?
I would recommend you start with my current release, TENDER IS THE KNIGHT (www.decadentpublishing.com). It’s a “sweet” contemporary romance that includes elements of time-travel (the historical reenactment part) as well as a lot of comedy and intrigue. This book showcases a lot of the qualities you’ll see in some of my other books. It’s also not super-sexy (though it’s definitely romantic!) so if you’re skittish about reading some of my erotic romance titles, you can start with this one first. Some of my other bestselling titles include KNIGHT MOVES, which is a red-hot medieval time-travel/erotic romance, which is due out in mass-market paperback later this year (the ebook is available at RavenousRomance.com as well as all the major ebook distribution sites), and my VITAL SIGNS erotic medical romance series, which was featured on national television last year.

Describe to us your typical day.
I’m a full-time freelance writer. I do write novels for some of my living, but I’m primarily a journalist. Plus I’m a stay-at-home mom to a toddler (though he’ll be entering preschool soon). A typical day will include getting up around seven, getting my son his breakfast, then spending an hour or so catching up my email inbox. Depending on what articles I have due as a freelance journalist, I’ll conduct interviews, pitch story ideas to my editor, and do some article research and writing---all the while watching and playing with my son. When my son’s naptime rolls around in late afternoon, I can spend some time writing fiction. Then it’s time to cook dinner, which I have hot and ready on the table when my husband comes home from work. After dinner I try to either get in a workout or maybe do some crafts, then it’s time to get my son in bed. After everyone’s in bed, I’ll do a little more writing, then I’ll tuck myself in to bed and read for a while before falling asleep just before midnight. Whew!

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.
http://www.jamaicalayne.com/
http://www.jamaicalayne.blogspot.com/
twitter.com/jamaicalayne

What song would best describe your life?
“She Works Hard For The Money,” by Donna Summer

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?
A fairy.

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
Cheesy retro pop music, like Barry Manilow, John Denver, ABBA, and Air Supply

What sound drives you crazy?
Snoring.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
WARNING: This lady is very intelligent, has a smart mouth, and LOVES a good argument----and by the way, she usually wins.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?
I love a perfect gentleman with a secret “bad boy” side----like a guy who races motorcycles or flies jet planes, but still opens doors for you and defers to your every wish when you’re together.

What is your favorite candy bar?
Toblerone.

Kayden McLeod

2011-02-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

With the exception of a short story here and there, my books are all part of my Coven Series, which breaks down into separate vampire Covens; the Jerichos, Foxworths and Cornwalls being the main ones. I would highly recommend Deadly Fetishes, published by Eternal Press. It is the book with the most aspects of my world. Also, it’s the beginning of the Cornwall Coven Trilogy, the next two books coming out by Silver Publishing in January 2011 are Carnal Magnetism and Demonic Pandemonium.

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

A long time, which to be honest, is a good thing to have happened to me. I’d written quite a bit of my Coven series before getting publishing, giving me the time to expand on my world and watch it grow. Even though Jezebel’s Article and Deadly Fetishes were the first of my stories to get published, I’d written the entire Foxworth Coven Series, consisting of five books, along with Carnal Magnetism in the Cornwall Coven Trilogy, coming out January 15th 2011 before I had signed the contracts.

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

Sherrilyn Kenyon was definitely a key-factor. The depth of her world inspired me in ways I never thought possible. I became hypnotized by the way she brought to life so many ideas and characters in such vivid dimension. Laurell K Hamilton and her journey into publishing gave me the courage to hold fast to my desire in writing primarily first person POV. Every time I was rejected for that choice, I remembered her, along with Kelly Armstrong, who like me, is also Canadian. Not only that, but these three authors all write in multi-genre. They have threads of romance, horror, science fiction and fantasy. That was what I always wanted to write; stories that could never be placed in a single flavour, because their stories aren’t told that way. The paranormal is brought to life not only with a romantic relationship, but with real problems and enemies that can’t just be written off. Even the villain has a story to tell, and sometimes, it can’t be just black and white, sweet and romantic. It is a colourful, endless globe with more layers that require a demanding range of emotion and sensations to display that same world to the reader.

How do you come up with the titles?

On the occasion, I am lucky enough to have one pop into my head and stick, to embody the story in its entirety. But that is a very rare occurrence. With titles, the thesaurus is my best friend. I try to figure out the key elements of a novel or short story I want to focus on, and come up with a phrase or word that I find applicable. Most times, it doesn’t sound right, but it gives me a starting point. I keep a list, adding words, changing the feel of them, until I find something that fits.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

I multitask far too much, which is why I don’t come out with nearly as many new releases as I should. My muse always comes at me with new ideas, while I am still writing something else. When she persists, I take a few weeks off my current project to write up the first half of the book, lose that thread, and then go on to something else, until it returns. This happens so much I have more partially written books than I care to count, along with a pile of unpublished ones that need some fine tuning.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

There are so many! I have three pending releases coming up over the next two months. More information on all of them can be found on my website, or on my Silver Publishing author page. The Cornwall Coven continues with Book Two, Carnal Magnetism (January 15th 2011) and Book Three, Demonic Pandemonium (January 29th 2011) both from Silver Publishing. As well, on February 12th 2011, I have a time-travel Valentine’s Day short story, the Martyr of the Flaminian Gate, coming out in a collection with two other excellent authors, Ashlynn Monroe and J.T. Seate. The anthology is called Captured…The Heart and Soul.

I recently began the process of rewriting the next segment in the Coven Series, the Foxworths. It is a five book paranormal romance series. The first book is called Death of Innocence. The introduction of this series and some of the characters is already out with Moongypsy Press, entitled Deep Water Legends.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

The Cornwall Coven Trilogy Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlRYYJaT6jg

Silver Publishing Author Page: http://silverpublishing.info/index/typefilter/book_authors/book_authors_id/51

Website: http://kaydenmcleod.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1848048830

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KaydenMcLeod

My-Space: http://www.myspace.com/kaydenmcleod

Do you want a free access pass into my world? Download my free erotica series, Sara’s Story here: http://kaydenmcleod.com/freebies.php

What’s for dinner tonight?

Roasted rosemary and garlic chicken, rice pilaf and steamed broccoli.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

The grey area. I’ve had both, and found I prefer the middle ground. The ultimate bad boy is short term, while I find the perfect gentlemen a bit lacklustre. Give me the scorching feeling of spontaneity with a feral edge of the bad boy, while still maintaining the respect and emotion of the gentlemen.

Where is the craziest place you’ve ever had sex? Or where is the craziest place you made your characters have sex?

For me *grin* I think I’ll leave that to your imagination. As for my characters, there are two that pop up in mind. In Deadly Fetishes, Marcus and Kelly are half-dozing on the couch, with their friends all around them, while watching television after a hard day. Marcus is fantasying about her, about being tied up and at her mercy. When Kelly falls asleep, she gets sucked into his daydream. She finds herself in red lingerie and heels, with Marcus bound on a bed before her. The second would appear in Demonic Pandemonium, when Kevlar and Pandora take the motorcycle to the park, ending up having sex while speeding through the back roads, and Kev pops a wheel...and Pandora.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential for you?

My fiancé, my cat and my dog. Because each in their own way have given me the strength and reassurance to move past my comfort zones, enabling me to do things that I wouldn’t have been able to do without them. They’ve gotten me through rough times in my life, just by their unfailing, unconditional love and constant presence.

What’s number one on your list of things you hope to do before you die?

Hit the New York Times best sellers list.

Penny Ehrenkranz

2011-02-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz, talking about A Past and A Future, a collection of sixteen short stories. This is book is available in print at http://www.genremall.com/anthologiesr.htm#pastfuture
1) Tell me a little about your book.
My collection of stories, A Past and a Future, is published by Sam’s Dot Publishing. I’ve always enjoyed fantasy and soft science fiction. Eight of the sixteen stories included in the selection are fantasy, and the other eight are soft science fiction.

A PAST AND A FUTURE – stories in the collection:

FLIGHT OF THE ROC – Girl collides with a roc as she struggles to find her magic powers

BLURRED VENGEANCE – Vain and aggressive, Temur ignores the warnings as he seeks vengeance for his father’s death

WHO WILL HEAL THE HEALER – How can a young sorceress save her mentor when the powers of darkness threaten?

ASHLEY OF ASHLAND – Will the plain, younger brother win the heart of the fair princess or be executed as a traitor?

THE WATCHER – Her vision causes her to become a betrayer of all she holds dear. Can she be saved?

ENCHANTRESS – Merlin knows the one he loves will be his downfall, but can he win in the end?

DRAKONI – Torn from her modern day world and thrust into a world of dragons, evil magicians, and handsome elves, will Farah succeed or die trying?

HESHE- Forced to hide as a young man, will the young noble woman tell her benefactor who she is, or will her pursuers capture her and take her back into slavery.

THE BABY MAKERS – In a world where cloning is possible, will Reese be able to save his illegal newborn child from a government determined to make her a non-citizen?

3-D PICTURES – The government thinks he is crazy and sends him to a shrink. What will Avery do when the elves appear in the 3-D picture in the waiting room? Go or allow himself to be “cured?”

SCREEN SAVER – The program arrives as a demo. Will it be Clancy’s ticket to survival or a rip-off which brings him to destruction?

ISOLATION- The world as we know it is gone. The rich are isolated from the dying poor. Will Caryn and Rader make the right decision when they search for freedom?

LOVE IN A DIFFERENT HUE – What would you do if a blue-skinned robot wanted to protect and love you? Chiri isn’t sure until he takes her in his arms.

DOWN SO LOW, THE GROUND LOOKS LIKE UP – Sylvan drinks herself into oblivion to compensate for her psi talents. Can Deveneaux save her from her demons, or will he lock her up for propositioning an officer of the law?

REBELS WITH A CAUSE – Shayleena is tired of living her life through holovision. She wants a real life with real people. Will she find it as a volunteer for juvenile offenders, or will she be mugged and left to die?

CLOCKWORKS – John lives in Structured. His ancestors came from a country where time means nothing. What will he do when he tries to trace his roots and finds his structured life is now in chaos?

2) What gave you the idea for this particular story?
I’ve always enjoyed writing short stories. While some writers find them more difficult, I find them easier than writing a novel. I like the challenge of fitting a complete story within a limited number of words. I’ve written a number of these over the years and decided it would be fun to put them together into a collection.

3) Are you a full-time writer or part-time, and how do you organize your writing time?
I split my time between writing my own stories and editing for two small publishers. I sometimes find I spend more time working on other people’s writing than my own, but that’s okay. When a story idea strikes me, that’s the time I write. I tend to write in bursts, which is why I enjoy writing short stories more than novels.

4) When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
When I was just a child (Don’t most writers say this?), I entertained myself by writing stories, illustrating them, and binding them between shirt cardboard, tied with a ribbon. In high school, I convinced my English teacher to let me write a novel instead of doing my English homework. It was fun, but the novel was never completed. I continued to enjoy writing and pretty much always knew someday I’d be published.

5) What do you hope readers will take from your writing?
I read to escape, and I hope my readers will do the same thing. I am not into deep thought-provoking stories. I write to entertain myself, and I would like my readers to be entertained as well.

6) Which genres do you write, which do you prefer, and why?
I write in a lot of different areas. My middle grade novels are both paranormal mysteries. My adult fiction tends to be fantasy or science fiction, although I also dabble in romance. I like to write about relationships, and all my stories have some kind of relationship going whether it’s overt or covert.

7) What is the toughest part about being a writer and how do you get past it?
The toughest thing for me is marketing. I’m an introvert in a lot of ways and going out and “tooting my own horn,” is difficult for me. Internet marketing is a lot easier as it’s all done through the written word as opposed to a book signing where I have to meet and greet prospective readers. Unfortunately, marketing has to be done, or books aren’t sold. I’ve gotten better at approaching people to host me on their blogs, like you’ve done for me, and knocking on book store doors and asking to be a guest.

8) What about your book makes it special?
I think this is special because it is a collection of short stories. It is not a themed collection, but a little of something for everyone. There are eight fantasy stories and eight soft science fiction stories, yet each one is about a relationship and connecting with people in some way or another.

9) What is your marketing plan?
I have approached a number of bloggers, like yourself, who feature other authors on their blogs. I am appearing for the next couple of weeks talking about myself and my book. I have been writing tweets on Twitter and posting on Facebook. I will also be making announcements on various forums to which I belong. Finally, I plan to approach my three local bookstores to see if they will either host me for a book signing, or at least carry my book.

10) Where can people learn more about you and your work?
I have my web page and a blog where I feature other writers, occasional reviews, and writing tips. I am also on Facebook, Twitter, Jacketflap, Amazon, and a few other sites.
http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.com/
http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/

11) What are your current books out right now, and what are the books coming up for release?
Most of the work is written as Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz, with the exception of my middle grade novels and picture books, which are written as Penny Lockwood.

A Past and A Future (short story collection) is now available
http://www.genremall.com/anthologiesr.htm#pastfuture
Ghost for Rent – writing as Penny Lockwood (middle grade novel) is now available (also on Amazon)
http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b8656/?si=0
Dragon Sight (YA illustrated chapbook) is now available
http://www.genremall.com/fictionr.htm#dragonsight
Love Delivery, (contemporary romance) coming August, 2011
Lady in Waiting, (historical romance) coming November, 2011
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2

All the following are written as Penny Lockwood:
Funny Dog, (picture book) coming May, 2012
Ghost for Lunch, (MG novel) coming September, 2013
Many Colored Coats, (picture book) coming October, 2014
Boo's Bad Day, (picture book) coming June, 2015
http://4RVpublishingllc.com/Childrens_Books.html

12) Any tips for new writers hoping to write in the genre of your book?
Read, read, read. Always read both current and classic authors in the genre you wish to write. You don’t want to copy their work, but you do want to read with an open mind to see what they have done to make their stories work. I also encourage everyone not to give up after a rejection. What one editor may not like, another will love. You won’t get published by leaving the story sitting on your hard drive or in your file.

Thanks for having me as a guest today.

A PAST AND A FUTURE

BY PENNY LOCKWOOD EHRENKRANZ
PUBLISHED BY SAMS DOT PUBLISHING

A COLLECTION OF SIXTEEN FANTASY AND SOFT SCIENCE FICTION STORIES WITH A TOUCH OF ROMANCE

FLIGHT OF THE ROC – Girl collides with a roc as she struggles to find her magic powers.

BLURRED VENGEANCE – Vain and aggressive, Temur ignores the warnings as he seeks vengeance for his father’s death.

WHO WILL HEAL THE HEALER – How can a young sorceress save her mentor when the powers of darkness threaten?

ASHLEY OF ASHLAND – Will the plain, younger brother win the heart of the fair princess or be executed as a traitor?

THE WATCHER – Her vision causes her to become a betrayer of all she holds dear. Can she be saved?

ENCHANTRESS – Merlin knows the one he loves will be his downfall, but can he win in the end?

DRAKONI – Torn from her modern day world and thrust into a world of dragons, evil magicians, and handsome elves, will Farah succeed or die trying?

HESHE- Forced to hide as a young man, will the young noble woman tell her benefactor who she is, or will her pursuers capture her and take her back into slavery?

THE BABY MAKERS – In a world where cloning is possible, will Reese be able to save his illegal newborn child from a government determined to make her a non-citizen?

3-D PICTURES – The government thinks he is crazy and sends him to a shrink. What will Avery do when the elves appear in the 3-D picture in the waiting room? Go or allow himself to be “cured?”

SCREEN SAVER – The program arrives as a demo. Will it be Clancy’s ticket to survival or a rip-off which brings him to destruction?

ISOLATION- The world as we know it is gone. The rich are isolated from the dying poor. Will Caryn and Rader make the right decision when they search for freedom?

LOVE IN A DIFFERENT HUE – What would you do if a blue-skinned robot wanted to protect and love you? Chiri isn’t sure until he takes her in his arms.

DOWN SO LOW, THE GROUND LOOKS LIKE UP – Sylvan drinks herself into oblivion to compensate for her psi talents. Can Deveneaux save her from her demons, or will he lock her up for propositioning an officer of the law?

REBELS WITH A CAUSE – Shayleena is tired of living her life through holovision. She wants a real life with real people. Will she find it as a volunteer for juvenile offenders, or will she be mugged and left to die?

CLOCKWORKS – John lives in Structured. His ancestors came from a country where time means nothing. What will he do when he tries to trace his roots and finds his structured life is now in chaos?

http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.com/

A PAST AND A FUTURE Blog Tour

http://ciaragold.blogspot.com/ - Feb. 1, Jamie Bevans
http://www.seriouslyinterviewed.blogspot.com/ - Feb 1, Romance Reader
http://mgddasef.blogspot.com/ Marva Dasef – Feb 2
http://janiefranz.wordpress.com/ Janie Franz – Feb 3
http://heatherkuehl.blogspot.com/ - Feb 4, Heather Kuehl
http://barbaraehrentreu.blogspot.com/ - Feb 5, Barbara Ehrentreu
http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/ - Feb 6, Dawn Roberto
http://jaletaclegg.blogspot.com/ Feb 7, Aleta Clegg
http://www.jqroseauthor.blogspot.com/ - Feb 8, Janet Glaser
http://lizzietleaf.blogspot.com/ - Feb 9, Lizzie Leaf
http://joyce-anthony.blogspot.com/ - Feb 10 & 11, Joyce Anthony
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/ Feb 10 - Judy LASR 13 Stories from APAAF
http://www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com/ Feb 12, Kay Dee Royal
http://mizging.blogspot.com/ Feb 13, Ginger Simpson
http://writerschatroom.com/ Feb 13, 7 PM EST, The Writer’s Chat room
http://kellyaharmon.com/Kelly Harmon – Feb 14

Judi Fennell interview and contest

2011-01-31T06:19:00.000-08:00

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

A few hours of light-hearted entertainment that took them away from their life and left them with a smile.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Not a message, per se, but I’ve had a few readers think I can’t write. I don’t always follow perfect grammar, but there’s the old adage that you have to know and understand a rule before you break it. I understand grammar. But my characters don’t speak that way and since I write in deep POV (deep point of view, where what you’re reading is the character’s actual thought), I’m going to be true to their voice, their way of viewing the world. Also, people consider my stories “light and fluffy,” which is fine, but I liken them to the movie, Shrek. I saw it with my kids and they were laughing at all the slapstick stuff. The things that were out-right funny. The parents in the theater, on the other hand, were laughing at the subliminal things. The things you had to “get” to find funny. I write my stories like that movie. There is the off-the-cuff funny (or eye-rolling), but then there’s the deeper meaning. Like Shrek said, “Onions have layers, ogres have layers.” My stories have layers. And if you don’t see those layers, that’s okay because the story itself is supposed to be enjoyable. But if you do see them, you’re getting an extra boost of funny.

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

I got lucky. A lot in this business is a lightning strike. I’d been in an online contest run by Romantic Times Magazine and Dorchester Publishing, called American Title. It was like American Idol in that the public voted, and the entry with the most votes won a publishing contract.

I didn’t win. That’s not the getting lucky that I’m talking about.

What that contest did for me was to garner me a following, so when the next online contest came about, this one from Gather.com and Simon & Schuster, I had a great base to gather votes. Out of the almost 2,700 entries in all genres of fiction, my story, Beauty and The Best, was the only romance to make the Top 20 finalists.

But I still didn’t win.

I did, however, catch the eye of thousands of Gather.com members, so when Gather announced it was doing another online contest, this time for strictly Romance, I had people asking me to enter.

So I did. But I wanted to have a new story because Beauty and The Best had already made the rounds and hadn’t found a home. I’d started my “little talking fish story,” as I called it, In Over Her Head, and was about 1/3 of the way from the end. The contest was announced at the beginning of July and the deadline was the end of August. I threw myself into finishing and polishing this story so I could enter it.

And I still didn’t win.

But I did finish in the #3 position, spoke with Sue Grimshaw who is the national romance buyer for Borders books (and one of the final judges), learned what I needed to make the story marketable and got lucky enough for Sue to back me, pitching my story to editors. THAT was the luck involved.

Shortly thereafter, I had a contract not just for that book, but for a trilogy. So from the big push to finish and the contract, it was one year, then another year for it to hit the shelves. A relatively quick time in this business, for which I’m very thankful. You’ll see an acknowledgment to Sue in every book to date.

How would your friends describe you?

“Ham.” That was my nickname in school. Stick a camera in my face and I smile. Put a microphone in my hand and I talk. Ask me about my books and you have to walk away to get me to shut up. Well, no, I’m not that bad, but I’m definitely a people person and don’t take myself too seriously.

Now, if only I could sing, I’d be really obnoxious…

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything on your road to publication?

I’d write Twilight. ;)

Okay, Stephenie Meyer might have an issue with that, but who wouldn’t love to have that kind of success? Writing is fun, it’s creative, it’s an expression of who we are, but in the end, we’d all like to be able to make a living from it.

But most of us have to work at it. We have to build a readership, we have to keep writing great stories. We need marketing and promotion, and enough luck to stand out from the crowd. So I’m doing that. I’m focused on my audience, staying true to my voice and my characters, and coming up with new fun ideas.

But I wouldn’t mind a lightning strike.

How do you come up with the titles?

I usually come up with the titles first, actually. It gives me a flavor of what the story is going to be about.

The titles have to have the same type of fun, punny-ness I put into my writing. In Over Her Head about a marina owner who’s terrified of the ocean and ends up living beneath the sea with a merman just totally cracked me up when I came up with it. I love all the nuances of what it can mean, both to the reader and to the heroine. The play on words of Catch of a Lifetime, especially because the six year old actually caught the mermaid heroine, makes me chuckle. When it came to the Genies, I knew the stories were going to pull from the TV show, so what better titles than to twist the shot titles? My tagline for all my stories is fairy tales with a twist, so anytime I can twist something, I will.

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?

I’d be a witch. Of course, according to my teenagers, I can be. LOL. But I’d be Samantha Stevens, though I have to say that my husband is MUCH hunkier than Darren. Both Darrens.

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?

Reality TV shows. I’ve been watching Survivor since the second season (I’d seen the finale show of the first one, where Truckdriver Susan ripped into Kelly and I had to see what would make someone act like that on national television and have been hooked ever since.) I love Amazing Race, and utterly adore the Real Housewives franchises. No, I don’t utterly adore the Housewives (some of them are good, others are just train wrecks), but I just can’t believe the way people will throw their friends under the bus for 15 minutes of fame, and I find that I can’t not watch it.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

This is from my husband, because I, of course, don’t think I need a warning label. He says, “Warning: Nothing Done In Moderation” or “Warning: No First, Second, or Third Gear.”

What’s your favorite curse word?

It’s unrepeatable. And I’m not proud of myself for saying it. I’ve told my kids that I can’t yell at them for cursing because I do it, but to learn from my mistake. It’s a bad habit, so it’s better not to get in the habit.

What is your favorite candy bar?

Favorite candy bar isn’t really a candy bar. To me, the most perfect piece of chocolate is a Hershey kiss. It’s a really good thing they’re individually wrapped or I’d inhale them! At least the wrapping slows me down. Second favorite is a Reese’s peanut butter cup.

I DREAM OF GENIES BY JUDI FENNELL – IN STORES JANUARY 2011

“The nonstop cinematic gee-whiz results will keep the reader enraptured. Fennell also tosses in sultry sex scenes, a bubble-gum-sweet but passionate romance, quick-moving action, and a variety of puns and riddle-making beasts.”

—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW

He needs to change his luck, and fast!

Matt Ewing would gladly hunt down a fortune in lucky pennies if he thought it would help save his business. But for all his hoping, Matt’s clueless when his long-awaited lucky charm falls in his lap in the form of a beguiling genie. He just can’t believe that this beautiful woman could be the answer to his prayers…

She’s been bottled up for far too long!

Spending 2,000 years in a bottle would make any woman a little stir-crazy. So when Matt releases Eden from her luxurious captivity, she’s thrilled to repay him by giving him the magical boost he needs…

But for all her good intentions, Eden’s magical prowess is a little rusty and her magical mistakes become more than embarrassing. And though Eden knows falling in love will end her magic and immortality, she can’t help but be drawn to the one man who wants her just for herself…

About the Author

Judi Fennell is an award-winning author and writes what she calls “fairy tales with a twist.” Her romance novels have been finalists in Gather.com's First Chapters and First Chapters Romance contests, and have won numerous RWA Chapter Awards, including the FF&P Prism Award, and the New Jersey Golden Leaf Award. Judi lives with her family in suburban Philadelphia, PA, where she is working on the next book in the Genie Trilogy, Genie Knows Best, set for release in November 2011. For more information, please visit http://www.judifennell.com/

CONTEST: 2 Winners. Open to US and Canada residents only. Winners will be selected at random from all commentors. Good Luck and please don't forget to leave your email so you can be notified if you win.

Abby Gordon

2011-01-12T05:57:00.000-08:00

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?

Some romance/erotica, but to take a ‘break’, I’ll read biographies and fantasy. I love Anne McCaffrey and JR Ward and historical books.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A bit of both. In Beck & Call, one scene was literally a dream. I woke up at 2am to write it and the characters took over. Model Fantasy already had the outline from B&C, so I went from there.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

Love comes in all shapes and sizes and friendships can get you through just about everything.

How long have you been a writer?

My family jokes that I was telling stories to my stuffed animals and dolls as soon as I could talk. Once I learned to write, I put the stories down on paper.

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

The first book was about 15 months. The second was exactly one year. I learned a lot with the first and I think my second manuscript was more polished which quickened the pace.

Did you have any other careers before devoting yourself to being a full-time writer?

I still have my ‘day-job’ but, dream of being a full-time writer.

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

My family and friends were very excited because they knew it had been a lifelong dream and they knew how hard it can be to get published.

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?

Probably a toss-up between one of Anne McCaffrey’s dragonriders or JR Ward’s vampires.

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?

I love curling up next to the fire, music on, glass of wine, dark chocolate and a good book.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Careful what you say – you may be in my next book.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

Perfect gentlemen! I write stories about how perfect gentlemen play! ;)

Where is the craziest place you made your characters have sex?

In the 3rd book being reviewed for contract, Debbie and Quincy have sex in a nightclub. With my characters it’s not so much the where but the how!

What is your favorite candy bar?

Reese’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups. I cannot have them in the house because I’ll scarf them all down in one sitting! My sons will sometimes come home and surprise me with a couple packs.

Robin Kaye Interview and Contest

2011-01-11T06:02:00.000-08:00

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?

When it comes to genres, I read them all. First I always read my friends books, Elisabeth Naughton, Kristina McMorris, Grace Burrowes, Alix Rickloff, Marie Force, Hope Ramsay (whose book Welcome to Last Chance comes out next month), Maureen Child, Marilyn Brant, Roxanne St. Claire, Susan Donovan, Christie Craig and all my partners on Killer Fiction http://killerfictionwriters.blogspot.com/ . Then I read my auto buys Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts, Rachel Gibson, Louisa Edwards, Suzanne Brockmann, Donna Kauffman, Susan Mallery. If I have time, I re-read Jane Austen at least once a year and anything else that looks good to me. I am pretty eclectic when it comes to what I read outside romance.

Do you have travel when researching your books? If yes, where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?

I’ve been all over Brooklyn and New York and go as often as I can. I drink in the atmosphere and recharge my Brooklyn accent. In October, I went back to Boise and visited Humpin’ Hannah’s, the real bar that I’d been given permission to play with in Yours for the Taking. I guess the most interesting place I’ve gone is Atlanta, Idaho. It’s an old ghost/mining town three hours up a scary, dirt road that follows the Middle Fork of the Boise River. That is where, years ago, I found an old miner’s diary from the 1880’s that told the true story, which inspired the imaginary town of Three Whores Bend. That area of Idaho is so beautiful and I found some real characters there.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a pantser who is working hard to be a plotter. I’ve tried every plotting method known to man, all of which made my ass twitch. I was just about to give up when I saw Michael Hague’s workshop on his Six-Stage Plot Structure. That’s when I had an epiphany! I went right up to him and thanked him for saving my life. I’ve written four books using his method and so far it’s worked every time. It gives me just enough of a plan to keep me on track without making me feel as if I have already written the book. If anyone is interested, I highly recommend it. You can find info on Michael Hauge’s website http://screenplaymastery.com/ He’s my hero!

If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

I’d say Romeo, Romeo because that’s the first in the Domestic Gods series. I’m told that you can easily read them out of order, but I like to start at the beginning which makes following the characters all that much more fun. Yours for the Taking is the fourth book in the series and introduces the characters in my next series - Domestic Gods Gone Wild.

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

I started writing Romeo, Romeo in late 2004, I entered it in the Golden Heart Contest in 2007, won, and was lucky enough to receive an offer from one of the final judges. It’s kind of a Cinderella story. I was really lucky. It came out in November, 2008.

What song would best describe your life?

Everything an old song from the ‘70s by Barbara Streisand.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Danger, writer on deadline!

What’s for dinner tonight?

Spaghetti, meatballs, and sausage with garlic bread and a Caesar salad. I just stirred my sauce. I make 20 quarts at a time with 6 pounds of meat and then freeze the leftovers. Yum.

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

Bad boys are definitely more fun. They’re exciting; dating a bad boy is like a perfect rollercoaster ride—fabulous for a little while. But then, who wants to spend their whole life on a roller coaster? Bad boys are not the men you want to marry. Me, I dated every bad boy known to man and then married a Boy Scout.

What’s the perfect romantic evening?

Any evening without my children. Let’s face it, when you have three teenagers, it doesn’t take much more than their absence for a little while to find romance.

YOURS FOR THE TAKING BY ROBIN KAYE – IN STORES JANUARY 2011

He might be too good to be true…

Ben Walsh shouldn’t be single. Handsome and wealthy, Ben is equally at home in Idaho where he grew up and in Manhattan where he’s now an art dealer. Suave and successful with impeccable taste, he normally has women beating down his door. But the one woman he wants can’t be convinced that he’s for real…

She isn’t sure if she has time for fairy tales…

Gina Reyez has fought for every bit of her success, and it’s about time for things to start going her way. So when Ben makes a proposal that will allow her to take care of her family the way she wants to, she agrees. Besides, a guy this perfect would never be interested in her...right? By the time Gina figures out that she’s read Ben all wrong, the arrangements are made, the papers are signed…but what exactly are they getting themselves into?

Leave a comment. Two lucky winners to recieve print copies of Yours for the Taking. US and Canada residents only. Please leave contact email in comment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robin Kaye is a professional writer and winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award for her first novel, Romeo, Romeo. Her romantic comedies feature sexy, nurturing heroes and feisty, independent heroines. She lives with her husband and three children in Mt. Airy, Maryland, where she is working on a brand new series for release 2011 and 2012. For more information, please visit www.robinkayewrites.com/ .

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?
*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

I’m working on a new, connected series, Domestic Gods Gone Wild. The first book is called On the Wild Side. It is Hunter Kincaid’s story—he’s a character you meet in Yours for the Taking. Next up is Judge Trapper Kincaid’s story. I’m so looking forward to writing that one. I’m so in love with Trapper and have been for a couple years now. On the Wild Side will be in stores next Fall, and I’ll put the first chapter on my website just as soon as I get it back from copy edits. http://robinkayewrites.com/ .

Website: http://robinkayewrites.com/
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Blogs: http://BlameItOnTheMuse.com/
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