Today I have Georgia Redmond on my blog today and we get the chance to chat with her!

1.　　Tell us a little bit about yourself for our viewers?
I am 59 years old. We live in Lenoir City, TN. I love it here. Together we have 4 children (2 sons and 1 daughter (One daughter who passed away 4 years ago), 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Dwight and I have been married for 4 years now.

2.　　What genre do you enjoy reading about and why?
I love to read historical romance and books from the civil war and older. I love to learn about history.

3.　　　Who are your favorite authors and why?
Aiden James, J R Rain, Scott Nicholson, and B Small. I like different authors.

4.　　　Who is your favorite characters (both hero and heroine)?
I don’t really have any favorite characters. If I like the book I will read the whole series.

5.　　　If you can tell us authors anything as far as your thoughts on what we write about, what would you say? 
It depends on the author. I love to read so many different types of books.

6.　　　Who would you go out on a date with from a story you love and what would you love to do? 
This I can not answer. I have so many I would love to go out on a date with. If I did go out on a date with one. I would love to have a nice dinner for two and go dancing.

7.　　　What kind of stories would you like to read about that you haven’t seen out yet?
I read everything.

8.　　　When you look for a book, do you go by word of mouth from a friend, reading the blurb or reading the reviews about the book itself?
I do all three.

9.　　　What kind of swag do you like getting from some of your favorite authors when they have contest or release parties? What would you like to see them give out?
I just like winning things. I don’t care if it is a book, t shirt, mug, etc.

10.　 　Tell us what you are currently reading or what you have finished reading and what you liked about it? Right now I am not reading anything. I finished a book by Scott Nicholson. I like mystery and thrillers.

　

Today I have the lovely Clair de Lune from all the way Scotland talking with me today on my blog.

Let's give her a warm welcome shall we!

Thank you for inviting me on your blog, Jamallah. It's nice to meet you.

1.      Before we start talking about your book, why don’t you tell everybody a little bit about yourself?

I am a retired grandmother and I have five lovely grandchildren.  I live in the South West of Scotland in the UK. I spent many years teaching 11-18 year olds and enjoyed it very much. I am still in touch with several of my pupils.

2.       Besides writing, what other things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like to cook, not that I do so much these days with just the two of us. I love Christmas and birthdays when the house is full and I have the whole family or as many as can get to see us, then I am happy to cook for all of them. I like to embroider and do appliqué in any spare time I have. I have made quilts for many of my grandchildren and my own Baltimore quilt is almost finished. I love to read but don't have much time to do that these days or my embroidery as writing takes up most of my spare time.

3.       What is your daily routine as far as when you have an idea for your story?

I write whenever I have a spare minute.  Once breakfast is over I go to my sitting room and write until it's time for lunch then in the afternoon and the evening too. I have been known to wake up at 1:30 am and have had to write down the ideas in my head before going back to sleep. I am as likely to use a notebook and pencil as my iPad or laptop and I never leave the house without the notebook.

4.       Where do you get your ideas from?

I get them from many different places. It might be an item on the news, like Fiona's Two Masters.  On holiday in Moray in Scotland last year I was looking at Loch Ness and the idea for the dragon books came into my head.  Mostly it's the characters that come first then they have their story. Catriona was a rope-Top in book one of Prometheus in Chains because I became interested in Kinbaku after listening to Master "K" in an interview.

5.       Out of all of the stories you’ve written so far, what would be your favorite and why?

There are two favourites.

" Initiation" was my first book and I just had to write it. I had no thoughts beyond writing it and, until I finished, I didn't think what the next step would be. It started me on a course which has taken me a lot further than I ever imagined it would and it will always be special.

The second is "Master Rafael's Dilemma" Again this was a very personal book. I had never written MM before either and the idea of intimacy being something other than physical was a matter to be explored. There are three principal characters. Master Rafael is bi-sexual, Olafur is gay and Rose is heterosexual. It made for an interesting ménage.

6.       Tell us something funny about yourself that not a lot of people know about?

Now is that funny comic or funny odd? Odd for a grandmother I suppose is my love for heavy metal music played very loudly while cooking or cleaning.  I can't think of anything comic apart from my ability to make typos with smileys.

7.       Does any of the stories you’ve written based on real life experiences or basically just from imagination?

Most of them are just imagination, but some are based on what I've heard and read in the news etc.  There are some real life elements in there but not much is autobiographical unless you are really good at reading between the lines and I know one person who is.

8.       Does your ‘muse’ have a name and if so what is his/her name?

No. It so happens that one or more of the characters in a particular book will reveal something about themselves.  It can be complicated by the fact that I sometimes have several stories in progress. Masters Torquil and Prometheus were both written about the same time and the two of them played fast and loose with me. One would reveal something then disappear to allow the other to come forward with a scene.

9.       What other genre besides the one you are writing about now would you like to venture into writing?

At the moment I can think of nothing. I have written a couple of Dragon shape shifter stories and one Regency one, which was something I always wanted to do. I have two more Regency ones plotted and need the time to write them but Prometheus in Chains stories need finishing first.

10.   Who are your favorite authors that are out now?

I love Sage Marlowe's books and Cooper McKenzie's too. I don't have much time to read but will always make time for theirs. 

11.   Who is your favorite female and male characters from your books and why?

Jane is my favourite female character. She pops up in nearly every book. She cares about the people around her and wants them to be happy.  There is more of me in Jane than in any other character with Rose a close second but neither of them are carbon copies of me.  Master Angus is still my favourite  male character, he's the Loving Dominant any woman in her right mind would want. Jane is the be-all and end-all of his life. He looks a lot like Sean Connery too, always an advantage.

12.   What do you think is the hardest thing about being a writer?

Doing the promotion it's essential to do these days. There is a very fine line between enough and too much.  I love to write my stories and anything that stops me isn't welcome. I realize that readers need to know about them and so try put out the information.

13.   What advice would you give someone who wants to start off being a writer?

It's never too late to start.

14.   If you hadn’t become a writer, what do you think you would be doing right now?

Housework, reading or embroidery. I wouldn't be on Facebook. I wouldn't have so many new and interesting friends and my life would be the poorer for it.

15. What do you like on a man…..briefs, boxer briefs or boxer shorts or nothing at all?

It depends who the man is and where he is…  all three are fine by me in different situations.

Well now that we got the question and answer out of the way…..why don’t you tell us about your latest story you have out now?

"Ness's Bane"  no 2 in the Dragon's of the Cairngorms out on 26th January.

When Muireall, a dragon shape-shifter, is pursued by Ness, she tries to deny her attraction to him and refuses to agree to be his mate. But Ness won’t take no for an answer, and she finally gives in to his charms. When they return to Darroch Keep on Loch Ness, trouble awaits in the form of Macbethad, who wants to be Clan chieftain. In an attempt to dispose of Ness, Macbethad decides to kidnap Muireall but is foiled, and a battle in the loch ensues. Amidst the chaos, several of the Clan’s women have lost their babies. Ness, fearing for Muireall’s health, is not allowing her to become pregnant, so Muireall has to take drastic action.

My next book is "Prometheus Triumphant." Out on 6th February it's no 8 in the Prometheus in Chains series and tells Prometheus's own story.

Prometheus loves Jenny Oliver, and she him, but the course of true love doesn’t run smoothly. She has a dark secret, which she believes will split them up, and she won’t be alone with him. Fate takes a hand in the shape of Alfred, a man from Jenny’s past who follows her to the club and confronts her, forcing her to reveal the truth. Will Prometheus want her now? Jenny must confront her abusers in court if she is to have a future with Prometheus, but then she is kidnapped before she even has the chance. Can Prometheus and the police manage to get to her before her kidnapper does her any harm? Will the jury believe her story?  Will Jenny and Prometheus get their happily ever after?

All my books are pubished with Siren.

http://www.bookstrand.com/clair-de-lune

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clair-de-Lune/e/B009EWZF6Y/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_14?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=initiation+clair+de+lune&sprefix=Initiation+cla%2Caps%2C412

Explore the world of Prometheus in Chains at   www.clairdelunebooks.co.uk7

Clairdelune4542@yahoo.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/clair.delune.71653

Twitter:  clairdelune4542@yahoo.co.uk 

Twitter:  ClairdLunebooks

Thank you again for having me on your blog. May I just add that I love to hear from readers.  Many of those who contacted me on Facebook have become good friends. I answer every contact and every email…  Signed photos of my book covers are available on request.

Claire is also very gracious enough to do a giveaway too! 
 I will do a copy of the ebook Ness's Bane as a giveaway... post will be onwww.clairdelunebooks.co.uk   answer a question from the excerpt and send me the answer in an email ... correct ones will be put in a draw. If the winner has that book they are free to opt for any out of the back catalogue or the new Prometheus one when it comes out .. 

Today I have Lori Parker with Contagious Reads with me. She is a reviewer as well as a blogger. So without further ado....let's get to know Lori.

1.  Tell my readers a little bit about yourself before we go on.

 Well. I’ll start with the most important thing about myself. I am a mother to a very smart and beautiful 2 year old girl named Maria. I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2006 with a degree in Anthropology and a certificate in Native American Studies. Both of which I still have a passion for. I see the world a little differently from people. I always say I’d rather have a bleeding heart than one filled with hate and ignorance.

I’ve always been a reader but it wasn’t until after my daughter was born and my personal life started falling apart that I started getting more avid about it. The following summer my mom fought and beat small cell lung cancer and moved in with me. She is the person who gave me my love of reading and when she moved in it was only natural that our house be filled with books.

2.  When reading a book that you are reviewing, what are you basically looking forward to when you do read the book?

 I just look to be entertained. If the story is good I can forget about all the technical things, like grammar. I see the typos and spelling mistakes but if I am “in” the story they do not matter to me.

I want some originality. Romance is another must for me. I can’t help it. I need it in my books. Don’t get me wrong I like books that don’t have romance but I very rarely “LOVE” them.

3.  Is there a specific genre that you read the most? If so, what is it and why?

 Zombies. It’s not really a genre. But if you have a zombie book out, I will probably read it.

Horror. Paranormal Romance. I do read Contemporary Romance but it’s not because of any real love of it. I use it like a drink. Sometimes I need to “wash the taste” of the normally dark landscapes I read out of my brain. Don’t get me wrong. I do enjoy reading them but it’s like my escape. Book blogging may not be a job but I take it very seriously. If I am reading gore fest after gore fest it can get overwhelming. So a nice fluffy, and steamy Contemp Romance is sometimes needed to relax.

My least favorite things to read: zombie love interests. I. Just. Can’t.  Do. It. Nope. Uh huh. The only zombie that I will ever love is Clyde from Tamara Rose Blodgett’s Death Series.

4. If you could tell us fellow authors anything from the reviewer’s point of view to make our stories better, what would it be?

 Beta readers are your best friend. Get them. Lots of them. Make sure they are people you trust to be honest and tough with you. Sometimes things just “don’t work” in books. They’ll let you know if something feels forced, if something falls a little flat. So on and so forth. It’s not because the author is untalented. It may just interrupt the flow, or not add anything to the story. I love beta reading. I fear I am not good at it. But I still love to do it.  

5. What is probably the best book that you’ve reviewed so far and why did you like it?

 Oh that’s a tough one. A lot of the books I get are ARC/Beta copies. I’ve loved every single one of them. I’m going to pick two. I could list a whole slew of them. The first one is: Cornerstone by Kelly Walker. I received a copy of this book for my indie reviews on Parajunkee’s View. It was just so different. I thought I didn’t like fantasy as a genre. I know some very talented authors who write fantasy. Their prose is…wow. But for some reason I just could never let go of reality enough to live in the world. Cornerstone was a first for me. It’s not “high fantasy” but it was still epic. The characters were interesting. Oh I could gush all day.

The second was a beta project for Rhiannon Frater. Dead Spots is beyond amazing and by far the best book I have read this year. Hands down.  It’s amazing. It’s unique. It was scary as hell, and Rhiannon’s writing has matured so much. That’s about all I can say about it. Just keep an eye out for it when it releases.

6.  Have you ever thought about writing a story yourself? If so, what would you like to write?

 I have a story kicking around in my head. It’s a dystopian. Guess what, no zombies either. I know crazy. Beyond that I just don’t know. I haven’t gotten the nerve to just write it. I have a really bad case of writers block. I can usually get to about 3,000 words and then everything falls apart and I lose faith in what I am writing.



You can find me at these lovely book blogs:

My main blog: http://contagiousreads.blogspot.com

The erotic blog: http://infectiouskink.blogspot.com

And you can catch me on Wednesdays on www.parajunkee.com

Like us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ContagiousReads

And twitter: @contagiousreads

 

Today I have my good friend and fellow author Jane White Pillatzke. She is a gem of a lady from Ireland who resides now in South Dakota. 

Jane is a treasure to behold and she's not only an amazing author but also a good friend.

Her first book "A Grave Exchange" I got the chance to read and I have to tell you I couldn't be more the prouder of her for her 1st book. It will keep you on edge and I honestly can't wait for more.

So without any more waiting involved.....let's chat it up with Jane!

1. Before we start talking about your book, why don’t you tell everybody a little bit about yourself?
Hello Jamallah, thank you for having me :-)
My name is Jane White Pillatzke, I come from Dublin, Ireland but now live State side.
I grew up in a family of boys and have learned to be both strong and feminine.  
I started writing at a very early age as a means of escape, I enjoy it immensely.


2. Besides writing, what other things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to read obviously, I enjoy trying new things, whether it be daring parachute jumps or going to a new State and discovering it's history.


3. What is your daily routine as far as when you have an idea for your story?
My writing tends to wait until the evening time, as I have two little one's to care for, so when they are safely tucked up in bed I can unleash my inner
female warrior and let her take over my story plots, during the day I will jot down ideas.


4. Where do you get your ideas from?
Often a song I really enjoy listening too, or something in history that has always peeked my curiosity.


5. Out of all of the stories you’ve written so far, what would be your favorite and why?
My favorite is my new book A Grave Desire, it's based in WWII and captured my very soul, other stories have my heart but this one effected me
a lot.  All my life I have been an avid reader on historical facts in WWII, this story helped me put closure to it all, I'm really looking forward to sharing Heather and Viktor's story!

6. Tell us something funny about yourself that not a lot of people know about?
Like a certain person I know (cough, cough) I love to pop bubble wrap, I can not walk by a piece of bubble wrap without popping :-)


7. Does any of the stories you've written based on real life experiences or basically just from imagination?
Somewhat some facts are based in real life, situations I have been in have been described in some of my stories.

8. Does your ‘muse’ have a name and if so what is his/her name?
Blushes wildly, YES my muse has a name, sigh, really Jamallah?  OK cough, Jimmy Thomas :-)

9. What other genre besides the one you are writing about now would you like to venture into writing?
I like to write both Paranormal and Historical Romances :-)

10. Who are your favorite authors that are out now?
An author I have recently fallen for Jamallah Bergman and JR Ward to name but a very few.

11. Who is your favorite female and male characters from your books and why?
I think of all my stories to date probably Heather and Viktor, but it could change but yes for now Heather and Viktor from A Grave Desire.


12. What do you think is the hardest thing about being a writer?
For me that would be finding time to sit still and write my story.

13. What advice would you give someone who wants to start off being a writer?
No matter how hard it appears to be don't EVER give up on your dream, it's your dream, put in the work you CAN do it!

14. If you hadn’t become a writer, what do you think you would be doing right now?
Lawyer or Police person.

15. What do you like on a man…..briefs, boxer briefs or boxer shorts or nothing at all?
Oh boy, I like surprises :-)


Well now that we got the question and answer out of the way…..why don’t you tell us about your latest story you have out now?


My latest book out now is A Grave Exchange available @ Amazon for all of .99.
In January it will be available from all other eBook stores!

http://www.amazon.com/Grave-Exchange-Passion-ebook/dp/B009X2E6P6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355528230&sr=8-1&keywords=a+grave+exchange



A Grave Exchange will leave you breathless, shaking from head to toe, glowing, turned on and giddy with excitement over such a rare find.
Ivy Steele is the character all women today find in themselves, someone strong, independent, but who has a horrid past to overcome.
Lucius Valentine is a leader amongst his men who swore to uphold his kingdom but tragedies set in and his fate is sealed, until he meets the beautiful Ivy.
Can they together dare to dream of true love, can they together survive what fate has thrown their way or will their relationship end in doom?

My Author link is http://www.amazon.com/Jane-Pillatzke/e/B009XAORBQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
My facebook author link is http://www.facebook.com/JaneWhitePillatzke

Make sure that you check out Jane's latest book "A Grave Desire" which is out right now for just ONE DOLLAR!


BLURB


Can true love be found and nurtured in World War II?
Heather was sent to a concentration camp to report back to her country the crimes of humanity. She ends up with in over her head with no way out.
Viktor was the most ruthless leader of the concentration camp, he knows Heather's life is numbered in mere days and yet she attracts him like a moth to a flame.
Will Viktor give up all trying to save Heather? Will Heather cross the enemy lines for true love? 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Grave-Desire-Passion-ebook/dp/B00B2C5HP8/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359356357&sr=1-2&keywords=jane+white+pillatzke

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-grave-desire-jane-pillatzke/1114165539?ean=2940016008189&itm=2&usri=a+grave+desire

Today I have Holley Trent on my blog today and I can't wait for her to talk with you today about her latest book "Her Resident Jester"

1. Before we start talking about your book, why don’t you tell everybody a little bit about yourself?

Okay, I’m a North Carolina girl gone West, currently residing on the Colorado Front Range. I am a Southerner at heart, even if my accent doesn’t hold out much longer.

I’ve been married for ten years to a man who still doesn’t quite get when I’m being sarcastic (I have the most masterful “blank face” EVER) and have two young kids who sometimes let me write in peace.

I write contemporary romances ranging from sweet to erotic, mundane to fantasy, and often interracial.

2. Besides writing, what other things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Free time? What’s that?

3. What is your daily routine as far as when you have an idea for your story?

I really don’t get much writing done until dark. That’s just the way my brain is wired. The sparks don’t start flying until I’ve been up 8-10 hours. When I do sit down to write, I set a timer for 25 minutes at a time and try to stay off the Internet for that period. I do my marketing, promotion, and socializing in the mornings.

4. Where do you get your ideas from?

They build on each other for the most part, although sometimes I snatch weirdness from my dreams or I’ll get inspiration during long drives.

5. Out of all of the stories you’ve written so far, what would be your favorite and why?

Probably Love by Premonition (due April 2013). It’s first person POV quirky paranormal romance, which really is my favorite kind of story to write, and the heroine is very mixed up—in more ways than one. She kind of reminds me of me with her biting sarcasm and uncombed hair.

6. Tell us something funny about yourself that not a lot of people know about?

When I get drunk, I forget important things…like how to use an elevator.

7. Does any of the stories you’ve written based on real life experiences or basically just from imagination?

Some have very loosely spawned from actual events. For instance, in Her Resident Jester, the female main character—Shane Andrews—goes under the knife for some abdominal surgery. I’m familiar with what happens behind the curtain because I’ve been there are few times myself. That part about her not being able to see anything because the nurse took her glasses? That was me.

8. Does your ‘muse’ have a name and if so what is his/her name?

I don’t know my muse’s name. I probably have more than one. I can tell you I have a spirit guide named Candace, though. She’s awesome. She would have to be, I guess.

9. What other genre besides the one you are writing about now would you like to venture into writing?

Sci-fi romance. Space opera, I guess. I’ve got something in the planning stage I hope to start working on in spring.

10. Who are your favorite authors that are out now?

I love everyone a little bit. Really.

Seriously, my TBR list has become out of control since I’ve started writing professionally. If you have an awesome cover and a “wow!” blurb, I’ll buy your book.

That said, I read pretty much everything Janet Evanovich puts out because even though the stories have a bit of sameness to them, I never fail to feel fabulous after I’m finished with one. They’re so funny. I emulate her humor style.

11. Who is your favorite female and male characters from your books and why?

Female: see number 5. Her name is Marcia Andrews and she’s a hot mess of a psychic. She’s a medium who’s afraid of ghosts. She’s snarky and she uses her attitude as a defense mechanism. She’s a product of the American melting pot to the extent she doesn’t really want to identify as anything in particular. That’s a hot-button issue for her, and I made her that way because I think it’s okay for people to not have to pick.

Male: that would be a Scotsman named Spencer McCoy. He’s not ready for primetime yet—his story is still in the works. What I can say is that he’s the brother of Marcia’s love interest. He’s also a hot mess of a psychic, but for different reasons. Oh! And he’s a pop singer. And a lush. You can imagine the shenanigans he gets into.

12. What do you think is the hardest thing about being a writer?

The marketing bits: writing back cover copy, taglines, synopses, query letters and so on. I find that if you’re a great fiction writer, you probably suck at business writing. I think they require two different parts of the brain.

13. What advice would you give someone who wants to start off being a writer?

Read a lot in the genre you want to be published in, but not so much that you copycat another’s style. Read WIDELY from a variety of authors. Learn what different publishers acquire and how their tastes differ. Find authors whose books are similar to what you write in heat level and style (there’s a lot of cursing in my books—that doesn’t fly everywhere, but it’s part of my style even in the “sweet” stuff), and submit to the houses where they’re published. You’ll save yourself a lot of frustration that way.

14. If you hadn’t become a writer, what do you think you would be doing right now?

I’d totally be a supermodel. Still might do that. Just waiting to grow that last eight inches.

15. What do you like on a man…..briefs, boxer briefs or boxer shorts or nothing at all?

Me personally? I like boxers. For my heroes, well, that depends on how they’re built. Heh heh.

Well now that we got the question and answer out of the way…..why don’t you tell us about your latest story you have out now?

My last release was an erotic holiday novella called Mrs. Roth’s Merry Christmas. It’s a naughty Santa/marriage of convenience paranormal that I hope will make you laugh out loud. I can’t get through that one without wheezing.

I have two stories coming out in February pretty much right on top of each other, but I’ll tell you about Her Resident Jester (from Calliope Romance/Musa Publishing) because I mentioned it earlier and because it sparked a series. That one’s a chick lit-style novelette that features Marcia Andrews’ sister Shane. 

Here’s the blurb:

Marketing executive Shane Andrews’s reluctant participation in a research study leads to the stunning discovery she needs immediate surgery.

Out of sorts, and in a moment of spectacular tactlessness, she insults a man wearing a red rubber nose and big floppy shoes. He turns out to be Derek Palmer: Edenton’s hottest young surgeon…and the resident observing her operation.

With her body and pride both on the mend, Shane hides out to prevent further humiliation. She can’t avoid the gorgeous clown too long, however. Edenton is a small town, and Derek isn’t content with letting her wallow. What kind of clown would he be if he did?

 

Excerpt:

“Looks fun,” the clown said. His voice, rather than being high-pitched and grating, was deep—melodic. He squatted down next to me and rolled up his sleeves to reveal a quotation tattoo on one strong forearm. He pulled his rainbow afro wig off to rake fingers through his damp blond hair and raised one scribbled-on eyebrow at me.

I slammed the cover of my notebook closed and could feel myself burn in a full-body blush.

“The notebook, I mean,” he said. “Crocodile?”

I could feel my blush receding. He hadn’t been able to read that fast. I nodded. “Yeah. Faux. My friend, Laura, gave the cover to me one Christmas. My sister has one, too. Hers in blue.” Mine was hot pink.

Derek rested his hands on the tops of his thighs and met my eyes. “So, you come here often?” he asked, repeating his question from the first time we’d met.

I cringed, and then laughed. “Yeah, I guess I do. It doesn’t always seem planned, though.” I scrambled to shove all the literature back into the portfolio in my bag upon realizing it was all laying out with titles apparent. I didn’t really want to talk about it.

“So, you’re a clown?” I asked, fearing my raised eyebrows expressed disdain more than curiosity.

“Would it be better if I said I am an actor?”

I pondered that, but didn’t really have any personal experience in that domain. I shrugged.

“Or a lawyer?”

Definitely not. The idea of having someone argue with me on everything was unattractive and, given my propensity to stutter like a motorboat when drawn into debate, probably not a good relationship fit.

“I’m a student.”

Philosophy. I was willing to stake my next paycheck on him being a philosophy geek. They do make the best slackers, after all. Well, that’s not true. Marcia had been a philosophy minor, but she did it to balance all the physics courses she was taking.

“This is where you ask, ‘Oh! What do you study?’” he said in a falsetto, mocking my would-be question voice.

“What do you study?” I asked too late and lacking sufficient enthusiasm. I think I saw a smile curl on his lips, but he looked around the tree I was leaning against, smiled, and pulled his wig back on. When I twisted around to see what the new cacophony of sound was, I quickly located a fresh group of moms with toddlers who’d all arrived simultaneously. I watched the back of Derek’s drooping polka-dotted pants as he shuffled away from me in floppy shoes.



At this time Holley does not have the links to the book BUT you can go to her page and find them when they come up at the following:


http://holleytrent.com/blog/upcoming-titles/her-resident-jester/



Also Holley is giving away a copy of her book "Mrs. Roth's Merry Christmas along with her latest book coming out on 2/1 "Her Resident Jester" to one lucky random person who makes a comment today.

Today I am happy to have Margie Church doing a interview with me on my blog. Let's get to know more about her today shall we.......



1. Before we start talking about your book, why don’t you tell everybody a little bit about yourself?

Thanks for hosting me today, Jamallah. It's always a treat to be someplace new. I'm not the person on the street you'd suspect would be a romance author. I'm a wife, mom, and pretty average in a lot of ways. I've been working in advertising a long time, and started writing fiction four years ago (fan fic Days of Our Lives fans!). Since then, I've written 16 books. I'm 2011 GLBT Author of the Year at LRC, and my book, Hard as Teak is 2011 GLBT Book of the Year. I'm a native Minnesotan – yes, I love winter – and a Facebook addict.

2. Besides writing, what other things do you enjoy in your spare time?

I got a pair of snowshoes for Christmas, and I'm enjoying those a lot. Because of a back injury years ago, I can't run, so walking is my thing – especially at night. I love my perennial gardens, fishing in the summer, going to concerts – I'm going to P!nk in March and the opera. Music inspires me. One of our sons is in drum and bugle corps and winter drumline so I enjoy year-round performances he's in. I also volunteer at church, and with Boy Scouts as one son is going to be an Eagle Scout this year.

3. What is your daily writing routine?

I am most productive from mid-afternoon until the shank of the evening. I try to write 1,000 words every day. Often I exceed that, but I strongly believe that writers need to be disciplined in order to hone their craft and produce. My writing goal this year is six full novels. Some of those I'm co-authoring, so we set schedules to meet our completion dates. I also work as a high school tutor, I'm also looking for another job, and I have a family so all this requires organization to accomplish. And all authors know that promotions – such as these also take time and for me, don't count toward my 1k a day writing goal. Truth be told, I write at least 40 hours a week.

4. Where do you get your ideas from?

A picture, a suggestion, a song…shockingly little.

5. Out of all of the stories you’ve written so far, which is your favorite and why?

Usually the book I'm writing. Each book is a favorite for different reasons. Writing requires passion for the story or you're wasting your time. For that reason, I can't choose just one. I know I'm no help…unless you tell me what you enjoy and I can make a recommendation.

6. Tell us something funny about yourself that not a lot of people know about?

I'm the biggest chicken shit about things that go bump in the night. I used to (notice past tense) go camping with our family. I'd have to wake up my husband to walk me to the bathroom at night and our beautiful children would be in the camper. I'd be scared to death a bear would get them while we were gone for five minutes. Of course nothing bad ever happened except that I got no sleep and I'd be the bear the next day. My husband always told me how ridiculous I am, but the littlest twig snap would wake me with a, "What was that!?" I'm way more trouble than I'm worth on a camping trip. They now leave me home. Which. Suits. Me. Fine.

7. Does any of the stories you’ve written based on real life experiences or basically just from imagination?

Oh, I think parts of me and my life are in all my books in some fashion or another. I think those kinds of things help authors really identify with what they're writing and give us the ability to pull in deeper emotions and make the story vivid. None of my books is close to being autobiographical. Some parts of my life need to remain private.

8. What other genre besides the one you are writing now would you like to venture into writing?

I'm writing two books right now that are out of my usual genre. Razor: Love's Storm is the second book in the Razor trilogy. I'm writing with K.B. Cutter and the series deals with the poorly understood and often maligned concept of polyamory. Make no mistake, the Razor series is a romance series, but we're dealing with three people – a married couple who INVITES a third into their marriage. Their journey is often rocky and confusing, but forming this new family is a choice three consenting adults make in the name of love. This series is sold to Sizzler Editions.

The second book I am finishing this weekend is I Am Jolene. It's new adult fiction with romantic elements. Jolene had a traumatic childhood of torture, abuse, and murder. How does she pick up the pieces? Will she choose to be a terrible person with a chip on her shoulder or make something good out of her broken past? Eventually, she meets a young man who shows her affection she's never had, but I Am Jolene isn't about a man making things better in Jolene's life. Brendan is only a component of all the things she needs to address to be happy and productive. I'm on the hunt for a publisher and/or agent. What a task that is. Please wish me luck.

9. What do you think is the hardest thing about being a writer?

It's solitary and you're constantly asking whether you're good enough. The profession is rife with negativity, jealousy, and competition. You have to dig deep a lot of days to thrive.

10. What do you like on a man…..briefs, boxer briefs or boxer shorts or nothing at all?

Boxer briefs are scrumptious on a well-defined body.

Well now that we got the question and answer out of the way…..why don’t you tell us about your latest book?

My newest is Cream on the Crop, but I don't have the cover yet. It's part of the Bound for Midnight Anthology. The publisher, Sizzler Editions, liked the short story so much they asked for a novel length version. So, attached are the faces of the characters, Neha and Jamal, and an excerpt. Cream on the Crop is a paranormal, BDSM erotic romance. Could we make it any more complicated? Ha!

Blurb: Cream on the Crop by Margie Church

            After growing up in politics, Neha Thompson craves privacy. Her new farm seems the perfect place to create a new life, until peculiar events bring the sheriff to her door.

            Jamaal Cooper's feelings about black rights angered some of the locals during the 1948 Freedom Train movement. His body was found on Neha's farm, and his murder remains unsolved. For 65 years, his restless spirit has harassed the property owners, driving them away one by one. Neha is next.

            When Jamaal uncovers Neha's most secret desires, she's faced with a choice to submit to this ghostly Master or be driven away like the others.

Excerpt:  Cream on the Crop by Margie Church

Her throat went dry, and her thoughts scattered like spent dandelion seeds floating on a breeze.

"Mr. Cooper, I didn't know you, but you died or were left to die on my property. I'm sorry for that. I suppose you might think it's strange for me to be here like this, but I wanted to tell you I'm proud of you, Mr. Cooper. You would have been a man I could admire. I read a little bit about you. You were a leader, a man before his time. You were fighting for your rights as an American citizen and those of other black Americans. Had you lived, I'm sure your humble life as a blacksmith would have been only a stepping stone to something even more rewarding. You were loved. I'm certain your friends and family grieve for the injustice over your unsolved murder. I'm not here to say I'm going to find who did this to you. I only came to say I'm staying on the farm, and mean you no disrespect."

Thinking of the poltergeist, she raised the small candle to eye level. "If your restless spirit is the source of all these mysterious problems over the years, I can understand that. I'm not asking you to leave, only live peacefully with me."

After a few seconds, Neha blew out the candle and rose.

"Do you really think a simple plea will make me stop?"

She whirled around at the sound of the voice. She hadn't heard anyone approaching. The candle fell from her hand. She couldn't believe her eyes.

"You're dead." The words croaked out of her throat, laden with alarm.

His full lips spread in a broad grin, revealing his even, white teeth. "You summoned me with your little pagan show, so here I am."

The shock of seeing Jamaal Cooper standing in front of her paralyzed Neha. As though vines suddenly grew from the ground and wrapped around her legs, she couldn't move.

She shook her head as she spoke in a breathy voice. "You're not here."

Jamaal stepped forward and touched her cheek with his fingers. His skin felt warm, and a little bit rough like a working man's hands do.

Her knees quaked. Her mind spun with a million urgent commands to flee, yet she stood there, statuesque, staring at a man who had been dead for sixty-five years. His hair, neatly braided into cornrows, reached his shirt collar. At a moment like this, Neha really questioned her sanity when all she wondered about was how he'd kept the shirt crisp and white.

"Your body quivers. Is it from fear or something else?"

She swatted his hand away. At least the sensation of their flesh connecting gave her a little reality check. Jamaal Cooper was, indeed standing in front of her, acting like nothing was unusual.

Her spunk returned. "I'm always nervous when I've visited by a ghost." She crinkled her eyebrows together. "Wait a minute. How do I know you're Jamaal? Maybe you're just some pre-Halloween prankster."

"If that's true, why did I release Dark Knight Travels and Double The Pleasure from their stalls?"

She thought for a long moment of how this imposter might learn the registered names for Sir and Rodeo. She came up empty, but another thought occurred to her. "Why did you whip my horses?"

"Next time, perhaps I should try the whip on you." He cocked his head as though studying prey. "You might really enjoy it."

His audacity fired her defenses. "There won't be a next time."

"Not for the horses, but your first time will be very memorable."

Keep up with Margie:

Margie's website: Romance with SASS

Margie's blog: http://blog.RomanceWithSASS.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MargaretRChurch

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MargieChurch

Margie's Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Margie-Church/e/B008H7HO4I/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 

Noble Romance Buy Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/Authors/102

Margie's Sizzler Editions page: http://shop.renebooks.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CHURCH-01

Margie's Decadent Publishing page: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=563&osCsid=u2trcha42aae1ncia4hrngp3h2

Neha

Jamaal

Today I have the wonderful Jennilinh Dinh on my blog....she's a great friend and also a reviewer of her site Bitten by Love (check for links at the end of this post)

Great having you here Jennilinh!


1. Tell my readers a little bit about yourself before we go on.

*Waves* Hi guys, I’m Jennilinh Dinh, owner of Bitten by Love Reviews and Authors & Books Heaven Services. BBL is an independent review journal serving as a hub to the romance community. We provide book releases, book reviews, author news update, blog host, and many more. We have a pretty good team of reviewers but I could always use more at BBL, can’t you tell, we love talking about books, lol. As for ABH, it is an assistance service offering to the authors to help ease with their writing life. ABH consists of promotions, marketing, personal assistance, blog tours, Street Teams, social media guide, and anything else the authors would need help with on a daily basis.

2. When reading a book that you are reviewing, what are you basically looking forward to when you do read the book?

From a reviewer stand point, personally I usually look for plots, setting, and character development. A great book is when the plot fits into the setting where the events taking place, then the characters chemistry and their own personal traits that would make them compatible. If you have a nice laid out plot and the characters’ personality have depths, that will pull the readers in even if it doesn’t have a lengthy love scene *giggles*

3. Is there a specific genre that you read the most? If so, what is it and why?

I guess I’m one of those readers who enjoy all books, my motto is; I make being a bookworm sexy. So I love reading all genres of books because I like the different setting, time, place, and characters. I enjoy reading about a hopeless romantic vampire just as much as I like reading about a Duke seducing a Lady. To me, each book has its own uniqueness and each author have something special to share with readers. That’s why all my reviews are very objective because it is based on the writing quality and not the status of the authors.

4. If you could tell us fellow authors anything from the reviewer’s point of view to make our stories better, what would it be?

I would say pay a lot of attention to the depth of your characters and the plot. A great book is when the plot is thicken and the characters are in the midst of it. If you have strong characters with solid background, the readers will fall in love with them and will want to re-read them over and over again. You have no idea how many times I read my favorite books over and over and over *laughs*

5. What is probably the best book that you’ve reviewed so far and why did you like it?

I started reading romance with a western book by author Diana Palmer. So for being my 1st love, all her books are my till-death-do-us-part kind and I won’t leave home without it. Some will say I’m being bias but I think of it as an introductory to the romance world. I love her characters, the family oriented setting, and the difficulties these characters encountered. Also, the way she writes is compelling and a lot of the events written in her books, I can relate in real life. So that’s why I adore her books because it is very close to reality and it gives me a sense of security.

6. Have you ever thought about writing a story yourself? If so, what would you like to write?

I haven’t toy with the idea of writing, but I do write poetry when I feel I’m not myself. I’ve been told by an author that’s how she began her writing career. So who knows, if I get enough courage to show people my poetry, I might get into writing novels and join the crowd once I get past the stage fright, lol. But for now, I’m happy providing reviews to my fellow readers and help the authors grow as a writer with the reviews. As I see it, in this business, you have to help each other in order for you to succeed. A kind word here, a referral there, it will makes the Romance community  a happier place to discuss books.

If any authors or bloggers would like to join BBL as hosts or guests, you can find us on FB or our blog with the links provided below.

FB: www.facebook.com/bittenbylove

Blog: www.bittenbylovereviews.com

ABH: www.facebook.com/authorsbookshaven Email: djen.assistant@gmail.com

Today I have Author Augusta Wright whose first book "The Runaway" is out.

So give her your attentions ladies and gents and make sure you check out her book!

1. Before we start talking about your book, why don’t you tell everybody a little bit about yourself?

I was raised in a family of five older siblings, three of which have passed. My parents were hard-working Texas farmers who endured much from floods and droughts. We always had plenty to eat, because we had a garden, but had very few modern luxuries. We didn't have much but we had each other. I graduated from high school and have had several years of college throughout my life. I am a baby-boomer mother who raised two children, took care of a home and worked all my adult life. Like most writers, I am shy. I am an optimist. I see the glass as half full, never half empty.

2. Besides writing, what other things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I am a voracious reader, and working in the yard with beautiful flowers helps me to de-stress. When my children were young I enjoyed swimming and traveling with them during the summers. Since then, I have traveled to many areas in the United States and Canada. I consider myself a good cook and love to cook for special holidays. I love most animals, except for spiders (ick!), and for some reason many animals are drawn to me.

3. What is your daily routine as far as when you have an idea for your story?

When an idea begins to form in my mind for a story, I find myself daydreaming about it. I imagine people, places, settings. Then I outline these ideas on paper to try and see how it will all fit together to be of interest to a reader. I set up a scenario and play it out to see what happens. I do research on certain topics that I want in the scene to make sure it will work. Then I build on it.


4. Where do you get your ideas from?

My ideas and characters come from many sources. I might see something on TV or a commercial or something a friend might say that makes me begin to ask my self "what if..."

I have learned that experiences that I have had whether good or bad gives an essence to a story. Sometimes my ideas come from family or friends experiences with happiness or tragedy.  Really it just depends on what challenges I am facing in life and story ideas will just come to me.


5. Out of all of the stories you’ve written so far, what would be your favorite and why?

I have only published one novel so far and that is "The Runaway" – available for purchase on Amazon.com. I have several stories I am working on now and am hoping to have them published sometime in 2013. It is difficult to say which is my favorite because they are all a part of me.


6. Tell us something funny about yourself that not a lot of people know about?

"Funny" can be used two ways. Do you mean comical or strange?  

If comical, I can find humor in unusual things which most people find annoying. They want to be serious and I want to be silly.  The more they are serious, the funnier it becomes.
     

If you mean "strange", I am that as well.  I have had psychic experiences throughout my life. Nothing I can control, just a sudden knowledge of events.  It is always at random times. I know there is an afterlife.

Yes, I would definitely classify myself as funny!

7. Are any of the stories you’ve written based on real life experiences or basically just from imagination?

I think that most writers will agree that our life experiences help us to know and understand how to feel in sudden situations whether it is the tingling of love or the need to run in fright. We draw on these experiences to make the reader believe what we are telling them and to create in them the same feelings of elation, tragedy, romance, or sexuality that we once felt ourselves.


8. Does your ‘muse’ have a name and if so what is his/her name?

My "muse" really does not have a name unless you consider it to be the "Baby-Boomer
Generation".

I see baby-boomers coming of age in such a different way than our parents and grandparents.  Just as our mothers, baby-boomer women first raised families and worked only at home.  Then, due to economic changes, families began to need a second income to make ends meet. Mothers began working full-time outside of the home, and they were not only expected to bring home the bacon but to continue to solely raise the kids, cook the meals and scrub the bathrooms. There was never time for the baby-boomer mom to take care of her own needs.

Now, baby-boomer moms are experiencing the empty nest, and we are asking ourselves, "Is that all there is to life?" I believe baby-boomer women are the first generation of women have the opportunity to truly venture on a personal search to "find ourselves".

We are older, wiser, with money, and we are on the prowl to do bigger and better than ever before. I want to write believable stories of strong women who lived through this era to encourage other women to learn that they can do anything they want to do.

9. What other genre besides the one you are writing about now would you like to venture into writing?

I love romance in anytime period and hope to write a historical romance that has rumbled around in my head for years. But I digress, I am very interested in the Sci-Fi realm -- either in space or something here on earth. I have been a Trekkie since Capt. Kirk and Spock first played on my black and white TV many years ago.

10. Who are your favorite authors that are out now?

Oh my goodness, there are so many wonderful authors, but my favorite has to be Kathleen Woodiwess who passed in 2007. Her characters were so real and endearing that they became a part of me. If only I could touch people like she did.  We all love Nora Roberts, Norah Hess, Johanna Lindsey and Jodi Thomas, who writes wonderful early Texas history stories.

11. Who is your favorite female and male characters from your books and why?

In The Runaway, Linzie is a woman who has always done and behaved as everyone expected. Now, as a widowed, empty-nester, she allows herself to make her own choices. She runs away from her Texas home to the Colorado Mountains to change her life. I like strong women who learn to take care of themselves and enjoy life while doing it.
     

Jack, her love interest, is a wealthy man who expects everyone to jump when he says jump -- until he meets Linzie. As their relationship progresses, they learn important life lessons about themselves and each other.

12. What do you think is the hardest thing about being a writer?

The hardest part of writing for me has been that I went years without sharing my work. It has been very difficult for me to push out of my comfort zone and share myself, as well as my writing, with others.

13. What advice would you give someone who wants to start off being a writer?

Writing has always been my secret personal pleasure. However, I finally overcame my fears, I have publicly launched myself.  

My first book's dedication page is to dreamers who dream but never fulfill their dreams. My best advice is to at least try, to see what you can accomplish. If you fail, at least you tried.  Never let your dreams die!

14. If you hadn’t become a writer, what do you think you would be doing right now?

I would still be dreaming about writing, if I had not had the guts to actually do it.

15. What do you like on a man…..briefs, boxer briefs or boxer shorts or nothing at all?

Well, now that's an interesting question.  It would certainly depend on a number of factors.
        1.  What does he look like? Tall, dark, handsome?  (My fantasy)
        2.   Is he smart or a jock?  Makes a difference--you know
        3.   Where are we?  Private beach, his yacht, shopping center.  Well, I need to know details. ;)





Here is the blurb for Augusta Wright's latest book "The Runaway"


Finally! A romance novel with a Real Woman!

Linzie Russell is not your typical fictional leading lady. She’s better. She represents the single empty-nester woman in a very sexy yarn.

Long a fan of the romance genre, Texas Hill Country authoress, Augusta Wright has picked up a pen and written the novel she has wanted to read. Heroine Linzie Russell has raised her daughters and been a devoted wife to her late husband. For the first time in her adult life, she is determined to live for herself.

Linzie fell in love with the Colorado Rockies years ago while on a family vacation. Now she imagines herself in a cabin at the foot of the Rockies where she can study the culture that fascinates her, the Ute Native American Tribe.  She finds the Estes Park cabin, a new girlfriend and a devoted animal companion—she also discovers other passions.

Little does she know the landlord of this dream-cabin is going to be the man who pursues her with the passion she has been missing all of her life.

Wright takes the reader on a cultural history lesson that tells the story of a forgotten tribe while showing her audience the beauty of the Southwestern wilderness, and the reignited desire of this normal woman who could be our next door neighbor.


Here is an excerpt:

 I could not remember a time in my life when I’d been so happy.  I loved living here in what was truly God’s country.  The mountains spoke to me on a daily basis.  The riot of Pansies and Petunias, glories of God’s creation, which bloomed in the flower boxes along the deck, were not only beautiful, they gave off the most heavenly aromas.   The long stem roses had finally stopped coming, and the remaining ones were slowly fading.  It made me sad to look at the faded ones because it reminded me how people grow old and fade, or even worse, how love fades as a flower that has gone uncared for.  But I did not have time to bemoan faded flowers or lost love—my family was coming—my daughters and grandchildren and that was all the happiness I needed.

I had visited Grandmother Luly a few times since our initial meeting and had come away each time refreshed by her energy and her caring.  She was teaching me ways to live on a spiritual level—ways that I had never dreamed possible.  Luly’s insights were so amazing to me.  Our interviews had progressed nicely and I was learning so much about the Ute people that my heart ached for the hardships that they and other tribes had had to endure.  As I thought more about the book I wanted to write, I knew I wanted it filled with both stories of early times and modern times. Those stories needed to be factual and interesting with the human element intertwined in it.

Wolf accompanied me each time I went to visit Grandmother and Wolf and Luly greeted each other with love and caring.  Wolf was my protector, but for Grandmother there was a silent bond of kindred spirits.  Wolves were one of the animal spirit guides across Native American beliefs and it was a special person who had a wolf as their protector and friend in this life, or so Grandmother taught me.  Knowing that I had both of them in my life, made me feel special.  After our last visit, Grandmother made me promise that I would bring my family to see her when they came to visit me. I was honored and thrilled by her request. 

Both girls and their families would be driving up to Colorado, but not at the same time.  Anne, Colby and their five-year-old twin sons, Will and Wes, would arrive this week, the last week of July, because their school in Texas started early.  Liz and her two, Cooper and Gracie would come the following week, but they had planned to have a day or two when all would be here together.  With Jan’s help I learned about events in and around town where we could keep my grandchildren entertained.  There were many activities for all ages and I would be able to offer them choices.  Of course I wanted Jan to be included in the activities, as much as her job would allow.  Jan and I had become dear friends in a short period of time.  I knew when I left Estes Park I’d miss our daily contact very much. 

With my children grown and me on my own, I knew I wanted to be involved in something I could call my own. I never regretted being a housewife, mother, community volunteer and charity organizer when my children were growing up. But I wanted something more. It was Jan who gave me the idea that maybe I’d enjoy working in real estate. She had different clients and projects from apartment rentals to ranch sales that she was never bored or chained to her desk. I knew I would enjoy that kind of variety. My cell phone rang; it was Jan’s office number. One of her agents was looking for her and Jan wasn’t picking up; she hoped Jan was with me.  Anita was excited because she had received a call from a man looking for a high fenced river ranch and he had cash.  If she could find it, he would buy it.  I smiled as I heard the excitement in her voice, “OK, calm down now,” I told her.  I know Jan trusts you to make good decisions.”

“I know of several ranches that would fit his requirements,” she said.

“Go ahead and set the appointments to show him.  You’re just overwhelmed because Jan’s not there, but you’ll do fine.  Now go make your boss some money, I know you can make this sale,” I said, encouraging the young woman as if she was my own daughter. 

I was not worried about Jan. I knew it was her habit to turn off her cell phone when she was with a client. She gave whoever she was with her full attention and promptly returned calls when the business in front of her was completed. Jan was a consummate professional and I admired how she had worked hard to become a success in a male-driven business.  It was profitable, but very demanding.  She had an all female office and she had personally trained each of her agents in the art of being a business professional.  It had worked very well.  Would I want all those demands? I wondered. The interaction with people and helping them find their perfect home appealed to me, but I really wanted to have the time to write. Jan called me later that day to thank me for giving Anita such sound advice. “Motherly advice beats corporate speech any day of the week,” Jan said.




You can find Augusta at these links below

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Augusta-Wright/e/B009VKTCKO

Blog: http://augustawright.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Runaway/310820319025116

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16109639-the-runaway





Oh and check this out everybody there is going to be a contest to win a paperback of "The Runaway" Check out how you can participate!

Contest: Dream Wolf Publishing is holding a book Giveaway!
Like The Runaway's Facebook and/or Goodreads Page and enter a chance to win a paperback copy of The Runaway.
Two winners will be selected -- one from Facebook and one from Goodreads. Contest runs from January 22, 2013 to January 28, 2013. Winners to be announce January 29, 2013, Noon CST.

Today I have another great Interracial Writer Naomi Jones whose here to tell us a little bit about herself!

1.  Before we start talking about your book, why don’t you tell everybody a little bit about yourself?

I’m an avid reader of all genres and I love B-rated horror films.

 

2.  Besides writing, what other things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

If I’m not writing I’m reading.  If I’m not reading I’m either playing video games or catching up movies I DVR’d on syfy.

3.  What is your daily routine as far as when you have an idea for your story?

Usually what I try to do is capture it in a synopsis first.  Once I do that I let the story flow through before writing an outline.  Once the outline is finished the actual writing begins.

4.  Where do you get your ideas from?

They come from everywhere.  Sometimes it could come from something a person says.

5.  Out of all of the stories you’ve written so far, what would be your favorite and why?

Landon’s Destiny is my current favorite because I had a lot of fun writing it.  Plus I got to make the hero a forensic pathologist and the heroine runs a day care center. 

6.  Tell us something funny about yourself that not a lot of people know about?

I used to have a Jheri curl when I was little.

7.  Does any of the stories you’ve written based on real life experiences or basically just from imagination?

They’re pretty much from my imagination.  I have to figure out how to write a story based on real life experiences.  This is still a learning process for me.  But there is a scene that I’m working on that is based on a real life experience.

8.  Does your ‘muse’ have a name and if so what is his/her name?

I don’t have a muse.  My characters start to literally give me ideas on how they want their stories to be written.

9.  What other genre besides the one you are writing about now would you like to venture into writing?

I want to venture into horror.  I currently have an idea but it’s not fully thought out.

10.  Who are your favorite authors that are out now?

I have so many.

11.   Who is your favorite female and male characters from your books and why?

My current favorite characters are Maxine and Cameron.

12.  What do you think is the hardest thing about being a writer?

Edits and time.

13.  What advice would you give someone who wants to start off being a writer?

Take your time and don’t let anyone discourage you.

14.  If you hadn’t become a writer, what do you think you would be doing right now?

Currently, I am working.  I’d love to write full time.  Unfortunately I don’t have the financial means to do so.

15.  What do you like on a man…..briefs, boxer briefs or boxer shorts or nothing at all?

Nothing at all.  It is a requirement that all my heroes sleep naked.

Well now that we got the question and answer out of the way…..why don’t you tell us about your latest story you have out now?

   Right now I have a story that currently in it’s editing process called Accidental Lovers.  The hero and the heroine are broken hearted due to their previous relationships.  But find comfort in each other.

Brent and Ailey met under the worst of circumstances.  But after one passionate night, neither of them wanted to let go.  Can two heart broken people look past their pain and find love with each other.  Or will the damage their former spouses caused be too much to bear?

     This story is still in editing but will be published through Beautiful Trouble Publishing. 

 

You can check Naomi out on her blog at http://njonesirmrn.blogspot.com/


Here is the buy link:

https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/Accidental-Lovers-EBOOK.html

First off, I’d like to thank Jamallah for opening her blog to me. I’m Ashlynne Laynne, and I’m the author of The Progeny Series. I’m from North Carolina and live there with my husband and teenaged son. I work outside of the house fulltime and write part-time. My hobbies include cooking, reading and spending time with my family. My son is on the autism spectrum, and I champion charities that deal with this issue. I’m currently writing Blood Fury, which is book four of my Progeny series.


1. How did you get started writing?

Ashlynne: I placed third in an oratorical contest in third grade. This was the genesis of my love for writing. As a teen, I wrote poetry and dabbled in songwriting. The Progeny series started as a dream about my hero, Ascher. I dreamed him and the amulet he and his clan wear. The rest is history. I set out to write a novel, unsure if I had the patience to see it to finish. Poetry and songwriting are vastly different, and for me, utilize different parts of my brain.

2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?

Ashlynne: I’m writing erotic paranormal romance at the moment, but plan a few projects with human characters in the future. I’m a romantic at heart, and love building the relationships between my characters. I write PNR, because I happen to have a soft spot in my heart for vampires and I also love witches, as well. I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to combine my two paranormal loves into this series.

3. What is your favorite part of writing?

Ashlynne:  Obviously, all writers love typing “The End” on a manuscript, and that’s an obvious answer to the question. If I’m going to be completely honest, my favorite part of writing is seeing the characters in my head grow and mature. Showing growth in immortal characters can be tricky, but I love the challenge.

4. What is your least favorite part of writing?

Ashlynne:  My least favorite part of the process is editing.

5. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

Ashlynne: Most of the scenes I write come from dreams that I have about my characters. Yes, they never leave me alone, and my dreams are no exception. Anything can spark an idea—a picture, something someone says to me. I sometimes have random thoughts or dialogue that will pop in my head, and I’ll write it down. I keep notepads and pens around my house for when inspiration strikes.

6. What is your typical day like?

Ashlynne: I work an abbreviated schedule (Mon-Thurs). I usually try to write a couple of hours a day, but that may or may not happen depending on what I have to do around the house. I do the bulk of my writing on the weekends.

7. What is most difficult for you to write?  Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?

Ashlynne: I struggle with writing angry emotions, simply because I thrust myself into my characters’ minds when I write them, thus feeling what they feel. It really affects me. Some of the scenes in Blood Promise drained me, because they came from such raw and emotional depths inside of me. I couldn’t stay in those scenes for very long without coming up for air.

8. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?

Ashlynne: My next book is set to release this month, titled Blood Promise and the third book in my Progeny series. It’s the continuation of the half-blooded vampire, Ascher, and the human Wiccan, Shauna’s, journey as a couple. This book is the gateway to the darker plot of this series and has many unexpected plot twists and turns.

Please provide links to your website, blog, books, etc.

You can find Ashlynne on Facebook, Twitter, Manic Readers, on her Blog and Website. Visit The Progeny Series Facebook Page to learn more about the characters and to keep up with the latest series developments. Ashlynne loves to hear from readers. Contact her by Reader Email

Blood Promise (The Progeny Series #3)

“Their love is fated by an ancient prophecy. Now the promise is fulfilled.”


Ascher Rousseau is a half-human, half vampire whose life has been a series of prophecies and predictions. After finding incredible love and passion with Shauna—a Wiccan with powers beyond anything he’s ever known—he seals to her and hopes for happiness. But his enemies seek to destroy all that he loves, and he finds that happiness never lasts for long.


Darkness is descending and a vampiric revolution is nearing. A new brood of hatchlings is born to join their darkling brothers, in preparation for war. A preordained chain of events is set into motion that could lead to the rise of the demonic “cloaked one” and his half-human fallen children, while ending humanity—as we know it.


Can a supernatural love and the loyal bond of a family save the Rousseaus and the world from certain extinction?

The Progeny Series Excerpts and Extras

THE PROGENY/BLOOD BONDS TRAILER

THE PROGENY- THE DOUBLE BREAK UP

BLOOD BONDS STEAMY EXCERPT-THE STORMS OF LOVE

The Progeny Series is available for purchase worldwide at Amazon US  Amazon UK   BN  Amazon Spain  Amazon France  Amazon Austria  Amazon Italy  Amazon Germany      Smashwords