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Tuesday Talent – Anne Kane!

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

It’s Tuesday again!!! And I have a fellow Writer Gone Wild, Anne Kane. I’m so happy to have her in the spotlight! I’m stealing her website bio because it’s SHEER BRILLIANCE :)

Anne is a gorgeous supermodel who writes romance in her spare time while jetting around Europe with a string of boytoys in tow.

Hmmm… no one is going to believe that. How about this?

Anne is an undercover agent for a super secret government agency, and when not saving the world for democracy and all the good people, she writes romance one-handed on a special mini computer designed just for her by a mad scientist.

Yeah, that sounds way better. So, ignore the people who tell you she’s just an ordinary person with an extraordinary imagination. They’re just jealous because she gets to play with James Bond and vacation in exotic locations.

Honestly!

When she’s not busy saving the world or writing the next great novel, she likes to kayak, hike, ride motorcycles, swim, skate, practice karate, play her guitar, sing, and of course, read.

See, I told you! AWESOME Bio!!! LOL. Now on to the interview…

Me: What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

A.K: Call of the Wild by Jack London. I don’t think it was the genre that hooked me so much as the fact that it opened up the world for me. It was the first book I read that took me to a place I’d never been and made me feel a part of it. I guess what I’m trying to say is that it showed me the magic of a well crafted story.

ME: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

A.K: There’s a couple **blush**. Kelley Armstrong would be number one, and I did see her once at a book signing in Kelowna, but it was so busy that I never actually got to talk to her. Christine Feehan is a close second, and I would love to meet her too. I love her Ghostwalker series, her Dark series, heck, anything she writes. LOL.

What’s your:

  • Favorite color?  Blue                     
  • Favorite season? – Spring
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book? Indiana Jones (he’s just so much FUN!)
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? Pretzels – carbs and salt wrapped in one hard to resist crunchy delight.
  • What’s your Astrological sign?  Gemini
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I write the toe-curling variety. I know some people don’t approve, but really, who falls in love and doesn’t want to get naked and have fun?
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories?  I read them all. I’m a book –a- holic. If I’m desperate I even read instructions! :)

ME: What’s on your desk when you write?

A.K: I don’t write at a desk. I use a laptop and hide somewhere away from phones and distractions. I have a corner in my garden that works really well. The problem with my desk is that I never seem to get down to the business of writing. I organize. I pay bills. I schedule promo. Anything but writing.

ME: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

A.K: LOL! Ever heard the song “The Cat Came Back.”? It got stuck in my head one day and this is the result. In my usual obsessive compulsive way I started to wonder, came back from where? Why did she come back? Why did she leave? Is she going to stay? I couldn’t let it go until I invented a whole story to explain that title.

ME: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

 A.K: Nothing is sexier than the sound of your lover working her way toward a climax.

 I love that line because it explains so much about the hero and how he feels about Cat.

ME: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

A.K: I just started working on a new project. The working title is Mercenaries: Private Skirmish. As with most of my books this will be a M/F. Here’s the opening paragraph <G> Just keep in mind this is rougher than sandpaper!

Deeglared at the guard as he nudged her back into place with the barrel of his plasma rifle. One lousy moment of inattention and here she was, waiting her turn on the auction block.

Where to find Anne on the web:

Website

Writer’s Gone Wild

Twitter

Facebook

 

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Tuesday Talent – Saranna DeWylde

Tuesday, August 28th, 2012

 

Thanks so much for taking the spotlight today Saranna! I love getting to interview new-to-me authors and hear about their process, favorites, and books! I admit, your cover has already piqued my interest. I think it will have to go on my TBR list… NOW.

On to the interview:

Me: What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

 S.D: This is such a difficult question. I’ve always been a reader. My mother started reading to me when I was very young and books have always been a part of my life. I don’t remember the first time a book grabbed me because I think they all did.

Me: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

 S.D: Many! I’m a writer, but I’m also a reader with a soul deep love of the genre. I’ve been lucky enough to have met many of the authors I grew up loving and those I fell in love with as an adult. Eloisa James, Teresa Medeiros, Christina Dodd, Kat Martin, Bertrice Small, Jennifer Blake and more recent additions to my auto buy list, Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole and F. Paul Wilson. They were all just fantastic.

What’s your:

  • Favorite color?  Purple                     
  • Favorite season? Fall
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book? Oh, there are so many. I love Heathcliff, Susan Kay’s version of Erik (the Phantom), Lothaire, I could go on.
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? Chocolate.
  • What’s your Astrological sign? Leo.
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? Mostly toe-curling, but I write wherever the characters take me. It’s not up to me.
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? It depends on the author and the characters.

ME: What’s on your desk when you write?

S.D: My living situation is not ideal so I don’t have a desk. I use the dining room table. I have so much junk in my workspace, it’s ridiculous. But mostly, books.

Me: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

 S.D: I had ADD, so I used to need music to give part of my brain busy work while the rest writes, but I’ve worked through that and I prefer to write in the quiet. Although, there are some songs that will hit me as belonging to certain characters. Caspian and Grace had a playlist, but I can’t find it now.

Me:What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

S.D: It’s actually a whole scene. I don’t want to give too much away but someone tells my hero that he can see he’d die for the heroine, but would he live for her. It moves me. Because to me, that’s what love is. Dying for someone is easier than living for them. You can only die once, but living for someone, that’s every day and it’s something you have to do over and over again. 

Me: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

S.D: Well, this year has been pretty busy for me. I have a whole slew of releases. (YAY) The second book in this series, How To Marry A Warlock in 10 Days comes out September 25, Felony Hex releases from Ellora’s Cave in October, as well as an anthology I’m in with Lauren Hawkeye and Megan Hart called Hot and Haunted from Avon Red. Then, my memoir called Sweet Hell on Fire releases from Sourcebooks in October. I’m also planning on releasing two serial novels. One is an erotica piece called Owned By the Enforcer. Think a Russian mobster version of Days of Our Lives with more sex and an urban fantasy series about a serial killer cop kind of like Dexter meets Anita Blake called Ride of the Darkyrie. So, my plate is crazy full.

**You are crazy busy! But busy is good right? Congrats on all of the Good coming your way!**

Me: Who is your favorite character from Greek Mythology OR which Olympian would you want to be? And why?

S.D: Would it wrong to choose one of my characters? While writing Desperate Housewives of Olympus I fell for Thanatos. He was dark, but he wasn’t really tortured. He was so confident and sure of himself, a cyberpunk version of death. I just love him. I really thought it would be Hades in all of his tortured glory that appealed to me, and don’t get me wrong, I love tortured. But Thanatos just… YUM.

**Not at all Saranna – I tend to fall in love with my characters too! LOL!**

WEBSITE

 FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Amazon Author Page

On Barnes & Noble

 

 GOT DEMON?

Grace does. She’s got more demon than she can saddle. In fact, she’s got a sinfully sexy Crown Prince of Hell named Caspian. She’s also got ten days to get rid of him or Bad Things shall ensue. See, her Russian mobster ex-boyfriend didn’t take kindly to her smutty Mephistophelean contract. It’s not that she’s conspiring with fiends; that was his idea. It’s that she’s conspiring against him with outrageous devilry that runs the gamut from embarrassing to a dead hooker turned dominatrix demon gunning for his soul.

One should never trust demons, let alone shag them. They don’t have hearts. Yet Grace is buying hers some slightly tarnished armor and hoping that once he’s been shoveled into it, kicking and screaming, he’ll find it’s just his size.  This damsel in distress needs a dark knight for a Happily Ever After.

Thanks for visiting today!!!

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Friday Special = Chat with Sylvia McDaniel

Friday, August 24th, 2012

 

I’ve wanted Sylvia on the blog forever! Thankfully she could drop by today!!! She’s an amazing author, one who is sharing her previously published works digitally on Amazon. This is reason to celebrate people. If you are a true fan of romance and you haven’t read Sylvia’s work before, go to Amazon NOW for a weekend read. Your inner romance addict will be appeased and love you all the more.

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Sylvia through Dallas Area Romance Authors and the Plotting Princesses. Yes, it’s great to be a Plotting Princess – these ladies are an amazingly Talented group!

We’re going to jump straight into the interview… Ready, go:

Me: What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

S.M: Gosh that’s difficult!  I’ve loved to read all my life and in high school I read Victoria Holt’s gothics–loved them. Then my first romance was probably THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodweiss.  Today, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Rachel Gibson, Julie James, Susan Wiggs and Robyn Carr are some of my favorites.

ME: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

S.M:  Susan Elizabeth Phillips.  I have signed autograph copies of her books and yes, I’ve met her. 

ME: What’s your:

  • Favorite color?  Blue                          
  • Favorite season? Spring or any season where the temperature is not over 100 freaking degrees
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book?  I love bad boy heroes.  I use to love Nicholas Cage. But lately, I’ve had a fondness for Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling.
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)?  Chips/Salsa/or Crunchy Snapeas
  • What’s your Astrological sign? Gemini
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I think sweet and cuddly, but I recently received a 1 star review because the reader said my book had too much sex. Huh? Me? Please! She didn’t criticize the writing, just the fact there was too much sex, but she finished the book.
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I read it all. It takes a lot to make me put down a book. I think you can always learn something even from bad books.

ME: What’s on your desk when you write?

S.M: Too much paper!! I’m trying to clean it off and just have my folder that has my research information in along with pictures of my characters and names of everyone in the book. By the time you reach page 400 I can forget what I named their great-aunt.

ME: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

S.M: I write with quiet or else I’m singing. I tried to write to Antonio Bocelli because it was in Latin and I’ll be darned, if I didn’t try to sing Italian.

ME: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

S.M: Hmmm….that’s a hard one.  From My Sister’s Boyfriend, there’s one that’s at the beginning.  ” I didn’t come back to Tyler to dress up as an over-the-hill sex queen.”

ME: What happens next :) ?

S.M: Next is that she is dancing in front of the one boy she’d loved in High School, Dr. Brad Moulton. The one boy she’d traded places with her twin sister to date.

ME: Who is your favorite character from Greek Mythology OR which Olympian would you want to be? And why?

S.M: I use to love Greek Mythology.  I read it in elementary school because I loved the way the characters were strong. But to be honest, I don’t remember much about them anymore. I would want to be the character that no matter what happened she returned stronger and better than ever. That’s the way my publishing career has been. You can knock me down, but I’ll come back better.

Coming soon to Amazon…

Twitter: WriterSylvia — Yeah, I couldn’t use my name, but I should have come up with something better.

My Facebook Author page is under construction again.

http://www.sylviamcdaniel.com/

 

 

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Tuesday Talent – J.A. Garland & GIVEAWAY

Tuesday, August 14th, 2012

Today I have the extremely cool and super well-read J.A. Garland.

I love her tagline: Where Fantasy Becomes Reality!

 

 

Maybe it’s because I totally relate to it?

So read on…

 

ME:What was the first romance or book you read that grabbed you? Who is the author?

J.A.G: Ride the Wind by Lucia St. Clair Robson. This book is a gripping read, one I have hung on to through many moves. Adventure and history abound as we follow several couples through their life journeys. If you haven’t read it, you are definitely missing out!

**OMG – I LOVED this Book J.A. – I sobbed and sobbed over it when Wandered let himself die… sorry**

ME: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

J.A.G: I think I have read every one of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s books. Which is quite an accomplishment since she is quite the prolific writer! No, I have never stalked, er, met her. Of course I would love to talk to her, but not at a stuffy, automated book signing. I’m thinking it would be fun to chat about life and writing over coffee and beignets in a New Orleans cafe. What do you think, Sherrilyn? Are you up for it?

 What’s your:

  • Favorite color?  Glacial blue, the kind that takes your breath away.
  • Favorite season? Fall, when the leaves change color and the afternoons are crisp and chilly.
  •  Favorite Hero – movie or book? Ash, or as he’s formally known, Archeron. The first Dark-Hunter ever created in the Dark-Hunter series, he is the perfect balance of torment and hope.
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? If you know anything about me, you know that I am a self professed cheese puff connoisseur. I spend a lot of time researching and sampling different types of cheesy goodness. Which leads me to my next favorite thing to do…running. Thank goodness, right, or else I would be a tank! I’m also very ‘into’ the P90X workout videos. I tried ‘Insanity’, but wasn’t all that thrilled. It was all indoor cardio, and besides missing my trail runs, I lost a lot of strength from not lifting weights. So, I went back to running and P90X. It is the perfect balance!
  • What’s your Astrological sign? Capricorn. I am a full-time firefighter, which lends well to the type A personality, stubborn and driven.
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? Ha ha, no! My stories are urban fantasy, so there is lots of action, and not the between the sheets kind.
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? No. I write in the same genre’s that I like to read. I enjoy spy thrillers and urban fantasy–anything action packed that gets your pulse racing, and the pages turning.

ME: What’s on your desk when you write?

J.A.G: A big mug of coffee! I am a dedicated morning person. I get up before the sun, around 5am. I then drink a carafe of coffee–I’m not joking–I have the blood pressure to show for it, lol. Then I go for a run. I run at least 6 days a week. My favorite place to run is at a nearby park. 500 acres of trails, I love it! When I run I think about the next chapter of my current W.I.P. So by the time I get home, I am all ready to have at the computer. I peter out around noon, but get a second wind in the evening. Then I usually edit paragraphs I’ve already written, I don’t add anything new.

ME:  Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

J.A.G: My writing area must be as quiet as possible. I used to listen to music when I wrote, then I realized that the emotion of the songs carried into my writing. Which can be a good and bad thing. Maybe you didn’t want flowery and passionate when you were constructing that fight scene?

ME: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

J.A.G: Well, it hasn’t come out yet, but here is the first line from my WIP. I really like it because I think it has a strong hook. What do you think?

           It takes one part opportunity, two parts discipline, and three parts disposition to effect a solid assassination operation. Having two out of the three this chilly Seattle evening, Slade considered himself in an unusual abundance of good fortune. 

ME: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

J.A.G: I am currently working on book two of the Halfling Chronicles. Without giving anything away, this novel pursues the origins of the Halflings and the Shadow creatures who wish to control them. It also follows Slade, who tried really hard in book one to take center stage. In this book he gets full rein, and boy does he take it!

 Thanks so much for chatting with me today, Sasha!

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Tuesday Talent – WENDY RUSSO

Tuesday, June 19th, 2012

Me: What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

W.R: Put Me In the Zoo, by Robert Lopshire. It left such an impression on me that when I saw it in B&N thirty years after it got lost in a move, I remembered how the little colored spots made my five year old self feel. I had to get it for my son, and it’s now one of his very favorite books. He’s “read” it to his class at pre-school.

 By contrast, one of my favorite books from my early teens, The Bridge to Terabithia, didn’t make the impression that I thought it had at the time. Today, I can’t recall the plot.

Me:Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

 W.R: Neal Stephenson. I have not met him. I want to, and yet I don’t.  I’d probably squander the opportunity by misplacing my entire polysyllabic vocabulary.

Me: What’s your:

  • Favorite color? Orange (much to my own horror) 
  • Favorite season? spring
  • Favorite Hero – Kara “Starbuck” Thrace, Battlestar Galactica
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? Potato chips.
  • What’s your Astrological sign? Virgo
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I’m more comfortable with sweet romance.
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? One of my critique partners writes m/m erotica, so I’ve had my toes curled on occasion.

 

Me: What’s on your desk when you write?

 W.R: I write at the kitchen table, so salt & pepper shakers, centerpiece with purple and gold mums (silk), and crumbs from my kids’ last meal. I also write on the couch, so often there are Nerf disc guns handy.

 

Me: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

W.R: Music. I do better with noise. Dream Theater’s A Rite of Passage played a big role in getting the plot of January Black rolling.

 

Me: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

W.R: “How often has curiosity led men toward certain death? How many men have been condemned for turning right instead of left?”

I like the lyric quality of it. It’s thoughtful, and in context with the scene, it has a lot of gravity to it.

 

Me:What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

 W.R: I’m working on a few things. Two unrelated works in the same universe…one is New Adult sci-fi, the other is paranormal. I’m also starting a major rewrite of a shelved novel, and adding 2k to a ghost story so that it crosses over into novella length.

 

Me: Who is your favorite character from Greek Mythology OR which Olympian would you want to be? And why?

 W.R: Athena is wise and kicks ass. What’s not to like about her?

 

Want more Wendy? She’s very cool and so is her blog!!!

Website

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Goodreads

Thanks so much for taking the spotlight today Wendy! I cannot wait to read and review your upcoming release: January Black

Here’s an excerpt for ‘January Black’:

Sixteen-year-old Matty Ducayn is a disappointment to everyone who knows him. As the son of The Hill’s commandant, he is expected conform to a strict, unspoken code of conduct. Small acts of defiance over years—like playing in the dirt and walking on the grass—have earned him a reputation for being unruly, but it’s his sarcastic test answers that finally get him expelled from school. Instead of punishing him, King Hadrian offers Matty a diploma, with a catch. He must answer a question: What was January Black?

With the help of Iris, a gardener on his father’s staff, Matty takes his quest beyond The Hill’s walls and tightly controlled media. But trying to solve the puzzle puts him on a collision course with the Janus Law, a royal decree mandating death to those who trespass in a forbidden garden. Has Hadrian set him up from the beginning to lose?

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Posted in Author Interview, Books | 4 Comments »

Thursday Blog Fun!

Thursday, June 14th, 2012

June 14 Interview/Promo/Review
June 14 Character Guest Post and review
Midtown Underground
If you’re a Medusa Fan, or you’re curious about the book, check out these two fun stops on Medusa’s book blog tour.
And Happy Friday Eve to you all!!
If you leave a comment on BOTH Blogs AND One here – I think I’ll send you some book pretties….

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Tuesday Talent – KATE EVANGELISTA

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Tuesday Talent is  extra-special today.

 

Not only is Kate Evangelista, a fellow Crescent Moon Press author (Woot! CMP Rocks!), here BUT, her fantastic YA novel: Taste is NOW available HERE.

To help celebrate her fantastic Book Birthday – she’s kindly participating in my Tuesday Talent segment. I KNOW, how cool is that? Very cool. So is Kate – read on and find out for yourself!

 

 

 

ME: What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

K.E: The first book that ever captured my imagination was Daughter of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts. It’s my very first high fantasy novel, and I never looked back. 

Me: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

K.E: Lisa Kleypas. Every time she has a new novel out, I drop everything I’m reading to devour it. She’s the one I want to meet one day. Yet, when that day comes, I have a feeling security will have to escort me out of the premises because I’d turn into something weird, scary, and the type of fan restraining orders are made for.

Me: What’s your:

  • Favorite color?  Turquoise   
  • Favorite season? Autumn  
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book? Iron Man
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? Iced Tea
  • What’s your Astrological sign? Taurus
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I try to dabble in both. It depends on what the story calls for.
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I love the toe-curling steamy lovin’ kind. I lock my door for those. *laughs*

Me: What’s on your desk when you write?

K.E: I have a pen holder that says: Show the Story. I have sticky notes filled with encouragements. And I always have a notebook by my side. 

Me:Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

K.E: I definitely write with music. Having earplugs on helps me block out the world. Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls was the story that impacted Taste the most while I was writing it. 

Me: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

K.E: It would have to be something Luka said. “To believe in us is to believe in the unbelievable.” I think it encapsulates who Luka’s and Demitri’s people are.

**Book Trailer link: HERE**

Me:What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

K.E: I’m actually editing the first book of my next YA series with Entangled called Til Death. All I can say is, I can’t wait to share Selena’s and Dillan’s story with everyone.

Me: Who is your favorite character from Greek Mythology OR which Olympian would you want to be? And why?

K.E: Athena. I’ve always admired her. And being a writer, I think it’s a natural fit.

I want to take this moment to thank Sasha for inviting me on her blog today. I had such fun answering the questions. Thank you so much for your continued support. :)

Want more Kate? of course you do…

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter: @KateEvangelista

Thanks for stopping by! Now everyone, go buy Taste, you won’t be sorry :)

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Posted in Author Interview, Books, Romance Novels, Young Adult Novels | 2 Comments »

Special Friday-Eve Spotlight: STEPHANIE LAWTON :)

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

 

Adding a special interview this week – in addition to my Tuesday Talent spot.

Today I’m tickled pink to have the talented Miss Stephanie Lawton. Her debut Young Adult novel, WANT, is now available for pre-order (here) and promises to be one awesome read. Stephanie is pretty awesome herself, as you’ll soon find out…

 

Me: What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

S.L: I was a voracious reader as a kid, so it’s hard to say which was the actual first, but I remember loving both the original Nancy Drew books as well as the Case Files that appeared in the late 80s? Early 90s?

I grew up in a small town and had to travel 45 minutes to get to a book store. I’d have them read by the time we got home. Oops.

Me: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

S.L: This is embarrassing—yes, I met YA urban fantasy author Cassandra Clare last summer when she did a signing in New Orleans. I had conversed with her over email and Twitter because of the YA book blog I help with, so we sort of “knew” each other, but it didn’t prepare me for the real thing.

I totally froze up and looked at her like a deer in the headlights. BUT we managed to get a decent picture together so I just pretend we’re BFFs. I love you Cassie. *intense stare*

Me:  What’s your:

  • Favorite color? Periwinkle blue—it’s so calming and fresh 
  • Favorite season? Fall in the Midwest (we don’t have a real fall in the Deep South)
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book? Mr. Darcy, hands down! (Especially Matthew Macfadyen.)
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? Cereal—my family can tell when I’m having trouble with a scene because I hit the cereal hard.
  • What’s your Astrological sign? Taurus—I’m totally stubborn :)
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? My books are upper YA, so I can’t get too carried away, but they definitely lean toward the toe-curling steamy side. Probably a little more than they should …
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I read mostly YA and it varies from book to book. As for adult books, I definitely gravitate toward toe-curling! 

Me: What’s on your desk when you write?

S.L: I write at the kitchen table (sexy, right?) and I always have a glass of water. The other half of the table has my kids’ coloring books and crayons, and in the middle is usually a vase of flowers my husband picked for me (we’re big gardeners). Right now there’s a long-stem red rose he grew. (Awwww!)

Me: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

S.L: I envy people who can write with music playing. I can’t concentrate with lyrics because I inevitably wind up singing along. While writing Want, I listened to A LOT of Rachmaninoff and classical piano—no lyrics so it was good and really helped set the tone.

His Etude-Tableau #5 in D Minor Op. 33/5 comes up twice in pretty significant scenes. On the total opposite end of the spectrum is “You’re Going Down” by Sick Puppies.

Me:What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

S.L: I know I should pick something profound, but the smart-alec ones are my favorites. This probably sums it up best: “We don’t always get what we want, and sometimes, when we do, it isn’t worth the price.”

Me: What’s next? You don’t have to get specific – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

I’m currently querying Shrapnel, a Southern ghost story with some soft horror, historical fiction and a tiny bit of LGBT.

Here’s the title line: “We carry secrets under our skin like shrapnel. Our surface wounds heal, but the damage festers underneath while we worry what tiny pieces will work their way to the surface for the world to see.”

But this is one of my favorite exchanges: You know in cartoons how steam comes out of the bad guy’s ears? Yeah, that’s Ms. Anne right now as she struggles to free herself. I push her over to a low antique chair. Again, I say a prayer for forgiveness. I lift up the back of Ms. Anne’s hoopskirt—thank God she’s wearing those white pants things underneath or I’d have to claw out my eyes—and drape the metal circle over the back of the chair while I force her to sit. If she wants to get up, she’ll have to take the chair with her. Add in a lack of balance because of her trapped arms, and I’m pretty sure the old lady ain’t going anywhere. “You’re giving up the chance of a lifetime,” she spits. “You know, there were lots of KGC operatives in Ohio. Maybe you’re fighting on the wrong side, boy. Ever think of that? Although I shouldn’t expect you Yankee kin to understand. Your generation doesn’t understand these things. You’ll see—one day the South will rise again. And when we do, we’ll be coming for you.” “Lady, I was taught to respect my elders, but your ass is stuck to a chair by a hoopskirt. I’m pretty sure you’ll never rise again unless I let you.”

Me: Who is your favorite character from Greek Mythology OR which Olympian would you want to be? And why?

Wow, what an interesting question. I always liked Persephone because when spoken, it sounds like my name. But I probably identify with Icarus the most because I tend to throw myself into things whole-hog and get burned.

Want to find and follow Stephanie – Here you go:

Website

Twitter: @Steph_Lawton

Facebook

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Posted in Author Interview, Books, Romance Novels, Uncategorized, Young Adult Novels | 1 Comment »

Tuesday Talent – Cecilia Roberts

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

Today I have the always happy and generous Cecilia Roberts. Her lovely novella, Truly, Deeply is one of InkSpell Publishing’s launch stories. That says A LOT about the story, the characters and Cecilia’s writing talent. You know me, on to the interview…

Trumpets blaring, rolling out the red carpet, drumroll and…

Me: What was the first romance or book you read that grabbed you? Who is the author?

CeCe: I have read lots of romance books and enjoyed reading them. But the first I truly fell in love with is Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught.

Me: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

CeCe: Yes, I have about three. Nalini Singh and Karen Marie Moning, oh and Judith McNaught.

Me: What’s your:

  •  Favorite color? Blue  
  • Favorite season? Autumn
  •  Favorite Hero – movie or book? Clay Westmoreland, the Duke of Claymore from Whitney, My Love.
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? Anything spicy (food)
  •  What’s your Astrological sign? Gemini
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? Both.
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? Yes.

Me: What’s on your desk when you write?

CeCe: A cup of tea, a bottle of water, paperback novel, my kindle, lots of paper drawings from my daughter (She does the drawings while I write, and later gifts all of them to me, a pack of tissues, pens, pencils, a calendar, earphones, post its, a notebook… in other words, a total mess.

Me: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

CeCe: I rarely write when it’s quiet. If the TV is not on, then one of my children are up to their usual cheeky selves (which I adore, but at times want to lock them in a room for about 5 minutes). The only time I write when all is quiet is after midnight. The song that impacted this story was  Josh Groban’s ‘You are still you’, Life house ‘When you come back down’, and Rob Thomas’ Little wonders.

Me: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

CeCe: “Because I love you. And because I always have, for the longest time. To answer your question, I was dying of jealousy, especially when you admitted you liked Ben.” This is one of my favourite lines in Truly, Madly. Frey never backs down or hides how he feels. I love it because of its honesty, as well as a sort of turning point for Liese.  

Me: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

CeCe: I have a couple of projects I’m working on.

Reaper’s Novice (YA dark fantasy with sci-elements) – It’s about a girl who trades her soul for  the four souls of her family in order to save them, and becomes the Reaper’s Novice. After two years of Novicehood, Grim (who prefers to be called Ernest) decides to test her. If she passes the tests, then her family’s souls are off the proverbial hook. But then, you know how these things go.

Excerpt: I struggle to hoist myself on trembling knees. Grims hands drop from my head, and grasp my shoulders, helping me up. My hands tremble as I brush them on my hair, ready to bolt out of the door to witness what I can only say is a miracle. “Ana. Welcome to the world of Novicehood.” I stare at him blankly. “The price, Ana. That’s the price. My novice,” Grim..er..Ernest says patiently. I frown, bouncing from one foot to the other. “You mean you don’t want an arm or leg, or… my soul?” The latter I add in a whisper. Can a person survive without a soul? Wouldn’t that someone be…soulless? Images of movies I’ve watched about soulless creatures flit through my mind. I shiver. “I already own your soul. Besides, you are of no use to me without your hands or legs. You can keep those. As I said, welcome, Novice.” He is all teeth and wide smiles, and animated elegant fingers, very pleased with himself as if he has just handed me the whole world wrapped neatly. He has.

And…

Truly Addictive (that’s the working title) sequel to Truly Madly

This continues where Truly, Madly left off. Liese and Frey who have moved to the lovers level. They go through stuff trying to adjust. There is also an introduction of two more characters in the story. This snippet is from the two characters. Excerpt: “Do you get a kick out of this? Annoying me every chance you get?” Katarina asked. “No,” Vasyl said, his hands tucked inside the front pockets of his faded jean. He stood with one shoulder braced on the door, his head tilted slightly to one side.  The expression on his face shifted. Calm demeanor faded to uncertainty, as he rocked on his heels.  His grey eyes, wider and darker than moments before. “It’s the only way I know to get your attention, Katarina, to get you to look at me.”

Whoa. This was a side of him she’d never seen before. It was very… unsettling. She folded her arms across her chest and cleared her throat. “You succeeded. You have two minutes. Talk.”

They locked gazes. The air in the room seemed to have a life of its own. He shook his head, swiveled on his heels and stormed out of the room.  Her jaw dropped, her eyes glued to the door. What just happened?

About Cecilia Roberts…

Hopelessly in love with books. I read, review, and write. I am originally from Kenya, and currently living in Vienna. I’m assistant nurse and mother of two beautiful children. When I am not working my day job, I can be found acting as referee, judge, confider, sometimes the unfair one, but mostly the loving mom to my two lovelies. As I don’t like restricting my reading to a specific genre, I try to read as much as I can, and as long as there is an element of  romance in the story, and the novel/story holds my interest.  Music: Queen, Lifehouse, Pink, Ich & Ich, and whatever catches my mood at the moment.   I am currently working to complete my novel YA dark urban fantasy ‘The Grim Reaper’s Novice Soul Collector series which was previously published through Trestle Press.

 

My email contact: cecereviews@gmail.com and/or muoki.cece@gmail.com Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5263768.Cecilia_Robert Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CeCeMR Blog: http://cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CeciliaMRobert

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Posted in Author Interview, Romance Novels | 3 Comments »

TUESDAY TALENT – Shilpa Mudaganti

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

It’s Talent Tuesday time, the one day of the week I try to highlight authors and dig a little into what makes them tick when they write. Today I’m interviewing a talented debut author:

Shilpa Mudaganti

Her debut novella, Always You, was also InkSpell Publishing’s launch book. It’s lovely, full of real characters and honest emotion. If you haven’t read it, I recommend you put it on your TBR pile – now.

Without further delay, let’s get this interview started!

 

ME: What was the first romance or book you read that grabbed you? Who is the author?

S.M: I don’t remember. I read my first romance when I was 11. It was a Harlequin Mills and Boons and I am sure it was about a rich corporate executive seducing his plain secretary!

ME: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

S.M: JK Rowling hands down! I love Harry Potter, the genius writing it. I can gush about it the whole day and night! I WISH I met her!

ME: What’s your:

  • Favorite color? – dark blue
  • Favorite season? – spring
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book? – It has to be John Galt, The FountainHead. Yeah, I am a fan of Ayn Rand. I don’t mind confessing it!I also like Jeff Stevens from “If Tomorrow Comes” by Sidney Sheldon. I read the book when I was 14 and was all gooey eyed over him for his brilliance in robbery and love for the heroine Tracy Whitney. Its one of my favorite books.
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? – Doritos!
  • What’s your Astrological sign? - Piscean
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? – Apparently yes. My debut novel is about it but never thought I could!
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? – Oh yes. They are stress busters!

ME: What’s on your desk when you write?

S.M: It ranges from stacks of papers, Doritos empty packets, chocolates, pens scattered around, empty glasses, receipts, glasses…you get the picture?

ME: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

S.M: I write to quiet but I am inspired by music. Always You was inspired by “Turn Around Bright Eyes” by Bonnie Tyler. I love the Glee version too.

ME: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why? -

S.M: “Her tears rolled faster and small sobs shook the small body of Lyla, hurting within for Alex, for her inability to accept the man who she now knows she is irrevocably in love with. “

The whole scene is my favorite but since you said only one sentence, I give you one sentence. This was the moment of truth for Lyla and things change a lot after she accepts this. 

ME: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

I am writing two books now WHEN I get time. I am really hoping I can publish one this year though with the rate of my writing, I highly doubt. But here’s snippets.

Painting Ethan – Contemporary Romance

Is love for Ethan, a painter & recovering drug addict Ethan possible? He doesn’t think so. But when Ashley meets him, she has other plans. He is her hero. Hero for her upcoming novel at least. Of course, she doesn’t know about his former drug addiction. And Ethan is not in a hurry to tell her too. Do you think Ethan will still be Ashley’s hero once she knows about it? Is love really possible for the doomed yet heart-breakingly beautiful Ethan?

 

The Dark Morning – Book one of Legends of Elavanh – Paranormal Romance

A fantasy story about a girl named, Aira who enters the dark forests of Elavanh to find her missing brother Siddharth. Little did she know that the tales of dark magic are not myths. As she struggles with a constant barrage of hurdles to get her brother back home, she realizes a bigger fate awaits her. Is she willing to fight for it? And what does she do with her stupid heart which is split between two extremely attractive men who are ready to lay down their lives for her?

Click here to buy Shilpa’s debut album: Always You

Where can you find more Shilpa?

Twitter

Blog

Goodreads

Thank you so much for visiting with us today Shilpa! :)

 

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Posted in Author Interview, Romance Novels | 4 Comments »

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