Author Interview with Julia London

I'm excited to welcome bestselling author Julia London to our website today. Her latest book, The Trouble With Honor, was just published on February 25, 2014. GIVEAWAY ALERT: Julia is kindly giving away a copy of her new book to one lucky visitor, so please leave your email address when you comment in case you are the winner!

 

Q:        Please share your journey to publication and the story of when you got “The Call’.

A:        I’m afraid I was a bit naïve (which turned out to be a good thing in hindsight) when I set out to write and publish a novel. I was a public administrator, which was not very stimulating. I did a lot of reading in my spare time, and I fell in love with a book by Iris Johansen. I didn’t know it was a romance novel.  I had no clue there were such things as genres in the book world - I just thought a good book was a good book. And that book was a great book. So, after immersing myself in romance novels, I thought, wouldn’t it be fun to write one of these myself? I didn’t know if I could, but I was determined to try. My first was a medieval romance, and I recognized immediately it was far too rambling. But it taught me what not to do. So I started on the first book I would submit for publication, DEVIL’S LOVE. Once I finished, I picked up some books on how to get an agent, and how the publishing industry works. I followed the instructions, sent out four query letters to agents who represented the sort of book I had written, had a positive response within a week and a two book contract by the end of the month. It happened so fast that when I got The Call, I didn’t believe the person on the other end of the line. I realize now how insanely lucky I was and feel beyond truly blessed to be able to do what I love for a living these days.

Q:        Do you plot your novels in detail or are you a pantser?

A:        I’m a little of both I suppose, although each book really is different. But I always start with general story outline. It’s no more than the story arc, and nothing is set in stone.  As I’m writing that first draft the characters become more defined to me, and sometimes, as I flesh them out, I have to go back and adjust the story to fit the personality that is beginning to appear on the page. I guess that’s a bit pantser-y. But for the most part I have a pretty good idea of where I am going when I start the book.

Q:   Do you draw on real life experiences for your plots and characters?

A:        Most definitely! I think everything which ends up in books have been sparked by something which occurred to a writer at some point in their life. For instance my last novella, THE BRIDESMAID, came about after I was stranded at Chicago O’Hare Airport for over eight hours. I even wrote about it in the foreword and as a bit of ‘author revenge’ gave a shout out to a particularly rude fellow traveler whom I encountered.

Also, the backdrop I used for my historical series, The Secrets of Hadley Green, are all actual locations I visited on my trip to the U.K. a couple years back. I even posted the photos on my website so readers could envision the homes and estates each story was set around. 

My characters are composites of people I dream up, and people I know. I can’t say that any one character is based on any one person in my life, but all of them have bits and pieces of real vs. fantasy. 

Q:        Is there a genre you’d like to write in that you haven’t yet?

A:        Straight historical fiction, along the lines of Phillipa Gregory. I think that is a very unique talent, however, bringing history to life. The novels I write are historically accurate, but the romance is the story. In historical fiction, the history would be the story. I love reading it, but I am not sure I would be the best to write it. But never say never!

Q:        Have you made any career decisions you regret?

A:        The only one I can think of is that I might not have gone with a particular publisher at one point if I could do it all over. But I am not sure it would have made any difference.  I have been very fortunate in my career and don’t regret any decisions. 

Q:        What advice have you got for aspiring authors?
A:        Write something every day. It’s like a muscle—you have to use it to improve it.  And don’t get discouraged. This business is equal parts luck and timing as it is talent and perseverance. Keep writing, practice your skill, and be aware that not everyone is meant to be widely read. You have to know what you’re writing for, I think. If you do it to satisfy yourself, than keep at it, keep improving, keep reading.

Q:        Which form of social media do you prefer for book promotion? What is your most effective form of promotion?

A:        Social media has completely changed the way authors promote their books so it’s impossible to name just one effective form. It used to be publishers did all of our promotions and writers never really had to do anything other than show up where we were scheduled and sign books. Now, with less book stores and more people buying books in e-format I rarely do more than a couple signings a year. I cross promote through all social media platforms. Statistics show older generations mostly use email and visit websites for online information and social interaction, so I send out newsletters and update my website to reach that audience. People in their 30’s and 40’s tend to use Facebook for their social interaction and I’m there every day (WHAT? It’s for work… honest!). So I keep in touch and inform people who use Facebook for their social media interactions of upcoming books and current projects I’m working on. I do shout outs on Twitter and check in several times a day to see what the younger set are all in a twitter about. So, all in all, I think they’re equally valuable in reaching all walks of society and a broad range of age groups.

Q:        How do you feel about Indie publishing and the e-book trend?

A:        I think it’s great! It really has broadened the horizons for many authors who wanted to write something completely different but were told it would never be published because it didn’t fit a certain mold, or isn’t what is “selling”. As a reader I couldn’t be happier. There are more books, more unique stories and different voices which may have never been heard if they waited to be published by one of the big houses.

Q:        What are your top 3 guilty pleasures?

A:        That’s easy!  I guess I don’t feel guilty about anything I do other than some of the things I eat, because they are all food related: 

• Cheeseburgers
• Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
• Red Wine

Q:        If you could travel anywhere, to a place you haven’t been before, where would it be? Where have you been that left a lasting positive impression?

A:        I would love to visit Australia and New Zealand. The only thing stopping me is the distance.  It’s such a long flight and my patience for being in flying cigar tubes is not very high these days. I would love to go for about a month.

The place that has left the lasting impression is the U.K. and Ireland. I end up there a lot. My sister and I enjoyed a weeklong bicycle trip across Ireland last summer that was the perfect vacation. Pubs open early, the scenery is incomparable, and the people were among the friendliest I’ve ever met. Just lovely. 

Q:       What 3 things are almost always in your refrigerator?

A:   Yogurt, chocolate milk (great recovery after a long run) and avocados.

Q:        What are you reading right now? 

A:        The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. An amazingly witty and a truly wonderful read. I can’t recommend it enough.

Q:        If you were stranded on a desert island and could choose one person and one thing to be stranded with, who and what would they be?

A:        Love this question! A Navy Seal and a fully loaded Kindle with a never-ending battery life. Not that I’ve thought about this much :-)

Q:        Favorite actor, favorite actress, and why?

A:        I absolutely love Colin Firth, for obvious reasons – Hello Mr. Darcy. As for actresses, I like Jennifer Aniston. She just seems like a low maintenance, down to earth woman and I’ve probably seen more of her movies in the past few years than any other actress I can recall. I like Jennifer Lawrence, too, because she is funny.

Q:        Do you prefer Oceans, Deserts, or Mountains?

A:        Mountains. My family has a place in the mountains of New Mexico. I head there at least once a year with my dog, Moose. It’s so peaceful. It’s a great place to recharge. I really feel like it’s a place to exercise my mind, body and soul. 

  

Q:        Tell us about your new book.

A:        In THE TROUBLE WITH HONOR, four sisters are the stepdaughters of an ailing earl. The oldest, Honor, is determined to remove her stepbrother’s fiancé, Miss Monica Hargrove, from his life. She and Monica have been the bane of each other’s social life for years, and Monica has privately made it clear to Honor what she would like to do when she becomes the countess—move Honor and her sisters as far from her and the family fortune as possible.

Honor knows just the person to help her in her plan—the dissolute George Easton, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Gloucester. Honor convinces him to attract Monica away from her stepbrother. But the devil needs coaching to lure Monica, and only Honor can provide it. As George steadily makes progress with his lessons and luring Monica into the snare, Honor finds herself envious. The dashing and scandalous man soon holds everything within his hands: the fate of Honor’s family, Honor’s future, and more importantly, her heart.

Q:        What’s on your agenda in 2014?

A:        Thanks for asking! After the TROUBLE WITH HONOR is released in March, the second book in my contemporary Pine River trilogy, RETURN TO HOMECOMING RANCH, will be published in July. Also, I’ve got another contemporary novella called ONE MAD NIGHT releasing in October. The same super storm that stranded Kate and Joe in THE BRIDESMAID will strand a pair of ad execs vying for the agency’s biggest account the next morning. In the meantime, I will be writing two more full length novels in The Cabot Sister series, and the last installment of the Pine River series. And now, after reading everything I’m committed to next year, I should really go and get to work. I think I’m in need of one of my guilty pleasures. Which will it be, chocolate, wine, or cheeseburger?  Decisions, decisions.

Thank you very much for inviting me here today! I hope you enjoy The Trouble With Honor!

JULIA LONDON is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.  She is the author of more than two dozen novels, including romantic fiction, historical romance and womens’ fiction novels. She lives in Austin, Texas.

Trouble with Honor Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1cEfuyt

B&N: http://bit.ly/18I4a7u

Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/1eUUBQV

BAM: http://bit.ly/1f2EUId

Julia London Social Media Links

Julia’s Website:  www.julialondon.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/JuliaLondon

Twitter: www.twitter.com/JuliaFLondon

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/juliaflondon/

For more information about Julia, visit her author page at http://www.romancebooks4us.com.

Julia, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit with us here at Romance Books '4' Us today. We wish you success with your new book!

To Be Continued...

Lately I've seen a more and more eserials available to readers. For those of you who don't know, eserials are when full novels are broken up into three to six bite-sized chunks and sold separately. Each segment can be between twenty and one hundred pages. Sonetimes these segments are then put together in a set (translate: entire book) and other times they aren't.

Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with eserials. On the one hand, I think that they are a great way for a reader to try out a new author's writing at a lower price. Quite often the first installment of these eserials are free, which enables readers to try a book at no cost to them. I love this concept, and as a reader, have taken advantage of buying only a portion of a book. Sometimes the writing doesn't entice me enough to buy future installments, sometimes it does. Most of the time, if the first installment grabs me, I go on to buy the entire book.

I also love eserials because they are less daunting. When reading, it's easier for me to dread fifty pages in one sitting than three hundred. My reading time is limited to waiting for the kids in the school parking lot, or sitting in a doctor's waiting room. It isn't often that I get a large chunk of time to devote to a book.

On the other hand, if the writing entices me, then I want to read more NOW. Often these eserials are published days/weeks/months apart, and as a reader it can be frustrating to have to wait for the next installment. Also, if a reader ends up buying all of the installments separately, sometmes they can end up spending more money than if they just bought the entire book. People with limited book-buying budgets need to be careful so that they don't end up spending more money than they intended.

In early 2015, I will have my own experiemnt with eserials. St. Martin's Press will be publishing my book, AT HIS SERVICE, in four installments, then later as a full novel. The story itself is an erotic melodrama, which I think is great for this format. As a writer, it was easier for me to write the large, four-hundred page novel in shorter installments. I had a greater sense of accomplishment each time I finished a new section of the story. I think that the lower priced installments are also a great way to entice new readers who don't know my writing and might otherwise bypass the book. The installments themselves will come out close together and will be inexpensive enough so when bought separately, they will be about the same price as buying the book in its entirety. I'm interested to see how it will go over, and if people will enjoy reading the story in installments.

How about you? Do you read eserials? Would you ever consider reading an eserial? Tell me about it in the comments section. I'd love to hear from you!

Note: I'm part of an amazing project called Invitation to Eden. The series consists of twenty seven authors writing stories set in the same world. My installment comes out in May, but you can read more about this series and get the FREE PREQUELhere.

Do You Know the Origination of April Fool's Day?

If you answered 'no' don't feel bad because there isn't anyone who knows the answer to this question.  I'm going to try to give you a bit of information I found on the subject.  There were references to April Fool's Day in the 1500's, but they were vague and ambiguous.  It wasn't until 1708 a correspondent wrote to the British Apollo magazine asking, "Whence proceeds the custom of making April Fools? 

The most popular theory involves the French calendar reform of the 16th century.  It is said in 1564 France reformed its calendar, moving the start of the year from the end of March to January 1.  Those who felled to keep up with the change, who stubbornly clung to the old calendar system and continued to celebrate the New Year during the week that fell between March 25th and April 1st, had jokes played on them.  Pranksters would surreptitiously stick paper fish to their backs.  The victims of this prank were thus called Poisson d'Avril, or April Fish --which, to this day remains the French term for April Fools -- and so the tradition was born.  This does not seem like a plausible theory though.

The British calendar change seems to be the more plausible theory.  It was the British who observed New Year's Day on March 25 (the date of the Christian Feast of Annunciation), followed by a week of festivities culminating on April 1.  Britain changed the start of its calendar year January 1 in 1752. 

The possible first reference to April Fool's Day may be in the Nun's Priest's Tale by Chaucer written around 1392.  This reference is not clear and is a matter of interpretation.  There are many other references to April Fool's Day by other poets such as Eloy d'Amerval (1508) and Eduard de Dene (1561).

There are many interesting tales about April Fool's Day, but not enough time to tell all of them.   

You can find more debate on this subject at http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/af_database/permalink/orgin_of_april_fools_day

In 1983, Joseph Boskin told an Associated Press reporter that the idea came from Roman jesters during the time of Constantine I in the third and fourth centuries A.D.  Supposedly, jesters successfully petitioned the ruler to allow one of their elected members to be king for a day.  So, on April 1st, Constantine handed over the reins of the Roman Empire for one day to King Kugel, his jester.  Kugel decreed that the day forever would be a day of absurdity. 

More information can be found at this link:  http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/03/080328-april-fools/

Believe it, or not, I wrote a story for April Fool's Day titled, A Fool's Fool.  It's about a company who makes gags or tricks to play on people.  It's a fun-filled sweet contemporary romance for just about any age. 

Tag:  All's Fair in Love and War

When practical jokes in the office go a little too far, all kinds of accidents can happen.

 Even Falling in Love.

Buy links:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D154606011&field-keywords=A+fool%27s+fool#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D154606011&field-keywords=A+fool's+fool+by+Sandra+K.+marshall&rh=n%3A154606011%2Ck%3AA+fool's+fool+by+Sandra+K.+marshall and in audio:  http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B00945MFMI&qid=1347906078&sr=1-1

 

Have fun on April Fool's Day!  I plan to play a prank on my hubby that day before he plays one on me.  lol

Interview of Author Beth Wylde

Today I'm pleased to present an interview of romance author Beth Wylde.

Latest Book: Broadly Bound: Broad Horizons Book #1 (A GLBT BDSM anthology with stories by Beth Wylde, DL King, Syd McGinley and Kathleen Bradean
Excessica Buy Link
Also available for kindle and nook or in print at: https://www.createspace.com/3802757

BIO:
Erotic author/editor Beth Wylde writes what she likes to read, which includes a little bit of everything under the rainbow. Her stories span the spectrum in genre from paranormal to contemporary and in pairings from lesbian, het, bi, ménage and more. You can find her online at http://www.bethwylde.com/ or email her direct at b.wylde@yahoo.com

Beth also hosts a yahoo group strictly for writers and aspiring authors of lesbian fiction called Sapphic Planet. For info on membership email her directly.

Q: How did you celebrate publishing your first book?
A: After I got over the shock of seeing my name on it, I called the friends I knew who would support the type of story I wrote and we went out to dinner and I gave them all signed copies of the book and we took pictures of me holding a copy.

Q: What’s your writing schedule like? Do you strive for a certain amount of words each day?
A: I write when and where I can. With three young kids at home I have to make every moment at the keyboard count. I may get up in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn or work sometimes when they are at school. I don’t usually set a certain goal limit because things pop up that can’t be predicted so I do what I can and try to be happy with that. I tend to write things out longhand a lot and then go back and type it up later.

Q: How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?
A: Just about every character has some kind of trait of mine. I tend to add in personal touches to make the stories feel more realistic to me. It helps me focus more when I’m writing them. If something sexy is taking place it’s usually a scene or a kink or fetish that personally turns me on or something I’m interested in.

Q: If you could change something about your first book, what would it be?
A: I’d have picked a better publisher. I should have done more research before submitting to the first place I saw that was open for subs. It was a harsh lesson but also an important one.

Q: Do you eat comfort food/listen to music when writing?
A: I love to eat so there’s often food at or near my computer. As for music, I can’t listen to it while I write. (I am one of those people that can’t hear a song without singing along) but I often use certain songs to help get me in the right frame of mind, depending on the type of story I’m working on.

Q: How do you choose names for your characters?
A: My characters usually name themselves. I get a lot of story ideas in my dreams when I sleep. As I start writing or typing the names just come to me. I leave them blank until then. I can’t force a name on a character or the story stops for me.

Q: Covers. Ever get one you wish you could change?
A: Oh yes. I had one cover I approved for an ebook anthology and later the book went into print. I was so freaking excited until I opened the box with my print copies and saw that the cover was totally different from the ebook and the new cover was dreadful. A total beefcake cover and it was a GLBT anthology so it didn’t fit in at all and whenever I took copies of that book to shows it never sold either. People would look at the cover and move on. I am so glad that book is out of circulation. I hope to self pub it sometime soon with a decent and fitting cover.

Q: Give one advice tip to an aspiring author.
A: Do your research. After you’ve written the story and have it perfect check out the publishers you plan to sub to. Ask questions, check them out. Buy a book or two of theirs and see if the editing is well done and if they are publishing what you are writing. There’s nothing worse then being stuck with a bad publisher or getting rejections because what you are sending them does not fit with what they normally sell.

Q: What genre would you like to try writing that you haven’t yet tried?
A: I have never done historical. I’m not sure I’d have the patience for the research but I’ve thought about trying it. I would love to write a vampire story someday. I’ve always had a fascination with them but I’d have to have an original spin on vamps in order to attempt it. They’ve been done to death. LOL

Q: Any part of a book that drives you crazy as you write: beginning, middle, or end?
A: The end. I always have the opening idea, and some knowledge of what’s going to happen, but I am a total punster so I never know how the story is going to end until I get there. Sometimes that’s really frustrating and I wish I could outline but I can’t write that way.

Fun Stuff:
Q: What is your favorite holiday and why?
A: Halloween. I get to dress up in crazy costumes. I love any excuse to dress up.

Q: What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I have a rather explosive temper. I’ve always wanted to own a huge RV and travel for a year.

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: A singer, preferably a rock star. LOL

Q: Favorite food.
A: Just about anything. I’m not a picky eater. I don’t do spicy though.

Q: Favorite happy memory.
A: The birth of my children. Holding them for the first time.

Q: Favorite drink.
A: I’m a soda junkie. I’ve been trying to drink more water but I LOVE Dr. Pepper.

Q: Hot summer days or chilly winter nights?
A: Bring on the heat!

Q: What is the top thing on your bucket list?
A: To write a bestselling novel.

Q: If you could have a super power, what would it be?
A: I’d want to teleport. It would make traveling to events and back home again so much simpler and fast.

Q: Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
A: My temporary website while the original is getting an overhaul is: beth-wylde.tripod.com. You can also find me on twitter, fetlife and facebook. My busy yahoo group will be gearing up for a month long chat event in June so to join in on the fun visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bethwylde/ and I love to hear from readers. You can email me direct at b.wylde@yahoo.com

I run a yahoo group for authors and aspiring authors of lesbian stories. If you are interested in joining email me about Sapphic Planet at b.wylde@yahoo.com

BLURB:
Welcome to Broad Horizons; the world's first and only strictly GLBTQ BDSM entertainment facility. It's opening night and the owners, Dani and Maryanne, want to invite you inside for a first hand look at what they've created. With ten themed bondage rooms, a main stage with several smaller performance areas, a second level observatory, two bars and a dance floor, plus a few extra surprises, your pleasures are only as limited as your desires. Tonight's event is by invitation only so bring your RSVP, your proof that you're over twenty-one years of age and your imagination because this evening almost anything goes.

EXCERPT: from Broadening Our Horizons by Beth Wylde
I slammed the door to our apartment as hard as I could. The door rattled the frame as she jumped to a sitting position, her eyes darting around the room in an effort to figure out what the hell was going on. As her gaze settled on me, she calmed instantly. The wild look on her face turned to something darker and more serious. She swallowed hard and cast her eyes downwards toward the floor. I knew, by the way her hands shook where they gripped the covers, that I really had been ignoring her. I promised myself then and there that it would never happen again.

The walk across the floor to the bed took only seconds, though it felt like forever. We were hanging on the edge of something truly world-shattering and I needed to know she was with me for better or for worse before I offered up everything I had to her.

“Look at me.”

She obeyed my command instantly, peering hesitantly through her blonde bangs as she settled into her submissive role. We don’t live the lifestyle twenty-four seven but Maryanne can usually tell when I need to be in charge and she’s able to slip into the role effortlessly. “Yes, Master. What can I do to please you?”

I shook my head. “No questions from you. It’s my turn. It’s just me and you, no games. I want the truth. No lies between us. I’m going to ask you something and I want you to answer honestly, no matter how much you think the answer might upset me. You won’t be punished for being honest but if you lie to me there will be consequences. Do you understand?”

Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Yes, Master.”

“Are you happy here with me? Living in this place? Or would you prefer to be somewhere else with someone else?”

She sucked in a deep breath, her face showing her shock as she slowly replied to one of my questions. “I don’t mind living above the club. I know it’s necessary, at least until things take off.”

“What about your happiness?”

She blinked. “What about it?”

“I need to know that you’re okay with all of this.” I flung out my right hand in a gesture meant to encompass everything around us. “I know this past year has been hard on you. I know I haven’t been as attentive to you as I should have been. If you want to leave, I’ll let you. I won’t like it but I’ll understand. You can go, right now, no strings attached. I’ll consider our relationship over and you’ll be free to search for a new Domme who will treat you right.”

She looked close to tears. “Are you getting rid of me?”

I forced myself to stand back. All I really wanted to do was run to her side and sweep her up into my arms. “No. I thought you might want to get rid of me.”

She shook her head in violent denial. “Why would I want to do that? I love you. I know you’ve been busy lately, we both have, but things will be different once we open tomorrow night.”

I nodded and moved across the floor at a run, sinking down next to her on the bed. “Yes, things will be different, but they are going to start tonight.”

Anything else you’d like to add?
One thing, and this goes for most writers I think. We love feedback. If you read a story and you enjoy it take a moment to let the author know. Send them an email or write up a review on Amazon. It only takes a minute or two and, I know personally, it means the world to me to know people are enjoying what I work so hard to create.

That’s it. Happy reading!!!

It's Raining in my Books by Janice Seagraves

I enjoy the rain, spring and the planting season. It's raining right this minute and I'm loving it.

 Photos owned by Janice Seagraves

I've added rain as a scene element in most of my stories. The weather is nearly a secondary character in Windswept Shores, while Megan and Seth struggle to survive on a deserted island in the Bahamas, and in Weather Witch, Meredith, shows her emotion in a most singular way, the weather. 

In my current release, Matrix Crystal Hunters, a science fiction romance, it's the start of the rainy season on the distant planet of Zenevieva. On a trek out to the badlands, Vach and Maya get caught in the rain, but my favorite scene comes just after.

Blurb for Matrix Crysal Hunters:

The trail seemed to go on forever. Puddles reflected the dark gray sky. The air had a fresh-scrubbed smell, which contrasted with the earthy scent of the damp ground.

Several hours later, Maya checked her watch. Twelve o’clock. Which could mean it was closer to ten, since the Zeeman day had twenty-two hours and her watch used Earth’s twenty-four hour cycle. A hooded Zeeman stood not far off, staring at her. She stared back, wondering if it was a herder. But where was his flock?

Several more Zeeman-shaped figures were standing in a group, not far away, but their cloaks didn’t appear to be being stirred by the fretful wind. Maybe they weren’t Zeemen at all. Statues of some sort?

Later, she spotted one ahead of her, near the road. As she rode closer, she saw that it was a stone pillar of some kind. Zeeman-shaped, but much larger, maybe ten to twelve feet in height. She looked it up and down, trying to find carvings or letterings, but there were none.

She turned over the possibilities in her mind, finally coming to the conclusion that these must be the roots of long dead trees and bushes encased in limestone jackets. A few miles down the road, more of these pillars filled the landscape. The standing stones seemed to be watching her, from out on the flat plane. A shiver went down Maya’s back. Creepy.

Vach waited for her at the next rest stop. His nasty sherakey had been tied up at the far side, with a bush to chew on. Brawley made his way into the clearing, and Vach held his arms up, so he could help Maya dismount. She pulled a leg over the huge saddle horn and slid off into his arms.

Vach caught her, laughing. “Got you.”

She smiled. “Yes you do. Now, can you kindly help me walk? I’m as stiff as a board.”

“Of course.” He half-carried her over to a picnic table and bench set.

She let out a groan as she sat on the hard, ironwood surface.

“The ride will get better.” He rubbed her back.

Maya looked at him. “Promise?”

“It will.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

US, Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJ10W26

UK, Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Matrix-Crystal-Hunters-ebook/dp/B00FJ10W26/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1380662336&sr=1-3

US, Trade paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Matrix-Crystal-Hunters-Janice-Seagraves/dp/1492709751/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

UK, Trade paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Matrix-Crystal-Hunters-Janice-Seagraves/dp/1492709751/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_1_KKW6

The Crazy World of the Writer

Some of you may wonder, “What makes that writer tick?” I mean, I write in so many genres that people may think my head turns 360 degrees!  But, there is something that burns in all of us writers that needs to be expressed.

I find that my expression in different genres satisfies different facets of my personality. It seems I connect especially well in contemporary romance and have made the Amazon Bestselling Contemporary Romance Author list. Thank you, Unforgettable Heroes, the boxed set in which This Magic Moment made me a success! (thanks to Kim, my sister authors, and Turquoise Morning Press as well).

In just several months, I will have the book, The Widow James, a brand new romantic suspense, out in a brand new series about my hometown Lynchburg, Virginia. The romantic suspense genre suits me in a way the other don’t. There is something about the intricacies of weaving a tale that keeps the reader guessing who the villain is that tickles my fancy. The first three books in this series are also in first person, which ramps up the stakes when it comes to the reader guessing “who dun it.” This book will not disappoint, so get ready to hang on to your proverbial hat and your chair, because this book will rock your world—Guaranteed!

For now, if you haven’t taken advantage of Unforgettable Heroes, it’s only 99 cents for eight books, but inly until the end of the month! Come on! You pay more for a snack pack in a convenience store. This group of books is a lot more satisfying.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: writers work for the comments. We surely don’t do it for the money! Let me know what you think about what I write.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bobbye Terry writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, suspense, fantasies and dystopian fiction. Her  latest work, The Widow James, will be released in late June 2014. Also check out her audiobooks, including Rose, writing as herself and It’s Magic, writing as Daryn Cross. The sequel, This Magic Moment, will be out soon.  For more about Bobbye, visit her at  www.BobbyeTerry-MysteryHappens.com.

Interview of Author Lisa Carlisle

Today it's my pleasure to present an interview of romance author Lisa Carlisle.

Latest Book: Dark Velvet
A New Adult Erotic Romance
Paranormal / gargoyle / vampire / shapeshifter
Buy Links:
Amazon

ARe

B&N

Kobo


BIO:
Lisa loves stories with dark, brooding, isolated characters (like Heathcliff, Dracula, Darth Vader, and Severus Snape) and tough, independent, caring heroines. Her reading tastes very wide and she’ll read almost anything–especially paranormal romance, mysteries, and non-fiction on any new topic of interest.

When she was younger, her life took an odd twist as she enlisted in the Marines for a short while, serving in Parris Island, the California desert, and Okinawa, Japan. She then backpacked alone through Europe, and lived in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. Currently, she lives in New England with my fantastic husband, two kids, a cat, and too many fish.

Q: How did you celebrate publishing your first book?
A: When I read the email on my phone, I threw it up into the air in excitement and it crashed into the ground! After I regained my wits, I think my husband and I celebrated with a beverage and some chocolate.

Q: Your novel is being made into a TV series/movie. Who’s in your dream cast?
A: Bradley Cooper would be great as Michel in Smoldering Nights. Not sure who else.

Q: What’s your writing schedule like? Do you strive for a certain amount of words each day?
A: My goal is 500 words a night during the week and more over the weekends. I work and have a family so time is limited, but it adds up over the month.

Q: How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?
A: I can see much of myself in many of the characters; then again, they aren’t like me at all in many ways.

Q: Of all your characters, who’s your favorite, and why?
A: I love Maya in Fiery Nights probably because she’s the opposite of me in every way. She’s tall with long legs and is outgoing. I’m petite with short legs and an introvert.

Q: If you could change something about your first book, what would it be?
A: I wish I knew it would turn into a series.

Q: Do you eat comfort food/listen to music when writing?
A: Coffee in the morning, Amaretto or red wine in the evening. Yes, I have a writing playlist on my phone.

Q: Covers. Ever get one you wish you could change?
A: No, I’ve loved them all. I stare at them in awe each time as I have no idea what to expect.

Q: Give one advice tip to an aspiring author.
A: Keep writing; don’t give up. Everyone gets rejected. Two publishers who I’m published with now rejected me ten years ago. It’s great to see how much I’ve developed with time and hopefully I’ll keep growing.

Q: How many stories are swirling around in your head? Do you keep a mental list, a computer file, or a spiral notebook filled with the ideas?
A: So many! I have many ideas for my series with Ellora’s Cave and then numerous other projects that strike my fancy. I have handwritten notes, computer notes, phone notes...

Fun Stuff:
Q: What is your favorite holiday and why?
A: Christmas, it’s a great time to spend with family and friends.

Q: What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I’m pretty short and I served in the Marines.

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: A writer!

Q: Favorite food.
A: Chips and guacamole.

Q: Favorite happy memory.
A: My kids being born. (Without remembering the labor pains.)

Q: Favorite drink.
A: Black coffee.

Q: Hot summer days or chilly winter nights?
A: Hot summer days.

Q: What is the top thing on your bucket list?
A: I love to travel. Next up may be a trip to the Azores or a ski trip out West.

Q: If you could have a super power, what would it be?
A: Flying would be pretty cool.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
https://www.facebook.com/lisacarlisleauthor
https://twitter.com/LisaCBooks
http://pinterest.com/lcbooks/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6463824.Lisa_Carlisle
http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Carlisle/e/B009C7T8L4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1395172413&sr=8-1

BLURB:
Grad student Savannah Evans is thrilled to be accepted as a resident to a prestigious art colony. Where else would she be able to focus on her craft of writing poetry in a setting like that of the medieval-styled castle? The remote New England island is a respite from her hectic city life. When she meets her benefactor, a mysterious French sculptor, her expectations for carefree days writing near the ocean are distracted by unprofessional fantasies about her sponsor.

Antoine Chevalier built Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island to bring purpose back to an existence that has lost meaning. He’s wandered the earth for decades and finds solace in returning to art. When Savannah applies for a residency, something about her words touches him. After her arrival, a physical attraction grows between them, which he struggles against. She deserves more than someone of his kind.

Antoine proposes they become lovers during her stay. But the situation turns complicated when Savannah discovers his secret. She had suspicions about his identity, but finds the truth overwhelming. Consumed by her desire for Antoine and faced with a tough decision, she is blind to the danger that has arrived at DeRoche Island.

EXCERPT: Part 1 of Chateau Seductions

Savannah’s fingers traced the cool marble of the god’s muscular back and then the definition in his arm as he drew an arrow to shoot. She pictured Antoine bent over the sculpture, brows furrowed in concentration, losing sense of time as he polished each portion to perfection.

“Do you like this?” A deep voice whispering in her ear startled her.

She jumped at the sound of his voice, bumping back into his hard chest, and he caught her upper arms to steady her. Only one man in the castle spoke in that smooth French accent—the sculptor himself.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Antoine.” She fumbled taking a half step forward, away from him. “I shouldn’t have touched it.”

“No, don’t apologize.” He let go of her arms, but his warm breath tickled her ear.

He took her hand, caressing her palm, which sent tingles up her arm. Her bottom lip quivered as he brought her fingers to rest again on the marble piece. She thanked the gods he remained behind her so he couldn’t witness her nervous reaction, and she bit her lip to halt the tremors. This was not the way for a young protégée to behave in front of her benefactor. He owned the castle, created the art colony here where she was attending on a poetry scholarship—she shouldn’t go gaga simply from his touch. Which was exactly what she was doing.

“It pleases me that you appreciate my work.” Leading her fingers down the figure’s chiseled chest, he leaned in closer and added, “I liked watching you admire it.”

His voice alone sent flames rippling through her. Every nerve in her being lit with awareness in reaction to him. In the months since they’d met, they’d never been alone in such proximity. Weeks of heated looks from afar had inflamed her desire so the slightest touch became intimate, strengthening her need for more.

Sounds of approaching voices indicated this evening’s performance in the chateau would soon begin. Several of the musicians in the art colony had collaborated on orchestral pieces they wanted to play in front of an audience for the first time. As fellow artists in residence, they sought the support of fellow residents.

Antoine kissed her hand like a suitor in a bygone era. “I hope you enjoy the concert, Savannah.”

Her lips parted, opening and closing like a fish while she thought of what to say. When she mustered up the courage to turn and face him, he had already left the room, filling her with both relief and disappointment. Unaware she’d been holding her breath, she exhaled deeply.

Several times over the course of the evening, Savannah caught Antoine’s dark eyes watching her. Her emotions roiled in confusion while the performers played Barber’s Adagio for Strings.The way he held her gaze without blinking made her squirm in the burgundy armchair. The rising tension and resolution from the violin and cello underscored her tumultuous emotions.

She smiled at him briefly and focused on the musicians, aware of how her heartbeat had escalated. When she glanced again at Antoine, he still watched her unabashed, as if unconcerned about what the others would think. He took a sip of Porto, nodded her way, and then returned his attention to the musicians. She sat up straighter and crossed her legs at the ankles, then uncrossed them, and crossed them again.

The attraction was becoming more difficult to ignore. In light of how he breached the physical distance by touching her so earlier, she feared she’d be unable to keep her desires hidden much longer. She’d developed an instant crush since she arrived at the castle three months before. How could she not be—he was a renowned sculptor with a devastating, dark appeal. What was she to him than just another young resident who would be gone in three months, replaced by another.

Was she reading more into the brief exchange than was warranted?

It’s just a look. Only a casual glance my way. Even as she attempted to fool herself, she knew she was full of shit.