Deb's Book Nook

Interview with Patricia Sargeant/Regina Hart

2012-02-05T11:43:00.001-05:00

Interview with Patricia Sargeant/Regina Hart

Check out the contest at the end of the interview

Patricia, Welcome to Deb's Book Nook! We are so happy you could find time in your busy schedule to visit with us!

I had the good fortune to meet Patricia in 2008 at the Lori Foster Reader/Author Conference. I am honored to call her a friend as well as one of my favorite auto buy authors.

Deb, it’s a pleasure and an honor to be here. Thank you so much for the invitation and thank you for your patience with me as I responded to your questions. You’re very kind. I really appreciate this opportunity and your understanding. You’re one of my very favorite people. Very favorite! You bring the sunshine with you wherever you go.

Please tell our readers a bit about yourself and the genre of books you write.

I would be happy to. Thank you for asking. I write romantic suspense as Patricia Sargeant and contemporary romance as Regina Hart. My romantic suspense stories put ordinary people in extraordinary situations. With my contemporary romances, my characters must face and conquer their inner demons. And I’m addicted to Diet Mountain Dew.

I know your most current releases (FAST BREAK-June 2011 release and SMOOTH PLAY-Jan 2012) have been under the pseudonym of Regina Hart.
Tell us about this series and what inspired you to write it.

Oh, Deb, you do know how to touch an author’s heart. I love talking about this trilogy. Fast Break is the first title of my contemporary romance trilogy featuring the Brooklyn Monarchs, a fictitious professional men’s basketball team set in Brooklyn, New York. Fast Break is Jackie and Marc’s story. Jackie is the franchise’s assertive, larger-than-life owner. Marc is the stubborn, strong-willed rookie head coach. I like to build my stories around themes and the theme for Fast Break is sacrifice. What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goal?

The trilogy continues with Smooth Play, featuring Troy and Andrea. Troy is the debonair media executive and Andrea is the passionate sports reporter. Their story’s theme is forgiveness.

The final book in the trilogy is Keeping Score, which is a July 2012 release. In this story, Rick, a veteran team member, sets out to woo his wife, Mary, a media shy doctor.

As for my inspiration, I love basketball, Deb. I love the game, the strategy. I’m fascinated by the people – the players, coaches and sports reporters. I’m not as enthralled with the front office, though. LOL! Reading about the antics of general managers and owners makes my head hurt. It took me years and years and years to recover from the hurt of the New York Knicks trading Patrick Ewing. Even today, thinking about it, I’m blinking back tears.

Even though I am not a huge sports fan, I adore your new series. Mainly because of the style of your writing and your affinity with the characters. You brought the game to life for me and that's really saying something!

Oh, Deb! Thank you so much! Because you’re a voracious reader, your kind words mean a lot to me. Thank you!

Will there be more in this series or do you have something new in the works? Can you give us a sneak peek into your next book? Do you have a release date yet?

For you, Deb, anything! Keeping Score is the third book in the Brooklyn Monarchs trilogy. It’s a July 2012 release. (I always get so nervous before a book’s release date – and this one isn’t for another five months. It’s going to be a long spring and summer. LOL!) We met the hero, Warrick “Rick” Evans, the veteran Brooklyn Monarchs’ shooting guard, and his wife, Marilyn “Mary” Devry-Evans, in Fast Break. In Smooth Play, we learn that the media attention has put a strain on Rick and Mary’s marriage. In Keeping Score, Rick and Mary are front and center as Rick tries to save his marriage. The question Rick and Mary have to answer is whether love is enough to keep them together through the really tough times. And the times are tough, Deb. Seriously. The media is vicious and brutal in Keeping Score. As I was reviewing the manuscript, at one point I turned to my husband, Michael, and I said, “I feel so bad for what I put my characters through.” I don’t know whether I’ll be able to write more books after Keeping Score. I hope so. Fingers crossed.

Tell us a bit about your journey to publication. Have you always wanted to write and how did you get started? What was your first published work and when did it come out?

Ah, my journey to publication. Do you have a tissue? LOL! I’ve known I wanted to be a storyteller since I was 9 years old. I fell in love with storytelling after reading Blackhearts in Battersea by Jane Aiken. I wanted to write a story that would transport readers the same way her story transported me. My sister recommended that book to me. That’s why, in my dedication to my dream team, which I include in every book, I’ve written, “To my sister, Bernadette, for giving me the dream.”

I became serious about getting published in 1991. But it wasn’t until I joined Romance Writers of America in 1999 that I understood the business as well as the craft of writing. Finally, in 2006, Kensington Publishing offered me a two-book contract for the romantic suspense stories that would become You Belong to Me (2006) and On Fire (2007).

Let’s do the math. All told, it took me 15 years to become published. The moral of this story? Don’t ever, ever, ever give up your dreams.

Approximately how long does it take to get one of your books published? Do you work on a single project or several at once?

I’m a very slow writer, Deb. It takes me about a month to plot my stories. Isn’t that sad??? In fairness, I prefer to start with a detailed outline and character sketches. I usually have a lot of “ahha” moments with those characters sketches. Then about six months for writing and revisions. And I like to pad my writing schedule for those nights that the characters give me the silent treatment, which happens more often than I’d like. Sadness.

Because I’m such a slow writer, I prefer to work on only one project at a time. I need to be really in tune with the characters I’m developing at the time. However, if other ideas come to me, I jot them down in a separate computer file.

I know many authors have a huge cast of characters in their books and I am always amazed at how they keep everything straight from one book to the other. How do you keep up with all your character info and background information?

Great question! I have a character chart for each of my books with just the basic description of each character – height, build, hair color/type, eye color, what kind of car they drive, where they live, their job and their purpose in the story. But sometimes I have to reread a story to remember how that character is supposed to speak.

You write romantic suspense under the name of Patricia Sargeant and contemporary romance with a sports theme under the Regina Hart name. Is there any other type of book you would like to write, such as urban fantasy, mystery, etc? If so, what would it be and why would that type of books appeal to you?

Oh, my word! This is one of my favorite questions that you’ve asked. Oh, Deb! I have a proposal for an epic fantasy trilogy that takes place in another galaxy. The trilogy includes space battles, reincarnations, political intrigue. I’m so excited by this project. I’m vibrating with excitement as we speak! But the manuscript is extremely rough. It will take a lot of work. But I’m not giving up on this story. I’m also revising – off and on - a proposal for a five-part romantic suspense series that takes place on a fictitious Caribbean island. Loving it! And I’m also very excited about my time travel trilogy idea, which I’ll develop one of these days ... Thank you for asking, Deb.

Give us an insight into the life of Patricia Sargeant/Regina Hart and tell us what a typical day would be.

OK, but you’d better pour yourself a cup of coffee first. Don’t want you falling asleep on me. LOL!

My day job is usually from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Like most people, there’s usually some overtime. I work in the Public Relations Department of a small, private university. Lots of promotional writing – press releases, brochures, feature articles. There are five people in my department, but we could use about 10 more. LOL! On a good day, I get home around 6 p.m. Spend some quality time with my husband. Force myself to exercise, then spend the rest of the evening writing.

When writing, what kind of atmosphere do you prefer? Do you need background noise or complete silence? Do you have a certain area in your home you prefer to write in or can you write anywhere?

These are great questions, Deb. Really great questions. Frankly, for most of the writing process, I can be anywhere. Because of my day job and other commitments, I have to write and edit whenever and wherever I can. I’ve written chapters while at the hair salon or waiting for my car repairs. For the final revision process, though, I need my Fortress of Solitude. Absolute silence.

Has anything in your career as a writer been different than you expected? What is your favorite thing about being an author and is there any aspect of your career you wish you could spend less time doing?

My favorite thing about being an author is sharing my stories. That’s my favorite thing of all. But as far as what’s been different than I’d anticipated and what I wish I could spend a little less time on, the answer to those questions is the same – marketing. I hadn’t realized quite how muchvself-promotion/marketing/publicity I’d have to do as a publishedvauthor. It’s an inescapable evil. I love talking about books – my books, other people’s books, it doesn’t matter. I love finding out what people liked about an author’s work, who could they recommend and why. That part is like going to a really great party. But I don’t understand Facebook. I don’t have anything to say on Twitter. And walking into a room full of people staring at me makes me have to use the bathroom.

Do you have a favorite genre to read or favorite author? Do you read while you are writing your books and if so, do you read the same genre as you write?

I have a lot of favorite genres, actually. Fiction and non-fiction. I love suspense, romantic suspense, historical romance, thrillers. And I’m afraid I have too many favorite authors to name.

Would you do anything different in your writing career if you had to start all over again?

Overall, no. I don’t think so. Perhaps I could have joined Romance Writers of America sooner. But then, who knows how that change might have affected my journey. I’m one of those people who believes everything happens when it’s supposed to happen and everything transpires for a reason. The lessons I’ve learned on my journey are lessons I needed to learn when and how I learned them. So overall, I don’t think I would change anything.

What's the best piece of advice you have received as an author and what would you tell a beginning writer?

That’s a toughie, Deb. Hold on a moment. Let me think. Well, without a doubt, the best advice I’ve ever received was from my brother, Gideon. It was before I was offered my first contract. I was really down about my publishing prospects and my day job. (Really, really down about the day job.) I told my brother I was going to give up my writing. He was horrified. I still remember his words, “Don’t give up your dream. Don’t ever give up your dream. Even if you only write a page a day, don’t give up your dream.” Less than two years later, I got my first contract. And in my dedication to my dream team, which I include in all of my books, I’ve written, “To my brother Gideon for encouraging the dream.”

I would give beginning writers the same advice. And I’d add, follow your heart, not the market. If your heart and the market lead you in the same direction – bonus! But above all be true to yourself and your storytelling voice.

Patricia, thanks so much for sharing your time and fabulous books with
us. I know we will be looking forward to even more new releases from
you!

Deb, thank you very, very much for inviting me over and for being so patient as I answered your great questions. This was a true pleasure. Thank you for this opportunity! I can’t wait to see you at the June Get Together. Love and hugs!

Leave a comment to be entered to win a copy of Smooth Play or a copy of Tails of Love. Please leave your email so we can contact you. Good luck!

A Death in Calgary by M.B. Daugherty

2011-10-02T19:19:00.000-04:00

A Death in Calgary is a novella that is not only very enjoyable, but it can make you think about your own life and the way you live it.

Set in a small town where everybody knows you and your business, a stranger drives into town. It's instant gossip, especially when the stranger is driving a 1964 black Cadillac hearse. Who is he and what is he doing in Calgary?

Little do the townspeople know that driving the hearse is death himself, and that the town will never be the same. Going by the name of Logan, death follows, no matter where he travels. Calgary is no exception. The town doesn't connect the higher than average death rate to the stranger, even if being around him does give them the feeling that something isn't quite right.

Logan has been hunting for something during all his years of travel. Little did he know he would find the answer in the small town of Calgary with the local handyman, Sam.

But along with the answer that Logan seeks comes a life and death dilemma that only Sam can solve.

Written with an insight to human nature that many rarely find, vivid characters and settings make this novella a definite plus to any reading library. I highly recommend it and eagerly await much more of M.B. Daughtery's work.

Review-Dream Lover by Adrienne Staff

2011-10-02T19:18:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed this mystical romance set in the desert Southwest.

Two wounded souls, Carold Lawson and Cody Briggs come together in a clash of wills and instant attraction that neither one wants or needs in their life.

Carol Lawson who has just started work at the Ocotillo hotel as the new assistant manager of guest relations. A position she has worked hard to obtain. She hopes the change of scene will help her forget the hardest decision she ever had to make. A decision that has haunted her life.

Cody Briggs, whose looks proclaim he could be an Indian warrior, but was instead a part time tour guide and expert on Indian artifacts. But Cody has his own hidden wounds and isn't all that he appears.

Could two very different people find common ground or is physical attraction all they share? Both with deeply guarded secrets that only trust and true love can conquer, the road they travel is anything but smooth but so very worth the read!

Review of Her Kilt Clad Rogue by Julie Moffett

2011-10-01T18:37:00.000-04:00

Her Kilt-Clad Rogue by Julie Moffett

Previously published in 2003 in the anthology Then He Kissed Her.

I very much enjoyed this novella by Julie Moffett.

Englishwoman Geneive Fitzsimmons is headed to the Scottish Highlands to become governess to Ewan Douglas, son the Connor Douglas, the Highland rogue that had broken her heart ten years before.

What on earth had made her accept this job? And how would she react to seeing Conner again. She had spent years trying to forget him!

Conner, recently widowed, needed help raising his head strong son. He can think of no better person than Geneive and since he has never forgotten their time together he eagerly awaits her arrival. Was it possible that the feelings they once had for each other be resurrected?

Should they fight the attaction they still felt towards each other and could they get past the fact that most people thought Conner had murdered his first wife? A hidden treasure, a possible murderer and a catty female vying for Conner's attention all make for a very interesting and fun read and makes you turn page after page to see if they really get their happy ending.

I'm back!

2011-04-17T14:00:00.002-04:00

Hello Everybody. I've been gone for ages due to many different things. From family illness and deaths, to getting my mom a new house built and moved up closer to us and having little to no internet at home, my life online had just disappeared.

Things have finally settled down a bit, my mom has wireless internet and now I have a place to work so here I am.

My friend Mary and I have started a new venture. OurNovelNotions.com

We will be featuring specifically Kentucky authors of all genres, but we will also be doing our own blogs and a writing group.

Mary will be doing the writing group and it is open to everyone. Her blog http://defyingthelimit.wordpress.com/ will feature book reviews, music and many other interesting items.

I will be doing my usual reviews, author interviews, and contests and hope that you will check back often for new updates.

Some of my upcoming interviews will feature the awesome Shannon K. Butcher, author of The Sentinel Wars Series, plus her newest romantic suspense Living on the Edge.

Sara Reinke, author of The Brethren Series, E.E Rought, whose newest book is Slade & Kally, a wonderful western. And last but not least Leonard H. Hilley, author of Predators of Darkness and more.

I'll be adding to the line up of authors all the time and if you have a suggestion, please let me know. I always enjoy finding new authors.

Hope to see you here soon!

Best!
Deb

Cait London Shares Her Expertise!

2009-04-26T12:17:00.000-04:00

Interview with Cait London

Cait, Welcome to Deb’s. We are so happy you could take time from your busy schedule to chat with us.

I had the pleasure to meet Cait at the Lori Foster Reader/Writer event in 2008 and enjoyed every minute of our conversation. I was so happy to discover that she is as wonderful in person as her books are.

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself, your family, etc.
Thank you, Debbie.
I’m a do-er as you can see by my three blogs, http://caitlondon.blogspot.com which focuses on my work, writers’ issues and tips. If you write, do check out that blog and my writing tips, at my website, http://caitlondon.com. http://thesecondcup.blogspot.com features the stuff I’m interested in, daily stuff for women, including favorite makeup, movies, etc. http://myjamjar.blogspot.com is about the homemaker stuff, i.e. making jam and applebutter, sewing, whatever. Plus I’m a grandmother, so I make lots of cookies. My three daughters are currently providing more tots.

I’m also an artist, as you can see at my website studio, large canvases. I’m also interested in computers, graphics (I run my own website and blogs, plus newsletters), and photography, herbs, etc. So I’m one of those artistic personalities, but I never started out wanting to be a writer. Now I am and didn’t happen easily. 7 years, count ‘em, before my first sale. My agent at the time, now deceased, said that 10 years was the average. That was prior to Internet, which makes things easier now, but also makes for more competition.

2. For our readers unfamiliar with your work, please tell us what kind of books you write.

I’ve written a variety of romance, ranging from Desires (Any Tallchief readers out there?), western historicals, romantic thrillers, romantic suspense, and I enjoy adding psychic elements. My psychic triplet trilogy is on the stands now. BTW, I do not consider true psychic work as paranormal, i.e. vampires, shape shifters.

3. I’ve been a long time fan but didn’t realize until I started doing a little research that you wrote under two names, Cait Logan and Cait London. I have read several of the Cait Logan books but didn’t realize it was also one of my favorite suspense authors!

Cait Logan books started in Berkley’s Second Chance at Love category/series and I was invited by Joan Golan, now editor at Steeple Hill, to write historicals. She’s quite the mentor and purchased my first SCAL (category), prior to the historicals, which I also wrote for Dell. I loved writing NW western historicals as I grew up in central WA State, about an hour south of Canada, where there were lots of westerners and rodeos were common. In my reading of others’ books, there is no worse turn-off than not to know the actual landscape and feel of the land. And that is why I drove the Oregon Trail, and the Indian trails in the NW, and up into Canada, for Delilah, my mountie book. I’ve yet to see another book like that, as I am a true researcher. Wedding Gamble was set in MT, and it was also unusual as I researched billiards and it is the only book of its kind in American Billiards Congress museum as I worked with them on research.

4. Do you still write under the Cait Logan name or do you write exclusively under the Cait London name? Do you have any other pen names you would like to share with us? What type of books do you write under these names?

I’ve been tempted to write more Cait Logan westerns, but I don’t know. Most of my books are contemporaries under Cait London. That’s it so far.

5. How long have you been writing and how did you get your start? How long did it take you to be published and what was your first release? When did it come out?

My first, Lady on the Line, a SCAL contemporary about a lady lineman, was published in 1986. It took SEVEN years to publish and that was because I’d met an agent at a conference, who sold that first SCAL to Joan Marlow Golan. Back then, we did not have all the writers’ organizations and Internet information we have now (most long-term writers developed their skills prior to Internet). So it was basically throw what you know out there and waste a lot of manuscript mailing money, learn what you could and try again. Reflecting on how it was to struggle without groups, magazines, Internet, etc., I think I learned more about writing skills from basically just working like a dog with a portable non-electric typewriter. BTW, plotting wasn’t in my skill-bag then, and now I enjoy it. But the editors said I came in with Characterization, already built in, so that was a help.

6. How many books do you have out now and have they all been in the romance genre? I know you have written in many different sub-genres including historical, paranormal and your most recent releases have been a romance suspense trilogy with a psychic twist.

I’ve written about 70 novels and novellas to date, all in the romance genre and all mass-market traditional.

7. Please tell us about this trilogy and when they were released. Are they still available for purchase? I know our readers won’t want to miss these awesome books!

There’s quite a bit about them at my website, and they are available. Most of my Avons are. As the mother of 3 daughters, I already understood the birth-order personalities of the triplets and relationships with their mother. Much of me is in all of my books, including Claire’s (1. youngest/rural MT/At the Edge) handcrafting/sewing, Tempest’s love of color and artistic bend (2. Lake MI/A Stranger’s Touch, NYTs bestseller) and Leona (3. eldest/Lexington, KY/For Her Eyes Only). I feel my family may have an intuitive streak, and linked with Leona’s experiences.

Thanks for the awesome, btw.  The triplets are descendants of an ancient Celtic seer and the Viking chieftain who captured her. None of them want their ability, and all have been traumatized by 2 major events in their lives. Their connection is so strong that they cannot live together or near, for any amount of time. And that’s it folks. Each has their own love, their own story and plenty of danger, and Leona’s story, FOR HER EYES ONLY completes the trilogy, though there is interest in Greer, a world famous psychic who helps solve cases.

8. After writing in so many different sub-genres, do you have a favorite? Is there anything that you haven’t tried that you would like to do in the future?

I love all my stories. I worked really hard to craft them from the basement elements, so it would be hard to choose. I’ve written away from my usual, but we’ll have to see if that takes off. If not, I will have tried and have enjoyed the journey. I enjoy most journeys and adventures, and do not think that stories can be crafted by sitting behind a desk alone, rather by experiencing. (No jokes here, please.)

9. What do you have in the works now? Can you give us a sneak peek and give us a release date?
I write every day, but do not have future releases scheduled at this date. FOR HER EYES ONLY was a 10/08 release and since then, I’ve been working on different material and that’s about all I want to say now—suspense, you know .

If you are a writer, please do visit my Writers Survival posts at my blog, http://caitlondon.blogspot.com for info on software, newsletters, etc. I do seminars on The Business of Writing, and those posts are a taste of that.

10. Are you a big reader? What kind of books do you enjoy? Who are some of your favorite books or authors?

I am a big reader. I enjoy almost everything but science, unless it is archeology non-fiction. I read a lot of non-fiction prescriptive, biographies, magazines, too. I read almost anything in paper print, and have not tried the e-formats yet as I work hours on my computer and not willing for more screen-gadgets on my down-time. (Love computers, software, btw.) While I read almost everything, not much sci-fi (Love the sci-fi channel and movies) and vampires (love those movies). Not too much on endangering the child books, either, or forensics, or detective/sheriff/investigators, which I think may be overdone now. Not too much on regency/victorian/etc. However, I always buy Jayne Ann Krentz and love her Arcanne series. Like others, my reading trends are changing and diverse. I’ve just enjoyed Lori Foster’s 2 Servant books. But at the bottom of my reading list is hard-boiled detective/forensics, and that is just a personal taste matter. Not really fond of books in which the heroine is a writer, as that is too close to home. I want to read about different material; however, if the story and character are strong enough, I’ll enjoy it. I would like a really good Viking story, much like Woodiwiss’s. When starting to diversify my writing, I tried a Viking proposal, but the agent said they weren’t selling and wouldn’t market it, so I moved on. Just after that several Viking novels hit the stands.

11. Has anyone or anything influenced you in your writing career? Would you change anything if you were doing things over?

I’ve met and have been influenced by many people, not only in writing, but how they manage their business, lives and careers. In romance, I think we may have partly caused our own put-downs, by simply not acting with better judgment and dignity. In retrospect, I couldn’t have done more ad work/traveling/workshops, as I was a single with 3 daughters, so I stuck pretty much to what I felt I needed to do and that included a day job for insurance, etc. Only when my daughters were almost through college did I go full-time, so I had 13 years or so of writing fulltime and working at a day job. Imagine 3 in college at one time, and you get the picture. When you get that first big notice as I did, that is the time to step out and make a mark, but I chose to tend to my family obligations. It’s said that it is difficult to recover, once that time is gone, and it is. Yet, I did what I thought was right and do not regret that.

The recommendation as of now, 4/09, is to do as much online as you can for your books, and that would have been a real plus for me back then.

12. I know you are an inspiration and have been a huge help to other authors. You blog, you give talks and answer questions and always have an encouraging word to new authors. Is this something you think should be available for all authors, new and old alike?

All beginning authors, or those moving out into conferences or online, should have some sort of a master guidebook on manners, i.e. how important thank-yous are, even when they are for rejections. The way to start this is for seasoned authors to post their worst experiences from other authors.

On bad reviews: If there is anything no author should do, it is to rake someone else over in a review-like forum. Absolutely vitriolic stuff has no place in reviews. They should be clinical, done in proper format, and not I’m-so-cute show-off style. Just think of how you might feel, if someone took after you in the same manner.

For seasoned authors, some sort of a re-think business questionnaire, i.e. balancing PR time against copy-producing time.

13. Come on and spill the beans….what kind of writer are you? A strict plotter and outliner who plans everything out before you start writing or are you more of a casual style writer? Have your characters ever taken off in a direction that you hadn’t planned and if so what did that do to your story? Did you let them get away with it?

I learned how to plot in several ways and they are listed at my website, http://caitlondon.com. One of the best ways is to number chapters into paragraphs, so you can see where the midpoints are and then see the shape of the novel. This eliminates having to rush through the ending. I typically write 2 proposals, one extensive for myself and a short one for the editor. When in trouble, in the actual writing, I go back to the long one and it always helps me out. But a story does twist and turn on you. All I can say about that is make certain that the lead characters stay that, else you’re in serious trouble. I edit as I go, but in the overall edit, straightening out the threads/layers, I really balance the h/h to see if they are strong enough to match. I also balance the antagonists against the protagonists, as they need to be worthy opponents. In final edit, I may redo the whole first chapters to balance the book. I have to get in and write the characters before feeling how they mesh and bring them to life. Characters have to mesh, the subcharacters’ POV bringing to life the main characters. Think of it like the gears inside a clock, everything revolves around something else, touching and changing it. We’re affected by the lives of others, as well.

Here’s a visual: I think of my story threads as multi-reins on a chariot that need to be controlled. A story has to be controlled, even if it takes off in a different direction.

14. The characters are strong, the twists keep us reading and even though I want that happy ending, I hate for the books to end. If you could choose what you wanted a reader to remember about your books, what would it be?

That it was a gift, something with texture and life, that provided a short escape. However, my writing isn’t for everyone. Some writers are middle-of-the mark, i.e. and no strong feelings are evoked about their work. I’m not one of those. Either readers love me, or they don’t. Apparently, my style and stories incite passion either way.

15. Do you have an all time favorite book or character from your writing? Do you ever base a character from real life people or events?

I do not have favorite books, unless it is the WIP at the time; it’s the same with characters. I do base my characters on real people, live or not, and some events. But that’s only the start of my story-building. I believe a book is built from some nugget and then grows. Or it does with me. BE MINE was built on the image of an Amish girl I saw riding her pony beside the road. So that was a person and an event. I’m pretty fast at generating story ideas, and can look at an old windmill and get a story. I guess that’s where the artist comes in, meshing with the writer. BTW, there is a high percentage of writers who are also artists of some sort.

16. What do you do for fun? I know that you are a painter as well as a fantastic author. How did you make this transition from painting to writing? Do you still paint in your spare time?

Boy, that is a hot topic among those who are both painters and writers. The consensus of the majority is that we can only devote ourselves full-time to one or the other. There are exceptions. I’ve been writing heavily for years, and have only done a few paintings. But I’ve taken lots of photos while traveling and intend on painting them, mostly seascapes. I miss it. The psychology of the writer is interesting. My stories, once started, will not let me rest.

17. Give us an example of an average day in your life. Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule? A certain word count or number of pages per day?

I’ll start writing fresh copy at 4-5a. Take a break around 9 or so, then edit a bit, do what I have to, etc. and then start working around 4p. But some days, like when I’m trying to get my mind off a story that just ended and before starting a new one, I’ll take a trip. I love to drive, and stories just cling to me then. If in a plot problem, all I have to do is take a long, open-country drive, and it’s pretty well sorted out by the time I get back. But no specific pages per day. I am fast, though, and as the story picks up speed toward the end, I’m really going, careless of anything but my aching body. One time, I was so much in a scene that I felt my fingertips were on fire.

18. What is the best piece of advice you have been given as an author and what would you tell someone just getting started as a writer?

A book is like a song, it flows and has a tempo. When you feel the heartbeat, you’re in the stream and the book is beginning to breathe into life. One of the worst things a beginner can do is to forget that all the elements need to NOT be dissectible. Too much dissection can kill a story, too many cooks in the broth, too. If you’re in a critique group, make certain it’s the right one. I’ve never been in one as I do believe that giving out the story to others is like sharing a first kiss. You can never relive that first fresh blast and the editorial comments are all I want. However, writing is a very individual activity, with individual preferences, and other writers function perfectly well in their groups. I believe that in writing, you get out of it, what you invest in it. No one else can do that for you.

Cait, thank you so much for taking time to chat with us. I look forward to your upcoming books! Please come back and visit us again soon.

Thanks so much for asking me, and I will. And I’m also hoping that my responses to your very good and insightful questions helped someone.

Patti O'Shea-Paranormal Author Interview

2009-03-15T15:18:00.000-04:00

Patti, welcome to Deb's! We are so happy you could take time to visit with us.

Thanks for inviting me!

Please tell us a bit about yourself. Your family, background, etc.

I live in Minneapolis, MN, attended the University of Minnesota's School of Journalism where I earned a degree in advertising copywriting, and went to work for Northwest Airlines–in accounting. I moved around the company until I ended up where I'm at now–757 Engineering. I've always enjoyed traveling and working for an airline gave me an opportunity to visit more places. I've also always had an interest in airplanes and I've learned a lot about them during my time in Technical Operations. Plus, I've been able to get some up close looks that I wouldn't have anywhere else.

For our readers unfamiliar with your work, please tell us what kind of books you write.

My stories are paranormal romance with a lot of action and adventure in the mix and I have a couple of action/adventure futuristic books, too.

Your most recent release, In Twilight’s Shadow, was the second book in your Light Warrior series. Please tell us about this series and the books in it. Will there be more books in this series and if so, what is the next book in the series? Do you have a title and release date yet?

The Light Warriors books are about a society of magic users who protect humans from demons and other dark-force creatures. Each territory has a troubleshooter assigned to it and they handle the problems that arise within their area as well as other assignments that their council might give them.

IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR is the first book. The heroine is Ryne Frasier and the hero is Deke Summers. The little blurb I use for the book is: When a troubleshooter for a society of magic users rescues a private investigator from a dark spell, she finds more than an ally as she faces down her former mentor.

IN TWILIGHT'S SHADOW is about Ryne's sister Maia Frasier and Creed Blackwood. Maia gave up her magical powers years earlier because she'd fallen to the dark forces, but she's still struggling to cope with the loss. Creed is dealing with his own issues when it comes to dark magic and they're both going to have to defeat their demons–literally as well as figuratively.

The next story is EDGE OF DAWN and it will be released July 2009. During In Twilight's Shadow we find out that Creed has a little sister that he's never met. This is her story. The blurb for this book is: Glass artist Shona Blackwood is ignorant of her Gineal heritage and unaware that people who can do magic actually exist, but when she's targeted for death, troubleshooter Logan Andrews is assigned to protect her. A straightforward job quickly goes askew and what Logan doesn't know might cost both him and Shona their lives.

I'm writing the fourth book in the series now. The working title is IN THE DARKEST NIGHT, but there's been a few other books with similar titles, so it might not be called that when it's actually released. This story is about Logan's brother, Kel. Logan worries about him throughout EDGE OF DAWN and now we'll find out what happened to change him. His heroine has had a rough time with life, too, and they're both wounded individuals who are trying to heal.

How long have your been writing and what was your first published book?

I became serious about writing about eighteen months before I sold my first book in January 2002. I'd been writing before that, of course–since 8th grade–and I had finished three other books, but it was mostly dabbling when I felt like it rather than dedicated, regular writing. Now I write every day.

My first sale was RAVYN'S FLIGHT, released in November 2002 and reprinted in 2006. It's a futuristic romance set in 2040 with a hero in army special operations and a heroine who's part of a colonization assessment team. They're light years from home when all their teammates end up murdered and Ravyn and Damon are on the run from an unknown killer. They have to stay alive long enough for help to arrive from Earth, but it isn't going to be easy.

How many books do you have out now? Do you have a favorite character or book that you have written?

As we start 2009, I have six books and one novella out. My seventh book will be released in July 2009 and the eighth is scheduled for March 2010.

The question about favorite character is tough and I don't think I can pick. I spend so much time with them that each one becomes a really close friend, and while I'm always glad to have finished their story–I want to know what happens!–I miss them when they leave. I tell people it's as if someone you've lived with has decided to pull up stakes and move across the country. Yes, you can visit, but it's just not the same.

Although I can't pick a favorite character, I do have a favorite book–IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR. This used to be impossible to choose, too, but something about this story just wedged its way into my heart. I guess it helps that it's one I really wanted to tell and the fact that I wrote two other books before being able to start this one kept the anticipation high. I also loved Deke's sarcastic, smart aleck comments. And there's Ryne. She's so tough–she feels she has to be–but emotionally her demons are winning the war. Deke anchors her, helps her find the footing she needs to defeat them and move forward.

How did you get started in your writing career? Are you a full time writer or do you hold another job as well?

I have a full-time job at Northwest Airlines in 757 Engineering. I really would love to write full time, but it's not feasible right now. It does get exhausting, though!

My start to getting published was pretty interesting. I mentioned earlier that I'd dabbled and I had submitted two of the three books I'd finished and gotten good rejection letters, but it wasn't until around 2000 that I really committed myself to writing. After finishing the rough draft of RAVYN'S FLIGHT and revising the first three chapters, I sent it out to contests put on by various local chapters of Romance Writers of America and continued revising the rest of the book.

One of the first contests I entered in the summer of 2001 was called the Southern Heat. Among the prizes for winning was being able to send the full manuscript to the final judge who was an editor at Dorchester Publishing.

I had just finished revising the entire manuscript so that it was ready to submit, when I received a letter saying I'd won the Southern Heat and that I should contact the editor of my category to arrange to send my manuscript. This was December 2001. I contacted her, mailed it off on New Year's Eve, and ten days later, went on vacation. I did have internet access while I was away, but I couldn't read my email. (Things have come a long way!) I came home and I had so many messages that it took hours to download all the email. One of the notes was from the editor who had RAVYN'S FLIGHT asking me to call her.

My first thought was that something had happened to the manuscript. Maybe a page had gotten lost or the post office had dropped it in a mud puddle and it wasn't legible. The possibilities were endless and the offices were closed by the time I saw that note. I called the next day, and sold my first book in January 2002.

I understand that you have done a lot of traveling. Do you use these travels as research for your books?

I think everything we see and do shapes us to a degree and that includes the places we've been. I know my visits to different cities and countries have influenced settings in my stories. For instance, when I wrote THE POWER OF TWO and my hero and heroine needed to go to the Raft Cities, I based the poverty my characters saw on my visit to Samarai Island in Papua New Guinea. I've also used a nighttime trip I made to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in THROUGH A CRIMSON VEIL and Los Angeles in general for IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR.

Is research something you enjoy? Approximately how much do you do for each book and what is your favorite form of research? Travel, internet, printed materials?

Yes and no. I'm insatiably curious about a lot of different things and I always seem to be learning something new. For example, right now I'm listening to a podcast on earthquakes and seismology from the University of California-Berkeley. I have no plans to write a story with earthquakes, but I thought it might be interesting (and it is). Of course, I also had an interest in nanotechnology years before I was published and I didn't think I'd ever need the information for anything, but I ended up using quantum brain nanotechnology as a major plot point in THE POWER OF TWO (2004), so who knows? Maybe one day I will be writing a story that involves seismology.

The less fun part of research comes in when I need specific detail for a book and it's the kind of information that isn't easy or quick to find. I think small facts are important, but some of what I'm looking for can be obscure stuff that gets buried in a much larger sections of data. Or if I don't know the exact terminology to search for, I can end up with far too many hits to wade through, none of which contain the information I actually need.

I like to use the internet because of how quick it is to do a search, but I try to find corroboration since the information can be suspect online. I do have a lot of books filling my shelves, but then I have to figure out exactly which book it is and find it amid all the other volumes, which isn't always quick or easy.

What do you have in the works now? Can you give us a sneak peek? Sure hope so.

Next up is EDGE OF DAWN in July 2009, I'm working on the fourth book in the Light Warriors series for a March 2010 release, and I was asked to submit a story for THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF VAMPIRE ROMANCE 2. I'm not sure what the release date is for that.

The Work In Progress (WIP) isn't ready to be shared yet, but I'm happy to give a sneak peek at EDGE OF DAWN. I don't even have an excerpt up on my website yet. This is part of a scene that takes place a few days after Logan and Shona meet. It's the second time they've talked to each other.

Logan spotted Shona up ahead and his thoughts derailed.
Friday night her hair had been straight, tamed; today it tumbled in waves to just above the small of her back. Her sky-blue T-shirt was tight and short, baring her midriff and accentuating her full breasts. Her jeans were pale yellow and fit her every bit as closely as the pair she'd worn last Friday. For someone tall and lanky, Shona was nicely curved and Logan felt an unwelcome surge of warmth return. He swallowed hard.
She hadn't seen him yet, not with all the people between them, and he took the opportunity to stop and stare. He was too far away to really see her face, but he remembered--the high cheekbones; the elfin chin; the rich, chocolate-brown eyes now hidden behind dark lenses; and her full lips. Just the memory of her sexy mouth was enough to intensify the heat inside him.
Someone jostled Logan as they walked by and it brought him back to his senses. He closed the remaining distance.
As he neared the coffee shop, Shona caught sight of him and pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head. Her lips curved and that small, tentative smile was enough to knock him off balance. With a deep breath, Logan reminded himself that he was a Gineal troubleshooter; he was trained to control his emotions, not let emotion control him, but damn, she hit him hard.
"Hi," she said.
"Hey, Shona." He kept his tone easy because she looked anxious. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
"I was early."
Her hands tightened around the white, plastic bag she held hard enough to make it rustle. "Is that my jacket?"
"What? Oh! Yes, here." Shona thrust the bag at him and Logan had to make a lunge for it to keep it from hitting the ground. "Sorry," she said, her face flushed.
"Don't worry about it. Want to grab a cup of coffee?" Logan gestured toward the building behind her.
"I was going to invite you to show my appreciation for your help." Her eyes widened. "Not that a cup of coffee comes close to repaying my debt, but I don't know if anything could."
"You don't owe me anything." She tried to interrupt him, but he held up a hand. "I know you're grateful I came along when I did, but that doesn't incur a debt on your part. I look at it as doing what's right, kind of like racking up good karma points with the universe." He smiled at her. "And I have three sisters; I'd like to think someone would help them if they found themselves in a similar situation."
Which was unlikely. If someone was stupid enough to grab one of them, any of his sisters would blast him with a spell before anyone needed to come to their aid.
"Paying it forward," Shona murmured.
"Something like that." Logan took her elbow, steered her toward the entrance to the coffee house, and held the door for her. The place was crowded and there was only a single open table. "Why don't you grab that," he pointed to the one available spot, "and I'll get the coffee? What do you want?"
"No. You take the table and I'll get the coffee. My treat, remember?"
He wanted to argue, but there was something in her demeanor that suggested she wasn't going to allow him to buy. Logan silently capitulated. "A large coffee. No cream, no sugar, none of that other frou-frou stuff. Just black, okay?"

Tell us a bit about your writing style. What kind of writer are you? A plot and outline person or are you more of a pantser style of writer? Have your characters ever developed a life of their own and taken off in a direction that you didn’t expect? If so, what did that do to your story?

I'm more toward the seat-of-the-pants side of the spectrum, but I've shifted over time. I used to be nearly a pure fly-into-the-mist writer, but now I usually have a synopsis before I start writing, and to my surprise, I've liked having that loose framework. I can't see me moving too much farther toward plotting, though, since just the thought of index cards makes me break out in a cold sweat.

My characters arrive as fully-formed people, so they tell me their story and I write it down. If I try to force them to do it my way, progress grinds to a halt and I can't write any further until I figure out what had one or both balking. It happened in ETERNAL NIGHTS when I had Wyatt kissing Kendall. I couldn't figure out why I was stuck after that point, but it turns out it was too early; he wouldn't risk scaring her. I still had the kiss after I fixed that spot, but because Wyatt was only semi-conscious when it happened, it fit better and it also caused more complications through the story.

What's really hard is when the characters keep secrets and then spring things on me just before it's time to reveal it in the book. The most flagrant example of this was in my first book, RAVYN'S FLIGHT. I went through almost half the book before Damon mentioned the big event from his past. I'd suspected there was something that had him so determined to protect Ravyn, but it could have been his personality. Once he finally revealed the truth, more things about him made sense.

Oh, and it happened with IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR and Ryne's past. I knew there was a reason why she was so dead-set against getting involved with a human, but I didn't know what–exactly–that was until right before it was revealed. I tried to talk her out of it because I really didn't want to go there or write it, but she insisted. And it was a pretty big part of what drove her, so I guess she was right.

If the characters give me enough notice before they head off, it's not really that big a deal because I can just adjust as I go along. When they spring a surprise on me right before I'm ready to write the scene where they reveal their secret to their hero/heroine, then it's a little bigger deal and usually involves going back and adding some foreshadowing earlier in the story. With Ryne, I didn't have to do that because I knew there was something and was already foreshadowing, but with Damon, it did involve sprinkling clues in throughout the first half of the book as I revised.

Are you a big reader? Do you have a favorite book or author? Do you read the same genre that you write or do you find this a distraction to your writing?

I used to read a book a day before I sold my first book. I literally have boxes and boxes in my basement filled with thousands of books and bookshelves all over the place. Now so much of what used to be reading time is writing time and I don't read nearly as much as I used to.

Oh, wow, I have a lot of favorite books and authors. It's impossible to narrow it down to one. I do tend to like darker books with lots of action and suspense. My favorite "romance" movies are The Terminator and Speed if that gives any indication of what kind of story I enjoy reading most. And I do read in the genres I write. Since I rarely pick up a book while I'm writing, I don't find it distracting.

I've also begun to read more non-fiction. My latest was Survival Of the Sickest by Dr. Sharon Moalem. The book was about why certain genetic diseases are still in our gene pool. I found it utterly fascinating and couldn't put it down.

Has anything been different than you expected since beginning your writing career? The fans, the book signings, promo? What do you enjoy the most?

The biggest surprise was how much time and energy is taken up with things that have nothing to do with the story I'm writing. I'd heard other published authors talk about it, but I couldn't believe it could be that bad. I was wrong. It is utterly amazing how many things eat up writing time. While I'm trying to write one story, I might be doing promotion on an earlier book, reading through copy edits on the manuscript I turned in months earlier, and discussing a future project all at the same time. Then I'll go to my day job and someone will ask me about the book and I have to ask which one they mean.

Favorite thing, hands down, is hearing from readers who enjoyed my stories. I keep each and every email and I plan to scrapbook them all. Before I sold, I never emailed a writer when I loved one of her stories, but now that I know how much it means, I do contact authors whose work I loved.

Give us an example of a normal day in your life. Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule with a certain word count or number of pages a day?

Now y'all get to find out how boring my normal days are! The alarm goes off at 4am and I hit the snooze as many times as I can before I absolutely have to get up to get ready for my day job. Eight plus hours at work where I tease engineers and do projects, and then home. Chores, errands, email, and if I'm lucky, I can sit down to write by 6pm. If I'm not lucky it'll be 7 or later. I usually write until my brain shuts down and then go to bed to start it all over again the next day.

I do try to do a set number of pages a day and spend the weekends trying to make up for the number of pages that I'm short. I also use my vacation time from my day job to make my deadlines.

What do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies or collections you would like to share with our readers?

I scrapbook, although I haven't had much time to do it lately. It's a way to be creative without using the same part of my brain that writes. I also started gardening after I moved into my house. Kind of, at least. I like looking at the flowers, but I mulch so I don't have to weed too often. The coolest thing was that one year while I was standing outside watering my lilies, a hummingbird hovered within a foot and a half of me and I thought, wow! I'd like to start doing container gardening for fresh vegetables. Maybe in 2009.

If anyone is interested in seeing some of my 2008 flowers, I've got a slideshow up here: http://pattioshea.blogspot.com/2008/08/flowers-flowers-flowers.html

If you could give one piece of advice to a beginning author, what would it be?

I've received two really great pieces of advice, so I'll share both. The first was: Writers write.

At the time I heard it, I wasn't putting in the work to be a writer, I was waiting for some magical day when I had more time, when the muse struck, when I had the perfect idea, etc. It didn't sink in right away, but later I realized that if I really wanted to be a writer, I couldn't wait until I found the time–I had to make the time. I really wanted to be a writer, I'd wanted it since I was fourteen, so instead of watching television or whatever, I'd write.

The second piece of advice that really helped me was: The writing process will change and don't try to force yourself to write a book the way you wrote the previous one. Use whatever process that book needs.

Every single book I've written has had a different method of coming to life. I did intensive character sketches when I wrote RAVYN'S FLIGHT, but on other books I've only filled out some of the questions, and in some cases, only the physical descriptions of the hero and heroine. It depends on what I need to do to tell the story. When I wrote THROUGH A CRIMSON VEIL, I had to do it at night. I joked to people that because my hero and heroine were nocturnal, they wouldn't come out to work until later in the evening. I thought it was weird, but hey, whatever it takes. Thanks to the advice, though, I've been able to let myself go with the flow and not get hung up on the fact that isn't the way I wrote my last book.

Patti, thanks so much for stopping by to chat. I know we are all looking forward to your next book! Please come back again soon!

Visit Patti at her website http://www.pattioshea.com to learn more about her and her upcoming books.

Interview with Jodi Thomas

2009-02-23T19:06:00.000-05:00

Please welcome the awesome Jodi Thomas!!!

Jodi, welcome to Deb’s! I have to admit I have a huge, long time fan of your work and I am thrilled that you could take time out of your busy schedule to chat with us.

**Deb, I am glad to be able to touch base with you. Thanks for reading. Most nights when I’m working I stay at the desk an hour longer because I know people are out there waiting. It makes writing so much more fun to know that you’re going on the journey with me. So now to the questions….

Please tell us a bit about yourself. Your family, background, etc.

**I’m married to my best friend, Tom, and we have two sons. We’re both Tech grads so football season around our house is crazy this year. I have a master’s degree in Family Studies and am a certified marriage and Family counselor. I’ve taught school, worked at a Museum and several libraries.

Do you have any hobbies or collections you would like to share with our readers?

**Seven years ago I agreed to be Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University. I have the coolest office in the center of the campus. In the mornings I open my do to anyone who has questions about writing. Some afternoons you’ll find me in my office listening to beginning writers read their work. I don’t know if you could call it a hobby but teaching others about writing is a great joy in my life. I’m working with the university to put together a week long workshop in June. Anyone wanting to write can come for a week of work, lectures and fun. Plans will be up on my web site by January.

For our readers unfamiliar with your writing, please tell us what kind of books you write and what is the setting for your books.

**I write books set in Texas. With five generations of Texas blood in my veins, I know the land and the history. I’ve written over 20 historical novels and five set in modern day. I write stories about people. They come alive for me and I hope they will for my readers.

How long have you been writing and how many books do you have published now?
**I sold my first book in 1988. There is a list of my books on my web site www.jodithomas.com

Are you a full time writer now or do you still teach? Did you find it hard to find enough writing time when you are working full time?

**I still teach a few classes and find I rarely write during the day. Still, after 20 years, my writing time is between about 9 and midnight every night.

What was your first book and when did it come out? What genre of book was it?

**Beneath the Texas Sky, 1888. It was a Historical Romance.

What was your reaction when you saw your book on the store shelf? I know I would have been ecstatic! Do you still get a thrill from seeing each new book on the store shelves?

**I loved it. I’d go down to bookstores at night just to look at it. I’d type my name in at the library and yell when I saw it come up.
Now with almost thirty books out, I still get excited when I first see the cover. On my third book, THE TENDER TEXAN, my name was on top. I called my editor and cried saying it made me feel like a real writer. She said, “Jodi, you are a real writer.” That was the first day I believed it.

Tell us about your road to publication. How long did it take you to be published and if you were doing it all again, what would you do different?

**I wrote for about four years before I sold my first book. Sometimes I think I started years before that thinking about stories. I don’t think I’d change a thing, it’s been a great journey.

I know you write mainly western historicals but you have also written some wonderful romantic suspense and mainstream fiction. Are there any other types or genres of books you have written or would like to write in the future? If you could write any other genre you wanted, what would it be and why?

**I love reading other genre, but for me I think I’m writing what I want to be writing. I would like to write a book on writing one day. I’ve also wanted to write a cookbook.

I was fortunate to be at the 2006 Rita Awards when you won another RITA for THE TEXAN’S REWARD and were inducted into the Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Your books have won so many well deserved awards. Did you ever expect that your writing would have this kind of impact in the world of romance readers and writer’s?

** In truth, no. I still feel like I have to work very hard just to get the story down and it’s never a good or as polished as I wish it were. From the beginning I wanted to tell a story of two people in love. It’s not about sex scene, or great bodies, it’s about the passion of loving someone so much you’d give your life for them if it came down to it. That kind of passion lasts a lifetime, not a night.

Your newest release, TALL, DARK & TEXAN, the third book in your Whispering Mountain series is getting rave reviews. I know I absolutely loved it! Please tell us a bit about this book and the others in this series.

**I love the men of Whispering Mountain. They had to grow up fast as boys when their father was killed and the battles they fought left them strong and scared. There is a legend that if a man sleeps on the top of Whispering Mountain he’ll dream his future and at some point in the book each man must face that. For the third book, Teagen’s story, I wanted to write a very tender love story because he’d a man who has been hardened by bad times and loneliness.

How many more will be in this series and can you give us a sneak peek into the next book? Do you have a release date for it yet? I know I’m really looking forward to more of your wonderful books!

**There will be two more. I’m working on Sage and Drum now and loving it. This couple is wild and passionate. The next one will be Duck and the ladies and it will be the three little girls, all grown up, from TALL, DARK,AND TEXAN and the little boy from the first book. His uncles tell Duck to find them all husbands.

What do you have in the works now and do you have any idea when it will be released? Is it connected to any of your previous books or will this be the beginning of another series we can look forward to?

**I have a new book to follow in the line of TWISTED CREEK called REWRITING MONDAY that will be out in April 09. It’s about a small town newspaper that is so bad they have to rewrite every Monday and a big city reporter who gets stuck in the town. Love and adventure follow.

**Sage and Drum’s story will be out in Nov. 2009 It’s going to be a fun story.

I know most of your books have been connected in some way. Whether it be a family, brides, etc. Do you enjoy writing the connecting books more than stand alone titles? I know I love re-visiting characters as the series progresses.

**My characters become like family and I like seeing what happens to them as they grow older through the series.

Tell us about the research you do for your books. Do you do a lot of traveling or online research and approximately how long does it take for you to research each book?

**I always try to ‘walk the land’. In FINDING MARY BLAINE I walked among the homeless in Austin for several days. In TWISTED CREEK I rented a lake house and began the book by the water. For books set in the past I like to drive through on country roads where I imagine the lay of the land looks about the same as it did 150 years ago.

What do you use to keep the pertinent information on your characters, backgrounds etc to keep from mixing them up? Do you use note cards, a spread sheet or do you just have a fabulous memory? I’m always fascinated by the different ways the authors keep track of their characters.

**I have a six foot story board next to my desk where I list all facts in the series and I still have to go back again and again and check.

What kind of writer are you? An organized outliner who plots things out thoroughly or are you more relaxed in your writing style? Do your characters ever take off in a direction you haven’t planned for them and do you let them get away with it. What ever you are doing it obviously works well!

**I sometimes spend months writing the first few chapters trying to catch my character and what I want him or her to be. Then I have a one page outline of where they might go. Sometimes new directions and problems come up. I love that when it happens. On those nights I write longer because I can’t wait to see what is going to happen.

Do you find time to read with your busy writing schedule? If so, please share some of your favorite authors or books with us.

**Of late I read very little. Once I finish a book I’ll take a month and read two or three books a day. I love books and my list of favorite authors is over a 100 long. For me the magic time is on those rare days when an author takes me away and I feel like I’m living in the story. You know those books you carry around with you everywhere just in case you have a minute to read one more page. I’ve even read at stop lights. One of the greatest compliments a reader can pay me is to say, ‘you kept me up all night.’

Do you think your writing style has been influenced by anyone? A family member or another author? If so, how?

**No. it’s the voice I hear when I tell myself a story.

Give us an example of a normal day in your life. Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule with a certain word or page count per day or does real life get in the way at times?

I leave the house about 9 and drive 30 minutes to work---always listening to a book on tape.
I’m in my office from about 9:30-noon answering e-mail and talking with people who drop in
I eat lunch with writers and friends almost everyday. Canyon only has a handful of restaurants.
From about 1-4 I close my door and try to write but most days something else takes my time.
Around 4 or 5 I drive home. My husband and I eat dinner and watch the news or go out with friends or family.
About 9 I climb the stairs to my study and work until midnight most nights.
All I need is two more hours in the day, then I could buy groceries, go to the gym, work in the garden, read more, watch a movie and talk on the phone. All of which I tell myself I’ll make time for next week.

Jodi, it has been fascinating getting a peek into the life of such a wonderful writer. Thank you so much for coming to visit with us! I know we all look forward to many, many more of your fantastic books!

**Thanks for having me in for a chat. I enjoyed it. Wishing you all great hours of reading and happy trails through life. Love much, Jodi Thomas

2009-02-23T19:00:00.000-05:00

My Man Michael has been causing an uproar in the world of romance lovers. Fourth in her SBC Fighter series, My Man Michael definitely takes on a different twist. It doesn't take long to realize this isn't your typical Lori Foster book. Is it enjoyable? Yes! Would I recommend it? In a heartbeat! Is it for everybody? No, but then no book is. All that being said, I give you my review of My Man Michael.

Lori Foster continues her SBC fighter series with My Man Michael, and as usual she has a winner! Although a tad different from her other SBC books, My Man Michael will take you on a ride that you won’t want to forget.

Michael “Mallet” Manchester, upcoming extreme fighter in the SBC has a shot at the championship, the one thing he has spent years working and training for. But a sudden and tragic car accident takes that away. Injured, in pain and depressed, Michael “Mallet” Manchester doesn’t have a clue what he is going to do with his life. Fighting was his life and it will take him a lot of time and effort to even be able to walk so fighting was out of the question. So what is a man to do? What can possibly bring Michael back to the life he loves?

Suddenly out of nowhere, Kayli Raine appears, tougher than most women and Michael is instantly captivated. Thinking his pain medicine is causing hallucinations, Michael doesn’t believe her when she offers him a chance to be whole again. But to even think about having that chance gives Michael the motivation to accept her challenge. What comes next is something he never dreamed of and a story that you don’t want to miss!

Lori Foster continues to enthrall her readers with her fabulous characters and setting so real it’s hard not to feel as if you are in the story yourself. Her outstanding books make her a continuing favorite! Way to go Lori!

The Bikini Diaries by Lacey Alexander

2009-02-23T18:43:00.000-05:00

I don't normally read erotic romance but I couldn't resist picking this book up and I was very impressed with it! Hope you enjoy the review I wrote on it.

The Bikini Diaries can be described in one word times three. HOT, HOT, HOT!
Lacey Alexander has once again given us a sexy book with an insightful look into a woman’s world.

Wendy Carnes considers her self a good business woman and has never really expected to have more. On a business trip to Emerald Shores she sees a bikini babe that gathers all the male attention. Wendy begins to wonder what it wonder what it would be like to “be” the bikini babe. Could an average woman make the transition and give herself a fantasy of a life time? Could she really have a one night stand without feeling guilty?

With the help of some sexy clothes and a can do attitude Wendy sets out on her journey to meet her fantasy man and does she ever! Brandon Worth is an extremely sexy man and leads Wendy further into sexual fantasies than she could ever dream. Their journey and growth together will keep you riveted to the page.

If you love a book that sizzles with passion, The Bikini Diaries is a sure winner!

A Taste of Magic-REVIEW

2009-02-23T18:36:00.000-05:00

Wanted to share a review I did of a fast fun read of debut author Tracy Madison.

What would you do if your wishes came true? This is the story of Elizabeth Stevens who is having a birthday that she won’t ever forget.

Do you ever have one of “those” days? The ones where you wish you could change it? Elizabeth Stevens is having a rotten birthday. Not only is it the one year anniversary when her rat of a husband left her, now she has gotten suckered into making the man’s wedding cake for his upcoming marriage!

But not all the day is bad…Grandma Verda passes on a “special” gift to Elizabeth that changes her life and those around her. With the ability to add a “wish” into her delicious baked goods, Elizabeth suddenly finds that sometimes you really do need to be careful what you wish for.

A Taste of Magic is a fast, fun read and will definitely be going on my recommended read shelf!

Interview with Leondard D Hilley II

2008-06-29T16:21:00.000-04:00

Leonard, welcome to Deb's. Thank you for coming by to chat with us.

Please tell us a bit about yourself. Your family, background, etc.

I was raised in rural Alabama in the 70s-80s. This was before cable television and video games, and we only had three stations that came in, if the wind was blowing the right direction. I'm really glad that technology wasn't too advanced when I was a child. Otherwise, I don't think my imagination would be what it is today.

My sister and I spent hours using our imaginations and exploring the woods and fields behind our house. Since we grew up with parents that believed "kids should be seen, not heard," we found our creative niche with books and horror comics.

I've always been an avid reader, and from an early age, I knew I wanted to be a novelist. I drew my own comics, and by the fifth grade, I had completed my first novel. At the age of twelve, my parents divorced, and I spent many years in church trying to sort it all out. Nothing against churches, but the one I attended didn't think we should use our imaginations at all, and for years, I abandoned my writing.

I have to admit, if it wasn't for my wife, Christal, I wouldn't have started writing again. We met at college and she introduced me to Dean R. Koontz's books. I was captivated by his writing, and suddenly, I found my desire to write again.

Tell us what kind of books you write. Do you write more than one genre?

The Predators of Darkness series is what most people refer to as cross-genre. There's sci-fi, mystery, suspense, and a bit of romance tied together.

I have two other series I'm working on. One is slanted more toward sci-fi, but the elements of suspense and mystery are there. The other series is a dark fantasy series about a teenage boy who gets lost in an enchanted, or shall I say, cursed, cave and ends up in a dark world full of demons, elves, beasts, and fairies. The first chapters of each book are posted at www. myspace. com/deimosfactor

I just read your book PREDATOR’S OF DARKNESS and I was impressed with it. The story was strong and had wonderful characters that pull you right into the story and keep you there till the end.

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate that.

Was this your first book in print? When did it come out?

Yes, this is the first book I've had published. It came out in April 2007.

I believe the second book in this series, BEYOND THE DARKNESS, will be released this coming spring.

Yes. Though it will be July.

Please tell us about this series. What inspired you to write this genre of book and will there be more than the two books in the series. If so, can you give us any details?

The opening sentence of Predators of Darkness came to me in 1996. "Dropping a cat from the top of a ten story office building was not the best way to remain hidden, but it was necessary."

The sentence just popped in my head right before I was going to sleep, so I wrote it down. The idea intrigued me, so I played with it for a few days. I had no characters, no plot. Just this sentence. I had twenty pages by the second day with promising characters, but I couldn't add more to it, so I set it aside for two years. When I picked it back up, I noticed that I didn't have one chapter, but a twenty page outline that needed fleshed out. I worked on it for a couple weeks and had one hundred pages. Again, I couldn't add anything to it.

In 1998, I took an advanced creative writing course at Morehead State University. As one of my projects, I turned in 32 pages of Predators of Darkness (the first chapter). The professor let everyone comment about the chapter, and then he went to the chalk board. He said, "Leonard, you don't have one chapter here. You have 5 or 6." He drew out a brief storyline outline, and immediately, everything became clearer. From then on, the characters wrote the novel. They became real, and the action and intensity of the novel developed.

The characters still had more to say after Predators of Darkness, and so Beyond the Darkness emerged. There will be a third book in the series, The Game of Pawns. I'm not certain if a fourth book will follow. This will depend largely on the characters and what happens in The Game of Pawns.

Do you have any other works in progress? If so, please share with us.

I'm currently revising my dark fantasy novel, Devils Den, and I'm working on The Game of Pawns as well.

Do you have plans to expand into other genres of writing? If you could write anything you wanted, what would it be?

I'm really happy writing what I write. The characters are what keep the story going. Some question why I write so darkly, but it's because I've survived dark valleys in my own life and know what it is to struggle. At the end, I hope that people can see there is hope, no matter how bad the current situations are.

Have you been influenced by any particular author in your writing career?

The first author that captivated me was Roger Zelazny and his Chronicles of Amber series. Characterization and conflict was important to him and his works show it. I am a huge fan of Dean Koontz and perhaps his writing is the strongest influence on me and how I write.

Please share some of your favorite authors or books with us. Why are they special to you?

The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny. I love how he incorporates family disputes into his realm of fantasy with their ability to travel through shadows to another world.

I've read a vast majority of Koontz's books. Cold Fire and Mr. Murder are perhaps my favorites. I love the way he weaves together multiple storylines and characters until they have no choice but to interact and resolve the story.

What is the best piece of writing advice you have ever been given? What one bit of advice would you give to a new writer?

"Keep on keeping on," is what one writer friend told me. If you want to write, you have to write and keep writing. A book or story cannot write itself. You must put pen to paper or type it into your word processor. No one else can write what you can.

Leonard, thank you for coming by to chat with us. We wish you continued success!

Thank you very much.

Review-Predator's of Darkness

2008-06-29T16:12:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I was the lucky recipient of a copy of PREDATORS OF DARKNESS by Leonard D. Hilley II. I started it almost immediately but due to life getting in the way, I didn't get back to it as soon as I would have liked. This weekend I started it again and I just finished it and I am so VERY glad I read it.

PREDATORS OF DARKNESS is a dark book, full of suspense and on the edge of a horror story. Horror stories are not my normal read and I was hesitant to start it but once I did, I was hooked!

The strong characters grab you and don't let you go through the entire book. The setting is >Pittsburg, after a nuclear missile attack. Mr. Hilley's descriptions make you feel like you are there in the midst of the destruction and horror. Mutant animal creatures are stalking the survivors and staying alive is the name of the game as they try to survive in this horrible situation.

But where did these creatures come from and how did they develop so fast? Is there more to the story than just a nuclear attack and it's horrible aftermath? Is the government carrying out secret experiments or it is the result of other secret organizations?

You will definitely want to read PREDATORS OF DARKNESS to find the answers. I am looking forward to Mr. Hilley's next book in the series!

Jennifer Ashley Interview

2008-05-26T19:13:00.000-04:00

Interview with Jennifer Ashley

Jennifer, welcome to Deb’s. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us.

Please tell us a bit about yourself. Your background, family, etc.

Oh my, let’s see. I grew up moving all over the place because my father was a chaplain in the military. I lived in mostly in the southwest (Texas, Nevada, Arizona) but went to high school in Japan. Growing up everywhere gave me an interesting perspective of the world, and made me kind of a misfit at the same time. I married another misfit, the son of an Army officer. He joined the Army right before we married, and I went to Germany with him. Now the two of us have settled down in the southwest looking after a succession of cats. We are both book lovers (which is how we met), and we got married so we could purge the duplicates out of our massive book collections.

For our readers unfamiliar with your work, please tell us what kind of books you write.

The question is what kind of books don’t I write? *g* I started out not really knowing what I wanted to write (because I like many genres), so I tried a bit of everything. I was shopping a dark historical mystery and a light romantic adventure at the same time—and they both sold. I was very surprised!

Now I write romances as Jennifer Ashley (historical and paranormal), romances as Allyson James (erotic and paranormal), and mysteries as Ashley Gardner. I throw in a mainstream historical novel now and again. I have a couple of fantasy short stories published, and I’d like to explore more in the fantasy genre.

Many authors use a pen name for their books and often a variation of that pen name for other genres of books. I’m sure a lot of it has to do with privacy and security. Do you use a pen name and if so why? How many books do you have out under each name?

Privacy and security never occurred to me at first! Jennifer Ashley is my real name (it’s on my driver’s license, which, no, I’m not showing anyone). I sold my first book (the light romantic adventure) as Jennifer Ashley, and I intended to write everything as Jennifer Ashley.

Well, we can’t always get what we want. I sold a mystery series to Berkley right after I’d sold the romance, and the publishers didn’t want my name cross-competing. So I had to take a pseudonym (Ashley Gardner), which was probably good, because the mysteries were dark, gritty historical noir, while the romances were light-hearted high-seas adventures. Very different!

A few years later, I decided to try erotic romance, because I’d always enjoyed writing hot, and I wanted to see what I could do. I took another name—Allyson James—and submitted a book to Ellora’s Cave. I took the pseudonym for two reasons: 1. to avoid any contract problems, and 2. I feared I’d fail. If Allyson James tanked, she wouldn’t mess with the readership I’d already built as Jennifer Ashley.

To my surprise, Allyson James did pretty darn good! My first book sold well above the average sales for EC, and got fantastic reviews including a Gold Star award from Just Erotic Romance Reviews. So Allyson James stayed. Now she’s writing hot paranormals for Berkley as well as more erotic romance for both Berkley and Ellora’s Cave.

How did you get started in your writing career? Are you a full time writer or do you work an outside job too? Was becoming an author something you have always wanted to do or did it evolve over time?

I wanted to be a writer since I was eight years old and realized that novels were make-believe written down. I wanted to do that! I wrote stories to entertain myself (I was no child prodigy—they were putrid). I wish I would have pursued a writing career earlier, but I had it in my head that I had to get a “real” job and let writing just be a dream or a hobby.

One day I realized that if I didn’t try to be a writer the dream would never come true. I worked full time until 2001, when I at last walked away from a well-paying day job and announced that I would stay at home and write full time (by then I’d won a few contests and published a few short stories, though nothing that paid more than a handful of dollars.) My husband, bless his heart, said “it’s about time!” and worked with me to make sure we could eat and pay our rent while I did this. We ate a lot of Raman noodles and mac and cheese for a while.

I had the feeling that once I focused on writing alone, I’d get somewhere, and I was right. Once I made writing my job, it became my job. I wrote every day, researched the market every day, worked on finding an agent and a publisher every day. It was hard, hard, hard, but eventually the work paid off. Nine months after I quit my full-time job, I found an agent and made my first sale.

Selling a first novel doesn’t necessarily mean you make a million dollars and get to move to Hawaii. It was still lean the first couple of years, but I stayed home and worked on my career every day, and heck, I still do that. It’s a good thing I like to write, because I sure do a lot of it!

What was your first published work and when did it come out?

My first romance novel was Perils of the Heart, which was published by Dorchester in November 2002, under the name Jennifer Ashley. It’s still in print! My first mystery novel was The Hanover Square Affair, by Ashley Gardner (no longer in print), which I sold at about the same time.

How long did it take you to be published and if you could do it over again, would you change anything in your journey to publication?

I started seriously trying for publication in 1999, after I took a seminar at my local Y by the author of The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit. I’d dabbled with writing and submitting previously, but her talk motivated me to get off my butt and really work at it. As I said, I quit my job in 2001 and finally published in 2002. So about three years from concept to publication.

What would I do differently? Have a plan!! I didn’t know what I wanted to write. Romance? Mystery? Fantasy? Why not all three? The world of publishing, however, isn’t set up to accommodate jacks of all trades, unless you’re brilliant. Publishers like you to be focused, because authors sell better when they write one subgenre, and even one series in that subgenre. I am anything but focused! I get a story in my head, I want to tell it, and I don’t care what slot it fits into.

But… if I find myself in the position of starting all over again, I’ll go in with a more definite plan of what I want to write, who I want to publish it, and how I want to build my career. I’m not unhappy with the way my career has turned out, but I realize now a lot of it had to do with sheer luck.

Has anything been different than what you expected as a published author? The promo, signings, deadlines, etc?

I was an editor at a medium-sized nonfiction publishing house for about five years, so I was aware of the revision/editing process and what to expect from my editor and so forth. A few things are different in fiction, but the basics are the same. I even didn’t mind the deadlines because it’s hard for me to finish something without the whip of a deadline.

However, the marketing side took me by surprise. I thought all I had to do was write my books and turn them in. I soon realized I had to market the books and go to conferences and “network” which means—gasp—talking to people! I’m painfully shy, and walking up to a person and saying “I have a book out, do you want a bookmark?” is like the ninth level of hell for me. I’ve gotten more comfortable with it as I’ve gained confidence in my work and also because I’ve made many friends at the conferences. It’s not as painful now. But I still wish I could just write my books and turn them in! I’ve battled shyness all my life, and I’m still battling it.

I just finished your wonderful book Highlander Ever After, an April 2008 release. Please tell us about this book. Is it connected to any of your other books and if so, please tell us which ones. Will there be more in this series? I sure hope so!

Thank you! This is the third book in the loosely connected “Nvengaria” series, which started with Penelope & Prince Charming. The series is historical romance with paranormal elements, based on characters from the made-up land of Nvengaria. The Nvengarians are dark-haired and blue-eyed, very passionate people—they are intense lovers and violent fighters.

The hero of Highlander Ever After is Egan McDonald, who is the Scottish friend of the Nvengarian heroes of books 1 and 2 (Prince Damien and Grand Duke Alexander). Egan spent some time in Nvengaria, where he was rescued by a 12-year-old girl named Zarabeth. That young lady is now twenty-three and needs to be kept safe from assassins from her volatile country. She travels to Egan’s very remote Scottish castle and is swept up by his rough-and-tumble family and Egan’s own life. It’s one of the sweeter love stories I’ve written (although it’s pretty sexy, don’t worry!).

I don’t know right now if the series will continue. I’m starting a new historical series (without paranormal elements or pirates), and I’m going to see how that goes. But I never say never. I have a couple more stories I can tell in the Nvengaria world.

You have an upcoming release, September 2008, Immortals: the Redeeming. I believe this is the fifth in the Immortals series. Please tell us a bit about this book and series.

Immortals: The Redeeming is the story of Tain, the tortured Immortal who caused everyone so much trouble in books 1 though 4. I have to say Tain is my favorite Immortal, and I love his chemistry with the heroine, Samantha.

Samantha is half-demon and a detective in the paranormal division of the LAPD. She’s minding her own business a year after the close of the big battle of book 4, when Tain pops up to interrupt a sting operation she’s worked a long time to set up. Tain has come to Samantha for help, and she’s floored by her feelings for him. He’s still trying to get over being tortured for 700 years, and he’s not sure his insanity is completely gone.

The whole series (Immortals), is a continuity series written by three different authors about Immortal warriors created by goddesses at the dawn of civilization. They were created to fight against the growing “death magic” creatures, strong beings called Old Ones, who were vampire and demon. Throughout time, the Immortals are “Called” by a spell to assist when things are dire. However, as the centuries rolled by, the Immortals were forgotten, and so was the spell to summon them.

The series begins in present day Seattle, when a witch who is looking for her sister’s killer encounters an Immortal warrior who is searching for his brother, Tain. Thus begins the desperate quest of the four Immortal brothers to find each other, find Tain, and stop the demon who’s trying to drain life magic from the world. That’s books 1-4.

Books 5-8 don’t have a continuous arc, but are about characters readers met in the previous books. I think this next set of books is even better, because we weren’t restricted by the story arc—we just went for it!

One of things I find unusual about this series is the fact that it is written by several different authors, yet it blends wonderfully! Tell us about this series and how did it come about. How many books have you written in this series and will there be more?

This series came about in an email conversation between myself and my editor. Dorchester had done a previous continuity series that I’d wanted to write for, but my schedule didn’t allow it. I asked my editor if they planned to do another series, and if so, could I participate? My editor replied that they had no more series planned, but if I had an idea, I could pitch it.

I wrote back a one-paragraph email with an idea I’d been kicking around about a series based on Immortal warriors who came to help out when people needed them and a little bit about the overall plot. I sent it and figured it would be filed and forgotten.

To my surprise, my editor called me the next day saying it had generated a lot of interest and could I write a more in-depth proposal? After I closed my gaping mouth, I sat down and pounded out my ideas for the characters, the series arc, and plots for four books. (I can work fast when I’m motivated!)

Dorchester accepted the idea and then chose the other two authors (I sent them a “wish list” and then they contacted who they thought would be best). It was very exciting.

Joy, Robin, and I got together via email and took my original idea and brainstormed, brainstormed, brainstormed. They had terrific ideas and fleshed the series out far better than I ever could have on my own.

The first four books came out in 2007. Books 5-7 (The Redeeming, by Jennifer Ashley; The Crossing by Joy Nash; and The Haunting by Robin T. Popp) will be out September, October, and November 2008. Book 8 will be an anthology called The Reckoning and it will be out in March 2009.

You have written historicals, paranormals, mysteries and more! Do you have a favorite genre or setting for your books?

You probably have the idea by now that I like everything! I love paranormals because the possibilities are endless (I grew up reading fantasy, and I’ve have a couple of short fantasy pieces publishing in anthologies). I plan to do many more paranormals.

I adore mysteries—in fact, it’s my favorite genre to read for pleasure. I bet I own the DVD sets of every British mystery series out there (Midsomer Murders is a particular favorite). I plan to continue writing mysteries at some point.

And then there’s historical romance. Sigh… I love writing about the past and seeing it through the eyes of an ordinary person. I enjoy the Regency, and I’m currently writing in the Victorian period. But the other day, I got a hankering for the eighteenth century. And then I have a medieval series swimming around in my head . . .

Is there any other genre of book you would like to write and if so, what would it be?

I’d love to do some romantic suspense someday. I love mysteries and I love romance—RS puts them together. Urban fantasy is another thing I want to write. It combines mystery, suspense, and paranormal, and you can throw a little romance in too. What’s not to love?

What are you working on now and can you give us a sneak peek? Do you have a publication date yet?

What I’m working on now….are you ready?

August 2008: I’ll be in an anthology (as Allyson James) called Private Places with the great, wonderful Robin Schone. That’s published by Berkley, out in August. I’ve posted an excerpt at http://www.allysonjames.com/

Immortals: The Redeeming is out in September 2008 by Jennifer Ashley (Immortals series book 5). An excerpt is at http://www.jennifersromances.com/

I just turned in The Dragon Master, the third in my Dragon series as Allyson James. That will be out in November, 2008. You can see the gorgeous cover at http://www.allysonjames.com/. I don’t have an excerpt yet, because the book is currently being edited, but I’ll post one on my site as soon as it’s ready.

Allyson James has an erotic romance coming out from Ellora’s Cave on July 2, Catch a Falling Star, a blend of futuristic and fantasy. The world-building was fun on that one.

And then: Allyson James again has an erotic paranormal series with Berkley starting in March 2009. Mortal Temptations features a black-winged demigod under a curse, his best friend (a were-snow leopard), and an antiques dealer who is baffled to find a half-naked winged man on the floor of her antiques store. She decides to help him and his friend break the curse. This is a hot, hot, hot read.

As Jennifer Ashley, I’m working on a new historical series (not paranormal), set in Scotland and England. Readers will meet the decadent, scandalous, über-wealthy family of four brothers who each desperately need the love of a good lady. Ian, Cam, Mac, and Hart will make their debuts starting in April 2009.

Also in 2009 will come another new paranormal series from Jennifer Ashley, which is in the preliminary stages so I don’t have much info yet.

I update my websites at least once a month with any new info, covers, blurbs, excerpts, and the like, and I try to update my blogs a couple times a month so readers will know what’s coming when.

What is your favorite part of being a writer? What’s the worst part?

Favorite part: Setting my own hours!! I work when I want to work. I sleep when I’m tired. I don’t have to dress up and go to a cubicle and do what someone else thinks is priority. Also I love being friends with other writers. I am still a voracious reader, and I love being able to scream “I love your book!” and hug an author without them calling security (well, most of the time).

Worst part: There is sometimes so much work to do that I go nonstop. Sometimes I have to forgo friends and family and my personal life and just hope everyone understands. I hate that. I try to make it up to them later, but sometimes you can’t.

How do you keep track of all your pertinent character and setting information? Since you write in so many genres, I would think it would be terribly confusing to try and keep up with all the small details. Do you use a spreadsheet or notebook to keep the details straight?

Spreadsheet? Notebook? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. That would be organized! I do make some notes when I’m brainstorming, but that’s about it. I must be good at compartmentalizing because it’s not confusing to me at all to write many series and many books. When I open the computer file and start reading and working on that story, I’m focused on that story and no others. I write like I read—I just get into it and shut out the rest of the world. When I write the next book in a series, I go back and re-read the others, not only to remember the details, but to remember the feel of the characters and that world.

What kind of writer are you? Do you plot and outline or do you have more of a relaxed style of writing?

I don’t plot or outline before I start writing. I brainstorm and make notes, but my notes are a jumble that no one but me can understand. I rarely write a synopsis before I start. What I find works best is to simply sit down with all the mess that’s in my head and let the story develop as it will. As I write the first draft I continue to brainstorm and make notes about what will happen next. Sometimes I follow the notes, but if I have a better idea in the meantime, I’ll ignore the notes. I try to let the story progress naturally, one thing leading to the next. Once I have my first draft (which is very, very rough), I go back and intensively revise. I usually do three drafts altogether—1. the rough, rough draft, 2. the second draft where I combine scenes, rewrite scenes, write out characters who don’t work, etc., and 3. the third draft to revise for prose style and to intensify what’s already there. After that I do one proofread and send it off to my editor.

It's a good question. Every writer has a different approach, and it’s fascinating to see how we call get from word one to polished novel.

Tell us what you do for fun. Do you have a hobby or collection you would like to share with our readers?

For fun, I build dollhouse miniatures. I started when I was ten with cardboard boxes and progressed from there. I’ve progressed to “real” houses and room boxes and collecting the work of other artisans (although I still find cardboard useful :-)). I post my scenes and houses as I finish them at http://www.jennifersromances.com/Miniatures/miniatures.html I just finished a quarter-inch scale Dutch house, which I think looks very cool.

Why do I do this hobby? Who knows? It’s a creative exercise that releases tension from my brain.

I also play guitar and write songs, though I haven’t done as much of that lately as I’d like to.. I did participate in a CD called Stardust County, the details of which are on my website (http://www.jennifersromances.com/) on the right-hand menu.

Do you find time to read with your busy writing schedule? Please share some of your favorite authors or books with us.

I still love to read—my all time favorite entertainment. I try to read at least one book a week, though I wish I could read more.

I love urban fantasy: Patricia Briggs and Charlaine Harris are two of my favorites (although you can you say the Sookie series is “urban?”). In romance I adore Nina Bangs. Her humor is terrific, and I wish I could think up the things she does! In romantic suspense, the books of up-and-coming RS author Colleen Thompson are wonderful. I hope more and more people discover her, because she is a very talented writer with just the right balance of mystery and romance. I also love fantasy/sf, with two of my favorites being Lois McMaster Bujold and Terry Pratchett.

What was the best piece of advice you have received pertaining to your writing career?

The best piece of advice came from a book whose title I can’t remember (I feel so guilty about that). But what the author said stuck with me—he said that it really isn’t “who you know” that gets you published, it’s your writing. Who you know, he says, can “grease the wheels”—an author friend’s agent might read your novel without it sitting in the slush pile for six months. BUT, that agent can still reject you. She might read you faster, but she’s still looking for a fantastic book that will sell in gobs. Publishers publish books to make money, and if they don’t think your book will make them money, they don’t care whose friend you are.

This statement comforted me, because current wisdom had it that you can’t get published if you’re nobody (and I am nobody). Well, this book said I could get published even if I didn’t know anyone in the business (and I didn’t), I just had to work hard to make my book good! I like having that control in my hands, and it made me work doubly hard. And I’ve learned through experience that he was right. It really is the writing, the ideas, and the characters, etc. that sells the book.

If you could give one bit of advice to a new writer, what would it be?

Keep trying. Persistence pays off. I have watched talented authors, both published and unpublished fall by the wayside because they got tired of trying. It’s hard to be an author, probably one of the hardest jobs out there, but if you keep writing and writing and writing and submitting, submitting, submitting—one day you will get through. It takes some people six months. It takes some people sixteen years. Don’t think you have to follow someone else’s road to success. We each have our own path, and what works for others might not work for you. And again—keep trying!

Jennifer thanks so much for joining us. We wish you continued success and hope that you come back to visit us often!

Thanks so much!!

Be sure and check out all of Jennifer Ashley's books! They are definitely winners!

Interview with Dakota Cassidy

2008-02-23T20:01:00.000-05:00

Interview with the Fun Dakota Cassidy!

Dakota, welcome to Deb’s! I’m so glad you could join us!

Hello, hello, and thank you for inviting me!

First of all, tell us a bit about yourself. Your background, family, etc.

Well, I’m almost forty-two (EEK. LOL), I was a housewife for 19 years, then found myself getting a big ole divorce. I have no formal education—so it was a hairy time in my world. But I had some really terrific friends and family who helped me through it. It was when I got really serious about my writing because I couldn’t seem to find a job—not even in places like Wal-Mart or the 7-eleven. It’s true, swear… Writing was sort of the only thing that gave me hope. At that point I’d only been writing e-books for a little over a year.

After my divorce I moved to Texas because the cost of living here as compared to the NY/NJ area is so much cheaper. I brought my two boys (now teenagers), my mom, my dad, my crazy uncle Harry and my pets. We bought a big house (because well, the divorce turned out A-okay for me), and I got serious about making a living writing. By that time I, through the fabulous Kate Douglas, had an agent, and I was focused on getting on my feet.

For our readers unfamiliar with your work, please tell us what kind of books you write.

I began writing e-books, a contemp here and there, but mostly I stuck to erotic paranormal comedies.

Hw did you get started in your writing career? Are you a full time writer now? And if not, how do you manage to fit everything into your writing schedule?

My writing began on a whim. I was reviewing books for an online site, and I’d gotten my hands on some e-books. They were like crack! I couldn’t get enough of them, and one day, I was just playing around, sat down and with the encouragement of my friend Sahara Kelly, I wrote one. Can’t say why, can’t say if I even intended to try and sell it—I just wrote it. I sent it to her, she said it was a riot, she said I should send it to an e-publisher—I did, and bam—they hopped on the crazy train and bought it. That was back in late 2003.

I am a full time writer now—and I still don’t manage to fit everything into my schedule. LOL

Your first mainstream release, The Accidental Werewolf, a Berkley Publishing, (February 2008) release is a marvelously funny irreverent look at life and I enjoyed it tremendously!

Please tell us about The Accidental Werewolf and is it related to any of your previous books?

Oh, thanks, Deb! I appreciate it. I was sick with nerves over its release, but things have been going far better than I could have hoped. First, no, The Accidental Werewolf isn’t related to any of my e-book werewolves. Though those werewolves are just as crazy J

The Accidental Werewolf focuses on Marty Andrews, a multilevel cosmetics saleswoman for a company called Bobbie-Sue (think Mary Kay). She’s kind of self-centered—kind of what might appear to be shallow because she’s so into aesthetics. She has two new recruits, Nina Blackman, and Wanda Schwartz, who’re kinda crappy at selling much. She’s out one night, walking her teacup poodle Muffin with them when Muffin spies a large dog and attacks, because as we all know, small dogs can be very territorial.

Marty attempts to yank her precious poodle off the poor beast and in the melee, she’s accidentally bitten. And then all hell breaks loose J The dog that bit her shows up in human form, claiming he’s the dog that bit her (yeah, nuts, huh?), she’s kidnapped, and she realizes how little value and effort she’s put into life, versus her drive to be a Bobbie-Sue dynamo.

Will there be more in this series? I sure hope so!

Yep! Next up is Accidentally Dead—that’s Nina’s story and will be available July 1, 2008. Then comes Wanda in The Accidental Human, sometime in 2009.

From what I’ve learned in my research, this is definitely not your first published work. I know you have many E-books published and even anthologies with popular authors Angela Knight and Tina Gerow.

Oh, yeah, I’m prolific and, gurrrrlll, I’ve been around. LOL. I never truly intended to do the NY thing—that just sort of happened through a series of what I often call “happy accidents”, but I did love writing e-books, and I was managing to get on my feet with the profit from them after my divorce—so I kept writing them. Sincerely, it was the best training ground I could have ever stumbled upon when I was working out my kinks. I’ve met awesome people like Angela (who nabbed my second agent for me—I know craaazy, right?), and Margaret Riley of Changeling Press who let me write, write, write as much as I wanted. I learned a great deal in the three years I wrote e-books, found some awesome friends, and in general became empowered in making this my career.

Please tell us about your books and your fun view on life and love. Do you enjoy writing a continuous series of books? Are any of your books stand alone books and if so, which do you prefer to write?

Well, there isn’t a single book of mine that doesn’t have humor in it. I can’t say why that is either. I don’t sit down and think “I have to be funny.” It just happens. In fact, typically what cracks me up at four in the morning in my office, ain’t what everyone ends up talking about in one of my books J I also lurve the ironic. I love wondering “what if”, I love wondering what if and finding the nutty in that.

I love a good series, yes because I feel like it gives you the chance to really get to know not just the H/H, but some secondary characters, too. I love the friendships between women—so typically my series related stuff has to do with friends. Though I’ve done brothers and families, as well.

I do have some stand alones—I’ll have one for Berkley in 2009 called Kiss and Hell. Many of my e-books are definitely related. Mostly the stories at Changeling Press because that’s a series/serial related pub.

And I love both J Some stories have no further purpose than to be told and walked away from—some need further introspection J

How many other books, including E-books, do you have out now? Are they all paranormal in style or do you have a variety of stories out there?

Wow—I dunno. LOL. I have like three anthologies, three stand-alone novellas, several series, some quickie short stories, and I think two full length books. I lost count back around twenty, but I’m sure I’m pushing thirty e-books in various lengths and types/genres J

Most are paranormal, all are humorous, and I have like some intermingled Urban Fantasy (think superheroes), and a few contemporaries.

What are you working on now and do you have a release date?

Right now I’m working on The Accidental Human for Berkley—Wanda’s story and it’s due out in 2009. I’m going to take a stab in the dark and say it’ll probably be around February 2009 again J

What drew you to write in a paranormal vein so to speak? Is this an area you also enjoy reading? Do you find yourself avoiding books in the same genre while you are writing?

Paranomral was becoming a huge seller in the e-world and one day, while I was just messing around, I thought that “what if” thing I do. I wondered, what if a vampire was narcoleptic and he fell asleep on a park bench, the cops picked him up because well, he doesn’t breathe, thought he was dead, and dropped him at the morgue? That’s how the paranormal craze started for me. It was called It’s A Vampire Thing.

And yeah, I love to read a good paranormal. Nina Bangs does a fantastic crazy take on paranormals—and she’s what made me decide to give one a shot in e-books.

I do avoid a lot of stuff in my genre, but mostly it’s because my time is so limited these days for reading. Believe me when I tell you, I miss chillin’ with a good book J

Do you have any favorite books or authors you would like to share with our readers?

NinaBangsNinaBangsNinaBangs! I adore her. I also love Michele Bardsley’s stuff—she’s such a riot and her humor is soooo sophisticated compared to mine. Definitely give Because Your Vampire Said So a try. I also love James Patterson, Stephen King and Dean Koontz.

Do you think your writing style has ever been influenced by earlier authors? If so, how and who would it have been.

I think I’d have to say that’d again be Nina Bangs. When I first picked up one of her books, it was after a slew of very serious takes on the paranormal, and I thought, “Holy Cow! This is soooo what I’d think to myself when I read stuff that was sort of angsty.”

She took fun and fresh and spun it on its head. She was the reason I decided to take a chance with my paranormals.

Not that I don’t love me some angst—I do—I just can’t write it J

What kind of research do you do for your books? Is this something you enjoy doing? Approximately how long do you research each book or is it an ongoing process?

Most of my writing, though paranormal, is in a contemporary setting—so not a whole lot of research is required. Though I do have a vampire who’s five hundred and I had to make sure I got the century he was born in right, what they’d have worn etc. My characters are almost always up-to-date because you sort of have to be if you’re going to live in today’s world as a vampire. They change and adapt with the times.

As for my werewolves, I did study a bit about wolf packs, they’re habits, mating season and such. However, because my werewolves are half human, they probably have more human traits overall in terms of interaction with full humans. Some of the rules for a wolf pack just didn’t work for me when you involve a human in the mix. Humans have the ability to express themselves in ways wolves don’t. So I kinda just make it up J

What style of writer are you? A strict outline and plotter or a more of a seat of the pants writer? Somehow I find it hard to think of you being a strict plotter.

LOLLOL—well, you have me pegged. The one and only book I’ve ever outlined was The Accidental Werewolf and that was because my agent sold it on proposal. I usually have a shell of a story—tiny tidbits of beginning, middle, and end. Then when I’m in total panic mode, and I’ve written myself into the proverbial corner, I call my bud Renee George up, and she takes my hand, yanks me out of the corner and helps me plot J

If you could write any other genre of book, what would it be and why?

Without a doubt it’d be YA. I just recently wrote a proposal for three books in that genre and I loved every second of it. I think I’m still fifteen in my mind… LOL

What do you do for fun after a hard day of writing? Do you have a favorite way to relax? A good book, movies, lots of chocolates?

I love to hangout with my honeybunny, Rob. We watch TV or go to dinner. We go to the movies a lot, so that’s a huge relaxer for me. I also love a nice hot bath, or a swim in my pool. I also play a lot of Wii with my youngest. My oldest is faaaarr too busy to chill with me these days, but when he’s home, he asks me for money. LOL

Do you have any hobbies or collections you would like to share with our readers?

Is collecting bodies too creepy for your readers? LOL. I’m kidding.

There was a time when I loved to make my own hand painted furniture. I had a business when I was still married, and I loved my power tools—sadly, I don’t have the time anymore, but I’d give my eyeteeth to have my band saw back.

I’d definitely say one of my favorite things to do these days is garden, but I live in Texas, and it gets so hot here, it makes it hard for me to garner much enjoyment from it.

What was the best piece of advice you have been given as a new author and how did it affect you and your writing style?

Shut. Up. Seriously. Write your books, and when you’re done, keep your mouth shut and write some more. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s worked for me. I didn’t know a whole lot about how to write a book, the mechanics of it and such. I still don’t think I get character arcs and passive voices. I just did it. I focused on exactly what I wanted to say, executing it with good grammar (well, minus my potty mouth), and making sure my characters developed and grew. I wrote and I kept writing—which is evident in my backlist of e-book backlist, and still there’s so much more to learn. Nothing I write will ever be perfect—but I hope I’ll keep growing.

Also, learn to handle criticism. Not everyone’s gonna love you and you can defend your motives in a book to high Heaven, but some people just won’t get it—and that’s okay. It’s the people who do get it you need to focus on, but pay attention to the negative reviews—sometimes they hold real value and will give you food for thought for the next book. Everyone has an opinion—it’s what makes the world colorful and interestingJ

If you have one piece of advice to give to a new writer, what would it be?

Shut. Up. LOL. Truly—write, write some more, focus on your goals, if someone cuts you a favor—be humbled by it—be grateful. No one owes you anything. Pay it forward whenever you can. I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by some pretty awesome role models who’ve taught me the value of true friendship in this author stuff and have handed me a fork so I could share a piece of their pie. They taught me to always remember, you’re your next book could be your last—write the best one you know how just in case J

And again, learn how to handle criticism. Get yourself some crit partners who won’t lie to you—they read your stuff to begin with because they liked it—if they tell you something isn’t working for them—suck it up and give it thought. Don’t get defensive. Writing isn’t for the faint of heart, nor is it for someone who can’t be honest with themselves. It’s all about your gut and the love of telling a story. Find out what your weakness’ and your strengths are—make the weak stuff stronger, and the strong stuff stronger still J

Above all, shut up and write J

Dakota, thanks so much for joining us here! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you! I wish you continued success! Know I can’t wait for more of your fun books!

Thank you, thank you for interviewing me, Debbie! The buzz for The Accidental Werewolf was great and you were a part of that—know that’s it’s appreciated J

You can learn more about Dakota at her website www.dakotacassidy.com

Interview with Author Katherine Warwick

2008-02-23T10:53:00.000-05:00

Please join me in welcoming author Katherine Warnick to my blog. Katherine writes a wonderful dancing series that shouldn't be missed!

Katherine, please tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m the mother of 6 children, one of whom has autism. I’ve been married for 24 years to a man I strive to emulate. We have a lovely home on a mountainside, and each day I get to write and look up at glorious evergreen peaks that remind me where all my blessings come from.

How did you get started in your writing career?

I’ve written since I was a teenager. I’ve written full time for 5 ½ years now.

When was your first book published and what was it?

The book was NOON and it was published in 2006.

How many do you have out now and who are they published with?

I have four Women’s Romances out: Noon, Wilde, Savage and Dancing With His Heart – all part of the dance/romance series. I also have three YA books out: Falling for Romeo, Magic Hands and An Open Vein.

Please tell us what kind of books you write. Are they all related or are they stand alone books?

I write in three different genres because writing in just one would get stale. Like an actor, I wouldn’t want to do the same ‘type-cast’ role over and over again.

Please tell us about your dancing series. What inspired it and will there be any more in the series?

My oldest daughter had a friend who danced on the high school ballroom dance team. He was a total cutie. I started wondering about the dynamics of a partnership. Did they love to hate each other? How close were they? What was it like dancing intimately and not being a ‘couple’? WERE they a couple? The questions were endless. So I started going to tons of competitions and watching the couples. I enrolled my children in classes, got to know the parents, saw how they were with their kids – just got a feel for the whole ballroom life. NOON was born. NOON follows the partnership of a couple who meets in their teens and compete together into their 20’s. It’s my personal favorite of the dance series.

What are you writing on now and do you have a release date yet?

I’m always writing. Right now, I’m working on another YA story. A paranormal love story.

Do you use music or anything to inspire your work?

Always use music! Every story has a soundtrack. I find listening to it helps me creatively.

Let’s do some fun questions.

What is your favorite book or author?

Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts

What’s your favorite movie?

Too many to narrow it down but The Devil Wears Prada is a laugh every time I watch it.

If you could meet any person you wanted and write about it, who would it be and why?

Anyone whose life has been horrendously difficult. I love stories with unbearable obstacles, great feats of courage and inspiring choices.

Have you ever received advice that changed your view of writing?

Sure. Early on an agent told me a story was about 200 pages overwritten. That gave me the clue I needed to make some changes, be brutal with my editing.

What advice would you give a new writer?

Always write for the love of writing first. Write for yourself, then everything you encounter in this business will be palatable.

Katherine, thanks so much for chatting with us! Come back again soon!

Thank you for having me!

Chris Marie Green/Crystal Green

2008-02-13T20:59:00.000-05:00

Chris Marie Green/Crystal Green

Chris, welcome to Deb’s! We are so glad to be able to chat with you and learn a bit more about you and your wonderful books.

Thank you, Debbie! I really appreciate this. : )

First of all, please tell us a bit about yourself. Your background, family, pets, etc.

I’m not terribly exciting—born in Milwaukee, moved to California when I was very young, moved to Kentucky when I was a teen, moved back to California, then moved to Nevada. Maybe all my moving goes hand-in-hand with my love of traveling. I’m really fortunate to have taken an extended “backpacking” trip through Europe, and I’ve spent a little time in Italy and London. Also, I got to visit Japan, and because of my writing conferences, I’ve experienced many, many areas of the U.S.
I’m very close to my family, but sadly, with all this traveling, I find it tough to have pets.

Let’s talk about your writing a bit.

Please tell what names you write under and the types of books you write under each name.

I write under two names: Chris Marie Green and Crystal Green. The first one is what I use for “mainstream” books like my urban fantasy, which basically consists of the Vampire Babylon books for Ace right now. I created the “Crystal” name for my romances, and I’ve written everything from Silhouette Special Editions (“home and hearth” books) to Harlequin Blazes (“hot” stories) to Silhouette Bombshells (which centered on strong heroines in action/adventure situations).

How many books do you have out now under each name and what was your most recent release under each name.

As of February, 2008, I will have published 22 books under the “Crystal Green” name; my most recent release was HER BEST MAN from Special Edition. (I do have a March Special Edition called MOMMY AND THE MILLIONAIRE though.) I’ll have 2 releases under “Chris Marie Green,” the most recent one being MIDNIGHT REIGN, Vampire Babylon, Book Two.

Tell us about the books you write under the Crystal Green name. How are they different from the Chris Marie Green books and which pen name came first?

The “Crystal” name came first. Under this guise, I do Special Editions, which are warm-hearted romances with a real feel for community, and Blazes, which have hotter love scenes although they feature strong romances at their cores. I also wrote for the Bombshell line, but that no longer exists. If I could’ve written those books under “Chris Marie Green,” I would have since they were more mainstream (but they did have strong romantic elements, so the “Crystal” name actually was appropriate). With Bombshell, I wrote my first vampire book (THE HUNTRESS) and an atmospheric thriller (BAITED). I keep saying I’d love to do another thriller, and I will when time allows! And THE HUNTRESS made me realize that I loved writing paranormals, so it led to my Vampire Babylon series. I use two different names because, except for the Bombshells, my books are pretty different in content.

You have an upcoming release, Midnight Reign, book 2 of the Vampire Babylon series due out in February, 2008 written as Chris Marie Green. Please tell us about this book and this very interesting series. I was fortunate enough to read your first book but I’m not real sure what category to put it in. It was marketed as a fantasy but it is so much more! You have given the vampire realm an entirely new take and it is fascinating!

Thank you so much! : ) When I was coming up with the basics for Vampire Babylon, I realized that there was no way I could cover the story I wanted to tell in one book. Thank goodness my editor, Ginjer Buchanan, signed me for three books at first, because this gave me the chance to spin out the character and mythology arcs over an entire trilogy. Basically, I look at the first trilogy as one long book in itself. But each novel in the trilogy starts out with its own mystery—like Jesse Shane’s murder in NIGHT RISING—and that one mystery is solved by the end of that particular novel. Any other bigger, far-reaching mysteries that have more to do with character or mythology development will be solved by the end of the trilogy. In a way, it’s almost as if the trilogies are TV seasons, and it’s good to start with the first episode instead of in the middle of the season.

Funny that you say you’re not sure how to classify the series—I think a lot of people feel the same way, LOL! My editor calls it “mystery-fantasy-noir.”

At any rate, the second book, MIDNIGHT REIGN, carries on about a month after NIGHT RISING ended. It starts with one of those “plot-centric mysteries” that’ll be solved by the end of the book, but this crime focuses on a serial killer who’s using vampire techniques. For the heroine, Dawn Madison, and her investigative pals, the murders seem to provide leads to the Underground—and to the whereabouts of Dawn’s dad—but it isn’t easy going for them. Trouble comes down big time for these guys.

BTW, for any readers who wonder about Dawn’s dad, you’ll find out what happened to him in this book….

How many books will be in this series? I know I can’t wait to see how it comes out.

Thank you again! At first, we’ll have the initial trilogy, books 1-3, which will end with BREAK OF DAWN in September, 2008. In that same month, I’ll have a Vampire Babylon novella in an anthology called FIRST BLOOD. The story is going to focus on the whereabouts of the vampire Sorin’s twin “daughters” who went to the old world and never came back. Then there’ll be a second trilogy, but I don’t have dates for those books yet. I’m actually working on book 4 right now.

Are these your first paranormal books? If not, what else do you have out there and are they related to this series?

I have a couple other paranormal books out there besides Vampire Babylon, but neither is related to the series. The first is THE HUNTRESS, a novel that pre-dates Vampire Babylon and was written for Bombshell. The story centers on a woman whose great love was captured by vampires in Transylvania, and she gets together a team to go into their lair so she can rescue her boyfriend. The second book, which I wrote after Vampire Babylon, is a vampire Blaze called THE ULTIMATE BITE (July, 2007). It’s a hot romance, and there’ll be a companion book/sequel out in November, 2008.

What drew you to write the Vampire Babylon books? Is this genre of writing something you have always been interested in or did it evolve over time? Did anything in particular influence your love for these types of books?

I’ve always loved scary, disturbing movies and books, so I’m not surprised that I’m writing about vampires now. I’ve written short horror stories, but I also loved romance and I just happened to get published in that genre first. I’d say I’ve been the most influenced by Stephen King’s short stories and old vampire films, with all those gothic hunters brandishing stakes and crosses as they wandered around decrepit castles.

How long have you been writing and how did you get started in your writing career?

I always knew I wanted write, even in grade school, when I penned a lot of short stories. Superman and Indiana Jones were favorite subjects of mine, but I also wrote some darker stuff that worried my parents to some extent, LOL. In high school, I was a competitive essay writer, and this trained me to deal with deadlines and to create a semi-articulate first draft. In college, I wrote a screenplay for a senior project and I started a seriously crazy epic historical romance that I will never ever turn in for publication. Then I attended the San Diego Writers Conference and joined RWA (Romance Writers of America). That’s when I sold—after I started to meet other writers and industry professionals who guided me in how to present my work before I submitted it.

Has anything been different than you expected? For example the promo work, book signings, deadlines? What do you enjoy most about being an author?

Nothing is much different, really. I’ve had to deal with public shyness when I speak or do book signings. Like many writers, I’m an introvert, but I expected that there would be some degree of promotional effort. No complaints.

My favorite part of being an author is hearing from a reader who enjoyed what I wrote. Knowing about the connection they made with a story or character is touching, and it astounds me that anyone would take time out of their day to share that with me.

Approximately how long does it take you to write one of your books? Is it about the same for the smaller series books or do your Vampire Babylon books take longer?

I’ve found that the length of time varies. The Vampire Babylon books are a big effort, and I’m comfortable with at least three months for those. I’d love to have a longer time, but that hasn’t been possible with the other projects I’ve been doing. The category books generally don’t take as long, but only because of page count. (VB books have been averaging about 450 of my typed pages, whereas Special Editions and Blazes are about 260.) Categories take about two months to write, but I’m always working on other projects at the same time, so it’s hard to say. Basically though, if I need to build a paranormal world or pay major attention to the details of a mystery, the book takes longer.

What kind of research do you do for your books and approximately how long does it take you to research your projects? Is research something you enjoy doing?

Research varies, too, and so does my enjoyment of it! Generally, I do like to do research, because I’m one of those types who always liked school and read my textbooks right when I got them, LOL. The Vampire Babylon books have required quite a bit of research—from what a stuntwoman might have gone through in the movie industry to what the Cocoanut Grove looked like back in its heyday. THE HUNTRESS, my first vampire book, took a lot of research, as well, because of the Transylvanian location and the make-up of the vampire tribe. BAITED, my atmospheric thriller, took a bunch mainly because my heroine was a pearl diver at a fictional water park. (BTW, I got my details from Pearl Island in Japan for that one.) For a recent Special Edition, my hero was a firefighter, so I went to a station to conduct an interview and take a tour. I’m working on a project right now that actually allowed me to travel to London. The more first-hand information I can get, the better, but most of the time I have to do book or online research. I just do my best.

Are you a big reader? If so, what kind of books do you enjoy? Please share some of your favorite authors or books with us.

I’m a huge reader, and my tastes really go all over the place. Right now, I stare at the computer so much during the day that I’ve taken to listening to audio books. I’m on a Tudor-era kick right now—lots of Phillipa Gregory and some Alison Weir. I do a lot of reading for research, too. Over the years, though, some of my favorite books have included THE STAND by Stephen King, THE SECRET HISTORY by Donna Tartt, THE PROMISE OF JENNY JONES by Maggie Osborne, and LONESOME DOVE by Larry McMurtry. There are so many more titles, but these are at the top of my list.

Has your writing been influenced by any particular person or event? If so, who or what would it be?

I don’t think there’s been one particular person or event…just a mixture of what life has brought day by day. : )

What do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies or collections you would like to share with our readers?

Besides traveling, I love to spend time with my family. And I’m a huge movie freak, even though I seem to be watching more on my DVD player lately than in the theaters. I’ll see anything that’s supposed to be scary, but my favorite flicks are more psychologically damaging than bloody. For instance, DON’T LOOK NOW is one of the best scary movies ever, and for some reason, I love being unsettled by something that chilling. I read a lot, and I practice yoga for peace of mind and stress management. Walking is a big part of my life, too.

Give us an example of a typical day in your life. Are you a full time writer? Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule?

My schedule varies wildly, depending on what kind of deadlines are looming and what’s going on personally. As a full-time writer, I get to arrange my own hours (yay!). But, as my own boss, I’m pretty tough on myself, too (boo!). No goofing around because the boss is always watching. Some days I’ll wake up early and write a chapter of my work in progress, then I’ll go to the gym, practice yoga, then I’ll come back and take care of promotion, etc. Or maybe I’ll wake up and revise that day, and if it’s a vampire book, revising takes all day because I’m constantly looking for plot or world holes.
And that’s my boring life!

What do you do to unwind after a hard day? Are you a big movie fan or do you prefer some other form for entertainment?

At the end of the day, my eyes need a rest, so I tend to sit in front of the TV and watch my movies or one of many TV programs on my fan-girl schedule. But now, with the writers’ strike, I refuse to watch these reality shows the studios are trying to substitute for quality scripted programs, so I’m taking in lots of films. But sitting in front of the TV doesn’t mean my mind is on “off.” I keep paper next to me so I can write down any ideas about my work in progress; sometimes giving yourself a mental rest allows you to think more clearly.

If you have one piece of advice to give to a new writer, what would it be?

I would suggest that new writers plug away at their craft by studying books on the subject, reading a lot, and writing even more. Then they might want to go to conferences where they can hear published professionals telling them what they want to buy. If you listen before you send your work out, you’ll save yourself and the editors and agents a lot of time, and you’ll establish a solid reputation.
One last thing--good luck!

Chris, thank you so much for chatting with us. We have really enjoyed it! Please come again!

I enjoyed this, too. Thank you! ; )

You can learn more about Chris at ChrisMarieGreen.com or Crystal-Green.com

Wilde Review

2008-02-13T19:14:00.000-05:00

Wilde

Katherine Warwick

Romance

Trade Paperback

1933963956Grove

Creek Publishing

What happens when a princess teams up with a hot, young man who's life is devoted to competitive ballroom dancing? A partnership of royal proportions specializing in sizzling latin dances. Training takes place from the time Anna, princess of the Isles of Slovokia, and JamieWilde, ballroom dancer from Provo, Utah, agree to the partnership.

Ms Warwick created scenes I could immerse myself in. I could feel the tension during the "blind" rehearsal in total darkness. I found myself laughing out loud at the camping trip. The betrayal by Anna's countryman had me angry. The support of family shines through the entire story.

If you like ballroom dancing and enjoy the fun that can go with it,you will like Wilde.

If you enjoy Dancing With the Stars, you will definitely enjoy this series.

Happy Valentines!

2008-02-10T15:21:00.000-05:00

We have a wonderful new addition to love this valentines. A beautiful new granddaughter. We went to see her yesterday and holding her was such a beautiful feeling. Really hated to go home but knew she and our DIL needed rest.

What are you doing to make this Valentines Day special? A special date with your loved one? Candy and flowers? What makes the day special to you?

Do you enjoy reading Valentine Day related books to get you in the mood? If so, share some of your favorites with us.

Check back soon for some site renovations. Thanks to Tracy Preston, I have a awesome new header for my site! Now to just figure out how to do everything. lol

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Deb

Do you believe in ghosts.....

2007-05-01T20:07:00.000-04:00

Please welcome Heather Grothaus!

I had the good fortune to meet Heather at a book signing in a nearby town. I found her to be one of the nicest people I've ever met.

I'd already read her first book, THE WARRIOR and I couldn't believe it was a debut book! I was very impressed with it and I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of that book. Now Heather has a second book out, THE CHAMPION, which I am reading now and I believe I am enjoying it every bit as much as her first one.

If you haven't tried Heathers books, run, don't walk to the store and snag them both. I am sure you will enjoy them as much as I do!

And now without further ado..... Heather's blog.

I Believe in Ghosts

I love the paranormal. Spells and full moons and witches and ghosts and prophetic dreams and…you get the idea. I’m a sucker for an abandoned house, things that go bump in the night, and the shivers you get while reading a Stephen King novel alone in a quiet house. It might seem odd to some that I chose to write historical romance instead of horror, but since I cut my literary teeth on Woodiwiss, there was no helping it. I equally love tales of knights and their ladies. Passionate romances that take your breath, and unforgettable happily-ever-afters.

So it was completely natural for me to incorporate paranormal aspects into my stories, even before I knew there was such a thing as “paranormal romance.” The heroine of my first novel, THE WARRIOR, is a witch, albeit a reluctant one at first. That story was so fun to write, it became the first book in my Medieval Warriors trilogy. The second book, THE CHAMPION, features a mischievous ghost. The third book, THE HIGHLANDER has—well, you’ll just have to wait until next year to find out! My books are historical romances with magic sprinkled in as an everyday fact-of-life. That’s because life, to me, is filled with a kind of mysterious magic as real as the birds in the tree outside my office window. I believe in déjà vu and near-death experiences. The power of prayer, the significance of a spoken blessing or a holy relic. A lot of things that can today be explained by science were still mysteries in medieval times, and that gives me freedom to let my characters play with things like ghosts and witches. Perhaps by doing that, I can persuade readers who don’t believe in the paranormal to consider that maybe—just maybe—those things are possible, even if only for the duration of one small romance novel. Even if they don’t believe, I hope they are entertained, and that they fall in love right along with the hero and heroine.

I’ll still believe in ghosts, anyway.

Miss Mary from the Library: Book Review!

2007-03-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

I am always curious about new writers. This week's writer, Joe Hill, is new to us but not his famous father, Stephen King. Joe Hill is witty and some similarities to his father can be seen in the writing style, but this book speaks for itself. It is a great beginning for this new writer. Check it out. I give it an 8.

"The Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill: Aging, self-absorbed rock star Judas Coyne has a thing for the macabre -- his collection includes sketches from infamous serial killer John Wayne Gacy, a trepanned skull from the 16th century, a used hangman's noose, Aleister Crowley's childhood chessboard, etc. -- so when his assistant tells him about a ghost for sale on an online auction site, he immediately puts in a bid and purchases it. The black, heart-shaped box that Coyne receives in the mail not only contains the suit of a dead man but also his vengeance-obsessed spirit. The ghost, it turns out, is the stepfather of a young groupie who committed suicide after the 54-year-old Coyne callously used her up and threw her away. Now, determined to kill Coyne and anyone who aids him, the merciless ghost of Craddock McDermott begins his assault on the rocker's sanity… (Library Journal)

Mary from the Library Book Review:

2007-02-26T11:57:00.000-05:00

Hi! For those that do not know me....I am the Head Branch Librarian at the Hardin County Public Library. I would love to thank Debbie for giving me this chance to share my love of reading with everyone. Each week I will try to give everyone a taste of the current book that I am reading and talk about some trends that I see in this area.

This Weeks Rave: "Deep Storm" By Lincoln Child.

Preston/Child has been a writing team that I have enjoyed very much. The "Pendergast" novels are awesome. "Deep Storm" is Lincoln Child's third solo novel. Each novel that he writes solo seems to get better each time and "Deep Storm" is no exception.

Naval Physician, Pete Cane is sent out to investigate a mysterious disease that is attacking the crew of an oil rig. Those affected are actually members of an undersea research laboratory who are excavating a deep water archeological site. The tension in this story will lead the reader eagerly to the next secret that is hidden so far under the sea. The story grabbed me from the first page. I am not a fan of technological trillers but the fast pace of this book and the mystery of what lurks beneath the sea will thrill most readers. My score 8. A good read.

Other novels by Lincoln Child: " Death Match" and Utopia."

My RWA Roomie and A Good Cause

2007-02-03T19:21:00.000-05:00

Last July I had the most wonderful time at the RWA conference in Atlanta. It was sheer heaven being in the presence of all the awesome authors there, published and unpublished. To make matters even better, I was blessed with two wonderful roommates. Jodi who helped me with many of the details of the conference and was my lifeline in emails up to and after the conference and Amanda Brice, both members of Romance Diva's. I received an email from Amanda the other day about a new book that she has a story published in. If that wasn't fantastic enough, she went on to tell me the book profits are going to a worthy cause. I would like that letter with you and I hope that you will join me in helping promote DREAMS & DESIRES so that we can help make a difference in someone's life that needs a helping hand.

Amanda's Letter

Hey there! As many of you already know, I write in my spare time. I have a wonderful literary agent who is currently shopping my young adult mystery novel around, and I hope (fingers crossed!) to be able to announce a sale soon. :)

But I'm writing to you today about a book from which I'll never see a dime. And I couldn't be happier!!!!!!!

I have a short story (called "Love @ First Site", written under my pen name Amanda Brice) in a book that comes out today, called DREAMS & DESIRES. It's a collection of romance of all heat levels from sweet to sizzling (mine is sweet, by the way) and features 19 talented authors.

All of the stories in this book have been donated, as has the editing and cover art, so I'm pleased to announce that 100% of the profits from sales of this book will be donated to battered women's shelters. There have been other anthologies published for charity in the past, but most of those have only donated a portion of their profits. With DREAMS & DESIRES, every penny of profit goes to help women and children in dire circumstances.

Did you know that 95% of abuse victims are women? Every year, four million women are assaulted by their spouses or partners. Freya's Bower Publishing is hoping to do a small part to break the cycle of abuse.

Here are the stories, along with the heat level and genre:

"The Forest for the Trees" by Jenna Bayley-Burke (sweet; contemporary)

"Song Without Words" by Faith Bicknell-Brown (sweet; contemporary)

"Love @ First Site" by Amanda Brice (sweet; chick lit)

"The Christmas Prize" by Sela Carsen (sweet; contemporary)

"Romance for One" by Rachelle Chase (spicy; chick lit)

"Confessions of a Bombshell Bandit" by Gemma Halliday (sweet; chick lit)

"The Velvet Mask" by Candace Havens (sweet; contemporary)

"Road of Misgivings" by Zinnia Hope (sweet; contemporary)

"To the Core" by Jackie Kessler (tangy; paranormal)

"Taking the Alleys" by Susan Lyons (sweet; contemporary)

"Brushstrokes" by Richelle Mead (spicy; historical paranormal)

"Red's Merry Mischief" by Debbie Mumford (tangy; fantasy)

"Baring It All For Mr. Right" by Rhonda Stapleton (sweet; chick lit)

"The Wedding Policy" by Bebe Thomas (sweet; historical)

"Blood and Feathers" by Emily Veinglory (sizzling; M/M paranormal)

"The Mirror" by Sasha White (sizzling; contemporary)

"The Reluctant Bridesmaid" by Lois Winston (sweet; chick lit)

"The Forge: Jezren Dark Sky" by Shaunna Wolf (tangy; sci-fi)"

Secret Valentines" by Kit Wylde (sweet; contemporary)

DREAMS & DESIRES is available as an eBook for $7.99 (ISBN: 1-934069-36- 1), a paperback (ISBN: 1-934069-22- 1) for $19.95, and a hard cover (ISBN: 1-934069- 23-X) for $29.95. The paperback and hardcover are available from Barnes & Noble online. The books and the eBook are also available through Freya's Bower at http://www.freyasbower.com. The book is also being sold at Borders and distributed by Ingrams. If your local bookstore doesn't have it, they'll be able to order it for you. Just give them the title and the ISBN number.

Today is the official release of the book, so we're trying to spread the word far and wide. You can help by forwarding this message to your friends and colleagues, or posting on your blog.

Together, we CAN make a difference!

My thanks to Amanda for bringing this to my attention and to everyone out there who has helped make this book possible, and everyone that helps to make a difference!

Connie Brockway Visits!

2007-01-14T17:14:00.000-05:00

Hello! I hope everyone is having a good weekend and getting lots of good reading done. I've finished two awesome books but I'll talk a little more about that later.

As you can tell by the title, I've been talking to the marvelous Connie Brockway. I've been a long time fan and when I was invited to view and participate in Squawk Radio by Eloisa James, I jumped at the chance to chat with these totally awe inspiring authors!

I had the good fortune to meet all six of the SR girls in Atlanta last July at the RWA conference and they are all just wonderful. Connie sat right across from me at lunch. Wow! We've written back and forth a few times and when I asked her to do an interview with me, she nicely agreed. So without further ado, please welcome Connie Brockway to my blog. Connie will be popping in to take questions and comments from our readers so tell your friends and lets give her a big welcome!

Connie Brockway Interview

Connie, Welcome to BookstoreDebs Book Nook. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy Schedule to chat with us.

First of all, please tell us a bit about yourself. Your background, family, etc...

This is the hardest question to answer because I am so ridiculously normal. Until you start looking under rocks, but isn’t that true of everyone? I was born in Minnesota, raised here and in upstate New York (aka, any part of New York other than New York City) went to college, graduate school, married, had a child… won a few awards for writing and one for painting while in college, worked variously as a veterinarian technician, master gardener, bank teller (two weeks, that) and graphic artist.

For our readers unfamiliar with your work, please tell us what kind of books you write.

I started out writing historical romance. Loved the regency (still do) and medieval, something of an Anglophile but primarily I was interested in writing about grand passions –which are sometimes amusing because. let’s face it, lines like, “I see heaven in your eyes,” has got to provoke laughter by anyone overhearing it. Recently I’ve taken the road less traveled, (at least, by me) and am venturing into contemporary fiction with an emphasis on heroines who’ve been around the block a few times and still aren’t sure what direction they are heading. In other words, the stories of my friends, family, and, er, me. They have a broader cast of characters and talk about things other than romance, though there is definitely romance in it, and they are comedies. The biggest difference? Now when the hero says, “I see heaven in your eyes” the heroine is one of the first to laugh.

How did you get started as a romance author? Was this something you always wanted to do or did this career evolve over time?

I always wanted fiction writing to be my career, not simply my avocation. Especially since I was already writing things all the time anyway: little scenes, dialogues, descriptive bits, etc. Who doesn’t want someone to pay them for what they’re already doing? My daughter is still waiting for someone to offer her money to be a slob-- and though I fear her wait may be longer than mine was, we’re all entitled to our dreams. Since I read so many historical romances (since the age of 16) it was the genre I felt most comfortable in writing and most confident I could do a decent job of it.

How many books do you have out now? Are there any trilogy’s or connected series or are all your books stand alone books?

I’m up to seventeen novels and four anthologies now. I’ve written two trilogies: The McClairen’s Isle trilogy (THE PASSIONATE ONE, THE RECKLESS ONE, THE RAVISHING ONE) and The Rose Hunters trilogy (MY SEDUCTION, MY SURRENDER, MY PLEASURE). There is an unfinished connected group of books which started with my first novel, PROMISE ME HEAVEN, went on to tell the story of Jack Seward in ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT and ought to end up with Giles Strand’s story. But, I don’t own the rights to ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT and as wrong-headed as it may seem, publishers do not want to promote another companies backlist. Imagine that. So poor gorgeous Giles will have to wait. I know! If anyone out there would like to read Gile’s story (and I know there’s at least a few of you, because you’ve written to commiserate) write Shauna Summers at Bantam-Dell Publishing and say, “FREE GILE’S STRAND! FREE JACK SEWARD!” We’ll start a grass roots movement. I foresee marches down the streets of New York City, biplanes writing smoke messages above the Bantam publishing house! Full page ads in the Daily Post! Okay. I foresee a couple letters to Dell… Again, people are entitled to their dreams.

What was your first published work and when did it come out? Are any of your books available in e-book form or only in print? Personally I don’t think there is anything better than having a favorite book in my hand.

PROMISE ME HEAVEN was my first book, published by Avon in 1994. First one I wrote, too. I don’t have any books, to my knowledge in e-book form. But then, there’s a lot I don’t know about.

What was your reaction when you saw your first book on the store shelf? Hope you had a good celebration! Do you still get that same thrill when you see one of your new books in the stores?

Oh, I was completely overwhelmed with “me!” I wanted to stop everyone in the store and say, “Hey, I wrote that book!” I stopped at half the people in the store. I believe the manager stopped me. Today, I have a much more jaded response. If I see too many books I think, “Oh my god, no one is buying them!” and if I don’t see enough I think, “Oh my god, they didn’t order any!” There’s no satisfying me.

Tell us about your newest release HOT DISH that came out November 2006. I know it’s been getting some rave reviews! Will this book be a stand alone or will it be the start of a new series for you?

HOT DISH is set in a small town in northern Minnesota, where in one-time Miss Fawn Creek, Jenn Lind, has been asked to come back and grand marshal the town’s sesquicentennial. Though not a Fawn Creek fan by any means, Jenn, who is on the cusp of achieving national television celebrity, agrees. She returns only to find her bid for stardom threatened by a trio of inept kidnappers, an easygoing, internationally acclaimed sculptor and the one hundred pound block of butter he created of her likeness twenty years ago.

Oh, I think I’m done with series for a while. I love the finality of a stand-alone book. Though the book I just turned in, SKINNY-DIPPING, is set on a lake about half an hours drive from Fawn Creek. None of the characters make a return appearance however, except for Smelka’s café.

HOT DISH was your first contemporary. After writing such successful historicals for so long, what gave you the idea to write a book set in current times? Did you feel it still has the same voice as your historical romances or do you feel it has its own individual tone? Do you think this was any easier or harder to write than your wonderful historicals?

I just wanted to do something different, outside the normal parameters of romance, that focused less on the relationship between one man and one woman and instead had a much larger cast of characters, each with their own agenda, motives, goals, and personalities. I also wanted to write using modern language. Do you know how hard it is to write seventeen books without ever being able to use the word “blackmail?” I’m teasing, but that sort of things does happen.

So, no, I don’t think the voice is the same, though I did think the humor I tried to bring to MY DEAREST ENEMY, THE BRIDAL SEASON, and AS YOU DESIRE is still there and intact. It was much harder to write than the historical romances but I assume that’s because I was feeling my way. (And thank you for the kind words!)

What type of research do you do for your books and what kind of materials do you use? Books, internet, etc… Approximately how long does it take you to research each book? Is this something you do before starting the actual book or as you go along? Do you think your last book required as much research as your historical books do? Is research something you enjoy? Do you feel that research should be stressed more to new writers in order to improve their writing skills?

For the historicals, I pretty much have the basics of both the Regency and Victorian eras memorized. I know what the marriage laws are, titles and inheritance laws, the dress and grooming and social etiquette. But after fifteen books, I would expect to. I’m lucky to have in my office about five reference books if I get to a sticky point. Added to which, the internet is invaluable for visualizing those things I’ve only read about such as what a phaeton looks like and how a country reel is danced.

I adore research. I adore bookstores and when I’m wandering around in them, I tend to gravitate to the history section. So many ideas are spurred on by simply reading through a history book, finding a little anecdotal kernel and then elaborating on it.

I think new up-coming authors ought to write, write more and then write again. Try paring off sections, adding on to sections, beefing up and chopping off, until the story flows. The story is the most important thing, then the words.

Tell us a bit more about your writing style. Are you a strict outliner and plotter who stays completely with your outline or are you more relaxed in your writing? Have your characters ever taken off in a completely different direction than you had planned for them? Did you let them have their way or did you rein them back in? If you let them go off in a different direction what did it do to your story?

I try to have an outline. I generally have an idea of where a story begins and how it ends and what the themes are. But the characters and the narrative and the actions and the scenes...? I’m completely out there flying blind. Groping and snuffling and floundering. Then, after the book is written, I put it aside for a while. Some time later I go back and try to figure out exactly what I’m trying to achieve and then start rewriting. It’s an ugly, ungainly and inefficient process. But mine own.

I am unlucky enough not to have characters that appear to me and tell me where to go in a story. My characters appear molecule by molecule, develop slowly, like ghosts coalescing in the mist.

What do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies or collections you would like to share with our readers?

Oh, I enjoy way too many things. You know, jack of all trades, master of none? I read, I love to cook, travel, garden. I play a competitive game of tennis, I oil paint, I needlepoint. And I love playing with Photoshop.

Do you still find time to read with your busy writing schedule? Please share with us some of your favorite authors or books.

Absolutely! I read about half an hour to an hour every night right before I go to sleep. Like everyone else, I go in streaks. Right now I’m reading the latest Nora Ephron book, I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK, THE HALLOWED HUNT by my neighbor Lois McMaster Bujold (fabulous I really enjoyed Martha Grimes’s Emma Graham novels and I’m impatient for the next one).

Obviously, I love all the authors on SQUAWK RADIO (Elizabeth Bevarly, Christina Dodd, Eloisa James, Lisa Kleypas, and Teresa Medeiros) Sometimes people mistakenly think that we rave about each others books because we’re friends. What they’ve failed to realize is that we *became* friends because we read one another’s books and, frankly, wrote to one another. A few of a long list of other favorite romance writers include, Susan Kay Law, Susan Sizemore, Karen Hawkins, Madeline Hunter, Julia London, Marsha Canham, Virgina Henley... Oh, this is too hard.

Do you remember the first romance book you ever read? What was it?

I sure do! It was a book by Barbara Cartland called LOVE AND THE LOATHSOME LEOPARD. That title would never get through marketing nowadays.

Do you think any particular person or author has inspired or influenced you in your writing career? Do you feel that joining a romance or writers group is helpful to new authors? What would you say was the most helpful thing you learned or piece of advice you received when you started writing?

I would have to say the LOVE IN trilogy of books by Edith Layton really lit a fire under me as far as wanting to write a romance. I had been reading them for years but her use of language, the honorableness f her heroes, the really intense sexual tension made me want to write, too. Soon afterward, I read a piece in our town newspaper about a local author winning the Golden Heart award from Romance Writers of America. There was an RWA contact number at the end of the piece, so I called and found out about the local chapter and discovered the monthly meeting was only a few miles from my home. So I went.

Am I glad I did. Even though I had these degrees in writing, no one had ever bothered to explain the nuts and bolts of popular fiction writing to me. I learned more in my first year with RWA about writing a publishable manuscript then I did in undergraduate school.

So, yes, I would encourage anyone interested in writing a romance to at least visit an online chapter of RWA.

And the best piece of advice? The oldest one: Keep writing until the book is done.

Tell us about your characters. What are your characters like? Strong, sexy, sassy? What kind of characters do you like to write about? Any certain kind of characters that you think you would like to try writing about in later books or even any other genre of book?

I like characters who are smart, proactive, independent and vulnerable. That goes for both male and female. Basically, I write about people I would like to know and those few times I write about uncomfortable personalities (i.e. ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT) I at least think the characters would be fascinating to sit next to at a dinner party.

Hm. Characters I would like to write about but haven’t yet... I think it would be interesting to write a historical murder mystery with religious overtones. I know. No one else would think it was interesting.

I know a lot of authors can’t read a book in the same genre as the one they are writing. Do you find this to be a problem?

To some extent. I don’t have any trouble reading my favorites, but I do have a hard time keeping up with the newer authors and rely on the recommendation of friends’ to point me to the authors I simply can’t miss.

Do you have any holiday traditions you would like to share with our readers?

Eat too much, too often and too well.

Give us an example of a typical day in your life. Do you keep to a specific writing schedule?

I stumble out of bed around 7:30 in the morning and sit bleary-eyed and semi-comatose until 8:00 at which time I find the pot of coffee my husband has thoughtfully brewed and left in a carafe. After a couple cups of joe, I wander into my office and look through my email, then leave the office without answering any email.

I then take the dogs for an hour walk and return for lunch. I then do “stuff around the house” until about 3:00 when I start feeling like I maybe should write. I go into the office with the best intentions, but generally end up playing with Photoshop until about five when guilt finally wins out and I madly answer email or do other work related things. Then I go scrounge up some dinner.

At about eight o’clock at night I start writing. I will write until twelve or so. Then I go to bed and read for a while.

This is my “routine” Monday through Thursday. Weekends are much less regimented. (Tongue firmly in cheek)

What’s your favorite way to relax after a hard day of writing? Wine, chocolate, a movie or good book?

All of them!

Since becoming a well know published author, has anything been different than you expected when you were still writing that first book? For example, fans, promo, signing, anything?

Other than being continually struck by how kind people are who take the time to write a letter or send an email, things are pretty much as I expected them to be.

Tell us about the wonderful blog Squawk Radio that you are a part of. I know it is my all time favorite blog! How did this come about and who does the artwork for the site?

Thank you! A few years ago I was talking to Christina Dodd (we generally talk on the phone a few times a week...or a day, depending) about how big blogging was becoming and how I’d tried to do something like it on my website a few years earlier (I called it an online journal) but it was far too much work for one persona and I didn’t have enough content to post regularly.

Christina and I were already emailing one another and a group pf our friends and we never were short of things to say, mostly because we could bounce around a topic until Kingdom Come. There were days we had a hundred emails between the six of us. We started talking about how if we just took what we were doing privately and made it public, it would divide the work of a blog into six parts as well as let us riff off of one another. And thus a blog was born.

I do the artwork, such as it is. I told you how much I liked Photoshop...

Connie, tell us what you have in the works now and when can we look forward to it? Will you be writing more historicals down the line or will you stick strictly to contemporary for now?

My second contemporary, SKINNY DIPPING, will be out mid 2007. It’s a story about a thirty-eight year old female slacker, her family, and the fifth generation lake home they’ve owned for over a hundred years and what happens do when a developer offers them millions for it. I like to think of it the story of a woman’s long delayed coming of age. It’s about mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, aspirations and potential.

Then, in 2008, I will be collaborating with Eloisa James and Julia Quinn on THE LIST, a regency set romance with three linked stories. This is Eloisa’s baby and I am so delighted she asked me to join her and Julia in it. After that, who knows. Maybe someone will want to read that murder mystery...

If you have one piece of advice to give to a new writer, what would it be?

Finish the book you start.

Connie, thanks so very much for taking time out to chat with us. Please come visit us again soon!

OK my lovely bloggers, sent those comments and questions into Connie. I can tell you that you might just get a suprise from some of her answers! I'll have a prize for one of our posters! So tell your friends and come on and say hello!

Deidre Knight's Parallel Universe.....

2006-12-09T20:33:00.000-05:00

I had the good fortune to be introduced to the lovely Deidre Knight by her awesome PR person, Nancy Berland. I had worked with Nancy in getting author promo material for our bookstore and done interviews with several of her clients. So when she started telling me about Deidre, I listened. When Nancy told me that Deidre was the President of The Knight Agency, a very sought after agent and now an author, I knew I really wanted to meet and interview this wonder woman!

I emailed Deidre and introduced myself and explained my interest in doing an interview with her. I expected her to be nice but what I didn't expect was to find that wonder woman, aka Deidre Knight, was real!! First let me say that Deidre is one of the sweetest, most awesome people I have ever met. She welcomed me into her world, treated me like a dear friend and absolutely awed me with her ability to do it all.

[Deidre Knight] You are so sweet!!

Not only is she an awesome author and agent, Deidre is a fantastic mom of two adorable girls and wife of published author Judson. Yes folks, I don't know how, but she does it all. Wonder woman has a name and it is Deidre Knight.

Deidre has made time to share a little of her life and love of writing here on our blog. We are going to do an interview and then we will open the blog to Deidre for questions and comments.

Interview

Deidre, welcome to Deb's Book Nook! Thanks for taking time out of your hectic schedule to visit with us.

Introduce yourself to our readers. Give us some background info, family, pets, previous jobs, etc. Basically what makes Deidre Knight tick.

[Deidre Knight] Thanks so much for having me here! Let’s see, to tell you about me I should confess that I have a new obsession—crocheting! My co-worker Julie Ramsey and I recently went to a conference in Houston, Texas and she was working on a blanket while on the plane. For some reason I thought, “This is something I might enjoy.” I used to be big into needlepoint when I was younger, but never tried crochet. Now I’m totally into the new hobby! I only wish it were something that *unlike* writing involved getting off my behind and actually exercising, but still, it’s a great new relaxing hobby. I’m also teaching my eight year old, although she becomes a bit frustrated with it, so we have to teach her in short bursts.

I’ve also recently taken up participating in walk/run events—which took hold when I participated in the Breast Cancer 3-Day in October. That event was sixty miles in three days, and although I didn’t walk ALL the miles, I did complete about half of it. When my toe nails started getting loose and my baby toes were entirely blistered and swollen, I had to take a shuttle. Anyway, after that event, I immediately signed up for a 5K at the local botanical gardens and will be running in our local jingle jog in early December.

What’s the common denominator here? I think that I’ve hit a point in my life where I want to push myself to try new things, to break out the boundaries a bit. And I hope that will carry over to my writing where I like to believe I’m learning to trust my instincts and take big chances.

For readers unfamiliar with your awesome paranormal romances, tell us a bit about your books.

[Deidre Knight] Absolutely! I write romance—a unique genre that I’m starting to think of as “fusion romance” (maybe I’ve spent too long in fusion restaurants!) But seriously—think of paranormal, science fiction, and fantasy romance all blended together. The series is set on present day Earth out in the Tetons of Wyoming where an alien king, Jared Bennett, has a secret military base and is battling to defend Earth against the same enemies that devoured his home world. Only problem? Earth officials think HE is the enemy. Our aliens have a secret weapon hidden deep in Yellowstone Park, a device that control time itself. That device, the mitres, is at the center of the series because as they try to alter their destiny, they wind up creating parallel worlds. Heroes in one book might be villains in another and vice versa. Basically, think SLIDING DOORS where each time they play with time, results play out differently… and the stakes get higher and higher.

The heroes are heartstoppingly sexy, with important destinies and sexy alien mating rituals (I mean, they look completely human but the sex is literally out of this world!) The heroines know how to kick butt and save the universe.

Are any of your characters or storylines ever based on real people or events? Do you think you incorporate various personality traits into your characters from real people?

[Deidre Knight] I think writing/books is always a bit of a tapestry where you color in a bit from real life and from people you know, but my characters are never people I know. They’re real to me, but not out of my real life. I do try and use names, though, that reference back to people I care about.

How did you choose the location/setting for the Parallel books? Was this an area you had explored in your travels?

[Deidre Knight] When I was eighteen my family went to Yellowstone and it was one of the most spectacular things I’d ever seen. I’ve been really blessed—I’ve been to Europe six times, traveled to all but three states in the US, but I would still say—these many years later—that the Jackson, Wyoming area is one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever visited. I wanted to capture some of that in the series, that kind of spellbinding majesty. It’s not a region you see in that many books (it’s the least populated state in the union, even less than Alaska!) So I thought it would be a fresh place to set the series. Much more than that, I NEEDED a really remote and empty place for it to be believable that aliens were actually hiding there. Parts of Yellowstone back country have literally never been walked on by man (I was told this by a park ranger there). That’s how vast and immense the region is and how easy it would be to hide there.

Tell us about the research you do for your books. Approximately how long does it take you to research your books or is this an ongoing process? What kind of research materials do you use and is this something you enjoy doing? Do you travel to explore the settings of your books?

[Deidre Knight] Well, it’s a tough life, but I’m heading out to Jackson in three weeks to interview an FBI agent who has helped me a ton. You know, got to go do that PERSONAL kind of research. J I’m a big believer in interviewing, and have been fortunate that a number of FBI agents with different areas of expertise have been willing to share with me.

I believe your Mom encouraged your desire to write at an early age. How did you get started in your writing career? When did you seriously start writing for publication? Did it take long for you to be published?

[Deidre Knight] I started writing for publication in 2003 and sold in early 2005, so it was about two years from the time I seriously thought I wanted to be published and actually sold something. But I wrote for YEARS and millions of words before I decided I was ready to go for it.

I hear you have an awesome agent who also happens to be your sister and fellow agent at The Knight Agency. How is it to work so closely with her as an agent and as an author. Do you think your relationship changes when she is in her agent mode?

[Deidre Knight] Pamela and I grew up working in a family business so it actually comes very naturally to us to wear a variety of hats. We definitely flip in and out of different roles—some days I’m very much in the lead, but others when I’m struggling, she puts that big sister hat back on once again. I do know we both tend to be very protective of each other which is probably a great thing because the agenting business can be very wearing and even brutal at times. It’s good to be in the trenches with someone who loves you without reservation and also someone you want to work with because they’re your best friend!

Let's talk about your debut book, Parallel Attraction. I have to admit that when I first read it, I was blown away. It definitely didn't read like a debut book! I was really impressed with the crisp clear writing and the way you pulled me into the story and didn't let go. Did it suprise you that PA was so popular and received such great praise and reviews? I know I loved recommending it to our customers about it and hearing their reactions to it when they came back into the store.

[Deidre Knight] I think it always surprises writers when their work is finally out there. I mean, you want to believe that people will get and understand your vision, but it never ever gets old hearing the way people respond. And thank you, thank you for all those kind compliments (and for promoting my books to your readers!)

What was your reaction when you first saw it on the store shelves? Know I would have been over the moon.

[Deidre Knight] I think it sounded like this: “Squeeeeeee!!!! There it is!!” It’s still completely exciting every time I see one of my books. That will be great from now on!

Are you a plotter or more casual in your writing style? How do you keep up with all your characters traits and storylines? I know if I had your busy life I would definitely need something to keep things straight for me.

[Deidre Knight] I have a bizarre brain. It’s true! LOL! Seriously, I have a “big scope” brain which I think is pretty typical for entrepreneurs who are always projecting ten years ahead, plotting and planning where they want their business to go. It’s that same part of me that plots out a big tapestry for this series. I know exactly where we’re going and have laid the groundwork out to book six of the series. Not saying it would end there—so long as my publisher wants it to continue! Just saying I know where we’re headed. On each individual book, though, I’m more of a plantser. I write some by the pants and with some plotting, and kind of bring it all together.

Lets do some fun favorites....

Favorite color?

[Deidre Knight] Purple and red.

Favorite food?

[Deidre Knight] Oh, can I just say FOOD!? LOL! Probably Mexican food.

Favorite genre of book?

[Deidre Knight] romance, women’s fiction and literary commercial fiction.

Favorite author(s) or book(s)?

[Deidre Knight] Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, Judith Ivory, Susan Grant, Catherine Spangler, Lisa Unger, Nelson DeMille, and Audrey Niffenegger.

Favorite past time?

[Deidre Knight] Apart from writing, I’d definitely say crochet, which I mentioned above. J

Favorite movie or play?

[Deidre Knight] I don’t think I can even answer because I’ve got the world’s longest fave list of movies. Why don’t I say favorite television shows at the moment? LOST, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and HOUSE.

Favorite song?

[Deidre Knight] LAYLA by Derek and the Dominoes

When you are writing, do you use a real person as model or song/soundtrack to inspire your work or do you prefer to write in peace and quiet?

[Deidre Knight] I used to write to music and it always helped, but it’s bizarre… as time’s gone on, I need real quiet. Maybe the creative process is cyclical or something, but it’s definitely changed for me in the past few years.

Tell us about the Walk for Life you recently did. How did you get involved in this and even though the walk is over, how can we still help?

[Deidre Knight] Ah! I mentioned this earlier before seeing the question. We will be launching our next year’s walk very soon, and I’ll be posting links to it. Breast cancer research is a cause I feel very strongly about because my mother is a breast cancer survivor—and, ironically, the week after I finished the walk we had another scare with her, but it turned out to be okay. It’s something that touches so many of us, I truly believe it’s one of the most important health causes facing us today. I hope everyone will join our newsletter to follow news on the next event. Just go to www.deidreknightbooks.com and click on the newsletter.

Do you find time to read for pleasure? I know you do a lot of reading in your job with TKA, does it get hard to find a book unrelated to your clients stories? Do you ever find yourself comparing storylines as you read?

[Deidre Knight] Nephele Tempest (another agent here at TKA) and I were just lamenting this issue the other day. It becomes very hard to immerse in a book for pleasure because you disconnect over a lot of different variables. Comparing books, plots, and then of course sometimes wondering why a particular book sold and became published when a project that *I* shopped never did sell! On the other hand, there are times when I magically escape into a book like I once used to do, and really experience that magic of reading. Those books are a special gift and make it all worth it.

Give us an example of a typical day in your life. Do you try to write a certain amount each day?

[Deidre Knight] Well, the funny thing is that there isn’t a truly typical day because one thing about agenting is that every day is different. I’ll tell you about today, though. It’s the holiday week and basically all the publishers are out. We had a pre-K Thanksgiving breakfast at school (this after getting up, showering before the kids were up, then dressing them and getting them to school.) Anyway, did the pre-K breakfast, and was going to head to the office (which is only a few blocks away), but because our holiday treat for our TKA ladies is for them to get massages, well, turned out the massage table was in my office. So I headed home and am at present answering a bunch of agency emails, just read and replied on a submission, and am taking a moment to do this interview. Because I’m at home, I have a movie on quietly in the background just because I’m a believer in “white noise.” It was the weather for a while earlier, now it’s apparently going to be “Be Cool.” In a bit, television will go off (once the interview is finished), and will settle in to read a few submissions, then I have three critiques I need to get out the door. Later today, will email with Elaine Spencer about deals we need to announce (and have already been emailing with our accountant about creating a financial forecast.) In short? It’s a VERY quiet day with TKA today. It’s basically a holiday week, so it’s quiet catch up time.

When it’s a busy, cranking day, well, I may go back and forth between counter-bidding editors on a project, my phone ringing some 25 times in one day between just those two editors. Or we might exchange that many emails over the deal. Once the deal is closed, we might start hearing from film people, and we’ll put the word to our foreign agents. And this, of course, assumes I’m in the middle of only one deal at a time. The truth is, I may be negotiating several deals, reviewing contracts on previous ones, going over royalty statements for even older ones, signing checks and so forth. It is always a circus, but a great one!

What was the best advice anyone ever gave you in regards to your writing career?

[Deidre Knight] It’s hard to think of any one great piece, but I guess I’d say it was understanding that it’s important to experience life in order to write about it. Someone told me that at a young age and i think it’s always influenced me to “live large.” To take chances and do unusual things and that always helps as a writer.

If you had a piece of advice to give to a new writer, what would it be?

[Deidre Knight] Trust your instincts and be true to yourself. Don’t try to follow the market, but listen to your own internal voice and the success will follow.

Is there any other genre of book you would like to write in the future?

[Deidre Knight] I have a great YA idea and I’m dying to focus on it, but just haven’t had time yet. I also have some women’s fiction ideas that are really high concept and sharp, but again, no time to focus on them now. I honestly hope that as time goes on, I’ll have more time to budget for writing.

Deidre, thanks so much for stopping by to chat with us. We look forward to you blogging with us!

Do you have questions or comments for Deidre? I'm sure she will be popping in now and again to check comments so please go ahead and ask the questions you always wanted an answer to!

You can visit Deidre at her website at www.DeidreKnight.com

2006-11-28T21:39:00.000-05:00

Dakota Dreams (Signet Eclipse)
by
Madeline Baker

Released January 3, 2006
352 pages
$6.99
ISBN : 0451216865
5 star rating

Nathan Chasing Elk has been sentenced to prison for the murder of his wife. Catherine Lyons is trying to save the family home, in place of her wayward brother, while avoiding an Apache who would like to make her his squaw. An injury Nathan receives brings he and Catherine together.

They set out to find his daughter, Leah, and the man who actually did murder his wife. Through a series of adventures, they do find Leah and she is returned to her father. After the group travels from the south to the Black Hills, Leah is introduced to her paternal grandmother, who lives in Lakota country. While there, she and Catherine learn many of the old ways of the Lakota tribe.

Just as the new family is starting to settle, Nathan is separated from Catherine and Leah. Only Leah can bring her father and Catherine back together through a surprising twist.

There is a whipping scene at the very beginning of the book that disturbed me. While it is an integral part of the plot, in my opinion, the way it is written was a bit brutal.

A sweet romance that I give 5 stars to.

Hello From Betty

2006-11-28T21:01:00.000-05:00

Well .......... it's been months since Deb started this and asked me to blog with her. I figure it was about time I contributed something rather than just sitting back on my thumbs. Seeing how Deb is the more chatty one of the two of us, I'll let her do most of the talking, like I haven't already been doing that ROFL, while I post reviews of books I'm not reviewing for other sites. I'll tell you more about that when the time is right. *grin*

So, here we go! Hang on and have fun!

Betty

Angela Knight Interview

2006-11-26T13:25:00.000-05:00

Angela, Welcome to Deb's Author Interviews. We are glad you could stop by to chat with us.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Your background, family, etc...

A.) I’m from South Carolina – which is probably not news, since most of my books are set there. I’m 45, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was 9 years old. My husband is a lieutenant with the local county Sheriff’s Office, where he’s chief hostage negotiator and a polygraph examiner. We have a 21 year old son who loves World Of Warcraft and works as a carpenter. I also spent 10 years as a reporter, covering everything from murders to school board meetings. (Which have more in common than you might think.)

For our readers unfamiliar with your work, please tell us what kind of books you write.

I write extremely sexy paranormal romance featuring vampires, werewolves, dragons and fairies, in various combinations.

Tell us about some of the jobs your have had before becoming a full time romance author. Did you have a favorite or worst job?

My favorite job before becoming a full time novelist was being a reporter. I loved going out and meeting all kinds of people. I use that experience in my writing now. I was also a television director for a religious broadcaster for a couple of years, which was basically my worst job. I liked working in television, but my female boss was, shall we say, difficult.

Looking at your backlist, I was amazed at how many books and stories for novellas you had written. Not only are you a prolific writer, you write for several different publishing houses. Please tell us who they are and what kind of books your write for each.

I started out writing novellas for Red Sage’s Secrets anthology. Red Sage started publishing erotic romance in 1995, before anybody else. Then I wrote for Renaissance E-Books – one book, now out of print. And after that, there was Ellora’s Cave. Then I got discovered by Cindy Hwang at Berkley, who asked me if I’d like to submit anything to her. And I also write for Changeling and Loose-Id, both e-book companies.

Does it get confusing or complicated when so many different places are wanting books from you? Especially when they all want something different? Do you work on more than one project at a time? Do deadlines ever run together?

Well, it can be extremely challenging, especially when the deadlines get close. I can only work on one book at a time, though I can do galley edits and first drafts of different projects. Galley edits are pretty mindless – you’re basically looking for typos on the finished book.

How do you keep up with all the important details, such as character traits, timelines, names, etc., especially when you are writing a continuing series? I would think it would be terribly hard to keep all the details straight from one book to the next. Do you keep a notebook or use a computer program to help keep up with all the little but important details? Have you ever gotten things mixed up and have your readers ever caught it?

LOL! I WISH I was that organized! No, I just go back and check the earlier books for those kinds of details and pray!

I understand that you wrote and illustrated your first book, The Mouse That Went To The Moon, at age 9. Do you think your first book was already showing your talent in writing space, paranormals, and futuristic books? I'm hoping you had no idea what erotica was at that point.

LOL! Well, I guess THE MOUSE THAT WENT TO THE MOON was an indication of the way my career would go. I mean, there was a lot of fantasy and science fiction in that idea.

I know your first published work was actually for a sci-fi comic book. How did you get started writing for the comics and was it a big transition for you to change genres and write romance? Did you always want to be a romance/erotica author or did you expect your writing style to go in a totally different direction?

When I first started out in my twenties, I wanted to be a science fiction writer. CYCOPS, the comic book story, started out as a short story. My sister took it to a comic book convention and gave it to a comic book publisher. He read it and thought it would make a good series. So he put me in touch with a fantastic editor, who basically taught me how to write. But the bottom fell out of the comic book market soon afterward, and I decided to go back to writing fiction. I had become a romance junky by that time, so that’s what I decided to write. I didn’t have any success until 1996, when I found a flyer for SECRETS. That’s when I discovered I had a talent for writing erotic romance.

What was your first published romance/erotica work and when did it come out? Was it published in ebook format or was it in print? What was it like to see your first published work? I know I would have been majorly excited. Is it as exciting when your books come out as ebooks instead of in print? I know I love having that book in my hand.

My first novella was published in SECRETS Vol. 2 in 1996. It was called “Roarke’s Prisoner,” and I really got a kick out of holding a copy of that book. You’re right – that’s a large charge!

How many books do you have out now? And how many more do you have in the works? Can you give us any hints of things to come?

I have more than 20 books in print, counting the novellas and short stories. Six novels now. I’m writing number 7 at the moment – MASTER OF DRAGONS, the fifth in the Mageverse series. It stars the sidekick from MASTER OF SWORDS, Kel, who is a shape-shifting dragon warrior. I’m also contracted for four books after that. I think my next one in the Mageverse series will probably be a werewolf book – a return to the kind of suburban crime stuff I did in JANE’S WARLORD and MASTER OF THE MOON.

In September 2006 you had a release from Berkley called Captive Dreams that you wrote with Diane Whiteside. Tell us about this book. Did you enjoy working with Diane on this project and do you have any more projects planned together for the future. I sure hope so because this book was awesome!

Oh, Diane is my best friend. We’ve been critique partners for years now, and we love working together. I’m not sure when we’ll do another joint project, because we’re both contracted out the wazoo for the next couple of years. But I’d love to do another project with her.

As to the book: Captive Dreams is about a pair of novelist sisters who don’t realize that their heroes actually exit. The two men are tired of being tortured by their “creators,” so they kidnap both women and take them back to their own universes. Lots of sex ensues!

Your latest book in your Mageverse series, Master of Swords came out in October 2006. How many books in this series now and how many will be in this series? I'm hoping for many more! How did you get the idea for this exciting series? Was it based on any real people or events, now or from history?

Five books in the series so far, and I’m not planning to end it any time soon. The idea for the series came about because Cindy Hwang at Berkley wanted a vampire series from me, but I didn’t want to do the same vamps everybody else was doing. So, since I love Arthurian legend, I decided to turn the King Arthur stories on their heads. I made Arthur and his knights vampires, and his ladies witches. Then before I knew it, I was writing about fairies and dragons and werewolves too, which keeps the series interesting. I hope!

Do you enjoy writing one type of book more than another? Is it easier for you to write a novella or do your prefer the single title full length books?

Novellas are easier because they’re shorter. But on the other hand, you can really cut loose in a novel in a way you can’t in a novella. It’s tough to get a really intricate plot AND a lot of sex in 100 pages.

Who comes up with the idea of putting authors together for novellas? Is it the publishing house or do the authors ever decide they want to write a book together. Are your novella stories all theme related to the other stories in the books or are they all totally different?

Each writer decides what she wants to do. Red Sage generally lets me write whatever I want. With Berkley, sometimes Cindy Hwang will call me and say, “We’re doing a vampire anthology,” or “We’re doing an anthology called OVER THE MOON. We’d like you to be in it.” Then I try to come up with an idea I’d like to write.

How long does it take you to write a book? Does this include research or revision time?

Generally, it takes me about five months, including revision time.

What kind of research do you do for your books? Do you research before you start writing or do you do it as you go along? Is research something you enjoy doing?

I usually do interviews with people who do the particular job I want to write about. For example, when I wanted to do a book about werewolf drug dogs, I interviewed a K-9 officer. I find out everything I can about the job, and then maybe I call the person and ask more questions. Then, if something else comes up while I’m writing, I may go check my facts on the Internet.

Tell us what kind of writer you are. Are you a plotter and outliner or somewhat more relaxed in your writing style?

No, I’m a plotter. I have to have at least some idea where I’m going, or I can’t write at all.

Is there any other type of book you would like to write?

I’d like to write science fiction one of these days – but only if they’ll let me write sex scenes!

Give us an example of a typical day in your life. Do you keep to a specific writing schedule?

I usually wake up around 6:30 a.m. or so and then write for three hours. I can knock out 10 pages, then I go work out or do some art or something while I try to come up with ideas for the next day’s work.

What was the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?

Don’t quit. If you quit, you’ll never succeed.

If you had one piece of advice to give to a new writer, what would it be?

Don’t quit. Other than that, use the internet as a way to learn your craft. Write short stories and share them with people. Submit to e-book companies. When you get good enough, take a shot at New York. And most of all – DON’T QUIT.

Angela, thanks so much for stopping by to chat with us! Please come by anytime!

Thank you for interviewing me.

Hope you enjoyed this interview with Angela Knight. You can learn more about her at
http://www.angelasknights.com. Be sure and try her newest books, CAPTIVE DREAMS with Diane Whiteside, and MASTER OF SWORDS, the latest in her Mageverse series.

Watch for my latest interview with author andn agent Deidre Knight.

Diane Whiteside Interview

2006-11-13T14:24:00.000-05:00

I had the good fortune to chat with Diane Whiteside about her new books Bond of Blood, The Southern Devil and her book with Angela Knight called Captive Dreams. I hope you will enjoy the interview she did with me.

Diane Welcome to Deb's!

We are happy you could take time to chat with us.

First of all, please tell us a bit about yourself. Your family, background, etc.

I have the good fortune to come from a family of published writers and generations of frontiersmen. Personally, I’m a certified geek (with the university degrees to prove it) who turned to writing romances when a true story demanded that I give the lady a happier ending, by transforming it into a romance novel. Noticing my current lack of a husband to keep me in line, my Tibetan Terriers stepped up to the plate. They make sure that I do everything The Right Way, which means lots of dog walks and treats as often as possible.
You can find pictures of them at my website, www.DianeWhiteside.com

For our readers unfamiliar with your work, please tell us what kind of books you write.

I write western historicals for Brava and vampire romances – plus the occasional contemporary romance – for Berkley.

Tell us about your newest release September 2006) The Southern Devil. I was fortunate enough to read this book as an arc (advance reader copy) and I have to say I loved it! It was my first book by you and definitely won't be my last! Tell us how you came up with the idea for this story.

THE SOUTHERN DEVIL was inspired by a combination of a character – Morgan Evans – and a place, Rosedown Plantation. In THE IRISH DEVIL, Morgan went off to tell Paul Lennox, the villain, that he needed to start playing nice. Morgan was an extremely macho fellow and also quite the Southern gentleman – definitely someone who could easily accomplish the smooth gunplay this scene needed to end with. Yet, at the beginning, he froze at the sight of a glass of sherry and told me – very firmly! – that he wouldn’t drink the stuff until he could put Jessamyn Tyler in her place for having tied him up. There were entirely too many unpleasant memories associated with it.

I blinked. Who the heck was Jessamyn? Why had Morgan put up with being treated like that? Why hadn’t he taken his revenge before now? THE IRISH DEVIL wasn’t supposed to answer questions about him! I was completely at a loss and it took me two years to figure out who his lady was – and why she’d driven him crazy.

Rosedown Plantation is an incredibly beautiful plantation, which still has its original furnishings – even its original gardens and racetrack! Visiting it is pure, gentle joy. I understood immediately why the three sisters clung to it and refused to sell it, no matter what the cost to them personally. One of them loved and married a brilliant cotton planter who brought Rosedown into the 20th century, thus giving it enough time for another generation to save it forever.

When I put the two together – Morgan’s baffled passion for Jessamyn and Jessamyn’s stubborn loyalty to her family yet sensual link to her man – I had the bones of THE SOUTHERN DEVIL.

Most of your books that I have seen have been released in trade paperback format. Are all your books in this format? Will they ever be re-released as mass market? Sure hope so!

I must say that I too am hoping that one day my books will be re-released as mass market! I promise faithfully to make an announcement as soon as I hear anything.

You have another new release coming out in October 2006, BOND OF BLOOD, the first in a trilogy of Texas Vampires. Tell us about this trilogy. It sounds awesome!

BOND OF BLOOD introduces Don Rafael Perez, once a medieval Spanish knight but now the leader of Texas and Oklahoma’s vampires, and Grania O’Malley, a young wildlife veterinarian. He’s ruthless, arrogant – and haunted by nightmares from his past. He’s built a home in Texas and gathered a brotherhood of vampires, founded on feudal traditions, to both serve him and defend the local people. Madame Celeste, the vampire queen of New Orleans, declares all-out war on him and unleashes the one assassin he truly fears, who seeks to destroy him by finding a chink in his emotional armor – someone he can’t live without. Yet he can’t stay away Grania, even when he knows that showing his increasing attraction for her might get her killed.

BOND OF FIRE, volume 2 in the Texas vampire trilogy, tells of Jean-Marie St. Just – Don Rafael’s chief diplomat and spy – and Hélène d’Agelet, a firestarter, long-time British secret agent, and Madame Celeste’s older sister. Jean-Marie fell in love with Hélène centuries ago but was forced to leave her. Now he must destroy Madame Celeste, in order to keep Don Rafael and the rest of his family safe. He also knows that he can never make a home in Texas with Hélène because of Don Rafael’s ban against non-native vampires. Madame Celeste believes that her far-too-honorable sister would never harm her and she can continue to work any evil she wants. Hélène must choose between the risks of loving Jean-Marie, which offers passion and a desperately uncertain future, or returning to the safety of her static prior life and letting someone else deal with whatever mischief her sister might be up to. But fate does not allow her to sit peacefully on the sidelines, while she makes up her mind. . .

In BOND OF DARKNESS, volume 3 in the Texas vampire trilogy, Ethan Templeton – Don Rafael’s military commander – must decide how far he can go to help his beloved lady Texas Ranger who’s working to solve a series of murders in Texas and Louisiana, which were first shown in BOND OF BLOOD. Only a mortal like her has a chance to catch the vicious vampire killer responsible. If she succeeds, she’ll almost surely die. But if he turns her into a vampire, Don Rafael will kill him for breaking one of his most fundamental laws. . .

The three books form a trilogy because Don Rafael because they tell of his growth, as he heals from his old wounds.

Tell us how you got started in your writing career. I understand that writing talent runs in your family and that you follow along several generations of writers. How long have you been writing and how did you get your start? Was becoming a published author something you have always wanted to do or did it evolve gradually?

While vacationing in Tombstone, I heard about a miner’s widow who entered a brothel to earn the money for a ticket home. The townsfolk were very proud that she successfully did so, rather than succumbing to the usual hazards of that trade. But I wanted a happier ending for her, in which she gained true love, not just survival. To tell a different version of her story meant learning how to tell a romance, which was nothing like the technical writing I did at my day job. But I was so driven by her story that I buckled down and learned how to write fiction. This was the “book of my heart” and it. became THE IRISH DEVIL

How long did it take you to be published and what was your first published work? When did it come out? How many books do you have out now? Are they all in print or do you have any that are only ebooks?

My first published work was THE HUNTER’S PREY: EROTIC TALES OF TEXAS VAMPIRES, which was published in 2001. It took me approximately year and a half to become published.
I have seven books and two novellas out now, all of which are in print.

How long does it take you to write a book? Does this include your research time?

It takes me approximately six months to write a book, which includes research and plotting time. Of course, I’m always doing research.

Is research something you enjoy doing? What kind of research do you do for your books? Do you use printed material or perhaps online sources? Do you use your travels in your research for the settings of your books and is this something you enjoy?

I love doing research and do it all the time. I use anything: printed material, online sources, observations of reenactors, interviews, anything. Traveling definitely inspires me and I like to do it as often as possible.

Are your books stand alone books or are they connected in anyway? If so, please tell us how.

The three Devil books – my western historicals from Brava – are standalone but are linked in characters and can be read in chronological order. THE IRISH DEVIL takes place in April 1871 in Arizona. THE RIVER DEVIL is set along the Missouri River during May of 1872. THE SOUTHERN DEVIL has a wider time span: Memphis in Christmas 1863, West Point in spring 1864, Memphis in 1865, the wild Kansas frontier of 1866, a Natchez wedding in 1869, and the Colorado Rockies in June 1872.

THE HUNTER’S PREY: EROTIC TALES OF TEXAS VAMPIRES is a collection of short stories, set in the same Texas vampire universe as BOND OF BLOOD. “Apex Predator,” the last story, is the prequel to BOND OF BLOOD and contains information that BOND OF BLOOD doesn’t.
THE SWITCH is my only contemporary and stands completely alone.

You had a book come out with Angela Knight in the last month, Captive Dreams. How did this project come about? Was this the first book you had written with her and was it your first paranormal? Will there be more? If so when?

Angela Knight and I were talking about our favorite fictional heroes and we started wondering what they’d really be like, given the way they’ve been tormented and yet they’re so sexy. What would we do if one of our favorite heroes suddenly appeared in the flesh before us – run from them or toward them? We both stared at each and yelled, more or less simultaneously, that we wanted to write the book. CAPTIVE DREAMS was the result and we had tons of fun writing it.
THE HUNTER’S PREY was my first paranormal, though.

I’d like to write more pure fantasies, like CAPTIVE DREAMS, and I’m mulling over some ideas.
Tell us what you have in the works now. Anything ready to come out soon? Hope so!
“Red Skies at Night” in UNLEASHED – to be published in December 2006 – is also set in the Texas vampire universe. Don Rafael makes a brief appearance but it’s not part of the Texas vampire trilogy.

I’m currently working on THE NORTHERN DEVIL, which is Lucas Grainger’s story. Lucas walked into THE SOUTHERN DEVIL and demanded his own book. Actually, he rode down Raton Pass – a very steep, rocky pass – into Trinidad, an extraordinarily tough town. He received a series of letters from his family – which he shrugged off, might I add – but he charged into a saloon to rescue an old friend, a half-breed Indian scout. Then he informed me that he’d taken a vow never to get married. What could I do but plunk him down into a situation in which he had to get married to a woman that he’d fall hopelessly in love with? It’s due to be published in summer 2007.

After that, I get to write BOND OF FIRE and BOND OF DARKNESS one after another. Since they’re so tightly linked in plot and character, I’m thrilled! I’ll be able to stay sane.

What kind of writer are you? A plotter and outliner who sticks strictly to that outline or are you more casual in your writing style? Do your characters ever take off in directions you hadn't planned? If so, what does that do to your story?

I’m a plotter – but if my characters take off in their own direction, I’ll go with them. The story is about them; it’s not a straitjacket that I built to hold them.

What was your reaction to seeing your first book on the store shelves? Hope you had a grand celebration!

THE IRISH DEVIL, the “book of my heart,” was also my first book that I saw on store shelves. I bounced and beamed – and the bookseller rushed over and made me autograph every single copy. It was a wonderful midnight trip to the bookstore, after a very long business trip.
What do you do for fun? Do you have hobbies or collections that you like to indulge in?
I have a lovely small garden, not enough books no matter how many I own, and my beloved Tibetan Terriers.

Are you a big reader? Who are some of your favorite authors or books? Any particular genre that you favor over another?

Lots and lots of historicals, plus romantic suspense, science fiction/fantasy. Jo Beverly, Mary Jo Putney, Roberta Gellis, Georgette Heyer, Emma Holly, Elizabeth Lowell, J.R.R. Tolkien, Angela Knight, Zane Gray – the list goes on and on!

Do you have a favorite style to write? Is one genre easier for you to write than another? How about stories in anthologies? Do you find the shorter format easier or harder to deal with?

I like switching between historicals and paranormal because it keeps each of them fresh. I suspect I’d burn out very quickly if I had to write one or the other all the time. I rarely come up with ideas for contemporaries so I think of them as gifts. I enjoy writing novellas and would like to write more.

Give us an example of a typical day in your life. Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule? Any particular thing you like to indulge in after a hard day? Comfort food, good book, movie, etc.?

I work a 40-50 week at my day job. When that’s added to my writing schedule, it makes for a 70-hour work week. I try to write 3 hours every day, 7 days a week, plus 6 hours a day at least one day of the weekend.

My favorite indulgence after a hard day is time with my family and friends.

If you had one piece of advice to give to a new writer, what would it be?

Read what you love, not what fashion dictates.

Diane, thanks so much for stopping by to visit and share a part of your life with us. Continued good luck in your writing career! Please come back and visit with us soon!

Check back soon for an interview with Angela Knight. If you have any comments or questions for Diane, please let us know. I am sure she will be happy to stop by and blog with us.

The Writer’s Psyche - by Kimberly Dean

2006-11-04T14:34:00.000-05:00

A lot has been written about the writer’s process. What readers might not know is that there’s also a psychological process that authors go through as we fight to get our ideas down on paper. Basically, it’s an emotional rollercoaster ride.

Stages: Writer’s Frame of Mind
1) The Great Idea: Oh, I’m so creative. This is going to be fantastic.
2) The Blank Page: Scary! I’ve got nothing to work from. No words to move around and manipulate. Make it go away.
3) Chapters 1-3: Hey, this is starting off pretty well. It’s going to be awesome.
4) Chapters 4-6: Hmm, this is getting tough. Why is everything slowing down? Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea after all.
5) Chapters 7-10: This sucks.
6) Chapters 11-14: I’m never going to finish! It stinks, but I have to turn something in.
7) Chapters 15-18: Finally. My muse is back. This ending is rolling.
8) Finished Manuscript: Oh, what a relief. I’m done, and it’s actually halfway decent.
9) Waiting for Edits: What is my editor thinking? I think she hates it. She’s going to ask for a total rewrite, I just know it!
10) Edits: Ack! Red ink all over… but wait! These edits aren’t so bad… and she said she loves it!
11) Final submission: This is the best thing I’ve ever written. Maybe I should think about a sequel!

I’m currently at Stage 6. Help!

Meet Erotic Romance Author Kimberly Dean

2006-10-29T15:58:00.000-05:00

Do you like your romances sizzling hot? Love that thrill of a hot sexy romance but want a storyline to go with the hot stuff? If you answered yes to these questions, you will definitely want to check out Kimberly Dean and her hot, hot books! You won't be sorry!

Now lets meet Kimberly Dean!

Kim, Welcome to Deb's! We are happy to have you with us!

Hi, Deb. I’m happy to be here!

Please tell our readers a bit about your writing. What kind of books do you write?

I write erotica and erotic romance. I’ve been writing in these genres for a while, so I’m really excited about how they’ve taken off in the last year or so.

How did you get started in your writing career? Was becoming a published author something you always dreamed of doing?

It was something I’d thought about in the back of my head, but I never really took that inner voice seriously. I’d always been a voracious romance reader, though, and my favorite authors didn’t seem to release new titles as fast as I wanted them. One day as I was waiting impatiently, I decided to sit down and try to write something myself. It was more difficult than I thought, but when I read through my attempt, I thought it wasn’t half bad. I started researching the field, trying to figure out what the next step was. Thus began the process of sending out query letters and waiting for someone to tell me I wasn’t a total hack.

How long did it take you to be published? What was your first book and when did it come out? Was it published as an e-book or in print?

It was about a year-and-a-half, although it definitely seemed longer. It was my second manuscript, and my first story of erotica. It was published as Tiger Lily by Black Lace Publishing, a British company, in print form in 2002.

What was your reaction to seeing your first book on sale? Bet it was an amazing experience.

Funny was more like it. I was at the mall with a friend. She wanted to get a book about travel or something, so we strolled into the bookstore. We were heading to the back, and I was glancing down the aisles as we went. All of a sudden, a book cover on a bottom shelf just jumped out at me. I thought to myself, “Why does that look so familiar?” I nearly did a face plant when I realized it looked familiar, because it was my book. Seriously. My toe caught in the carpet, and I almost tripped over my own two feet. But the catch was that I couldn’t say anything! The friend I was with is very, very conservative, and the book was erotica. I’d never told her that I even write, much less what I write. LOL. I quickly regained my footing and continued with the rest of my day. The only change was that I was now walking on air and had a huge, silly grin on my face.

How many publishing houses do you or have your written for? Looking at your list of books, it seems you have books all over the place! How many have been published and are they all still available?

Oh, boy. Let me count. I’ve written for five publishing houses: Black Lace/Cheek, Red Sage, Ellora’s Cave, Avon, and now Pocket. They’ve all been great. To me, it’s all about finding the right home for the story. I believe that all my books (4), novellas (4), and short stories (4) are still available. Some of the older titles are getting hard to find, but there has been some discussion about re-releasing them. (knock on wood)

I have only read a couple of your books but I can definitely say they are HOT, HOT, HOT!!! How did you get started writing these sexy stories and do they all have the same sensuously hot storylines?

I started out writing traditional romance, but I was getting basically nowhere. I was following all the “rules”, but all that did was essentially muffle my writer’s voice. One day after receiving yet another rejection letter for my first manuscript, I decided to throw everything out the window. I sat down and began writing a story that would never have made it as a romance. The situation was too gritty. The setting was too dark, and the characters were too flawed. They made mistakes, said naughty words, and didn’t shy away from sex. The strongest character was the female lead. She had a gun, a wicked history, and a powerful hunger for her boss. Her name was Shanna McKay, and the story was Tiger Lily. I finally had a writer’s voice. Black Lace offered me a contract, and I haven’t looked back since. With the recent interest in sensual stories, I’ve decided to stick with my strengths. I may branch out as time goes by but, right now, I’ve got a lot of stories left to tell.

Tell us about your characters. How do you come up with your ideas? Do you ever base your stories or characters on real people or events?

I write about strong, smart, independent women and the men who can’t get them out of their heads. My guys are intelligent, confident, alpha types who look really good in the buff. LOL. I write erotica, folks!

Anything can spark an idea for me. The song “Hit the Ground Running” by Jonny Lang inspired the concept for “Wanted”, a story about a fugitive on the run from the FBI. An episode of Charmed led to the idea for a story I’m working on now called Dream Wreaker. I once tried to use a real person as a model for a villain in one of my stories, but I didn’t like having her there. That doesn’t seem to work for me.

How long does it take to research your books? What kind of research materials do you use? Do you ever travel to investigate the settings for your stories? Is research something you enjoy doing?

I’m getting better at research, and I usually do it concurrent with the writing. I didn’t do much for my first stories. I can see the flaws now, but my readers haven’t complained. I don’t know why. Do you think they’re reading for the hot stuff? LOL. I enjoy research if it’s something I want to learn outside of the story. For instance, right now I’m learning all about sleep and dreams. I’ve checked out books from the library, searched the Internet, and even asked my doctor a question or two. Sleep and I haven’t always been the best of friends, so this is fascinating stuff for me. I haven’t traveled to conduct research yet, although a vacation spot might be used in a future work.

Your last book IF THIS BED COULD TALK, came our in June 2006. It was written with Liz Maverick and Lynn LaFleur. What was it like to write a story with these two writers. Have you worked with them before? Who comes up with the idea for certain writers to combine stories in one book? Do you enjoy writing the shorter stories in the anthologies or do you prefer the single stand alone books better? Will there be more anthologies from you in the future?

In my experience, the publishing house comes up with the idea for anthology collections. In the case of If This Bed Could Talk, I knew of Liz and Lynn’s work, because they were Red Sage and Ellora’s Cave authors. I was excited about being in a collection with them, but the stories didn’t have any connection between them. We worked individually, and the publisher put them out as a whole.

I like writing shorter stories in between my stand-alone books. Full-length novels take a lot of time and hair-pulling. A short story can be finished much faster and gives me that sense of accomplishment much more quickly. My hairstylist appreciates that. I would be very open to the opportunity to write more.

Is there any other genre of book you would like to write in the future? Paranormal. Mystery, Fiction, etc…

My work-in-progress just happens to be a steamy paranormal (currently) titled Dream Wreaker. It’s about an unknowing witch who performs a love spell that takes her to her sandman. The attraction between these two magical beings is strong, but a witch shouldn’t be in the dream realm. When people stop dreaming, chaos starts to reign in the waking world. Can these two lovers survive, or will the world be in jeopardy because of their match? I’m having fun with it. It’s my first full-length book for Pocket.

What do you do for fun? Do you enjoy movies or shopping? Do you have any collections or hobbies you can share with us?

I love movies. I hate shopping. I know, I know. I’m weird that way. I don’t really have any collections (because I hate to shop). Is going to the gym a hobby? It doesn’t seem fun enough to be a hobby.

How about reading? Do you read much with your busy writing career? What are some of your favorite authors and books? Do you feel that your writing as been influenced by another author or person in your life? If so, please tell us how.

Unfortunately, I can’t read as much as I used to, and it really drives me crazy. I hear about all these wonderful authors and their fantastic stories, and I can’t get to them. I buy some, but they sit on my to-be-read shelf. I save them for vacations or airplane rides.

Linda Howard is my favorite author, as you’ll read below. She’s probably been a big influence on me since I’ve read everything she’s written about five times. I think I’ve been influenced by a lot of writers and people in my life. It all goes into storage in my head. Things get mixed, subtracted, and added. When it comes back out, though, it’s definitely “me”.

Give us an example of an average day in your life. Do you stick to a specific writing schedule?

I don’t really have an average day. That’s one of the so-called writing rules that I buck. Some people will swear that you need to write 8 or 10 or X number of pages every day. And you “have” to write every day. I don’t do that. I need to be ready to write. That doesn’t mean I’m procrastinating – although I’m very good at that, too. If I’m not writing, I’m mulling things over in my head. I’m working out character issues, flow problems, plot points, etc. When I sit down at the computer, though, I work in chapter chunks. I’ll crank out 20-30 pages in one sitting. I’ll revise as I go. Once I finish, I’ll go through it again. And again. And again until I’m satisfied that I’ve achieved what I wanted to do in that chapter. Then it’s on to the next.

How long does it take you to write a book and does this include research and revisions? About how long does it take to see it on the store shelves? I know we are all anxious for more of your books!

It’s hard for me to calculate that. I’ll get started on a story and get partway through it when something else will sell. My work-in-progress will then get put on the back-burner until I get back to it. Some things have sat there for years. If I put it all together, though, I’d say it takes me 4-5 months. I research and revise while I’m writing. And revise and revise and revise… It usually takes about a year from the time I turn something in until I see it in print. E-books can come out in 2 to 3 months. I like that.

Let’s find out a few of fun favorites from you.

Favorite color? Purple

Favorite season and why? Fall, because of the colors and Halloween. I’ve always loved Halloween.

Favorite food? I’m on a diet right now, so I’ll take anything you’ve got.

Favorite genre of books? Romance. I like mysteries and suspense, too.

Favorite author(s)? Linda Howard, Sandra Brown, Anne Stuart, and many others

Favorite book(s)? Oh, don’t ask me that. It’s so hard to pick! If I have to, I’ll go with the Mackenzie series by Linda Howard. Or Dream Man. Or Mr. Perfect. Slow Heat in Heaven by Brown is awesome. As for those interested in erotica, one of my favorite books is The Ninety Days of Genevieve by Lucinda Carrington.

Favorite topic to talk about? Entertainment, probably. Books, movies, television shows, music, concerts, etc.

Favorite movie? This is just like the book question! Well, some of my top favs are: The Sixth Sense, Practical Magic, Speed, the Harry Potter series (books, too), The Princess Bride… I could do this all day.

What kind of writer are you? Are you structured and use an outline and stick to it or are you more relaxed in your writing style? I know from going to RWA in Atlanta and attending some of the workshops that there are as many different styles of writing and advice on how to do it as there are writers. Did it take you time to develop your own style or was it something natural for you.

I’m a structured writer. We call ourselves “plotters”. Once I come up with an overall idea, I sit down with a notebook and write out the story by hand. It will only be two or three pages long, but I’ll instinctively know the beginning, the twists, the secrets, and the ending right away. From there on out, it’s a matter of dividing it into chapters and delving into each piece to flesh it out. I’m amazed at writers who can sit down with a beginning and just start to write, not knowing where they’re heading. I find that to be really brave, because I could never do that. If I don’t know exactly what I need to write when I sit down at the computer, I’m sunk.

What piece of advice would you give to a new writer just starting out?

Listen to your gut. Once you step into this business, you’ll be overwhelmed with people telling you how you should write. From critique groups to writers’ associations to reviewers, everyone will have a different take on the matter. Listen with open ears, but only take to heart those things you believe in or that you know will work for you.

What was the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?

It was with respect to reviews. Every author will get a real zinger every so often, but one of my editors stressed to me that even a bad review can be good. As long as it’s not faulting your craft, a bad review only means that you’ve generated a strong response from that particular reader. A one or five-star review means they hate you or they love you. It’s the 3-star reviews you want to avoid. That means you haven’t touched that person at all.

What to you have in the works now and when can we expect it?

The manuscript for Dream Wreaker is due December 1. Yikes! I don’t have a publishing date for it yet. As soon as I do, I’ll post it on my web site.

Kim, thanks so much for chatting with us. It’s been a joy learning more about you and your writing. Please come visit with us again soon!

I will! Thanks for inviting me. Some of these questions really made me stop and think. If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me at Kimberly@kimberlydean.com. I’m always happy to talk.

For more information on Kim's books, be sure to check out her website at www.kimberlydean.com

Author Interview-Linda Lael Miller

2006-09-27T20:27:00.000-04:00

Linda, welcome to Deb's. We're happy you could take time out of your busy schedule to chat with us.

Thank you for inviting me! I’m delighted to “be here.”

First of all, please tell us about yourself. Your background, family, etc. Are you married or have kids or pets?

I was raised in Northport, Washington, in a sort of “Wild West” family, where I heard a lot of great stories and was encouraged to love reading. My dad was the town marshal, and a former rodeo cowboy to boot, and my mother ran “Lael’s Motel”.

I’ve been divorced for many years, and have one grown daughter, Wendy, a screenwriter, of whom I’m very proud. I have LOTS of pets, since I’m the original animal lover—four horses, Buck, Coco, Skye and Banjo, two dogs, Bernice (a Yorkie) and Sadie (a Beagle), plus two cats, Cha Cha and Jitterbug.

Tell us a bit about your writing. For the ones not familiar with your fantastic books, please tell us what kind of books you write.

I write historicals, mostly westerns, since that’s my true love and passion, and I’m beginning a new contemporary romantic suspense series with DEADLY GAMBLE, the story of Mojo Sheepshanks, who lives in Cave Creek, Arizona, over a biker bar called Bad-Ass Bert’s. I’ve just completed a new contemporary series, too, called “The McKettrick Men.” In these, you’ll meet the descendents of the original McKettricks—Jesse, in McKETTRICK’S LUCK, Rance in McKETTRICK’S PRIDE, and Keegan in McKETTRICK’S HEART. And just in case you haven’t had enough of the McKettricks, you can meet Holt’s descendant, Sierra, in SIERRA’S HOMECOMING, (Silhouette Special Edition, December 2006) and Meg in THE McKETTRICK WAY (SSE, December 2007).

How did you get started writing? Is this something you have always wanted to do?

I started writing when I was ten, because I was encouraged by a kind and insightful teacher. I’ve never really stopped.

What kind of jobs have you held before you became a full time author? Did you have a best or worst job?

I was a clerk typist in various insurance agencies, medical clinics, etc. I like writing a lot better!

What was your first published work and when did it come out? How long did it take you to be published?

My first book, FLETCHER’S WOMAN, was published by Pocket’s Tapestry line in August of 1983. When I really buckled down and got serious, it took about a year to find a publisher.

Have any of your books been translated into other languages?

Many of my books have been translated into other languages. I have no idea how many!

You have written all types of books from historical romance, paranormal (vampires), time travel, contemporaries and now contemporary suspense. What inspired you to write so many different styles? Do you have a favorite genre? Do you enjoy writing one kind more than others?

My favorite thing to write is romance, and I love that there are so many approaches within the genre. I like a lot of variety, and the truth is, I always love whatever one I’m writing at the time best. That’s where my passions are engaged.

Your books all have the underlying theme of good triumphing over evil. Does this stem from your upbringing as the daughter of a small town marshal?

I’m sure it’s partly because of my dad’s character, but my mother also had a hand in it. She took me to church early on, and both of them worked to instill a sense of right and wrong in all of us.

The last few books released, DON'T LOOK NOW, (7/04), NEVER LOOK BACK (7/05) and ONE LAST LOOK, released in January 2006, have been more mainline fiction than romance. Is this a vein of writing you plan to continue or can we look forward to more of your wonderful romances and paranormals?

I plan to make a continuing series of the “Deadly” books, but you can certainly expect my big historicals, sexy contemporaries, and the occasional paranormal, too. Both SIERRA’S HOMECOMING and THE McKETTRICK WAY have paranormal aspects. Although I don’t have any plans to write more vampire books at this point, I never say never. The quality of the ideas I get determine what I will write, and I’m blessed to have a publisher who gives me a lot of creative leeway.

Tell us about the settings of your books. A good portion seem to have a western setting. Is this something you are more familiar and comfortable with?

I feel that I grew up in the Old West, in many ways. My grandmother told me great stories, by the old wood cook stove, and I remember using kerosene lanterns when the electricity failed. I loved western TV shows and movies, too, and “Bonanza” had a special influence.

Over the years you have traveled extensively and lived in several different places. Please share with us some of the places you have lived and explored. Do you ever use these locales or adventures in your books?

I’ve been all over the place—Russia, Israel, Hong Kong, and, of course, Europe. I lived in London and Italy at different points. I’ve never used these places in a story—I went because I had a real passion to see these countries.

Tell us about the writing process when you start a book. Are you a very structured writer who plots and outlines each aspect of your story and characters or are you more relaxed in your writing style?

I’m sort of a combination outliner and free-faller, when it comes to planning a book. I usually know the framework, but I leave a lot of room for the characters to come alive and tell me their side of things. With the romantic thrillers, of course, I have to know who the killers are, along with their motives, but I make the rest up as I go along. In fact, I see my stories unroll in my mind, like a movie, and write down what I see.

How do you keep up with all the character traits of your various characters, especially when they reappear during a series?

I’ve made a few mistakes with characters’ traits, but I try to keep track of them with notes, etc. Several people, besides my editor, read for these things and catch most of them.

Do you find it easier to write books that are linked in a series or ones that stand alone?

No book is easy, stand-alone or part of a series. Every single time, I wonder, “Can I do this again?” And then I just sit down and do it.

Do you do your own research and is that an area of your work you enjoy? Approximately how long does it take to research a book?

I do my own research, mostly on the Internet. Incredibly handy to print out a calendar for the month and year I’m writing about, and even get the phases of the moon right! I’ve read a great deal about the western era, and I draw on that, and on stories my dad tells me about the old days.

Give us an example of a typical day in your life. Do you try to adhere to a strict writing schedule?

Typically, I wake up very early, let the dogs and cats out, make coffee, let the dogs and cats back in, and spend a couple of hours journaling and doing devotional reading. Then I head for the computer and usually put in around five hours of actual writing. Of course, I write 24/7, because I’m forever thinking about my stories.

How many books a year do you write? Have you ever written stories for an anthology? If so, could you please tell us what it was?

This year, I will have written an astounding six books. I do write anthologies, and frankly, I’ve done so many, I couldn’t give you an example. But I’m doing a story for next year’s “More Than Words” anthology, as a part of a wonderful charity project Harlequin has created.

Is there any particular area of writing that you would still like to try?

I’d like to write some nonfiction at some point.

Can you share with us what you have in the works now? Any idea when we can expect it to be released?

I just finished a new historical called A WANTED MAN, and it will be out in July 2007, from HQN. It’s a sexy western, a sort of sequel to THE MAN FROM STONE CREEK. I had a lot of fun with it, and wrote it in a wild fury of passion.

Tell us about the wonderful scholarship program you have started. How did this come about and who does it benefit? I understand that you donate your proceeds from your speaking engagements to this scholarship. That is a totally wonderful thing to do! How can our readers learn more about this program?

I started the scholarship program several years ago, as a way of giving back because I’ve been so blessed in my life. It’s geared toward women who need a second chance and is not necessarily restricted to tuition—it’s a leg-up kind of thing, and the money can be used for all sorts of purposes. The entrants write an essay, and all the particulars are available on my website.

What do you do to relax and unwind from a busy day? Do you have a special comfort food or activity you like to de-stress yourself with?

I like to relax by playing with my dogs, reading, or listening to my iPod. I LOVE that iPod. I especially love country music. I use prayer and meditation to de-stress.

Are you still a big reader? Do you have any particular favorites you would like to share with us?

I don’t have as much time to read as I would like, but I still love it. Some favorites: Dorothy Dunnett’s “Lymond Chronicles,” all the Harry Potter books, and certain thrillers. I always enjoy Mary Higgins Clark, Janet Evanovich, and Patricia MacDonald. I read Kathy Reichs and Patricia Cornwell, too.

If you could give one piece of advice to new writers, what would it be?

Advice to new writers? WRITE. I get a lot of questions about where to sell a book, how to find an agent, etc. All cart-before-the-horse stuff. I’m amazed at how often these same people have yet to write a word. It’s a tough business, and at the same time, it is hugely rewarding. Being a storyteller isn’t enough—the market is very competitive. A solid command of the language is vital—again, I’m surprised how many people expect an editor to correct the grammar, etc.

Linda, thanks so much for taking time to share a part of your life with us. We have really enjoyed chatting with you! Please come to see us anytime.

Thanks for the interview, Debbie!

Back from the land of computer doom!

2006-09-27T20:14:00.000-04:00

So sorry not to have updated the blog lately. Been without a computer at home for almost two weeks. Not just one computer down, that would be bad enough, but no, both had to had hard drive crashes! What a fun two weeks I have, NOT, talking to Dell and my ISP provider trying to get the problem solved and new cd's sent to me. Did all the talking with the experts help. NOPE, not this time. My heroines are my friend Mary, the head librarian for our local branch and my best friend since grade school Betty. Between the two of them, I was able to go around the problem and get back online. Thanks girls! You qualify for the hero medal in my book!

I'll try to get the interview with Linda Lael Miller up tonight or tomorrow.

Thanks for your patience!
Deb

BOOKS OF THE HEART AND WHY WE WRITE THEM

2006-08-30T07:32:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much, Debbie, for inviting authors to talk about their writing. Once I get started on the subject, I need an old-fashioned shepherd’s hook to pull me away. I thought of what I wanted to say, and finally this hit me. You know, every author has her own unique way of building a story.

The first type finds it easy, because they have a hundred stories flitting around in their mind just asking to be told. They’ll sit and chatter, telling you one story line after the other. Finally breathless, they blink and ask, “Which one should I write first?” I blurt out, “That last plot.” Then I sit on my hands to keep from strangling them.

Oh, how I envy the next one. She’s the lucky dreamer who not only awakes rested, but she’s invigorated by her dreams. My youngest daughter used to do that. While we were eating breakfast, I’d ask her how she had slept. She’d say she had the most marvelous dream and would proceed to share it with me. My mouth would drop, because she had dreamt a complete tale, along with the background, people, dialog–everything. That was before I started writing. Now that I could use some story plots, she no longer dreams epics. Drats!

Some writers need inspiration to write. That’s me in a very big way. Without it, I can’t write a word, much less 100,000 of them.

Toni Blake asked in her blog, “So... what places or settings most inspire YOU. Beaches? Mountains? A wintery landscape? And what are your favorite settings in romance novels? Inquiring authors want to know!”

Well, now, I’ll tell you what inspired my first tale and every one thereafter. After we retired, my husband and I went to Great Britain for three weeks. When we arrived, it was too early to go to the B&B, so we decided to see our first castle. Before I stepped through the outer gatehouse, I reached out and touched the wonderful old wall. The stone felt so warm, so alive. I thought of all the thousands of people throughout the centuries that had walked on that same ground, touched that same stone where my palm rested. I could almost hear them talking, chattering, yelling.

I imagined the sharp clop, clop, clop of horses hooves ringing out on the cobblestones as a black clad knight rode through the barbican on a massive destrier. He stopped and sat quietly, then pulled off his helmet. His fingers ran through his long, black hair as he stared across the bailey at a lovely woman. A riot of brown curls framed her face as she laughed up at a slender man dressed in a tunic of colors a peacock would envy even on its best romantic days. My warrior struck his fist against his thighs, determination glinted from his steely, gray eyes. This would be the last time she favored that nithing of a man she talked with. She had teased my warrior for the last time. He had waited overlong. By the time the sun slept behind the nearest mountains, she would be betrothed to him. They would be wed in a sennight, else her father would deal with him and his army camped outside the castle walls.

In those few simple moments, I fell in love. That’s right. Completely in love with crumpled ruins.

I couldn’t wait to explore every inch of that castle. It talked to me, lured me to find its secrets, its memories. We climbed the stone stairway up to the wall walk and slowly made our way around the curtain wall as far as we could. I looked out from the battlements at the countryside below, then further along stopped again to peer down over the cliff into the turgid waters. I shivered when I faced the bailey to stare across at the opposite curtain wall. Was that the shimmering visage of a man staring back at me, wanting to know why I was there?

The curtain walls that outline the castle are still there, as are the towers and parts of the keep. Some places are too crumbled to explore. One room of the keep fascinated me more than the others. My imagination ran full blast there.

Toni asked what inspires me as an author to write? These medieval settings that refused to disappear into the earth. I go to Scotland, Wales and England when I can. It isn’t often enough, but until someone gives me a great deal of money, it is all I can do. My heart speeds thinking about it. I get this hungry feeling in my chest. Sometimes, I have a terrible fear that I’ll never see them again.

This castle of my heart is actually in Wales. Chepstow Castle. I wrote the Blackthorn trilogy because of Chepstow, but I placed it in Scotland and named it Blackthorn. In my mind, it was the home of the MacKay’s (they were called Morgans then) on the Kyle of Tongue. I have no idea what their castle was named, or if it bore a name at all. Most of its ruins have long since collapsed on an area of stones that juts out at the water’s edge.

From that castle sprang Always Mine, followed by Mereck’s Bride and Risk Everything. Risk Everything was published in 2005; Always Mine came out this month, August of 2006. Mereck’s Bride will follow in October 2007. I’m delighted that both Risk Everything and Always Mine have received Five Star reviews.

My imagination also needs inspiration from music. I cut a disc with music that makes my heart pound. I included love songs and duets with Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Jose Curá, Dulce Pontes and the wonderful sounds of Capercaillie. I play that disc and the music fills the house. Those lovely songs are being sung, not by living people, but by my heroes, my heroines.

Now, who could ask for better inspiration than sight and sound?

Sophia Johnson Interview

2006-08-30T06:48:00.000-04:00

Please welcome Sophia Johnson to my site. Sophia is a super sweet lady who writes awesome medievals. She will be a guest blogger here on Wednesday so get those questions and comments ready!

Without further ado....Meet Sophia!

Welcome to Deb's Interview with Sophia Johnson!

Sophia, Welcome to the Bookstore! We’re happy you could take time out and chat with us.

Thank you for asking me to join you today.

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, family, pets, etc.

Once upon a time, I was born. In Key West, of all places. Truly. Don’t believe my sister, because she always tried to convince everyone I was hatched. Dad didn’t help when he called me his “little ostrich egg.” I had freckles. We moved to Panama when I was six months old. It was a wonderful place to live with lush jungles, lots of parrots, wild life and cute kinkajous. We also had not-so-charming snakes, crocodiles, tarantulas and bats. I survived—with a horrid fear of spiders—to return to Key West seven years later.

Key West was nothing like it is now. No way could my siblings (the eldest is my brother, followed by two sisters – I was the brat) or I get into trouble. Mom and Dad would hear if we misbehaved before we got home. We moved to Miami when I was a teen, and I met my sweet Gil. We have two wonderful daughters and four of the sweetest grandchildren in the world. Gil and I are retired and live in the rolling hills of north-central Florida. Two small dogs keep us company. The eldest (4 years old) is Jamie, a beautiful long-coat black and white Chihuahua. The neighborhood calls him The Terrorist. He needs sessions with the Dog Whisperer. We also have a beautiful sable and white Papillon. Konner is five months now. Jamie’s been on the contest page of my website, and I’m adding Konner this month.

For our readers unfamiliar with your work, tell us what kind of books you write.
I love writing medieval romances set in Scotland and England. My heroes are always Alpha, and the women in their lives are more than their equal. No silly heroines for me. Nuh uh! If you believe women should be subservient or should defer to men then don’t read anything I write. I put myself in the women’s shoes and react the way I would expect if I was suddenly back in medieval times.
Women then couldn’t be the weak nothings we thought they were. Take Queen Bodicea of Ancient Britain as an example. Read about her and her daughters, and you’ll see what I mean. How could women have been weak and survived all the hardships they went through. Some women held down the castle while their husbands were away fighting. And don’t forget to look at the Queens of England and of other countries.

Unfortunately, America has never had a woman president. Sissy us.

Everything I have ever read about you, including reviews talks about how rich your books are in history and that they are just wonderful reads! That has to make you feel good to know others think so well of your books.

I write what I call books with wallpaper history. The history is the background of the time; the stories are character-driven (with strong plots) sensual romances, medieval style.

Oh, I more than feel good, when others think well of my books. I love it when a reviewer gets the story, understands the underlying emotions of the characters and why they do something. I get a kick out of remembering that my wonderful critique partner Delle hated Rolf in Risk Everything. She sent notes on the ms saying, “This guy’s a jerk!” I grinned; I crowed! I wanted that reaction from a reader, because he was being a medieval jerk. That made his changing so much more fun.

Wait until I get Masked Desires published and see what I do to a reclusive monk. *heh, heh* I had such fun! By the last page, everything about that poor man changed after what I made him do.

How did you get started in your writing career? Was this something you have always wanted to do or did it just evolve over time?

I have loved reading since I was five. Mom and Dad had a library room with books and a piano leading from the parlor through an archway. We used to sit on the floor surrounded by encyclopedias. That was a wonderful set. I can still smell them. They had light rose covers, and each book had a beautifully illustrated story or fairy tale in the very beginning of the volume. You know, if they came out with something like that now, maybe our children would be better readers. It sure started all of us!

Rats. I’m rambling. I started writing when my daughter and son-in-law came to spend the Christmas holiday one year. When they arrived, my son-in-law carried in three or four big boxes and set them down at my feet saying, “Merry Christmas, Mom. Now we want you to stop reading all those books and start writing your own.”

Well, now, I couldn’t disappoint them, could I? After New Years, I started researching the Norman Conquest and I was hooked.

Are you a full time writer now? What kind of jobs have you had before pursuing your writing career? Did you have a best or worst job?

Yes, I write full time. I often feel it’s more than full time, because it’s Monday through Sunday. I’m not writing all that time, because the other things that go along with being an author interfere. Web site updating, contests, advertising, answering fan mail, fighting with the computer and cursing the danged thing when it acts up.

I was an executive secretary when I was a young woman, then after we had our girls, I went back to school and went into computer programming. I became a Systems Analyst for a major institution. I wrote systems for mainframe computers, and I loved every minute of it.

I know you are a fairly new published author but you definitely have a following with your wonderful medieval books. How many books do you have out now? Does this include your newest release ALWAYS MINE?

Thank you for calling them wonderful. The stories that are out are part of the Blackthorn Castle trilogy. Always Mine actually began the trilogy, Risk Everything ended it, and yet to be renamed Mereck’s Bride is the middle story.

You were one of the new Zebra Debut authors with your first book, RISK EVERYTHING. Tell us about your road to publication. How long did it take you to be published and how did you become one of the Zebra Debut authors?

When I joined RWA in 2000, I had been writing about a year. I was a Golden Heart finalist in 2002 and seriously started seeking a publisher then. Two years later, I sent Lord of Vengeance to Kensington and two other publishing houses. Hilary Sares called me about two weeks later and offered a contract. I grabbed it, of course, and I am forever grateful that she liked my writing. She was a great editor to work with, very good for a writer’s morale and self-esteem.
By the way, Lord of Vengeance became Risk Everything.

I understand that you love to travel and research the books you write. This time period has always fascinated me and I would love to go tour a castle. How much research do you do for each book and approximately how long does it take you for each book? Have you always been drawn to this time period? Will all your books be medievals or do you have other time periods you want to write about?

I’ve always been drawn to the medieval time period, since those early encyclopedias. I do love to travel, and I’ve spent a lot of time tromping over castle ruins in England, Scotland and Wales. I feel the stones, rub my hands all over the old walls and talk to them. I imagine the people who touched that same spot all those many years ago, and they talk to me. I imagine what those walls have seen. Lydia in Always Mine was doing all I have done when visiting ruins. I don’t have the same empathy for castles of recent centuries, the ones that are still intact and have people living in them or caring for them. They’re too young to have the personality of the people I dream about.

For me to write a tale of love through the ages and do it well, it takes at least eight months. It takes a lot of time to find the right names for characters, sometimes a week before I’m satisfied. I search through medieval names websites, and I mean search. In Risk Everything, the man’s name is Rolf MacDhaidh. Well, someone read the synopsis and snorted. He thought I should have used Ralph.

Tell us about RISK EVERYTHING and your newest release, ALWAYS MINE. I believe they are connected books. Please tell about them and how they are related. Will there be more in this series?

I think I’ve answered this a little. The Scottish characters, Meghan and Damron, are cousins living at Blackthorn Castle where he is Laird. The third book is about Mereck, Damron’s bastard half-brother born just minutes after him. I love Mereck. He’s such a sexy, wonderful man. His story has more humor than the other two books. Mereck can hear people’s thoughts, by the way. Lynette of Wycliff had better watch what she’s thinking around this guy!

How do you keep up with all the pertinent details of your characters and storylines, especially with a series? Your books are so wonderfully rich in detail and make the reader feel like they are right there in medieval times, it must be a huge undertaking to remember all that detail! Do you use a log, notes or perhaps a computer program to help you keep up with all this wonderful information?

I think of my characters first, hunt for pictures in magazines and then make a bulletin board with them. I use 5 X 8 cards and put their name, age, color of hair, eyes and describe their faces, their scents, any oddities on them. I also put their horse or animals names, their banners, all personal info so I can grab a card and see if he has brown or blue or green eyes. I also do a personality sketch using 45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt. I type and print their character study and keep it with the card on the person.

Your characters are so strong and definitely kick a**. I love reading how they interact and butt heads with each other. Is this something you originally planned or did it just the characters develop this way while you were writing? Have they ever surprised you and taken off in another direction than you planned for them to go? If so, what does this do to the story?

I’m so glad you like the strong women. I’ve had two people write that they didn’t like their being so independent and how they fought (I call it standing up to) the hero. I like to think any strong woman who valued herself would react that way to a medieval man and how he tried to treat women.

Yes, I plan them as being women to be reckoned with, but they do develop their full personalities while I’m writing. Oh my, they surprise me all the time. I wrote one beautiful woman into the monk’s story and planned to kill her off toward the end. Well, the blasted woman startled the heck out of me. She wasn’t supposed to be nice, but she went and did something so totally surprising that I didn’t have the heart to kill her. So, she gets her own story in the new Raptor Castle series.

As for the men, I often wanted to whap Rolf alongside his head, kick Damron’s shins and sneak up and pinch Mereck’s wonderful, er, arse.

Are you a strict plotter and outliner or are you more relaxed in your writing style?

I HATE to outline a story and try not to if I can help it. It totally ruins the writing for me. I get the plot formed in my mind and start writing. I guess I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer. I like the surprises the characters give me. I can hear the women giggling and the men growling in the background when they rebel and take off on a tangent. I let them tell me, else they’ll be silent and I can’t find the words to put down. The page would be blank, that terrible white space that makes me panic.

How long goes it take you to write a book? Does this include revisions? Approximately how long does it take for you to see it on the store shelves after you turn it in? Is it different with each book?

Like I mentioned, I need anywhere from eight to ten months before I feel confident to send it out. Risk Everything took eleven months from the time Kensington bought it to the publication date. Then there was thirteen months between it and Always Mine. Mereck’s story is slated to come out fourteen months afterward in December of 2007.

What was your reaction to seeing your first book on the store shelves? I know I would have been over the moon!

It’s a wonderful feeling, but kind of unreal? I’m an awful introvert. I’d love to be bold enough to pick my book up off a shelf, hold it high in the air and holler, “Hey, you! People! This is MY book. Come buy it. You’ll really love the sexy stuff!”

What else are you working on? Any more to the current series or have you started something totally new? Any idea when we can look forward to another book by you? Hope it’s soon! They are definitely worth waiting for!

I’ve started a new series that isn’t under contract yet. Masked Desires, a monk’s story, begins the Raptor Castle tales. I’m planning on four books, starting with Masked Desires then Beloved Sacrifice, Honor Bound and Dreams Fulfilled. Four major characters demand their stories to be told, and I’m trying to accommodate them. Maybe then they’ll let me sleep.

What do you do for fun? Any special treats or hobbies you like to indulge in after a hard day?

Now and then we take a day to browse around antique shops with Gil, my brother and his wife. Sometimes we go into Ocala for dinner with them, or out to breakfast with friends. My husband takes charge of food, else we’d starve to death. I forget to eat unless he cooks and calls me to dinner. Indulge? I love peanut butter cups, but I’ll only allow myself one. Those things are habit forming. If I’m depressed, I’ll forget my control and grab two or three.

Give us an example of a typical day in your life. Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule or number of pages written per day?

We get up usually around 6:30, not because I want to, but Gil’s golf times are usually early. If he’s not playing, he’s helping to build houses with Habit for Humanity and has to be there early. He’s free Wednesday and Sunday, so we sleep until 8:00. Yippee! Uh, that’s if the dogs let us..

MWF I go to Curves for 45 minutes, and I’m usually in here by 9:30 or 10:00. I try to at least write five pages a day once I start a ms. It all depends, though. Lately, everything seems to get in the way.

If you had one piece of advice to give to a writer just starting out, what would it be?

If you think it’s going to be easy, forget it. It isn’t, but don’t be discouraged. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. So be stubborn. I have a quote on the bottom of my terminal. Want to know what it is? Too bad if you don’t. I’m going to tell you anyway.

You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through by Rosalyn Carter. I should have it tattooed to my forehead.

Sophia, thanks so much for stopping by to chat with us. It’s really been fun! Continued good luck in your writing career!

The fun’s been all mine. Thanks for letting me talk my head off.

You can learn more about Sophia Johnson and her wonderful books at her website. http://www.sophiajohnson.com

Be sure to stop in tonight and tomorrow while Sophia guest blogs with us! We love your comments.

I'll be giving away a goodie bag to one winner of the people to blog with us. What are you waiting for? Invite your friends and have fun!

Toni Blake Blogs!!

2006-08-23T22:44:00.000-04:00

GET SWEPT AWAY WITH TONI BLAKE AT THE BEACH

Hello there! First, I want to thank Debbie for inviting me to do a guest blog! Second, I’m thrilled to tell you that my novel, SWEPT AWAY, released on September 1, is the first full-length novel launching the steamy new Avon Red line! I’m super-happy about that honor and pleased with all the attention the book is getting!

What’s perhaps best of all is that this is truly a book of my heart. If you, by chance, haven’t heard that phrase before, it’s how authors sometimes refer to books they were really, really, really moved by and energized by and just HAD to write. Since sometimes in this business marketing trends and editors can occasionally end up dictating what directions your books take. Yeah, sad but true.

Now, fortunately for me, most of my books have totally been books of my heart, and as I said, SWEPT AWAY falls into that category. The only bad thing is, people keep asking me what inspired the book. And I think about all the deep, profound things I could say – like how the central message of the book is that marriage is sacred, or how it was Kat’s (my heroine) search for self, etc. etc. But what it comes down to is this:

I love the beach! I love the sun, I love the sand, I love the surf, I love everything about it (well, okay, except for the unpleasant things you sometimes find like dead, decomposing jellyfish – but fear not, I didn’t put any of those in the book ; ) )

So what inspired the book is simply: the beach. I think it’s a super-sensual setting (lots of glistening skin at the beach, after all) and the idea of putting two people with a “past” together on a private island and stranding them there strongly appealed : ) The rest grew from there and I’m proud to say this is actually my favorite book I’ve written – at least so far. Which proves, I guess, that you don’t have to have a deep, profound nugget of inspiration to turn out a story you love.

So … what places or settings most inspire YOU? Beaches? Mountains? A wintery landscape? And what are your favorite settings in romance novels? Inquiring authors want to know! ; )

I’m writing this about ten days before you’re reading it, by the way. I’ll be winging my way back from the Canadian Rockies right about that time, so Debbie has kindly offered to post this for me. But I’ll be popping in to see your responses and answer any questions! And I want to again thank Debbie for inviting me!

Interview with Toni Blake

2006-08-23T07:29:00.000-04:00

Deb’s interview with Toni Blake

Toni, welcome and thank you for taking time to chat with us.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Your background, family, pets, etc…

Hey Debbie, thanks so much for the interview! About me – I grew up as an only child in a rural area in Kentucky, where I hated farmwork and wanted nothing more than to be a writer. So I’m pretty thrilled that worked out! ; ) Now I live in a suburb of Cincinnati, where I’m happily married with no kids or pets, and glad I can get milk or gas only two minutes from home ; )

For our readers unfamiliar with your work, tell us what kind of books you write.
I write super sexy romances with lots of emotion and fairly layered, complex plots. For the record, my current book is being billed as “erotica,” but that’s only because the word erotica seems to be taking on new definitions. Yes, my book is super hot, super steamy – but the same kind of book I’ve been writing the past few years, so for people who keep asking me why I switched to something new, I didn’t ; )

How did you get started in your romance writing career? Was this something you always dreamed of or did it evolve over time?

I always dreamed of being a writer, from the age of 10, but the romance part didn’t come until about ten years ago. I was writing literary fiction at the time, and finding modest success with short stories, poetry, and articles – but I wanted to be a novelist, and my novels weren’t getting any interest. A good friend and fellow writer shoved Jenny Crusie’s first 3 books into my hand and said, “This is what you should be writing.” I’d never really read romance before, but I was open-minded. And as soon as I saw how smart, funny, and sexy romance could be, I immediately knew she was right – this was what I should be writing.

What was your first published work and when did it come out?

THE CINDERELLA SCHEME was published by Kensington’s Precious Gems line in June 1998.

How many lines have you or do you currently write for?

Well, I’ve been around ; )

After writing three Precious Gems for Kensington, I moved to Harlequin, where I wrote three books for Temptation and one Duets. From there, I wrote two novels for Warner Forever, and a novella for Signet Eclipse. And now I’m at Avon, currently writing for the new Red line.

How many books do you have out now and does this include your newest September 06 release SWEPT AWAY ?

SWEPT AWAY is my eleventh novel. Although only the more recent books are still available – which is just the nature of the business, unfortunately.

I’ve heard some great things about your new release SWEPT AWAY. Please tell us a bit about it and when we can expect it. What format will it be released in? Mass market, trade size, etc…

Yay! I’m glad to hear you’re hearing good things, since I’m super-excited about this book! It will be released the first of September in trade paperback format and it’s the first full-length novel launching the steamy Avon Red line.

It’s the story of Kat Spencer, who is luxuriating on a private island and ruminating on her upcoming wedding – when a man from her past literally washes up onto the beach. She’d once tried to seduce him and failed, leaving her humiliated. Now, they’re stranded on the island and this time he’s trying to seduce her. Oh, and there are bad guys chasing them, too. So it’s action-packed and a lot of fun, but also very sexy and emotional.

Readers can find an excerpt and reviews of the book at http://www.toniblake.com/, so I hope they’ll stop by for a visit!

What was it like seeing your first book on the store shelf? Hope you had a grand celebration!

Indeed, there’s nothing quite like that and I remember it well. It’s a huge feeling of, “I did it! I really did it!” I had a booksigning in my hometown and sold about 75 copies of the book, which was phenomenal and great fun.

Have you always written under the name of Toni Blake? If not, what other name did you use and what do you have published under this name? Do you thing these books will ever be republished under the Toni Blake name?

Actually, those first three Precious Gems books were written as Toni Blair. Blair is my husband’s name, and I liked the sound of our names together. But by the time I sold to Harlequin, Tony Blair the Prime Minister was a lot more visible in the news than he had been a couple of years before and Harlequin wanted me to change my name – so Toni Blake I became ; )

It would be fabulous to see those books republished someday, but I have no idea if it will ever happen ; )

Tell us a bit about your writing process. What usually gives you the spark of an idea for a story? People, places, events or is it different with each character and book? Are your characters ever based on real people or events? Do your characters ever take off in a direction you hadn’t planned for them to go?

For me, it’s no one particular thing. Sometimes it’s a character that pops into my head, or a scenario. Often, it is about setting for me – I tend to get a lot of ideas when I travel, and I’ve always heard traveling increases creativity, so that makes sense. And no, I never base characters on anyone real. I sometimes think they all must, in some way, be a part of me, or I couldn’t create them – but more often, I think of a writer like an actor, portraying the character as they need to be portrayed to tell the story. As for them going off in their own directions – yes, in small ways, but seldom in big ones, so it turns out more fun than frustrating for me, I’m happy to say.

What kind of writer are you? Do you plot and outline your books to the last detail and follow that religiously or do you have a more relaxed form of writing? How do you keep up with the pertinent details of your story? Do you use notes or a log of some sort to keep track?

I’m a definite hard-core plotter, but not to the last detail. I know where the story is going and how it’s basically going to get there, but the rest comes as I write. As for notes or logs, afraid not – I try to store it all in my head and then find myself going back and searching the manuscript to see what color someone’s eyes were or what I named a minor character who needs to be mentioned again. Not the most efficient way, but it’s how I do it ; )

Is there any certain atmosphere you like to create before you start writing?

Not really. I just like peace and quiet so I can sink into the story and concentrate.

Give us an idea of the research you do for your books. I know you and your DH do a lot of traveling. Do you use some of these travels as research for your books? Do you have a favorite area that you prefer to set you books in?

I do whatever kind of research I must ; ) Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I find someone who can answer questions for me. For instance, in SWEPT AWAY, the hero, Brock, is an FBI Agent and he’s on the job during the story. Author Maggie Price, who has a police background and a husband and brother who are policemen, was invaluable in helping me figure out some of the action/intrigue parts of the plot. And author Sue-Ellen Welfonder and her agent, Roberta Brown, helped me with their insider knowledge of Naples, Florida, where part of the story is set.

When I can’t find friends who have the answers I need, I hit the Internet or the library and do my best.

And yes, I do research when traveling, too – but that’s usually more about observation. Looking for a great place to set a scene and taking in the details, that kind of thing. Although when I was writing IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS, I traveled to New Orleans specifically for research and got all my questions answered.

As for a favorite area, hard to say. I love the beach and set both SWEPT AWAY and THE RED DIARY there. And the New Orleans backdrop was a favorite. But overall, I like to move my settings around – I think it keeps things fresh for me.

I know you wrote some terrific category romances before you switched to single title books. What made you take the leap to write the longer, sexier books? Was it a hard transition to make and do you enjoy writing one style more than the other? Will you be writing more category romances in the future?

Well, the transition came naturally, in a way. My agent at the time really felt I was cut out for single title, and my editors at Harlequin, indeed, felt I leaned toward more complex books than fit easily into the category world. I myself liked writing both lengths, but I definitely enjoy the freedom single title provides and I have no plans at this time to write more category books. Although I would enjoy doing more novellas if the opportunity permits.

Is there any other genre of book you would like to write in the future?

I have written a few historical romances and I would adore breaking into that sub-genre someday.

Are you a big reader? Could you share some of your favorite authors and books with us?

I’d like to read more than I do – deadlines and publicity keep me pretty busy these days, I’m afraid.

But when I do have time, let’s see … I love Barbara Samuel and Judith Ivory and Teresa Medeiros – but mostly, I read across the board, no particular author, just whatever looks good. Oh, and I love Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series – and before anyone asks the next obvious question about that: I think Ranger is a lot of hot fun, but Joe is the guy she belongs with in the end ; )

Do you think your writing has been influenced by any other authors or person in your life?

Wow, big question. Other authors – I think very early on I was influenced by Judy Blume, and later, when I was writing literary stuff, Sherman Alexie and Louise Erdrich. In romance, Jenny Crusie definitely. Also Terri Medeiros and Kathleen Eagle. The one thing I think all these authors taught me was about emotion. Sometimes comedy, too, but mostly that it’s about making the reader FEEL something.

And as an aside: One great thing about this business, you oftentimes get to know your idols! I’m pleased to say I can count Jenny Crusie, Terri Medeiros, and Sherman Alexie as friends – so that’s a very cool thing.

What do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies that you find time to indulge in? Do you have any special treats you give yourself, like chocolate or a shopping spree, after a hard day or week?

I guess the special treats I give myself are my hobbies.

I’m way into crafts – I’m an avid scrapbooker and counted cross-stitcher, and I’m proud to say I just finished my first quilt, every stitch by hand. I hope to do more and have already designed a couple of appliqué quilts. I’ve dabbled in crocheting – which made it into IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS – and right now I’m dabbling in some woodcrafts and jewelry-making. I’m also into genealogy – I’ve researched all the branches of my family and have an extensive website with my findings. I’m kind of just all about “creating” – whether it’s books or quilts : )

Give us an example of your typical day. Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule or a certain number of pages written per day?

I write every day – usually from 8 to 2, when I break for lunch and watch All My Children, which I tape in order to cut out commercials. Then I work again from about 2:45 til 6 or 7. I’m a fast writer, so on a good day I can get out anywhere from 15 to 30 pages. But once you factor in e-mail, publicity, and things like doctor’s appointments, hair appointments, errands, etc., etc., the whole schedule ends up changing a lot more than I like. The wonderful thing I’m grateful for is having the freedom to change it ; )

If you had a piece of advice to give to a new writer, what would it be?

Don’t give up. Most people do. If you don’t, and if you learn your craft, you’ll get there. I firmly believe that.

Toni, thanks so much for coming by to chat with us. Continued good luck with your wonderful books!

Thank you, Debbie, for a great interview! I really enjoyed it!

I'm happy to say that Toni with be blogging with us tomorrow. I will post her blog for her and then she will be popping in for comments and questions. Please give a big welcome to this wonderful writer!

Let's Say Hello to Toni Blake!

2006-08-23T07:09:00.000-04:00

Toni, Welcome to my little corner of the world!

I had the good fortune to meet Toni and share a ride to Atlanta RWA conference and I found her to be a smart, witty and a fun companion to ride with. She has an infectious laugh that you can't help join in with, even with they are teasing you! I found this out when I made the innocent comment of I Like Books! This comment set off peals of laughter in the whole car, with a comment from Nikki, our other companion, that she never would have imagines. Two authors and a bookseller, on the way to the RWA conference and I like books. Oh well, what can I say. I am a book addict! I love reading, especially romance and I love talking about books. I love hearing the authors talk about their books and how they came to write them and what they want to write in the future. The whole process is facinating with me and I hope to learn from many more of you wonderful writers, published or not!

Toni, graciously gave me an interview which I will be posting later today and then tomorrow I will post a blog from Toni, which she will then take questions and comments. I hope you will all welcome Toni to my blog!

Thanks!
Deb

Why I write...

2006-08-12T07:44:00.000-04:00

Hello all! What an honor to be the first passenger on board Debbie's new blogging adventure. I'm delighted to be here in cyberland with all of you -- I saw lots of names I recognized in the "comments" section and many new ones, too. I wondered this week what I could possibly tell you that would be new, different and of interest to Debbie's diverse audience, since that in-depth interview basically told you everything about me except what color underwear I wear. (Pink.) Then I had a booksigning last night and I knew exactly what I wanted to tell you.

I want to tell you why I write. I realized it last night, when I looked out to a sea of always enthusiastic faces -- my "village" of supporters who dutifully turn out for my one big local signing I hold to celebrate the release of a new book. This one was made even more exciting and special because I invited three other author friends -- Leslie Kelly, Rachel Hauck and Karen Hawkins -- to sign with me and we pretty much had that B&N jammin' for two solid hours last night. (Kristen Painter was there -- looking stunning, as always!)

Each time I've held one of these signing/party events, I'm overwhelmed and touched and oh so humbled by how many people show up in support of my work. Granted, I'm "aggressive" in inviting them. I carry invitations everywhere the month before my signing, I invite strangers, friends, school moms, the person sitting next to me in the hair salon -- basically everyone I meet. No doubt there are plenty of friends who know I'm terrified the place will be empty and I'll be sitting in front of a stack of my books doing no more than giving directions to the cookbook section when someone walks in the door. But there are also just as many people who show up because they are a little in awe of what I do. And that is why I write.

Not to "awe" anyone, but because I've been given a gift that fascinates people who are, in my opinion, far more talented than I am. One of my neighbors, an anesthesiologist, is enthralled with my job. Where do you get the ideas? she asks. How do you know what to write? I want to say: where do you get the nerves of steel to keep seven people alive during surgery - in one day's work? The same from another friend, a high-powered attorney who runs her own firm. She loves my books and comes to every signing to buy several for her staff. How do you dream up these great heroes, she wants to know. How do you stand in front of a judge and jury and fight for someone's Constitutional rights, I want to respond.

The fact is, people are mesmerized by the ability to tell a story, to write a book, to create a world and make something extraordinary happen in it. Such a simple skill...to me. But not to everyone. So I write because some twist of DNA fate sprinkled storytelling dust on me during my conception. I don't write for the fame and fortune and glory...because, face it, I don't have any. I don't write because it's fun...every word is sheer torture and anyone who tells you differently is lying to you or themselves. I don't write because I want to lock myself in my office during gorgeous summer days and make stuff up and then delete it, make more stuff up, then delete it, make more stuff up, and then go back and read one of my earlier books just to reassure myself that I can do this. I surely don't write because I have characters longing to get out of my head, like I've heard other writers say. I have to dig to my own personal China to find those people, and sometimes they just don't want to tell me their hair color, let alone their deepest backstory, so I have to figure it out. I don't write because I want to be the next Nora Roberts, or because I want a mile-long line at my booksigning, or because I think it will get me on the Today Show. Honestly, I know that's all about as likely as winning the lottery (which doesn't stop me from buying a ticket every week.)

Nope. I write because I can. And when I realized that, I couldn't stop. Nothing could stop me.

Although I wrote for much of my career in PR, my work consisted of drafting annual reports, press releases, CEO's speeches and the occasional line of fun ad copy. I harbored a very secret dream to write romantic fiction -- what I loved to read -- but it just didn't seem like mere mortals could do something like that. One night, in 1999, I finished NOBODY'S BABY BUT MINE by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. When I closed that fantastic, delicious novel, I had one thought: I want to make someone else feel the way I do right now. I want to take this ride again, but this time, I'd like to drive. Can I? Do I have it in me?

And so, right then and there, I decided to try. Just try. For kicks, for a challenge. I'd love to say "the rest is history" but it was basically hell. :-) The story of how I sold and my brief career since my first book came out in 2003 (I'm now at 12) is not that fascinating (as a storyteller, I instinctively know that) but if you want to know, just ask. This is a hard job -- ask any working writer. The glam moments (like last night) are rare. The hair-tearing moments (like every working day) are common. But when I hand a book to that doctor, that lawyer, that mom I chat with in the car line at school...I am thrilled by the prospect of entertaining her with my story, delighted with the idea that I can make this lady fall in love with my hero, be scared by my villain, and relate to my heroine. That's why I write. Because I can, and that in and of itself is a simply marvelous gift that I treasure. And there's nothing in the world that's better than hearing from readers that I've succeeded in sweeping them away. (Remember that: feed an insecure author, write an email!) That is almost as good as that sea of faces I love at the booksigning -- thanks to each and every one of you who came out to celebrate!

And now I'm going to drag myself to the opposite end of life's spectrum...from the rush of signing 75 books to the challenge of hosting a Spa Sleepover tonight for my daughter's ninth birthday (today!). Eight little girls will be here for 15 endless hours tonight and tomorrow -- along with one professional manicurist, who is also one of my close friends -- and we will paint, glitter, gloss and celebrate that passage from lisping baby to eye-rolling tween in the girliest possible way. In the meantime, I will pop in here to read comments and questions and answer anything you'd like to know about writing, reading...and being the mother of a nine year old girlie girl.

Thanks for joining me!
xoxo
Rocki
www.roxannestclaire.com

Interview with Roxanne St Claire

2006-08-09T21:09:00.000-04:00

I had the good fortune to be referred to Roxanne by the wonderful Nancy Berland. She sent me one of her books and I was so impressed I had to do an interview. Then I was able to meet this wonderful lady in person at the Atlanta RWA conference. She is just a friendly and nice in person as she is in her emails, not to mention so pretty!

Hope that you will enjoy our interview. Feel free to let us know what you think and if you would like to see more interviews here on the blog.

Now without further ado......INTERVIEW WITH ROXANNE ST. CLAIRE

Roxanne, Welcome to Deb's. We are so happy to have you with us!

Thank you! I’m delighted to be here to share my love for writing and romance.

First of all, please tell us a bit about yourself. Your family, background, etc.

That could be a long answer! I am a full-time writer, a mother of two (9 year old Mia & 13 year old Dante), happily married to a very funny, sexy, adorable guy (who cooks!), living on the east coast of Florida, following my lifelong dream of writing novels. Before I started writing, I spent 18 years in public relations and I’ve lived in Pittsburgh, L.A., Boston, and Miami. Oh, and this year I became a dog owner for the first time in my life and I am officially converted – I adore that doggie! She’s taught me a whole new kind of love and has really completed our little family.

For our readers not familiar with your wonderful work, tell us what kind of books you write.

I write in multiple genres – romantic suspense, short and long contemporary romance and chick lit. No matter what I write, I want the story to take the reader on a ride – a fun, wild, fast, surprising, compelling, sexy, humorous, emotional trip that makes them feel great when it’s over. That’s what I look for in a book, and that’s what I hope to deliver with every one I write.

Do you enjoy writing one style of book better than another or are they all enjoyable for you?

Some books are just more fun and easier to write than others, and it has nothing to do with the genre and everything to do with the magic of the idea and the characters. Writing a romantic suspense is very difficult because of the layers, the subplots, the loose threads that must be tied into a bow and my own determination to surprise and scare the reader while they are taking that romantic ride toward a happy ending. Writing a short contemp, like a Desire, is a wholly different kind of challenge – I want to keep it fast and fun and flirtatious, but not frivolous. There’s still an important story to tell, even if there isn’t a dead body anywhere in sight. I’ve only done one chick lit and it was so much fun! I would like to do another but haven’t had a chance to develop any ideas since the Bullet Catchers (my romantic suspense series) keep me busy, and I’ve had some opportunities to write some series books for Silhouette and Harlequin that were just to tempting to pass up.

Do you enjoy writing connected books? How do you keep with up with all the pertinent information on your recurring characters? Do you keep a log or perhaps a computer program to keep up with all the character info?

I’ve only started a truly connected series with the launch of the Bullet Catchers – an elite cadre of high end, superhot, fantastically talented bodyguards and security specialists run by a very cool former CIA agent. The first, KILL ME TWICE came out last year; the second, THRILL ME TO DEATH is out this summer. There are several more planned, including TAKE ME TONIGHT, which comes out next spring and more. I am starting to keep computer logs of each character I introduce because my memory is notoriously bad!

How long does it take you to write a book, including any research you do? Does it vary with each book according to the research needed? Do you have a favorite type of research or materials to use?

Each book is different and the amount of time is directly related to how well I know the story and characters before I start. Although my books ALWAYS change from synopsis to final product, sometimes my vision is really clear and sometimes I have to just trust my gut. I do try to produce at least four books a year, but some of those are short contemporaries or novellas.

Approximately how long does it take for you to see a book on the store shelves after you have completed it? Does this include any revisions or re-writes?

It takes between six and nine months from submission to release, depending on the publisher. Of course, I will see the manuscript many times after I first send it in. My editor may ask for revisions, and I review line and copy edits, galleys and page proofs. With one of my publishers, I’m very involved in the cover concepts and back cover copy, with the other I just see the packaging when it goes up on amazon!

How long have you been writing? Was this something you have always dreamed of doing? Did this evolve gradually or did you just jump right into writing?

I’ve written fiction my whole life, since I first got a typewriter for my 12th birthday. I’ve only ever written love stories and I’ve read them my whole life, too. When I hit a “certain age” I decided that it was time to try and write a book that was good enough to be published. I finished a manuscript in about four months (writing late at night, while my children slept) and it did very well in contests and helped me get my first agent. It never sold, but while my agent was shopping it, I wrote another and before I finished it, I knew in my heart it would sell. So, I did the one thing every writer is told not to do – I quit my day job. Fortunately, that book did sell and I’ve been writing full time ever since.

Have you held or hold outside jobs as well as being an author? Do you have a favorite or worst job?

I have worked since my sixteenth birthday and I don’t think I can ever remember a time, even in college, when I didn’t have a job. I’ve been a waitress, receptionist, television actress (I was on LaVerne & Shirley and Bosom Buddies!),a talk show hostess, a trade show model, a cable tv salesperson and…oh, let’s see…too many to mention. Shortly after graduating from UCLA with a degree in communications, I discovered the world of public relations and marketing and it was such a natural fit for me. I worked my way up the corporate ladder and held the position of Sr. VP of the largest PR firm in the world, and had my own agency for many years. The best and hardest job I’ve ever had is MOTHERHOOD. It takes everything I’ve got and more…and it is so rewarding!

What was your reaction when you saw your first book in print? I am sure it would be a very exciting experience.

The same reaction I had when a doctor handed me a six pounds of wet, writhing perfection. Oh my Gawd!! I MADE THAT!

Tell us about your newest July 2006 release, THRILL ME TO DEATH. I believe this is the next book in the Bullet Catcher series. Please tell us about this book and how it relates to the other books in the series. How many books are currently published in this series and what are they? Are there more in the works? Sure hope so!

THRILL ME TO DEATH is the second book in the Bullet Catcher series and I have several more planned. They do not have to be read in order; it’s important that each book, even in a connected series, stands alone. There are recurring characters, so it’s fun to visit the “world” over and over again. THRILL ME TO DEATH is Max Roper’s story – a character I actually introduced in my debut novel, TROPICAL GETAWAY, as a DEA agent. He’s a Bullet Catcher now – a mountain of a man with a mile-wide moat around his heart. In every Bullet Catcher book, the hero is tested emotionally and physically. Max’s test is that he must protect – and secretly investigate – the only woman he’s ever loved, and lost. Their story is emotional as well as sexy, scary and just plain fun. I hope readers love it! I have another “mini Bullet Catcher” book coming out as part of a Christmas anthology later this year (it’s with superstar Linda Lael Miller, titled I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS) and another full-length story planned for April, 2007, called TAKE ME TONIGHT. And lots more in the works!

I was looking at your books being published this year and you have a tremendous amount of books coming out this year. You must be a very fast writer. Do you work on more than one project at a time?

I don’t know how fast I am, but I am focused and have an aggressive publication schedule for the next few years. I don’t usually work on more than one “fresh” book (the one in the actual “creation” phase) at a time, but I certainly have to stop one book to review copyedits on another, or write a proposal for a third. I keep myself organized with a two year production calendar on my wall so, at a glance, I can see all the work I have scheduled and committed. I also track my daily page production and am religious about deadlines. I don’t have any problem getting my “butt in the chair” to write – on the contrary, I have to remind myself to get out and LIVE.

How long did it take you to be published? How many books do you have out now and does this include your new July 2006 release THRILL ME TO DEATH?

I’ve been writing with the intent to get published since 2000; I sold my first book in 2002 and it was released in 2003. I’ve sold or contracted to write 18 books since then. THRILL ME TO DEATH is my eleventh novel.

If you were starting over, would you do anything different on your road to publication?

Yes, I would have started about ten years sooner. I should have known then that I wanted to do this with my life, but I had no idea that “mere mortals” could write and sell books. My brother broke the code when he wrote a novel and sold it in hardcover to Bantam Books. (Called DEADSPIN, written under the name of Gregory Michael MacGregor.) That really inspired me to give this dream a shot and I still can’t believe that I did it.

What advice would you give a new writer?

To remember that persistence is every bit as important as talent. Rejection is part of the job and you have to have thick skin and an unbelievable amount of self confidence. And that if you are a writer in your heart, in your head, in your soul…then you will write. Study the market, understand the business and make the time to write, even if it’s 4:00 AM. (That’s when I wrote my first published novel.) And be professional and kind to everyone – it all comes back to you someday.

With your busy writing schedule, do you find time to read? Could you share a few of your favorite authors or books with our readers?

I don’t read as much as I’d like to because I cannot read when I’m in the middle of a book and, as you noticed, I’m ALWAYS in the middle of a book. I love the top romantic suspense authors like Linda Howard and Sandra Brown. I also love to read biographies. I am a newspaper addict – four are delivered to my home every day and that takes up a lot of reading time.

Do you feel your writing has been influenced by any other authors? If so, who and how did they make an impact on your writing style?

I cut my teeth on the big, glitzy books of the ‘70’s and 80’s – Sidney Sheldon, Judith Krantz, even old Danielle Steel. Then I discovered Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown and I loved the level of suspense they introduced to a romance and the way that suspense can just send chills down your spine. I don’t think I am influenced by authors as much as inspired by writers who can consistently produce terrific books and create memorable characters. It makes me believe I can do it, too.

Give us an example of a typical day in your life. Do you try to keep to a specific writing schedule or number of pages written per day?

I write every minute my kids are in school and try to produce one finished scene per day. After they leave for school and I walk my dog and read my papers, I hit the computer, warm up with a little email and then re-read and revise yesterday’s scene. If that goes well, I’m usually starting a new one by 11 and I write straight through until 2:30. Then (and only then!) do I shower and dress, while my husband picks up the kids from school. Sometimes I pick them up because I have to get out or do something at their school. From 3:00 through evening, I am in Mom Mode – supervising homework, getting them to extracurricular activities, whatever. I am BLESSED in that my husband, who is retired, shops and cooks EVERY NIGHT. And he’s a gourmet chef! After my kids go to bed, I usually hit my office again and work until 11 or 12. Then I crash and get up to do it all over again!

Do you have any specific things you use to set the mood for your writing? A certain soundtrack, candles, or do you write better when things are quiet?

I have to have quiet – music will distract me. Everything distracts me, so I usually cut myself off and don’t even answer the phone when I’m writing. I cannot really start a book until I have two things: a picture of the hero and a title I love. Once I’ve found the hero, I keep him close by at all times. He is my muse!

Do you have any hobbies or any special treat you allow yourself when you need to unwind after a hard day? I know chocolate works wonders for me!

I prefer my indulgence in a bottle -- I like a glass of Kendall Jackson chardonnay! Around six or so, the kids are usually done with homework and they are swimming or fishing on our dock or off to sports practice and I like to pour a glass of wine and watch maestro cook a magnificent meal! That’s when I talk about my book and, very often, work out a plot problem if something’s bothering me.

Has anything been different than you expected about the publishing and promo part of your books? What do you consider the best part?

The surprising thing is how many books it takes to really create a name in the business. Lots of writers think the world changes with the first sale. It does, but in a different way than you expect. There is far more pressure to make subsequent sales and a tough audience to please – real readers who have paid money for entertainment. The best part of my job? Hearing from readers is the very best part…and falling in love over and over and over and over again! I’m definitely a “love junkie” so being a romance writer is the perfect life for me.

Roxanne, thanks so much for taking time out to chat and share a bit of your life with us! Continued good luck in your writing career. We will be watching for more of your wonderful books!

You can learn more about Roxanne and her books at her website
http://www.roxannestclaire.com/

Roxanne will be my guest blogger here on Saturday. She will be posting and taking questions and comments so please come on down and chat with us!

Heads up!

2006-08-09T20:30:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to drop a quick note and let you all know that I will be posting an interview with the wonderful Roxanne St. Claire. Roxanne has an awesome series out now called the "Bullet Catchers." The newest one an August 2006 release called Thrill Me to Death. Her books are full of suspense and have wonderful main and secondary characters that really make you want to grab that next book. Roxanne has also written category books too and you can learn more about her in the following interview and at her site. http://wwww.roxannestclaire.com

Please welcome Roxanne as my first author guest blogger!