Five Fun Facts - Lauren Fraser

1. I went to Scotland on my honeymoon. (I'm soooo jealous!)

2. I like curling up on the couch to watch old horror movies like Nightmare on Elm Street, but I am too chicken to watch recent horror movies. (Are you going to watch the remake of NoES?)

3. I will do just about anything for a good piece of chocolate.

4.I exercise because it's good for me and I like chocolate, but I will never be one of those women who love working out.

5. I hate to admit it, but I am weirdly fascinated by the show Intervention. It's like a car crash I just can't stop watching. (I think most people are addicted to at least one reality tv show.)

Blurb

When DEA agent Lyndsay Chase goes undercover at a seedy strip club, she can’t imagine there will be anything enjoyable about the job…until she sees the bartender, Jim. He is the type of man who could distract even the best agent. Getting involved with someone while on the job would be dangerous on any day, but a particularly tense situation weakens Lyndsay’s resolve, and she gives in to temptation. But there is more to Jim than meets the eye. With a web of lies between them, can these two build something real?

http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=226

Letting Go...coming soon from Freya's Bower.

Writing Rituals with Pembroke Sinclair

Writing Ritual by Pembroke Sinclair

Every writer has their own ritual when it comes to writing. Some outline every chapter before starting, while others just have a general idea in their mind. When I first started seriously writing (waaaay back in high school, over a decade ago), I used to write everything out long hand. I had a notebook, a mechanical pencil, and a square pink eraser. Back then, I could take those things everywhere with me, so I always had the chance to write. (Plus, when you’re writing in class instead of paying attention, it still looks like you’re taking notes. I never had a teacher question what I was doing!) When I finished a chapter or actually had the opportunity to get to the computer, I would do revisions as I typed. As I got older and technology got smarter, this routine didn’t work for me anymore. It became tedious to write everything out, and it started hurting my hand. Since I could take a computer practically anywhere, that’s what I did. Although, I still keep a notebook on me in case I don’t have a computer or I don’t have the opportunity to use it.

My routine for writing now is to sit down at the computer and (hopefully) finish one chapter. I try to keep my chapters between 10 and 15 pages, so, really, it’s not that hard of a feat (although some days I would argue this statement). Sometimes, I’m really lucky and get to write two or three chapters! I open a new Word file for each chapter, then when I’m done, I print each out, 3-hole punch it, and place it in a binder. Since I know the book is going to have to go through revisions, I think it’s easier dealing with each chapter separately rather than a 250-300 page file. When I think I’m close to my final version, I will bring each chapter into one file and put my title page on. I then print it out again, give it another read, and make any edits it needs. After that version, I hand it off to other readers for their input, usually punched and bound in a 3-ring binder.

I don’t normally work from an outline. I have a general idea of the story in my head, and I let the characters take me from one chapter to the next. I normally do my best writing in the morning, but I don’t always have that option. With two kids in the house under 5, I write when I get the chance, which is usually when they go to bed. Although, if inspiration strikes, I will try to get my ideas down wherever and however I can. What about you? What is your writing ritual?

Writing History by Pembroke Sinclair

The other day, I was reading a post my cousin had put on his Facebook page. He commented on how he was freaking out because he had to write a 3-page report for a class (he’s a junior in high school). I couldn’t help but laugh. As someone who writes at least 250 pages for one novel, 3 seems like a drop in the bucket. I told him that if he was worried about 3 pages, he had a big surprise ahead of him. After that, though, I started thinking about my writing past.

Most writers will tell you that they have been writing for as long as they can remember, and I am no exception. I remember in third grade I wrote a story about a horse and a ghost (I don’t remember the details), along with illustrations, and the teacher enjoyed it so much she had it laminated. I also remember going to visit my grandma in Iowa and sitting down at her electric typewriter and writing stories. They were crap so I never finished any of them, but I was always creating something. When I got to high school, I really started getting interested in writing, both fiction and nonfiction, and I did very well. In my sophomore English class, we were learning a new way to critique papers based on a point system. The numbers ranged from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest rating) and focused on content, clarity, organization, and some others I don’t remember. The teacher would put papers up on the overhead projector, and we had to rate them. Most of them were just terrible. Anyway, I remember one day, my paper was up there (of course, no one knew it was mine because my name had been removed, but I knew). To my surprise, my classmates ranked my paper with fours and fives (I didn’t, but you’re always your own worst critic!). My confidence was boosted, and I really got into writing.

One of my friends on the swim team considered herself a writer, and I read a few of her stories. They weren’t bad, but I thought I could do better. We declared a contest, where we would both write a story, and the other swimmers would be the judge. Neither one of us finished, but I continued to write (I don’t know if she did or not). My first novel was actually the first novel I had published, though it wasn’t ready for many, many years (as with most first novels, it took me over 10 years to finish). As I think back on the process, I know I can’t laugh at my cousin who hates to write 3 pages. Writing is a tedious process. Most people don’t want to waste the time or energy.

Writing is a skill that has to be learned, and it has to be practiced. I was a good writer when I was younger because I wrote. When I got to college, I had a love/hate relationship with writing (I still have that relationship with writing). Since writing is a subjective field, every English teacher I had expected something different out of my papers. It was frustrating trying to figure out what that was. I even had some teachers completely shake my confidence when it came to writing (I like to write sci fi, fantasy, and horror and they thought it was beneath them to grade it), and I actually quit writing fiction for a long time. Even when I focused on nonfiction, I wasn’t very consistent, but I didn’t stop doing it. I knew that eventually I would be able to write what I wanted, both fiction and nonfiction, and I learned a lot in the process.

Even today I try to stretch my writing horizons. I try to write every day, even if it’s just on my blog. I also try to do both fiction and nonfiction because they require different writing styles and skills. There is also a difference in writing short stories and novels, so I dabble in both. I also really appreciate feedback I get back from other writers/readers. Writing is an art that can constantly be improved, and the only way to do it by practice. What is your history with writing?

Read more from Pembroke Sinclair at www.etreasurespublising.com or find her on Amazon, located here.

Five Fun Facts - Sandy Sullivan

1. Jamie's story actually came to mind as I was writing Justin's story. At first there were only going to be three in this series.

 

2.  The name's of the two main character's came from a friend of mine, Cathy Gehret. 

 

3.  Wyatt owns a Harley.

 

4.  Samantha has her daddy's eyes.

 

5.  I've been told Jamie has a wickedly, sharp tongue.
 

Blurb:

 

Jamie walked away from her love for Wyatt for the sake of his career as a physician even though she carried his child. When she runs into him at the local emergency room, she can’t believe her eyes, but her heart knows she never stopped loving him. Can she let him back into her life for the sake of their daughter?

Wyatt knew he would return to Laramie when he finally finished school. He never stopped loving Jamie, but she pushed him away and insisted she didn’t love him. He wasn’t sure he could forgive her for shutting him out of their daughter’s life. When they come face-to-face again, he can’t walk away, not from Jamie nor from his daughter.

Will they be able to get past the disappointments and tears to rekindle their love or will old hurts kill the feelings that still linger in their hearts?

Excerpt

A sigh rushed from between her lips and she leaned her head back on the couch cushion. “She’ll be fine, Chase. I have to take her to an orthopedic doctor in the next couple of days to put a permanent cast on, but for now, she’s fine. Quit worrying.” Leveling him with an exasperated look, she said, “Damn! You act like her father.”

“Well, someone has to, since Wyatt skipped town.”

“I can take care of my daughter just fine, thank you.”

“Yeah, that’s why you’re living with Mom and Dad.”

She stood up angrily and shouted, “Fuck you, Chase! I may not have a place of my own yet, but I still can take care of Samantha when I need to.”

He rose to his feet too and stopped in front of her, grasping her shoulders in his hands. “I’m not saying you can’t. All I’m saying is that she should have a father figure and I feel like that responsibility lies with me since her real dad didn’t have the balls to stick around.”

“Mom?” The adults turned only to find Samantha standing on the stairs, rubbing her eyes.

“I’m sorry, baby. Did we wake you?”

“No, not really. My arm is starting to hurt again.”

“Let me get you some of the medicine the doctor said you could have, okay?”

Samantha nodded and Jamie disappeared into the kitchen to retrieve the medication Wyatt has prescribed for her pain. When she returned, she found her daughter sitting on the couch next to her uncle and her heart stopped when she heard Samantha’s words.

“The doctor at the hospital said he knew you, Uncle Chase, or did a long time ago. And Mom knew him, too. She even hugged him when he first came into my room.”

“Really? What was his name, Sammy?”

“Wyatt.”

Chase’s gaze ricocheted up to hers and she felt the color drain out of her cheeks as her hands began to shake.

“Wyatt?” His blue eyes narrowed into agitated slits and her knees went weak.

“Yep. He’s cool. He took really good care of me and even sat down and held my hand while they gave me medicine.”

“Care to explain, sis?”

“Um…no.”

“Jamie Marie?” he growled.

“Don’t give me that shit, Chase. I’m not discussing this in front of Samantha.”

“Fine.” He stood and grabbed her arm around her bicep as he physically escorted her through the kitchen and out the back. “Wyatt?”

“Don’t start, brother.”

“He’s here?” He raked his fingers through his hair before he started to pace. “That son of a bitch is here! In Laramie?”

“Yes, he is.”

“He’s a doctor? At the fucking emergency room?”

“Evidently.”

He stopped in front of her and grabbed her arm in another fierce grip. “Did you know he was here?”

“Of course I didn’t, not until he walked into her room.” Her voice rose in agitation.

Damn him!

“I’ll kill him!” Chase growled as he headed for the house.

He stopped when Jamie said, “Leave him alone. He’s not the one at fault here.”

“What the hell are you talking about? He walked away when you told him you were pregnant with Samantha. He didn’t care enough to stay here and raise his child and take care of his responsibilities.” He snapped his fingers with an almost maniacal smile lifting his lips. “Wait! I know. I’m going to call Justin and Cole and all three of us will kill him together.”

“Damn it, listen to me. Leave him alone. This isn’t his fault.”

“Why? He needs to take care of his responsibility – his daughter.”

“He didn’t leave because he wanted to. He left because I told him to.” There. It’s out.The heavy burden she carried with her for nine years finally reared its ugly head.

“What the hell are you saying? You told him to leave?”

She sighed heavily and sank down onto the patio chair. “Yes. I told him to leave. I was seventeen and scared. He was twenty years old, trying to get through college and when I found out about my pregnancy, I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t ask him to drop out of school to take care of me and the baby. It wasn’t fair to him.”

Chase sat down next to her and took her hand in his. “What about you? It wasn’t fair for you to have to raise her by yourself.”

“No, I guess it wasn’t, but I had you, Justin, Cole and Mom and Dad to help me. I knew I could count on my family.”

“So he took the easy way out and left town.”

“I guess you could say that, yes. He didn’t want to. I told him I wouldn’t see him anymore. I forced him to leave.”

 “God, what a mess this is,” he said with a heavy sigh.

“This isn’t your fight anymore. It’s mine and mine alone. I chose the path I took and now that he is back in town, I have to face the choice I made. It changed both our lives and Samantha’s. This is my mess to clean up.”

“Not alone. You are never alone and you know that.”

Tears burned the back of her eyelids when she touched his face. “I love you, Chase, but I have to take care of this myself. I’m not sure how I’m going to fix this, but I will – somehow I will.”

Hank Quense and Tunnel Vision (Warning Spontaneous Laughter will occur)

TUNNEL VISION BLOG #1

Today's guest is Hank Quense an American author of humorous and satiric fantasy and scifi stories. We'll be discussing his collection of twenty short stories called Tunnel Vision.

Tell us briefly about yourself.

I was born in the last century and I'm still here. Nothing else to report.

What have you had published?

I have over three dozen short stories and a few fiction writing articles that have been published. I also have a novel called Fool's Gold in print and ebook editions and an ebook on fiction writing called Build a Better Story.

About Tunnel Vision: what's the hook?

Live longer. Laughter is good for your health. Read this book and you may live longer.

So what's in it for the buyer? Unusual characters, settings both strange and familiar, and bizarre plots are a few of the things you'll experience and enjoy.

Aren't you tired of reading scifi and fantasy stories that take themselves too seriously? Well, you won't find any stories like that here. It doesn't take anything serious. Politicians, Shakespeare, Lord of the Rings, the military, aliens, the undead, they all get cut down a notch or two.

What's your favorite story in Tunnel Vision?

I think it's MacBeth the Sequel. If you remember the Shakespeare play, he had three walk-ons who were witches. They showed up occasionally and made obscure predictions. They didn't even have names; they were Witch 1, Witch 2 and Witch 3 in the script although they were known collectively as the Wryd Sisters.

Well, they're no longer walk-ons. Now they are stars. They even have first names. They are middle-aged, obese, ugly and virginal. The Laird of the Loch has threatened to kill their pet, Nessie (Yeah, that's right; their pet is the Loch Ness Monster). They hasten to the loch to stop the laird who is also the inventor of golf and golf tournaments. While they try to stop the nefarious laird, they also hope to meet a few lusty yeomen who will be willing to harvest their hymens.

Who is your favorite character in this collection?

Zaftig the Magnificent. He's an alien from Zaftan 31B. I love writing about Zaftans. They make such wonderful villains. They are seven-foot tall, weigh over four hundred pounds, have eight tentacles and resemble giant squids. All Zaftans consider treachery and assassination to be social skills. They always list successful acts of treachery and murder on their resumes.

Do these stories have a message or a common theme?

All the stories are about characters who have tunnel vision. We all have it to some degree, but my characters have it to an extraordinary degree. This overabundance of tunnel vision generates much of the humor as my characters react in surprising ways.

What's Fool's Gold about?

It's a retelling of the ancient myth about the Rhinegold. My version takes place in the future rather than in the Dark ages. I also replace fantasy creatures with two different races of aliens. A Ring of Power? Forrrgetttaboutit. Now it's a Chip of Power.

And Build a Better Story?

In this book, I describe a process to put together a story. It's based on my own writing experiences and on critiquing hundreds of stories. I think it will be a great resource for inexperienced writers.

What do reviewers or readers say about the collection?

Heres a review from the Readers Favorite web site: "Tunnel Vision is a collection of short stories with a science fiction theme. The stories, all previously published, have bizarre characters including: witches, the Loch Ness Monster, dwarves and a dead baseball player.

The stories are quick reads and quite amusing. This is a refreshing change from more serious Sci Fi stories."

Does reading your stories have any possible side-effects?

A. I'm glad you asked that because there are precautions that should be taken by readers. First, check with your doctor to determine if you are healthy enough to take part in spontaneous laughter. Second, if you are suffering from a contagious disease such as the flu, wear a mask to limit the spread of airborne germs when you laugh out loud. Finally, no one should read my stories while driving a car or operating heavy machinery.

How can folks learn more about you and your stories?

My website http://hankquense.com has a lot of stuff about me and my stories and my writing. My blog http://hankquense.com/blog has several new posts every week. I blog about my books, the characters I create, life in modern times, book reviews and even an occasional rant.

Here is a Youtube link to a trailer for the MacBeth: the Sequel. It's one of the stories in the collection.

Happy Medium by Patricia Bates

For most authors today, writing is what I like to call the side job. It’s what we hide in our respective corners to do in the evening, while the hubby is watching the latest game, kids are in bed…and we have twenty minutes or so.

Is it our dream? No, at least it’s not mine. For me if I could write from the time I get up in the morning to when I go to bed, I’d be happy. But I’ve learned that I have to prioritize my time. There are household duties, meals to make, and paying jobs …that don’t feed the soul but sure help with paying the bills.

So how do you maintain your sanity while following your dream? You find a way to settle into a happy balance. For me it’s usually after the kid is settled for the night I give myself one hour to work on my latest project. In that hour I expect that I will get at least one page written. Research, plotting, all those nitty-gritty details are doable during the day when I’m driving from house to house, when I’m waiting for my ride, for the kid to get out of his swim lessons.

My days off are spent bouncing from house and family to writing…and I’ve learned that an idea book is a necessity. Does it always work? No, some days I find myself sitting down and writing only to look up and see two or three hours have gone by, its dark, the husband is in bed and I’m alone…

But it’s not always so easy. So I pace myself, give myself realistic goals, and celebrate when I reach them…by including my family so that we all have a happy, middle ground when it comes to my writing.

To read more from Patricia Bates please visit www.heetr.com or at Patricia's blog HERE. To buy the books please visit Amazon.com

Small Towns by Carolynn Carey

Books Set in Small Towns: Love Them or Do You Care?

by Carolynn Carey

Thanks for having me today. It’s always fun to “talk” with other readers.

And although I’m a writer, I consider myself, first and foremost, a reader. I think the love of reading is what makes anyone want to become a writer. Creating worlds that can help other people escape for a few minutes or for a few hours is one of the most fulfilling endeavors one can undertake, in my opinion.

Speaking of creating worlds, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing books centered around the small fictional town of Barbourville, Tennessee. Dealing with Denver is my third book set in Barbourville, but each stands alone.

I don’t know about you, but I love books set in small towns, and they’re very popular right now. In Dealing with Denver, I drew on my experiences in growing up in a small town. Although I have lived in a city for many years, I still go back to that small town, both physically and emotionally, and I always revel in the closeness of the people.

In Dealing with Denver, Southern travel writer Mattie Meadows needs an excuse to spend a few days in Barbourville, Tennessee, without the town folk guessing why she’s there. Fortunately, she’s a frequent contributor to a magazine devoted to cottages, and Barbourville boasts a delightfully authentic, old-time cottage called Potter Place. After snagging an assignment to write about Potter Place, Mattie figures her goal is in sight. Then Denver Vance shows up at the cottage and everything changes.

Since Chicago attorney Denver Vance is merely passing through Barbourville on his way home, he decides to spend one night at his brother’s cottage, Potter Place, and then head north the following day. Problem is, there’s a stranger on the front porch acting as though he’s an intruder, and by the time Denver discovers who she is, he’s already been drawn into helping her with her clandestine search.

Both are aware that their time in Barbourville is limited, and although neither expects to fall in love, they do. Then Mattie succeeds in her quest and old Barbourville secrets come to light, secrets that could very well destroy Mattie’s and Denver’s chances for happiness.

Will Mattie and Denver find a way to mesh their very different worlds and settle down in Barbourville? Or will the secrets they’ve uncovered forever taint their future in the small town?

What about you? Were you raised in the city or a small town or even in the country? Do you think where you were raised has any influence on the setting you prefer for the books you read?

Carolynn Carey loves writing about small towns and large towns, about the present and the past, about Tennessee and about long-ago England. To learn more about her various books, visit her website at www.CarolynnCarey.com. You may also find out more about Carolynn by visiting www.heetr.com or purchase her books by visiting Amazon.com via the link here.

Pamela Thibodeaux on Tempered Joy

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Pamela S Thibodeaux, author of Tempered Joy, available from Com Star Media.

Blurb: All around rodeo cowboy and heir to the Rockin’ H Ranch, Ace Harris is determined not to fall in love.  He’s only loved one woman in his life, his mother, and no one can even come close to filling her boots. Lexie Morgan thinks rodeo cowboys have rocks for brains and a death wish for a soul.  A broken childhood and the death of her father and best friend leave her doubting and questioning God (despite her years of religious upbringing) and afraid of love. Can two young people who clash from the onset learn to trust in the healing power of God and find love and happiness amidst tragedy and grief?   

Read an excerpt here: http://www.freado.com/book/5388/Tempered-Joy  

Welcome, Pam.

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1. Where do you like to settle in for a good read? 

PST: I can read anywhere – in the tub, on the couch, lying in bed, at the kitchen table, on an airplane. I love to read and grab the opportunity every chance I get.

2. What is your favorite genre? 

PST: Romance is by far my favorite genre – contemporary, historical, mainstream – doesn’t matter as long as it has a HEA ending!

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

PST: Any and all of the above although nothing beats cuddling up with a good book except spending time with loved ones ~ especially the love of your life. :)    

4. Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain? 

PST: I prefer a mixture of hero/heroine POV’s although I also enjoy the input of supporting characters – especially if they are important to the character(s).

5. Do you like first/second/third person?

PST: Although I occasionally enjoy a first person story, they just don’t work as well for me as a novel written in third person.

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

PST: My greatest fear is always that the current WIP (article, short story or novel) will be rejected. I don’t think we ever overcome that fear.

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?

PST: I enjoy too many authors to name – so let me just say that great books are my inspiration.

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

PST: Yes, my goal is to spread the message of the reality and necessity of a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is so real to me and I do my best to portray Him as real to my characters and readers. My prayer is to touch hearts and impact lives with my writing.

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

PST: My writing has been tagged as “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message” and until Julie Lessman hit the scene with her novels and tagline “Passion with a Purpose” I would have said the fact I write “steamy & gritty” made them unique LOL!

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

PST: I love sharing my faith through the lives of my characters and I love the fact that the story has a HEA ending. When I read a book or watch a movie, I don’t want to deal with the negativity life is already full of – I want to know that love truly does conquer all.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

PST: Criticism is tough and one of the hardest lessons to learn is that, as an author, I can’t please everyone. Not everyone will agree with my writing. Not everyone will believe as I do. Not everyone will understand what my story portrays. That’s just life. My husband was fond of saying, “Their loss.” When I received a rejection or criticism and although I usually deal with criticism with a good cry (or two) and a healthy dose of chocolate, I try to remember his words and adopt that attitude. 

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.)

PST: Walk away (sometimes literally), pray, read something someone else has sweated over.

Emma: What other works have you published?

PST: Well, Tempered Joy is the 4^th book in my series. The other three are: Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams & Tempered Fire. All are available in Ebook and Print. I also have a single title novel, The Inheritance as well as 5 (soon to be six!) short stories available through White Rose Publishing.

(That's an impressive list!)

 

Emma: What are you working on now?

PST: I am currently working on edits for my most recent story The Gift – coming soon from White Rose Publishing. I also have another short story in the works as well as a couple of non-fiction projects and a whole list of story/novel ideas just waiting to be developed.

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

PST: Thank you so much Emma for having me here today. May God bless you richly for your generosity!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™

http://pamelathibodeaux.com

http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Debra St.John on Wild Wedding Weekend

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Debra St. John, author of Wild Wedding Weekend, available from The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb: All Abby Walker has ever wanted is to live a normal life in her small suburban-Chicago house. After traveling around the world in her youth, staying put in one spot is a dream come true. But when she winds up on a game show as a favor to a friend, her life takes an adventurous turn she isn’t at all prepared for.

Noah Grant has put his small-town Indiana roots behind him. He travels all over the world, enjoying the freedom and adventure. He has no intention of settling down anytime soon, if ever. But then he finds himself married to Abby in a bizarre quirk of fate, and he realizes his life will never be the same.

Their passion flares as hot as the sultry Caribbean air. But is passion enough to turn their Wild Wedding Weekend into a lifetime of love?

Welcome, Debra.

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1. Where do you like to settle in for a good read? In the summer I like to sit out on my front porch in a rocker or out back by our pond. In the winter it’s curled up in bed before I go to sleep.

2. What is your favorite genre? I do like romance best, mostly contemporary, although I am a huge vampire fan.

3. What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels? Full length novels.

4. Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain? Definitely the hero and heroine. I don’t really want to know what’s going on inside the villain’s head.

5. Do you like first/second/third person? Third. I love being able to feel the emotions of both the hero and the heroine. I like seeing through their own thoughts and feelings how they grow and change throughout the course of the novel.

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

Debra: Will I be able to write another book? The one I’m working on right now is fighting me a little bit. I think I need to sit back and let my characters (and the story) do their own thing at this point.

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?

Debra: Family and friends telling me how proud they are of me that I’ve written a book. I think they get almost as excited as I am when I tell them I’ve sold another one. Fellow authors’ success stories are very inspirational. Being a part of a writers’ group provides inspiration, support, and encouragement.

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

Debra: I’d love to simply provide readers with a good story they’ll remember long after they’ve gotten to the happily ever after. On a more concrete level, I’d like to finish the three-book series I’ve dreamed about writing for years now. This Time for Always was the first in the series. This Can’t Be Love was recently contracted by The Wild Rose Press. So now I need to write the last one, This Feels Like Home, and hopefully sell it to make the trilogy complete!

(Woohoo! You can do it!)

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

Debra: I like to use places I’ve actually been as the settings for my books. From there I add my fictional characters and their stories.

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

Debra: The happily every after! When two people can overcome obstacles and conflicts to find true love, that’s good stuff. And in a world with so much bad news on tv, the newspapers, and on-line, it’s nice to have something with a bit of guaranteed happiness built right in.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

Debra: It’s always a bit disappointing and discouraging at first, but without criticism, we never learn, right? I belong to a fabulous local RWA chapter, and without the valuable feedback I’ve received from critique sessions, I never would have been published.

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.)
Debra: Besides tear my hair out? (Just kidding! ) I guess I try to put myself in the character’s shoes. I’ll have conversations out loud with the other character and see what happens. Acting out a scene can be helpful as well. Sometimes something as simple as moving to a different room in the house to write helps to chip past that wall. Another thing that seems to work for me at times is jumping off of the computer, pulling out pen and paper, and doing some writing the old fashioned way. Somehow a blank piece of paper seems less intimidating than a blank computer screen.

Emma: What other works have you published?
Debra: This Time for Always, my debut novel, was published in 2008. I recently got a contract for This Can’t Be Love, but I don’t have a release date for that yet. We’re in the final editing stages of that one. I also have a free read, Mistletoe and Folly, available through The Wild Rose Press.

Emma: What are you working on now?
Debra: It’s a story tentatively called Family Secrets about two people who fall in love despite a slew of family complications. I’m meeting my editor in person at a conference at the end of the month, and I hope to pitch it to her. Quite a thrill, since all of our communication so far has been via e-mail. Hopefully I’ll have somewhat of a semblance of a finished product! I’ve also been busy doing promotion (setting up a blog tour, etc.) for Wild Wedding Weekend, which was released today!
(Good luck!)

Emma: Thank you for your time, Debra, and good luck with your future books!
Debra: Emma, thanks so much for having me here today to celebrate the release of Wild Wedding Weekend!

Five Fun Facts - Nichelle Gregory

1. I prefer semi-dry to sweet wines and drinks.
2. Besides romance and erotica, I also like to read horror, sci-fiction, and medical thrillers.
3. I truly believe everything happens for a reason whether you understand or accept the circumstances.
4. I hate washing dishes.
5. I love Thai food!  (A woman after my own heart.)

Blurb: Lost in the heart of Africa, Filipe is shocked to discover a beautiful maiden locked away in a stone tower prison. Taken with her innocent beauty and desperate plight, he vows to help Rapunzel but is soon trapped by his own unrelenting desire to have her. His fiery desire gives way to guilty pleasures, but Filipe can't accept Rapunzel's innocent declaration of love. Heartbroken, Rapunzel follows Filipe's plan for escape but nothing goes as predicted. Can Rapunzel convince Filipe her love is true and their destinies are intertwined?

Excerpt:

 

"You came back," Rapunzel said, as he stepped through the window.

Filipe saw her tear-streaked face and took her into his arms, a need to comfort and protect rising deep within in him. "I promised you, I would." He pulled away, his gaze dropping from her wide copper eyes to rest on her high cheek bones, and then lower to full, luscious lips quivering in a shaky smile. Without thinking, he leaned in capturing Rapunzel's mouth in a sweet searching kiss.

She smelled of wildflowers and rain, her lips soft as rose petals. He could feel her uncertainty as he gently caressed her mouth, hungrily tasting her tongue when she let him inside. When she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her small frame as close as she could, Filipe's body responded instantly, his cock hardening in seconds. With not but a breath between them, he was aware she could feel his erection and was not surprised when she pulled away.

"What is that?" Rapunzel asked with an innocent look, pointing to the bulge in his pants.

Filipe started to laugh and then stopped, realizing she was serious. He assumed she was a virgin, but he had never considered how much she would not know. He swallowed hard, trying to calm the savage beast in him, wanting to throw her to the ground and show her the answer to all her questions. "Surely, your godmother talked to you about what happens between a man and a woman?"

Rapunzel shook her head.

"No?" Filipe waited for her to say more, but she simply stared, her eyes moving from his face to his growing hardness. "When a man desires a woman, it is hard . . . um . . . how do I say . . . difficult, to hide the evidence." He struggled to find the words to explain.

"Does it hurt?" Rapunzel asked.

Filipe threw back his head and laughed, when she giggled.

"Not in the way you imagine." Filipe turned away from Rapunzel, removing the shoulder pack containing silk and other supplies. Taking in a deep breath, he willed his cock to behave. Rapunzel's naivety sparked wild lust in his loins, but he prided himself on being a gentleman.

"Can I touch it?"

Filipe stiffened, her soft words making his cock rock hard inside his pants. Hesitantly, he faced her and was again, struck with the depth of her innocence and the force of his desire to take her right then. He stalled, not wanting to hurt her by denying her request and yet, not quite sure he could endure her touch without losing hold of his gentlemanly restraint.

"Filipe?" Rapunzel asked, closing the gap between them.

"Let us look at the supplies I brought," Filipe said, exhaling a short breath.

But Rapunzel smiled. "Kiss me again. I love how your lips feel on mine." She wound her arms back around his neck, her body, once again, pressed to his. "Please, kiss me again."

           Filipe grabbed her fast with both hands at the base of her neck and kissed her hard, enjoying her moan of surprise and delight. She proved to be a quick learner, mating her tongue with his as she edged even closer. He groaned when he felt her hand cover his rock hard cock, gently cupping the rigid muscle through the soft material of his pants. Each tiny caress from Rapunzel's fingers sent shivers of desire roaring through him. With much effort, Filipe, broke the kiss.

---

Five Fun Facts - Valerie Mann

Five Fun Facts about Valerie Mann (well, maybe not so fun but here goes):

1.  I own a romance review website, Got Romance Reviews.

2.  I always read the end of a mystery first so I know whodunit. I can't stand the suspense otherwise.

3.  I once slept in my car in a bank parking lot in Newark, New Jersey when I ran out of money because I figured bad people would leave me alone and the cops would patrol regularly. And because I thought Newark was safer than New York City. Okay, so that was dumb. I was young.

4. I'm having a secret love affair with Daniel Craig. He just doesn't know it yet.

5.  I always wanted to be a rock and roll groupie. But then I found out what groupies did. That nixed that.

Mile High Club blurb:

As businessman Drew Driscoll's personal assistant, Emma knows all too well her employer’s famous temper as well as his leashed desire for her. Once hired, he’s kept a tight, professional distance, instead treating her with cool respect. Until last night, when escorting her to the opera, he’d been forced to take an important, lengthy business call – and watched another man take her home.

    

The next morning and with dread in her heart, Emma boards Drew’s corporate jet to accompany him from L.A. to New York for a meeting. Though she’d done nothing more than allow a past business partner of Drew’s to see her safely home, she knows Drew well enough that he’ll turn his frustration and desire for her into jealousy. When she attempts to defend her actions of the night before, he fires her.

Initially, losing her job and her daily contact with the man she loves, Emma is horrified. But on the heels of her dismay, she realizes one very important fact – there’s no longer any reason either of them can’t act on their desire for each other. An idea takes root and being the savvy assistant he hired, she approaches Drew and appeals to his baser male instincts – will he initiate her into the Mile High Club? And feeling more than a little guilty for accusing Emma of something he knows she never did, her request works like a charm. He’s more than willing to instruct her in all the rules and by-laws of the Club. 

Fanning Old Flames blurb:

Lauren Giovanni hasn’t seen her first love, Seth Fleming, in twenty years but she thinks about him every day. Even after a failed marriage to an unfaithful jerk and a successful business partnership with her best friend to keep her busy, her thoughts have never strayed far from the memories of summer vacations filled with young love. So when her best friend talks her into going to a nightclub during a business trip, it comes as quite a shock when she runs into Seth, and in a foreign city to boot. He’d been her teenage fantasy every summer vacation until she’d turned sixteen. But Seth’s no longer a cute adolescent boy. He’s matured into tall, dark and sexy and reignites every dream and desire she’s ever had for him. The only difference now? These are a woman’s desires for a hot man. 

Hide & Seek blurb:

When Kelly Donovan meets firefighter Nick Barrantes at her sister’s annual summer party, the sparks fly. Famous for its games, this year’s party includes Hide and Seek and Kelly is determined to find a cozy place to hide with Nick.

Trapped in a closet together during the game, neither anticipates the sizzling passion that flares between them. But after the smoke clears and the party ends, Kelly begins to have second thoughts about their encounter. And when she leaves the party without saying goodbye, Nick lets her know exactly how he feels. About the hot sex and about her!

Anna Small on Tame the Wild Wind

Emma: Today, I am featuring an interview with Anna Small, author of Tame the Wild Wind, available from The Wild Rose Press today, April 2!

Blurb: Spirited Cassie Gibson journeys west to the New Mexico ranch she inherited from her father. She is dismayed to find a hard-edged, blue-eyed stranger staking claim to her land. Since neither of them can prove ownership, they are forced to become reluctant partners. On the run from his past, Jed Hazard only wants a quiet life. But Cassie's arrival changes everything.

Welcome, Anna.

Quick questions for you as a reader:

1) Where do you like to settle in for a good read?  I usually read in bed, with my cats curled up next to me. (And my 5 yr old Mama’s boy, Connor!)

(Ohhh, you gotta love that!)

2) What is your favorite genre?  Historical romance, but I also read a lot of mainstream fiction. I also love Stephen King, which is a far cry from romance!

3) What length do you favor…shorts/novellas/novels?  Novels – I was never a fan of short stories. I have read some WRP novellas and enjoyed them, but I prefer a richly textured, multi-plotted story to a quick read. I have read Gone with the Wind and Dr. Zhivago a few times apiece – big books don’t intimidate me!

4) Whose POV do you prefer…hero/heroine/villain?  Hero and heroine, with equal face time. I learned a valuable lesson from my WRP editor to keep out of the villain’s head and show him to the reader only via the protagonist’s POV. This made the villain worse, in my opinion. When the reader only has the h/h POV, the reader is more caught up in the action.

5) Do you like first/second/third person?  I write deep third person POV (lots of italicized, internal thoughts!). I’ve tried writing first person and it gets embarrassing during the love scenes!   But I enjoyed Twilight and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, which are written in first person.

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

Anna: thinking that it’s not good enough! We put our hearts into our writing, sharing personal thoughts, dreams, and fears with the whole world. A rejection feels personal, but the acceptance makes up for it.

Emma: What/who has been your greatest inspiration?

Anna: Other writers whose work I adore – Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Colette – I tend to admire a lot of dead authors and poets! I also find inspiration from actors, other characters, songs, poems, people I’ve known and love, movies, books, etc. Sometimes I hear a single word and get an idea. For Tame the Wild Wind, that word was “claim jumper.” I thought about what it would mean to have your land stolen from you and you have no money to fight it. So I threw a feisty, beautiful girl from Boston into the Old West and a story was born.

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

Anna: as much as I’d love fame and fortune, just being able to make a living from my writing would be a satisfying goal. But my friend, Julia, tells me to reach for the stars, so I’ll aspire to fame and fortune! (g) I’d love to stay home with my family and write.

Emma: What makes your writing unique?

Anna: I portray a lot of emotion and tension in my stories, and I love throwing in some humor. I try to write endearing characters – no alpha/were-hero for me! My heroines aren’t fabulously beautiful and slim, but look more like regular women! My heroes are handsome, of course, but sometimes not in the traditional sense. Frederick Blakeney, the Regency hero in my current WIP, is missing an arm!

Emma: What appeals to you about your genre?

Anna: I’ve always loved history and historical places, and can live out every fantasy I’ve ever had while writing. I can be a Spanish duchess captured by pirates, an English miss stowed on board a handsome captain’s ship, or an adventurer seeking a new life in the wild west.

Emma: How do you deal with criticism?

Anna: professional criticism is easy – you take the advice and deal with it. But if someone is being plain nasty, that’s tough! I once got a critique back from a contest years ago and the judge wrote some hurtful remarks that had little to do with the story. I was upset at first, but then threw it away, since it wasn’t helpful.

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.)

Anna: I work on another WIP. I have about 8 now! Maybe I should stick to one at a time, but multi-task writing works for me. I take time off one story and then work on another until I have a fresh take for the first one.

Emma: What other works have you published?

Anna: This is the first one!

(Woohoo!)

 

Emma: What are you working on now?

Anna: Several stories, but I’m mainly looking for a publishing home for my latest completed work, a contemporary called TAKING A CHANCE ON FOREVER. It’s the story of former lovers who are unexpectedly reunited when their grown children meet and fall in love.

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

Anna: Thank you so much for having me, Emma! And thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged me during this exciting, happy time. Being published is a dream come true.