Author Spotlight: Denyse Bridger, Paranormal Author

Geez, it seems another week has flown by and we're here again.  New Year's Eve with Denyse will be a blast.  She is an amazing author.  If you haven't already read Blood Wine and Pale Roses you really need to. It is an awesome book and extremely sensual.  Don't miss it!

So without further delay let me introduce her as here she comes now.

Hello, Denyse and welcome to my blog!  I can't wait to get started:)  So here goes...


What inspired you to write your first book?

I don’t know that anything inspired me that first time, I just can’t remember a time when I didn’t write. The first completed project as an adult came in 1984, inspired by my favourite television series at the time. It led me to the world of fan-fiction, and the discovery that what I loved most was to write.


How many books have you written?
OMG, far too many to remember, honestly. I think if we include all my published works, amateur and professional, we’re in the range of about 400+ by now...

Wow! that's quite an extensive catalogue!  How do you decide on their topic?
Sometimes it’s an image, other times a song. I never really know what will trigger the idea. I’ve even literally “dreamed” novels and stories into being.

What works best to keep you focused and on track?
Usually the story keeps me focused, and if I lose the focus, I either look at the images that have created the story, or listen to the music my brain associates with it. I cannot live without music, so it’s always there as a soundtrack to life and creativity.

Oh I do know what you mean there.  I had a Linkin Park CD in my truck for over a year as I wrote my crime romance novel.  I don't know what about it inspired me but it just seemed to keep the characters alive in my head.  I practically lived within the story! 


Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?
Definitely the love of writing...

When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”
From the moment I started writing with an honest desire to entertain people. It wasn’t the first sale or the first publication, but the first completed project that I was willing to give to friends and share... that’s when I was a writer.

What type of stories do you like to write and why?
I like to mix genres all the time... there is always an element of romance in anything I write, but I add lots of other styles, too... fantasy, paranormal, mystery, historical, suspense. Pretty much everything except sci-fi, really, and hard-core horror.

What type of stories do you like to read and why?
Romance and fantasy, mostly. Some mystery, but usually stuff in historical settings, like the Anne Perry Monk Mysteries, or Sherlock Holmes, I really love the Victorian era.

Victorian Gothic stories! Yes, I grew up on them. I always had a novel in my hand about ghosts and old mansions:) I don't even remember the author names now. I think one of my favorites was Victoria Holt.

Who would you say modeled your career? Who would readers compare your work to?
I’ve been compared to P.D. James, Terry Brooks, and a number of Harlequin romance authors, ALL huge compliments in my opinion!

When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?)
I can write anytime, anywhere.... I’ve been known to write half the night when the inspiration hits, other times it’s hit and miss all day long. No children or husband to distract me, just real-life!

Are you someone who can write on demand? Or do you have to stew and coax an idea before you sit down and write? Or maybe you write when the muse knocks you upside your head, like me?
I used to need to “feel” the mood, now, I can write on demand. Whether the demand comes from me or someone else, I can sit down on the spot and work an idea, then go for it....

Where do you write?
My home office mostly, but I always have a notebook and pen with me, so if I’m going for coffee, sitting in a hospital or doctor’s waiting room, I can just flip open the book and write....

Where did you get the inspiration for (your current book)?
A friend in Italy, he’s the hero of my current project. His job and his personality are perfect for a romance, so he’s it!

So your hero is a real person, eh? Well, ladies, looks like this one is attainable, perhaps? Might have to fight the heroine for him, LOL

Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?
Usually there is ONE trait of mine in a hero, or a heroine, even if it is something as innocuous as a hair colour, or an eye colour. Other times it’s a piece of temperament, or a fear in me, or someone close to me, but there is always one trait that I use to anchor the character and make them “real” to me as a person.

How long did it take you to get your first project sold? And was the project your first actual completed manuscript?
First pro contract came when I entered the Amber Heat competition for Amber Quill Press. I wasn’t going to do it, then the night before the deadline, the story just dropped on me and demanded to be told. I wrote it in one day, polished it, then made the deadline under the wire... A few weeks later I had an email informing me that I’d won my first contract. Haven’t looked back since then!

Why do you write?
Because I can’t stop the voices in my head demanding to be heard! I think it’s a gift in some ways, and it allows a form of expression that can take you anywhere and allow you freedoms that nothing else can.

What type of music do you favor? Do you use music as a motivational source when writing?
Music is with me every minute of the day, and I am either singing (badly) or listening to whatever suits the mood of what I’m writing. If I am answering mail, or doing something like this interview, I have things like howling wolves in the background, or storms, stuff like that. My favourite music is anything romantic and inspiring, and for me that is usually the music of Italy, or singers like my friend Riccardo Foresi. I also love jazzy-blues sounds, so it’s really a very eclectic array of sounds...

Denyse will be giving away a copy of her newest release to one lucky commenter. So don't be shy ask her questions and jot your comments down.  She will draw the winner tomorrow. I will announce the winner here on this blog! 

Have a Happy, Healthy and Prosporous New Year!  Wishing you all the best and thank you so much for dropping by:)

More about Denyse:

Canadian born and bred, and a lifelong dreamer, I began writing at an early age and can’t recall a time when I wasn’t creating in some artistic form. My life has had several on-going love affairs that shape much of what I write, the American West, Victorian England, cowboys, a passion for pirates, Greek Gods, and Ancient Egypt. The other endless love affair in my life is Italia and all its magic, beauty, and dazzling culture. That passion spills into all aspects of my life.
My first major fantasy novel is AS FATE DECREES. (Available in bookstores everywhere, and on Amazon’s international sites.) The novel relies heavily on Greek Mythology, and is set in Ancient Greece and modern Athens. If you enjoy a tale of Gods, Destiny, and the battles of an Eternal Champion, this is the book for you! Not surprisingly, there’s a touch of romance throughout, of course! A visit to my website will show the diversity of what is currently available, and the mixing of genres and styles that will be employed in many up-coming projects as well.
To stay current with all these projects, or to just say hello, please feel free to email me anytime, there’s a contact link on the mail menu. I promise I will do my best to answer everyone, though it may take a day or two, so please be patient! Or, feel free to sign up for my newsletter, which is called Romance and Fantasy.
Website: http://www.denysebridger.com/

Blog: http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com/

Sensual Treats Magazine: http://www.sensualtreats.webs.com/

HEARTS ON FIRE BOOKS will be publishing my short fantasy/erotic romance ROYAL CONSORT. That stunning guy on the cover, he's real... someone I love and adore - my Italian Prince, Vincenzo. This book was written for him. So, please check it out on Sunday when it goes live at Hearts On Fire.... In the meantime, let me tell you a little bit about the book, and tease your interest (I hope) with an excerpt:

ROYAL CONSORT
Publisher: Hearts On Fire Books
Release: November 15th, 2009
Cover Model: Vincenzo Chiofalo
Photographer: Mariagrazia Germanà
Cover Artist: Dara England

Blurb:

On the fantasy world of Foress, the daughter of the world’s last remaining god is challenged to locate one of the ancient swords that were forged as the Triad of Power among the once-powerful gods. Sherindal is a skilled warrior, but a woman with many conflicts in her heart. She has spent her life in the service of her father, the god M’Har, yet it is not she who will wield the most powerful of the swords. Diviner is to be her brother’s destiny, even though she is certain the legacy should be hers. Sherindal carries another of the three ancient weapons, Huntor. The final part of the triad is to be held by the hands of men, and her lover, the Prince of Ember City, is the guardian of Predator.

Royal Consort buy Link:
http://www.heartsonfirebooks.com/downloads.aspx?categoryid=8


BOOK COVERS (Slideshow): http://www.slide.com/r/bqRfkYr10D8gfyi__LvEBUA2jZbc5RLT?previous_view=lt_embedded_url


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Author Spotlight: Susan Macatee, American Civil War Romance Author

Hello and Merry Christmas to all! Please welcome this week's guest, Susan Macatee. Hello, Susan! Hope you've managed to get all your Christmas preparation done, LOL  Are we ever done?

What inspired you to write your first book?
Reading great books written by others. When I was a kid, I loved books so much, I imagined what it would feel like to actually write and have my name on the cover of a book and have people read stories about characters I’d created. As I grew older, although I never thought of being an author as a real career option, that vision of writing novels never completely left me. It was through reading and my love of novels that made me want to write a book of my own.

How many books have you written?
Not that many, actually. I started out writing short stories, so as of today, I’ve written four complete novels and just completed the first draft of a fifth. I have another completed first draft put aside, awaiting revision. The first novel I wrote was never published.

What works best to keep you focused and on track?

Schedules. LOL. I list all my writing goals. I have yearly goals, monthly goals, weekly goals and even daily goals. I also belong to an online challenge group where I record my daily progress in a database. This keeps me from frittering away my time, when I know I have to account for what I’ve done each day, whether it be words written, pages edited or hours spent plotting or researching a story.

Do you write to make money or for the love or writing?
Although I’d love to make money from my writing, I’d have to say that’s not the reason I’m doing it. If it was, I would’ve quit long ago. I just love putting words to paper, creating characters that live and breathe in both my and my readers’ heads. And mostly, I want readers to be uplifted by my stories, so if only for a short time, they can get away from problems and escape into a fictional world with a happily ever after.

What type of stories to you like to write and why?
My favorite genres are historical and paranormal. And a mixture of both genres is ideal. I love the Victorian period, American Civil War and also have a thing for vampires, the idea of reincarnation, soul mates, time travel and pure adventure. But the main ingredient is the love story. I want my characters to fall head over heels in love and, no matter what the obstacle, end up with that happily ever after ending.

When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?
Early afternoon is my most creative time, so on weekdays, I spend early afternoon hours on new projects, like first drafts and plotting out stories. I also like to squeeze some late morning time on weekends to write too. Since I don’t have an outside job and no longer have kids underfoot, I divide my days between household tasks and writing projects. So, late morning and afternoon is reserved for edits, book promo, proofreading, checking email and other writing related stuff.

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?
Generally, I write at the same time every day. Knowing that I’m supposed to write at that hour, makes it that much easier to dive right into the project at hand and make the most use of that time. Otherwise, I might fiddle around all day and not accomplish anything.

Why do you write?
I write to be happy and sane. Enough said. LOL.

Do you have an upcoming release? You do! Oh please tell us all about it.
While I don’t have any upcoming releases, 2009 has been my year of releases. I’ve had five in all. Besides a Christmas novella in an anthology, my latest stand-alone release is a vampire novella, Sweet Redemption out last month in e-book format from The Wild Rose Press. This story is set during the American Civil War, my favorite historical period. My hero is a Union infantry captain and an ex-Catholic priest. The heroine is the widow of a Confederate soldier. She’s left alone on a farm just after her father’s death, trying to keep from starving when the hero shows up on her doorstep. The villain is a centuries old vampire, who stalks them both.


Blurb: On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett, is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul.
Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents have passed on and her brothers are off fighting in the Confederate Army. She’s alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family’s farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop.
Maddie and Jon soon form a bond of love and tender desire. But when Jon begins to exhibit signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

Where can we find your upcoming release? When will it be available?

Sweet Redemption is available now at:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/sweet-redemption-p-3750.html?zenid=744a80ff8a416037d43a4dd470786511

If you would like to read a review please visit the Long and Short Reviews at the below link:
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/sweet-redemption-by-susan-macatee.html

More about Susan:
Susan Macatee writes American Civil War romance, often with a paranormal twist. Along with her husband, she's been a Civil War reenactor for a number of years. Her other loves are sci-fi, watching major league baseball, camping and baking.

Susan loves to hear from readers. You can find her at her website:
http://www.susanmacatee.com/
and her blog:
http://www.susanmacatee.blogspot.com/.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Please stop by and visit with Historical Romance author Susan Macatee tomorrow and by all means check out her newest release Sweet Redemption.

Author Spotlight: Beth Trissel, Historical Romance Author

Hello, Beth! So glad to have you here.  Everyone, please give this lovely lady a warm welcome:)
Thanks so much, Dayana, for having me on your lovely blog~
Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Greetings all. I'm Beth Trissel, author of historical romance and light paranormal romance, published with The Wild Rose Press. I'm married to my high school sweetheart and live on a farm in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley with entirely too many dogs and we're probably getting another one. :) We also love our kitties, well, at least I and the girls do, and the grandbabies. The beauty of the valley is an inspiration, as are my roots which go well back into Virginia’s history. Virginia truly is for Lovers. ~

And now, for some lucky visitor (or visitors) paying attention and not too shy to comment, I’m giving away a signed copy of An American Rose Christmas, drawn from among comments left for this post. If you reside outside the United States I’m giving away a digital download, so may be awarding two prizes.

****
Oh Beth, that's wonderful.  I'm going to have to grab a copy of American Rose Christmas for myself. I so love Christmas stories. Well, best I get to it, then, LOL What inspired you to write your first book?
To be passionate about history so that you feel it in your very essence and long to commune with the past is often to be alone. One profound way I’ve found to connect with those who’ve gone before me is through my writing. Research into my English/Scots-Irish ancestors inspired my journey back into early America and the Virginia colonial frontier.


Wow! you make it sound so exciting.  What a wonderful way to pay tribute to one's ancestors. How many books have you written?
I have four novels published since the fall of 2008 and a story in the newly released Christmas anthology, and I just signed for another completed American historical. I am mostly finished with another American historical (both part of my colonial frontier trilogy) and am closing in on finishing up the next light paranormal novel in my ‘Somewhere’ series. I have several more in various stages of completion.
You are a busy lady! What works best to keep you focused and on track?
Hot Earl Grey tea, Dark Chocolate, and the right music. I can be bribed and inspired. Threats I tend to ignore. Pleas are answered with promises and excuses. From myself, I mean, as I am my main motivator.
Umm... I myself am a Dark Chocolate lover! Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?
Ever and always the love of writing is my foremost reason. When I stop loving it, I shall retire and rest on my laurels or whatever it is writers do. However, I cannot imagine such a day. Unless I wrote for a company that dictated what I must compose and in that case, I would quit and find another. I love the freedom I am allowed for creativity at The Wild Rose Press. It is well I’ve met with favor among the editors there because I have no intention of leaving.

Of that I can definitely relate, Beth. The Wild Rose Press is a wonderful group of people. I am quite comfortable there as well, and am working on a new Scarlet novella.  Hot! Hot! Hot! And of course working on the second book of my Roma Wolf Tales series.
What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?
The social networks like Myspace and Facebook where I have wonderfully supportive friends and fans. I blog my heart out and have several blogs, and repost so as to reach the most people. I’m also a member of a group blog, The Pink Fuzzy Slipper Writers. I’ve been a guest on a number of sites and done interviews. I also like Authorsden. Between the Lines, Readers and Writers of Distinctive fiction, Manic Readers…those sorts of sites are worth doing. I belong to some great loops, The Wild Rose Press Yahoo Group, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers…that help spread the word about a new release and are great for sharing information. I’ve done blog radio and am open to more guest spots on those shows. I like anything promo wise that’s FREE, but do pay for some services. I sometimes feel like all I do is promo but I think it’s because I had so many releases on top of each other this year. Whew.

I know what you mean about promo. I tend to try to do all I can to draw people, and it does tend to take a lot of time expecially when you have to continuously monitor all those venues.  Lately, I am guilty of going AWOL on some of my loops and groups because there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day, days in a week to do all I want to do! I belong to most all of the venues you mention.
What is your favorite holiday? And why?
I confess to loving Christmas but find it rather overwhelming. Easter is not so much fuss, and I Love Spring! Even though I’m allergic to it and have to take allergy shots.
When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”
After I finaled in the Golden Heart (2008) and sold Somewhere My Love to The Wild Rose Press. Or maybe that’s when I felt validated. It came in steps really. I wrote for 12+ years before achieving those two goals. Each contest final, signing with a good agent even though it ultimately didn’t work out, all helped move me in that ‘I Am A Writer’ direction.

When do you read? Where?
I read most every night before going to sleep, usually in my bed but sometimes on the couch. I need an E-Reader!

LOL, I have one though I guess mine is antiquated at this point. It's a Bookwise ebook reader:) Though it's enough for me. Where do you go to think?
I usually take a walk. Wander aimlessly is another word for it. Thinking times are vital to creativity, as is music. I favor Celtic music and movie soundtracks…music that takes me from here to ‘There.’ I’m often inspired when I watch something that stirs my imagination like Lord of the Rings.

Oh that is my favorite movie series and Aragorn(Viggo), well...
What is your least favorite thing to do as an author? Allow me to clarify: query, write a synopsis, write a blurb, market, you get the picture:)
I HATE writing a synopsis. And I’m not very good at it. My editor at the Wild Rose didn’t insist on one for my last manuscript, but I have to come up with a better blurb and I loathe writing that as well.
Do you have a recent release? 
Funny you should ask. An American Rose Christmas, a fabulous anthology featuring six stories by American historical romance authors, is out now at the Wild Rose Press. My story in this anthology is "A Warrior for Christmas." In addition to the Wild Rose Press, An American Rose Christmas is also available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble online and will expand in both print and digital download to many other online booksellers. Local stores can order it in.

For more on my work please visit my website at:
http://www.bethtrissel.com/

Author Spotlight: Karilyn Bentley, Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Please welcome Karilyn Bentley today. Good to have you here.

Thank you for having me, Dayana. 

What inspired you to write your first book?
I was tired of working and wanted something where I could stay home. Writing immediately came to mind b/c I used to write stories as a kid and as an adult I had about 3 stories running around in my head. So I sat down and wrote one of them. It’s now hiding in a dark corner of the closet never to see the light of day, but hey, I finished it. As a bonus, I’ve since learned that writers really don’t sit at home and eat bon-bons:)

Wow, Karilyn. That is the primary dream of many writers including myself. Tell us how you are able to support yourself with your writing as your primary source of income  as many of us can't through just our writing. We maintain full-time jobs as well.

I also have to work a day job. I'm a clinical research coordinator for an oncology practice. This means that I help run cancer trials for patients in our clinic. I feel like I'm giving back to the community by working with all the brave people fighting cancer.

Ahh... I'd thought you had quit you day job, LOL I must admit I was a bit envious as that is my dream.
Someday...  *sigh* Oh but I digress.  How many books have you written?

5 books (including the above mentioned hidden one) and 1 short story. But not all of them are editor worthy!

How do you decide on their topic?

The first one I wrote was what I thought might have happened to this kid I knew in high school that had a mysterious past. Or at least I thought it mysterious:) The next two came as daydreams, striking out of the blue. Then I decided to write romance and needed a series idea so I brainstormed a whole new world. The short story that was published with The Wild Rose Press was part of the Got Wolf? contest so I wrote it specifically for that contest.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas! And why? This might make me greedy, but I love opening presents! Growing up, Mom used to break apart sock sets so I had more packages to open. There is something about unwrapping a gift and hearing the paper crinkle that I love. You can give me bubble gum, just wrap it really good and I’ll be happy! Plus I love to give gifts. And see all the lights and decorations. And listen to the music, especially the real Christmas carols sung at church with an organ that vibrates through your feet and into your soul. I just love Christmas!

Christmas is one of my favorites as well. I love the festive atmosphere most of all.  I just spent this last week or so decorating my home. I so love the lights, holly, pine, everything...

What type of stories do you like to write and why?

I love to write paranormal/fantasy. Probably b/c that’s what I love to read. Reading is an escape to another world, so I like to write about those other worlds. Plus, how cool would it be to have magical powers and be able to kick the bad guys’ butts all over creation? Sign me up!

Where do you write?

Started off writing with my laptop on the bed:) Now I’ve moved to the living room. Plop down on the floor, stick a pillow behind my back, lean up against the wall or sofa and write away. All the research books are upstairs so I can think I’m getting exercise hauling it up and down the stairs:)

LOL very resilient of you.  Running up and down stairs is said be a good workout. Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

I did in my earlier novels. Now, not so much. Usually the characters speak to me and I write ‘em as they come.

Yeah, you know? I can relate to that.  I'm about the same and I'll tell you sometimes the new interrupt the ones in process! How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?

Probably about 4 years.

Why do you write?
Because the stories are there yelling to get out. I can’t write fast enough for them all, so I have to pick and choose. But the writing itself is like a catharsis, and it feels so good to finish a story.

Do you have an upcoming release?
Yeah me! I’m one of the Got Wolf? authors and am so excited about it! The story is in Taming of the Wolf and my story is Werewolves in London. It’s out now and available from The Wild Rose Press and Amazon and other online stores. Check it out! I’m really excited, can you tell?? *grinning from ear to ear*

I have to tell you, Karilyn, I have both anthologies and have read all the stories in the stories. They are all wonderful and I will be the first to say, if you haven't read Karilyn's and the other stories in these collections you need to run right out and get them. 

Tell us about your Hero.

Tom is a rancher and single father whose herd is being gnawed on by a wolf. When his daughter is kidnapped he must rely on Vonda to help save her. In the process he discovers a secret about himself. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books? Since Werewolves in London is my only published story, Tom is currently the fav.

Tell us about your Heroine.
Vonda is dog trainer who loves steak tartare fresh off the bone. When she sees Tom’s daughter being kidnapped, she had to help save the girl. But she and Tom got more than they bargained for in the rescue. Do you have a favorite? Like Tom, Vonda is my only published heroine. So of course I love her! :)

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?
Well, the first story I ever wrote (the one currently in hiding) featured someone I used to know. Other than that, nope. All characters are figments of my imagination. Unless you consider the dog. Sam, the dog in Werewolves in London is modeled after one of my psycho pups. My Sam has obeying issues. Anyone know how to get Cesar Milan to pay us a visit?

Short bio:

By day, Karilyn works in the research department of an oncology clinic. By night, she tells the stories of her imaginary friends. Karilyn and her most wonderful, ever patient husband share their home in the great state of Texas with two partially psycho dogs and a couple of colorful fish.

Visit me at my blog:
href="http://karilynbentley.blogspot.com/">http://karilynbentley.blogspot.com/

or email me: karilyn@karilynbentley.com

Links to buy:
http://www.amazon.com/Taming-Wolf-Wild-Press-Authors/dp/1601547099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259546709&sr=8-1

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/taming-of-the-wolf-volume-2-p-3708.html?zenid=fa7ec73c846182a59e7915b2f678e0f1

 

Evening, all.  Just thought I'd pop in and show you what I've been up to the last couple of weeks besides fighting the flu that is... The picture to the left is a closeup of one of my Christmas topiaries I create each year. I use this pic for the wallpaper on my Blackberry:) As many of you, I've been very busy preparing for the beauty of the Christmas Season.  I just love being creative and customizing my own decorations.  Two years ago, I was very impressed with a "Corner Tree" I saw in an ABC Distributing Catalogue so yes, I bought it.  Below is a picture of it.  It saves space and looks absolutely exquisite!  I have two seven and a half foot trees that are beautiful with a revolving tree stand but you know what? Sometimes you just don't feel like dealing with all that and I'll tell you, this tree is just as pretty.

Also, I had picked up some-- for lack of a better description--stick lamps at a garage sale a few weeks ago with the thought of dressing them up for each holiday. Wait until you see what I've done with them. I am so excited:) Below are some closeups of the lamps which you will see on the fireplace mantel.  See? We writers can be pretty clever and crafty in other ways, LOL

And of course, I had in my mind I wanted flicker bulbs for the lamps and you know?  I finally found them at Home Depo.  I'd about given up but as I crawled along the floor of the lightbulb display wall there they were! Hidden way at the bottom and only one little row of them.  But I felt as if I'd found heaven:)

Also, I am very proud of the topiaries I mentioned below.  I had created matching set which sits on either side of my china cabinet in the dining room.  I have put them up for probably four years now and decorated them each year like the tree.  For the first couple of years I'd utilized them as I'd bought them with white lights but I love colored lights so a couple of years ago I switched them out.

And finally, I have like many people collected village pieces and change it up each year. I have a train set but depending on how much room I want in the living room I utilize them. This year I opted for a simple village so I only used a few pieces.  Sometimes simple is more effective. Don't you think?  I'll save these pics for my next post. 

Thanks for sharing my holiday preparation with me.  May yours be festive, warm and filled with happiness and much joy! 

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!

D~

Coming up this week...

I've got two Author Spotlight segments.  Please drop in on Tuesday and meet Karilyn Bentley one of the Got Wolf Anthology authors and then on Thursday, Beth Trissel, award winning romance author. I know you will enjoy these very animated ladies.

Tomorrow part one of my Christmas antics. Then more pics and show and tell on Wednesday. 

Hey! I've got a wonderful idea. Why not share your busy, bustling holiday season?  Shoot me pictures and a short recap of what you are up to these days. I'll put them up with your story.  I look forward to sharing the fun:)

Talk soon,

Dayana~

Well, here we are once again at my weekly author spotlight but unfortunately this week's author had to reschedule her spotlight. As you may know my guest was to be Romance Author, Mallary Mitchell.  Something has pulled her away but no worries, I will reschedule her early in the new year. 

I don't know about you but the last several weeks has been very busy for me and not in the arena of my writing.  That thing called 'real life' has dug in and pulled me out of my author mode.  I don't see any light at the end of the reality tunnel until into the new year. I did, however, jot down the completed story for a new erotic novella story recently. I need to lengthen it a bit and flesh it out a bit. But, I have generated an interest in reviewing it for publication after querying the premise.  So, I am doing some personal work.

I'd like to take a moment to update you on some things that I have not been able to get to of late. 

My newsletter is on hiatus until after the New Year, and I've decided I will only put it out every quarter.  It seems to make more sense that way.  I am also interested in hearing your ideas on distribution.

I am currently sending a special notice out when the newsletter is available through my loop, Dayana's Happenings, so members can download their copy.  I notice that some of my peers send it directly to their mailing list. I'm not sure how to format the newsletter for this type of destribution so any aid is appreciated.

My participation in the loops has suffered immensely the last few months. If anyone is reading this from my various loops please accept my sincere apologies.  I hope things to loosen up after the holidays.

I spent last week down with the nasty flu strain going around.  But I am feeling much better and moving on to get the homefront ready for the holidays.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with happiness and joy.

Dayana~

Author Spotlight: Tamelia Tumlin, Paranormal Romance Author

Oh do I have a treat for you today.  Tamelia Tumlin dropped in to share some hot and fiesty vampires with you.  Welcome to my Author Spotlight segment, Tamelia.

Thank you for having me, Dayana. 

Okay, since it is the holiday season, I think I'd like to begin with the obvious question, what is your favorite holiday? And why?

This is an easy question! LOL. Christmas-hands down! I love everything about it. The lights, sounds, smells. the whole season is special to me. Somehow the spirit of giving has a way of turning any die-hard Scrooge into a holly, jolly elf. :)

I can't debate you there.  Isn't it strange how disaster and the holiday season bring out the best in people? I love the season because it's so festive bright and full of good will towards other and animals as well.  What made you decide to write?

I knew God gave everyone a special talent and I also knew I couldn't sing, dance, or act, but I could write stories about people falling in love so that's what I did. Now, it's addicting. Once I'm through with one story I can't wait to start on another one with two new characters and a boatload of trouble to work through. :)

Great answer and it is so true of me, as well.  You don't even want to hear me bellow out a tune! My mom used to beg me not to sing, especially when I had earphones on, LOL When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?)

I write when I can. Day. Night. Holidays. But, I do my best writing at night when I know no one will be needing me for anything and I can concentrate on my hero and heroine.

When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”

When I recieved my first e-mail from a fan. I thought, "Wow! I actually have a fan! Someone really likes my stories." I was so excited, I sent her a free copy of my latest book. From that point on I realized I actually was a writer.

That's wonderful, Tamelia.  Did I mention that fan was me???  LOL Just kidding:) Where do you write?

At home. Usually on the couch with my laptop. Sometimes with the TV on (low, of course) and sometimes with just music. I can’t write with complete silence. I have to have some kind of background noise. LOL.

Funny, I love quiet. Just the sounds of the environment around me. A siren in the distance, traffic faroff, the windchimes in my yard, a barking dog or classical music because its background.  Okay, that's what I like but most of the time the TV is blairing and my husband is channel surfing or the music is on surround sound and I do everything I can to hit the turn off switch.  Do you like to read? Where?

Everywhere. Home. Work. In waiting rooms etc. Right now I’m reading several of Debbie Macomber’s Christmas books.

I love Christmas stories, in fact, I made a promise to myself that this year I would catch as many of my favorites as possible. I love the movies and specials as well as holiday books/stories.

Now on to you. Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?

I’ve always loved vampires and I’ve read many of Amanda Ashley’s novels, so it only seemed natural to write about a deliciously sexy vampire and the woman who loves him. *grin*

Where do you go to think?

I do my best thinking when I’m driving. If I’m stuck on a plot point or character trait a good long drive helps me work through the problem.

Ooooh, I love long drives and yes they can be a great time to work out a plot issue or a strategy to move forward in a story. How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

I usually have a working title until the book is at lest 2/3 finished. By that point, I can use the overall theme to find a title which fits the whole book. As for the characters I do come up with their names first and work from there to build three-dimensional characters.

Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

I tend to fall a little bit in love with all of my heroes, but if I had to choose one I suppose it would be the crown-prince Luke from Her Royal Protégé’. He’s the bad boy ( a biker no less) with a surprisingly tender side and by the time the heroine is finished with him, he’s definitely royal material.

Oooh, he sound hot and an interesting read.  And I have to mention that I have read the below mentioned book, Seducing the Night. What a positively wonder vamp read. You want hot romance and a love that transcends time and all else, you will want to pick this one up.  Great read!

Links on where to buy my latest books.

Seducing the Night
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/seducing-the-night-p-3713.html

Rana Cartwright wanders into The Voodoo Den for one reason and one reason only. To seduce and kill the man she once loved. The only way she can save her son's life is to destroy the vampire who sired him. There's only one problem. She soon realizes that she never stopped loving the man she must destroy.

Alexandru Milkos has lived six long years of torment since turned by an elder vampire. He lost the only thing that ever mattered to him. His fiancée, Rana.

Now she's back. Though his love for her has never wavered, he senses she has a motive much deadlier than a simple reunion. However, what concerns him the most is the shameful secret he's harbored for the past six years. A secret that could turn Rana away from him forever, that is if he lives long enough for her to realize the truth

Home is Where the Heart Is

http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=624

An unexpected inheritance…

Jenna Wade was homeless, poor and orphaned as a child. Now as an adult she is desperately seeking stability and financial security. An unexpected inheritance promises to bring her the financial freedom she craves: until she reads the clause.

An unexpected love…

Temporarily confined to a wheel chair, Ridge Townsend's stubborn, self-reliant pride refuses to accept his new caregiver's help. He suspects Jenna is nothing more than a con artist who manipulated his mother into writing her into her will. Especially since Jenna maintains that she has never met his mother. With her caring nature and tender heart Jenna is slowly breaking down his defenses and finding a way into his heart. Then he asked her to do the unthinkable: give up her part of the inheritance. How can she choose between financial security and love?

Where to find Tamelia Tumlin:
http://www.tameliatumlin.webs.com/

Here we are again.  Almost another week has flown by.  Whoa!  Please don't miss my Author Spotlight segment tomorrow.  Tamelia Tumin will be here sharing her latest releases with us. One is quite a spicey vamp romance. I've read it myself and highly recomment it:)

I'm down with the flu. Not good timing. Hopefully it will pass as quickly as the weeks have, LOL

Well...

Just dropped in to say "hey!"  Going to go lie down now with another cup of medicinal tea.

Nite.