Visiting Inspired Quill

Today I had the opportunity to stop by Inspired Quill and have a quick chat with Sara about NEVER TEMPT DANGER.

Please drop on by Inspired Quill, say hi, and leave a comment.

Denise Robbins and her latest novel NEVER TEMPT DANGER on blog tour

Some of you may not be aware that I am doing a book blog tour to announce the release of my latest novel NEVER TEMPT DANGER.

New to the blogosphere? No clue what a book blog tour is?

A book blog tour is where an author visits a book blogger's website where they discuss the latest novel, post an interview with the author, or just chit-chat about whatever topic is of interest for the day. You as the readers and visitors of the various stops of the book blog tour have a chance to get to know the author, the blogger, and almost always have an opportunity to win a free book!

My tour is under way right now. Below are the places we've been, and the dates and blogs I will be visiting. Mark your calendars - because you never know what surprise will come up as a giveaway.

10/22/10 Intense Whisper
10/29/10 Geeky Bookworm
11/05/10 Book Lovers Inc. - Giveaway ends Nov. 20th.
11/12/10 Sagi's Randomness
11/17/10 TBD - TV Ted
11/21/10 Foozago Blog
12/02/10 A Buckeye Girl Reads
12/04/10 Jo Jo's Book Corner
12/08/10 Babbling About Books and More
12/17/10 Inspired Quill
12/22/10 Cafe of Dreams
01/10/11 My World...in words and pages

To see any changes to this schedule and more information about me, the books, and upcoming events, visit my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Denise-Robbins/

Next blog stop on NEVER TEMPT DANGER tour

If you were looking for me today, stop by www.bookloversinc.com, my 3rd blog stop on my book tour for NEVER TEMPT DANGER.

Check out the interview where I discuss how books and authors influenced me and my writing. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of NEVER TEMPT DANGER.

Never Tempt Danger and interview in ITW Big Thrill Webzine

There are days where waking up and logging on are so worth it. Today is one of those days!

In my email I received the latest edition of the The Big Thrill, International Thriller Writers webzine. In it is an interview I gave with Clea Simon about my latest novel, Never Tempt Danger.

It's very thrilling for me to see my name, my book, and my interview listed with authors I read and admire like Heather Graham, Carla Neggers, and David Baldacci.

So yes, you can imagine me seeing this article for the first time and hooting with joy, spinning around with enthusiasm, and doing a little jig in glee. Then, of course, forwarding it to everyone I know!

I will top off this fizzy excitement with two other little ditties that happened. A woman I know who refuses to buy my books from me because she wants to support me (Isn't that sweet.), bought two copies of Never Tempt Danger, one for her and one for a friend. Then she asked me to sign them. Attached to the front of the book she asked me to sign for her friend was a note. Here's where I get a little red-faced with embarrassment, but at the same time my heart jumps and does little pirouettes in my chest.

The note read: "If you like Janet Evanovich, you will love Denise even better."

Wha?! My eyes bugged out. Someone actually compared me to Janet. Way cool!

A neighbor to my parents in Florida read a copy of Never Tempt Danger then went over to their house and praised my writing and my creativity, asking, "Where does she come up with such stories?" Followed by, "Where can I get her other books because the library doesn't have them?"

I, being the cheeky chick that I am, have volunteered to send Peggy a copy of another book and one for her to donate to the library. Maybe that will make them sit up and take notice.

Hope you have a wonderful and cheeky day like me!

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with author Joyce Scarbrough

This week we had the pleasure of reading SYMMETRY by Joyce Scarbrough. Today we are interviewing Joyce about her book, her writing, and herself.

Please join me in welcoming Joyce by leaving her a comment or another question.

A little background about Joyce before we get started:
As an intelligent Southern woman, Joyce Sterling Scarbrough is weary of seeing herself and her peers portrayed in books and movies as either post-antebellum debutantes or slack-jawed yokels, so all her heroines are smart, unpretentious women who refuse to be anyone but themselves. Joyce writes full time and does freelance editing. In addition to her three published novels, she has four short stories featured in upcoming anthologies from L&L Dreamspell. Joyce has lived in Alabama all her life, she's the mother of three gifted children and has been married for 26 years to the love of her life.

You can read samples of all her work on her pages at Authors Den: http://tinyurl.com/yafjyty

On with the Interview!

What motivated you to write this book?
Like 8 million people in the U.S. and 40 million worldwide, I have a nervous system disorder called trichotillomania (TTM), which is compulsive hair pulling. I wanted to create a fictional character with TTM who would be a positive role model for the millions of people who suffer with the disorder so much more than I do, some of whom think they're the only ones who do it and don't even know that what they do has a name. The reason I decided to write a novel featuring TTM instead of a non-fiction book is because I hope to raise awareness in the general public and the woefully uninformed medical community who often refer people to psychiatrists when they go to them about TTM. It's not a mental illness and isn't caused by abuse or trauma, otherwise I wouldn't have it.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Actually, there are two. For readers with TTM: you are not defective, damaged or mentally ill, and you are worthy of love and respect. For everyone else: I hope you gain some empathy for the millions of people like my heroine, Jess. Teach your children not to make fun of their peers who may have missing hair, eyebrows or eyelashes. You wouldn't let them laugh at a cancer patient, would you?

Are the experiences in the novel based on someone you know or events in your life?
Obviously, Jess's experiences with TTM are based on mine. It's not a major problem for her both because she has so much hair and because she learns to manage it by using Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Habit Reversal Training. However, the relationship issues she deals with in the story are completely fictional, although her infuriating husband does resemble mine at times! And her cultured, domineering, Southern Belle of a mother is an amalgamation of many women I've known like that, but NOT my own mother!

Who is your favorite character in the book?
That's like asking me who is my favorite child! All my characters are real people to me, and they sometimes rewrite their storylines too. Many times I've created a character who was originally intended to be only the unlikable antagonist, then I begin to feel sorry for them when I discover what's in their background that made them so bad, and they end up almost turning into a protagonist!

How did you come up with the title for your books?
For TRUE BLUE FOREVER, the title came to me as I was writing the last line in one of the four original poems included in the story. For DIFFERENT ROADS, it was inspired by a line from the song “What Might Have Been” by Little Texas. For SYMMETRY, the title has a dual meaning: symmetry is very important to someone with TTM because things that are uneven or imbalanced trigger the state in our nervous systems that cause us to pull (my personal theory but supported by some research!) And my heroine is searching for balance or symmetry to her life—in her marriage, her career, and her relationship with her mother.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?
I was thinking about this the other day and realized how much the characters in my favorite books had influenced my own novels without me even realizing it until now. Like the epic loves in FOREVER AMBER and GONE WITH THE WIND, all my books feature couples whose love will never die despite all the obstacles they encounter. My heroines are all strong women like Amber and Scarlett, but most especially Jaycee in DIFFERENT ROADS—she's a hellion who couldn’t care less about public opinion and who loves her man with the force of a tempest. Inspired by the unrequited love that Laurie has for Jo in LITTLE WOMEN, I gave the heroine in TRUE BLUE FOREVER a best friend who will always love her. And all my heroes are fearless, macho men who usually fight with my heroines as passionately as they make love to them.

How do you get inspired to write your romantic scenes?
That's easy—I live them every day! My kids learned long ago to overlook their parents' frequent PDAs (public displays of affection, not Palm Pilots!) When my son was about 13 and in a hurry to leave one day, he told me to stop being so “moniscuous” by kissing his dad goodbye. He said I was promiscuous but only with one man, hence I was “moniscuous.” Other than that, I'm always inspired by music. I have a special playlist on my computer called “Songs To Write By.”

How does your family feel about your book or writing venture in general?
My husband is my first reader and reads everything as I write it—but not over my shoulder and not until I tell him he can! He even lets me watch him read so I can see which parts make him laugh or react in other ways.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members?
My best friend and fellow writer, Lee Ann Ward, is a gift that God sent to me. Not only does she love my books, it’s so important to have someone who understands what you're going through and can empathize and commiserate with you about this crazy publishing world. We console each other over the rejections and celebrate together over the triumphs. I even wrote her a fantasy romance short story to cheer her up one time. I thank God for her every day!

What is your guilty pleasure?
I like to watch boy band videos on YouTube. Love me some Backstreet Boys, Nsync and 98 Degrees!

What are your current projects?
I'm about three-quarters done with a coming-of-age novel titled SHADES OF BLUE that my critique group partners have said reminds them of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I can't tell you how flattered I am to even be mentioned n the same breath as a book like that. I'm also writing a YA paranormal novel that I like to describe as DEXTER meets BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. No vampires, just a smart-mouthed dead girl with a penance to pay.

One last question. Were you the model for SYMMETRY'S cover?
No, that's actually my step-daughter, Tonya Goodson. She has curly auburn hair like Jess, and I love her big, beautiful brown eyes!

Thank you Joyce for taking the time to visit with us and to share your wonderful story. Best of luck and looking forward to reading more of your books!

Book-A-Week Challenge is reading Symmetry

by Joyce Scarbrough

Mark your calendars to not only read Symmetry but to return here on Sunday, December 13 when I'll post an interview with Joyce. Find out more about Joyce, her books, and ask her some questions.

Until then enjoy the story and checkout her blog at http://joycescarbrough.blogspot.com/

Book Info:
Paperback: 214 pages
Publisher: L & L Dreamspell (November 6, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-1603181464

Book Blurb:

Jessica Cassady must reevaluate her marriage while also dealing with the realization that her hair pulling is more than just a nervous habit. When her husband Lee attends a sportswriters’ convention and Jessica calls his hotel room, another woman answers the phone. He swears things aren’t what they seem, but she insists he move out while she decides whether or not to forgive him. With the increased stress of the separation, Jessica’s hair pulling escalates and she realizes she might have a physical condition called trichotillomania. As if she doesn’t already have enough to deal with, her domineering mother shows up for a surprise visit. Jess tries to avoid her mother’s disapproval by attempting to conceal her marital problems. While Lee works to win Jess back, things grow complicated when she runs into Noah Hamilton, a sweet, unassuming history teacher from her past. Jess’s interest in Noah makes her think that maybe—as her best friend Deb loves to tell her—she needs to forego the beefcake brigade and give the sensitive type a try. Conflict escalates when Lee realizes just how much he’s lost in losing his wife. Sparks fly as these two polar opposites on the testosterone scale compete for Jess’s affection. Will she find her emotional center, decide which man is right for her, and finally achieve the symmetry she craves in every aspect of her life?

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with author Pauline B Jones

This week, we had the pleasure of reading The Last Enemy by Pauline B Jones. Pauline graciously agreed to do an interview with me to post on the blog and to respond to questions.

Even if you did not have a chance to read The Last Enemy, feel free to ask Pauline a question.

Now on with the interview:

1. What motivated you to write this book?

I started this book way back when the internet was just beginning to move into the mainstream. It fascinated me that I could “meet” people that I didn’t actually know. I had to take their word for who and what they were, how they looked, no way to know if they were really male or female. Then I saw The Fugitive and got interested in US Marshals Service and the story started to come to a boil. The theme of not really knowing people, virtual or real, threads through the story—though I didn’t know that until it was finished.

2. What are your current projects?

I just finished and turned in Girl Gone Nova, a follow up story to my Project Enterprise series set in the Garradian Universe. Then I started working on a short story for our next chapter anthology, except the story turned into a novella, so now I’m working on it as a standalone—and the next chapter in my Project Enterprise series. It’s also got some steampunk mixed in, which is making it a lot of fun to work on. It’s also a novella in search of a title. Usually titles aren’t that hard for me, but the title I wanted has been chosen by two books releasing next year. Sigh.

3. How do you come up with your story ideas and your characters?

I get story ideas in weird ways. Sometimes a character will come to me and I’ll have to write a story for him or her. Sometimes I get the idea first and then have to find people for the story. The Key is unique for me. I got hooked on Stargate Atlantis and got this story idea for an episode. It kept getting in the way of me writing a book, so I thought, I’ll just write it down and get it out of the way. Well, 100 pages later, I realized I had a character in need of a story. I had nothing but this woman with special abilities. And she required a science fiction world, something I’d never done before. I tried everywhere I could think of to situate her in the “real” world and she would have none of it. So I followed her lead and ended up with a huge science fiction romance novel.

One thing I do when I finish a book is to interview myself about writing that book. I call it my Behind the Book interviews. I have a little fun with them, but they also keep details fresh that I might otherwise forget. Here’s the link to my interview about The Last Enemy:
http://www.paulinebjones.com/LEBHB.htm

4. What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I get the most buzz from writing suspense and/or action-adventure. Not sure what that says about me. LOL! I’ve tried writing straight romance and can keep from killing anyone or blowing anything up if the story is short, but past about fifteen pages, stuff starts to happen. I also enjoy adding humor. For me, humor is the leavening of life, so it’s natural for me to filter it into my writing. While I’ve written what I’d call suspense from the beginning, my writing has been edging toward action/adventure for some time. When I look back and I can see it more and more, so that’s where I am right now. I call it action/adventure, but my books always have a romance element. I’m told that The Key is science fiction romance or space opera. For me, space is a setting, just as Denver was the setting for The Last Enemy. Both settings had to be, they are as essential to the plots as the characters, but through all my books there is peril, romance and action. (That’s where I got my website tag line: The Perils of Pauline—is the unifying theme of all my books.)

5. How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

I got the title for The Last Enemy from a quote:

“Death is the last enemy: once we've got past that I think everything will be alright.”
Alice Thomas Ellis

It really suits the story, because my character has survivor guilt issues.

6. How much of the novel is realistic?

All of my books are completely realistic. Really. Okay, so maybe the time travel and the space travel aren’t exactly true yet, but they could be.

Seriously, I try to make my characters feel real. If readers believe in the people, then they will believe in the story. I once had this reader busting my chops about a small detail in Out of Time. I was like, dude, you’re fussing about where the guys go to the bathroom on a B-17, but have no trouble with travel through time? It’s fiction. So basically I made it all up.

7. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?

I wouldn’t. I’ve enjoyed writing my books, have loved what I’ve learned from each one. Sometimes people ask me why I don’t publish with a larger publisher, like one in New York. The short answer is: they didn’t like what I like to write. That meant one of us had to change and we’re both determined not to budge.

I feel blessed to find a publisher who likes me and my writing as is (other than the edits of course). I have to spend so much time with a book that it’s just not possible for me to do anything but write what I want. While this is a business for me, I would not spend this much time doing something that didn’t bring me joy.

8. If your book was made into a movie who do you picture playing the part of the hero and heroine?
9.
Matt would be played by Tommy Lee Jones (well, a younger one) and Sandra Bulluck for Dani?

10. When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I made my first sale: a short story to a children’s magazine. I didn’t start telling people I was a writer, though, until my first novel, Pig in a Park, was published.

11. Who is your favorite character in the book?

Well, Dani, I guess, though I loved writing Matt, too. I liked Dani a lot because she had courage and a sense of humor and she was real. She reacted to events the way a real woman would and didn’t use any extraordinary powers to overcome evil. She is like the women I’ve known through the years, woman who face hard things with a sense of humor and determination.

12. What is your favorite way to take a break from writing?

I like to put a movie into the dvd player, curl up with a bowl of popcorn, chilled Jr. Mints and a Diet Dr. Pepper and let the world go by. The movie can be a romantic comedy or an action –adventure. I also have this secret love of critter features or disasters flicks. I’m drawn to Tremors, Lake Placid and any movie that will mean an end to life on Earth as we know it. I have no explanation for it, though I suspect it is hereditary. I once caught my mom watching some earthquake flick, mini-series. Sorry to out you, Mom, but it is long standing tradition to blame our parents for stuff, and well, you were watching it.

Author website: http://www.paulinebjones.com

While you're there checkout Pauline's book The Key, An Independent Publisher Book Awards Bronze Medal Winner. http://www.paulinebjones.com/thekey.htm

Lori Brighton offers a chance to win a copy of It Happens in Threes and Killer Bunny Hill

Historical Romance author Lori Brighton interviewed me on her blog. Go there and post a comment for a chance to win a copy of It Happens in Threes or Killer Bunny Hill. Lori Brighton interviews Denise Robbins.

After you've left your message, checkout Lori's website at www.loribrighton.com. There, you will find that Lori has a degree in Anthropology and worked as a museum curator. Deciding the people in her imagination were slightly more exciting than the dead things in a museum basement, she set out to become an author.

Her first book, a historical romance titled Wild Heart, will be published by Kensington in November of 2009. Read an excerpt and add her title to your list of books to read.

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with Elizabeth Eagan-Cox, author of "A Ghost from the Shadows"

We're interviewing Elizabeth Eagan-Cox, author of this week's Book-A-Week Challenge "A Ghost from the Shadows"



Elizabeth will drop in today to answer any questions you have on her book(s) and how she writes her stories so leave her a comment.

More information can be found about Elizabeth Eagan-Cox on her website at http://www.elizabetheagancox.net/.

Interview:

Thank you for joining us, Elizabeth, and for sharing your story.

What motivated you to write this novel series?

I have written non-fiction my entire life. I have been a columnist and I have two published books on California history, written in a style called narrative non-fiction, or popular history. I was tired of non-fiction and the market for this genre was getting soft. Very soft. But I yearned to incorporate my passion for California’s more intriguing aspects of history into a plot. So, I took what I know best, California history, and combined it with fiction to create a paranormal mystery series. The plot for each of my novels takes place in present-day time, but historical facts help to create the cold-case files of unsolved mysteries… to which there is some quirky present-day tie-in.

California history is fascinating and it spans nearly five hundred years since the first colonial expedition by European powers. Every aspect of culture is represented in its history, at one time or another… for me this is an incredible tapestry to draw inspiration from.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Agatha Christie, she is the iconic queen of cozy mystery novels. I love the way her writing presents the simple, yet profound down-to-earth study of human nature. Big city or small village, human nature remains the same, and so do the many crimes of humanity.

What are your current projects?

I am tying up loose ends for book 3 in my Shannon Delaney Paranormal Mystery series. Book 3 is called A Ghost Meets an Angel. I will hand it in to my editor before I leave to go on my annual Halloween vacation this year. And speaking of Halloween, I was asked to guest write for the Museum of the Macabre’s Haunted History blog. I wrote a two-part article on Celtic Halloween Traditions and it will be on the Museum of the Macabre’s Web site on Octber 30 & 31. Oh, and I have quite a few media appearances scheduled between now and the end of November. All this information, with links is at: www.ElizabethEaganCox.net

What makes your stories unique?

I combine a true cozy mystery genre with the elements of the paranormal. Simply stated, I have a few ghosts as characters and they are treated as characters, not as novelties. Plus, the lead character, a young woman named Shannon Delaney has her own emerging paranormal energy, and she is not too sure about it. Shannon’s intuitive talent to speak to the past is a surprise to her, she must learn to live with it and utilize it to solve cold case mystery files. I rely heavily on my own ancestry in this regard, using cultural beliefs of my Celtic traditions.

I should clarify what a true cozy is…just so readers understand. In the cozy genre there is never graphic or explicit horror, violence, sex and language. The crime, which is the mystery, has already taken place, the readers discover it at the same time the cast of characters stumble upon it. The settings are small, usually a village, a campus or a particular neighborhood. The plot focus is on character and mystery development and solving the mystery with intelligence gained through sleuthing… good detective work. Jokingly, but true, I have told people you can set any one of my books down and never be afraid of whom might pick it up!

Another aspect that is different, I do weave a great deal of popular history into the plot and the publisher has agreed to allow me a chapter or two worth of page space to have Author’s Notes at the back. I did this because I hate it when I am reading a book, am curious about something mentioned in it and then I set the book aside to get Online to research what I wasn’t sure about! I don’t want to leave my readers scratching their heads about a clue, so I have notes in the back that explain lesser-known aspects of history and clues.

How do you come up with your story ideas and your characters?

I dream them. All of my plots are based on my knowledge and experience with California and American history. Sometimes the little seed of a story is formed from some out of the ordinary influences.

For instance, in Book 2: A Ghost From the Shadows… well I had in my mind a song from long ago that I heard on the radio and, wow! I always loved that song! The song is “Conquistador” by Procol Harem… so go get Online and listen to the song… you’ll get an idea of what inspired book 2. Having grown up in southern California, the song spoke to me.

Then, Book 1: A Ghost of a Chance, was inspired by the mansion that is on the book’s front cover. It is a real home, called The Morey Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn in Redlands, California and I have been in it many times over the years. Officially dubbed as “America’s Favorite Victorian” I always had it in mind as the perfect setting for a ghost story. Though, in truth, I do not believe that The Morey Mansion is haunted. Another mansion, one that is in San Diego was an inspiration for the story as well. That one, I do believe is haunted. It is the Villa Montezuma. And Book 1 got its start from a short story I wrote and sold to a British magazine. I decided to take the plunge and to write a novel, I knew that the short story was the stepping stone to the novel. The story was called “Thin Air” and the only recognizable part of it is in the first two chapters of book 1.

And for Book 3: A Ghost Meets an Angel, I was inspired by two older songs: “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts”, sung by Joan Baez, written by Bob Dylan and “Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross.

When do you find you are the most creative or write the most?

On a yearly calendar I actively write March through September. I take a vacation in October and that has been my goal, to have a book ready to turn in by the time I go on vacation. I come back from vacation and spend the next several months (until March) doing background research for the next novel.

On a daily basis, when I am actively writing, that would be March through September, I take care of business communication in the early morning, often in my robe and bunny slippers and then I get dressed for the day and take a quick coffee break. After that, I go back to tip-tapping on the keyboard at about 10 in the morning and finish up around two or three in the afternoon. I then take another break, usually my meal of the day. In the late afternoon, I check e-mail communication and do more correspondence. I work 4-day weeks, 10 to 12 hours each day and I write two chapters a week. On my off days, I may still be working, but not on the novel. This often includes media interviews and appearances. I find having a structured schedule for the creative writing part of what I do to be comforting… amid the chaos in the world, I can shut out the noise and create my own world, at least for a few hours at a time!

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Cozy Mystery…and as corny as this sounds… I hold myself accountable for the potential influences of what I write. I like the idea that I can talk about what I write with anyone and anywhere, including in my church. I’m not criticizing the writers of other genres… but no way could I write in a genre that I could not sign my real name to and feel comfortable talking about it in all social arenas.

What are you reading now?

I’m in the process of preliminary research for the yet untitled book 4 in my series. I’m digging into the Online data base called the Newspaper Archive, it is a subscription data bank and is a primary source for study. Newspapers going back into the 1700s up to present day are in this database, from all over the world.

What is your favorite way to take a break from writing?

For short breaks on a daily basis, I go for walks in the rural countryside where I live. My dog, Corley is in charge of these breaks, she lets me know when we have been working too hard!

For actual days off, I do a great deal of genealogical study. I used to teach genealogy classes. As a member of one of the oldest lineage societies in the U.S…. Daughters of the American Revolution…(yes, that D.A.R.) I have learned the most stringent guidelines for finding evidential proof of ancestry. I am the first in my family to connect each and every generation in direct lineage, back to a Revolutionary War Patriot of the 1700s. I now have four Patriots documented. By no means is my story unique…there are many, many people out there with similar lineage waiting to be discovered.

Discovering ancestors and coming to terms with their incredible hardships gives me an overwhelming sense of pride in their accomplishments and a great deal of determination to go forward with my own dreams. This is a topic very close to my heart, you see, I have always felt that my creative talents were inherited, and in fact, in the Celtic culture this inherent and intangible talent is called Blood Memory. It is an Intuitive Intelligence passed on to us very much in the same manner that physical characteristics are inherited. By no means is the concept of Blood Memory unique to the Celtic culture…though in my experience we, in the Celtic culture, are perhaps, more open to talking about it.

Many years ago one of my siblings asked me why I am so driven, so passionate about writing. My answer: I write to quiet the whispers of our ancestors.

When I found my ancestors, I found my ghosts and I discovered that many aspects of being human transcend death, especially the love we have for those in our lives.

Why paranormal? Have you had any real-life paranormal experiences?

I first thought of my concept as supernatural, I was not familiar with the term “Paranormal.” My publisher is the one who described my books as paranormal and it was from this description that I learned what I had always thought of, as supernatural is now called paranormal.

Why paranormal? Not sure, really. I just never considered writing fiction without having a ghost or two in the story. As far as real-life paranormal experiences…yes that is what I would call what has happened in my life on a few occasions. Though, I do not usually go into much detail about them. I will say this… I believe in ghosts as ‘spirit visitations’ and as people, who in their earth-bound life are likely to be how they are in their spectral existence. In other words… (Addressing the readers) that grandparent who was so much a favorite person in your life… well they love you and guide you in their afterlife to the best that their spectral existence will allow. Perhaps a foreign concept to some people, but I do believe that our soul’s emotions are so strong that love transcends death.

In many ways, my Celtic cultural beliefs support this and for readers who may be wondering…my faith is not in objection to it. I am Anglican Catholic, known as Episcopal in the USA. I’m a member of Trintiy Parish in Redlands, California.

Why ghosts?

Why not ghosts? After what I answered above, I hope it is clear that I believe we have an afterlife and in that afterlife we have some spectral wiggle room. Having ghosts in my story and treating them as real characters, as opposed to novelties, also helps me to weave the threads of history into the plots.

Tell us your latest news?

I have numerous appearances scheduled between now and the end of November, most are in radio on the Internet, so it is easy and free to tune in to the radio programs and ask me questions. Please do so, my schedule and easy links to the radio programs are on my web site: http://www.elizabetheagancox.net/

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with Kristin Callender

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with Kristin Callender author of "The Truth Lies in the Dark"

If you didn't have a chance to read it you can pick up a copy of Kristin's book at Amazon.

Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: BluewaterPress LLC
ISBN-10: 1604520140
ISBN-13: 978-1604520149

Find out more about Kristin Callender at her blog http://kcsbooks.blogspot.com

In the meantime, check out Kristin's interview below, and leave her a comment or question.

When and why did you begin writing?

I have always been drawn to writing, but never thought of it as a career option for me until I was an adult. I shouldn't admit this but I was not the most motivated student in school. Writing was the one area that came easy to me. It was a great outlet for my over active imagination. I played with the idea of writing a book for a long time and when Nick and Amanda's story (The Truth Lies in the Dark) came to me I knew I had to sit down and give writing an honest try.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I had a hard time considering myself a writer. It wasn't until I had my first book published that I felt worthy of the title. Now I see it completely different. You are a writer from the moment you pick up a pen, or pull up a keyboard, and bring an idea to life. I tell people now that I will continue to be a writer, whether I become a published author again is up to the editor :)

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I am still trying different styles and genres to see which fits me best. Picture me in a dressing room asking my husband, "Does this cozy mystery make my butt look big?" No, seriously I loved writing mystery and have a few more ideas and am now finishing a contemporary romance. So far I have been letting the stories choose me. If they yell out loud enough I write them. I imagine that eventually I will find my niche, but in the mean time I am enjoying the variety.

Who came up with the book cover for your book? Why?

My teenage son, Michael actually did the cover for The Truth Lies in the Dark. He painted a picture of New York City at night for a high school Art class and friends of mine suggested that it would make a great cover. I cropped it and sent to my publisher and they agreed. I didn't realize until later how rare it is to have so much control over the cover choice. I love that I get to share this with my son.

If your book was made into a movie who do you picture playing the part of the hero and heroine?

The Truth Lies in the Dark could be made into a Lifetime movie. A film producer loved the story and will be pitching to cable executives. I will hopefully be able to come back and tell you who was actually chosen to play the parts of Nick and Amanda. I have just extended the end date for a contest promoting this event. Stop by and leave a comment. The amount of comments received determines the amount of prizes offered. http://kcscontests.blogspot.com

What is your favorite way to take a break from writing?

Some days the writing takes over and I find it hard to break away for anything; food, phone calls, even the kids. Then there are days when you just don't feel it. Those days I love taking a walk with my music to clear my head, or I pick up a good book. Then there is always Twitter, which provides some comic relief and helpful writing advice.

What are your current projects?

As I shared earlier, I am finishing up a contemporary romance. I also have a few other stories started that I hope to get back to and of course new ones are always popping up. I would also love to try some children's books too. It is harder now to find time to sit and write. There is so much about marketing, promoting, and networking to learn. Juggling these new hats, along with work, family and friend commitments has been a challenge. I give a lot of credit to authors like you, who have found a way to do it all and have time for a Book-a-week challenge.

Thanks for stopping by for my interview and thank you Denise for doing this. It was a lot of fun. Good luck on your future Book-a-week challenges. I'll be back to check them out.

~ Kristin Callender : )

http://kcsbooks.blogspot.com
http://kcscontests.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/KCBOOKS

Reminder - Author Interview with Kristin Callender

Wanted to remind you of Sunday's Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with Kristin Callender author of "The Truth Lies in the Dark"


Kristin will be here to tell us how she started writing and what she's working on, and answer whatever questions we send her way.

Join us Sunday, September 6 to learn about the author of The Truth Lies in the Dark.

If you haven't had a chance to read it you can pick up a copy of Kristin's book at Amazon.

Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: BluewaterPress LLC
ISBN-10: 1604520140
ISBN-13: 978-1604520149

Find out more about Kristin Callender at her blog http://kcsbooks.blogspot.com

See you Sunday!

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with Susan Whitfield author of "Hell Swamp"

This week the Book-A-Week Challenge read "Hell Swamp" by Susan Whitfield.
Today, we post the interview with Susan that discusses her books, her writing, and anything else she is willing to share. Stop by and leave a comment or ask a question.

Find out more about Susan and her other books. Visit her website at Susan Whitfield.

Paperback: 196 pages
Publisher: L & L Dreamspell
ISBN-13: 978-1603180948

Buy from Amazon
Buy from B&N

On with the interview:

Are the experiences in the novel based on someone you know or events in your life?

The overall plot in Hell Swamp is fiction—a horrendous crime scene. However, the idea for the novel came from a true story my son told me about a 13-year-old in his neighborhood who killed his first big buck with a nice rack. His picture was published in the local newspaper with the trophy deer. A woman somehow got his mailing address and sent the picture to him with “Murderer! Killer! You should be shot!” scrawled on it. That’s all it took to get my juices flowing.

What are your current projects?

The fourth Logan Hunter Mystery, Gator Creek, is about 75% complete. I also have a stand-alone in the works. I generally work on two novels at the same time. Not sure why.

How do you come up with story ideas and your characters?

With Hell Swamp, it was a true story I was told. Often I find ideas on billboards, in phone books, conversations, the news. Once I decide on a setting for the book (usually what starts the process) and begin writing, the characters create themselves. They tell me what to write, a surreal experience that gets me strange looks from non-writers. I like to have fun with names, such as Nita Quicki, Pepper, whose a chef, Acme Beavers, who chews on toothpicks. Even Logan’s last name is Hunter since she’s in the hunt for justice. When she meets a hunky detective in the mountains, his first name is Chase, since he’s always chasing criminals. Sounds cheesy, but that’s the way it flops. They are instruments of my imagination.

Who came up with the book cover for your book? Why?

I gave Linda my concept and she designed the fantastic cover for Hell Swamp. It seems she has a 12-point buck on her ranch, so he’s on the cover. Can you find him? Cool, huh?

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

I’ve lived in North Carolina all my life so writing about this state seems natural and familiar. I’ve lived in the eastern part most of the time, but I lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a year too. This state has plenty of fodder for a writer, even many dialects within our borders. Setting is always a major character in my books. Hell Swamp is set along Black River about five miles from where I grew up. There really is a Hell Swamp, just not where it is in the book. I couldn’t resist using the name for a title and Lisa and Linda agreed.
My upbringing comes out in some scenes, my favorite when Logan reminisces about cutting fields of flowers with her mother to fill the church pulpit on the same Sunday her daddy, head deacon, prepares tiny glasses of wine and bread for the communion service, a sweet memory of mine.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I have only written mystery so far. That’s what I generally read although I sometimes vary genres. I’m pulling together noodlings for a less intense, more humorous novel, and possibly an historical mystery about an ancestor of mine who was a Knight of the Bath.

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

Genesis Beach is set along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, so I named it Genesis since it was my first book. There isn’t really a Genesis Beach, NC. The other three, Just North of Luck, Hell Swamp, and Gator Creek, came off a state map. Just North of Luck is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains where a serial killer is on the loose in the remote community of Trust, NC. ( BTW-L&L Dreamspell has picked up this book and it will be printed under their logo in August.) Hell Swamp is really a swamp in eastern NC, and I took liberties with Gator Creek, actually Alligator Creek near Wilmington. The state map has served me well.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Having been a high school principal for much of my first career, I constantly had to deal with unsupervised children before and after school hours. Most of those who got into trouble stayed out all night or all weekend, parents too busy with their own lives to even notice or care. The main plot: Know where your kid is, who he’s with, and what they’re doing.
Also, don’t judge a person by their appearance. In Hell Swamp, Cyrano Blood was practically castrated by his own community because of his looks. Even though he’s gruff-looking, Logan discovers that he does needlework and gives generously to charity. He’s really a wonderful but misunderstood human being.

How much of the novel is realistic?

I think it’s very realistic. The characters are fictional but I tried to make them all believable. Reviews are good, so hopefully I pulled it off. The setting is present day deer-hunting country.

What are you reading now?

John Hart’s Last Child. Awesome! I’m so proud to know him and that he’s a Carolina boy. Look for him to rise to great heights with his literary mysteries.

How do you get inspired to write your romantic scenes?

After 42 years of marriage, my scenes are homicidal, not romantic. Okay, just kidding, but what few romantic scenes I write are suggestive, not graphic. I prefer shock-you intensity.

Who is your favorite character in the book?

I’ve loved Logan Hunter since the day she popped out of my head. We’re in our fourth novel together. She’s quirky but focused. She bends the rules as far as possible and she likes to work alone, highly respected by her male colleagues in the SBI. I also like Magnolia in Hell Swamp. She’s a cute little black woman who sneaks Logan homemade goodies while she’s investigating. I like Rose Paul Hill, too, with her ill-fitting false teeth and her willingness to drink Strychnine in church.

If your book was made into a movie, who do you picture playing the part of the heroine?

Katherine Heigl would be a perfect Logan Hunter.


That's all folks! Stop by and leave your own questions for Susan.

Thank you Susan for a great read, engaging characters, and a terrific interview. Sounds to me like we all need to visit NC for some story ideas.

CJ West of Red River Writers Live interviews Denise Robbins

Denise Robbins visits with CJ West as his guest on Blog Talk Radio, Wednesday, August 12 at 1:00 PM Eastern at Red River Writers Live

Stop in for a listen as CJ discusses with Denise her first novel, It Happens in Threes, her writing, and how she combines technology with adventure and romance.

Listen in for a special announcement regarding an upcoming event!

Learn more about CJ West and his books at www.22wb.com


Danielle of Coffee Time Romance says, "It Happens in Threes is one adventurous scene after another. Ms. Robbins has written an intense thriller filled with hunky men, beautiful women, and one action-packed stunt after another. I could not put this romantic suspense down; it was just so powerful and overwhelmed my senses." Read the full review here.


If you haven't already seen Robbins' latest techno-romantic thriller, KILLER BUNNY HILL visit her website at www.deniserobbins.com.

April of Cafe of Dreams says, “Ms. Robbins blends together secrets, intrigue, suspense, and romance as easily and wonderfully as a master chef blends the ingredients for a delectable gourmet meal.” Read the full review of Killer Bunny Hill from Cafe of Dreams.

Tune in Tuesday - Denise Robbins interview on The Authors Show

The Authors Show, features five up and coming authors each week.

Tune in this Tuesday, August 4, when The Authors Show features an interview with author Denise Robbins.

Listen in as the radio show's host, Don McCauley, founder and facilitator of the Free Publicity Focus Group at www.freepublicitygroup.com asks Denise questions about her writing and her first novel, It Happens in Threes.

Available online all day Tuesday at The Authors Show.

After the show, return here and post a comment. Let Denise know what you enjoyed about the interview. Leaving a comment will enter you in a chance to win a copy of her novel, It Happens in Threes.

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with author Cindy Davis

We are interviewing Cindy Davis, author of this week's Book-A-Week Challenge novel "A Little Murder".

Post your comment and/or questions to Cindy and she will pop in to say "Hi" and respond.

To find out more about Cindy and her other books be sure to visit her webstite at http://www.cdavisnh.com/

Buy the book:

B&N
Amazon
L&L Dreamspell

On with the interview:

What motivated you to write this book?

I wanted to do a mystery series. I wanted it different. I wanted it local. I love using small towns as settings because everybody knows everyone. They know who’s seeing who, who’s cheating on who. The conflicts are built-in. I didn’t want to use my hometown, not after what happened to Grace Metalious with her Peyton Place. Everyone in Gilmanton swore the book was about them.


Are the experiences in the novel based on someone you know, or events in your life?

Not at all. It’s a mystery, totally from my imagination.


Do you have a specific writing style?

I suppose so, though it wasn’t cultivated purposely. I’ve been told my style is edgy. Not sure what that means, but I guess that’s a good thing. After all, they could’ve called it crappy.


What are your current projects?

I am working on book three of the Angie Deacon series—Hair of the Dog. It presented some problems plot-wise. I don’t know why, I guess I didn’t plan well enough. My fantastic writers group came through with ideas that germinated into a great plot. It centers around an excessively barking Irish Setter. Boring you say? Not when the dog’s owner is found dead following a confrontation with Angie.


What makes your stories unique?

To be a success, every author has a uniqueness, something out of the ordinary. Whether it’s a voice or a plot or a character, that’s what gets people hot, gets them buying the books.


How do you come up with your story ideas and your characters?

I usually begin with either a character or a setting, something that’s been nagging in the back of my head. Sometimes these are generated from a news story or someone I’ve met.


When do you find you are the most creative or write the most?

Early morning. I’m up seven days a week and at work by 5 a.m. I write till I run out of steam, usually around ten. Then I do chores or errands, have lunch and switch to editing (my day job) until around 8 p.m., taking a break for dinner.


Who came up with the book cover for A Little Murder? Why?

The publisher did the cover. Except what we ended up using wasn’t the original. The first had the same background but a small white boat. First off, it wasn’t like the boat in the book, but more importantly looked exactly like the Minnow on Gilligan’s Island. Linda worked hard coming up with something appropriate to the story. Can’t wait to see what she does with book two—Play with Fire—which has nothing at all to do with fire. It’s about the theft of the world’s first true red iris.


Tell us your latest news?

I signed with an agent. I had one a few years ago but got burned so badly I’ve been gunshy. I’m very proud to announce that two agents were interested in Cold as Ice.


When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I received my first paycheck. Till then, I felt like I was dabbling, a writer wannabe. I have since realized I was wrong; a writer is a writer regardless of a paycheck.


What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Mysteries. I cut my teeth on Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie. I think in a way, this answers the mentor question also asked. Even though she has been deceased a long time, her writing style and dedication has inspired me.


How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

For A Little Murder, I wanted something quirky, eye catching. The word murder is compelling so that was a given. I juggled names for the character until I came up with ‘Little’. Nolan Little. Sometimes titles are easy. Sometimes you’ve got to fight for them. With my Final Masquerade I didn’t have a title till the very last words went on the page: With the move to Brandon my love has faced her final masquerade. The sentence has changed since then—the book is in reprint and had some rewrites, but the mood is the same.


How much of the novel is realistic?

One of the characters is a real person. The setting is real. The story is entirely from my mind, though it’s a murder story, so it could be real. One of the subplots—the black bags—could be real.


What books have most influenced your life?

One in particular Gone with the Wind. I’ve always wanted to write something similar—a unique, character driven story that would affect people the way Scarlett O’Hara affected me. It took nine years but I feel I’ve finally accomplished it. Though my writing will probably never equal Margaret Mitchell’s, I hope I’ve captured my wish in Cold as Ice. The story originally began as a mystery but after two rewrites was still—crap. After six years in a drawer I read it and realized I was trying to tell the wrong character’s story. It wasn’t Devon’s life I needed to show, it was his mother’s. So I backed up fifty years. What resulted was Claudia VanBuren’s story; hopefully as full of twists and conflicts as Scarlett and Rhett’s.


What are you reading now?

Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth. Though it’s somewhat overwritten, I love the story, the characters, the time period, and the way something new happens on every page. Someday I will write like Mr. Follett.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?

I would dedicate myself more strongly to developing my writing skills. I would also promote harder. Though I get out all the time in person—book events, talks, craft fairs, I hate telephones so I’m awful at keeping that flow of communication going with stores, etc.


How do you get inspired to write your romantic scenes?

Hard because my husband isn’t a romantic sort. No candles or gushy talk, smile. But he’s loyal and supportive and follows me everywhere. I guess he’s sort of like a big guard dog. I hear you asking what breed. I’ll have to think about that.


What is your guilty pleasure?

Who me? I guess it’s cashews. You know how they talk about people not being able to eat one potato chip? I’m that way with cashews.


If your book was made into a movie who do you picture playing the part of the hero and heroine?

Great question. I don’t watch a lot of movies though so I can’t really say.


If you met your heroine in person what would be the first question you ask her?

Why didn’t you follow your urges with Montez?


What is your favorite way to take a break from writing?

I garden. A few years ago I told my husband I wanted to dig up the strip of lawn (about fifteen feet wide) between our house and driveway, to turn into an herb garden. He was shocked, vehemently said no way and went to work. While he was gone… Anyway, long story short, we now have a great thinking swing amidst heavenly scented herbs and perennials, surrounded by a picket fence. Even he loves it.

Thank you, Cindy, for writing a terrific story and sharing more insight to you the author. Looking forward to reading books more by you.

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with author Nora LeDuc

We are interviewing Nora LeDuc, author of this week's Book-A-Week Challenge novel "Murder Came Calling".

Post your comment or question and Nora will stop in to answer and respond.

Genre: Romance
SubGenre: Mystery
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-437-8
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-60313-438-5
Nora's site: http://www.noraleduc.com/

For those of you who don't know, Nora is a friend of mine and someone who has influenced and helped me with my writing career since I joined the NH Romance Writers of America back in 2003.

Of all the books that Nora has written and there have been many, I believe 7 published at this point, this is my favorite. Why?
Because I love the hero (Sam) and heroine (Annie) in this story. These are two characters that you can't help but fall for.
Okay, enough about what I think. On with the interview!

Interview:

How close is the plot in your current release Murder Came Calling to your own life?

Let’s see. A wealthy, young beautiful woman becomes involved with a sarcastic, heart hardened ex con after her mother is murdered and the heroine fears her father is the killer. Her drug addicted brother keeps disappearing and reappearing, and the police threaten to arrest the hero as they believe he’s a murderer released on a technicality. Well, I have a mother, a father and two brothers. Pretty close!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I knew I was an author when I found myself listed on an authors web page between Charlotte Hughes and Janet Evanovich.

What genre are you the most comfortable writing?

I originally hoped to write historical romance and have written and sold three. The idea of women in beautiful dresses with servants and dashing heroes was very alluring. But the downturn in the historical market convinced me to turn elsewhere. Since I love mystery, thrillers, suspense I decided to attempt writing one. It’s been a love match ever since.

What are your current projects?

I have written and sold a book Pick Up Lines for Murder. The date for its release will be announced soon. I’ve another completed a manuscript Love Burns, which is seeking a home and have two other manuscripts in various stages of revision. I also am writing a story about a kidnapped child inspired by Headline News.

If you could spend the day with one writer, who would it be?

Hands down Tina Fey!! I’d love to be her shadow for a day. Here’s a woman who was one of the few female writers on SNL. Now she’s writing and staring on a hit TV show, written a hit movie and won seven gold Emmy statues for 30 Rock. Recently, her show received 22 Emmy nominations! Let me be your gopher, Tina.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

All of my characters have a lesson to learn, which is universal for all of us. In Murder Came Calling although the hero has been set free from prison, he must learn how to open his imprisoned heart. In Love’s Wicked Jewel the hero learns he’s made the wrong choice in taking the diamond. It’s cold and hard while he’s given up the warm and loving heroine for wealth. In my next book Pick Up Lines for Murder, the heroine learns that she’s left behind the nerdy girl in high school and grown into a beautiful, kind woman even the hottest guy from her past can love. All of my characters have lessons in love to learn, which is why there’s romance in each book.

One last question. Were you the model for your cover?

The woman drowning under water? Absolutely. It’s how I look doing my revisions.

For more information about Nora, visit her website at http://www.noraleduc.com

Purchase the book: http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=735&zenid=b452d0a8fdb7f26f507b9fd009fd13d2

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with author Mark Rosendorf

Today's interview is with Mark Rosendorf, author of The Rasner Effect.

I'd like to thank Mark for giving us an opportunity to read The Rasner Effect as part of the Book-A-Week Challenge and for the interview you are about to read.

Please leave a comment or question and let Mark reply back.

On with the interview. . .

Are the experiences in the novel based on someone you know, or events in your life?

When I’m not writing, I work as a Guidance Counselor for a special needs school. Many of my students have emotional disabilities and anti-social tendencies. Working with them for years, I’ve come to understand the personalities and the thought-process. Many of the characters in The Rasner Effect are based on personality traits I have worked with. And much of the book is shown from the anti-social perspective.


How do you come up with your story ideas and your characters?

I take characteristics of people I know or have known and basically give them a fictional make-over. I exaggerate them, mash them up with other characteristics, insert them into the worlds I’ve created, and voila, I have my character.

One example is the Derrick character in The Rasner Effect, who many readers either love or hate. He is based on one of my best friends. And while my friend is not a killer, drug-user or part of a mercenary organization, he is cocky about his talents and always has his nose in a computer. Just like Derrick.


When do you find you are the most creative or write the most?

My ideas usually hit me at the most inopportune times. In the car, in bed, in the shower. In my head, I suddenly envision the scene and then the wording on paper. The problem is that my ideas work like lightening: one brilliant flash, then it’s gone Afterwards, I can’t recall exactly how I worded it. So I have to keep pen and paper handy, always. I even have a pen and pad hanging just outside my shower on the wall. I’m constantly reaching out the shower door and scribbling. Lucky for me, I’m left-handed since the shower door is on my left side.


Who is your favorite character in the book?

On a quick aside, I’ve found that when readers contact me about The Rasner Effect, they’re all fond of different Rasner Effect characters. Each character is unique and depending on who I’m talking to about the book, their focus can be on any of the characters. Everyone relates to someone in The Rasner Effect.

Personally, I’m partial to Rick Rasner because he’s the one I can relate to the most. Well, to some of his aspects, not so much the psychotic tendencies. At least not to the point I’d act on them.


How did you come up with the title, “The Rasner Effect?”

The original title was “Permanent Solutions” but everyone I pitched it to thought I was talking about a hair product. I went with “The Rasner Effect” because the book is not just about Rick Rasner, but also his effect on the other characters. Even the scenes Rick is not in, the story is still about his influence on the other characters and how his presence has affected them.


Do you have a specific writing style?

I’ve been told that my writing is unique and very different from most books. I’m not really sure what I’m doing that makes it unique, I just try to write as passionately as I can and put as much of me in as I can. I try not to copy other author’s style because I figure it probably won’t work for me, it’s their style.

What I can tell you is that I write entirely from the characters’ perspective. I want the reader to feel the emotion and the drama the character is experiencing with each and every scene.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Comic books. I grew up on Comic books, in fact, they helped improve my reading at a point when I needed the help. I like a story that makes you want to come back for more. And comic books always make you want to come back for more. They’ve made me come back for more since I was eight.

What is your favorite way to take a break from writing?

I’d like to say when I’m not working or writing, I use my time to contemplate the meaning of life, but in truth I’m most likely watching a movie or playing a videogame. I also try to spend an hour every evening in my building’s gym on the elliptical and taking a swim. Oh, and I read, of course.



Who are some of your favorite authors? Have any of them influenced your work?

There are a lot of authors whose work I enjoy. I read Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Douglas Adams and Rob Grant to name a few. Stephen Baxter wrote one of my favorite books, “The Time Ships” which was written as a direct sequel to the original HG Well classic, The Time Machine. In “The Time Ships” Baxter uses small chapters, each one with a cliffhanger leading to the next. With someone who suffers from a short attention span, I liked the small chapters a lot. It influenced me to keep my chapters short. Many readers have told me it’s one of the things they prefer about my writing.



What are your current projects?

I have just submitted the sequel to The Rasner Effect, titled: “Without Hesitation: The Rasner Effect 2.” I expect it to come out around January. I have also recently started work on the third of the series. I have a short story coming out in L&L Dreamspell’s anthology: Cat in the Dreamspell. My entry is titled: “Cat in the cockpit” and it reads very different than The Rasner Effect. It’s more of a campy story with a Twilight Zone-like theme.



What motivated you to write The Rasner Effect?

I’ve always enjoyed action/adventure dealing with government cover-up. I particularly like stories taking everyday people and putting them in extraordinary situations. The Rasner Effect is a composite of this, while incorporating my own experiences as a counselor. There are therapy sessions within the pages of this novel, but also focuses on Rick Rasner’s dealings with the politics of an overbearing boss, something I have also had experience in dealing with in the past.

My goal with The Rasner Effect was to write a novel where everyone can find a character, a scene, a circumstance they could relate to. Based on reviews and reader comments, I believe I’ve succeeded in my goal. The Rasner Effect is a book that is for anyone who fits into one or more of the following four categories:

1) If you’ve ever worked with teenagers individually or in a group.

2) If you’ve ever watched the news and thought to yourself, “I don’t think they’re telling us everything.”

3) If you’ve ever imagined waking up one day and discovering you were someone else…particularly someone who doesn’t follow the “rules.”

4) If you’ve ever worked for a boss you wished would DIE a horrible but deserving death.

If you fit into any of these categories, then The Rasner Effect is for you.

Mark's website: http://www.markrosendorf.com/

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Rasner+Effect&x=9&y=29

B&N:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=Rasner+Effect

Featured on The Romance Studio

Good morning everyone! Did you see?

See what, Denise?

I'm a featured author with an interview at The Romance Studio.

No!

Yes!

Where can we see it?

Oh! Hehe. You want to read the interview and learn about my latest release Killer Bunny Hill?

Yeah! Duh! Come on! Tell us!

Okay, so some days I'm just silly and all these voices are going off in my head. :-) Please, check out the interview at http://theromancestudio.com/who11.php. It has pictures and everything! Come back here and leave a note telling me what you think.

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with author Ashlyn Chase

Today's interview is with Ashlyn Chase, author of this week's Book-A-Week Challenge "Heaving Bosoms"

Categories: Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense
Book Length: 250 pages
Book Type: Trade Paperback
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
ISBN: 9781419956751
In Stock: YES
Price: $10.99

Where to purchase: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-3862-heaving-bosoms.aspx

I'd like to thank Ashlyn for giving us an opportunity to read "Heaving Bosoms" as part of the Book-A-Week Challenge and for the interview you are about to read. Please leave a comment or question and let Ashlyn reply back. On withe the interview. . .

What motivated you to write this book?

This is my first paperback, but I had several e-published books before this. I suppose the question could be ‘What motivates me to write?’

I can’t not write. Pardon the double negative. Many writers have said the same thing more eloquently, but I write dialog the way I speak. Straight to the point, no mucking around—grammar be damned.

Are the experiences in the novel based on someone you know, or events in your life?

The kernel of the idea came from the mishap of a friend. She was enjoying a county fair, just walking along and chatting with the woman beside her when suddenly she stepped in a hole, lost her footing and twisted her ankle. Another friend of ours commented that if she wasn’t so top-heavy, she may have stayed upright. Along came a couple of hunky EMT’s who carted her off to the hospital much to her chagrin.

At about the same time, a funny lawyer friend of mine challenged me to write something about tattooed butts. Believe it or not, I found a way to combine these two elements and make a novel!

Do you have a specific writing style?

I used to write by the seat of my pants. Then I began that way and about 3 chapters in, I knew where I wanted to go but needed a road map to get there. Thus I became a “pantser-plotter”. Now I’m more comfortable having a rough idea about what might happen from the get go. I’d call that plotting, but my characters inevitably change and add things along the way. I have the best of intentions and plot using a story board so I can jot down a possible scene on a sticky note, move it to another section of the book, or throw it away depending on what my characters want to do and when.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

That’s a toughie. The writer who first captured my heart in the romance genre and opened up the whole wonderful field to me was Diana Gabeldon with her Outlander series.
Since then, I’ve read, met, studied with and critiqued with so many wonderful authors it would be hard to pick out one, so I’ll just go ahead and name a few of them. Sylvie Kurtz, Jessica Andersen, Annette Blair, Mary Janice Davidson, Delilah Devlin and many others.

What are your current projects?

I’m presently working on Book Two of a three book series called Strange Neighbors. It’s a light urban fantasy about an apartment building in Boston full of paranormal misfits. Book One is called Hot Prospect and will be released in the Spring of 2010. It features the landlord, a professional baseball player, who just bought the building and remodeled the penthouse for himself.

Little does he know what goes on beneath his topmost unit until he gets involved with the nurse who lives on the first floor. She may be the only ‘normal’ in the building, but all the other residents love her and trust her with their secrets one by one.

Thanks to the snarky ghost haunting the building, the readers know who’s who and what’s up from the very beginning.

What makes your stories unique?


My wacky ideas, quick pace, occasional snark, and a happy, but not sappy ending.


How do you come up with your story ideas and your characters?


I blame everything on Thalia, the ancient Greek muse of comedy.


When do you find you are the most creative or write the most?


In the morning when my brain is fresh and jazzed up on at least two cups of coffee.


How to you get inspired to write your romantic scenes?


This is a great question, because I don’t always “have it in me” when I come to a place crying out for a love scene. Sometimes I have to mark the place and go back to it later, meanwhile pushing on with the story. Some may not realize this, but a long, hot love scene is one of the hardest things to write. Well, that and comedy. I gave myself a double whammy! Sometimes, I’m not the brightest star in the sky.

Midweek Reading Challenge

Have you started reading this week's Book-A-Week Challenge "Heaving Bosoms" by Ashlyn Chase?

If not, it's not too late.

Categories: Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense

Book Length: 250 pages

Book Type: Trade Paperback

Publisher: Cerridwen Press

ISBN: 9781419956751

In Stock: YES

Price: $10.99

Where to purchase: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-3862-heaving-bosoms.aspx

Heaving Bosoms blurb:

What do tattooed butts, the Mafia, and a medical student have in common? Tonia Fuller!

Tonia, a blonde bombshell with a bust to make a Barbie doll weep, is a klutz. Wearing four-inch spike heels, and already top heavy, her center of gravity is elusive. When hunky medical student Raphael Beauchamp comes to her rescue twice, he thinks he knows why Tonia’s falling. It’s those ridiculous designer stilettos.

Tonia takes a tumble down some stairs, resulting in a nasty concussion. Since she’s new in Boston she has no one to stay with her. Raphael opts to look after this headstrong beauty rather than risk second impact syndrome, which can be fatal. Raphael discovers that Tonia’s the ex-wife of a Las Vegas mafia don. She has half an offshore bank account number tattooed on her butt, and someone’s after her. A normal person would don a pair of running shoes and get the hell out of Boston. But it’s too late for Raphael. Tonia’s not the only one who’s been falling.

Remember: You have until Saturday to finish reading the book because on Sunday you'll want to stop back here and see the interview posted with Ashlyn Chase. Ask her questions or leave her comments about the book.

Learn more about Ashlyn and her other books visit her website: http://www.ashlynchase.com/books.html