Author Spotlight: Brenda Huber, Romance Writer

Wow! just look at that book cover! It definitely gives me the jist of this story. The cover alone makes me want to rush and buy the book, then the title just closes the deal, don't you think?

Sorry, it seems I got sidetracked...

Hello everyone!  Please welcome author Brenda Huber my guest today for my Author Spotlight segment. 

Brenda, thank you so much for joining me today. Tell me about yourself.
Ah, we’ll get the hardest question out of the way first…It’s much easier for me to talk about my books or writing style than to talk about myself. Let’s see… I’m a stay-at-home mother of two (they are the sunshine in my day and my wishing stars at night), and I have a terrific husband. I come from a relatively large family. Before staying home with my kids, I was a Youth Counselor at a placement facility for troubled youth. I’ve recently become a driver on my local ambulance crew, and I’ve signed up to take the EMT course. My ideal day depends on my mood, but I’d have to say I love to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and a good book or a movie on cold, rainy autumn days. For hobbies, I like scrapbooking and photography…I also enjoy creating book trailers as well.

Whoa! You've got a lot going on, Brenda! What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance? Snoopy dance?
Lol. Well I guess you could say I snoopy dance when I get a contract for a new book. What else makes me happy…finding a new book by one of my favorite authors and having a little quiet time to actually read it, and spending time with my family. Sad…when my kids outgrow clothes (it means they are growing up too fast on me). Angry…inconsiderate people, especially inconsiderate drivers.

What inspired you to write your first book?
I’ve always been a very avid reader. I remember discovering my first romance novel at my local library--I was maybe 15 or 16--it was “Captive Bride” by Johanna Lindsey. I was immediately hooked. I also dabbled with writing while I was still in school. Somehow the two meshed until I had this secret desire to see my name on the bookshelves. I think it was pure impulse that pushed me to actually sit down and start typing though.

How many books have you written?

 I’m currently working on my sixth book now. It’s the sequel to “Mine” and is centered on one of the secondary characters, the mysterious, sensual Vampyre named Styx.

Geez, another awesome cover.  Truly expressive artwork, Brenda. How do you decide on their topic?
I don’t know that I really decide. The storylines just sort of come to me at odd moments…when I’m driving the kids to school, or working around the house or something. Then they slowly evolve as I write. I think sometimes that the story takes me where it wants to go rather than the other way around.

Oh, I understand where you are coming from with that, Brenda. My characters seem to take the reins at some point and will not allow any deviation. They can be willful and very, very stubborn! When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”
I think when I signed my second contract with The Wild Rose Press. I think it finally hit home that something I’d dreamed of for so long was finally a reality.

Who would you say modeled your career? Who would readers compare your work to?
Wow, that’s really hard to say… Johanna Lindsey, I think, gave me the initial interest. It’s difficult to say “I modeled my career after…” because I’ve had so many different and wonderful influences over the years covering everything from historical and paranormal romance and to suspense, murder mysteries, and thrillers. I don’t know that I am comfortable comparing my work to someone else’s. I guess I’d like to be able to say that I have my own distinct voice.


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?)
As a mother of two young children, I’d say my writing time greatly varies. A majority of it happens now while they are in school. Otherwise, usually at night after they are tucked into bed. I try to write as often as possible, but it doesn’t always work out. Sometimes my muse ends up accumulated on piles of sticky notes until I can get to my computer. lol

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?
For the most part I can sit down and stare for a few moments at a blank screen and ideas just start pouring out. Occasionally I’ll hit a spot where things just aren’t flowing right…or it seems like a struggle to get the right words to come…then I’ll take a break, a couple days/a week or two and either let things stew or I’ll just put it out of my mind all together and when I come back the kinks are gone and I start writing again.

Where did you get the inspiration for (your current book)?
 I like to listen to music when I write, and sometimes I’ll call up a playlist on Youtube. I was actually working on a different book at the time when I called up the song “Slither” by Velvet Revolver. There’s like a five second flash where Duff McKagan steps up to the mic and the lights flashed red and I thought, Man, he’d make a really sexy vampire…and “Mine” was born…lol.

How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?
For the characters names, instinct mostly. It’s like…this guy feels like a Cole or an Ethan, or she really feels like an Alex or a Kate. The main rule I try to go by on names is not to make them too complicated. (Not only do I have to keep them all straight, but I also don’t want my reader to fall out of the story because they have a difficult time identifying with or sifting through odd names (or pronouncing them) …especially the hero or heroine.) As for the title, sometimes that’s the most difficult. You want to pick something that really catches a reader’s eye, yet something in sync with the book. I like to find a certain word I actually used somewhere in the text, something that holds meaning and really sticks out.


Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?
I think it’s impossible for a writer NOT to put at least some bit of themselves into their stories.

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:)
Synopsis, definitely. Condensing is not my forte. I envy people who can write short stories, I don’t think I could get my point across in that limited amount of words.

The cursed synopsis seems to be the winner. LOL Do you have an upcoming release?
  Yes. It’s titled “Mine” It’s about brilliant songwriter, Alexandra Sinclair, who left the entertainment business after a…well, let’s just say a bad experience (wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we?), and ancient Vampyre warrior, Cole Gunnarrson. He’s been recruited by the Vampyre Task Force for Rogue Apprehension to identify and neutralize an enigmatic Rogue targeting the Human music industry. Cole decides he needs Alex by his side to maintain his cover and refuses to take no for an answer, but the Rogue soon sets his sights on Alex, and Cole realizes he’s lost his Immortal heart to a Mortal woman. It becomes a race to decipher the Rogues puzzling clues as time runs out and Alex’s very life is put on the line.


Sounds awesome, Brenda. Where can we find your upcoming release?

In the Black Rose Line of The Wild Rose Press. When will it be available? My release date was actually moved up and “Mine” is now available, release date was April 30, 2010. I have another book with the Black Rose Line coming out in September of 2010 titled “Shadows,” and I also have one with the Cactus Rose Line coming out soon titled “Texas Blaze.”

What do you do for relaxation?
I read… (preferably something I didn’t write :)


What TV shows do you watch?
I love Criminal Minds, CSI Miami, and The Bachelorette/The Bachelor.

What type of music do you favor?
I have very eclectic tastes. It depends on what I’m writing and my mood. I listen to everything from H.I.M. and Velvet Revolver to Michael Buble to Patsy Cline. I don’t really do much Jazz or Classical, though.

Just a note, I will be holding a book give-a-way on my blog so come on over, check out the details and register to win!

More about Brenda Huber:

Always a voracious reader, Brenda closed the cover on a book by one of her favorite authors, and said to herself…I can do this! Ever fascinated by all things mythical and mystical, Brenda decided to try her hand at Paranormal Romance and discovered her second great passion…writing. She lives in Iowa with her husband and two small children.
~.~.~
Author of Mine available April 30, 2010 at The Wild Rose Press.
And author of Shadows, coming soon to The Wild Rose Press.
brenda_huber@ymail.com
http://www.brendahuber.blogspot.com/


Brenda, it's been a pleasure having you here today.  Thank you so much for stopping by. Don't be a stranger. I'd love to have you back.  Now I'm heading over to try my luck at your book give-a-way!  See you soon:)

And for all you readers, please check out past author spotlights and look forward to new ones.  Meet the people behind the books you read. They are an awesome group aren't they? Thank you, as always, for following this blog!

D~

Author Spotlight: Debra St. John, Romance Author

Hello, everyone!  It is so good to be back and talking to my fellow authors again.  I hope the passage of time has freshened these segments.  Pull up a comfy chair grab a tall glass of iced raspberry tea or whatever your preference and enjoy.

Today I am welcoming Debra St. John writer of sultry romance and sexy heroes whose ultimate challenge are taming spunky heroines.  Oooh la la! I can't wait to get into this interview. Oh and...Debra told me that she will be giving away a copy of one of her books in .pdf format to one lucky commenter today:)  Wait! I heard the front door.  Yoo hoo! Debra! We're back here on the sun porch...
Are you comfy now, Debra?  Isn't the iced tea refreshing?  Now I suppose we should begin.  And let's get down to the nitty gritty...

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

I definitely write for the love of writing! And for the pleasure of holding a book with my name on it as the author in my hand.

And oh what a feeling that is every time, don't you agree? The first book is special but the feeling is never lost on the following ones, at least for me:)

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?

Usually I write when the muse strikes. If I try to write when there’s no muse flowing, I don’t accomplish much at all. If I’m working on revisions or edits, I make myself write every day.

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?

My ideas usually need to be coaxed and coddled into fruition before I sit down to write. I spend a lot of time working through things in my head and jotting notes everywhere when I first start working on a story…or even in the midst of one. I’m telling you, I have literally hundreds of little yellow sheets lying around filled with scribbles. That said, I really am more of a pantster than an actual plotter. On some days that muse does knock me upside the head, and I can sit at my keyboard all day and pound the words out.

Oh I hear that. I am a sit down and go with it type girl.  I don't plot and plan. Once I get into a story idea in my head its off to the finish and once the characters come alive, most times they run with it. Have you ever noticed how the characters do that? I mean I've literally hit a brick wall with one book trying to take things one way until I finally gave in and followed my hero's lead.  Whoa! I'll never ignore a character again:)

Where do you write?

I’d have to say I’m the most productive when I’m working on my lap top. I tend to migrate while I write: front porch, back porch, patio, living room, etc. Sometimes a change of scenery helps to push past those annoying episodes of writer’s block.

I will move about as well depending on the mood. Yes, environmental stimulants and scenery changes can make all the difference at times.

When do you read? Where?

In the winter I curl up in bed right before I go to sleep. In the summer you’ll find me cozied up in a rocker on the front porch sipping lemonade or out back on a bench by our pond. Early afternoon reads when the weather is nice are my favorites.

Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

I like to use places I’ve actually been as the settings for my books. I also like to put people I know in my books as minor characters.

Do you have an upcoming release?

“Wild Wedding Weekend”, my second book with The Wild Rose Press, came out last week! This was a fun story to write, as it involves two people who get married under unusual circumstances. While faking their way through a wedding and honeymoon for the cameras, they learn something about life, love, themselves, and each other.

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

For Noah life is all about fun and adventure. He’s completely content living a carefree single life. That is until he meets Abby and discovers being with her is all the adventure he’ll ever need.


I have to admit, I have a soft spot for (and a little bit of a crush on) all of my heroes. Logan, from “This Time for Always”, is trying to prove he’s a better man than the boy he used to be. Noah, from “Wild Wedding Weekend”, discovers falling in love is better than any other adventure in life. Zach, from the upcoming “This Can’t Be Love”, wants nothing more than to love and cherish the unexpected woman who comes into his life. And Chase, from my WIP, is learning how to balance fatherhood and falling in love. My heroes are all very special to me. Not to mention sexy as all get out!

Tell us about your Heroine.

Abby is perfectly content to live a life without any adventure at all. But when she finds herself married to Noah, she discovers a little adventure in life makes it worth living.

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?

I had a bit of fun using friends of mine as minor characters in “Wild Wedding Weekend”. I think they’ll get a kick out of seeing themselves in print!

What type of music do you favor?

I am a huge country music fan. To me no other type of music evokes as much emotion or brings characters and stories to life like country does. Each song is like a mini-novel unto itself.

Wild Wedding Weekend Except:

“I really am sorry.” Abby's mind whirled. The thoughts tangled. The Noah she’d spent the last couple of days with wasn’t anything like the man she’d imagined him to be. The man even he claimed to be. Who was the real Noah?

She didn’t have time to ponder the question, because he took both her hands in his, drawing her attention back to him. “Know this. While we’re married. For this week, this trip, this asinine show, I am committed to you.” He paused and raised one hand to tuck a wisp of hair behind her ear. “Totally. Completely. Committed. To you.” With each word his voice and head lowered, until the last was a whisper against her lips.

His hand slid around to the back of her neck, then up into her hair, unfastening the clip and tossing it aside. He tangled his fingers in the strands that fell free, using enough force to keep her from pulling away as he deepened the kiss.
Abby had no thoughts of moving even the slightest bit away. She wrapped her arms around him as the tip of his tongue teased the fullness of her bottom lip. When she opened to him and he dipped inside, she almost melted from the instant flood of liquid heat that suffused her body. The warmth spread to her limbs and made her pliant as, his mouth never leaving hers, Noah lowered them both to the bed.
More about Debra:

Debra St. John has been reading and writing romance since high school. She always dreamed about publishing a romance novel some day. She lives in a suburb of Chicago with her husband, who is her real life hero. Her debut release, "This Time for Always" is a Champagne Rose and Rosebud bestseller at The Wild Rose Press. "Wild Wedding Weekend" was released last week. "This Can't Be Love" is coming soon from TWRP.


Feel free to visit her at her website http://www.debrastjohnromance.com/, or at The Acme Authors Link, where she is the Sunday Blogger http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/.

Links to buy:

WILD WEDDING WEEKEND

THIS TIME FOR ALWAYS

MISTLETOE AND FOLLY

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: 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/

Author Spotlight: Isabel Roman, Paranormal Romance

Please welcome Isabel Roman to the Author Spotlight today.
Hello, Isabel. Thank you for joining me today.
Thanks for having me today, Dayana!
How do you decide on your books’ topic?

I decided on my four book paranormal series by looking at what has been done and not doing that. Druids have mostly been done in medieval or ancient stories, I haven’t heard of one taking place in Victorian England and America. ‘Course my four books series was originally a three book series until I felt horrible for poor Isadore and had to give her a story of her own. *G*

Oh, I hear that. Sometimes, I find that secondary characters jump out and beg for their own stories. I have two sequels in the works now because some characters just need to have their own day in the limelight.

HAHA, see how that happens? With other books, I think about what I’m interested in and build a story from there. Sometimes it’s a story in a place I’ve always wanted to write in. Sometimes it’s based on what fits in that time period.

Oh yes, that makes sense, Isabel. I try to write about what I know and what I love. I also like to experiment with different settings and create worlds with descriptive imagery.

What works best to keep you focused and on track?
Deadlines. It’s the one surefire way to keep me focused. There’s nothing like a looming deadline, and by that I mean 2-3 weeks away, to keep me focused and on track.

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

Both.
What? I’m not that shallow. *G* I’d love to be able to support myself in the manner my day job keeps me supported through writing, but for now, I write to breathe. And for that future of supporting myself.

I definitely agree with you. I am writing for my future as well. I’d like to eventually retire and write. A dream at the moment but dreams are made to come true, aren’t they?

Yup! I’m right there with you. :)

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

Is that like the line from the first Mummy movie when Evie says “I…am a librarian.” Then passes out? LOL, sorry, that’s what it sounded like in my head when I read the question. I love that movie and that line always cracks me up. As to the “I…am a writer” bit, I’d say after I got my first review. It had nothing to do with validation on MY part more like on others. I now had a great review in hand, someone I didn’t know who read my first book and LOVED it! I mean what more is there? Sure, I loved it, but a complete and utter stranger? It’s what I wanted and now had. It was after that, that I felt more comfortable in telling people, though I don’t often introduce myself as such. Usually it’s my day-job title that I use, but more people know I’m a writer now than even 6 months ago.

Very well put, Isabel. I’d never thought of it quite that way but reviews do sort of validate your success when they are positive. On the same token, what if that first review was a bad one? Would you have not written again? Or would you have said, “Ahh… It’s just one person’s opinion.”

Well, I don’t think I would’ve brought out the sack and ashes, but it may have been close. Then again, despite that, I think I would’ve kept on anyway. Write to breathe and all.

Where do you write?

At home. Pathetic but true. I have a home office with a great desk, a spiffy new computer, and a great set up that I love. And a soon-to-be bathroom, with luck in three weeks. Though I have written well on trips, I’m most comfortable and get the most done at home.

Why would that be pathetic? LOL Most of us write at home in a makeshift office atmosphere or bedroom corner. But I do take my laptop when I travel because I never know when I might want to work. Also, I am never without a pad of paper. I write longhand as well at times.

I take my laptop, too, cause you just never know when that idea that’s been percolating will become full blown. I really look forward to those moments!

How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

With tedious effort. I hate titling my books, and naming my characters is always a chore.

Ho Boy! Do I have to agree with you. I hate this process as well.

But I do take the time to carefully name them because I want names I like for the type of character I’m building, be they the main hero and heroine, secondary characters, or throwaway walk-through ones. They also have to reflect the country or their family’s country of origin.

Again, great advice. That is why I think it is so ‘tedious’ because a lot of thought go into both titles and naming the characters. You want both to stand out and say something about the story. Make lasting impressions, etc.

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:)

Synopsis. I know so very many people who say the same thing but here’s my example and I will willingly bow to anyone with a worse horror story.
The first time I wrote a synopsis to send out with a completed story it took me 12 hours on a Sunday. With no breaks. 12 hours in my chair, pacing around, banging my head on random walls. 12 freakin’ hours!!
It was the single most excruciating thing I’d ever done. I still have nightmares about that Sunday.

Oh my! Not my favorite thing either. So much is riding on a synopsis. You are trying to sell your book, your writing, and your soul here. So much pressure. It’s amazing how much work goes into the fun of sitting down and crafting a story. The only fun in the entire process, honestly, is writing the story, isn’t it? An author learns pretty quickly the real work begins when the story is done:)

YES! I agree, writing the story can be loads of fun.

How long did it take you to get your first project sold? And was the project your first actual completed manuscript?

Yes, it was my first actual completed manuscript though I had an incomplete one before I may never look at again. This one (Murder & Magick) took about 8 months to sell to Ravenous Romance. With revision, with cutting, with changes to the plot. (I’ve since learn to plot each chapter and character arc, so they take me a lot less time to write.)

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?

No, but I have had people ask that they (their names at least) be put into a book. One even wanted a glorious death in a gunfight. I’ve used aspects of TV characters, movie characters, things I like about a person or a movement of body someone does. But 99% of my characters are fictional.

What TV shows do you watch?

What, you haven’t heard about my NCIS addiction? LOL, I’m very serious about it. If it’s a Tuesday night, don’t bother. I’m watching NCIS. It’s one of maybe um…no actually it’s the only show I’ll make it a point to watch every week and whenever it’s on. Other than that, mainly sci-fi stuff.

Oh, I’ve got a couple of those and actually it is my only time I really sit and relax other than my nightly exercise program of walking or bike riding, LOL. I watch Dark Blue and Bones with a ‘don’t bother me’ aura radiating from me.

Thank you so much for dropping by today, Isabel. Now before you run, I do know that you have a wonderful story titled, Shadow State, coming out this month in the Black Rose Got Wolf Anthologies, which release this month at The Wild Rose Press. Why not tell us a bit about it?

Shadow State is a favorite. I don’t know if it’s the storyline, the characters, the setting, or all three, but I really do love this story. Set in 1934 Germany, just after Hitler’s governmental coup, Night of the Long Knives or Nacht der langen Messer, the Arminius Clan realizes they’re no longer safe in Germany. This is a new war, a new way of looking at enemies, and they know they’re a prime target. Then one of their own is taken by the Nazi’s and experimented upon.

It was a real eye-opener researching medical knowledge in the 1930s. For decades, Germany was the place to study science and medicine, so my heroine, Elsa, is a research doctor at a prestigious Berlin hospital. I learned a lot about my wolves and Nazi experimentation during this time, and used it. I also used the Nazi fascination with the occult, since that’s well documented and easy to add in.

Excerpt: (I debated a humorous part or a sexy part, and of course came down on the side of sexy.)

“Have you decided this is our moment?” she asked.
He pulled away just enough to see the eyebrow raised in amused question. But he could also see how her blue eyes darkened, could feel her breath coming in gasps. Could smell the change in her scent.
Trailing his lips along the back of her neck, he breathed her in. Another growl escaped him, louder and stronger, establishing his dominance over her. When Elsa growled back, his cock hardened further.
Yes, this was his mate.
Nipping her shoulder, Christoph was only slightly surprised when she entwined her fingers with his and moved them slowly up her body. Cupping her breasts through the thin silk of her blouse, he felt the harden peaks push through her clothing. Her entire body shuddered when he pinched her nipples.
“Christoph,” she murmured.
Turning her, he slammed her against the bookcases. Mouth on hers in an instant, he took hold of her hands again, pinning them above her head. She tasted better than he imagined, and when she kissed him back, all thought fled.
He had to have her.
A loud crash jerked what little attention was not on Elsa back to their surroundings. Christoph spun to scan the library, Elsa secured behind him. He saw no one. The faint scent of Peter, however, lingered in the air.
He was going to kill his friend.

Books and Purchase links:

Murder & Magick: http://www.ravenousromance.com/fantastica/the-dark-desires-of-the-druids-1-murder-and-magick.php?flypage=0

Sex & Subterfuge: http://www.ravenousromance.com/fantastica/the-dark-desires-of-the-druids-2-sex-and-subterfuge.php

Desert & Destiny: http://www.ravenousromance.com/fantastica/the-dark-desires-of-the-druids-iii-desert-and-destiny.php

Temptations & Treachery: http://www.ravenousromance.com/fantastica/the-dark-desires-of-the-druids-iv-temptations-and-treachery.php

And my bio: A mostly historic, oftentimes paranormal, definitely racy romance writer with a love of movies. And NCIS.

My website: http://www.isabelroman.com/My blog: http://authorisabelroman.blogspot.com/

Author Spotlight: Celia Yeary, Romance Author

Hello, Celia and welcome! It’s so good to have you hear with me today. Please tell us about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?

Here’s a thumbnail sketch of “me.” I’ve been happily married for a long time, my children are responsible, successful adults, and my grandsons are the light of my life. Friends are very important to me—I value our time together and our history. Dishonest people, especially those in high positions, make me angry. Lost or abused children, throw-away animals, and lost love makes me sad.

Oh, I have to agree with you here. Liars, abused children and abused animals put me right over the edge. I really don’t understand the mentality of someone who can harm helpless children and/or animals.

Love lost is just plain heartbreaking. But when it is found, omigod! What a gloriously wonderful thing.

Snoopy dance? A contract, a good review, nice royalty checks, a finished manuscript, and completed edits!

Ditto! I can definitely relate to that one:)

How many books have you written?

I have twelve complete manuscripts—one released, two have a release date. (Snoopy dance here.)

Congratulations, Celia, on your releases. That is wonderful. Any yes, Snoopy dancing required and expected.

Also, I have six WIPs—ranging in length from 10,000 words to 50,000 words. I know, I know, that’s not smart. Staying focused and on track is a problem. I have too many ideas.

I will have to admit I am in the same boat, LOL But sometimes things just nag at your mind and you just gotta sit down and quiet the muse. Go with it and get the story down as it comes to mind. Otherwise, its lost. I don’t think a writer can help that.

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

If I said to make money, you’d probably laugh. When I make enough money to buy my new coveted Mercedes completely with my royalties, then I’d consider replying: “to make money.” No, really, I write for the love of it. I’m having the time of my life.

How long did you write seriously before your first book was published?

I like this question.
Answer: Four years. I do one thing at a time—get married, have children, go to college at age 26, learn golf at age forty, retire early, have fun and travel…and then sit down and begin to write stories. I have no idea why, except I became bored during a convalescence period and my husband placed a laptop in my lap! He said, “Here. Learn how to use Word or something. I know you. You need something new.”
After studying the program a couple of days, I pulled up a new document page, and to practice what I’d learned, began to write a story. That one became a Western Historical, titled Texas Blue, to be released January, 2010. This will be my third published novel.

Wow! That’s a great story, Celia, and so unique. Please tell us all about your upcoming release.:)

I thought you’d never ask! Now, it doesn’t have shape-shifters or ghosts or vampires in it. Is that okay?

Of course, Celia, we’re not partial here. I love all kinds of books.

My next release is a Contemporary Western for the Wayback, Texas rodeo series by The Wild Rose Press. Title: Showdown in Southfork. A humorous sexy romance.
Ooohh…now that sounds fun.

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


Showdown in Southfork is a short novel available in pdf, September 16, 2009. Please find it on the The Wild Rose Press website, Amazon, or any other romance source.

What TV shows do you watch?

Television is a disappointment these days, but since I only watch it two hours most nights, I do have a few favorites: Dark Blue, the Closer, Raising the Bar, Dateline Mystery, The Cleaner, The Mentalist, and HGTV.

Ho, baby! Tell me those men on Dark Blue are not the hottest! Can I tell you I will not miss a show. Everything stops for that one.

Fun question (possible blackmail material down the line, LOL) What is the most uncharacteristic thing you have ever done? Please, no censoring? I have no qualms about placing a content warning on my blog!

Honestly? Write romance novels. Not one person, friend, acquaintance, or family member could imagine my writing romance stories. Generally, my life is very conventional— high school teacher, remain married to one man for all these years, attend church, bible lesson teacher to women. People think of me as the sweet, kind soul, gentle to others, honest with no vice, loyal, and rather quiet. Even my husband still can’t believe I’m a published romance novelist. But he’s proud---and he bought my book and asked me to autograph it and he liked it! That one act touched me more than any review or glowing report I’ve received.

Sounds like you’ve definitely found your soul mate. Family support is such a wonderful thing to have, especially your spouse. It keeps you going, doesn’t it?

Thank you so much for joining me today. Best of luck with all your upcoming releases.

More about Celia.
Bio:
As a fifth generation Texan, I love the rich history of our state. Even though my degrees are in science and education, I use our ancestors and their accomplishments for endless characters and situations to create love stories.

Although my husband and I travel, no place on earth is more precious to my heart than our home in the Texas Hill Country, surrounded by acres of live oaks and whitetail deer. Romance novels are not my only form of reading material, but they are my favorite, and I wouldn’t leave home without several tucked away in my luggage. Organizations and a writing group (The Write Girls) have provided information, encouragement, and guidelines to help me on my exciting journey. What fun it is!

****************
Find Celia here:
www.celiayeary.com
www.celiayeary.blgospot.com
Yahoo Group: The Book Spa (as a moderator)

Find Celia’s books here: The Wild Rose Press

and now for something completely different...

Please welcome Mary Ricksen, author of Tripping Through Time, now available at The Wild Rose Press.
Hello, Mary, and welcome!

Hi, Dayana!

What surprises do you have in store for us today?

I just thought I'd do somthing different today, everyone. All I see are interviews and I thought a little story would be a nice change. Also, I will be giving away a free .pdf copy of my book to one lucky commenter today, so don't be shy. Speak up!

King Takes Over At The Vets

I have always had dogs instead of children. It wasn't my choice but I dealt with it by having pets. From the beginning my DH and I each had our own dogs. Me a Heinz 57, Queen of the lickers and very lovable, and he had a male black and tan, German Shepherd named King. Saving King was another story entirely, but I'll stick to on the story of King at the Vets.
He was smart. So darn smart that at times it was eerie. His expressive eyes, his doggie voice, and his body language, were all he had to use, there were things he did that blew my mind. But I digress:)

King was also very well behaved. He never chewed on anything he wasn't supposed to, he obeyed every command immediately. Why the dog would heel so well we could have walked him down I95 and he would have stuck to us like glue, until we told him it was okay to stop heeling.
One evening when one of my sisters was visiting us and I sat next to her on our sofa bed at about 1:30 in the morning, while Chris was asleep. The sofa bed was opened, yes it was the kind with the bar in the middle of your back. Yeah, yeah, I know, all I can say is I was just married a couple of years and we were poor.
We lived in Bayside, Queens, in a Garden Apartment at the time, that luckily allowed pets.Suddenly my sister points to King and says look at him, he looks stoned on something.
I turned to look at him and he smiled, I swear he smiled, and the he fell over his feet coming to me.
So I freak and jump up. Because King was so well behaved, we never thought he would go up on a dresser pick up an RX bottle, break it open and eat sixty bitter pills.
My husband had lost his job. He loved the job and was very upset and anxious when he lost it. It was such a great job, King was even allowed to work there. My DH's boss whom he cared about, was ill, and he couldn't handle it. So out doctor prescribed him Librium, which I filled and he never took.
Now that bottle sat there for months and no one paid any attention to it, until King did something so out of character. I never thought to worry about hiding pills he never even snatched food from the table. He was a gentleman. We may never know why it happened but it did.
It was now after two am. and I was crazy with worry. Sixty pills! My God he'd eaten sixty pills! Frantically I called in the phone book for a vet in Queens that was open for emergencies. Luckily there was one not to far from us.
My DH, you might ask,well forget him, he was still stuck back at 'what happened?' And since he and King were very close buddies, my DH's brain shut down and he just stood there. My sister convinced him to go and dress and I threw a coat over my nightgown then we were out the door.
Now let me tell you what, King was having the time of his life. High as a kite and very happy, he kissed me a lot and kept tripping over his feet and falling down. But he seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.

Finally at the vet, they gave him some medicine and when he heard the plastic wrapper on the needle, he perked up, "Mmmrrrrrrrr. Candy you say, that sounds like candy." Sorry King, not candy.
Anyways we ended up having to leave him so they could keep an eye one him. For at least a week. Now every day I called to see how he was doing. Every day they said he was still stoned and should stay there longer for observation. Well days progressed into weeks and we missed him badly. So we decided after four weeks that we wanted to go see him and hopefully take him home. The vet even stopped charging us for boarding after a week, which was weird too.
It was time to go get our boy. With my medical background I felt confident that after a month of doing well, I could handle watching him.
When we got to the place we were greeted by guess who, King at the front door. He had the run of the place, they were crazy about him, and they didn't want him to go home. He'd been helping pets, even cats, that were afraid to be calm. He played with the puppies and kittens. The doggie Florence Nightingale, he even had a bird that flew and landed on his head as I stood there.
Okay. Now I know my dog is great, but he's my dog and I had to convince them to let me take him. They loved him.
So we brought him home and he staggered around for a total of seven weeks. Shocked the hell outta me.

The dog had a way with people too, and he made friends with them easily. But I never expected him to take over the vets office. I never expected to have a dog as great as King and I will miss him for as long as I live. I think Junior would have gotten along with him very well.

Thanks again Dayana for having me. I so appreciate being invited.

What a wonderfully heartwarming story, Mary, thank you so much for sharing this story with us.


More about Mary M. Ricksen:

Tripping Through Time ISBN#1-60154-392-1

"The Tuatha de Danaan and the Celtic ring linger in my imagination"
The Long and the Short of It

www.maryricksen.com

"Know that love is truly timeless"

Bestial Cravings attracting great reviews!

Good Morning!

I am very excited about the reviews Bestial Cravings is getting. This week its pulled in a 4.5 from LASR and a 4.0 from Ruthie's Book Reviews. Wow!

And though its dropped to the #5 spot at TWRP's main best seller list, it is still running at the #1 spot on both Paranormal and Black Rose lists. Yay!

Also, Bestial Cravings is up for Best book this week at LASR so please hop on over to the below link and vote for it if you have a moment. I would really appreciate it:)

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm

In other news, my newsletter is just about ready to hit the mailboxes. If you'd like one, please sign up to the Dayana's Happenings on the right sidebar. It will be a fun read, I promise.

Also, "Let Freedom Ring" event is just about ready to go. I'm blogging over at the Pink Fuzzy Slipper Writers blog today about it, so why not hop on over and check it out.

I'd better get moving. So much to do, so little time! The errands and the garden await--not to mention a list of other things, LOL

D~

Updates and some thoughts on POV...

Bestial Cravings has dropped to #2 on the main Best Sellers List at TWRP as of yesterday, but hey! that's still good:)

The weather here is getting hot and humid. Dark Goddess that I am, I prefer the dreary, thundery, rainy weather *grin* And, of course, the Florida winter. This time of year we tend to stay in the old AC like the Northerners stay in during their cold months.

I've been pondering, plotting, and jotting ideas and events down for Book Two of the Roma Wolf Tales series. And for those who've read Curse of the Marhime , you know the book is in third person with only one POV character. The next book will be in multiple POV not really sure how many POVs but no more than four or five. I am really only considering three main this time around but we'll see how it goes:) I began the series this way because Pita was the main character as well, the catalyst for the story, and I wanted to challenge myself to keep at it. It was a test of wills to keep Niko's POV out of it, so for me as a writer, it was both a test and an exercise.

I am not a fan of many POVs in my writing. Nor do I like to read books with more than a handful of POV characters. I feel it confuses and convolutes the main characters who, in my humble opinion, are the most important. Also, as a reader it annoys me when I have to keep track of too many characters. So I guess we can say I write within the parameters I like to read.

In my experience, the editors I've worked with have been of the same mindset. Some are stricter than others but most prefer limited POV characters and headhopping within the story. Headhopping, as most know, is when the POV jumps back and forth between characters sentence to sentence or paragraph to paragraph. This is a strick no-no in my experience but there are bestselling authors that get away with it. They've earned the privilege, but us newbies need to stick to the basic rules, LOL.

I stick to one or two POVs per scene. If I do go into two POVs, I will transition as smoothly as possible from one to the other and split the scene between the two characters.

For a fast-paced scene, such as in a highly charged action scenes that are all happening at the same time with different characters, I've seen a spiraling POV used which does jump multiple POVs to anty up the fast pace. I've used it and read it in many action suspense-type books, and it really is an interesting concept. But again, I want to mention it still does not jump POV sentence to sentence or even paragraph to paragraph.

Whoa! Sorry...

I think I've gone a bit overboard and turned this into a discussion so I will move on with some more updates and then slink off to get some work done now.


Other things in the works are a newsletter I am working on putting together with all sorts of shares and information. As you may have noticed, I've set up a new Yahoo group as a venue to sign up for the newletter and share lots of other information such as new releases, events, guests announcements, recipes, craft articles, pictures, etc. Please take a moment to sign up. The loop is informational only. No need to worry about posting and keeping up with yet another loop:)

Look to the sidebar as well for upcoming guest bloggers. Next up is Donna Sundblad, author of Pumping Your Muse, a nonfiction, craft writing book used in current writing classes.

As always, thanks for dropping by.

Dayana~

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMIGOD!

Bestial Cravings is NUMBER 1, NUMBER 1, NUMBER 1 at The Wild Rose Press What a wonderful surprise! Thank you for pointing it out, Catherine!

My internet has been down and I had no clue!

Oh this is a great wake up call:)

A very happy, snoopy dancing,

Dayana

Please welcome Eilidh MacKenzie, Black Rose Editor, TWRP

Hello, Eilidh!

As you may all know, Eilidh is an editor at The Wild Rose Press . Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us about the things you see in submissions that are either off kilter in this case with Scottish research and other taboos we authors tend to not notice that take a manuscript down into the slush pile of sudden death.

I for one am happy to sit back and listen to the things that both irritate you enough to reject a manuscript as well give you positive cause to accept a manuscript. So without further adieu take it, Eilidh.


Thank you, Dayana. I edit for the Wild Rose Press’s Black and Champagne Rose lines and I’m happy to talk about what I look for in a manuscript. I’ll be popping in all day to answer questions, so feel free to comment.

Factual and historical accuracy is very important to me. Thorough research makes your story ring true and your readers can experience a different world. As a Scot working in romance publishing, I sometimes cringe at the descriptions of Scottish people and history. Subs come over my desk asserting that all of Scotland’s strong young men were killed in the battles with the English. Well, that was true 260 years ago, but a generation later, there was a whole new crop of strong young men.

I’ve lost count of the historical or time travel stories, whose hero, seven hundred or a thousand years ago, is the stereotypical kilted Highlander, the noble underdog, struggling against oppression by the English. Actually, when the Scots weren’t cattle raiding and pillaging their own Highland and Lowland neighbors, they made outright invasions of English territory. The English perpetrated horrific retaliations, but if you bang on a beehive, you gotta expect to be stung.

And they didn’t wear kilts back then! In fact, when the modern kilt became popular in the nineteenth century, it was a fashion statement stimulated by Queen Victoria’s romance with the Highlands. By the time Highlanders fought in kilts, they were fighting for the English, in the British army.

Okay, I’ve calmed down a bit now. I must admit that, of course, Highlanders wore a form of the kilt centuries ago and yes, they fought against the English, but probably not as much as they fought amongst themselves. The original kilt—the belted plaid—showed up around 1600. It was a vast plaid blanket, maybe five feet wide and up to twenty feet long. The wearer scrunched it by handfuls up the middle of the length and belted the bundle around his waist. The plaid fell below the waist to about the knee, and the top half was draped and pinned about the torso.

Sounds awkward, but this was actually a practical garment in the gales, rain, and snow of the Highlands. The naturally dyed colors blended with the heather and gorse of the mountains, so your rival clansmen didn’t catch you stealing their cattle, and the layers of wool kept some warmth trapped against the body. Scratchy, yes, but a linen shirt under the plaid made it comfortable. At night, you could wrap the plaid around yourself, and a friend, if you were lucky, for a cosy sleeping bag.

What does all this have to do with romance novels? Those Highland warriors make superb alpha male heroes. I would dearly love to see manuscripts showing the realities of Highland life, instead of the softened, cartoonish, pretend Scots that never existed. Two excellent resources for learning about the Scotland that actually was are The Emperor’s New Kilt: The Two Secret Histories of Scotland, by Jan-Andrew Henderson, and How the Scots Invented the Modern World, by Arthur Herman.

Here’s tae us; wha’s like us?
Damn few, and they’re a’ deid.
(a Scottish toast)

Eilidh MacKenzie

WOO HOO!!!!

Bestial Cravings is climbing in the 'Best Sellers' list at The Wild Rose Press' over all list. It is #1, as well, on both the Paranormal Best Sellers and the Black Rose List!

Wow! I am excited. You think?

I'd like to thank Catherine Bybee for having me over at her blog on Friday to unveil the release formally, and also Donna Sundblad who also hosted a promo for my new release over at The Book Hookup.

Thank you both:)

Other announcements.

Still working on getting Black Rose Line editor, Eilidh Mackenzie on board to give us a lesson on Scottish research--Do and Don't/Trues and Falses--Accuracy in Scottish history.

Also, Donna Sundblad, Fantasy Writer and craft non-fiction guru will be visiting talking about building your settings to read believable.

I have signed on for another multi-author booksigning in August, which I am very excited about, hosted by Mary Ricksen, author of Tripping Through Time. Will keep you informed as to where, when, and who:)

Gained some new favorite haunts this week. I've recently been invited to join the ladies at The Pink Fuzzy Slippers and discovered Roni Adams' new blog. Check them out.

Have a wonderful weekend:)

signing off for now...

D~

Release day has come and gone...

Believe it or not I spent the entire day yesterday down with a migraine. Never made it out of the darkened bedroom until midnight last night and finally was able to keep some soup down. Ugh!

Ah well...

Such is life. So much for enjoying the release of my new project, LOL Though a day late and a dollar short is not anything new *grin* I was thrilled to see Bestial Cravings up and available and that there seems to be some activity on it as far as purchase power. It was #2 on the Paranormal Best Sellers list this morning and #1 on Black Rose's list. Good news, I think.

Anyway, its off to the day job today since I missed yesterday. I thought I should put in an appearance though I'd love to sit here in front of this computer and put some diligent hours into working on book II of the Roma Wolf Tales.

Talk later!

Dayana~

Bestial Cravings will release in THREE MORE DAYS!

Happy Memorial Day! Don't forget to remember our men and women who make our freedom possible. God Bless America!



Good morning! I do hope you are sitting back have a wonderful start to your summer season. Tossing some burgers and dogs on the grill. Spending time with family and friends and, by George, I hope your weather is cooperating and maybe a dip in the pool, nearby lake or ocean is in order.

Me, I'm excited about my third Wild Rose Press release, Bestial Cravings.


Bestial Cravings is a companion short contained within the Roma Wolf Tales Series. Bestial Cravings is a stand alone story which was designed to introduce new characters into the mix for the upcoming sequel to Curse of the Marhime also available at The Wild Rose Press.

Blurb:
Vesta Johns has everything going for her—except her health. Desperate to find the answers to her lethargy and her insatiable desire for raw meat and sex, she seeks out the help of her doctor, but Dr. Cohen can give her no answers.
Or can she?
Torrence Simiene is a medical consultant with a unique specialization. As an alpha werewolf, it’s been his job to aid Dr. Cohen’s distinctive patients through their transition from human to shifter, for years. This time, however, it’s different. Vesta arouses his primal lust, and he’s having a hard time keeping her at a distance.
Will the doctor’s plan of care offer the ultimate cure for Tor and Vesta’s bestial cravings, or further drive them apart?


I'm currently working on Book II of the Roma Wolf Tales Series. If you haven't already, please check out Curse of the Marhime, Roma Wolf Tales, Book I, where it all began.

For more information about these and other available books, contests, etc., please visit my website at www.romawolftales.com.

Well I'm off to celebrate the holiday weekend with lots of sunshine, hopefully. May yours be safe and chock full of fun.

Please welcome Linda Nightingale, Author, Paranormal Romance

Hullo, I'm Carol, and I am a Black Swan. Sounds like an addiction, doesn't it? But we don't have meetings or go on the wagon.

And we don't confess our sins!

From the trailer, you'll gather that Black Swans are treated to rather special pleasures. While Tristan is off in America trying to find himself, I'm attempting to forget him with other handsome members of his species. A girl can get spoiled to the best, and vampires are the best in every respect—sensuality and sexuality but fidelity isn't high on their list of priorities—unless you snag his heart. I really shouldn't be revealing these secrets, or breaking the Pact as they call it, but you won't tell, will you? Our story released yesterday from The Wild Rose Press. Please join me in falling in lust—and in love.

A friend who doesn't read paranormal romance, horror or fantasy asked me how I "came up with these stories." I begin with one character who then tells me his/her story, and the journey can sometimes be a wild ride. (I've thrown away a lot of pages getting to know the character). I have written four full length book manuscripts and several short stories. In each instance, it is the same. In Sinners Opera, the hero Morgan D'Arcy manifested full-blown as if I'd known him from the past. In Cardinal Desires, Katy McCaully, a forensic psychiatrist, was the first to speak then her vampire lover, Sterling Fox spoke up. Both Sinners Opera and Cardinal Desires, which was a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest and a Maggie winner, are spicy vampire novels. But in my latest effort, I, Azazel, a fallen angel decided to take center stage.

Black Swan started as two "companion" stories, Tristan's quest for self and Carol's adventures in the night. When I sent the two stories to The Wild Rose Press, the Mistress of Darkness herself, Callie Lynn Wolfe, told me that what I'd submitted was two parts to one story. She was right, of course. I combined them, added a little more love than lust (or maybe a bit more of both) and Black Swan, with Callie as midwife/editor, was born.

As if we had given birth to our stories, we love each of them, and like children, for different qualities. I love Black Swan because I enjoyed toying with the idea of a vampire being true to one woman, when the kiss is such an intimate act. If a man sets about seducing a woman in order to drain her blood, is this overstepping the bounds of fidelity? That, I suppose, would depend on whether the vampire, male or female, saw the object of bloodlust as merely food. In my mythos, the line between bloodlust and carnal lust blurs. It is difficult for my vampires to separate the two overwhelming sensations. So they face a huge problem being monogamous.

If seduction is part of the blood bargain, can a vampire be true? Any thoughts?

Contest: Answer this question from the story and win a Black Swan coffee mug. What kind of car does Tristan drive? The winner must leave an email addy so that I can contact her/him for a snail mail address.

To purchase Black Swan please click below link:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/black-swan-p-1164.html?zenid=a92814a9715df6c03859aa2000af4bd5



Visit me at:
http://www.lindanightingale.com
http://pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com

How excited am I? Tomorrow is the BIG day:)

Woo hoooo! Rhonda and Lianna are coming!

I am really looking forward to spending the weekend with Rhonda Penders of The Wild Rose Press and Liana Laverentz, award winning author. As you all know, I had to cancel my cruise plans due to extenuating circumstances but this sure makes up for it:)

I will definitely fill you all in on what we do and where we find ourselves. What I can share now is that the Pre-Cruise party presented by the Florida Romance Writers Association was a hit. Editors and authors alike rubbed elbows at the event. It was a lot of fun. Good food, great conversation, lots of hugs, and just a great bunch of people. The list would go on forever if I named everyone but to name a few, Rhonda Penders, Co-Owner TWRP, and Liana Laverentz, author, of course, were both there. Heather Graham/Shannon Drake was in attendance along with authors: Toni Andrews, Mona Risk, Mary Ricksen, Patrice Wilton, Jiane Carlo, Lyn Armstrong, Tracie Hall and so many others! (Note: for more information on these and other FRW authors please click here)

Anyway, just thought I'd pop in and burst some of my excitement at you. Now it's back to the endless chores to ready the house and myself for the next exciting part of my weekend!

YIKES!

Did anyone say "Time Management?"

Talk to you all soon.

Dayana~