Baby Update

Yes, this is my four-month old son eating carrots. He may have weighed 5 lbs 9 oz at his lowest, but he's made up for it. He's now 17 lbs.  He's also 25 inches and since he takes after his daddy's side of the family in weight gain (spare tire anyone), he's wearing 9 month old pants. But lest you think I'm stuffing my son, he's only in the 75th percentile for his age and his doctor has signed off on the baby food. (There are signs. Who knew?)

Speaking of signs, I did a little horoscope searching for my son today. And, you know how they say babies are a reflection of their parents? In Iain's case this is definitely true. He's a Virgo (Zodiac) like me, but he's also an Ox (Chinese Zodiac) like his father. He's going to be an interesting little boy to have around.

Rebecca Grace on Developing Characters

            Developing characters can be one of the most fun parts of writing but also can be one of the most challenging. For me there is nothing quite like watching that new person take form on the written page. While I enjoy developing plots and ideas, I think I have my most fun developing new characters for each book. Whether it’s the hero, heroine or a loathsome villain or just a fun secondary person, those characters can be what sets a book apart and makes it unique and enjoyable to the reader.

Where do those people come from? For me, characters develop somewhat along the lines of a sketch. As the artist, I begin start with a blank form and keep filling in the details until I have a full, three dimensional character.

            Let’s face it, the character needs to be more than just a face, a body type or an attitude. It has to be all of that and more. I like to think of my heroines as a friend I might want to spend time with, shopping, hanging out with, sharing with her my troubles and secrets. For the heroes, well, it’s tough for me to do anything more than fall in love with them. Does that mean they all need to be the same? Not at all. I’ve had some great friends over the years and they all provided their own special sets of challenges and appeal. And I know it’s possible to fall in love with more than one type of man. How about that guy who you know is bad for you? Will it keep you from falling for him?

            So how do I come up with those characters and turn them into real people? By going past just the general description. In writing my latest romantic suspense, DEADLY MESSAGES, I started by writing a premise for Connie – what happens if your sister disappears while the two of you are going for an extended jog? I knew I wanted Connie to be tough minded and determined. But I also wanted to make her vulnerable and close to her family—especially her two sisters. And while I wanted her to be strong and independent, I wanted to show that she could think and feel like a woman falling for a man when she didn’t have the time or want to do it.

            I know some people will conduct interviews with their characters as a way of getting to know them, and I’ve tried that too, but I use a different method. It may sound crazy, but remember that comment about getting to know them or spend time with them? Well, that’s what I do with my characters. I “spend” time with them. It might be something as simple as going to lunch with my heroine. If I’m stopping at a fast food place, I think, “Would she stop here? Use the drive up window or go inside?” Would she opt for Japanese food or a classic French restaurant? Would she prefer a neighborhood bar or the newest bistro? I might go to a nice restaurant and consider how she would feel there. Out of place? Comfortable?

But developing the character needs to go beyond food choices. Does she go to museums, libraries? Enjoy a night at the theater or sitting in the bar gossiping with her buddies? Does she go to the gym? Is it a ritual or a chore? When I take my character shopping, I think about whether she’d rather go to Nordstrom and spend an afternoon or just skip the experience altogether. What type of clothing would she select? What about jewelry or shoes?

I like to feel like I’m getting into that character’s head, deciding what kind of choices she would make in her life. What books would she read, what movies would she enjoy, what are her favorite pass times? They might not make it into the book, but by knowing those things, it gives me a feel for who that character is.

            The same was true for my hero in that book, Lt. Mitch Weldon. I wanted him to be a mystery to Connie but I didn’t want him to stay a mystery to readers. I wanted them to fall in love with him, just as Connie was. Showing his home, his dog, seeing how he lived helped both the reader and Connie get a little clearer picture of him.

            These might be small things, but I always figure I get to know my characters the same way I build a friendship. I start off meeting the person and then as I spend time with that person I notice little things. I feel like being a writer has made me much more aware of the people and things around me. One of my great joys is a beautiful day and the changing of the seasons. When I’m working on a manuscript I find myself thinking about how my current character would describe that day and given her/his current problems, would she notice it?  Again, these may not be things that get into my books, but if I know as much as possible about my character I feel like I can then impart that feeling to my readers so they feel like they are getting to know the character too.

            When do I do this? Well, from the beginning to the end. As I’m writing the book, I’m getting to know the character better. I’m working on a sequel right now to DEADLY MESSAGES, and focusing on Connie’s younger sister. I thought I knew her as I wrote the first book, but now she’s coming fully alive as she tells her own story and falls in love with her own hero in DEADLY INTENTIONS.

            Spend some time with your characters. It can help you and the readers get to know them.

            Becky Martinez is one of the co-authors of the book, TEN STEPS TO CREATING MEMORABLE CHARACTERS. She is a former broadcast journalist who currently writes mystery and romantic suspense novels. Her latest suspense title is DEADLY MESSAGES, now available from www.thewildrosepress.com.

Brenda Gayle on Soldier For Love

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Brenda Gayle, author of SOLDIER FOR LOVE, available from The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb:

She’s his commanding officer. So why does he seem to be in charge?

Major Julie Collins should be on top of the world. Her long-sought promotion has finally come through and she has just been given her first overseas command. But when one of her troops turns out to be the handsome Native American who has just left her bed, everything starts to unravel.

Lieutenant Matt Wolf’s exploits with the opposite sex are legend—if only they were true. His larger-than-life persona masks deep loneliness and isolation. He has every intention of obeying Julie’s order to stay away, but what’s he to do when she follows him and then gets herself kidnapped by a deranged voodoo priest?

Suddenly, all orders are belayed as Matt mounts a one-man rescue, risking both of their careers, and the only home he has ever known.

Welcome, Brenda!

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1) Where do you like to settle in for a good read? Given my choice, I pick the couch in our living room; it’s seen better days but is still very comfortable. It is situated right in front of a big window and the natural light coming in is good for reading. However, the bulk of my reading these days is waiting for the kids at music lessons, basketball, soccer, waterpolo, art classes, or whatever activity it is that they’re doing.

2) What is your favorite genre? That’s tough. I love historicals of any sort if they are well researched and accurately reflect the time period in which they’re set. But there’s nothing better to wile away the hours and dispel the problems of the day than a good contemporary romance with a kick-ass heroine and a to-die-for hero.

3) What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels? I love novels—the longer the better!

4) Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain? I like the heroine’s POV, mostly because I have to really identify with her for a story to work for me. The hero is great, too--who doesn’t want to know what a guy is thinking. As for the villain’s POV? I can take it or leave it.

When I started to write my first book, my original intention had been to write it all in the heroine’s POV. I remember reading romance books in the (very distant) past where that was how it was done. I think it added to the conflict and sexual tension when you didn’t know what the hero was thinking. Then when you got to the resolution, it seemed even more powerful. However, I think readers’ today are different and want to know what the hero is going through, too. SOLDIER FOR LOVE has POV for both the heroine and hero—but not the villain.

5) Do you like first/second/third person? I LOVE first-person. Some day I’d love to write a first-person romance.

Emma: What has been your greatest fear you’ve had to overcome as a writer?

Brenda: That what I write is drivel. I have a background in corporate communications so I do a lot of business writing. That’s different because you’re taking facts and writing about them. Fiction writing comes from your own imagination so it’s taken me a while to become confident that readers will love my stories as much as I do.

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?

Brenda: My family. I can’t tell you how supportive my husband, children, parents, sister and extended family have all been. When I first published, they were almost as excited as I was.

Emma: What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Do you have a goal?

Brenda: I hope that my stories make people feel good. They’re escapism, pure and simple. If I can brighten someone’s day, then I feel like I’ve accomplished something.

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

Brenda: I think it comes down to voice. Each writer has his/her own tone and style. My stories are deeply emotional and character-driven. I spend a lot of time thinking about each character--where they come from, their backstory, their hopes and aspirations, etc. Most of it doesn’t make it into the book but it’s important for me to know all that in order to portray them realistically to the reader.

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

Brenda: The escapism. I read a lot of different genres and I read them for different reasons. What I love about romance is seeing how two people fall in love, overcome difficulties, and live happily-ever-after.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

Brenda: With a background in journalism and business writing, I’ve had to develop a pretty tough skin. I’ll admit, though, criticisms about my romance writing sting a little more. I try to find the “truth” in the criticism. By truth, I mean understand where the critic is coming from, determine if this is something I’m hearing from more than one source, decide if I agree with it and whether I am willing to change it. This is a very subjective business and while everyone has the right to criticize, not every criticism is valid for your writing. Our job as authors is to take what we believe is valid and move on.

Emma: What do you do when you hit a wall? (Can’t figure out a character’s emotions, where the plot should go next, etc.)

Brenda: I have a fantastic critique group. There are four of us and we meet every second week in person. We also have an on-line loop to keep each other up-to-date on our progress or to thrash out any ideas/problems that can’t wait for the next in-person meeting.

Emma: What other works have you published?

Brenda: SOLDIER FOR LOVE is my first work of fiction. However, for more than 20 years I have worked in corporate communications for a number of national associations and have published numerous articles and reports.

Woohoo! Congrats on the crossover!

Emma: What are you working on now?

Brenda: I am currently working on a contemporary romance series entitled HEART’S DESIRE, which chronicles the difficult road to finding love and family acceptance for three cousins. In the first book, HUNGRY HEART, dedicated childcare advocate Nora Cross doesn’t appreciate her meddling sister’s attempts to set her up with celebrity chef Hunter Graham. The “cowboy cook” is far too young for her and his playboy reputation will ruin her career—at least what's left of it after her apartment and office are broken into on the same night.

Emma: Thank you for your time, Brenda, and good luck with your future books!

Brenda: I am donating 25% of my book and eBook royalties from SOLDIER FOR LOVE to the Haitian relief and reconstruction effort. Although fictional, the setting for SOLDIER FOR LOVE was strongly influenced by Haiti's geography, history and culture. Like everyone, I was stunned by the scope of the damage and human suffering inflicted by the January 12 earthquake and its aftershocks. I believe everyone should do whatever they can to help. My decision to donate a portion of the royalties received to date and those going forward is my way to give back to the men and woman who allowed me to share their world during the researching and writing of the book. 

Mary Alice Pritchard on Jaguar Nights

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Mary Alice Pritchard, author of Jaguar Nights available from The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb: Can the calming energy of a human empath prevent a dangerous, untamed weir leader from destroying his pard? Will Cole be the answer to Syndee’s longing for acceptance and a home, or will he be her destruction?

Welcome, Mary Alice!

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1) Where do you like to settle in for a good read? I have a leather recliner in my library that is perfect for reading.

2) What is your favorite genre? Paranormal Romance. I love shapeshifters.

3) What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels? I prefer novels.

4) Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain? I guess it depends on the type of story. Usually the heroine but sometimes it is more suited to the hero.

5) Do you like first/second/third person? I prefer third person but enjoy several authors who write in first person.

Emma: What has been your greatest fear you’ve had to overcome as a writer?

Mary Alice: I think it would be that I wasn’t good enough. I worry about not being able to catch a reader’s interest and keep it.

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?

Mary Alice: That’s a hard one. Several author’s who overcame so much to go on and become best sellers come to mind. J.A. Jance, for one. Another would be Christine Feehan. I have to say that a good writer friend of mine has been a great inspiration for me. Nita Wick.

Emma: What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Do you have a goal?

Mary Alice: I want to write the best book possible which means I will always write. Every book is better than the last. My goal? To see my books on the stands at Wal-Mart and Books A Million. :)

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

Mary Alice: I write with an edge and a little spicy humor thrown in. I guess it’s my voice as writers say. You don’t always see it coming.

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

Mary Alice: I love the dark alpha heros. The shape shifters and vampires. I love their tortured need to be accepted and loved for who they are.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

Mary Alice: I growl and then move on. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Mine just happens to be the right one when it comes to my writing.

Emma: What do you do when you hit a wall? (Can’t figure out a character’s emotions, where the plot should go next, etc.)

Mary Alice: I usually go to another book I’m working on, or, if that doesn’t help, I read. It helps clear my mind and it usually works great.

Emma: What other works have you published?

Mary Alice: I have another paranormal romance, Ghostly Mistakes, and three short stories. They are also paranormal romances.

Emma: What are you working on now?

Mary Alice: I’m working on book three of Tales of The Cat. I’m also work on a short story series.

Emma: Thank you for your time, Mary Alice, and good luck with your future books!

The Opera and Inspiration

I've been in a whirl lately working on edits, starting a new story, and of course taking care of baby. Hubby and I took a breath last night and went to the opera. It was his first time, but since he's a fan of the symphony I figured he could handle the opera.

At one point, I was shocked to find I wasn't touching his arm or holding his hand, something I do when we're at the movies. It made me realize how personal an experience the opera is for each individual. The music. The scenery. The singing. The acting. It's all so awe-inspiring.

As the curtains fell on Tosca, the writer in me resurfaced and asked, "How does this inspire me?" Well, aside from the germ of a story idea, I am inspired by the beautiful lyrics. I hope to one day capture imagery so simply, but so profoundly as well.

K.M. Daughters on Capturing Karma

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with K.M. Daughters, author of CAPTURING KARMA, available from The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb: Veterinarian Matty Connors’ visions lead her to homicide detective Brian Sullivan once again despite her resolve to remain anonymous the past four years. Her official work with the police in California resulted in the brutal murder of her fiancé, and since, a recurrent nightmare she barely survives. Brian, the reputed ladies man of the Sullivan family, has yet to give his heart to a woman until Matty lays claim to it. His black-and-white approach to solving crimes doesn’t jibe with Matty’s spooky pronouncements or her reputation for alleged infallibility. A wild goose chase searching for a murder weapon casts doubt on Matty’s “truths” and threatens their smoldering romance. Is Brian her nightmare slayer and ultimate truth? When the puzzle pieces fall in place for Brian, will it be too late to save Matty?

Welcome, K.M. Daughters.
K.M. Daughters: Hi Emma! So nice to visit with you today.

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1) Where do you like to settle in for a good read?
Snuggling on the sofa beneath an afghan, dipping into a bowl of Cadbury mini-eggs occasionally.

2) What is your favorite genre?
Romantic suspense, Inspirational romance and Contemporary romance – we write what we love.

3) What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels?
Novels and novellas.

4) Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain?
The hero’s POV.

5) Do you like first/second/third person?
Third person for hero/heroine and first person for villains in RS books – imparts more immediacy to the glimpses into the villain’s mind.

Emma: What has been your greatest fear you’ve had to overcome as a writer?
K.M. Daughters: The blank page – that persists.

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?
K.M. Daughters: Our Dad wrote children’s stories for us that delighted. We “inherited” his love of story telling.
(That's great!)

Emma: What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Do you have a goal?
K.M. Daughters: The biggest goal we hope to accomplish is to become full-time writers. With thousands, OK millions of fans. :)

Emma: What makes your writing unique?
K.M. Daughters: We write all points of view and divide our scenes map evenly, alternating writing responsibility for each chapter. Somehow our individual voices blend to create one unique “team” voice that is neither Pat nor Kathie. (That definitely is unique!)

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?
K.M. Daughters: Romance and it’s satisfying HEA appeals to us and we’d write nothing else. Writing about love, hope, healing – it’s glorious. We love romantic suspense particularly for its intrigue, puzzles, pacing and dangerous elements.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?
K.M. Daughters: For the first hour – not well. During the second hour – we take it on the chin. After that? We do something constructive and positive with it.

Emma: What do you do when you hit a wall? (Can’t figure out a character’s emotions, where the plot should go next, etc.)
K.M. Daughters: We walk. They say if you move forward, your thoughts/brain follows. When we write we’re always apart. While we plot and develop the scene map we’re together, always walking. We prefer outside hikes but since Pat lives in Illinois and Kathie lives in New Jersey during winter months you’ll find us trudging around indoor malls.

Emma: What other works have you published?
K.M. Daughters: Capturing Karma is our sixth published book and we have contracted a seventh to The Wild Rose Press. Our inspirational titles published by White Rose Publishing are JEWEL OF THE ADRIATIC and ROSE OF THE ADRIATIC. Our Sullivan Boys romantic suspense series include: AGAINST DOCTORS ORDERS, BEYOND THE CODE OF CONDUCT, CAPTURING KARMA and coming soon ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND LAW (TWRP). Our first novel, a contemporary romance, published in Ebook only by Sapphire Blue Publishing is entitled PAST, PRESENT AND FOREVER.
(Wow! I'm impressed.)

Emma: What are you working on now?
K.M. Daughters: The fifth and last book in our Sullivan Boys romantic suspense series. And our Sullivan boy…is a girl. (I love it!)

Emma: Thank you for your time, K.M. Daughters, and good luck with your future books!
K.M. Daughters: Thank you for your hospitality and kindness. We’d love to hear from readers, so please feel free to comment. As always – come visit us at www.kmdaughters.com. Blessings to you!

Tory Richards on The Cowboy Way

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Tory Richards, author of THE COWBOY WAY, available from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid.

Blurb: Artist Lacey Owens comes home to her father’s ranch for a long over due visit, and a little R and R. She's not prepared for becoming the means for revenge against him by an old enemy he helped send to prison. Getting involved with her father’s ranch foreman and partner Chase Saunders isn’t in her plans either. But as the unexpected happens and Lacey’s life becomes threatened, fate throws her and Chase together when he makes it his mission to protect her. Her independent nature rebels against his arrogant high handed methods and tempers ignite, but it soon becomes apparent that their animosity is only a ruse for the intense sexual longing stirring in their blood.

Welcome, Tory.

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1) Where do you like to settle in for a good read? I plop my butt down in my favorite old 1940s recliner rocker and put my feet up. It ain’t pretty but it sure is comfortable!

2) What is your favorite genre? I like contemporary and lately it’s werewolves.

3) What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels? Shorts, I don’t have much time for reading so this way I can get through a story fairly quick.

4) Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain? I like to hear from both sides, the hero and heroine. Although one of my books is written only in the heroine’s POV.

5) Do you like first/second/third person? Second person. I’ve read stories written in the first person and they were good but whenever I try it I find myself reverting back to the second person before I realize it.

Emma: What has been your greatest fear you’ve had to overcome as a writer?

Tory: Humm…great question, Emma! Nothing comes to mind, though.

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?

Tory: My daughter and niece really encouraged me to submit to a publisher, after they read one of my stories. They said it was as good as anything they’d read. Of course, they are in no way biasedJ I’m glad they insisted because I was offered a contract two short months after submitting and my book, CUPID’S ARROW, was on the publisher’s best sellers list two consecutive months!

Emma: What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Do you have a goal?

Tory: Writing is a hobby for me, Emma. I write for me. My goal is realistic. I’ll never be one of those authors who’s making a living off my books. I’m just not that ambitious. I do hope that by the time I retire in 5-6 years that I’m making enough mad money from them to spoil my grandchildren and travel a little.

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

Tory: I guess you would have to ask the readers that. I write suspense romance and I like humor and the sex scenes are, well, hot! I know one reviewer said IT’S ALL IN THE JEANS had a story premise she’d not seen before. She gave it a great review.

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

Tory: I don’t like research. So I write about places I’ve been and what I know. I only have one research book in my houseJ I know that sounds lazy but I honestly don’t have the time, what with working a full time job, taking care of an ailing dad and husband, and spending quality time with the rest of my small family. My family will always come first with me.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

Tory: A lot depends on how it’s delivered. No one likes criticism but I’m pretty laid back and it takes a lot to rattle my cage. I try to learn from it.

Emma: What do you do when you hit a wall? (Can’t figure out a character’s emotions, where the plot should go next, etc.)

Tory: Difficult characters? I kill them off! LOL…just kidding. I have several projects in various stages of development which I’m sure a lot of authors do. I move on to something else. Sometimes I just take a break. I learned a long time ago that I can’t make myself write.

Emma: What other works have you published?

Tory: CUPID’S ARROW, THE SENATOR’S DAUGHTER, WICKED DESIRE and IT’S ALL IN THE JEANS. I had three other books out but they’re no longer on the market.

Emma: What are you working on now?

Tory: Revising a couple older books. I just finished writing THE PROMISE, and hope to submit it soon. My first short romance is being considered now.

Emma: Thank you for your time, Tory, and good luck with your future books!

Tory: It’s been a pleasure, Emma. Thank you for the opportunity to post on your blog.

Nora LeDuc on Murder Came Calling

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Nora LeDuc, author of Murder Came Calling, available from Whiskey Creek Press.

Blurb:  Why would a woman who is scared to death of water commit suicide by throwing herself into a lake?

After her mother’s body is discovered at the cove, Annie Townsend confronts the fact that her father may be a murderer. Desperate to discover the truth, she launches her own investigation. With a growing list of suspects and no leads, she teams up with prison toughened, Sam O’Brien, a man her family despises.

Soon Annie finds herself caught in a web of her own suspicions. Far worse, she’s attracted to Sam and must protect her heart from a man branded by his criminal past and imprisoned by his hardened heart.

Cleared of his crime, Sam wants to live his life in solitary peace away from the prying press. When the tenacious Annie catapults into his life, he finds the opportunity to prove himself worthy to love again by catching a killer.

Welcome, Nora LeDuc.

Quick questions for you as a reader: 

1) Where do you like to settle in for a good read? I like to settle−in on my couch by my French doors so I read with tons of light.  Plus in this room, I have everything I need: the hearth, the TV and my laptop.  What more can a woman need? Oh, yes, the kitchen is a few feet away.
(Sounds like an excellent location.)

2) What is your favorite genre?  My favorite genre is suspense and mystery.  I love Romantic suspense or mainstream suspense. I’m a big Alex Cross fan. Guess James Patterson won’t kill Alex Cross since I bought the next book.  I also love those classics such as the old Phyllis Whitney stories.  
(LOL! Do you think he'd really kill Alex Cross?)  

3) What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels? I’m currently reading Diana Gabaldon’s An Echo In the Bone an eight hundred plus page novel. Need I say more? Truthfully,  I typically read novels but I enjoy a good short story in a magazine. They’re hard to find these days. Sad but true.
(I remember the monthly anthology of romantic shorts you could get at the book store. Whatever happened to them?)  

4) Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain? A good scary villain is lots of fun to read, but the main reason I read is to relate to  or become the heroine.  How else can I get to travel, solve crimes and be the perfect, lovable heroine who meets her match in the hero?
(I like a good villain!)  

5) Do you like first/second/third person? Personally, I’ll read any POV.  I’ve never put a book down because it was written in a certain person. It’s the story that attracts and holds me.

Emma: What has been your greatest fear you’ve had to overcome as a writer?

Nora: My greatest fear has been no one will read my books.  When you’re published by small press it’s difficult for readers to find you.  Unfortunately, you don’t have the distribution of bigger presses and it’s easy to become lost in the sea of authors.

(Too true!)

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration? 

Nora: I’ve had lots of encouragement, which has inspired me, from critique partners, friends and family.  My friends are great sports and love to see their names in my books.  Anyone out there who’d like to be a murder victim, a killer or a best friend in a novel, email me!
(What a fun offer!)

Emma: What do you hope to accomplish with your writing? Do you have a goal?

Nora: I’d like to share my writing with as many people as possible and introduce them to the characters I love. Then we can gossip about them. With each book I strive to produce a better one than the last.

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

Nora: Each of my books has heart, humor and an original, fresh plot. Anne K. Edwards of Mysteryfiction.net wrote of Murder Came Calling: “Talented author Nora LeDuc has crafted something different in a mystery and you will want to read her other books. I know I will.”

Murder Came Calling was also awarded an Editor’s Top Pick by Night Owl Romance Book Reviews.  My hero is different from the usual romantic suspense type. I’d describe him as an anti-hero, and angry man wrongly imprisoned who has to learn to love again to set himself free.
(Wow, great reviews! I'm intrigued!)

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

Nora: I’m a big sucker for Happily Ever After. I do love to see the heroine and/or hero tortured by fates or others and rise above it all.  I never tire of them falling in love either. It’s an exciting adventure I love to take over and over.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

Nora: I find putting away whatever a person has written  or mentally storing it away and then re-evaluating the criticism after a period of time gives it another perspective. Time helps give me another perspective when I consider the comments.  I can mine it for useful information or send it to the trash.  I don’t believe all criticism is good.  Sometimes we’re not in the place to hear or understand it. Then it’s destructive. Also not everyone can give “constructive criticism.”  Considering the source is important.
(Well said.)

Emma: What do you do when you hit a wall? (Can’t figure out a character’s emotions, where the plot should go next, etc.) 

Nora: I talk with friends and my family.  Often their suggestions trigger another idea and the wall breaks down.   The smallest idea or word can set me on the next path for my characters. Sometimes when I’m reading the newspaper a word jumps out at me like a key and I grab it and run to my computer to continue the story.

Emma: What other works have you published?

Nora: My first books were historical romances: Miss McNeal’s Pirate, Always My Hero.  When I met with an agent who told me she wished she could sell historical and advised me to attend the workshop, ARE HISTORICALS DEAD, I decided to write contemporaries:  Gifts From The Heart, Murder By Heart, Murder Came Calling all resulted from meeting with this agent.  I wrote one more historical with my favorite hero Love’s Wicked Jewel.  In June my next novel Pick Up Lines For Murder will hit the market.  This is a light fluffy, fun read, perfect for summer reading.

(I hope historicals aren't dead! They're some of my favorites. I like a good romantic suspense though!)
 

Emma: What are you working on now?

Nora: I’m currently writing a kidnapping story inspired by my addiction to the Caylee Anthony and Hayleigh Cummings cases.  My book comes with the guarantee of a Happy Ending unlike the true stories on which they’re based.

Emma: Thank you for your time, Nora  and good luck with your future books!

Nora: Emma, Thank you for having me. Readers, thanks for spending time with me on the blog!!