Interview of Author Qwillia Rain

Today it's my pleasure to interview author Qwillia Rain.

Latest Book: An Invitation: Ariel's Pet
Buy Link: http://www.loose-id.com/An-Invitation-Ariels-Pet.aspx

BIO:
Qwillia Rain grew up loving books. From an early age she was creating stories to go with the pictures. By high school she was penning romances for her friends and shocking them with the graphic nature of the love scenes. After leaving her home in Las Vegas, Nevada for Anchorage, Alaska, Qwillia discovered there were other authors who enjoyed throwing open the bedroom doors and exploring the darker side of human nature. She left Alaska for Billings, Montana, but the travel bug struck again. Currently, Qwillia resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, drawing inspiration from the history, scenery, and rich diversity of the South.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: Nope. Each one has a distinctive look and personality. Many tend to have the same snarky, sarcastic responses to situations, though.

Q: Do you eat comfort food when writing? If so, what food inspires your imagination?
A: Depends upon whether or not the book is working well or not. If it isn't working--it'll often become a chocolate and soda fest is my apartment. When it's flowing well, I'll drink spiced chai tea and eat relatively healthy foods, with only the occasional splurge on candy or soda.

Q: What hobby do you enjoy when not writing?
A: Sewing or crocheting.

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: In my opinion, it's the dialogue in my stories. Others have told me it's the intense emotional impact of my love scenes.

Q: You’re on a remote island with a handsome man, a computer, and a “mysterious” source of electricity to power your computer. What do you do?
A: I use the man for "research" and in the hours he's recovering his strength, I write my stories, concocting new scenarios and "research" to be conducted/practiced once the man is feeling up to it.

Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven’t yet done so? Why?
A: Young Adult. Because my students keep bothering me about wanting to read my books, and I keep telling them they can't until they turn 18.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000438391384
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/qwilliarain
Loose Id, LLC: http://www.loose-id.com/Our-Authors/Qwillia-Rain
Website: http://www.clubdiabloblanco.webs.com
Blog: http://diabloblancoclub.blogspot.com

BLURB:

Ariel Valerian knew cooking techniques and recipes, but a Dominant like Dane Reese had her more hot and bothered than a dozen hours slaving in a steamy kitchen. And 'slaving' is just what she intends to teach her blond haired, blue eyed, oh so yummy surfer boy. He might be helping at the family café as a favor to her sister, but there was no way she was giving him an opportunity to play Dom with her.

For Dane Reese, Ariel Valerian is a full-figured pixie -- a life-size, blue-haired Tinker Bell in a chef's coat surrounded by the scent of chocolate and cinnamon and an aura of mind-blowing, sweaty sex. Too bad she's driving him insane with her determination to order him around. As a Dominant and half-owner of A Master's Gift, Dane has seen his share of Dommes and submissives, and, no matter how she might deny it, calling him Master is Ariel’s destiny.

Two powerful personalities; a contest to determine who is more adept at control; and less than thirty days to discover if Ariel will bow to Dane's commands, or if Dane will become Ariel's Pet.

EXCERPT:

If she wanted to get the man out of her life—out of both their lives—Ariel was sure she'd be required to resort to a bit more than bluntly telling him to leave the café. It clearly hadn't worked today. He wanted the books, so they were the key.

If I don't let him look at the books, eventually he'll get frustrated enough to go.

So how do I keep him from the paperwork? Al does it all online. I can't throw away the computer.” Ariel paused in the doorway of the kitchen and looked back at the laptop on the sofa. A smile spread over her lips. “Or maybe I can.”

Day 2

Dane was surprised Ariel didn't stop him at the front door the next day. It could be because he'd waited until after the lunch rush started to wind down before he entered the café. Through the pick-up window, he could see her watching him. The grin on her lips gave him pause as he strode down the hallway to the office.

“Round two,” Dane muttered.

He didn't doubt she was up to something. Apparently it was too much to ask that she would have taken the time last night to resign herself to his presence this month.

In the office he shrugged out of his suit coat and tossed it over the back of the battered desk chair. One look at the computer and he knew what had prompted the damned grin on Ariel's lips. He rolled back his pale blue silk shirt cuffs and grimaced at the computer in front of him.

“Problem, surfer boy?” Ariel leaned against the office door with her arms crossed over her breasts, a smug grin still on her lips.

“Where are they, Ariel?”

Her bright green eyes opened wide in an attempt to appear guileless. The haughty grin and aura of self-satisfaction spoiled the illusion. “I'm only a cook, remember? I don't know anything about the business. That's why my sister asked you to take care of things, isn't it?”

“Having a bachelor's degree in restaurant management doesn't mean you're just a cook,” Dane pointed out.

Ariel obviously tried to hide her surprise at his knowledge of her degree, but he could see it in her slightly widened eyes. She brushed her hands together as if she dusted off dirt, then turned and walked away. Soft laughter spilled from her lips. Dane cursed and shook his head.

He looked back at the computer where it sat on the corner of the desk. It was a useless paperweight without the power cables, mouse, or keyboard. If he took the time to go to his office to retrieve the necessary components to get the machine running, the last of the lunch customers would be gone. Dane didn't doubt Ariel would lock the doors against him. This early in the game, he wasn't about to divulge the fact that Alayna had given him her key to the café as well as the alarm code. Ariel was sure to react badly if she knew how much her sister trusted him. And a woman with access to very sharp knives and the knowledge of how to use them was not someone a smart man pissed off.

She liked my book!

My mom called me last night. Now you may not think much of this, but mom calling me in the middle of the week in the evening is enough for me to think about grabbing the keys and heading for whatever hospital she's been admitted to. It just doesn't happen unless something's wrong.

So why is it important that she called? She wanted to tell me that she'd just finished reading my book "Akashan'te". Which almost had me grabbing my keys to run myself to the emergency room. Because my mom doesn't read books. Ever. It's just not something she does (I got my love of books and the written word from Dad). It took her several weeks to read it.

She wanted to call me and tell me how much she liked it. And that it amazed her that I could do something like that (okay, that one hurt a little, but taken in the light of what she was trying to say, I'll take it as a compliment). And that she was proud of me.

Gulp. What? She was proud of me? Again, not something Mom ever says. Not even when I graduated from college (first in the family). Or went on to get my Master's and graduated with a 4.0 average. Or... for any other accomplishments I (or my siblings) did. She was proud of me? Wow. Going for those keys again.

Before you think my mom is a mean person, she's not. She's one of the most giving people I know. Just not verbally. Her way of saying something nice is to bake you something incredibly good. Or knit something for you or buy you a small gift. Something tangible. Words have no value to her. So for her to say these things meant a lot more to me than they might to many people. It meant more than the great reviews (though I love them!) and the pats on the back from friends. Because I knew how difficult this was for her to say.

My mom called last night to tell me how much she liked my book. This is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

May you have a great day like that.

Research Humor

The other day I was chatting with a fellow author about the research we put into our books, and a rather funny story came to mind. As my day to blog approached, I thought I’d share this with all of you.

I’m pretty much a research fanatic. If it’s in a book of mine, no matter the genre, and it relates to history, you can almost bank it’s factual. To date, I think I’ve stretched factual truth once in a book. (That’s not to say I haven’t run free-reign with gaps in history or unverified fact.)

When I wrote Seduction’s Stakes, I’d never been to any of the places I used in the book. My experience with the east coast is one small part of Virginia and DC. So, as I looked for hotels that would suit my needs, I found the perfect one for Preakness Week – the Harbor Court Baltimore.

The web pictures were enough to give my creative side room to work with. They even had menus posted for their restaurants. But what I needed was a floor-plan to make my plot idea work. I had great fears that someone staying there would read the book and say “Hey, that’s not possible.”

So I emailed two persons, uncertain which one was the better contact, requesting some sort of floor plan or description, explained I was a romance author, and elaborated on my set up, in attempts to verify or disprove my mental picture. I specifically asked whether they had luxury suites that adjoined, or whether the corner suites were on top of each other, so they could be accessed by a back stair.

Two days passed, and both persons responded. I saw in my box a man’s name and a woman’s name, and cringed at seeing the man’s – I could picture him snickering. So I went for the lady’s response right off the bat.

I about fell out of my chair.

While she did send over a diagram, and the letter began in a very professional manner, evidently something cross-fired in her brain. The very last line of her letter was, “If your characters need any further information, they should book a stay with us.” What came after that, I don’t recall exactly, but it was a direct reference to a discrete rendezvous.

No, this woman wasn’t being facetious. She clearly believed I had fabricated some story and was making an inquiry for an affair.

To this day, I ask myself how many other people she might have indirectly insulted. Although admittedly, it’s more humorous to think how many people have claimed to be a romance writer just to conduct an affair.

On the other hand, the gentleman’s response was completely professional, more informative, and exceedingly polite. He got the thank you.

For a rather intimate view of the Harbor Court Baltimore, check out Seduction’s Stakes.

Never make a wager you can’t afford to lose...

A member of horse racing’s elite, Maddie McCleery’s got her eye on the Triple Crown and her heart set on her rival’s unraced colt. Owned by the one man she can’t conquer on the track, the same man who humiliated her in a youthful game of Truth or Dare, the colt promises sweet victory. When he refuses her purchase offer, and outruns her at the Kentucky Derby, Maddie sets out to seduce Riley into selling. In the process, she’s seduced, and agrees to a shocking bet. The odds aren’t in her favor, and she’s desperate for the win.

Riley Jennings wants Maddie almost more than the Triple Crown. In his bed, in his shower – wherever he can have her. For two years she’s eluded him and he’s refused her offer on his horse out of spite. Enraptured by her post-Derby game, he learns the lengths she’ll go to for his colt, and sees sure-fire victory. His proposed wager stacks the odds in his favor – if her horse wins the Preakness, he’ll accept her terms. If his horse comes in first, they’ll negotiate his way.

When the dust settles on the wire, will love claim final victory, or will unexpected tragedy stop them in the gates?

http://www.claireashgrove.com/

Interview of Cindy Spencer Pape, RBRU Member Author

Today I'm happy to be interviewing someone I've known for a number of years, multi-published author Cindy Spencer Pape.

Latest Book: "Motor City Fae" (Urban Arcana, book 1)
Buy Link:
http://ebooks.carinapress.com/E82B9C9B-9945-4F53-86B0-AEDC93891646/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID={5BE9085B-693F-4276-9380-243C7C300F48}


Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF3dk2q99so&feature=player_embedded

BIO:
Cindy Spencer Pape is an avid reader of romance, fantasy, mystery, and even more romance who firmly believes in happily-ever-after. Married for more than twenty years to her own, sometimes-kilted hero, she lives in southern Michigan with him and two teenage sons, along with an ever-changing menagerie of pets. Cindy has been, among other things, a banker, a teacher, and an elected politician, but mostly an environmental educator, though now she is lucky enough to write full-time. Her degrees in zoology and animal behavior almost help her comprehend the three male humans who share her household.

Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: In Motor City Fae, I really like both hero and heroine. Meagan is an artist who shares lots of characteristics with writers, in that she works at home and is usually alone. She’s a goffball, and that was fun to write. Ric, of all the heroes I’ve written (and this is book 33 for me) is the closest to my ideal hero. He’s got a silver tongue, and still knows how to fight. He can quote the Blues Brothers or Christopher Marlowe with equal fluency, and he’s willing to give up everything for the woman he loves.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: Not at all. I tend to build physical traits into the personality, so they have to be there in my mind—the character who thinks she’s too plump, too tall, hates her curly red hair, whatever. My heroes vary a lot too. I’ve even written one who was short—and kind of hung up on it.

Q: What hobby do you enjoy when not writing?
A: I think most writers are also voracious readers, but I also enjoy games—strategy, role-playing, cards, whatever.

Q: What is your favorite romance book that you’ve read?
A: Along with hundreds of other women, I’d have to say Kathleen Woodiwiss’s "The Wolf and the Dove", followed closely by Roberta Gellis’s "Knight’s Honor" or "Rhiannon". These ladies were sneaking elements of paranormal into their books back before there was even a name for it.

Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven’t yet done so? Why?
A: Straight-up romantic suspense. I’ve put suspense elements in my paranormal, but really focusing on the mystery aspect is a little daunting. In the back of my brain is a murder mystery/romance set in a big-city zoo. One day I’ll get up the guts to write it.

Q: Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Chats, or Twitter. Which do you like best and why?
A: At the moment, I’m having the most fun with Facebook. I think that’s because I’ve reconnected with family from all across 2 countries, though, and not so much for technical reasons.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
My Links:
Website: http://www.cindyspencerpape.com
Blog: http://cindyspencerpape.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CindySPape
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#%21/profile.php?id=100000270304390
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cindyspencerpape
Publishers:
Buy Link for Ellora’s Cave: http://www.jasminejade.com/m-304-cindy-spencer-pape.aspx
Buy Link for Cerridwen Press: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-4129-dragon-in-the-system.aspx
Buy Link for The Wild Rose Press: http://www.thewildrosepress.comindex.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=50&zenid=80060d1da8ddfcbbfca5f4c122de68b1
Buy Link for Total-E-Bound: http://www.total-e-bound.comauthordetail.asp?s=ylX56p393777&A_ID=73#booklist
Buy Link for Cian Fey: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?s=eY7v4p668104&strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=401
Carina Press: http://www.carinapress.com

BLURB:
Detroit artist Meagan Kelly has had a strong sixth sense all her life, but that doesn’t mean the gorgeous stranger’s crazy story—that she’s a half-elf, half human heiress—is true. But Meagan can’t deny the evidence of her own eyes—he’s Fae. A tall, blond, handsome, pointy-eared elf—and a man she just can’t get enough of.

Ric Thornhill’s assignment just got a lot more complicated. The more time he spends with Meagan, the harder it is to see her as a political tool to prevent an all-out war between humans and Fae.

Now Meagan’s in a race to master her newly released powers in time to prevent the conflict, convince a jealous Queen not to strip Ric of his powers, and find out if she can build a life that straddles two worlds.

EXCERPT:
Suburban Detroit was a truly odd place.

Ric Thornhill’s vintage Jaguar convertible roared down Woodward Avenue, a wide car-clogged boulevard lined with all manner of businesses from elegant boutiques to seedy liquor stores. To his right loomed an enormous stone church that could have been in medieval Europe. On the left was a strip mall with a Chinese restaurant, a nail salon and a paycheck advance center.

Find Emery of Rose’s long-lost daughter before the next Seelie Council meeting, or live out a miserable human lifespan as a powerless mortal. That was the geas that his boss, the elven queen, had cast on Ric. In other words, find the girl or die. His death sentence would simply take forty or fifty years to be carried out. The geas was a result of telling Her Majesty off the last time she’d sent him on a fool’s errand. One would think he’d have learned by now to keep his mouth shut. The sad part was that on this job, he’d have done his best anyway. The fate of both realms could hang in the balance if he didn’t.

In over eight centuries of existence, he’d been in plenty of sticky situations, but none as bad as this. He’d started the search in New York, where Emery had died. No luck there. He’d also tried Windsor, the hometown of Emery’s human wife. Nothing. Two other agents of the queen had mysteriously disappeared or been killed and now Ric was the only one left. And he was here in Detroit on nothing more than a hunch held by one of Emery’s cousins. Aidan Greene believed his missing relative was somewhere nearby. Now Ric only had five days remaining and he’d gotten nowhere but here, which wasn’t good.

The place was dismal and depressing—hot, gray and muggy on this August afternoon and the five-o’clock Friday traffic royally sucked. Ric had spent the last week checking out every new-age shop, so-called psychic and alternative club in the area—every place he could think of that a half-Fae would be drawn to. If his mediocre scrying skills hadn’t led him to the right place this time, he was probably toast. He was supposed to be at a certain corner in Royal Oak at a certain time. Yeah, he had lots of info to go on.

He accelerated through a yellow light, cranked up the volume on his stereo and settled his black Ray-Ban sunglasses on his nose despite the overcast day. What the hell, might as well go down in style.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks so much for having me today!

Guest Blog from Reader/Writer Fran Abram.: What is Romantic?

Since this is my FIRST blog, let me introduce myself. I am Fran Abram. I grew up on the south shore of the Great Lakes in a wonderful little city called Erie, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Mercyhurst College with a degree in Biology and married my high school sweetheart (40 years and counting!). I have two grown children and one adolescent cat. I have been writing for about six years, nothing published yet, but I have a couple of contest finals under my belt, so - hope springs eternal. I'd love to hear your comments on my thoughts.

BLOG:
What is Romantic?

For men and women it’s a completely different concept. For men, some might even say it’s completely foreign. They equate romantic and sexy.

My dear hubby of over 40 years tells me, “Honey, it’s all hydraulic.” Sports Illustrated Swimsuit calendar? Hydraulic response. Victoria's Secret Hydraulic response. Pretty girl on the beach? Hydraulic response (followed rapidly by dunking in the ocean).

But for women, romantic and sexy are two separate notions. Sexy happens with physical contact – peck on the cheek – pat on the rump – hand holding – and so much more! Romantic is more of a thought process. And of course romantic can definitely lead to sexy.

Romantic starts with the little gestures of kindness and thoughtfulness – of course the flower on the pillow is obvious, but what about the less blatant displays of romance?

My hubby is not big on romance, but he did something so completely unexpected for me I was completely bowled over.He “stole” my car from where I work and returned it later in the day after he washed it and did a complete detail on it, inside and out. WOW! The car was really REALLY dirty and I hate to wash it (or pay to have it washed).That wonderful, thoughtful gesture led to a very romantic (and sexy) evening.I had no idea he had even been paying attention when I complained about driving a grungy car.

So here’s the question - did your hubby, partner, or significant other ever do something for you that was completely off the wall but you thought was very romantic? I’d love to include some of your experiences in my next book (with permission, of course), so give me some good ones.

Photos: Flickr: D. Sharon Pruitt's photostream, and Fran's cat picture!
I'd like to thank Fran for being a guest blogger...a reader/pre-pubbed writer who took the plunge into doing a blog! Yea, Fran!

The Difference between North & South

*** Before we get to the blog, let me seduce you with a contest. Anyone who comments on this post is entered. Winner chosen randomly with her choice of prize. Choice of prizes below.

Now, let’s get to it.

No, this blog isn’t about a geography lesson. What I’m referring to in the title is the difference between the brain (up North) and the groin (down South) when it comes to sex and most of all romance.

As some of you already know, I’m one of the co-hostesses at The Romance Room. During the last couple of days, I’ve had many authors write that they didn’t understand or didn’t see the difference between erotica and erotic romance.

Well, I’m here to educate them and anyone else who cares to listen that there is a HUGE difference between the two.

In erotica, it’s all about the sex – as ribald, frequent, and unusual as the writer can make it. What plot there is will be minimal. For example, the heroine may be a woman who’s been sexually repressed and is now on a journey to discover her inner vixen. In that kind of tale, romance isn’t a necessary component. Attraction and lust with the partner or partners is what it’s all about. This is what I call a groin-driven story…the action is South of the navel. It doesn’t reach the head and certainly never comes close to the heart. Some readers might liken it to porn.

On the other hand, erotic romance is romance no matter what you’ve heard to the contrary. There’s a love story, an emotional connection between two (and sometimes more) people. They ache for each other, you feel their pain when they’re separated, you’re cheering them on through the plot’s pitfalls and always rooting for an HEA, which you’ll get. This type of story starts in the brain (our biggest sex organ), travels to the heart then finally reaches the groin.

The only difference between erotic romance and a sweet love story is that there are explicit sex scenes in the former. Scenes, I might add, that enrich the story. If they’re gratuitous, they won’t satisfy readers and all erotic romance writers know that. So the scenes are woven into a complex set of circumstances that culminate in the expression of love between the characters. In other words, they’re like the best parts of real life.

I’m always puzzled by writers who dismiss erotic romance as something tawdry. Why? Because it explores the physical drive that’s so much a part of all of us? I find that rather arrogant. We’re all sexual creatures. IMHO, nothing is as comforting as the scent, texture and warmth of a lover’s skin, arms wrapped around willing bodies, gentle breaths tickling necks and ears and the full expression of passion while making love.

Trust me, it takes a lot of skill to write those scenes in a believable and moving fashion. It takes heart and thought to get them right.

Erotic romance is a fuller, richer more intense peek into the world we all live in or hope to live in.

So hug an erotic romance author today and tell her that you finally understand the difference between what she writes and straight erotica. She’ll be grateful you did.


*** Now to my contest. Simply leave a comment on this post or on today’s blog at my site www.tinadonahue.com and you’re entered. Winner gets her choice of one of my highly-praised books, including:

1. Adored – ebook
2. Deep, Dark, Delicious – ebook
3. Close to Perfect – mass market paperback
4. Bad Boys with Red Roses – trade paperback
5. Take My Breath Away – trade paperback

Details/covers/blurbs/excerpts on all of the above can be found at www.tinadonahue.com

(If winner is from the continental US, she gets her choice of any of the books. A winner outside the continental US gets her choice of one of the ebooks)

My RT experience!

My RT experience!
Good morning peeps,

I'm new to the blog at Romance Books "R" Us, to hang tight while I figure this first post out.

I had my first RT experience at the end of April 2010 and love it! It was awesome to be able to meet others who share the love of writing romance with me. I got to see faces of people I knew online and talk to readers and aspiring authors too. I loved being able to share with those around me, what I've learned over the last year.

But...

The best experience of the whole thing had to be meeting Jimmy Thomas. Jimmy and I have chatted online for several months before RT and I told him I'd be there and wanted to meet him. He told me he'd be by the registration table on the first day so I made sure I went by there a few times before I saw him. Let me tell you folks, he's just as HOT and huggable as he is in his pictures on www.romancenovelcovers.com. Six foot and all muscle. Yummy!

Anyway, before RT I'd purchased tickets for his raffles, never thinking I'd actually win, but trying none-the-less.

He actually hung out with me and a couple of other Siren publishing authors during the first couple of days. It was rather fun! The night of the Vampire Ball, he sat and ate dinner with me, Tonya Ramagos, Wendi Darlin, Morgan Ashbury and Raina James. I'd been teasing him for the last two days about pulling my ticket for one of the raffles and he told me he'd dumped all of the tickets on his bed, just to see who's ticket would come out the most. Everyone else's ticket came out once -- mine came out 3 times! It was totally funny!

When he got up there to draw the ticket for the Breakfast In Bed, one of the audience drew out a name, but the first winner wasn't present. When she drew the second name, she said, "Sandy" and about died! He told me later, he thought, "No way!" When they finally said my last name, me and the other authors with me laughed and screamed. It was too funny!

The breakfast in bed the next morning was too cool. He brought the food in, made my coffee for me and we sat and talked on my bed. He looked mighty nice in his t-shirt, pj pants and bare feet.

So to say the least, he made RT for me and I can't wait to go next year!

Sandy

Guest Blog from Reader/Writer Carrie Spencer: Romance University

The Best Job in the World.

I’m cheap.
I admit it. Anything marked 50% off? I’m there. Free? Even better.


That’s what first attracted me to Romance University:
http://www.romanceuniversity.org . Free lectures, free learning, free advice.

What more could a thrifty girl like myself ask for?

Right off the bat, I knew these girls had a winner of a blog. Started a year ago in May of 2009, by three talented ladies - Adrienne Giordano, Tracey Devlyn and Kelsey Browning. Their goal was to bring a variety of authors, editors and agents together to offer free advice. And boy, have they met their goal! Authors Allison Brennan, Brenda Novak and Lori Foster have walked RU’s hallowed halls. Agents Scott Eagan and Donald Maas have offered advice, and editors from Harlequin and Kensington have popped in for interviews. And that’s just to name a few! The archives are filled with advice, interviews and wisdom – all free!

I was in hog heaven. (I’m cheap AND from Iowa) Three times a week, I tuned into RU and listened and learned. I myself spoke with Christie Ridgeway, Kristan Higgins, and Carly Phillips.

And they spoke back. In detail.

Hank Phillipi Ryan said how much she enjoyed my little blog. Harlequin Blaze Senior Editor Brenda Chin answered my question about historicals. Agent Jill Marsal offered advice on romantic suspense novels.

Am I name-dropping here?

Just a bit. =) It’s fun, bear with me.

Want to know what’s up and coming?

In the upcoming weeks, RU will bring you interviews with Laurie Schnebly Campbell, Tawny Weber and CJ Lyons. As a matter of fact, on June 4, CJ Lyons will be hosting RU’s first ever Pitch-O-Rama. Post your pitch and CJ will help refine them. Make your pitch perfect – just in time for Nationals.

Want more?

Sure thing.

Follow RU through the summer as they interview Bella Andre on Feng Shui, Anne Charles on how to promo before publication and Larry Brooks from Storyfix.com.

RU is also watching debut author Laurie London as she progresses from pre-pubbed to author. They’ll be spotlighting various sub-genres throughout the year as well, featuring Urban Fantasy, Women’s Fiction and Paranormal. And web designer Jeannie Ruesch is heading up a series on author branding.

And how do I know so much about Romance University?

Because as of April 6, 2010 I became the newest RU staff member. Woot!

Now I’m behind the scenes with my favorite people – Kelsey, Adrienne and Tracey. And I’m thoroughly enjoying myself. And I can just let this slip – a little secret about what’s up and coming.

What’s on RU’s 2011 Wish List?

RU Review Crew – A new series coming out for readers of romance novels. Insider information, free books, reviews and contests all aimed at the romance reader.

Tips for the Non Techie – Join me as I lead you through the wilds of the WordPress jungle. Not techno-savvy? Stick with me kid; I’ll walk you through it!

Agent/Editor Pitches – RU writers will have a chance to post their pitches in front of editors or agents, and get them critiqued!

Want more?

We’ve got you covered. More giveaways, more up and coming authors, more interviews with your favorite authors.

Stop by and visit us at Romance University ( http://www.romanceuniversity.org ).  We’ll knock your socks off.

A little Shamless Promotion!

Okay, maybe not so little.

Wait! Didn't I talk about POS (Promotion Overload Syndrome) last time? Yes! I did, but the truth is, I'm not as popular as some of the greats yet, so I gotta do what a writer does...promote.

Sessions was released last month and this story is especially important to me. No, it's not like that. Get your mind out the gutter! It's because this is the story that originally got me a contract. I know, pretty cool huh? And now my baby is out there for all the world to see. I'm so proud.

As the title implies, it is about therapy, but wait, don't knock it yet! I can just hear it now..."I all ready know the ending." Are you sure? This isn't your typical, girl has problems, girl goes to therapy and therapist fixes it with sex. Well, okay, part of it is any ways, but the story isn't at all what you think and that's what I love about it. I even mixed some B&D in it to help the characters along. Wasn't I sneaky?

If I did a good job with the story, you'll find yourself rooting one of the characters along, and hating the other only to find out that maybe you were wrong all along. Or maybe not, I don't want to give too much away.

Now, as some of you know, I am a lesbian erotica writer because...well, I'm a lesbian. Shhh...did I really just out myself? Krud! I gave it away, didn't I? Here's the thing, you're going to find f/f sex in every chapter, oops, session in the ebook. And its explicit. Oh, one more thing, you can read an explicit excerpt on my website: http://www.anniealvarez.net  (For mature audiences only, please.)

The other side of me is the Paranormal Erotic author and I've been working on The Hightower Series. A clan of sexy vampire ladies ready to steal your heart and other things if you let them.

Book 4, Lustful Torment is actually from Mistress Tamara's POV (Point Of View) and believe me, my vampires don't sparkle!

Oh, where do I begin? How about at the beginning? Book 1, For The Love Of Blood, introduces you to Tamara and Izzy. Remember, I am a lesbian erotica writer so you'll find a lot of f/f interactions in this series, too. It's also where you'll find the infamous "pearl scene". I'll let you read about that yourself. :)

I would say that it's a must read series, but that would be tooting my own horn, and I won't do that. Instead, I'll quote my cousin David. "Damn girl, even my wife thinks your girls are hot!

In honor of non-sparkly vampires, we're having a Naughty Little Vamp June Extravaganza, and I invite you all to participate in the festivites! Starting on the 1st of June, stop by and leave a comment and you could win a prize! http://naughtylittlevamp.blogspot.com/

See you next month!

June & Romance & Weddings..."I DO!"

Ah, love and romance are in the air...and June is typically the month for weddings! I wasn't sure why June is so popular for weddings...but the term "June Bride" is bantered about very often. So, I did some searching on the Internet and here's what I found.

It seems that in earlier centuries, people didn't bathe frequently...so smelled more. May became "bath month" for most people, and by June they still didn't smell too awful. But, since flowers typically would be in full bloom by June, people decided to wed then and hoped the wonderful aroma of wedding bouquets and flowers strewn around their ceremonies would blanket any body odors.

Nice visual, but that's what I found!

I almost became a June bride. After I got engaged in 1970 (yes, I'm THAT old), we planned to get married in June 1971. Visions of spring flowers and warm weather had me planning a wonderful pastel-coordinated wedding.

In October of '70, my then roommate decided to run off and follow her married boyfriend...and his family...to Hawaii. I thought she was crazy to date him in the first place, and even more loony to up and move to be near him. AND, that left me with a dilemma to solve.

I couldn't afford our rent by myself. So my choices were:
1. Find a new roommate knowing I'd be getting married in June.
2. Have my fiance help pay my rent.
3. Have my fiance move in (and back then that would have given my family members heart attacks).
4. Move up the wedding date.

After ruling out the first three choices, I zeroed in on number four. My warm, springy, pastel wedding became a cold, winter, burgundy-coordinated color scheme wedding as we got married in December 1970 amid snowflakes.

I remember going to three June weddings...I'm sure there were more but these stand out in my mind. One lasted a month. One turned out not to be "real" as the bride hadn't gotten her divorce yet. And the other marriage is still intact...possibly because the couple waited almost six years before getting married.

Anyone have a June bride story? 

Romance book idea: June brides that have HEA endings...after the usual "bumps in the rocky road" to love. Hmm. I'll have to think about that!

Photos: Flickr: Sabrina Campagna, acjetter's photostream. And one of my own!
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