Romance Author Buzz

Author Marie Astor Q&A and Giveaway

2012-01-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

ON THE RIM OF LOVE by Marie Astor

Maggie Robin has been dating the irresistibly good-looking, successful Jeffrey Preston for two years. But when Jeffrey proposes marriage a week after Maggie’s college graduation, she is no longer sure if she wants to marry a workaholic TV producer.

Her doubts culminate when during a ski trip to British Columbia, Maggie meets Taylor Denton, a handsome, free-spirited big mountain skier who is the complete opposite of Jeffrey. It does not take Maggie long to realize that she has fallen in love with Taylor and she decides to break off her engagement with Jeffrey. But just when she thinks she has found the love of her life, an ill-fated misunderstanding tears Maggie and Taylor apart.

A week later, Maggie is told that Taylor has died in a tragic ski accident; yet, her heart refuses to believe in Taylor’s death. When Maggie returns to Taylor’s native town, she learns that Taylor is indeed alive, but has been seriously injured. Resolved to bring her lover back to life Maggie stands by Taylor’s side, convincing him to embrace life again.

Kindle link:

About the author:

Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre. Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.

Hi Marie, welcome to Romance Author Buzz. Is there a behind the book story for On the Rim of Love?

Hi Marilyn, thank you for inviting me to your blog and giving me the opportunity to talk about my contemporary romance, On the Rim of Love.

As far as behind the book story for On the Rim of Love… I think that there is something truly special about ski towns, and I love writing love stories, so I thought it would be interesting to combine the two. I am a skier and I used my knowledge of skiing in the novel.

What is your routine?

I try to write at least two hours a day. Sometimes life gets in the way and that’s OK too, as long as I can get back on schedule!

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Keep honing your craft – that’s the best advice I’ve ever received.

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on my next contemporary romance – a love story about letting go of one’s inhibitions, finding true love and learning to tango. The scheduled release date is March 2012 – please stop by my website, if you’d like to sign up for book news and events.

What news would you like to share with your readers?

I’m excited to announce my upcoming blog tour for On the Rim of Love. My website has all the details . There will be contests and giveaways – I hope to see you there!

How do you build the relationship between these two characters so that it feels real?

When Maggie and Taylor first meet they feel instant attraction to each other, but they are also weary of each other: Maggie is a city girl with plans for law school and Taylor is an off-piste skier who loves his rural hometown. And Maggie is engaged to get married… Yet, the two of them cannot keep their eyes off each other – at first, they both think that their attraction is nothing but a silly infatuation and resist it with all their might. But as the chemistry between them gets too strong to resist, the magic of love takes over.

Do you identify with the characters you write about?

Yes, I absolutely do – the struggles that my characters go through are struggles that I can relate to. I would never base a character on a real person, but in each and every one of my characters that are qualities that I have seen people exhibit in real life. In each and every one of my characters, even the negative ones, there will be at least one quality that is somewhat good or at least neutral. I think that quirks make people interesting, which is why my characters are never one hundred percent perfect.

Tell us a little about your favorite “hero” type guy.

Smart, independent, strong, handsome, preferably with green eyes…

But seriously speaking, I do not really have a favorite hero type. I like to make my characters as multifaceted as possible. In real life people are never perfect – you could meet the most confident, grounded man, but I guarantee you that once you start dating him, you’ll discover that he too has some hidden fears.

In On the Rim of Love Taylor Denton is the lead character, and while he has many admirable traits, he is also struggling with some inner demons.

Would you please describe the heroines you love to write?

In On the Rim of Love Maggie is quiet and reserved - she needs to gain confidence to develop her independence. As she understands what she wants out of life, Maggie learns to come to terms with herself and finds the courage to make her own choices. I enjoyed writing her character because I think that every woman can relate to the process of growing into her own person. Maggie’s friend, Bethany, is the complete opposite of Maggie – in fact, she is a self-absorbed brat. I enjoyed writing Bethany’s character as well since I think that most women will attest to having at least one ‘friend’ like Bethany.

How would you describe your life in only 8 words?

Rewarding, hectic, busy, exciting, chaotic, wonderful, hilarious, unpredictable

If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?

Chocolate!

What are you reading?

I am currently reading Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen and absolutely loving it.

Favorite author?

I can’t just stop at one! I read all kinds of genres – I love romance, but I also enjoy women’s fiction and literary fiction. Some of my favorite writers (in no particular order) are: Richard Russo, Kristin Hannah, Anita Brookner, Kurt Vonnegut, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jennifer Haigh, Jane Austen, Sarah Addison Allen – the list goes on, but I’ll stop now, before I run out of room.

Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?

Never give up on your dreams!

Where can readers find you?

Website:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Amazon:

MARIE ASTOR would like to offer a Valentine Contest. To be considered for this contest, follow Marie on her FB page… and interact with her.....comment on her interview. Come back here and post your comments and email address. Marie and her Publicist will choose and contact the winner. Contest will end February 14th at midnight PST.

Valentine’s giveaway for the following prize:

· ON THE RIM OF LOVE (Kindle Coupon)

· Marie's next novel, DANCE ME TO THE STARS (Kindle Coupon)

· Custom Jewelry piece

Meet New York Times Bestselling Author, Robyn Carr (US Giveaway)

2012-01-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

Robyn's Story

Because I published my first novel at the age of twenty-seven, it might seem as though I fulfilled a childhood ambition, or at least pursued a career I prepared for in college, but neither was the case. I was an average high school student with greater interest in cheerleading and boys than academics and for a college endeavor I chose nursing. But then I come from the tip of the baby boomer generation; our mothers were usually more concerned with whether we'd get married than whether we'd have successful careers. Many of us chose from the Big Three - nurses, teachers, and secretaries.

Writing for me came later, but not much later.

I married my high school sweetheart four short weeks before he left for Officer's Training School in the Air Force. It was the peak of the Vietnam War and he had been assigned to pilot a helicopter. As soon as I could, I followed him from base to base where I was kept busy with wives' activities while he either worked long hours or traveled. And this is where it all really began for me - because of the instability of our lives, I didn't work in nursing. But nothing bridges the gap between loneliness and worry like a good book. Then came the children, or maybe I should say the pregnancies. Miserable and big as an ox, I was instructed to stay down and keep my feet up. My neighbor brought me ten paperbacks a week; I was reading more than one a day. With ankles the size of a normal woman's thighs, I spent my afternoons with Kathryn Swynford and John of Gaunt....with Heather and Brandon Birmingham....with Elizabeth, The King's Gray Mare. Nothing short of labor pains could snap me out of it!

I cut my teeth on Anya Seton, Kathleen Woodiweiss, Rosemary Hawley Jarmen. It made perfect sense that when I applied my own imagination to the blank page, it would be in the genre of Historical Romance. This was before the days of RWA; there was no available training program. In fact, the first conference I ever attended for writing contained no workshop on romance writing and the novelist who critiqued my manuscript boldly told me to go home and find something to do for which I had talent. That manuscript was sold to Little, Brown and Co. two years later, published in hardcover and titled Chelynne.

I spent the first decade and a half of my writing career on romance, historical and contemporary. Then, needing a change, I wrote a suspense novel, a non-fiction, and several brilliant but as yet unsold screenplays. I wrote articles and even short stories, jumping all over the place, not really aware that I was working on reinventing myself, redesigning my craft. During the course of this transition, which was by no means short, I had a great piece of good luck. I went to San Diego State University to teach a novel writing workshop and met a woman who was the editorial director for a publisher who focused on women's fiction. The range in this genre is remarkably broad - from pure romance to adventure to political intrigue to girlfriend books to small town fiction.

This was a good place for me to develop my own brand of women's fiction, a style that most closely resembles my take on real life. I want to laugh through a book, but I don't want a book that's a big laugh - and that's a tall order. As a reader I want to have a genuinely good time, but not a joke. I want real women's issues, real humor, and real teeth in the story. This is a genre with lots of room for growth.

In the meantime, with all this writing and reinventing going on, I was raising a family. My son and daughter are adults now, reading my fiction and making snide remarks about how I have used family scenarios to my advantage.

The greatest compliment I have ever received came from one of my readers who labeled me "a woman's woman." She told me I wrote as knowingly about being single as being married, about being old as young, about the happily married and someone suffering from spousal abuse. In short - my goal achieved according to one reader - I can cover all women's concerns. And my women laugh as often as they cry.

I've found my home.

Book Description:

Sick of running into her cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road right out of town. Now she’s got Paul Haggerty’s business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands. Just like Leslie, Conner Danson has been burned by love. But Leslie was disappointed by her relationship going bad, Conner was decimated. He’s got no time for woman...although he spends an awful lot of time pretending not to notice Leslie. And she’s pretty busy “ignoring” the chemistry between them.

According to Conner and Leslie, they have only one thing in common—they’re done with love. But everyone in Virgin River can see that things are heating up at Haggerty Construction. And as far as Paul Haggerty can tell, the best thing he can do is hang on to his hard hat and watch the sparks fly!

Robyn, Thanks for joining us at Romance Author Buzz and participating in the Q&A.Q: Every writer has her own routines and methods. How do you spend a typical writing day?

A: All the adventure happens in my head, believe me. I wake up early, stumble to the coffee pot, then to the computer and write in my pajamas till at lease mid-morning. I fluff and buff (that’s a Robynism for primp and put on clothes), maybe do a few chores – but not too many – and write until dinner time. About ten hours a day, every day. I take breaks for appointments or the very rare lunch out. Otherwise it’s constant writing and except for my wonderful family, the best part of my life. I’m still having fun every day.

Q: What would you tell someone who wants to start writing romance or women’s fiction? I’m sure you get a lot of questions like this. Is there one piece of advice that you always share with aspiring writers?

A: This is a difficult job that more often than not doesn’t pay well. Embarking on it to become rich and famous would be a mistake. Taking on the writing profession because of a deep love of the craft is the only reason that makes sense. To me, anyway. I wrote for over 30 years before getting a bestseller – that takes either profound stubbornness or a overpowering love of the craft.

Q: Do you work with a specific ‘image’ in mind when creating your characters? Do you base them on people you’ve met or know, or are they more composites of real-life and your imagination?
A:Never a specific image – that’s cramping for me. I love to take a few dominant characteristics and build the character throughout the story. Watching them evolve is the fun. And they’re never based on people I know, but certain characteristics from people I’ve known or met are completely useful and fun to blend. Composites – alwayss.

Q: How much of your actual life gets written into your fictional stories? Do you ever use real people as inspiration for your characters?

A: As inspiration—yes. But as actual characters, no. Real people don’t usually come off well in fiction. I take traits and experiences and emotional reactions from people I’ve met or read about and blend them into composite characters. But experiences and bits of dialogue from my life sneak in—happily. In Virgin River Jack’s sisters are remembering when Jack and his best friend hung their dolls by the neck—mean big brother stuff. My son and his best friend did that to my daughter’s cabbage patch dolls. Don’t worry, they’re all fine…. Well, I’m not sure about the dolls, but my son, his best friend and my daughter have persevered.

Q: What’s the most interesting comment you’ve ever gotten from a reader?

A: Oh, you can’t print it! My readers never get my titles right—they write and ask me if I’m going to write any more of those “Virginia River” books. Or they want to know where Virgin River really is—they plan to move there and get a big, studly marine. But the funniest one ever was probably a typo: “Are you going to write anymore of those ‘Vagina River’ books.” Typo or Freudian slip.

I did get an email from a reader who was furious about my bigotry against Cubans. I was stunned and confused—I’d never written about Cubans. I suggested she had me mixed up with someone else. She wrote back with the direct quote, complete with page numbers—something about Jack being unable to shower off the stench of stinky Cubans. It was cigars! Cuban cigars! I pointed that out to her, but she was absolutely determined I had been bigoted in my remarks.

On a more serious side, a man who lost a leg in the war wrote me that he was changed by Paradise Valley, the story in which Rick Sudder lost a leg in the war and came home a messed up kid. My reader said that he realized from the book that he was an ass, thought it was a miracle his wife stayed with him through it, and finally understood how badly he needed counseling, which he was going to accomplish. I wrote back and asked him how he came across the book and he said his sister gave it to him—and his sainted wife was most grateful! Bless his heart!!

Q: As a writer, what kinds of books inspire you? Do you ever find time to read when you aren't writing your own novels?

A: I read every day. I work long hours, but in the evening after dinner I read—and I am inspired by everything I read, whether it’s mainstream or non-fiction or some other genre. I have a particular taste for contemporary romance and women’s fiction. My favorite authors are Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Kristan Higgins, Jill Shalvis, Susan Andersen to name a few. For my reading pleasure I enjoy intelligent, romantic, humorous, sexy novels with strong heroines.

Q: What is the underlying message you want women to take away from this new Virgin River trilogy—Hidden Summit, Redwood Bend, and Sunrise Point?

A: As in all Virgin River novels, it’s never too late to create your own happy ending. You are the heroine of your own life and you never never never settle for less than the most optimal experience, the most perfect partner. Men and women thrive when they find positive, mutually respectful relationships.

Robyn, thanks for joining us at Romance Author Buzz.

Where can readers find you?
Robyn on Facebook:
Author Website:
Robyn Carr on Twitter

CONTEST (US ONLY)
To win a copy of HIDDEN SUMMIT (Open to contestants from the Continental US only), follow Robyn Carr on Facebook and comment about her Q&A at Romance Author Buzz, come back here, comment and leave your email address. The author and publicist will choose and contact the winner. Contest will end February 14th, midnight PST.

Alexis Harrington / International Contest

2012-01-20T15:43:00.000-08:00

Historical romance novelist Alexis Harrington didn’t realize she was at the forefront of a sea change within publishing and among traditionally published novelists when she first requested rights back and self-published her backlist titles as e-books. While she was far from alone in doing so, at the time there was very little in the way of track records regarding sales and, more importantly, very little specific to the romance genre to support her decision. In a short while Alexis re-released all nine of her popular, northwest-set novels electronically, including her first novel Homeward Hearts. Then, in December 2010, she published a brand new electronic book, HOME BY MORNING.

The response has been gratifying and Alexis has embraced epublishing, specifically the freedom to write in time periods and in the genre she prefers, regardless of trends. “Not having specific earnings expectations, high overhead and other constraints facing large publishers, I can profit from my writing past and present as I work toward my creative goals. Interestingly, I did better in 2011 than I made in ten busy years of print publishing.”

Alexis is currently working on her new book, HOME BY NIGHTFALL, to be published in July 2012. It has the same fictional setting, Powell Springs, Oregon, as HOME BY MORNING, and shares many of the same characters. Each touches upon the Great War, now more commonly known as World War I. The first is set in 1918, just before the end of the war and at the start of the world wide influenza pandemic. HOME BY NIGHTFALL occurs just a few years after that. Regarding HOME BY MORNING, Alexis says that “the war and the pandemic are the most vivid backdrops I’ve ever used, with the possible exception of my novel, Harper’s Blood.” That story was set amid the avarice, cruelty and hardships of the Yukon Gold Rush.

As with epublishing, her December 2010 publication of HOME BY MORNING, again placed Alexis in the forefront of a cultural trend. This time she was part of a shift in the arts to a focus on World War I. 2011 brought with it the Lincoln Center production of Sean O’Casey’s play The Silver Tassel, the premiere of Warhorse on Broadway, the film Warhorse, directed by Steven Spielberg, the debut of the acclaimed novel Bright’s Passage by singer and songwriter John Ritter, a Museum of Modern Art exhibit featuring the war-themed works of Otto Dix and Max Beckmann and, in Meaux, France, the opening of the Museum of the Great War.

“The song The Band Played Waltzing Matilda is one of my favorites,” says Alexis. “It’s about the blood bath on Gallipoli and the pointlessness of the war. Thank God people are finally taking notice. So much has been made of WWII—The Greatest Generation—yet I learned very little about WWI in high school. I have very strong opinions about this war after devoting almost ten years to ongoing research. There were so many lives lost to that meat grinder war of attrition.” Alexis has planted a bed of red poppies in her yard honoring those lost in that war and placed an angel statue there to watch over it. “On Veterans Day, I go out there with a glass of whiskey and raise one to the lads, ‘the forgotten heroes of a forgotten war.’”

Alexis began writing in 1980 and has entertained readers since Homeward Hearts was published in 1994. Her love of the genre comes naturally. “I like the escapism of historicals, both books and films” she says. “I miss LaVryle Spencer’s novels. She was my inspiration to start writing.” She adds, “Diana Gabaldon probably has one of the best historical voices and I love her work, as well.”

Alexis has spun tales of characters and situations that include mail order brides, the Yukon Gold Rush, seafaring, ranching, and protagonists heading west. Most of her historical romance novels are set in her home state, Oregon, though she has ventured to other parts of the northwest and has followed some characters as they emigrated to America from places such as Cork County, Ireland. It’s unlikely she’ll suddenly make a drastic change in venues for her stories as she truly enjoys writing about the place she knows best, her home in Oregon near the Columbia River. “I still live within ten miles of my old high school,” she says.

A self-employed novelist for just over twenty years, Alexis has followed her muse and her instincts regarding her own and readers’ interests, and managed to maintain her career as a full time writer. An animal lover, she lives with a cat, a finch, two dogs (Great Pyrenees!), and three chickens—all of which like to gather in her small home office. Only the chickens are not allowed. She keeps crazy hours. “I’m just not a morning person. I like to be up late while the rest of the world is sleeping and quiet. No phones, faxes or other distractions. Just ‘the kids’ and me, candles burning and elevator music coming out of my CD player.” She makes jewelry and, thanks to the tutelage of her grandmother, is a fine needlepoint artist specializing in embroidery, thread crochet and sewing. She enjoys cooking—another gift from her grandmother—reading, entertaining friends, and decorating, and is a lover of all things Victorian. Animal welfare is very important to her and she belongs to the Oregon Humane Society and the ASPCA.

Alexis is currently finishing work on HOME BY NIGHTFALL. Originally scheduled to be self-published, her vision for that book and the success of HOME BY MORNING caught the attention of editors at Amazon’s new Montlake Romance imprint, who acquired both for their fledgling line. Now, Alexis stands in the forefront again as she embarks on yet another publishing adventure, this one exploring the potential of expanding the audience for her fiction through this established e-retailer and the company’s commitment to expanding and shaping the ebook market.

HOME BY MORNING

Alexis Harrington
Montlake Romance/ Fiction/Simultaneous eBook and Paperback/Republication
On sale 12-24-11/$2.99 eBook ● $14.95 Paperback
ISBN-10: 1612182054 ● ISBN-13: 978-1612182056

Alexis website

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Alexis on Facebook

Alexis Harrington talks about her latest book, Home by Morning...

Alexis, welcome! Readers are excited to hear that Home by Morning will be available as a reissue from Montlake Romance on Christmas Eve. How did that come about?

Modesty aside, editors from Amazon’s newly created Montlake Romance imprint got in touch with me and were very excited about the book, which I had self-published as an ebook, as well as my plans for Home by Nightfall. That book continues the story of several characters from Home by Morning. I’m excited to be part of the imprint’s start up year and to be among the first wave of writers and readers exploring their debut publishing program.

You’ve already had some terrific response from readers, especially in their comments posted on different book sites. One reader (“adventurat” on Smashwords) praised “the historical context, the sensory descriptions...the realities of medical practice and challenges in the period...really worked for me. Harrington does her research, and it shows.” Why this setting and that time period?

Setting and time period are always very important to me. The town, Powell Springs, Oregon, is fictional and it’s loosely based on a few towns around me, though I changed some of the geography. I tend to write about Oregon. It’s my home state and the place I know best. Plus, I can compare old photos to the streets as they look today, which helps me place much of the action in a book.

For Home by Morning, the time period loomed even larger than for other books.

Why was that?

This is a topic of ongoing debate. It was part of why I chose to self-publish Home by Morning. In presenting the book to editors, it seemed that, at least within the romance genre, after 1900 was “recent,” not historical. More so, perhaps, to anyone over the age of 35 or 40. An editor once told me, “no cars.” That was the guideline. Since we don’t remember men fighting duels or using swords in battle, or women strapped into corsets or washing their hair with plain soap because shampoo didn’t exist, there’s no question that a book is historical. But 1900 was 111 years ago. It just seemed to me that was enough time to be considered “historical.”

Would your plot have worked set farther back in time?

Not for me. Stories are so much more than plot. And I really wanted the challenge of setting the strength of human nature and the power of emotion against that unique background of more than four years of anxiety, mourning and hope on the home front. I also wanted to find out if I was right—that Jess and Colt’s love story could be set amid the extremes of good and bad brought out in people in these extraordinary circumstances and still grab and hold readers’ attention.

For me, writing Home by Morning was intensely connected to my desire to write about characters facing the Great War, the challenges on the home front and the ravages of the flu epidemic. I have very strong opinions on the subject of World War I, having devoted 10 years of research to it. So much has been made of WWII—The Greatest Generaton—yet I learned very little about “the war to end war” in high school. There were so many lives lost to that meat grinder war of attrition—over fifteen million deaths and twenty million wounded. It was a very complicated affair and its resolution led the way into WWII and the rise of Adolf Hitler. During the same time period, the world was gripped by the “Spanish flu,” which in 1918 and 1919 killed more people than the Great War.

Did you ever worry that the events of the time would overshadow the relationship between Jess and Colt in Home by Morning?

I didn’t worry about it, but as I mentioned, I considered it a major challenge for me as a writer to stay true to the genre, especially with how emotional I can be when talking or thinking about those horrible years. Fortunately, at its heart, the book always stayed a love story, a romance with a happy ending. The story may be shaped by the affects of events but it’s ruled by personalities, something I see as the hallmark of character driven contemporary and historical romance novels.

Please tell us more about Jess and Cole’s backgrounds.

Jess is a burn-out case. As a woman of her time, she had to fight for her medical education. She wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, helping people, but her time working with New York City’s poor left her hopeless, believing that no matter how much she tried she’d never overcome the squalor, ignorance and poverty surrounding her patients. She lost heart, found a research position with Seattle General and headed back west. She stopped to visit her sister in Powell Springs even though it meant facing Cole, the man who she expected to marry and who broke her heart instead.

Cole and his brother Riley were very competitive in their young years, a situation fostered by their father who pitted them against each other, believing it would make them both excel. When the US entered the war Riley was the first brother to enlist—a fact that rankled Cole. Riley had a wife and the family business to run. Cole felt very keenly the stigma of the times: a man not in uniform and overseas was considered a slacker. But the horses raised on the family ranch are desperately needed for the Army. He knows he can’t leave. Riley had beat him to it.

Jess’s return simply means more pain for him, as he once again comes face to face with the only woman he has ever loved.

Can you tell us more about the book you’re working on now, Home by Nightfall?

Yes, but not too much or I’ll have to include a “this answer contains spoilers” warning. This book has been difficult. The execution is giving me fits. It has a love triangle and though I’ve written them before, this has been the most challenging. Let’s see...it’s two years after the end of the war and the flu epidemic. Cole and Jess will be back, so will Susannah, Cole’s father, and several of the townspeople. There are some surprises and I think I’d better stop right here.

How can readers reach you and find out more about your writing and what else you’ve been up to?

People should please visit my website www.alexisharrington.com to find out what’s next and when. Also, I’m available via email at Alexis@alexisharrington.com and by mail at PO Box 1229, Fairview, Oregon, 97024.

Lastly, War Horse, the Steven Spielberg directed film based on Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel and Nick Stafford’s stage adaptation of the book opens in theaters on Christmas Day, 24-hours after Home by Morning debuts as a Montlake Romance. Considering your interest in the era, will you be among the first in line to see it?

You know, I’ve seen the trailer for War Horse and as much as I would like to discover how the story and the times are handled, I probably won’t see it at all. It’s got nothing to do with Steven Spielberg (he’s a brilliant storyteller) or the cast or anything of that sort. In fact, I’m delighted that the film will make many more people aware of this time in our history. It’s quite simply that I don’t think I’ll be able to watch it. Movies about animals in danger or otherwise injured or abused are too much for me to handle, even if there’s a happy ending. Not so surprising since I share my home and yard with two dogs, a cat, a finch and three chickens. So far.

Thank you, Alexis for joining us and best of luck with the new publication of Home by Morning and this summer’s Home by Nightfall!

Romance Author Buzz is offering a $10.00 Amazon card. Follow this blog, leave comments and your email address so that you may be contacted. For more chances, follow Alexis on Facebook.

Meet Kaylie Newell / International Giveaway

2012-01-15T23:34:00.000-08:00

Author Bio:

For Kaylie Newell, storytelling is in the blood. Growing up the daughter of two gifted writers, she knew eventually she’d want to follow in their footsteps. While she’s written short stories her whole life, it wasn’t until after her kids were born that she decided to shoot for the moon and write her first romance novel. She hasn’t looked back since!

Kaylie lives in Southern Oregon with her husband, two little girls, an elderly Chihuahua mix, and two indifferent cats.

Book Description - A Death That Lingers by Kaylie Newell

A wife leaves her abusive husband, but soon realizes nothing will keep him away. Not even death.

Josie Collins is the wife of a world famous rock star and the envy of nearly every woman in the country. But the horrific truth is her husband wants nothing more than to see her dead.

Josie finally summons the courage to leave her famous, abusive husband and returns to her hometown among the winter wheat of Kansas. When her husband is killed in a fiery car accident while on his way to find her, she thinks she has escaped him at last, but she’s wrong. It quickly becomes clear that even in death he has no intention of letting her go.

As Josie develops a rapport with sexy police chief, Paul Stark, trouble begins to brew. There’s something special about the tall, mysterious officer with the long jagged scar down his face. But Josie soon learns that he’s haunted by a nightmarish past.

Sparks fly in their small, Midwestern town, and as their attraction grows, so does a dead husband’s fury. In order to smother this dark, sinister spirit, and perhaps find true and lasting happiness with each other, the living must learn to let go, give in, and leave their ghosts in the past.

(Content Warning: Contains sensual sex and some explicit language; Genre(s): Romantic Suspense/Paranormal)

Kaylie,welcome to Romance Author Buzz. Is there a behind the book story for A Death That Lingers?

Thank you for having me! A Death That Lingers is my first book, and it’s what I call “the book of my heart”. Meaning, I wrote what I love to read. The type of book I’m always browsing for at Barnes and Noble. Romantic suspense with a few ghosts thrown in here and there for good measure.

What is your routine?

I’m a morning person. I do most of my writing at Barnes and Noble when my kids are at school. It seems like the words just have a way of flowing there! I try to write every day, but it’s not always on my current WIP. Some days it will be blogging, etc. But as long as I’m writing, I’m happy as a clam.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

My favorite piece of advice is probably the most common. But I definitely think it’s the most important, too. Don’t give up! When you’re just starting out, it can seem like the odds are stacked against you. It’s hard seeing rejection slip after rejection slip. But if you love to write, believe in that. The more you love something, the more you do it. And the more you do it, the better you’ll get. It’s a natural progression. And one that’ll eventually get you published.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on a spicy novella. Erotic romance wasn’t something I had planned on writing. But the idea struck one day, and it refused to leave me alone. Turns out, it’s a lot of fun. I’ll probably need a pen name for this one, though. Can’t have my mother reading it.

What news would you like to share with your readers?

My second book, a contemporary romantic suspense called Falling In Danger, was just contracted with my wonderful publisher, Beachwalk Press. It will be out in the spring of 2012. This book was fun to write. If you like hunky cop heroes, it might be right up your alley! It’s about a naïve, young journalist named Jessica Brady, who stumbles head first into the underground world of dog fighting in LA. Ian Cole is the undercover cop who’s assigned to bust the ring. When Ian’s cover is blown, Jessica decides to do a story about the dogs caught in the middle and the unlikely detective who ended up saving them. And stole her heart along the way.

How do you build the relationship between these two characters so that it feels real?

I think the key is to have plenty of conflict. We all know that real relationships have a lot of that. And for me, conflict makes things sexier. Things aren’t always perfect. Maybe they’re a little rough around the edges, along with the characters themselves. I like when the scenes between my hero and heroine aren’t always happy ones.

To me, there’s nothing better than angry sex. In my books, anyway

Do you identify with the characters you write about?

I’d love to be able to say that I have long, raven hair and a nice bust line. But sadly, I don’t. I guess if I could identify with them, it would be because I have a lot of passion. For writing, friends, family. All my characters love deeply. And I do, too.

Tell us a little about your favorite “hero” type guy.

I worked for years at a small police department, so my heroes tend to be cops. I like alpha males in uniform. But they also have to be very sensitive. The type who cry after wrestling the bad guy to the ground (using only one arm).

Would you please describe the heroines you love to write?

I like my heroines to be strong, but vulnerable, too. I like them to have issues that they need or want to overcome. My goal is to write women that other women identify with and will cheer for.

How would you describe your life in only 8 words?

Happy, fulfilled, busy, passionate, humorous, curious, content, blessed

If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?

Pizza! (And chocolate for dessert, of course)

What are you reading?

The Stand by Stephen King.

Favorite author?

Oh, dear. It’s impossible to pick just one. Stephen King and Karen Robards. And I could go on, but I think you’d get sick of me and kick me off the page.

Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?

Believe in yourself, believe in your stories.

Where can readers find you?

Kaylie's Website:

Facebook:
Twitter:

KYLIE IS OFFERING AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEST, A PDF OF HER NEW RELEASE. FOLLOW HER ON FACEBOOK AND LEAVE A COMMENT AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO THAT YOU CAN BE CONTACTED

Meet Author Dana Marton and International Giveaway

2012-01-15T16:19:00.000-08:00

Author Bio

Dana Marton writes fast-paced action-adventure romances that take her readers all over the globe. She is a Rita Award finalist and the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. She loves writing stories of intrigue, filled with dangerous plots that try her tough-as-nails heroes and the special women they fall in love with. Her books have been published in seven languages in eleven countries around the world.

(Okay, the above version is the glamour version for press releases. The truth is that my path to publication was nothing but unglamorous. I wrote for 13 years and completed several books before I finally received a call from a Harlequin editor. I was beginning to wonder if I was being tenacious or just too dense to know when to quit. But it all worked out at the end! )

Book Description

Special Ops soldier Mitch Mendoza is sent to South America on a delicate mission to rescue a U.S. Governor’s son from a nefarious drug lord. He is on his way back with the kid when he bumps into a lost American tourist in the jungle, the only survivor of a bandit attack, supposedly. Little does he know that nothing about Megan Cassidy as it seems. Soon she's a major threat not only to his mission, but to his heart as well, as their story unfolds in this action-packed thriller.

Dan, welcome to Romance Author Buzz and congratulations on your January 2012 release. . Is there a back story to Last Spy Standing?

I love action movies. Indiana Jones, Mission Impossible, Bond… bring them on! So my books are usually inspired by heroes who fit that mold. Last Spy Standing was no different. My dirty little secret is that I write my books for myself. And then hope as anything that there are other people out there who share my taste.

Do you plot your stories or lead your characters lead you?

My books usually start with an intriguing idea, a plot twist that occurs to me. But once I come up with the characters, they take over the story. With Last Spy Standing, I wanted to write a book where the hero and heroine are constantly butting heads. They are both on the side of good, yet their goals are mutually exclusive. How would they solve their differences when only one can get what he/she wants, and the consequences of losing are devastating?

How long have you been writing and what was your call story?

I wrote for close to 13 years before I sold my first book. I had five completed manuscripts at that point and a dozen half-finished books. When the call came, I picked up the phone in the kitchen. I was stunned! The editor was giving me all sorts of information. I had no pen, no paper and didn’t dare interrupt her so I was just trying hard to memorize everything she said. My knees were going weak. I wished I had a chair within reach. Then, after we hung up, I realized I was on the cordless phone. LOL I could have walked around all I wanted. But my mind was just so blown, I couldn’t think beyond the fact that I finally sold a book.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on THE SPY WORE SPURS, a fast-paced thriller set in Texas. The hero is a commando soldier who’s trying to blend in as a cowboy, with the heroine’s help. I LOVE writing this book. The chemistry between the two is just unbelievable and makes my job so much easier.

Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?

I really like Claire Montgomery, the heroine of WARRIOR AGENT, an ebook I just published. She has a rough past, but she won’t let it get her down. She desperately needs her job, but when her employer turns out to be a thoroughly corrupt man, she stands up for what is right, even if she has everything to lose. Some of my books had scarred heroes, men that carried the weight of the past. This is my first story where both the hero and heroine are damaged. Yet it doesn’t turn out to be an, “I have so many problems, I can’t handle anybody else’s,” type of situation. They both have such a core of honor. They end up being each other’s salvation.

What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?

The most difficult thing is trying to reach readers. We are constantly bombarded with information by people who want our attention. It’s gotten to the point now that we tune most of it out. So when a new book comes out, sometimes I feel near hopeless with how my news will be heard.

The best part is my readers. I LOVE my readers and will never get tired of saying that. They’ll email me to let me know how they liked my books. They will tell their friends about it. They’ll retweet my tweets. They are a constant source of support and friendship. I have the best readers in the world.

What kind of daily schedule do you have? What types of things interrupt your writing? Describe a day in the life of Dana Marton.

I normally write 4 books a year, so that calls for a fairly tight schedule. I spend at least 8 hours writing/researching/promoting per day, and often I spend a lot more. My only rule is that I don’t work on Sundays. I love writing, so this is no burden, believe me. In fact, I’d rather write than do just about anything else.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Meryl Streep. Not that such a movie would be ever made. Watching a writer write is about as exciting as watching paint dry. I’m afraid I don’t live a life of high adventure. But my characters definitely do!

What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?

I’d love my readers to know how much I love and appreciate them. How much every single email, FB comment and tweet means to me. Writing is such a lonely business. Most of the time, you’re alone in a chair in front of your computer. So the contact I have with my readers is truly precious to me.

When the time comes for you to retire from writing, what would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?

I’d love for them to remember the good times we had together.

What are you currently reading?

Susan Mallery’s Only Us, a Fool’s Gold novella. I’m completely in love with that series. I want to move to Fool’s Gold, in fact. She makes it sound so much fun!

Favorite song?

Anything by U2.

Favorite color?

purple

Before I let you go though, is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?

I’d love to say a big thank you for having me here!

Dana's website:
Dana on Facebook:
Dana on Twitter:

To win a box of gourmet Hot Chocolate Mocha and a free book, go to Dana's Facebook page and post 1 thing that you’re grateful for this Holiday Season. Also tell her what you liked about her interview here and don't forget to leave your email address. Contest ends Feb. 1st.

Meet Author Harriet Schultz and International EBook Giveaway

2012-01-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

Author Bio:

My love of writing crystallized into a career when I worked as Pulitzer Prize-winner David Halberstam's assistant at Harper's Magazine. At TIME magazine I was involved with the magazine's Watergate coverage. I took a break when my twin son and daughter were born and after a move to Maine, I discovered the joy of reporting on government at its most basic at a Maine newspaper. I'm proud that my work received an award from the New England Press Association.

I decided to see if I could write fiction and found that I loved it! Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series kindled my interest in Scottish history and inspired "Legacy of the Highlands," my debut contemporary romantic suspense novel. The story ties a murder in 21st century Boston to an event in 13th century Scotland.

Book Description

What does a vow made 700 years ago in Scotland have to do with a murder in twenty-first century Boston?

When Will Cameron’s body is discovered in a Boston alley, the only clue to the thirty-four-year-old’s murder is a pristine Scottish sgian dubh dagger left beside it. His devastated widow, Alexandra, flees Boston to find refuge in the Miami villa of Will’s best friend, Diego Navarro, who has the means, power and temperament to solve the puzzle and to avenge the senseless killing.

Diego, a handsome and wealthy Argentine, is equally determined to win the grieving widow’s heart. They find it increasingly difficult to resist a growing attraction to each other as they follow leads that take them from Miami to Buenos Aires and Scotland unraveling the Cameron family’s secrets and the Legacy of the Highlands.

Harriet, I would like to congratulate on your latest release. Is there a behind the book story Legacy of the Highlands?

I’ve worked as a journalist for most of my adult life, but when magazines I wrote for began to go out of business I decided to see if I could write fiction. Luckily, many respected agents praised my work, although, much to my disappointment, none of them chose to represent me.

Do you plot your stories or let your characters lead you?

The characters definitely take the lead. I’m as surprised at some of the directions they take as the reader is! The story unfolds in my mind like a movie and I just write what I see.

How long have you been writing and what was your call story?

I’ve been writing for what seems like forever.

What are you currently working on?

I’m about 60 pages into my next book, which can work as a sequel to Legacy of the Highlands or as a stand alone novel. It’s tentatively titled A Dangerous Dance, but that may change as the story progresses.

Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?

Diego! I’m in love with him in the same way I hope readers will be too although I can’t say that I identify with him. Alex has some of my personality, especially a love of chocolate, shopping and frustration with hair that frizzes in humidity.

What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?

The best thing is the joy of watching the story unfold. Procrastination is a challenge and I love Nora Roberts’ advice to writers – “ass in chair.” Since publishing, the hardest thing is making readers aware of the book, which is why I’m grateful to have this interview!

What kind of daily schedule do you have?

None, really.

What types of things interrupt your writing?

The Internet! Since I’m in book promotion mode for now, I find I spend a ridiculous amount of time online.

Describe a day in the life of Harriet Schultz.

I don’t really have a routine, so it’s hard to say.

How would you describe your life in only 8 words?

Surprising! There, I did it in one.

What is your motto?

Very trite, but “don’t worry, be happy.”

How would you describe perfect happiness?

Having good health and the love of my family.

What’s your greatest fear?

Illness, a fear I suspect many share.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Now we’re in fantasy land! Meryl Streep? Tina Fay?

What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?

I love to interact with people who have read my book, and hope they will want to contact me.

When the time comes for you to retire from writing, what would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?

I’d like them to still have my books on their shelves and to be swept away into the world of my characters each time they re-read them.

What are you currently reading?

I’m re-reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Jamie Fraser is delicious!

Favorite song?

Anything by the Beatles.

Favorite color?

Sometimes blue, other times black or burgundy. It’s hard to stick with just one.

Before I let you go though, is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?

I’m grateful for each and every one of them and so, so happy that people (and reviewers) say they don’t want Legacy of the Highlands to end because they enjoy the read.

Harriet, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me!

Where readers can find you: I have an author page (with links to reviews) on GoodReads
Website:

Twitter:

Legacy on FB

Blogspot

Harriett has kindly offered one person to comment on her interview and like her on Facebook a copy of her EBook. Don't Forget to leave your email address. She will chooe the winner. Contest

will end February 15th

Mills and Boon / Harlequin Author Penny Jordan Passes Away of Cancer

2012-01-02T22:47:00.000-08:00

Author Penny Jordan, passed away from cancer December 31, 2011. She was loved by her fans, fellow authors and those she mentored. I was shocked to see and read about her passing. She is with the angels now and my heart goes out to her family, friends, fans, editors, and Mills and Boon and Harlequin. May Penny rest in peace!

Penny Jordan 's Biography

Penny Jordan was a storyteller long before she began to write romantic fiction. At the age of eight, she was creating serialized bedtime stories, featuring make-believe adventures, for her younger sister who was always the heroine.

After reading a serialized Mills & Boon book in a women’s magazine, she fell in love with the hero. Penny was eleven and she quickly became an avid fan.

Her goal, when writing romance fiction, was to provide readers with an enjoyment and involvement similar to that she experienced from her early reading. She liked nothing more than to hear her fans share her love: romance.

She worked from home, in her kitchen, surrounded by four dogs and two cats, and welcomed interruptions from her friends and family.

Penny believed in the importance of love, including the benefits and happiness it brought. It’s the special bonds linking Harlequin readers and writers that she personally treasured! Mills and Boon

Tributes to Penny Jordan

Romantic Fiction:

Romantic Novelist Assoc

CataRomance

Romntic Times Forum

The Good, Bad and the Unread

Remember

Abby Green

Bolt

One of my favorite authors and a friend, Abby Green

Happy Christmas everyone

2011-12-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

Today I feel blessed to share this holiday with my mother and children. Wishing you all a Happy Christmas or whatever you're celebrating this December. Thanks for your visit to this blog. In advance, Wishing you a happy and joyous New Year.

Enjoy our family friends' Christmas Lights. For over 20 years, This West Seattle family have these fabuloous holiday lights and it's a tradition for our famkily to drive by on Christmas Eve.

Marilyn

Harlequin Special Edition Authors Share Holiday Cookie Recipes

2011-12-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

Harlequin Special Edition authors share their holiday cookie recipes. Geez I wish I had some of these! I still have a tree to decorate and Christmas shopping. Nothing like leaving it to the last minute.

Here is the link for these fabulous cookies.

A Wendy Wax Holiday greeting

2011-12-21T18:54:00.000-08:00

Oh for some sun and warmth. A creative holiday greeting from author Wendy Wax.

On the brink of ruin, three very different women discover themselves where they least expect…at Ten Beach Road

Madeline, Avery and Nikki are strangers to one another, but they have one thing in common. They each wake up one morning to discover that their life savings have vanished, along with their trusted financial manager…leaving them with nothing but co-ownership of a ramshackle beachfront house.

Madeline Singer is a homemaker coping with empty-nest syndrome and an unemployed husband. Avery Lawford is an architect—or was, until she somehow became the sidekick on her ex-husband’s TV show. And professional matchmaker Nikki Grant is trying to recover from her biggest mistake…

No on is going to save them but themselves. Determined to fight back, they throw their lots in together and take on the challenge of restoring the historic beach house to its former glory. But just as they begin to reinvent themselves and discover the power of friendship, their secrets threaten to tear down their trust, and destroy their lives a second time…

Happy Holidays from Romance Suspense Author, Mary Burton

2011-12-19T23:27:00.000-08:00

Whether she's writing a bestselling romantic suspense novel or baking up a storm in her Richmond, Virginia kitchen, New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton doesn't do anything half-heartedly-and that includes her Holiday recipe, Sooner’s

Predictably Delicious Pumpkin Pie Cake.

2 cups gluten free or white flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon ground/powdered cloves
2 cups sugar
1 cups vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 can of pumpkin (15 ounce)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shift together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. In another bowl mix together sugar, vegetable oil, eggs and pumpkin. Slowly mix the dried ingredients into the wet until smooth. Scoop into mini cupcake pans and a 10 x 10 baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Cream Cheese Icing

½ cup butter
8 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 box confectioner’s sugar

Cream together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Add in the confectioner’s sugar and blend until smooth and creamy. When cooled, top off the mini cupcakes with a large dollop of icing, then spread the remainder over the cake.

“I don’t have to be a psychic— or play one in a carnival—to know how quickly my Sooner’s Predictably Delicious Pumpkin Pie Cake and Cupcakes will disappear. This year I’m making them twice—my usual and then a batch for family and friends who prefer gluten-free treats. I like them both and I always hide a few away to enjoy with a cup of tea after a hard day pursuing killers. Enjoy!”

Let the holidays roll merrily along with this Holiday Recipe from New York Times bestselling author and baker supreme Mary Burton. It’s for Sooner’s Predictably Delicious Pumpkin Pie Cake & cupcakes and they are yummy! Delicious any time of the year, it’s one of Mary’s festive favorites, and it can also be prepared gluten free.

Mary is as passionate about baking as she is about writing and has been creating and sharing holiday recipes with readers for the last few years. And, a while back, the then-food editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch printed a recipe of Mary’s along with a brief piece about her culinary expertise and the connections she sees linking the creativity of writing and baking. Not only does this romantic suspense novelist feed readers’ appetites for solving crimes, she feeds their appetites for sweets as well.

Coming February 2012, Before She Dies

Mary's website

He Is Their Judge. . .

In death, they are purified. Holding his victims under water, he washes away their sins as they struggle for their last breath. Then he stakes their bodies to the ground, exposing them for what they really are. Witches, sent to tempt and to corrupt. . .

Jury. . .

No one knows about defense attorney Charlotte Wellington’s murdered sister, or about her childhood spent with the carnival that’s just arrived in town. For Charlotte, what’s past is past. But others don’t agree. And as a madman’s body count rises, she and Detective Daniel Rokov are drawn into a mission that’s become terrifyingly personal. . .

And Executioner

At last, she is within his reach. All his victims deserve their fate, but her guilt is greatest. And with every scream, he will make her see what it means to suffer and repent–before she dies. . .

About Mary Burton:

Mary Burton’s southern family has always enjoyed tall tales and a good yarns. Early on, MB realized that Story had tremendous power to inspire strong responses such fear, laughter, love and even sorrow. It didn’t matter if the tale was found in the pages of a book, spoken in hushed tones around a Girl Scout campfire, or spouted at an old fashioned southern family reunion. This appreciation of story motivated MB to earn an English degree from Virginia’s Hollins University.

After decade of working in marketing and sales, MB became convinced she could write and sell one of the many stories buzzing around her brain. Fingers crossed, MB left the marketing profession and devoted all her spare time to writing a novel. Soon after, she sold her first manuscript to Harlequin Historicals. Since that initial sale, MB had written twelve historical romances for Harlequin Historicals, four short romantic suspenses for Silhouette Romantic Suspense and a non-fiction book The Insider’s Guide to Direct Marketing. Her first single title romantic suspense for Zebra I’M WATCHING YOU was a December 2007 release.

In 2005, THE UNEXPECTED WIFE was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA contest and WISE MOVES was 2006 nominee for Romantic Times’ Critics Choice Award. Her romantic suspense titles have received critical acclaim from New York Times Best Selling authors Carla Neggers, Brenda Novak and Lisa Jackson as well as Library Journal and Publishers Weekly.

MB resides in Virginia where she enjoys yoga, cooking, hiking and the occasional triathlon.

Meet Author Melinda Leigh

2011-12-13T00:15:00.000-08:00

More than ten years ago, Melinda Leigh abandoned her career in banking and never looked back. Since then, she has won numerous writing awards for her paranormal romance and romantic-suspense fiction. When she isn’t writing, Melinda is an avid martial artist: she holds a second-degree black belt in Kenpo karate, studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and teaches women’s self-defense.

She lives in a delightfully messy house with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs, and one neurotic cat. For more information about Melinda and her books, please visit her website.

Beth Baker thought she was getting a fresh start at life when she married Congressman Richard Baker. Handsome and wealthy, with a sparkling public image, Richard seemed like the perfect man to provide the security Beth, a widowed mother of two, was craving. But shortly after tying the knot, Beth realizes she’s made a huge mistake. Richard is not the upstanding gentleman she thought he was—rather he is an abusive manipulator. And when Beth uncovers a dark secret about her new husband, she knows Richard will go to great lengths to defend his image and keep the secret closeted. To protect herself and her children, Beth must flee, and fast.

Melinda, welcome to Marilyn’s Romance Reviews. Is there a back story to She Can Run?

Thanks for having me, Marilyn! I’m so excited to share the release of She Can Run with other book lovers.

She Can Run was rewritten multiple times. The plot was an evolution of many ideas. But my starting point was high-emotion. I wanted a heroine whose back was to the wall and who had more at stake than just her own safety. With young children at home, I couldn’t imagine a situation more terrifying than unintentionally putting my children in danger. Through all the revisions, Beth’s character was the one who didn’t change. Probably because I identified so strongly with her.

What is your routine?

I do most of my writing while my kids are in school. I like the house quiet while I work. No TV. No music. If I’m really behind schedule or I can’t get a story out of my head enough to sleep, I’ll work after the family goes to bed. On the weekends, I write before the kids get up. While getting a first draft complete, I work seven days a week to keep the multiple plot lines fresh in my head.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

We have a saying in karate: a black belt is a white belt who never quit. I think this attitude applies to all aspects of life. Don’t give up. Hone your craft. Keep writing and submitting. Persistence is a big part of success in this industry. I’d also advise all writers to join a writers’ organization. The support and information provided by these groups is invaluable.

How did you start your career? Who was your first publisher?

I decided to write a book when my youngest went into first grade. With two children, two years apart, my brain felt like it hadn’t been used in years for anything besides identifying stains and scraping hardened clay off surfaces. Yet I still wanted to be home with my kids. I was a rabid reader and had always wanted to write a book.

The first draft of She Can Run took two years to finish. Then I joined the Romance Writers of America and learned that writing a book was much more technical than I’d imagined. The book went through five major rewrites over the following two years. Each round of revisions brought the manuscript closer to being ready for publication. Finally, I signed with my agent, who sold the book to Montlake Romance.

She Can Run is my debut novel, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be among Montlake first authors.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on another romantic suspense, loosely related to She Can Run. The book is still in the initial stages, but so far, Police Chief Mike O’Connell is frustrated by a crime spree and his attraction to the one woman he absolutely can’t get involved with: a feisty horse trainer with a vicious stalker. Mike is about to make a shocking discovery.

What news would you like to share with your readers?

I’m thrilled to have received great reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and RT Book Reviews. Readers can find details on my blog tour and other author events on my website’s EVENTS page.

How do you build the relationship between these two characters so that it feels real?

I find that developing the romance is the hardest part of bring the story to fruition. In my head, the characters are already together. I feel the romance before I write page one. Early scenes require more editing than later sections to make sure I’ve brought the reader along with me on each stage of the romantic journey from the first spark to the happily ever after. Sometimes I want the couple to be together so badly, writing the scenes that deepen the romantic conflict is torture.

The scary parts are much easier to write. Clearly, my high school addiction to Stephen King novels paid off.

Do you identify with the characters you write about?

This is a solid yes! If I can’t identify with my characters, my readers certainly won’t. I think about what it would be like to be in their situation. What would I feel? How would I react? What would I do? In She Can Run, Beth lives every parent’s nightmare. She inadvertently puts her children in danger. Throughout the book her fear and guilt are ever-present. I need to relate to the male characters as well. Jack is a former cop who is forced to retire because of an injury. I’ve spent years learning to be a writer. It’s all too easy to imagine how it would feel to have that taken away from me.

Tell us a little about your favorite “hero” type guy.

First of all, my ideal hero is a nice guy. Being kind is an underrated quality in a society that values appearance, athleticism, and success. A hero is honorable, too. He can be flawed, and he can make mistakes, but he does what’s right when it matters. Sense of humor is important. There’s nothing appealing about a man who takes himself too seriously. He must like dogs and kids, and once he falls in love, it’s for keeps.

Would you please describe the heroines you love to write?

I love to write heroines who are everyday people thrust into circumstances that force them to dig deep for extraordinary courage. Intelligence and emotional strength are as important as big muscles. I teach women’s self-defense, and one of the concepts I try to import to my students is that the brain is the most important weapon at a women’s disposal.

How would you describe your life in only 8 words?

I live in chaos, and I love it.

What is your motto?

Don’t give up!

How would you describe perfect happiness?

I’m a basic person. I have a healthy family and a strong marriage. (Yes, he’s a nice guy with a wicked sense of humor, and he loves dogs.) My kids are growing up to be good people. Become a published author is an awesome bonus that I never would have predicted ten years ago.

What’s your greatest fear?

Being a parent is the hardest job in the world. My biggest fear is that I’m going to mess that up. Parenting isn’t like writing a book. There’s no going back and editing mistakes.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?

Right here. I’m a pretty happy person.

What are your most overused words or phrases?

When I’ve finished a manuscript, I always search for the word “just” and delete 99% of them.

What do you regret most?

Nothing. Every decision I’ve made in my life, even the painfully bad ones, have landed me where I am today, and I’m in a very good place.

If you could acquire any talent, what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to be a musician. My brother, my nephew, and both my children have been blessed with innate musical ability. I played piano for years as a kid. I learned to hit the notes, but the music eluded me.

What’s your fantasy profession?

When I was a teenager, I wanted to be on the US Equestrian Team, but being a writer is my adult dream.

If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?

Assuming coffee is still up for grabs, because I can’t imagine life without it, I have to go with ice cream. It’s my ultimate weakness. I’ve been known to consume a half gallon in a single, indulgent weekend, especially if I’m having difficulty with a manuscript.

Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?

Writers’ organizations like Romance Writers of America or Liberty States Fiction Writers provide new writers with the support and education they need to turn their dreams into reality. Writing is solitary. Authors need the company of other authors.

What comment do you hear most often from your readers?

This is my first book. I can’t wait to have some answers for this question!

Where can readers find you?

I love to hear from readers. They can find me on my website on Facebook, .

Thanks for joining me today!

Meet Elle Amberley / Giveaway (North America residents only)

2011-11-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

Bio

Although she is a British author, Elle Amberley likes to dabble in French too and hopes to resume work on her French novel when time allows.

She’s a bohemian at heart, the result of having lived in several countries as a child.

She also enjoys writing articles on women’s issues and whatever she feels passionate about, as well as poetry and short stories.

Lost in your time is scheduled for publication in February 2012.

Elle’s books are available on paperback and kindle.

Book Description:

Nowhere Left to Hide by Elle Amberley

“A heartfelt tale, told with a deft touch” novelist Rowan Coleman.

Natasha has fled her home many times. Tired of running scared, she doesn’t hesitate when she’s offered the chance to study in California. Thousands of miles to free herself from her past. In Santa Barbara she finds love and friendship away from the ghosts of her childhood. But what will she do when her visa expires and her boyfriend asks her to marry him?

‘Lyrical from start to finish, Elle Amberley embraces the essence of women and friendship in Nowhere Left to Hide. ' Ana Lewis, Founder, WomenontheVerge.net

Q: What can you tell readers about Elle : the lady, the wife, the mother, and the author?

I have lived all over the place which makes it difficult for the bohemian side of me to settle. The wife is very much in love and the mother is uber proud of her little ones. She coos all the time. My children rock my world. If it wasn’t for them I would have turned my back on life a few years ago when tragedy struck.

Q: There is a lot more to your career than just your upcoming title, Nowhere Left to Hide due on bookstores in November . What can you tell us about your writing? How long have you been writing?

I love writing, I can’t stop myself. I also find it a great healer, it has helped me come to terms with little and not so little dramas. It helps clear my head and put things into perspective.

Q: What is a day like in your life? Do you have a strict writing schedule?

No, far from it. I homeschool my children so time is precious, we also travel a lot. Still quite a bohemian at heart. It can vary dramatically. When I write my first drafts though I will literally write all day and all night, sometimes.

Q: What do you find the hardest thing about writing? The easiest?

The easiest part is the first draft, my fingers can’t keep up with my brain and my characters rule my life.

The hardest is either the final edits when I just want it out of the way because I want to concentrate on another story, but worst is the marketing. I’m not good at that, but I love hearing from and meeting readers

Q: Where do you get your ideas, inspirations from?

Life...The smallest detail or observation can take on monumental proportions. Sometimes it can be a knee-jerk reaction to some news I’ve heard on the radio, TV...That was the motivation for “Occupy Me, A French Affair”.

Q: Do you usually outline your stories before you write them, or do you "go with the flow"?

I’d say I go with the flow but I guess the story is already etched in a corner of my brain. It’s all there, more or less, before I start writing. That said, the story does evolve as I write.

Q: Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, have you found your own ‘cure’ for it?

I recently wrote a post about this. No, honestly I’ve never suffered from that. I’ve dreaded happening to me but I have the opposite problem, too many stories, ideas. It never stops flowing.

I guess my secret is I work on different projects all the time so it’s always kind of fresh to me. As an idea pops up, I’ll make a few notes, file them so I’ve always something on the go. It works for me.

Q: What is your biggest passion in life?

My children. All my Dear Ones, music and words, be it reading or writing.

Q: What are you reading now? Do you have any favorite authors?

No, my tastes change all the time and are quite eclectic. I couldn’t just read the same author.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? If you weren't an author, what would you want to be?

I wanted to write in some form or another. I wanted to be a journalist at some point. I suppose I did do that for a while but I much prefer writing fiction.

Q: Do you need any props to write? Do you listen to mood music or light scented candles?

Not really, no fetishes. I do like listening to music though, it makes my husband laugh. I probably look completely mad as I lose myself int the music but I’m still tapping away.

I often write in the middle of complete chaos, surrounded by my lovely, noisy and very demanding children. I’m good at adapting.

Q: What makes a hero attractive to you? What hero is your favorite that you have written to date?

Ah, that would be Matthieu. He’s the French rock star in Lost in your time, to be published in February next year. He’s very French, need I say more...

Seriously he’s been modelled on somebody very close to me. He’s thoughtful, very sexy and he has the knack into forcing my main character to see things for what they are. Leading her gently but with a firm hand. Ooh, that could lead to some other interpretation.

Q: What do you hope readers to take with them after reading one of your books?

I hope they will be transported, forget their problems for a moment. Some people call my novels inspirational, that’s a great compliment.

Q: Do you think there is anything about you that readers would be shocked to discover?

I don’t know about shocked, but perhaps surprised. As my publisher says, ‘the lady is full of surprises’

More fun to discover them one at a time.

Q: Are there any goals that you set for yourself when you began writing that you still have yet to obtain?

Not really, I just get on with it. Only goals are deadlines with both my publishers.

Q: What are some of your hopes/dreams for the future, with respect to your writing?

Carry on writing. I have a French novel, yes, I also write in French. I’m eager to finish that, it occupies too much of my mind, I need to get it out.

Q: Will you have more stories released in 2011?

More short stories yes. One is to be released this week.

Where can readers find you?

Elle'sWebsite:

Elle on Facebook:

Elle on Twitter:

Elle's Blog:

Google:

Elle , thanks so much for stopping by Romance Author Buzz.

NORTH AMERICA GIVE AWAY

Follow Elle on Facebook, comment on this interview. Come back and post your comments here and leave your email address. Contest ends Dec 31st.

Meet Author Stephanie Draven - International Giveaway

2011-11-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

Bio:

Stephanie Draven is currently a citizen of Baltimore, that city of ravens and purple night skies. She lives there with her favorite nocturnal creatures–three scheming cats and a deliciously wicked husband. And when she is not busy with dark domestic rituals, she writes her books.

Stephanie has always been a storyteller. In elementary school, she channeled Scheherazade, weaving a series of stories to charm children into sitting with her each day at the lunch table. When she was a little older, Stephanie scared all the girls at her sleepovers with ghost stories.

She should have known she was born to hold an audience in her thrall, but Stephanie resisted her writerly urges and graduated from college with a B.A. in Government. Then she went to Law School, where she learned how to convincingly tell the tallest tales of all!

A longtime lover of ancient lore, Stephanie enjoys re-imagining myths for the modern age. She doesn’t believe that true love is ever simple or without struggle so her work tends to explore the sacred within the profane, the light under the loss and the virtue hidden in vice. She counts it amongst her greatest pleasures when, from her books, her readers learn something new about the world or about themselves.

Stephanie also writes historical fiction as Stephanie Dray and has a series of forthcoming novels from Berkley Books featuring Cleopatra’s daughter.

Book Description:

Escaping a hellish Syrian prison, U.S. serviceman Ray Stavrakis emerged with uncanny mind-control powers and an eerie ability to morph into a mythical Minotaur. As a half man, half bull, Ray had legendary power, but only one woman could prove his innocence. The woman who'd driven him to the brink of insanity with her cool-eyed interrogation and her hot-blooded sensuality.

But Vegas psychologist Layla Bahset had no memory of Ray or her past. Only a feeling of being stalked by a nonhuman predator. Was it Ray…whose eyes condemned her soul even as his hands ignited her body? Or was another evil force at work? But nothing could stop Layla from remembering what she was…and what her evil creator had planned for her and her soldier lover….

Excerpt here:

Welcome Stephanie to Romance Author Buzz. Is there a back story to Dark Sins and Desert Sands?

What if the monsters of ancient mythology still walked the earth...and what if you found out that you were still one of them? That’s the premise that really grabbed me when I started writing the Mythica series and it’s certainly at work in Dark Sins & Desert Sands.

Do you plot your stories or lead your characters lead you?

I’m really a plotter. I like the intricacy involved in a tightly plotted story and leaving me to my own devices, I’m likely to go off in all kinds of directions!

How long have you been writing and what was your call story?

I’ve been writing since I was a kid, but my big call story can be found here. The quick summary: I had the stomach flu and when my agent told me that I’d just sold my first book, I said something like, “I think I need to throw up.”

What are you currently working on?

Right now I’m obsessed with the 1920s. I may write a ghost story for fun. But for money, I’m working on my third and final novel in a historical fiction series about Cleopatra’s daughter. I write that under the pen name Stephanie Dray.

Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?

Oh, gosh. That’s a hard question. I think of the HQN Nocturne characters I’ve written, I identify most closely with Kyra the nymph of the underworld. But in this story, I came to love Layla, who is a modern day sphinx. She is a riddle, even to herself. And I tell you, there are days I just can’t even believe what I am saying or doing. More importantly, though, she suffered some very serious heartache. And I related to that.

What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?

The best thing about my job as an author is that something I write can really touch someone. I love fan mail. I love reading reviews! But the hardest thing is how much of the job has nothing to do with writing. The social networking, the promotion, all of it gets to be a bit much.

What kind of daily schedule do you have? What types of things interrupt your writing? Describe a day in the life of.

I get up and answer my email first, which is probably a huge mistake because depending on what’s in there, it can derail my whole day. Somewhere after noon, when I’ve dealt with all the emergencies of my inbox, I start working on my writing. I rotate those two chores over and over until bedtime. I tell you, it’s not very glamorous.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Angelina Jolie. Hey, wouldn’t everyone? I’d settle for Liz Taylor, but it’s too late now :P

What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?

That I love hearing from them! If you liked my book, tell me! If you want to tell me something that didn’t work for you, I like to hear about that too.

When the time comes for you to retire from writing, what would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?

That I was provocative. That I challenged them to think about uncomfortable things. That I wrote very smart books for very bad girls.

What are you currently reading?

I’m reading Lisa Hendrix’s Immortal Outlaw. And loving it!

Favorite song?

Color My World, by Chicago.

Favorite color?

Blue.

Before I let you go though, is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?

I want them to know that this book has a fantastic sex scene in it--that takes place on a subway, and should make your toes curl.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me!

Stephanie's Website:

Stephanie at Facebook:
Twitter

Romance Author Buzz is offering an International contest. Comment on this inteview, follow this blog and leave your email address to win a $10 card. Contest ends December 31st.

The Moment - Douglas Kennedy Q&A and US Giveaway (3 chances to win)

2011-11-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

Douglas Kennedy Bio:

His upcoming novel, THE MOMENT, publishes with Atria on November 15th and is already a #1 Bestseller in France: an enchanting love story that brings us across the world to Berlin during the Cold War, and offers richly drawn, complex characters, with a surprise twist that thematically recalls Sophie’s Choice and stylistically recalls John Irving. A review of THE MOMENT in hardcover by The Pittsburgh Gazette states: “Kennedy’s narrative virtuosity drives a story that blends romance and thrills in the right proportion [with a] sense of place that is palpable.” Entertainment Weekly calls him a male Jodi Picolt.

Kennedy is the author of ten novels, including international bestsellers Leaving the World and The Woman in the Fifth. The latter is scheduled for theatrical release this November, starring Ethan Hawke and Kristen Scott Thomas. Mr. Mr. Kennedy’s work has been translated into 22 languages, and in 2007 he was awarded the French decoration of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Book Description:

Berlin, during the period of perestroika in the 1980s. The male protagonist is a travel writer who falls desperately in love with a beautiful East Berlin woman, Petra. Their passionate relationship is destroyed when he finds out that Petra is a Stasi agent and, worse, that she has been using their relationship to gain information from him. He is devastated at such betrayal, believing that every element of their relationship had been false.

It is only years later, once Petra is dead, that the narrator discovers the truth. Petra was being forced to give information to the Stasi, who were holding her son captive under threats of death. Too late he learns that the relationship was a sincere one -- the feelings were real -- and it was only Petra's fear for her son's life that led to her betrayal of her lover. But the crucial moment, when he had the choice to commit fully to her and find the truth or to walk away, has gone for ever.

Like Kennedy's previous highly acclaimed novels, The Moment brilliantly illustrates the irrationality of love and the crucial moments which define whole lives.

Douglas, welcome! Are there any topics of current news interest that your international profile would position you as best to speak to?

I could certainly speak authoritatively on British and French politics, as I continue to live in both countries. But I also could be useful talking about how the US is perceived abroad. I have commentated for the BBC and French radio, and in British and French newspapers, on all things American. And having lived thirty years away - and now having come home - I have a unique perspective on being an American abroad. I’m a living example of the American artist a l’etrangère, a contemporary example of an American novelist finding acclaim in France, and observing how the French continue to bolster the careers of so many American writers (Paul Auster and Philip Roth sell three times as many books in France as they do back home). As I told a French journalist recently: "Though I lived elsewhere for three decades I never stopped being an American, and I returned home because I wanted to be part of the argument again.”

In THE MOMENT, the protagonist Thomas Nesbitt is an author, who is divorced, and spends his time between Berlin, Maine, and New York. Since you share these distinctive qualities, how much of the book would you say is autobiographical?

Like Thomas, I am a middle-aged American writer who lives half the time in Maine – and always seems to be on the proverbial move. And yes the childhood he describes – two parents in continual war with each other, and constantly dissatisfied with the cards that life has dealt them (or that they have, in fact, dealt themselves) – is a reflection of my own, right down to the cramped apartment on 19th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan where I was initially raised with my two younger brothers. And yes, like the adolescent Thomas, I found escape in the cinemas, theatres, concert halls and bookshops of New York – just as, like him, I began to travel relentlessly once that became financially feasible. I remain a culture vulture – I am always heading out to a movie or the theatre or a classical music concert – just as I always remain on the move. In fact I’m writing this on a flight from Paris to Boston.

The cruelties many East Germans endured before the Fall of the Wall in 1989 is a horror not far removed from those who lived through it, despite the auspices of our “modern and democratic first world.” Is there any current event that can be considered a parallel modern evil in your opinion?

Clearly there are far too many countries today – North Korea, China, Cuba, Syria, Burma come quickly to mind – where speaking out against the regime will land you in profound peril. And the fact is that, for all the talk about the stability of mature democracies, the lure of demagoguery and a Manichean world-view (best defined as: ‘we’re right, they’re wrong’) always lurks everywhere. And though I am profoundly centrist in my politics, my travels in Eastern Europe during the final decade of The Cold War instilled a horror in me of Communism, because it was so totalitarian, so against the need for individualism, so ruthlessly doctrinaire and inflexible, and so profoundly bleak. As detailed in THE MOMENT the visual palette of a Communist city like East Berlin was grainy black-and-white, with no aesthetic relief whatsoever. It was, verily, the emergency edition of life.

How do you see the setting of Berlin before the fall of the Wall and the subsequent disintegration of the socialist East from the capitalist West as relevant to our time?

Berlin back then was the ultimate schizophrenic metropolis. West Berlin was this little capitalist island floating amidst the Warsaw Pact states. As such it was also a haven for people who liked the extremity of its situation. West Germans flocked to Berlin at the time because, if you lived there, you could avoid military service – and because the atmosphere in West Berlin was uber sex and drugs and rock-and-roll. But Berlin was also one of the most culturally charged cities as well – from the extraordinary Berlin Philharmonic during the von Karajan era to the amazingly cutting-edge work of theatres like the Schaubuhne. And then there was the menacing presence of The Wall – and the fact that, to live there, was to exist in an ongoing Cold War novel of your own making. In terms of the relevance of the fall of Communism and its relevance to life as it is now lived twenty-two years later… I remember sitting at a very elegant table in a very elegant dining room in London in early 1989. It was a dinner party largely peopled by what the British press liked to call ‘the chattering classes’ (i.e., media and arty types – of which I was a fully paid-up member). And I remember pronouncing at the time: “Whatever about the collapse of all the other Warsaw Pact states we will never see a united Germany in our lifetime – because the two superpowers and Western Europe will never allow it”. How wrong I was – and perhaps that’s the great lesson to take from the fall of the Warsaw Pact and the reintegration of the two Europes: if history teaches us anything it’s that there is no such thing as a rigidly established orthodoxy. Like the thousand year Reich which Hitler once wildly proclaimed, the most tyrannical of systems eventually come asunder… only, alas, to be subsequently replaced by some other monstrous enterprise. Have you ever considered the fact that – whether it be Stalinism or Nazism or Maoism or the horrors of the Khymer Rouge or Serbian barbarism less than two decades ago – all nightmare regimes all proclaim to have the answers to life’s larger dilemmas…. and usually advocated genocide as a means of progressing their vile agendas.

You often speak of “chaos theory,” defining moments in our lives that cannot be anticipated. Can you elaborate? Is this what THE MOMENT principally refers to?

When I first stumbled upon Heisenberg’s chaos theory – the idea that a particle dispatched into the universe will have no idea where it will end up (I cite this theory in my novel, ‘Leaving the World’) - I immediately felt as if I had stumbled upon a kindred spirit. The idea of chance – ‘la musique du hazard’ – permeates all my novels, because it so permeates life. You can attempt to construct a destiny, brick-by-brick – but then some ill-wind will inevitably blow in and upend all that you have so carefully wrought. There’s a wonderful American depression-era expression which my maternal grandfather (a jeweler in the diamond district of Manhattan) was fond of quoting: “Life changes on a dime.” It’s a truth worth remembering: all that we hold dear can be taken from us in an instant. It’s what I’ve often said about success: it’s a fragile veneer. And like life itself it must never be taken for granted.

It’s a truism one hears that life until death has no ending, only beginnings. But in THE MOMENT, we have a clear sense of Endlich or “the end of things.” Is your personal perspective or grasp of the world typically glass half-full or half-empty? Do you believe more in the reality of the finite, or in infinite possibilities? What does Thomas believe?

I think, until somewhat recently, I was very much a ‘glass half empty person’ – and very suspicious of happiness. Part of this was to do with my childhood, part to do with a marriage that was largely unhappy (though it had its good intervals) and which (I only realize now that it’s behind me) was the emotional equivalent of Stockholm Syndrome – unable to flee the situation that holds you captive. As such, finally getting out of that self-entrapped sadness was a huge liberation – and a friend in Paris recently remarked that, since my divorce, my face had lost five years… to which I could only reply: ‘Merci’. Nowadays I find myself far more positive, far more hopeful – and far more open to the idea of true love. And even though ‘THE MOMENT’ is, at heart, a tragic love story –and one that truly makes most people cry – there is hope at the heart of its narrative. After all, if we stop hoping we stop believing in life’s possibilities. And – this is the new-found optimist in me talking – life is about possibilities.

THE MOMENT’s final sections close with the greatest sense of sorrow imaginable; worse because the sorrow doubles over when we are taken by surprise with an even crueler second blow. Have you felt anything comparable to this kind of sorrow in your own life or that of someone you know?

When my son, Max, was diagnosed as autistic, that was the metaphysical equivalent of a kick to the stomach – and very difficult to fathom. He was five years old at the time – and though we already knew he had profound developmental problem, an epileptic seizure rendered him virtually catatonic for over three months and there was extreme doubt about what his future would hold. Fourteen years on Max is on the verge of going to college – and is currently in the equivalent of a junior college in England, doing Media Studies. Yes his amazing progression and achievement has been the result of a fantastic amount of hard work. But more than anything his autism taught me not just that the unexpected is always there, lurking behind all human endeavors, but also how you interpret (and react to) a crisis determines so much. In life everything truly is interpretation.

THE MOMENT is equally about “moments” of possibility, the good kind of accountability one chooses, specifically in terms of having children. Both Thomas and Petra make this commitment as young lovers; and the older Thomas makes the commitment to his second wife Jan later on. As a father, what have been some of the most difficult and rewarding experiences of parenthood?

I think I’ve just answered half of that question above! Fatherhood was something I came to relatively late in life: I was thirty-seven when Max was born and forty-one when Amelia arrived. My children are, quite simply, the best thing that ever happened to me – and I still think that as they are both now grappling with the complexities of adolescence. I truly believe that a life without responsibilities to other is a half-life. The other side of that equation, however, is a life where you sidestep the biggest responsibility of them all – which is to yourself. If you live a life that denies your own hopes and ambitions then you are also living a terrible half-life. People always talk about selflessness as a great virtue. Frequently selflessness is redolent of sanctimony. You need to find equilibrium between your own aspirations and the accountability you have to others.

The author and publisher are offering US residents (3) chances to win copies of The Moment. The publisher will mail out the books to the winners, so please make sure you provide your email. Only open to US residents.

Questions to comment on:

What is the best forbidden love story of all time?

Your favorite historical novel?

The moment that changed everything for you?

Comment here, and leave your email for a chance to win. Contest will end December 15th. For extra chances to win, follow Douglas on Facebook and please follow this blog.

Meet Harlequin Presents Author Natasha Tate

2011-11-10T09:53:00.000-08:00

AN INCONVENIENT OBSESSION (from the back blurb):

He loved her, lost her – and now he’ll have her once more…

The Carrington family’s island is up for auction, and it’s an opportunity Ethan Hardesty just can’t refuse. This groundskeeper’s son turned global entrepreneur has it all. All, that is, except a piece of the Carrington estate—the island that holds all his most pleasurable and painful memories.

Ethan doesn’t count on the beautiful Cate Carrington handling the transaction—and providing him with the perfect opportunity to take her into the bargain. But toying with the woman who was once the girl he loved and lost soon turns from a game into an all-out obsession…

Romantic Times' reviewers have nominated An Inconvenient Obsession for The Best 2011 First Series. Congratulations Natasha, I loved this book as well..

ONCE TOUCHED, NEVER FORGOTTEN (from the back blurb):

Too good to forget …

Super-exec Stephen Whitfield and high-flying colleague Colette Huntington both understand the rules of their attraction. One: it will never be anything more than a fling. Two: either can walk away at any time they wish…

Only, Colette hasn’t counted on walking away pregnant. And, to Stephen’s frustration, after Colette other women don’t seem to provide quite the same satisfaction.

Now Stephen’s going to lay down some new rules—rules that will most definitely give him the opportunity to indulge his craving for Colette once more….

Natasha's Bio:

Natasha stumbled upon the Harlequin® Presents series at the ripe old age of eleven, when the local library’s bookmobile made its first neighborhood stop for the summer. As an Army brat with wanderlust in her genes, the exotic settings and jet set lifestyle of the Harelquin® characters made for love at first page. An unapologetic romantic with a weakness for fairy tale endings, she returned time and time again to the stories of strong alpha heroes tamed by the fiercely independent women who loved them. Now, as a mother whose testosterone laden home leaves little time for idyllic getaways, Natasha finds her escape not only by reading, but by writing her own happily ever afters.

Welcome Natasha Tate to Romance Author Buzz.

Thanks, Marilyn! It’s such a treat to be featured by one of my favorite people!

What makes An Inconvenient Obsession special to you?

An Inconvenient Obsession combines many of my favorite themes. We as writers are often told to write the book of our hearts, and Ethan and Cate’s story is definitely one that resonates with my own beliefs regarding love, forgiveness, and redemption. I adore reunion romances, revenge motives, sexy rags-to-riches alpha heroes, strong heroines with wounded hearts, family conflicts, and glamorous settings. An Inconvenient Obsession integrates all of these, along with some steamy love scenes and a happily ever after ending that will hopefully tug on readers’ emotional heartstrings.

What makes Once Touched, Never Forgotten special to you?

Once Touched, Never Forgotten is a secret baby story that takes place nearly five years after the baby’s birth. Colette is very protective of her little girl, and her top priority is to keep her daughter safe from harm. Because of this, she opts to leave Stephen, believing that he does not want children and is incapable of giving their daughter the love she deserves. She’s wrong, of course, and the book explores how both Colette and Stephen must overcome the scars of their past to embrace a future filled with love, forgiveness, and acceptance. Just like An Inconvenient Obsession, Colette is a strong heroine with wounded heart and Stephen comes from a past rifled with pain and rejection. Add in a few steamy love scenes and a happily ever after ending, and it’s a story that hopefully will have readers coming back for more!

How long have you been writing and what was your call story?

I have been writing for 15 years and didn’t sell until last October. It took me a long time to figure out how to craft a story. With countless false starts, seven manuscripts, and a teetering pile of rejections under my belt, I finally wrote a book that was more than a tome of meandering, go-nowhere prose last year. I pitched it during the 2010 Romance Writers of America ® conference, and received a request for the full manuscript. After emailing it off, I settled in for the interminable wait that tends to accompany any new submission. So you can imagine my shock when a reply arrived a mere fifteen minutes later! My soon-to-be agent read the manuscript that night and offered representation the next morning! I can’t remember the details of what happened following that call, but I’m pretty sure it involved some screeching and a clumsy pirouette or two. My husband reports that I talked nothing but nonsensical, delirious jibberish for hours.

As I’m sure is the case for many writers, I also worked at a day job while awaiting that elusive offer of publication. I told myself it was a good distraction; I wasn’t hovering by the phone every day, biting my nails and waiting. In hindsight, I probably should have checked my messages more frequently because I was over four hours late returning my agent’s call. I was on my way from work to have lunch when I noticed I’d missed her.

After listening to her message, it felt like one of those out-of-body experiences that normal people aren’t supposed to have. The thoughts that ricocheted through my brain ran the gamut of “We’ve made a mistake and nobody wants your horrible story” to “We have ten publishers all wanting to go to auction on your brilliant masterpiece!” I know. There’s optimism, there’s pessimism, and then there’s the craziness that plagues us writers.

By the time I met up with my writer friend for lunch, I was jittery, excited, and shaking from the news that the editors at Presents had made an offer. We writers are used to making dreams come true on paper, not in real life! We ordered celebratory margaritas and then I texted my critique partner, Jennie Lucas, with the amazing news. She was in London at the time, at the AMBA Conference with Lynn Raye Harris. Sharing the squeals of three favorite writing friends as we celebrated my sale was the highlight of my year. Can you imagine anything better?

When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer? Have you had other jobs along the way?

I have always enjoyed writing, even as a child, but I never thought about pursuing it as a career until after my third child was born and I was home with three preschoolers all day long. I’ve had A LOT of jobs along the way, sometimes as many as three at a time. Other than that year home with the boys, I don’t think I’ve worked less than full-time since I was 17. I’m happiest when I have lots of things to juggle; I guess I’m a stress junkie!

Do you plot your stories or let your characters lead you?

Every book is a little different, and I’m still figuring out my process. Sometimes, the story comes to me fully formed and I just have to take the time to write it down. Others are much more challenging to write, and I don’t discover the story I’m trying to tell until I’m 50K words into the book. But generally, I’d say I’m led more by my characters than by my plots.

Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?

I just wrote my fourth book, which features a set of identical twins. Though I’m not a twin, I really identify with my heroine, Laura. She has a hard time going after what she wants and she spends her time serving others and trying to make others happy. I think this happens a lot with women in our roles of nurturer and mother, so writing a heroine who had to learn to demand happiness for herself was very cathartic.

What are you currently working on?

I’ve just started my fifth book and it’s still pretty amorphous right now. So far, I’ve got a Brazilian hero (I love those dark, wounded alphas!) and an American heroine who is struggling to keep the family business afloat while taking care of her flighty, irresponsible little sister. We’ll see how it goes from here.

What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?

The best thing is the actual writing and the contact with readers who’ve enjoyed my books. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story that I’ve created, or finding out that my characters have in some way impacted a reader’s life. There’s nothing quite like the high of creating a really good, emotional scene that resonates with readers.

The hardest thing, by far, is balancing all the demands on my time. Writing, because it’s something I do just for me, often takes a back seat to the demands of children, husband, house, and the day job, so finding time to really dig into my stories is always a bit of a trick.

If Oprah invited you onto her show to talk about your book, what would the theme of the show be?

The theme would be that everyone deserves love, no matter their past or the mistakes they’ve made.

Describe a day in the life of Natasha Tate.

If it’s a weekday, I get up at 4:30, head to the gym to work out, go to the day job for eight hours, then do Mom duty until about 8 or 9 PM. If I’ve got ANY creative energy left after that, I go to my computer and write for about an hour before crashing into bed. Weekends are a little better. I get up early before the teenagers are sleeping and get a few hours of uninterrupted writing time before they start clamoring for food. I typically generate most my pages on the weekend, when I’ve got time to focus. I do most my revisions on the weekends as well, and a lot of the time, I’ll do it all while on my treadmill.

What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?

That I love writing about love, and that bringing stories of redemption and happiness to the world is one of the best things I do.

When the time comes for you to retire from writing, what would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?

Oddly enough, I don’t ever see myself retiring from writing. I’d retire from the day job in a heartbeat. But writing? Never. Writing has become part of who I am. I can’t imagine ever not writing, so as long as I can find a market for my books, I’ll still be putting them out there.

After I’m gone, though, and if any of my books survive me, I’d like for readers to remember how my stories made them feel. I would hope they would leave with a feeling of hope and a confirmed belief that love can heal any wound.

Who is your favorite author?

There are WAY too many to list and I’d worry that I’d leave someone out were I to start. But the one who probably influenced me most as an adolescent and the one who made me want to become a writer was LaVyrle Spencer. Her books are amazing.

What are you currently reading?

It kills me that I don’t have time to read more, as I’m constantly searching for time to write instead! But when I do have time to read, I find that I reach for historical novels. I’m also in a book club where we read a lot of essays and fiction by male authors. What I read now is different enough from what I write that I don’t analyze the structure and the writing as much. I’m able to lose myself in the story.

Before I let you go is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?

I want them to know that I appreciate every one of them who’s willing to spend their hard-earned money on a book I’ve written. I feel so fortunate to be a part of the Presents family and I’m thrilled with the support fellow authors and the editorial team offer.

Natasha, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me! Where can readers find you?

Natasha onTwitter:

Natasha's Blog:

Website:

Facebook Page

Romance Author Buzz would like to offer a $10.00 gift card to one lucky International winner. All you have to do to win is to follow Natasha on Facebook. Please tell her how much you enjoyed her interview. Come back and post your comments here as well. Don't forget to leave your email address so that you can be contacted. Contest will end December 15th.

Kristan Higgins / Giveaway (US residents only)

2011-11-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

Author Bio:

I started writing romance novels when my kids were little. I’d always been a writer of some type—public relations, advertising, research—but wanted to stay home with the bunnies. I’d been reading romance novels ever since I swiped Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss from my grandmother’s night table. “Higgins,” I said to myself, “I bet you could write one of these.” And so I sat down every afternoon when the kids were napping, took my lifelong love of romance novels and tried to make a career out of it. We’ve been living happily ever after since.

I live in my hometown, a small, pretty place in Connecticut where there’s a beautiful library and a wicked good ice cream stand. I’m the mom of two lovely children, the wife of a very brave firefighter (who is also a fantastic cook), and the willing slave of a naughty mutt.

I love to write books about relationships, since the search for love and security is one of the driving forces of life. My characters are regular people, folks like us, and I hope to give them a big, memorable love story rich with family, pets, food and laughter. When I’m not writing, I like to be with my kids, goof around with my husband, read, watch baseball, ride my bike and bake. I suffer from chronic bedhead and an unhealthy (and completely understandable) obsession with Derek Jeter, shortstop for the New York Yankees. We spend as much time as possible at our family home on Cape Cod, swimming in the Atlantic, shivering on the beach, swatting horseflies and watching fish evade my lure at Higgins Pond. It’s as close to heaven as it gets.

Book Description

Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her loveable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking...something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas...

Kristin, welcome to Romance Author Buzz. Who is Kristan Higgins ? What should we know about the Mom, the wife, the friend and the author?

I’m a very happy person. I met my husband while standing in line; we were engaged 6 weeks later, so I definitely believe in love at first sight! My kids are smart, funny and are gifted at making strange noises, usually when I’m working. I put a lot of value on friendship and am still close with my best friends from kindergarten, high school and college. As for the author…I work harder at writing books than I’ve worked outside of labor and delivery, and I absolutely love my job.

What inspired you to be an author, ? Is it something you always wanted to do?

I think part of me always wanted to be a writer (though I also wanted to be a pediatrician and a horse trainer). There was never a time that I wasn’t imagining a story in my head. But I didn’t start writing fiction until I was 36 years old.

Was it difficult to get published?

It wasn’t terribly difficult for me, but I had a huge advantage over most fiction writers—I’d been a professional writer for years. Advertising, PR, research…that meant I already knew what it was like to write every day, meet deadlines, all that good stuff.

What was the inspiration for UNTIL THERE WAS YOU ?

Well, I love the idea of a bad boy (don’t we all?), but I also felt that in a lot of books and movies, the bad boy doesn’t really have to face up to his past. He’s just magically tamed by the mystical appeal of the heroine. I wanted Liam, my personal bad boy, to have to deal with the way he acted as a youth, to return to the scene of the crime, as it were. And I was really interested in the idea of belonging. Posey, the heroine is something of a misfit, but she’s also very happy with herself, very confident and successful. But back in the day, Liam did some real damage in regard to Posey, and it was really fun to have them face off once again.

Describe a day in the life of Kristan Higgins.

I wake up at an ungodly hour and slave over a hot stove to make my kids breakfast and see them off to school. My doggy and I get into my office as early as possible; I work, she sleeps and chews on things. I have lunch with my sainted husband if he’s not at the firehouse, work some more, then get the kids and turn into a chauffeur, like just about every mom I know.

Which story to date has been the biggest challenge?

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE was the hardest book yet. For whatever reason, I struggled mightily with it and viewed it as my career-ending book. Ironically, it got incredible reviews, was my first bestseller and also won the 2010 RITA Award for Best Single Title Romance from Romance Writers of America. Go figure.

Do you ever have any moments of insecurity when writing? If so, how do you overcome those moments?

Oh, my gosh, yes! Every day! I don’t try to overcome those moments, though…they tell me where my story needs work and keep me honest. Insecurity isn’t necessarily a flaw if it makes me try to write a better book. Or so I tell myself.

What have you found to be the best thing about writing? The worst thing?

The best thing is hearing from readers, by far. It’s indescribable to hear that you’ve made someone laugh or given them a character they can’t stop thinking about. Recently, I got a letter from reconstructive plastic surgeon who works for Doctors Without Borders, and she told me my books helped her get through some tough cases. I should probably retire after getting that one. It doesn’t get better than that.

The worst thing?

Honestly, I couldn’t say. I love what I do. Even on the days when I’m wrestling with a plot or feel under the gun on a deadline, I can’t complain.

What are you reading now? Do you have any favorite authors?

Right now, I’m reading Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean, and I love it. Such a warm and lovely voice! I have many favorite authors—Eloisa James, Robyn Carr, Susan Andersen, the great Jill Shalvis, Susan Mallery, Sherry Thomas, Stephen King, Jonathan Tropper…the list goes on!

Do you find it difficult to balance home/family with your writing?

Sometimes! I travel more these days, but my family comes first. If you asked my kids, I think they’d say I’m in their business all the time. McIrish and I still have date night a few times a month, and I think we’re an extraordinarily close family.

If you were to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?

Happy, funny, hungry. I am almost always hungry.

What are you presently working on?

I just finished the first draft of a manuscript and am starting to outline my very first attempt at a series.

Is there anything else you would like to add Kristan, which we haven’t discussed?

(Nah. You asked great questions!)

Thanks so much for stopping by Romance Author Buzz.

Where can readers contact you?

Kristan's Website
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristanHigginsBooks

Kristan's Blog

Kristan is offering one lucky US Resident a signed copy of UNTIL THERE WAS YOU. Follow Kristan on Facebook, tell her here and on Facebook what you thought of her interview and please leave your email address. Winner will be announced November 15th.

Anna Patricio and International Giveaway

2011-10-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Author Bio:

Anna Patricio is a lover of ancient history, with a particular interest in Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome. She is also intrigued by the Ancient Near East, though she has not delved too much into it but hopes to one day.

She undertook formal studies in Ancient History at Macquarie University. She focused mostly on Egyptology and Jewish-Christian Studies, alongside a couple of Greco-Roman units, and one on Archaeology. Though she knew there were very limited job openings for ancient history graduates, she pursued her degree anyway, as it was something she had always been passionate about.

Then, about a year after her graduation, the idea to tackle historical fiction appeared in her head, and she began happily pounding away on her laptop. ASENATH is her first novel.

Recently, she traveled to Lower Egypt (specifically Cairo and the Sinai), Israel, and Jordan. She plans to return to Egypt soon, and see more of it. In the past, she has also been to Athens and Rome.

Anna is currently working on a second novel that still takes place in Ancient Egypt, but hundreds of years after ASENATH.

Book Description:

Two Destinies...One Journey of Love

In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered.

When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph.

Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace…and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master’s wife and thrown into prison.

Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?

Thanks for joining us at Romance Author Buzz. Anna, is their a back-story for your latest release?

The idea for my debut novel came to me sometime after my university graduation. I was wondering what to do with my life, when the idea to dabble in historical fiction appeared to me.

At first, I backed away from it, because even though I love history and historical fiction, I never thought to have a career in writing. Though writing is always something I have been relatively good at, I never pursued it ardently before as I did not feel inspired enough; I did not know what it was that I wanted to write about. And though I had been a fan of historical fiction for many years, I thought writing it was out of my league.

However, the writing idea persisted until I finally decided to give it a try. About 2 months later, the first draft of ASENATH was born.

I was not really intending to take it to the next level. I was just happy that I had written something so massive. But I kept returning to the manuscript for revisions. And I ended up working on it for 3 years

Afterwards, I spent a fourth year seeking publication. I submitted to agents. When I had exhausted all my options and still no luck, I submitted to small presses (as you may know, the big publishers do not accept unagented submissions).

Imajin Books was the very last publisher I subbed to. Like everyone else, they rejected me—but then invited me to revise and resubmit. I did thus, and then they became my publisher. And I am very happy with them.

As for why I wrote about Asenath: I have always loved the story of Joseph (of the coat-of-many-colors) and recently, I came to wonder why nearly nothing is known of his wife. When I looked her up, I barely found anything on her. Thus, I imagined what she might have been like. I have actually wanted to write about her for a decade but did not know how to go about it. Until the day, the writing idea came to me.

What is your routine?

I am very spontaneous. I write when the inspiration is there, I can’t when it’s not. When I write though, I’m usually in bed with my laptop. Also, I write better at night than in the daytime. For that matter, my writing self is totally dead during the day – but that is when I play around with ideas.

Also, I must have absolute silence when I write. I cannot write in coffee shops, airport lounges, etc. I could probably write in a cemetery, but then, I’d need a place to plug my laptop!

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

While writing your manuscript, research the publishing industry and make yourself aware of scams. There are unfortunately many scam agents and publishers who take advantages of newbies. Educate yourself on that.

What are you working on right now?

Another Ancient Egyptian novel which takes place hundreds of years after the events of ASENATH. It is currently entitled THE PRINCESS BY THE RIVER (this may or may not change). As you can tell from the title, it is about the princess who rescues Moses from the river. I already wrote a first rough draft of it, but it is still far from publish ability, as I still need to refine and research.

How do you build the relationship between these two characters so that it feels real?

I guess I try not to make them too perfect, and have them undergo realistic problems, which they will not be able to solve in an instant. In some romances I have read, the hero and heroine are too perfect and overcome travails too easily. I guess that is what some people would call “Gary Stu and Mary Sue.” I don’t like “too perfect” characters, it’s kinda sickening.

Do you identify with the characters you write about?

In a way. Well, my main character is sort of based on myself in the sense that her perspective on life is similar to mine. Plus, she loves animals as I do.

Tell us a little about your favorite “hero” type guy.

Selfless, kind-hearted, intelligent, compassionate, handsome (hehe)… well, who doesn’t like handsome anyway? And strong, both physically and emotionally. It’s nice if he has a history of overcoming travails—just like Joseph.

Would you please describe the heroines you love to write?

Just like the abovementioned hero—strong people, who endure and overcome life’s travails. I love novels like JANE EYRE and MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA wherein the heroines suffer so much before finding a happy ending. ASENATH was actually influenced by those two books.

In addition, I don’t like to make my heroines too perfect. Asenath, for instance, can be rather naïve at times (though her intentions are always good). Like I said earlier, I don’t like heroes/heroines who are too perfect.

How would you describe your life in only eight words?

Half in twenty-first century, half in Ancient Egypt.

How would you describe perfect happiness?

A world with no crime and violence. This is probably a cliché answer, but it’s true. Imagine being able to go places without worrying. Heck, I remember I met an elderly lady who told me that when she was young, it was so safe that she didn’t even have to lock the doors of her house! Now, if you don’t lock your doors, you’re asking for it.

What’s your greatest fear?

Hmmm, those Japanese horror movies like ‘The Ring’ and ‘The Grudge?’ Heh, seriously: it might have to be losing everyone dear to me.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?

Egypt and/or Israel, without a doubt.

What are your most overused words or phrases?

Um, Hmmm. Some of my friends have also told me I also say a lot, “Er, what’s this I was gonna say again?” Or, “Hmmm, what was I gonna say?”

If you could acquire any talent, what would it be?

Perhaps singing or drawing. I envy people who had those abilities.

What’s your fantasy profession?

Hmm.. Probably an Egyptologist, living in a houseboat on the Nile, works in the ancient tombs and temples. Though to be honest, being a novelist isn’t all that bad.

If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?

Probably dark chocolate. Or maybe I should choose something healthy: mandarin oranges.

Anna, thanks for joining us at Romance Author Buzz. Where can readers find you?

Anna at Twitter:
Anna on Facebook:
Anna's Website:

For a giveaway, Romance Author Buzz would like to offer one US resident and one International resident a chance to win a book from Vicki Lewis Thompson's series, Son's of Chance.......Cowboy Up and Should Have Been a Cowboy. To win a copy, comment on this post, follow this blog or Marilyn's Romance Reviews and please leave your email. Contest Ends October 31st.

Transcript of Live Edit on ONLY HIS by Susan Mallery - CENSORED - Int'l Giveaway

2011-09-27T04:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted an insider’s view into the editing process of the books you love? If so, you’re in for a treat! This is the transcript of a live edit between New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery (www.susanmallery.com) and her editor at HQN Books, Tara Parsons. The book they’re discussing is ONLY HIS, the third book of the Hendrix triplets trilogy in the Fool’s Gold romances series.

A little background information: ONLY HIS features Nevada Hendrix and the man who was her first love in college, Tucker Janack. Unfortunately, Nevada wasn’t Tucker’s first love. They were friends, but he was completely enamored with his girlfriend at the time, the exotic artist Caterina. Without giving too much away… Nevada and Tucker had just one “romantic” encounter in college – Nevada’s first – and it was not a success, to say the least.

You will get some hints about the story in ONLY HIS in this transcript, but all true spoilers have been censored out. And now, Susan Mallery and Tara Parsons…

TP: I love your new haircut and color! I think I want to go platinum blond.

SM: Oh, honey. You don’t have the coloring for that.

TP: Hmmm, maybe blonde streaks?

SM: I like the brown!

TP: OK, well, the blonde triplets are my inspiration.

SM: Understandably.

TP: Time to start the actual edits?

SM: If we must!

TP: The word to watch for this time around is “interesting.”

SM: That’s one of the last things I do in a manuscript—look for word reps. It was “kind” last time.

TP: So on page 50, Tucker looks at Nevada and how she’s changed since college. Why does he view her differently?

SM: Aside from Cat’s influence on him?

TP: Yes, we need that extra bit – why does he see her in another light now?

SM: Part of it is just that he’s no longer ruled by his hormones the way he once was. He’s a little bit older, a little bit wiser. He’s more into substance than surface.

TP: I love Cat, by the way. She’s a great secondary character.

SM: She’s just fabulous. Actually, she’s sort of every woman’s nightmare. Cat is the kind of woman you pray your husband or boyfriend will never, ever lay eyes on, because there’s no way you can shine in comparison to her. She’s luminescent. Exotic, with lush, full lips and a body that makes men forget they even have a name, much less what it is. An Angelina Jolie type, a woman who understands her own power – and uses it.

TP: On page 89, what’s keeping them apart at this point? There’s no Cat.

SM: The horrible memory of their first night, he’s leaving at the end of his job, and Cat still does have a hold over him.TP: Is him leaving as a conflict for them too close to the problem between Simon and Montana from ONLY YOURS?

SM: Also, his dad’s a womanizer. He’s not good at relationships. He’s been raised to think love makes you a fool.

TP: OK, and he does see Will acting like a fool for Jo, later?

SM: Oooh yes! Love makes you a fool. I’ll pump up the father.

TP: That way you can hold off on the revelation about Cat and prolong Tucker’s fear.

SM: He doesn’t know yet how he’ll react. He thinks he’ll be sucked back in.

TP: He’s scared of being alone with Cat because of that? But he can’t still be attracted to her if he’s the hero.

SM: No, no. He’s scared that he will be but we won’t see him attracted to her.

TP: I’d love it if you could add another scene from the past with the three of them together. It would be good to see their friendship.

SM: I can do that.

TP: Ok, I don’t have much big stuff. I did some line editing on the pages.

SM: Oh, good. I always like that.

TP: I worry about the scene where Nevada remembers their first night together.

SM: Well, you do have delicate sensibilities.

TP: Is it too BLEEP BLEEPY?

SM: You’d never make it in Blaze!

TP: I am too conservative. Maybe pull it back a notch. Less BLEEP, more BLEEP?

SM: Ok, I’ll revisit that one.

TP: There was an *awesome* sex scene later tho.

SM: In the bath? That took some time.

TP: Yes! And I love that she cleans the water up later . I would do that too.

SM: Ha. She had to wipe up the floors—she cares about her house, and I didn’t want readers to worry about the water!

TP: The scene with Max coming to the door for Denise was a bit anticlimactic. He just shows up randomly?

SM: I know, but it’s so romantic!

TP: Could it be a special day?

SM: I’ll make it more significant.

TP: Speaking of Denise and Max, you had a lot of hilarious parts in here.

SM: Montana’s book, ONLY YOURS, is so emotional, we had to have a fun romp this time!

TP: With Jo and Will and this “leaving quandary”…does it sound too similar to the main characters?

SM: I’ll make it clear—his leaving is a way of her protecting herself.

TP: And speaking of Jo and the BLEEP BLEEP, could it be that she wasn’t actually the one directly responsible? But something really terrible still happens so it has more weight.

SM: I’m good with that.

TP: On 331, Will and Jo just broke up because she revealed her past. That could be a nice source of tension for Nevada and Tucker.

SM: Like they take sides?

TP: Yes, if Tucker’s using Will/Jo as one of his hang ups….

SM: Oh! Exactly. Ok.

TP: So…I’m wondering about the BLEEP.

SM: The giant BLEEP?

TP: The sculpture. Does it look like an actual BLEEP?

SM: What I was picturing was the spaceship from Men in Black II.

TP: Ha! Altho, it should look like a BLEEP, or else it doesn’t make sense for everyone to be so offended.

SM: I’m actually writing a note to myself. “Make BLEEP more real.”

TP: Like an BLEEP BLEEP, BLEEP but not BLEEP.

SM: Got it.

TP: Can we talk through the two subplots? Max/Denise and Jo/Will? Can you trim?

SM: Earlier you said you wanted another scene of Max/Denise.

TP: But maybe then too much will be going on?

SM: Ok, so you need to pick!

TP: I know, I know. What about the arrival in Chicago?

SM: She’ll come after him before “I can’t believe you’re doing this again!”

TP: I like that. More of an arc. Oh, and of course, I loved the ending. I wanted more descriptions of the triplets’ wedding dresses!

SM: I can do that.

TP: I can’t wait for the goats in Heidi’s book, by the way.

SM: AND llamas will herd the goats in the 2012 Fool’s Gold cowboy books. And the feral cows are rounded up and sent away.

TP: Ha! I can tell you’re doing animal research.

SM: And the next book I sent you, BAREFOOT SEASON, I’m warning you, you’ll cry. Be careful reading on the train.

TP: I’m sure it will be amazing! I’ll be reading it on my way to sales conference in Florida.

SM: Have fun!

TP: As long as I’m not near gators or large bugs, it’ll be fun.

SM: In Florida, the bugs drive at night. In Houston, some claim they form gangs and knock over liquor stores.

TP: You are too much. Now I’m going to be scared AND crying from your book.

SM: I try.

Only His Book Description:

Wedding bells are ringing in Fool's Gold, but not for Nevada Hendrix. Her triplet sisters are engaged, and even her mother has a more active love life than she does. Determined to make a fresh start, she applies for her dream job, only to discover that her new boss is her first love. Maybe she could overlook the fact that they've seen each other naked, but she'll never forget the way he broke her heart.

Tucker Janack agrees to Nevada's "business only" ground rules. After all, love is a trap that the construction millionaire has avoided his whole life. But when great business partners turn out to be so much more, every rule gets broken. Will either of them be willing to try again…or will their past get in the way?

Meet Nevada and Tucker

With both of her triplet sisters happily engaged and no romantic prospects on the horizon, engineer Nevada Hendrix puts all of her attention on her career. She’s determined to prove herself away from the family business. Unfortunately for her, she discovers that her new boss is none other than the first man who ever saw her naked… and the first man who broke her heart. Could she survive losing Tucker a second time around?

In Fool’s Gold to build a fabulous casino resort, Tucker Janack will never again allow love to consume him. Instead, he intends to focus on expanding his multimillion dollar construction empire. That means hiring the best woman for the job, even if she inspires fantasies that have nothing to do with work.

To see the uncensored version of this transcript, visit Facebook on Tuesday, October 4.

$10 Amazon card. Share your favorite Susan Mallery memory, if you've read one of her Fools Gold books, or follow her on Facebook. Leave your email address. Contest ends October 31st.

Q&A with Harlequin Desire Author Yvonne Lindsay (International Giveaway)

2011-09-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Author Bio:

It took many years and many jobs before USA Today Bestselling author Yvonne Lindsay realised what she really wanted to be when she grew up—a romance author. Once she figured that out, it took thirteen years of false starts, rejections, encouragement, and yet more rejections to achieve that goal.

In 2005 Yvonne sold to New York publisher, Harlequin Desire. Her first book rose to #1 on the Borders/Waldenbooks Series Bestseller list and in 2007 was also nominated for the prestigious Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year Award. At last count her books had been distributed in more than 27 countries and in almost as many languages. Currently working on her 22nd and 23rd titles for Silhouette Desire, Yvonne is thrilled to be living the life she always dreamed of and bringing her stories to her readers.

Book Description:

The proposal is unthinkable, unimaginable…yet not unappealing. Long ago, Piper Mitchell's passionate affair with her father's protégé ended in disaster. Now, in spite of his demands, she's thrilled to begin it anew—especially if it means a chance at forgiveness.

Wade Collins has longed for revenge on the spoiled rich girl who toyed with his affections. And now that Piper is back—destitute and deeply indebted to him—he'll use any means necessary to get her back in his bed. But when emotions enter the negotiation, will Piper turn the tables yet again, settling for nothing less than love on her terms?

Yvonne, welcome to Romance Author Buzz.. Is there a back story to THE PREGNANCY CONTRACT?

Hi Marilyn and thank you for having me here.

THE PREGNANCY CONTRACT definitely has a back story. Piper and Wade were lovers more than eight years ago and when Piper, the quintessential spoilt little rich girl, made an ultimatum forcing Wade to choose between her or her father (for whom Wade worked,) their relationship fell apart. She left the country and faced some serious growing up on her own and spent the next eight years learning how to become a better person and discovering she needed to make amends for past behaviours before moving on with her life. She hasn’t really allowed for life moving on at home without her though, so her homecoming really isn’t what she anticipated at all.

There is a lot more to your career than just your upcoming title, THE PREGNANCY CONTRACT due in bookstores in OCTOBER 2011 . What can you tell us about your writing? How long have you been writing?

I have loved to read romance since I was introduced to my first Mills & Boon when I was thirteen years old. By the time I was fifteen I knew that one day I wanted to write the stories that I was so hooked on. It was a good many years, jobs, marriage and having a family later that I was lucky enough to hear Susan Napier (M&B author) speak at a local centre. She mentioned Romance Writers of New Zealand, which had only recently been set up and after about a year I gathered the courage to join and learned about the submissions process and what I needed to do. It took me thirteen years and much heartbreak but eventually I succeed in my goal. Since my first sale in 2005 I’ve contracted 23 titles (which includes two online titles as well as a novella length continuity.)

What is a day like in your life? Do you have a strict writing schedule?

I do adhere to a writing schedule when I’m under contract. This usually starts with checking email and doing updates, social media, promotion, etc. in the morning until about 11:00 am. I then work until about 5:00 pm when I stop writing and put on my wife and mother hat again. I find the internet a delicious distraction (who doesn’t!?) and need to use a timer to remain on task.

What do you find the hardest thing about writing? The easiest?

The easiest thing about writing is often the ideas for new stories. Making those ideas hang together and building the conflict within each story with a fresh new slant can definitely be challenging.

Where do you get your ideas, inspirations from?

Funnily enough, I get a lot of inspiration from houses. Old houses, new houses, big houses, decrepit houses. For some reason they always trigger storylines for me. Maybe it’s because I’m such a homebody and home and family are both so important to me.

Do you usually outline your stories before you write them, or do you "go with the flow"?

I definitely outline. Without a map I can meander forever. At least with a well defined outline I know exactly where I’m going.

Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, have you found your own ‘cure’ for it?

I try not to accept that writer’s block exists. I have had times when it’s been a struggle to put myself into work mode but I have a routine that I generally follow, which helps me get into that state of mind. It involves closing my office door (the cat protests most annoyingly at this,) putting on my oil burner or lighting a scented candle, turning on a small desktop water fountain and putting a set of noise cancelling headphones over my ears. If I obey my pre-writing process, I generally settle in to work a whole lot better. If I still have a problem, I will read over what I worked on the day before. Sometimes there’s something there that needs attention to allow me to work forward again.

What is your biggest passion in life?

My family. No question.

What are you reading now? Do you have any favorite authors?

At the moment I’m reading Archangel’s Blade. I love Nalini Singh’s work, especially her Archangel series. Other favourite authors are Linda Howard, Barbara Erskine and Lisa Gardner.

What did you want to be when you grew up? If you weren't an author, what would you want to be?

I never really decided what I wanted to be. I thought about a lot of different careers but had no burning desire to embark on those paths. I trained as a secretary/PA because I couldn’t think of anything else to do, really, plus I had a shopping habit that wanted to be fed regularly so after finishing school I did my training and started work…and shopping! When I really think about it, though, writing stories has always been something I’ve loved to do and I’m so lucky that that’s my career now. I guess that means I finally grew up.

What makes a hero attractive to you? What hero is your favorite that you have written to date?

A hero needs integrity and a powerful sense of right and wrong. Even if the heroine doesn’t initially understand exactly what is motivating him in his behavior toward her, I think it’s important the readers can identify with why he’s doing what he’s doing. We may not always agree with his motives, but if we can understand them it goes a long way toward falling in love with him as readers. And, of course, if he’s in the wrong he has to be strong enough to admit it and make amends for that. As far as a favourite hero in my books goes, seriously, whichever hero I’m writing at the time is my favourite. I know that probably sounds trite but there it is! Besides, it’s kind of like asking which of your children is your favourite, isn’t it?

What do you hope readers to take with them after reading one of your books?

I would sincerely hope that my readers close the final pages of my books and feel a deep satisfaction that, no matter what, the hero and heroine of that story really truly have a Happy Ever After, and that they not only deserve to be together, they belong together.

Do you think there is anything about you that readers would be shocked to discover?

LOL, no, I’m pretty boring. I think.

Are there any goals that you set for yourself when you began writing that you still have yet to obtain?

Yes, I was revisiting my goals the other day and one that I set for myself after my first sale was to have a strong category/series and single title career. I’ve been working hard on the former, not so hard, yet, on the latter but it’s in my forward plans.

Will you have more stories released in 2011?

THE PREGNANCY CONTRACT is my last release in 2011, but I will have four titles out in 2012. The first two, THE WAYWARD SON and A FORBIDDEN AFFAIR, will be out in February and March 2012 as the first books in my The Vinters mini-series. I hope to deliver at least two stories each year in that series for a couple of years to come. Later in the year I will have a continuity book out (September 2012) and a Billionaires and Babies title (to be scheduled.)

Yvonne, thanks so much for stopping by Romance Author Buzz.

Thank you for having me!

Where readers can find Yvonne:

Yvonne's Website

Yvonne on Facebook

Yvonne's Blog

Yvonne is happy to give the winner a choice of a copy of THE PREGNANCY CONTRACT or the reader’s choice of one of her backlist. post to anywhere in the world.

Don't forget to leave your email address so that you can be contacted. Contest will end October 30th.

Meet New York Times Best Selling Author Katherine Stone (North America Giveaway)

2011-09-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

New York Times bestselling Seattle-born author Katherine Stone set about plotting her life’s journey at a very young age. At age five, she knew she hoped to become a doctor. Then, after writing her first short story at age 11, she realized that she would love to be a writer, too.

In pursuit of that youthful dream, Katherine attended Stanford University, where she completed her premed requirements while majoring in English. She received her M.D. from the University of Washington. Following her internal medicine residency in San Francisco, she accepted a fellowship in infectious diseases in Los Angeles.

What remains one of the world’s largest outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease coincided with her fellowship, which gave her the opportunity to write and lecture on this mysterious new disease. But it was not all work and no play. There was also romance in L.A. It was there (during a spinal tap!) that she met her future husband, physician, and novelist Jack Chase.

While she had accomplished the first half of her young-life goals, Katherine never really got around to the second part—being a writer—until Jack bought her a word processor and urged her to “Just do it.” The result? Bestselling books in the distinctive Katherine Stone style: a marriage of lyrical prose, evocative emotion and, above all, romance.

“There’s nothing wrong with incurable romanticism,” the physician asserts. “I love writing about nice people, who are giving life their best shot despite the sometimes monumental obstacles I place in their paths and who discover, despite those obstacles, the splendor and power of love.”

Although Katherine has hung up her stethoscope for the moment and is writing full-time at her home near Seattle, her medical background is often evident in her books. “I very much enjoy sharing my passion for medicine—its drama, its emotion and yes, its science—with my readers.”

The author of 21 novels, including Twins, Bel Air, Love Songs, Roommates, and Pearl Moon, Katherine’s books have been translated into 20 languages and sold worldwide.

Book Description:

Love Songs is available for the first time in ebook and trade paperback formats. This new edition preserves the story, emotion, and romance of the original bestseller while enhancing it with expanded character development and writing.

Southampton. A place of casual elegance and simple perfection. Where whispers of scandal are as relentless as the rhythm of the sea . . . and the desires of the heart are as timeless.

It is here that three women struggle to find love . . . or to save it.

Julia Lawrence. Her youthful beauty and glamorous marriage make her an object of desire and a target of envy. But Julia loves only one man, and she wishes for only one quiet dream, yet there are ancient secrets and ancient enemies who threaten to shatter it all.

Dr. Diana Shepard. The world renowned surgeon knows all about healing broken hearts. When it comes to her patients’ hearts, she is a gifted seamstress. But will she ever escape the tormenting memory of the love she could not keep and find a way to mend her own?

Casey English. The brilliant attorney has always been quite skillful at getting what she wants, inside the courtroom and out, in her charmed and successful life. Or so it seems. She alone knows that it has all been a dazzling and lonely act. And when she meets the man who can set her free, she must confront the truth of who she is . . . and who she would truly like to be.

Katherine, welcome to Romance Author Buzz.

Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here.

Q: What can you tell readers about the wife and the author?

My husband, novelist Jack Chase, and I are both physicians turned writers. We met during our infectious diseases fellowships in Los Angeles. We both loved our years in medicine and enjoy—and can’t resist!—including medical drama and medicine in general in our books.

Our world is pretty much—and happily—ruled by the three canine girls in our life. Wendy and Molly are cocker spaniels, and Scout is a lovely and lively 1-year-old springer spaniel.

Q: What can you tell us about your writing? How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first short story at age 11. It was an assignment in school. Once I discovered writing, I was hooked. I had been telling stories to myself for years. As a little girl, I remember looking forward to bedtime to tell myself the next chapter in whatever story was floating around in my head. I still do!

Q: What is a day like in your life? Do you have a strict writing schedule?

It’s pretty free form. But being a firstborn Virgo (meaning I have two scoops of goal-orientedness) the internal monitor keeps me on track.

Q: What do you find the hardest thing about writing?

Putting on paper, and into the right words, the story that is dancing in my mind.

Q: The easiest?

The dancing story!

Q: Where do you get your ideas, inspirations from?

Everywhere! My basic beginning point, though, is to choose a character’s back story that interests me, and that defines who they are, a “what if” that happened as a child or teen. This can range from being the only child and daughter of parents who desperately only wanted a son to a never forgotten high school romance to all points beyond and in between.

Q: Do you usually outline your stories before you write them, or do you "go with the flow"?

I’ve tried the outlining (that firstborn Virgo thing), but, at least for me, what you hear authors saying about the characters taking over despite the best laid plotting really is true . . . and I try to be true to what they would authentically do - or not do.

Q: What are you reading now? Do you have any favorite authors?

I’m reading lots of books, as always, and of all genres. Every author has his or her own voice, own vision, and, for me, it’s fascinating and delightful to savor the magnificent range of stories and storytellers. It’s also great fun to read books written by people I know. If you’re writing in your authentic voice, you can’t help but reveal beliefs, emotions, wishes, and passions about yourself.

As far as favorite authors, my husband, of course. I love his books, his voice, his vision…and I’m always intrigued by new things I learn about him as I read.

Q: What makes a hero attractive to you? What hero is your favorite that you have written to date?

He’s kind, emotionally strong, and very in touch with his emotions. He knows he loves the heroine. Whether he thinks that’s a good thing—for her—or not is a different issue!

Q: What do you hope readers to take with them after reading one of your books?

I hope they feel hopeful and smiling…and that they’ve enjoyed meeting nice people who are giving life their best shot, and who are rescued by love—despite the obstacles I have thrown in their path.

Q: Do you think there is anything about you that readers would be shocked to discover?

That I was on stage, sitting beside Timothy Leary, at the Rolling Stones concert (where the Hell’s Angels had been hired to provide security) at Altemont.

Q: Are there any goals that you set for yourself when you began writing that you still have yet to obtain?

Not a goal, per se, but how much fun would it be to have a book brought to life on either a small—or silver—screen?

Q: What are some of your hopes/dreams for the future, with respect to your writing? Will you have more stories released in 2011?

My near term goal is to see that my 21 previously published enjoy revised and expanded life in their new ebook and trade paperback editions. I love doing this, revisiting the characters and adding the new things I keep discovering they would really like to say.

New stories keep dancing in my mind, as do sequels to the revisited books. We’ll see!

Q: Where can readers find you?

The best place so far (I’m still in the pretweeting days) is my website. . Ongoing updates and email newsletter signup are there

Katherine, thanks so much for stopping by Romance Author Buzz.

Thank you so much for having me. I’ve enjoyed it.

(5) copies are available for this giveaway.
Comment for a chance to win a book.

Katherine is being very generous with her giveaway. There will be (5) chances for commenters to win a book. She'll be offering and picking the winners for Love Songs, Twins, Bel Air, The Carlton Club, and Roommates. Comment on this Q and A and/or tell Katherine the name of your favorite hero, favorite quote or favorite ice cream.

The contest will be limited to North American residents and the books will be autographed. Don't forget to leave your email address and thanks so much for entering. CONTEST WAS TO END EARLIER BUT I'M EXTENDING IT THROUGH NOVEMBER 30TH BECAUSE THE AUTHOR IS BEING SO GENEROUS AS TO GIVEAWAY 5 BOOKS.

Susan Mallery Contest

2011-09-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

New York Times best selling author Susan Mallery just announced the Girlfriends' Day Out contest on her Facebook page, which she's running with Girlfriendology.

Anyone who hasn't liked her page yet will come to the Contest page by default. Anyone who has already liked Susan on Facebook will need to click the Contest tab beneath her profile picture. The contest will run until September 14, when a winner will be chosen at random.

The winner will receive a $150 Visa gift card, and one of the friends she refers will also receive a $150 Visa gift card. (Both the winner and her friend must be confirmed Members at www.SusanMallery.com.

Susan Mallery – ONLY YOURS Q&A and GIVEAWAY (International)

2011-08-30T03:05:00.000-07:00

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Publisher’s Weekly calls Susan’s prose “luscious and provocative,” and Booklist says, “Novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.” While Susan appreciates the critical praise, she is most honored by the enthusiastic readers who write to tell her that her books made them laugh, made them cry, and made the world a happier place to live. Susan lives in Seattle with her husband and her tiny but intrepid toy poodle. She’s there for the coffee, not the weather. Susan's website

Q: ONLY YOURS was released today, August 30. Tell us a little bit about it.

ONLY YOURS is a Beauty and the Beast story, which is one of my favorite themes, but which I never get to write because I don’t normally do dark, tortured heroes. Simon is a brilliant surgeon whose intelligence set him apart as a child, made him seem strange to everyone around him, including to his own mother. After a fire left him with scars on half of his face, he became even more convinced that he was unlovable. All his life, he has protected his heart by burying himself in his studies, then in his work. He travels from hospital to hospital to heal their toughest cases, moving on before anyone gets too close.

Montana, on the other hand, is deeply connected to her hometown, Fool’s Gold, and to her large, boisterous family. One of the Hendrix triplets, Montana has always seen herself as the screw-up. Until now. She’s finally discovered what she was meant to do – she works with therapy dogs, and the dogs play a big role in the story, which was a lot of fun. Montana has an amazing purity of heart. She’s just what Simon needs, and he will love her with a ferocity that will complete her.

Simon and Montana are one of my favorite couples. I love these two together!

September 1st, on Facebook, Harlequin is hosting a "live" interaction with Susan. Hope to see you there!

Q: ONLY YOURS is the fifth Fool’s Gold romance novel, and the second book of the Hendrix triplets’ trilogy. Do readers have to read the other books first?

No. Each book in the Fool’s Gold series is a standalone novel, so you won’t be confused if you start with ONLY YOURS. Of course, I hope you’ll love it so much that you’ll immediately rush out and buy the previous books. In order of publication, they are: CHASING PERFECT, ALMOST PERFECT, FINDING PERFECT, ONLY MINE, ONLY YOURS… and coming soon, ONLY HIS.

Visit Fool’s Gold online at www.foolsgoldca.com. You’ll find some amazing bonus content, including excerpts, between-the-books updates and teasers, a map of the town, a calendar of events, and some fun freebies!

Q: You said the therapy dogs play a big role in the story. Did you enjoy writing dog characters?

I loved it! Plus, the research was a lot of fun. Therapy dogs are pretty amazing. Montana and her dogs visit patients at hospitals and nursing homes. They do more than brighten the patients’ day – they improve the healing process. Montana has also started a reading program with her dogs. Kids who have a tough time learning to read can benefit from practicing by reading to a dog. The dogs are trained to behave as though they’re truly listening. Dogs are 100% love, and having that nonjudgmental audience can really take the pressure off a struggling reader and give him or her the boost of confidence they need.

One of the dogs in the book, Cece, is based on my real-life dog, Nikki. That was a lot of fun! I immortalized my dog by capturing her quirks on the page. She is a sweetheart and makes my life better.

Not every dog is therapy dog material, though. As the book starts, Montana is working with Fluffy, a mixed breed bundle of love and energy. Montana so wants Fluffy to succeed, but Fluffy has a slight problem with impulse control. I laughed myself silly while writing the opening scene of the book.

Q: What’s next for you?

ONLY HIS, Nevada Hendrix’s story, will be out on September 27. Imagine – you’re the last single triplet. Your sisters recently fell in love, and now they’re planning a double wedding. Poor Nevada feels left out, to say the least. Not only is she not in love – she doesn’t even have a date for the wedding!

Her answer to that is to put her focus on her career. As an engineer, she has always worked at the family’s construction business. She wants to test herself, so she decides to apply for a job with the developers of a luxury casino/resort that will be built outside Fool’s Gold. Unfortunately for Nevada, the leader of the project is her first, unrequited love. A rule of thumb I try to live by: avoid being interviewed by a man who’s seen you naked.

I think ONLY HIS might be the funniest book I’ve ever written, and I’m both nervous and excited to see how readers react.

Romance Author Buzz is offering one resident of the United States a $10.00 Barnes and Noble card. To win a copy follow this blog and sign up for Susan Mallery's Membership page. Don't forget to leave your email address so that you can be contacted. Contest will end September 30th.

A Biographical Q&A with Cathy Maxwell - North America Giveaway

2011-08-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

It’s never wise to blackmail a highwayman.

Lady Corinne, rebellious daughter of the duke of Banfield, refuses to marry Lord Freddie Sherwin. Yes, he’s the catch of the Season and the man her father chose for her. He’s also the most despicable male of her acquaintance. With her wedding only weeks away, she flees and finds herself a prisoner of the notorious Thorn!

Who says the devil isn’t a woman?

The rich and powerful tremble at the highwayman’s name, while England’s villagers rejoice in his bold exploits. His identity is a secret; his life a mystery— until Lady Corinne tumbles into his arms. If the Thorn wants her silence, he must hide her until her wedding day passes. It’s a devil’s bargain and one that can only lead to a hangman’s noose.

Corinne believes it the perfect plan—until her highwayman reveals a passionate lover’s heart, and she realizes that in the seduction of scandal, she may have found the hero she’s been waiting for her whole life.

Cathy, welcome to Romance Author Buzz. What are some of the places you’ve lived?

Olathe, Kansas is my home—a picture book Midwest town where I learned I could do everything and anything.

I’ve been in Virginia off and on for over twenty-five years. So, I’m a Virginian by choice, but a Kansan by nature. I was raised outside of Kansas City, Kansas and went to school in Topeka. I love big skies, rolling flint hills, and people who don’t stand on much ceremony.

Anything seems possible when I’m in Kansas, and, no, that isn’t Dorothy talking.

Were you an only child?

I had three sisters. The family is all girls—which makes my father a very lucky, and spoiled, man.

What sort of jobs have you held?

I was a news broadcaster my first few years out of college. Yes, I had the job everyone wants. I did news, sports, and weather, did voice over work, sent out affidavits, vacuumed, and made the coffee. It was great!
I left the news business to go into the Navy. Yes, that is what I did. I always wanted to join the Navy and at the ripe age of twenty-three I made a list of the ten things I wanted to do with my life. Reading the news wasn’t on the list, but the Navy was and so was writing. I joined and have no regrets. My time in the service opened me up to the big world, had me making news instead of reporting on it, and led me to my husband.
Other jobs? I worked in a watch factory and later sold clothes, electronics, tanks (the storage type not the armored ones) and now books.

Your books are filled with characters that find themselves in extraordinary situations and have to rise above them. Who are some of real-life heroes and heroines you admire?

Public service workers--firemen, police, EMTs, teachers; anyone who acts for the public good based upon his or her convictions; those who reach out to better the lives of others; those who raise thought-provoking concerns and arguments. I can admire Mother Theresa and Christopher Hitchens.

Who are some of the authors you most enjoy reading?

Florence King when I can find her. Jenny Crusie, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, I’m intrigued by Sophie Jordan, Sophia Nash, really any of the Avon authors. They have a great line up. Jennifer Blake’s classics are on my keeper shelf. Connie Brockway, Kristin Higgans, Nora, Linda Howard . . . I think romance is in a hey day. So many choices, so many wonderful reads.

Who are some of the authors whose work has influenced your writing style?

Andre Norton, Jennifer Blake, and Dick Francis, with a little Florence King thrown in for spice.

The writers, still living, you would most like to meet? Writers no longer alive that you would most like to meet?

Florence King. She’d probably bite my head off. Anne Lamott. I heard her speak locally once and I don’t think she’d bite me at all. I’m in the catbird seat here because I get to meet and friend my favorite romance writers. Among those we’ve lost—Georgette Heyer, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Dick Francis, Andre Norton.

What are you favorite types of books? Historicals? Contemporaries? Biography?

I’m a sucker for non-fiction, especially about people. So I enjoy biographies but also all of those selfhelp
books that involve personal transformation. My kids roll their eyes every time I recommend a book.

When did you first start reading romance?

I discovered Georgette Heyer when I was thirteen and I’m a huge fan. She’s my favorite Regency writer. However, I didn’t start reading single title romance until I was in my late twenties. I came late to the game, but didn’t stop once I started.

Who are some of the people you most admire?

Connie Moslow. Connie started the Free Clinic in my county and I have incredible respect for her. I currently volunteer there around three to five hours a week. Her dedication to the clinic project has impacted
untold numbers of lives. It’s an honor to work beside her.

Ruth Fitzsimmons. Ruth started a retreat program for people in Virginia who are HIV positive. Not only is the program educational, it is also empowering. It gives folks a chance to be fully who they are and to feel
loved in spite of living in the shadow of AIDS.

Who are some of the people who have most influenced you?

My parents. They believe in making the world around them a better place. They taught me the power of
active volunteerism. My late husband. Kevin taught me to grab hold of life with both hands and never let go.

Do you have favorite charities or causes? Do you belong to any organizations?

Causes include the Free Clinic of Powhatan; Transformation Retreats, a retreat ministry for people with
HIV; the YMCA; Comfort Zone Camp, a support camp for kids dealing with the death of a loved one. I belong to Romance Writers of America, Novelists Inc., Virginia Romance Writers, Washington Romance Writers.

What’s next on your personal and professional schedule?

On August 30th I’m at the launch of the K.I.S.S. and Teal campaign —a cocktail party hosted by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Then I’m in Kansas at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Later, I’m in Dallas/Fort Worth to meet readers for High Tea, French-style, sponsored by Fresh Fiction and head back to my hometown, Olathe, where I’ll be awarded a place on the Wall of Honor by the Olathe Public Schools Alumni Association on October 5th. I’ll keep posting appearances on my site, so please check there.

How many novels have you written? Have they all been published?

24ish. Every book I’ve finished, I’ve published. I’m very lucky.

If you were to travel back in time—and had to stay there—where/when would you like to settle?

I do travel back in time through books. However, I like where I am here and now. I enjoy the freedom
and creativity we all have open to us.

One copy of THE SEDUCTION OF SCANDAL ~ one copy of a backlist title from the "Scandals & Seductions" series U.S. and Canada only. Don't forget to leave your email address; contest will end Sept 30th To win a copy, follow Cathy on Facebook and tell her what you thought about this interview.

Meet Carla Neggers and Saint's Gate - Giveaway (US residents only)

2011-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

About Carla:

Carla Neggers is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 60 novels, with translations in 24 languages. Born and raised on the western edge of the beautiful Quabbin Reservoir in rural Massachusetts, Carla grew up with tales of her father’s life as a Dutch sailor and her mother’s childhood in northwest Florida.

At a young age, Carla began penning her own stories on a branch high up in her favorite sugar maple. Now she enjoys spending time at the family homestead (now a tree farm) with her six brothers and sisters and their families.

When she’s not writing, Carla loves to travel, hike, kayak, garden, and, of course, dive into a good book. She lives with her family in Vermont, not far from picturesque Quechee Gorge.

Book Description:

When Emma Sharpe is summoned to a convent on the Maine coast, it's partly for her art crimes work with the FBI, partly because of her past with the religious order. At issue is a mysterious painting depicting scenes of Irish lore and Viking legends, and her family's connection to the work. But when the nun who contacted her is murdered, it seems legend is becoming deadly reality.

Colin Donovan is one of the FBI's most valuable assets—a deep–cover agent who prefers to go it alone. He's back home in Maine after wrapping up his latest mission, but his friend Father Bracken presents him with an intrigue of murder, international art heists and a convent's long–held secrets that is too tempting to resist. As the danger spirals ever closer, Colin is certain of only one thing—the very intriguing Emma Sharp is at the center of it all.

A ruthless killer has Emma and Colin in the crosshairs, plunging them into a race against time and drawing them deeper into a twisted legacy of betrayal and deceit.

Carla, welcome to Romance Author Buzz. Is there a back story to Saint’s Gate?

Emma Sharpe, the heroine of SAINT'S GATE, started to take shape while I was on one of our trips to the Maine coast. I was walking on the rocky coast in the fog and could picture an FBI agent -- a woman -- arriving at an isolated convent...and I knew something bad happens and that she has a past that involves the convent. Visualizing that initial scene helped Emma take shape. I think many of us have aspects of our past (or our present!) that we don't talk about not because we're hiding anything but because it's just complicated. That's Emma!

How long have you been writing and what was your call story?

I've been writing since I was a kid. I grew up in rural western Massachsuetts with six brothers and sisters and would climb a tree with a pad and pen and sit on my favorite branch and write. I did that right through college! In fact, I've started a new blog, "Out on a Limb," that arises out of that feeling of being up on that branch! I'd also sit on a rock in the middle of the wide brook across from our house and write. The first book I sent to an agent, THE VENUS SHOE, wasn't the first book I sold, but it did eventually launch a series of romantic suspense novels published by Avon.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer? Have you had other jobs along the way?

Writing was a dream for me early on but I wrote because I loved telling stories. I still do! I started out at the Boston University College of Fine Arts as a music major but switched to journalism, and I freelanced after college. I was lucky enough to sell a book early on. I submitted my first manuscript to an agent right after my daughter was born. I'd type while she was on the blotter next to me! Then she learned to roll over, and I put her on a mat on the floor. :-)

Do you plot your stories or let your characters lead you?

A little of both. It depends on the story but I've discovered there's a basic pattern to how I write. With SAINT'S GATE, I could see Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan before I knew exactly what they were up to. That's not unusual, although sometimes it's the other way around: I'll know what the characters are up to but not exactly who they are! I knew Colin would be an undercover agent with questions about Emma, and that Emma's past with the convent where she finds a murdered nun plays a role in the story. I wrote up a brief synopsis that became a jumping off point. My synopses are never precise road maps but they do give me a sense of the story as a whole. Then I started writing, to get a feel for Emma, Colin and their story, and after 50 pages or so, I came up for air and figured out what was what. That's pretty much how I write most books. I've tried different approaches, but I think as writers we're happiest and most productive when we're true to our own creative process.

Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?

Interesting question! Each character comes to life for me at some point in the writing process. If Emma Sharpe walked into my house, I'd recognize her. Same with any of the characters in my books. I don't see them as extensions of myself but that doesn't mean their likes, dislikes, struggles and triumphs don't resonate with me. I can identify with Emma's struggle to not let others stereotype or define her based on her past. I think many readers will be able to identify with that struggle, even if they never spent time at a convent!

What are you currently working on?

I just finished editing SECRETS OF THE LOST SUMMER, which is due out in February 2012. It's my return to contemporary romance! I had the idea for a long time, and I'm so passionate about this book. It's set in a fictional small town on the edge of the Quabbin Reservoir -- not all that different from where I grew up. I drew on the history of the four towns that were wiped off the map to create the reservoir in the 1930s. Olivia Frost, my graphic designer heroine, deals with betrayal, dashed dreams, new dreams, long-lost treasure and a very sexy hockey player. Such fun to write! I've just gone back to working on HERON'S COVE, the next book after SAINT'S GATE in my Sharpe & Donovan series. Emma and Colin are in a real mess this time!

What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?

The best thing is doing what I love, getting to work with great people who also love books and writing and talking with and meeting readers. There's nothing quite like talking with readers about a new author they've discovered, or a book they've just read and love. The hardest thing? The uncertainties, but I think most of us face uncertainties in our lives and work. Just have to focus on the present and enjoy the day!

If you were invited on a show to talk about your book, what would the theme of the show be?

Something to do with crossroads, I think. I love to talk about SAINT'S GATE but I'm a writer not a producer! Gah. Hm. A woman caught at the crossroads of art and murder...and at a personal crossroads as an FBI agent...I like that.

Describe a day in the life of Carla Neggers.

Since I'm not particularly regimented, I don't have a lot of typical days, but I do rise early, dive into a pot of coffee, walk (provided it's above zero!) and get started on the work at hand. I love to write in the morning but I can write anytime, anywhere. I haven't climbed a tree with a pad and pen lately, though, as I did as a kid!

What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?

That I love to write today as much as ever. I'm bursting with stories and creative energy!

When the time comes for you to retire from writing, what would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?

Retire from writing???????

Who is your favorite author?

I don't have one favorite, but I love to read. This summer I've reread several novels by Mary Stewart, REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier and OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. I also try to keep up with books by my writer friends!

What are you currently reading?

THE ACCIDENTAL CREATIVE by Todd Henry. It's non-fiction and one of the best books I've ever read on the rhythms of a creative life. I recommend it to anyone who works in a creative field. Terrific!

Before I let you go is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?

I think we've covered the waterfront! Thank you so much!! This was fun. Great questions. I'm still thinking about that theme one... ;-)

Carla, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me!

THANK YOU!!!

Website
Facebook Page
Twitter

To win a copy of Saint's Gate, follow Carla on Facebook and Twitter. Tell her what you thought of her interview here. Please leave your email so that you can be contacted. Contest is for US residents only. Winner will be announced September 25th.

Q&A With Rhiannon Ellis and Giveaway (International)

2011-08-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Author Bio:

Authors are supposed to have bios. Agents and editors ask for them, websites seem to demand them. Essentially, I'm supposed to utilize this page as a form of bragging station where I list off all my great and varied accomplishments, hoping to impress or sound important. This isn't that kind of bio.

Truth is, any list I'd conjure up would be rather short. But here are a few highlights of stuff that matters...

Chad and I married in 2003 after a short--and I mean short--courtship. What can I say? I swept the poor guy off his feet.

We remained in my hometown of Williamsburg, Virginia, for the first couple years but have since lived in Las Vegas and Wisconsin, which is where we now reside.

We are blessed with three terrific kids: Chad's daughter and my stepdaughter, Taylor. And our daughter and son, Cameron and Dane. Ages range from 3 to 13. I'd say more about these wonderful people but when I get sappy about my children...I cry.

To sum it up I'll quote my husband, because he has a way with words: "Life would suck without our kids."

My days resemble those of most stay-at-home moms with young children, except I use my limited free time to write.

My ultimate dream: To own a fabulous RV and live like gypsies.

My more practical dream: To own a secluded house in the country with no visible neighbors. Not sure where, but I want skiing in winter and the ocean in summer.

The dream I'm living now: Staying home with my precious babies and pursuing my passion for writing.

Book Description:

Family is everything …

A few missed loan payments, and a family of Brazilian vintners stands to lose the fruits of four generations of labor. To save the business, devoted daughter Eliana Menino strikes a deal of her own to work off the family debt in service to the man she calls demonio—devilishly handsome private investor Hale Forester

More than she bargained for …

Uprooted from her childhood home in exotic Brazil to work for Hale at his sprawling Napa Valley estate, Eliana soon realizes that the ruthless man who can make or break her family has a secret past … and the power to break her heart.

Rhiannon, Welcome to Romance Author Buzz. Is there a back story to Bonded in Brazil?

I started Bonded in Brazil after completing my very emotionally-draining first novel. I found a great writers group that I wanted to join. I felt I needed the input of other writers to help me improve, but I needed something to submit. Bonded in Brazil was supposed to be a “fun practice project” but, within a few weeks, I fell in love with my characters and storyline and decided to take the manuscript seriously.

How did you start your career? Who was your first publisher?

My career started in 2008, when I finally found the determination to achieve a goal I’d had since childhood—to write a book! I fumbled my way through my first novel, managed to land an agent, but the manuscript has since collected dust.

My second novel, Bonded in Brazil, with the help of my fabulous agent, got me my first publishing contract in November of 2009 with Camel Press. I got another contract from Cobblestone Press not even two months later for Dark Wolf Protector, a paranormal romance novella.

In March of this year, I became a multi-published author.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

If you haven’t already begun writing your first book, take the time to research the genre you’ve chosen to write. Read A LOT. Take notes. Google everything. And, by all means necessary, brush up on your grammar skills.

If you’ve already written your first book, find other writers who are willing to comb through it and give you an honest, thorough critique. You’ll love them for it, I promise.

What are you working on right now?

Right now, nothing much. I have two fabulous projects I set aside for the summer. We have long winters here in Wisconsin, and I decided to take the summer off to play with my kids. Come fall, I have a mainstream project to wrap up and a women’s fiction manuscript that I’m about three chapters into. I like having a couple projects going at once…change of scenery, you know?

What news would you like to share with your readers?

I’m very excited to tell you the sequel to Bonded in Brazil has been contracted! Although Bonded in Brazil is technically a single-title romance, there were two minor characters who demanded their own spotlight. Expect to see the sequel hit the shelves next summer.

How do you build the relationship between these two characters so that it feels real?

It isn’t easy to create authentic chemistry. I usually start off with my heroine, develop her and decide what kind of man would be her perfect match.

Do you identify with the characters you write about?

On some level, I relate to every character I write about, even the minor players. I think each character is an extension of his/her creator. We ask ourselves, “If I were in his/her shoes, what would I do?” Authors can’t help but to inject at least a tiny bit of themselves into their characters.

Tell us a little about your favorite “hero” type guy.

I love complex, alpha heroes. Confident but emotionally vulnerable. Tough but sensitive. I like heroes who are honest—integrity is a must! And a protective man easily wins my heart.

Would you please describe the heroines you love to write?

Heroines are where it’s at! My heroines are strong, warm-hearted, affectionate women. They might be in need of some personal growth, but they’re always self-sufficient and goal-oriented. I make it my primary goal to create relatable heroines who readers can see as their best friend.

In the sequel to Bonded in Brazil (did I mention that it’s due out next summer?) my heroine is deeply affected by her first marriage, in which her husband cheated on her. I know so many women out there will be able to relate to her on a personal level! I’m really excited to see how they respond to Ainsley. I’m sure, for a lot of women, the connection will be pretty intense. Unfortunately, infidelity is something that hits home, but a happy ending will save the day!

How would you describe your life in only 8 words?

Busy. Loving. Satisfying. Adventurous. Hopeful. Cozy. Bright. Blessed.

What is your motto?

I always say to my family, “As long as we’re safe, healthy and together, everything will be fine.”

How would you describe perfect happiness?

I’d love to own an RV and travel on a whim, wherever and whenever.

What’s your greatest fear?

As a mom, my greatest fears revolve around my family’s health and safety. I really don’t worry about much else.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?

I’d choose one of two places: In Virginia, where most of my family lives, or at Disney World with my kids.

What are your most overused words or phrases?

A lot. I say a lot a lot.

What do you regret most?

There’s nothing in my past I dwell on long enough to say I regret it. So nothing, I suppose. There are things I would’ve done differently—better!—but what’s done is done!

If you could acquire any talent, what would it be?

Is eternal youth a talent? No? I pick public speaking, then. I’d love to be a powerful, effective orator—or, at the very least, not a terrified one.

What’s your fantasy profession?

Author, of course!

If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?

Fudge marble cake with chocolate frosting!

Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?

Keep reading, keep writing, and keep dreaming!

What comment do you hear most often from your readers?

“I couldn’t put your book down!” I love to hear that my readers enjoy my work. They truly inspire me to KEEP WRITING!

Where can readers find you?

Twitter:
Facebook
Website:

Author Rhiannon Ellis will kindly offer an Ebook. The contest is International. To win a copy, "Like" Rhiannon on Facebook and leave your email address so that you may be contacted. Contest will end August 31st.

Meet Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie and International Giveaway

2011-08-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Authors Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie Bio:

Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie both hail from the Midwest. Writing partners as well as friends (perhaps even sisters in another life), both are married and each has two wonderful children. The similarities don’t stop there. Both earned degrees in English education, both have a profound weakness for Starbucks coffee, and both are completely captivated by the ethereal beauty found in the Pacific Northwest. Their individual passions for writing and storytelling, led them to create Infinite Betrayal, the first book in their Infinity Series.

Book Description:

The existence of the Coteri has remained hidden for centuries...until now.

He would protect her with his life...

Mathias has been ordered to protect Mina Roarke at all costs while keeping her Father's secrets concealed. But from the moment he sees her, the hunger he's desperately tried to bury, roars to life. The beast within is awakened and wants only one thing...Mina.

She was just looking for answers...

Mina had always been told she was special. In what way, she never fully understood until her life and everything she thought she knew and believed in was turned completely upside down. After the unexpected death of her mother, Mina finds clues about her past that trigger more questions than answers. Her quest to find those answers thrusts Mina deep into the Black Forest of Germany and into the arms of a man who tests her control...in more ways than one.

She is wrenched from her own reality into a world filled with adrenaline-charged danger, blazing sexual heat, and the answers that have been hidden her entire life. Mina alone holds the power to change her future but when she comes face to face with ultimate betrayal, can she still trust in the one man that has captured her heart?

Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie, I would like to congratulate on your latest release. Is there a behind the book story?

GD: Robyn and I had been avid readers for years devouring paranormal and erotic suspense whenever we could. One hot afternoon, we were laying by my pool and Robyn leaned over to me and said, “Ya know….we could do this.” It took me by surprise that she said it but the more I thought about it and the more we talked, I realized that we needed to try. Both Robyn and I are English majors and absolutely love writing. Luckily, our writing voices are so similar that sometimes even we can’t tell who wrote what.

Do you plot your stories or lead your characters lead you?

GD: For Infinite Betrayal, I plotted out the entire story. During the writing process, it completely re-wrote itself! I just followed the characters and tried to write the best story possible for Mathias and Mina.

RM: I work a little differently. I have the story, plot, and characters in my head first. I’ll plot out the beginning and the end but have found that I let the characters lead me with the rest.

How long have you been writing and what was your call story?

GD: I wrote tons in school but once I graduated, I stopped. Then after deciding to take on the paranormal romance field, it has been almost two years now.

RM: Like Gayle, I’ve written short stories, poems, etc. since I was young. However, only professionally now for two years.

What are you currently working on?

GD: Robyn and I take leads on our stories. I had lead on Infinite Betrayal and she has lead on Book 2, Infinite Surrender. I am currently at her mercy when she needs me for edits, story plotting, and anything else she may need. I am also finishing up the outline for Book 3, Infinite Desire.

Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?

GD: Mina. Hands down. She has so many of my personality traits but I definitely curse more than she does! It takes a lot for me to trust and once I make a friend, it’s for life.

RM: Chloe, with Talon as a close second. Chloe is loyal to the core and isn’t afraid to fight for what she believes in. She’s willing to take risks to prove herself in a society of warrior males who only want to shelter and protect her. Yet Chloe can still be vulnerable, especially in matters of the heart, and it’s this vulnerability that really brings this character to life for me.

What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?

GD: This may sound juvenile but for me, it was receiving our first book cover. That was so freakin cool and it truly made it real for me. The hardest thing is getting the edits back and realizing all of the mistakes we made!!

RM: The feedback from our readers has been the best part for me. This book has had such a positive response with readers and reviewers alike and it’s such a rewarding feeling to know that you created something that others enjoy. The hardest thing is the waiting process from finished manuscript to publishing date!

What kind of daily schedule do you have? What types of things interrupt your writing? Describe a day in the life of

GD: I have a “regular job” where I am there from 8:00 to 4:30. After that, I come home, take care of the family, get dinner, start laundry, and whatever else is calling to me. Then once the kids are in bed, I fire up the laptop. Email, promo, and website come first. After that, I can indulge in some writing. Now if I’m lead, I usually write all through the weekend either in my study or at Starbucks with my iPod. It makes deadlines extremely hard and I rarely get enough sleep but if the story is good, that’s all that matters.

RM: Basically…ditto J. Like Gayle, I have a regular job and a family. I do the majority of my writing at night after the hubby and kids have gone to sleep and do a lot on the weekends. If I was in a position to write full-time, I’d be in heaven.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

GD: I absolutely love Liv Tyler. I would never compare my looks to her but for some reason, whenever anyone asks me this question, she always pops into my mind.

RM: I have to admit, I have absolutely no idea.

What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?

GD: That I am a reader first. And as a reader, I want a good story. Yeah, the sex scenes are always fun to read and my husband definitely benefits from them (thank you Lora Leigh and Maya Banks) but honestly, for me, the story has to be able to stand on its own….even without the sex. The sex scenes represent really good, cream cheese icing on top. I want our readers to know that the “story” or the “cake” is important to us and if we stray from that, we need to start over.

RM: Absolutely, positively, unequivocally…ditto! This is one of the reasons Gayle and I are such good writing partners. We’re both resolute on this point, the “story” is key.

When the time comes for you to retire from writing, what would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?

GD: I don’t want to retire. I want to die with my laptop and a thesaurus.

RM: I’m just now realizing my dream by being published and doing what I love so retirement is not even a thought.

What are you currently reading?

GD: Just finished up the Lori Foster Men of Honor series (loved it!) and now I’m yearning for some alpha men. I will probably re-read the Lora Leigh Nauti series and will start Game of Thrones after that.

RM: Nothing right now, too busy writing!

Gayle and Robyn, before I let you go though, is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?

GD: I want to thank all of the readers that have done reviews for us on the various websites and blogs. We were honored at some of the compliments and overall ratings given to the book. As it was our first manuscript, to have that type of response was extremely motivating!

RM: I also want to thank everyone who has supported us this throughout this journey. I would like to remind everyone to believe in your passions and follow your dreams and just like Gayle and I did, if you do that you can turn those dreams into reality.

Ladies, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me!

Where yiu can find Gayle and Robyn
Website
Facebook

Giveaway: e-copy of Infinite Betrayal. If you would like to be entered to win a copy of Infinite Betrayal, please comment here regarding the interview or you can ask us another question that maybe we didn’t comment on. We will pick a winner at random to win a copy of Infinite Betrayal. Don't forget to leave your email. Contest will end August 31st.

Q&A With Author Daisy Goodwin and Giveaways

2011-08-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Author Bio

DAISY GOODWIN, a Harkness scholar who attended Columbia University’s film school after earning a degree in history at Cambridge University, is a leading television producer in the U.K. Her poetry anthologies, including 101 Poems That Could Save Your Life, have introduced many new readers to the pleasures of poetry, and she was Chair of the judging panel of the 2010 Orange Prize for Fiction. She and her husband, an ABC TV executive, have two daughters and live in London. The American Heiress is her first novel.

Where you can find Daisy:

Daisy's Website
Daisy on Twitter:
Daisy on Facebook

Book Description

It is 1893, in Newport, Rhode Island, and no detail of Cora Cash’s lavish masquerade ball has been left to chance. Beautiful, spirited, and the richest heiress of her generation, Cora is the closest thing that American society has to a princess. Her debut is the carefully orchestrated prelude to a campaign in which her mother will whisk her to Europe, where Mrs. Cash wants to acquire the one thing that money can’t buy for her daughter in the States: a title.

Be careful what you wish for. Cora makes a dazzling impression on English society—followed by a brilliant match—but finds that the chill in the air of magnificent ancestral homes comes from more than the lack of central heating. As she gradually learns that old-world aristocrats are governed by obscure codes of conduct and loyalty that can betray even the most charming, accomplished outsider, Cora must grow from a spoiled young rich girl into a woman of substance.

Daisy, I would like to congratulate on your latest release. Is there a behind the book story?

I had always wanted to write a novel but didn’t know where to start. Then one day I visited Blenheim Palace and I saw the wonderful Sargent portrait of Consuelo Vanderbilt and I suddenly had an idea for a story about a Dollar Princess.

Do you plot your stories or lead your characters lead you?

I tried to plot the The American Heiress in advance but my characters just took over. It is a completely novel to the story outline I originally wrote, and a better one I hope.

How long have you been writing and what was your call story?

I am a television producer by day so I have always written scripts etc. But I only started writing fiction three years ago, and found that it cam much easier than I thought. The most exciting moment for me was when my American editor called me to say that she loved the book, ‘it’s like Henry James without the boring bits!’ She then told me she wanted me to change the end ( that wasn’t so great but she was right).

What are you currently working on?

It’s another historical novel set in England and Austria about Elizabeth, the last Empress of Austria and a certain Captain Middleton. It is based on a true story. I am also thinking of writing a sequel to The American Heiress

Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?

Well Cora is very close to my heart. She is spoiled and shallow at the beginning of the book but as the book progresses she matures as a person. And , of course, the Duke is the sort of man who used to drive me mad when I was younger. I have a soft spot too for Bertha, Cora’s maid. I think she is the moral compass of the story.

What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?

The best thing is sitting down to write and seeing what come out of my head, the hardest thing is finding the time to sit down and write.

What kind of daily schedule do you have? What types of things interrupt your writing? Describe a day in the life of

I have a full time job running a tv production company. So my day starts getting my kids to school and then going to the office. If I am lucky I will write a bit when I come home, but otherwise it is weekends and holidays. The best time for me to write is after office hours so I am not constantly checking my emails, and the best place for me to write is somewhere with no internet connection.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Julia Roberts or maybe Rose Byrne. They are both gorgeous but they have a sense of humour.

what is something you definitely want readers to know about you

I love history. So getting the context of my books right is very important to me.

When the time comes for you to retire from writing, what would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?

That my books gave them pleasure. There is nothing better than reading a book you don’t want to end.

What are you currently reading?

Gillespie and I by jane Harris

Favorite song?

Witchcraft sung by Frank sinatra

Favorite color?

Purple

Daisy, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me!

There will be two contests and all you have to do is comment here, leave your email and follow Daisy on Facebook.

Canadian Residents Only: To win a copy of the book, follow author on Facebook, leave your email address.

International Contest: A $10 Amazon gift offered by Romance Author Buzz; leave your email address.

Winners will be announced August 31st.

Meet Historical Author Cathy Maxwell - Scandal and Sedution Part One Giveaway

2011-08-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

Meet Cathy Maxwell:

I hail from: I was raised in Olathe, KS. I am a Kansan by nature–stubborn, loyal, independent. I now consider Virginia my home and think I have adapted well to the Southern way of life (although I’ll never be a good cook!)

My family: Children, two dogs, a cat, and two horses. They keep me busy, busy, busy.

My favorite quote: From Debbie Macomber, “Attitude is the key . . . each one of us is as successful as we make up our minds to be.”

My most embarrassing moment: I have many. I’m gullible. If you have a good practical joke, I’m the one to play it on.

A Seduction at Christmas

She never expected it would come to this

Desperation and an empty stomach forced Fiona Lachlan to agree to a plan that ended up luring the wickedly notorious Duke of Holburn into trouble. Everything went terribly wrong, and now she has found herself posing as his ward! And while she swore nothing could make her desire a scoundrel, even if he was a duke, she is now drawing ever closer to the one man she cannot have . . .
"Beware of innocence!"

The Duke of Holburn had spent years heeding this warning, and in doing so, managed to avoid the virginal young ladies who had been put in his path. But now his wild ways have gotten him into real danger. There are killers at the door and a temptingly beautiful woman in his arms. He is about to find himself seduced . . . and he isn't quite sure he wants to resist this time.

The Earl Claims His Wife

She'll be his perfect wife . . .

Preoccupied with fighting Napoleon and making love to his mistress, Brian Ranson has ignored his wife since their wedding. But now that he's become the Earl of Wright, he's ready to fetch his bride back to London. He's shocked to find she's become a bold, beautiful woman, exactly the kind he lusts after . . . and she wants nothing to do with him.

Gillian, Lady Wright, is desperate to seize the love she's been denied . . . but not with her rakish husband! So she makes a bargain—for thirty days she'll be the perfect wife, then he'll set her free. But no matter how she hardens her heart against her damnable earl, her body begs her to surrender

The Marriage Ring

The woman who will one day wear Richard Lynsted's ring will be genteel, dainty, and well-bred.

This eliminates Grace MacEachin on all three counts. A hellion of the first order, the alluring, infuriating woman would be nothing more than a passing temptation to an upstanding gentleman like Richard—if it weren't for the fact that she's trying to blackmail his father!

Or, as Grace sees it, trying to get justice—and maybe just the slightest hint of revenge on the family that tore her life asunder when she was just a girl. And as for Lynsted, well, the stuffy, humorless man wouldn't suffer for time spent in company more exciting than that of his company ledgers. Only when Richard gets Grace alone, she discovers he may know a thing or two about excitement after all . . .

His Christmas Pleasure

Anything can happen at Christmas!

When her father threatens to marry Abigail Montross off to a man twice her age (and with thirteen children!), she decides to elope instead with the irresistibly handsome Barón de Vasconia. She knows all about his notorious reputation. He is the most seductive man in all of London, but he's vowed to protect her, so she allows herself to be tempted into his bed, promising to guard her heart at all costs.

Andres believes he's entered into nothing more than a marriage of convenience with a charming and very wealthy young woman. But the days—and nights—Abigail spends in his arms soon reform this rogue. He'll do anything to gain her love—until they each discover the truth about the other and old wounds are revealed.

It's the season of miracles and passion—when love not only awakens the senses but delivers the greatest gift of all . . .

This contest is for US and Canadian Residents only. For a chance to win one of the above books, comment, follow this blog or follow Cathy at Facebook. Please leave your email address. This contest ends August 28th.

Check back here for Part Two for a chance to win a copy of The Seduction of Scandal

Cathy Maxwell, whose New York Times bestsellers include Bedding the Heiress and In the Bed of a Duke, returns—for the last time—to the people and places of her Scandal and Seduction series with THE SEDUCTION OF SCANDAL, on sale Tuesday, August 30th. Come back to this website on August 30th for a chance to win The Seduction of Scandal.

Meet Kate Carlisle: How to Seduce a Billionaire and Giveaway

2011-07-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Author Bio

Kate Carlisle is the New York Times bestselling author of romances for Harlequin Desire and the award-winning Bibliophile Mysteries. Kate’s first series of romances features the Duke brothers, Adam, Cameron, and Brandon, three wealthy bachelors who live and work in Dunsmuir Bay on the beautiful California coast. This month’s release is Brandon’s story,

HOW TO SEDUCE A BILLIONAIRE

Book Description

The first step...mix business with pleasure

New hairdo? Makeup? A dress? Where did his efficient secretary go? Because the woman in front of Brandon Duke is not the Kelly Meredith who left on vacation two weeks ago. He is shocked—and curiously enchanted—by her transformation.

She says this makeover is all part of her plan...to become more seductive. And this billionaire is just the man to give his suddenly sultry assistant a few lessons in love. He'll go slow, savor every moment and then say goodbye—as long as he can remember just who is seducing whom!

"Laugh-out-loud funny in spots and a consistently entertaining read, the unexpected romance of Brandon Duke and Kelly Meredith will give readers a wholly warm and joyful feeling."

—RT Book Review Magazine

Kate welcome to Romance Author Buzz. I would like to congratulate on your latest release How to Seduce a Billionaire. Is there a story behind the book story?

I love series about siblings, so I wanted to write a book about three fabulously handsome and wealthy brothers, but I wanted to give it a special twist. The Duke men are not biological brothers. They’re not related at all. They were all in foster care, and they were each troublemakers in their own way until Sally Duke took them in when they were about eight years old and loved the anger right out of them. As they bonded with their new mom, they forged a bond of brotherhood between them that was stronger than blood.

Now that they’re adults, incredibly successful in their careers, Sally has grown impatient for them to fall in love, get married, and make her some grandbabies. None of the men seem to be in a hurry to find The One, so Sally sets out to find a woman for each of them… despite their objections.

Do you plot your stories or let your characters lead you?

I plot my stories in advance, but I have found that my characters aren’t always willing to follow my lead. Quite often, they take me in directions that I’m convinced did not come out of my head.

What are you currently working on?

I recently finished the fifth book of my ongoing series of Bibliophile Mysteries, ONE BOOK IN THE GRAVE (out in February 2012), and now I’m working on my next Harlequin Desire about the Duke brothers’ twin cousins. The first twin’s book, AN INNOCENT IN PARADISE, comes out in December 2011.

Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite and why?

Oh dear! Well, naturally, I love Brooklyn Wainwright, my protagonist in the Bibliophile mysteries, and I’m in love her dashing British security expert lover, Derek Stone. And I love all my Duke Brothers heroes (and their lovely heroines). But if you must pin me down ... okay, I admit I adore Sally Duke because I modeled her after my mother. She’s smart and charming and determined to do everything in her power to make her sons happy. And she’s not very subtle about it!

What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?

The best thing is being able to give my creativity free rein. Writing, when it’s going well, is the best endorphin rush you could get. You know that feeling you get when you’re having a great dream, so great that you wake up smiling? That’s what writing feels like when you’re in the zone.

The hardest thing about being a writer is that even when you’re not in the zone, you have to be disciplined enough to sit down and work. “The zone” doesn’t just happen. Sometimes you have to force yourself to write when you don’t feel like it. When I do that, I invariably find myself excited about the story again within the first half hour.

What kind of daily schedule do you have? What types of things interrupt your writing? Describe a day in the life of Kate Carlisle.

We’re back to “the zone.” When I’m in it, nothing distracts me. When I’m struggling with the writing that day, a speck of dust can interrupt my train of thought. And I hate dusting (a never-ending, thankless job)!

I try to write every day. I’m publishing three to four books a year now – at least one mystery and two romances – and you have to be disciplined to keep up that pace. I’m fortunate to be able to write full-time, but I take my commitment to writing as seriously as I used to take my commitment to my paycheck job.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

First of all, I think my life story is more appropriately told on TV than in a movie. A sitcom, definitely. But if I could have any actress play me, I’d choose Angelina Jolie … uh, because we look so much alike? Right! Sadly, probably not going to happen. I’m more all-American girl next door than full-lipped exotic goddess. How about Sandra Bullock? Or Reese Witherspoon? Both cute and perky but with an edge. I like that.

What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?

I’m really fun on Facebook!

What are you currently reading?

Well, I just finished reading ONE NIGHT, TWO HEIRS by the fabulous Maureen Child. I love it! Rick is a great hero… a cowboy who’s currently serving in the Marines. Oh, and he’s independently wealthy since he inherited one of the largest ranches in Texas. Plus, he goes completely soft and gooey the instant he first lays eyes on his twin daughters. Love him!

Now I’m reading HEIRESS IN LOVE, a historical romance by Christina Brooke. I’m in love with this one, too! Lush writing, wonderful characters and a fabulous story about a marriage of convenience arranged by the highly secretive Ministry of Marriage in Regency England.

Kate,thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me!

Thank you for hosting me and for helping introduce readers to HOW TO SEDUCE A BILLIONAIRE. I hope they’ll rush out and buy the book the first week of August!

Where you can find Kate:

Kate's Website
Kate on Facebook
Kate onTwitter

Where you can find Kate's Duke brother series:

Adam Duke
Cameron Duke

Brandon Duke

A random commenter will win a copy of THE MILLIONAIRE MEETS HIS MATCH, the first book of the Duke brothers’ trilogy. US residents only, please. To win a copy, post a comment and leave your email so what you may be contacted. Follow Kate on Facebook for an extra chance to win and let us know.

On a personal note, I've read Kate's first two books in this Duke brother's series and they are incredible. Especially their adoptive mother and her friends.....great fun!

Q&A with Dianne Venetta and Giveaways

2011-07-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Dianne Venetta's Bio:

Dianne lives in Central Florida with her husband, two children and part-time Yellow Lab—Cody boy! When not whacking away at her keyboard crafting her next novel you'll find her in the family's organic garden chasing grasshoppers and plucking hornworms all the while crafting wild analogies between kids and plants and men. Definitely men.

A girl's gotta have fun, right?

When she's not knee-deep in dirt or romance, Dianne contributes garden advice for various websites and volunteers in her kids' school garden (a crazy existence to be sure). But at the end of the day, if she can inspire someone to stop and smell the roses--or rosemary!—kiss their child and spouse good-night, be kind to a neighbor and Mother Earth, then she's done all right

Book Description:

In a race against time, cardiologist Jennifer Hamilton is caught between her mother's dying wish and taking the risk of a lifetime with Jackson Montgomery. He's the man hired to complete the landscaping for her new home; the venue for her upcoming wedding. Jackson's everything she never wanted in a man, but as the job progresses, his lure pulls strong. It's an attraction she cannot deny. And one that puts her career on the line.

Dianne, welcome to Romance Author Buzz. Is there a behind the book story for Jennifer's Garden?

Jennifer's Garden epitomizes the showdown between a career woman's criteria for the perfect husband and what true love means. Briefly married early on, I thought long and hard about a second go-round with marriage. Who wants to repeat that mistake? Not me thus I debated on how best to go about choosing my next husband, the one I'd have children with and love until I'm old and blonde (not gray—never gray!). Should our relationship be based on personal chemistry or professional compatibility? Education, religion? There are so many factors, but which should top the list?

Looking around, I noticed many of my contemporaries were seeking men of equal or greater "stature," ie. potential suitors had to be equally or more successful, equally or more educated. Sure it made sense on a socio-economical level, but would it translate into overall compatibility as well?

That was the question then and the one now--facing my heroine in my current novel.

Do you plot or let characters lead you?

Both. I'm a plotter, outliner and like to have a general idea where I'm going before I set out on any given journey, but my characters have minds of their own too, and come up some crazy ideas! Being of spontaneous nature, I follow. Always up for a good adventure, right?

How long been writing?

Started writing about fifteen years ago. Inspiration struck and I was called to write a book centering on the relationship between mothers and daughters. Working through issues with my own mother at the time, I realized much of what we experience is simply rote learning, ie. we learn a cycle of behavior as youngsters and repeat that cycle of behavior as adults—unless we specifically choose otherwise and change direction.

What currently working on?

Currently I'm writing the third book in this series of novels with connected characters all of which is focused on a woman's personal growth and self-actualization. Each heroine has her own distinct set of issues and challenges she must face, yet each has friends on hand to help love and support her while she works through them. It's what we women do!

Favorite character?

I love Sam Rawlings! Is that bad? Like saying you love one child more than another? Oh, but this woman is so much fun to write, not only because of what she says and does but her general philosophy on life. In developing her, I drew from three people I know, combining their VERY different personalities into one strong can-do woman who makes for quite an interesting individual!

Best thing about my job?

I get to write my stories all day. I can spend hours upon hours at my computer and not even notice the passage of time. To earn a living this way is beyond dream come true.

Worst thing?

I don't have enough time to write all the books I want to write as fast as I want to write them!

Daily schedule?

Wake up, get coffee, start laundry and get writing! With the kids out school, I add a breakfast break, followed by a trip to our backyard garden. Weed, harvest, feed the peanuts, peppers and sweet potatoes, we then head back to the house.

Okay kids, time to play or read so mom can get back to work! But next thing you know, it's lunchtime which means eat, play and run errands. I mean, since I’m not able to write, I might as well be productive on the home front!

Until the husband comes home and wants to know what's for dinner. Ruh, roh. Forgot. But we have wine, right? Oh, thank God—quick, thaw some frozen fish! Cruising back on track we sail past dessert, baths, spousal conversation and it's off to bed.

Play lead role in movie version of my life?

Oooh…that's a tough one. The younger wild and crazy me, or the older sassy and fun-loving me?

Definitely want readers to know?

I write because I love to write. I have to write. When the first inspiration struck I don't believe it was coincidence. The story running through my head centered on mothers and daughters and working on the relationship with my own at the time I took it as a sign: detour!

Life is about living and loving and sometimes that means taking unexpected turns as we follow our heart. If no one else reads my books but my daughter, it's still worth it. Writing is a labor of love and my way of sharing with her the things I've learned along the way—hopefully—setting her on her best foot forward.

Which is why they better be entertaining or she won't learn a thing!

What do you want your readers to remember about you when someday you retire?

When I retire I want people to remember-- My stories were sexy and fun and hopeful—a reminder that HEA exists for all of us.

What are you currently reading?

In My Wildest Dreams by Christina Dodd and just finished Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts. I enjoy splitting my time between historical and contemporary.

What's your favorite song?

Favorite song -- James Taylor's You've got a friend

What's your favorite color:

Favorite color -- Hot pink, baby!

Motto?

(My tag line :) "Given the proper care and feeding, a woman will bloom in time; her own sweet time!"

Where can your readers find you?

Website
Facebook

Dianne, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your latest release and for the giveaways.

Free ebook giveaway Jennifer's Garden – Leave a comment on this blog to enter contest and send her an email: dianne@diannevenetta.com (so she can contact you!). Three random winners will be chosen by August 31st. Don't forget to leave your email as well on this blog.

Q&A AND GIVEAWAY WITH AUTHOR NADINE LARTER

2011-07-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Author Info

My name is Nadine Rose Larter and I was born in a small South African town called Molteno, somewhere in the heart of the Karoo. After my last year of high school I moved with my family to the city of Port Elizabeth where I now live with my son, my fiancé, and my two step children. I’m a bit of a free-spirit and have never been happy having a “day job”. I spend my days writing, or thinking about writing. Sometimes I do a bit of work.

I have always been a writer. I started writing poems and short stories when I was little, and I have intermittently kept diaries since I was about nine years old. In the last two years I have started taking my writing more seriously and have made the decision to become a full-time author. I have no formal education, aside from a year of Literature and Creative Writing study, but I am constantly trying to grow as a writer. Sometimes being a wife and mom makes fitting it all in a little tough but I am learning how to juggle it all slowly.

I chose to self publish simply because it feels like taking my future into my own hands and running with it. There are no excuses when it is just you. The self-accountability can be thrilling sometimes. Being ready and then actually being able to move forward instead of waiting to hear from publishers has been a special kind of blessing. I am not closed to the idea of having a publisher, I am just ready to go on without one for now.

About the book:

“Phillip, Sarah, Kaitlyn, Caleb, Maxine, Grant, Melanie and Josh grew up in a small town where they spent their high school years together as an inseparable clique. But high school has ended, and they are all living their own “grown up” lives, each under the impression that their group has basically come to an end. When Phillip dies in a hit and run accident, Kaitlyn summons the others to all come back home, forcing a reunion that no one is particularly interested in partaking in.

Coffee at Little Angels follows how each character deals with the death of a childhood friend while at the same time dealing with their own ignored demons after years of separation. Events unfold as the group tries to rekindle the friendship they once shared to honour the memory of a friend they will never see again.”

I wrote Coffee at Little Angels after a high school friend of mine died in a car accident. I locked on to the idea that had he died just two or three years earlier his death would have been even more excruciating to deal with. I was devastated by the loss of course. This was the boy who gave me my first kiss. He was a sweetheart with blue eyes and a beautiful smile. And he is missed by many. Including myself. But...in my case I don’t always miss him as though he is dead. I simply miss him as someone I haven’t seen in a while. Someone who I would love to catch up with sometime, should we be fortunate enough to bump into each other in the street. It often feels simply as if we no longer live in the same town.

You may notice that there are few proper nouns in this novel. There are no last names or town names. I didn’t forget to put them in. I left them out because I hope that Coffee at Little Angels will be the kind of novel that absolutely anyone can pick up and feel like they understand it. I hope that you will pick it up and feel like it could be about you.

Official Launch date: Late August 2011 for print copy

Sample Chapter:
Ebook copy available on The Katalina Playroom Website:
Ebook will also be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBookstore and Sony Readerstore.

Nadine, I would like to congratulate on your latest release, Coffee at Little Angels Is there a behind the book story?

There is kind of. While Coffee at Little Angels is not based on any specific even or person, I did start writing it after a school friend of mine died in a car accident. I was reading Nick Hornby’s A Long Way Down around the time I was mulling over the idea and that is why it is written the way it is. Not that you can compare the two books at all but while reading the book I couldn’t escape the idea that I should write my own book in the same fashion.

Do you plot your stories or lead your characters lead you?

Gosh you know: for a control freak my writing is very much un-plotted! When I started writing I would try to map things out to the very last detail before starting on the actual writing part. Perhaps that is why I have about four unfinished novels gathering dust. With Little Angels I started to learn how it’s OK to just go with it. I remember seeing an interview with Tori Amos once where she said her songs chose to be played by her and that she had very little say in the matter and I kind of snorted and thought how ridiculous. But I now know that it certainly can be like that sometimes. Sometimes you just have to go where the characters take you. It can be hard, but they often do know what’s best for the story.

How long have you been writing and what was your call story?

I don’t have a call story. I’ve published everything on my own through The Katalina Playroom. I’ve been putting off “being a writer” for so long that when I finally decided to JUST BE ONE I have to admit that the patience to wait for a publisher to come along and “make my dreams come true” was a rather non-existent entity. I took everything into my own hands and have just gone with it, without ever sending anything to any publishers. If a publisher wanted to pick up my work now that would be fine I guess, but I have actually been having quite a ride learning how to do this all myself and have never so much as caught myself wishing that I had one. Perhaps that makes me strange…

What are you currently working on?

At the moment I am working on a novel called The Tequila Thursday Writing Club. It’s a giant mess but I’m hoping it will come together eventually. It’s about a blocked writer whose best friends tricks him into running a writing group.

Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?

From Little Angels Grant and Maxine are my favourites. Such stubborn characters too! The others in the book allowed themselves to be manipulated – but not those two! Grant for one was supposed to be short and stocky, but he insisted on being tall and thin. Maxine was supposed to be a horrible cow, but she turned out to be pretty spectacular.

What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?

The best part is that I get to be at home with my kid. He does make things a little difficult sometimes because he has his demanding days but mostly he plays and gets on with things himself and just comes around every now and then for a hug and a kiss. The hard part is the actual working. Because I’m home I do get distracted sometimes, but on the flip side of that coin, because home and work are interlinked I very often find myself working up to fourteen hour days. The hardest thing is to separate home life and writing life. I tend to get stuck into something and then don’t quit until it is done, which can be kind of hard on my family life.

What kind of daily schedule do you have? What types of things interrupt your writing? Describe a day in the life of you.

Life interrupts my writing! Constantly. Unfortunately compartmentalizing only works in theory. I don’t have a specific schedule but I do like to do as much creative work in the mornings as possible. I find that between 8 and 12 I am my most productive. And then after about 8 in the evening I become productive again. I would probably nap every afternoon if I could. If only my nap time would come at night! I can’t really give you any sort of schedule in point form but typically my days consist of a mash-up of writing, networking, making tea for the kid, jumping up to dance with Barney every now and then, getting cereal for the kid (it’s all he eats sometimes! Stubborn like his mother!). Hmmm…if only I could make up something more fabulous…

If a movie was made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Ooh can I pick Lauren Graham? Not because we’re anything alike really but just because I think she is fabulous and sometimes I wish I was Lorelai Gilmore...

What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?

Nothing really. I’m just a person. And I don’t say that to be self-deprecating or anything like that. It’s just that a mistake many of make is to think that you need to be some sort of weird eccentric person who dresses in hessian bags and smokes a corn husk pipe in order to be taken seriously as an artist. I’m all for “individuality” but one of the saddest things I have come across in today’s society is the gross misconception that the arts are reserved strictly for the strange. I am not strange. I dress neither well nor badly. I have average music tastes, I am of average intelligence, I have average interests. And I love to write. That is enough.

When the time comes for you to retire from writing, what would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?

Wow. Don’t be shy with the tough questions huh?! I hope that it will be said that my writing was reliably relatable, that it was always real and that it never tried to masquerade as something that it wasn’t.

What are you currently reading?

Water for Elephant by Sara Gruen

Favorite song?

Kiss the Rain by Billie Myers (don’t’ laugh!)

Favorite color?

Green.

Before I let you go though, is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?

Yeah. Please buy my ebook so I can buy my kid food ;-)

Nadine, lol. Thanks so much for stopping by Romance Author Buzz.

For a chance to win a copy of Nadine's ebook, leave a comment here and your email address. Thanks for stopping by Romance Author Buzz. Winner will be announced August 31st. Contest is International

I write regularly on these four websites:

Passing the Open Windows
The Katalina Playroom
The Poetry Project
The Writers Club

You can follow me on twitter (@Nayes1982)

Or say hi on Facebook

ONLY MINE by Susan Mallery

2011-07-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Susan Mallery's latest book, ONLY MINE, is available today... and I'm very honored to say that she dedicated it to me. I adore Susan. I started out as her fan, and now I'm both her fan and her friend.

In ONLY MINE, Dakota Hendrix is working behind the scenes on a TV dating show, making sure that the men on the show are up to the Fool's Gold standards. Finn Andersson doesn't want his younger brothers (handsome young twins) to be on the show, but to his dismay, Dakota doesn't obey his every command. (Don't you love a woman who stands up for herself?) You can read a free excerpt of ONLY MINE at FoolsGoldCA.com/bookstore.html.

ONLY YOURS and ONLY HIS, stories for Montana and Nevada Hendrix, Dakota's triplet sisters, will be out in the coming months.

Thea Devine - The Darkest Heart Giveaway (US Residents Only)

2011-07-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Ever since a terrible fire killed her older son, one ambition has ruled Countess Lazlaric. Desperate to continue the family legacy, she is determined that her rakehell second son wed and produce an heir. Now, she’s found the perfect bride. A distant relative, writing to beg for help, is ideal for her secret plans.Alone in the world, beautiful raven-haired Senna Landseth finds more than just Drom Manor’s isolation sending a shiver down her spine. Countess Lazlaric seems overly eager to welcome her, strange noises fill the cavernous corridors of the gloomy manor, and she senses she is being spied upon. Then a note mysteriously appears, inscribed with chilling words: “I’m watching you. Nicolai.”In the years since the fire that supposedly destroyed him, Nicolai Lazlaric has inhabited the world of a vampire, consumed with seeking revenge on the creature who turned him. Now, it is time to return to Drom Manor. But Nicolai has no idea how badly the Countess wants an heir—or that his hated brother’s prospective bride is residing there. Senna’s unexpected presence upends Nicolai’s plans, for he can think only of possessing the beautiful innocent, of taking her in a blood-binding seduction from which she will never escape. . . .

About the Author

She's the author whose books defined erotic historical romance. Romantic Times calls her "The Queen of Erotic Romance," Affaire de Coeur: "... the divine mistress of sensual writing ..."

She's Thea Devine (yes, it's her real name), and she's the author of 18 steamy historical romances (with three more to come), as well as contributing novellas to Kensington Books' USAToday best-selling erotic historical romance anthologies, CAPTIVATED, FASCINATED, and TAKEN BY SURPRISE. She's also written a handful of sexy contemporary romantic novellas for Kensington and Leisure Books, and she made her debut in full-length contemporary romance in 1999 with NIGHT MOVES, for Harlequin Temptation "Blaze".

She lives and works in Connecticut (and summers in Maine), but more to the point, she really lives that secret life readers sometimes think she does: for the past twenty years, she's also been a professional manuscript reader.

She's been married 36 years to John, a school administrator, and has two grown sons, Michael and Thomas; and two sister felines, Charlotte and Emily Bronte Cat; and two dogs: mini-doxie Midgie, who recently joined the family; and the headstrong, stubborn and wilful black lab, Maggie, who has, Thea says, all the qualities of a good heroine.

Thanks to Thea's publisher, I'm able to offer a copy of The Darkest Heart to one lucky US resident. To win a copy, simply follow this blog or Romance Author Buzz and Reviews on Facebook. Don't forget to leave your email address so that you can be contacted.

Contest will end August 26th

Interview With Author Mary Matthews and US Residents Giveaway

2011-06-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

Meet Mary Matthews

Mary Matthews loved being an English major in college because it meant reading novels and talking about novels everyday. She also loves American history and is a descendant of an American Revolutionary War Patriot who played the Fife while he marched next to the Drummer during battles. She likes to say he played an instrumental role in the American Revolution. She also likes puns obviously. She lives in Southern California with her family.

Book Description:

Harlan Michaels is a powerful trial lawyer who usually flees romance as quickly as his Gucci loafers can carry him. He's immersed in a deadly wheel case when he meets Lana Stewart, a therapist, who is treating his orphaned client. He's immediately intrigued by the long legged blonde's indifference to his wealth and stature. Lana longs for a romance that's like an old Cary Grant movie. When Lana recognizes Harlan as her fantasy hero, she emerges from her cocoon like a butterfly.

Welcome Mary Matthews to Romance Author Buzz. Is there a back story to Waiting for Cary Grant?

A friend of mine invited me to a Spa Weekend. While I was watching a rerun of a Cary Grant movie in the Spa’s TV Room, I heard an elderly woman say, “This is why I never married. I was waiting for someone like Cary Grant.” And she sounded serious!

I thought it would be amusing if a heroine professed that she was "Waiting for Cary Grant" I also love classic movies and Cary Grant's character is asked in one classic film that's quoted in the book by the heroine: "Do you know what's wrong with you?" And when he asks, "What?, She responds, "Nothing"

I loved creating a hero that would spark her emergence from a cocoon of Cary Grant movies.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?

I wrote a speech for my Dad’s birthday when I was 9 and it was well received by my family. I took my Dad’s compliments as a sign of talent.

Do you plot your stories or let your characters lead you?

I let my characters lead me.

Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?

In Waiting for Cary Grant, I didn’t have a favorite character. I identified with the heroine’s love for Cary Grant movies though!

What are you currently working on?

I’m writing Emeralds, Diamonds and Amethysts. It’s a sequel to Splendid Summer.

Both books capture San Diego during the Roaring Twenties and feature romantic detectives Grace Wentworth and Jack Brewster.

In Splendid Summer, when Socialite Grace Wentworth's uncle mysteriously dies, Pinkerton Detective, Aviator, and Coronado Tent City resident Jack Brewster doesn't want a Doll's help with his investigation. But the difference between Grace Wentworth and a pit bull is a pit bull eventually lets go! They solve the mystery with help from Jack's magical white cat, Tatania. In Emeralds, Diamonds and Amethysts, Grace and Jack recover historically significant jewelry while their own relationship deepens.

If Oprah invited you onto her show to talk about Waiting for Cary Grant, what would the theme of the show be?

Women empowered by romantic fantasies find real life romantic heroes.

What is something you definitely want readers to know about you?

I write about heroines that triumph over adversity through wit and determination. I want readers to feel empowered while reading my books and walking vicariously in my heroine’s pumps.

What would you like your readers to remember the most about you and your writing?

I love the saying, “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” I want readers to remember my books as adventures filled with hope in a world where all things are possible.

What are you currently reading?

The Paris Wife.

Before I let you go is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?

I hope they have a splendid summer!

Mary Matthews, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me!

Website
Other: splendidsummer@aol.com

I’d love to give away a copy of Waiting for Cary Grant. Readers can read Kindle books on their PC, Mac, IPhone, Ipad, Blackberry, Android or Windows Phone, if they don’t have a Kindle. To enter the contest, please leave a comment. It’s that easy. US residents only, please.

Don't forget to leave your email address so that you can be contacted. Mary

Lori Foster Get Together Reader/Author Get Together and Live Chat - June 3 and 4

2011-06-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Live from the Get Together!

Lori Foster Talks with Virna DePaul, Toni Blake and Mary Burton

Join the dialogue and the chatter about books, reading, readers and writing at the 7th Annual Reader & Author Get Together!

June 3rd, 2011

4:30-5:30 pm Eastern/1:30-2:30 pm Pacific

Either Enter your name here

Or Join here For more info about the event, here

June 4th

Turn in from 1 to 2 PM and 4 to 5PM { (EST)

Meet Jules Benett, Lori Foster, industry guest Sue Grimshaw, Nalini Singh, Ann Christomer, Patricia Sargent, Regina Hart, Liane Gentry Skye, Gentry Lee Burke and Kate Douglas

Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop May 26th thru May 31st

2011-05-24T01:01:00.000-07:00

I'm giving away to US residents one copy of Kathryn Ross's Interview with a Playboy. A UK edition of a Mills and Boon Modern. To win a copy, please follow this blog and/or share with us what are your summer plans. Don't forget to leave your email address. Winner will be announced June 1st.

What money can’t buy… Lucas Vieira needs a translator to seal a high-profile business deal, and also a woman to pose as his girlfriend to fend off a colleague’s over-eager wife – so why not kill two birds with one stone? Translator Caroline Hamilton jumps at the chance to earn some decent money. But when she meets her client she realises she may be out of her depth. The powerful Brazilian seems to be interested in more than her brains… But is the price of passion just too high?

Meet Lori Foster and Giveaway (US residents only)

2011-05-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Lori, welcome to Romance Author Buzz. Much of WHEN YOU DARE is set in Kentucky. What part? Why this setting? Does the area have special meaning for you? For your family?

I rarely specify a “real” area when writing books, because I find that too limiting. However, when I set stories in Kentucky, I’m usually thinking of Williamstown because that’s where I spent most of my summers growing up. Being on the lake, boating, skiing, swimming, sunning myself and just plain having a great time, are some of my best memories. My parents had a fishing cabin there—one bedroom, small but open space for eating and sitting—and I loved it. No air conditioning, no heat, but who cared? I learned to ski when I was six, and our routine was to put on our jammies for bed, and in the morning we changed back into bathing suits. Not much else was needed.

Being on a lake makes everything better—especially coffee in the morning. You stand on the deck and watch the fog rise off the lake, and peace just settles around you. It’s perfect.

Where have you lived? How long?

I’ve lived in Ohio all my life. My husband and I grew up here, went to school here, got jobs here, and now we’ve raised our sons here. Actually, though hubby and I didn’t meet until the 3rd day of our sophomore year of high school, we always lived near each other. I love Ohio, especially the suburbs with the small town vibe. I can’t imagine ever moving away from my family. We’re all pretty close—and I like it that way!

Did you enjoy school?

I was not a great student. That is, I got good grades, but never, ever enjoyed school. As an energetic daydreamer, it was an almost painful thing to have to sit still during class. When I hit high school and could pick most of my own classes, I had several writing courses like horror fiction, humor literature, and composition. And I went nuts on art class. Every study hall or free period was spent in the art room. I had an amazing art teacher– a wonderful artist and an eclectic teacher, which was perfect for me.

Have you had other jobs in addition to your writing?

I’ve worked as a cashier at Kroger where one of my jobs was also to clean the break room and bring in carts from the lot—through rain and snow and blistering heat. I worked on an assembly line at Procter & Gamble. I’ve also been a babysitter and house cleaner. In comparison, writing is a dream come true! Sure it’s difficult at times, and it really soaks up the hours, but always, with past jobs as a comparison, I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love, to share it with others, and to be compensated too!

Motherhood—you were able to stay home with your children. How important was it to be able to do that?

I’m one of those women who would have gone stark raving mad if I’d had to turn my kids over to someone else. I’m the supreme mother hen and a world-class worrier. When I think of what other mothers have gone through—many who didn’t have the same opportunity to stay home with their children—it breaks my heart and again, makes me feel so fortunate and blessed. When the kids were younger—before I’d ever published—my husband and I lived on a very tight budget to make it possible for me to be home, but I’ve never regretted that.

Do you ever “steal” attributes from your boys or your husband and give them to your characters? What, if anything, have your learned from living in a houseful of men that has helped you develop your male protagonists?

My kids are hilarious—they get that from their dad. They’re also very physical guys, athletic and protective and outspoken. Alphas for sure. So yes, I’ve often stolen lines, actions, or attitudes from them to use in books.

Living with all guys...well, our house drips testosterone, but it’s so fun! They’re forever amusing, and give me the perfect opportunity to witness “guyness” and to appreciate male traits for how they differ from mine.

The family you grew up with—do you have brothers, sisters? If so, are you close? Do they live nearby?

I have an assorted family—which maybe helps explain the less-typical families I write about. I have a sister, step-sister, and a half brother, but none of us thinks in those terms. My stepfather—who passed away recently—was my Dad in every sense of the word. I miss him terribly.

Hubby and I are all about keeping family together and close, so most of the family gatherings happen at our house. We get both sides of the family together as often as we can, which is usually four or five times a year. Depending on nieces and nephews, who has a date and who doesn’t, we can get upwards of 60 people at a time. And we love it! You can never have too much family.

What attributes do you share with Dare and Molly? Of course, Molly is a successful writer, so you have that in common. Anything else?

Molly actually came about because of some reader mail I’d gotten—threatening me. I know readers get very invested in stories, and I’m thrilled that they care so much. Occasionally they write me with their frustrations over something that didn’t go quite how they wanted it to, or because they want a character to have a book, but I don’t have a book for that character. That’s fine—I enjoy hearing from them. But threats? Well, I’ve had a few that crossed the line. That’s not the typical reader, and it can be worrisome.

After one particular threat, the idea for Molly and the elements of the storyline dealing with one of her readers as a suspect took shape in my mind.

I love hearing from readers, whether they liked a book or not. But, just like Molly, I think my privacy is important, too.

How did the first Reader and Author Get Together come about?

Dianne Castell and I wanted to do a “thank you” to the community of readers and writers, and we envisioned it as being very small. We thought if we got a dozen people, we’d be happy—but our first year, we got around 100 attendees.

From there, it’s grown like crazy! We love to visit with other readers and authors, and we know they enjoy it too, so we’ve worked hard to keep the laid-back, easy atmosphere of the event so that lots of chit chat is possible, while at the same time doing something really worthwhile—like donating our raffle money to great local charities and bringing in agents and editors so newer authors can pitch their work to them in person, and longtime readers can get questions answered.

By dipping into our own pockets, and thanks to donations from publishers and agencies, we’ve kept the price a very affordable $50. This year is our seventh Get Together here in the Cincinnati and Dayton metro area and it will benefit One Way Farm’s Children’s Home. Information is on my site and registration ends May 19th. If you’re reading this in time and want to attend, hurry! And Saturday’s big book signing is open to the public. Come by and see us!

What is your professional schedule moving forward?

Currently I’m hard at work on another single title, but ask me in a week or so and that answer could be different. 2011 has been wonderful so far with an anthology in March titled, The Guy Next Door, and then a new single title series out May, June and July—When Your Dare, Trace of Fever, and Savor the Danger, with some part of the hero’s name in each title. (P.S. There’s a bit of a link between The Guy Next Door and my three new novels. Although the books tie together by characters, each can be read alone.)

Also in June is another “benefit anthology,” which is a pet project of mine where proceeds from the anthology go to a local charity. In 2011 the anthology is The Promise of Love and, as do the proceeds from the Seventh Annual Reader & Author Get Together, it will benefit One Way Farm, a home for abused and abandoned children.

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When You Dare, May 2011 (Now on sale!)

Trace of Fever, June 2011 ● Savor the Danger, July 2011

CONTEST (US residents only)

Thanks to Lori's publisher, she is offering (2) lucky US residents an opportunity to win a copy of When you Dare and a Trace of Fever. To win a copy, please follow Lori on Facebook and Twitter. Tell her what you enjoyed about this interview and come back here, post a comments and your email as well. Winner will be announced JULY 5TH.

7/5/11 Lori's publisher sent me a copy of Savor The Danger, so (3) of you will win! Wha Hoo

I hope you'll also stop by Lori's website and see all of the wonderful causes she helps to sponsor, ie children, animals, soldiers, etc.