Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Susan Muller and her new debut book, The Secrets On Forest Bend, are in the House!!!

I'm super excited to have Susan C. Muller here today to talk about herself, her writing, and about her new release, The Secrets On Forest Bend. I love my ghost stories and this certainly seems to promise that and more!

Thank you Susan for visiting with me today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?   I live in a suburb of Houston, with my husband and rescue dog, Buster, a 120 pound black lab. I have two children and four grandchildren. When not writing, I do volunteer work in a local hospital.

What is the most romantic thing your significant other or anyone has done for you?   My husband and I are planning a cruise next summer for our fiftieth anniversary.  He must be doing something right.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?    Whenever possible, but I often walk with a friend first thing in the morning. Last summer was brutal in Houston, with temperatures reaching 105 to 107 degrees, and we had to walk earlier and earlier. My neighbors are understanding, but they frown on walking in PJs.

What are your pet peeves?   Narrow minded people.

Cats or dogs?  I have often had one of each, but I’ve never been without a dog, sometimes two.

White wine or red?   White -  Riesling or Piesporter

Coffee or tea?  Both, but they have to be decaf (boo, hiss) so what’s the point?

Vanilla or chocolate ice cream?   Butter pecan

What are 4 things you never leave home without?  Credit card.  That’s all you really need.

Laptop or desktop for writing?  Laptop for reading and emails, desktop for writing.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?  I write upstairs in the guest room/office, whenever my husband is playing golf or watching a ball game.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?  Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig, and Sean Bean. Two 007’s and a 006.  What, you thought I would say something deep – Eleanor Roosevelt, Mahatma Gandhi, and Steve Jobs?

An actor you have a crush on?  See above, but add Hugh Jackman and Veggo Mortensen

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?  I love THE AMAZING RACE and RAISING HOPE.

What made you decide to be an author?  I wanted to know if I could do it.

How did you choose the genre you write in?  I didn’t. It chose me.

Are you a punster or a plotter and why?   I’m way too unorganized to be a plotter.

Is there a particular author who may have influenced you?   John Sandford, Jim Butcher, and Janet Evanovich are three I enjoy.

What is your all time favorite book?  TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

What is your favorite sentence or quote in your new release?  Adam brings Jillian to dinner with his partner and his partner’s mother.

Ruben placed a huge hand on Adam’s shoulder, holding him back. “Where did she come from? How did you ever find such a beautiful, sexy, and completely inappropriate looking woman? She looks like a biker. Please tell me she rides a Hog.”
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen one. But she does have a tat.”
It didn’t seem possible, but Ruben’s grin got even bigger. “Where is it? Will Mamacita see it?”
“Not with that blouse on. But there’s one thing even better.” Adam hurried on before Ruben asked how he knew what was under her blouse. “She owns a gun store.”
Ruben leaned his head back, looking at the ceiling. He closed his eyes and put his hands together. “Thank you, Lord,” he said. When he looked back at Adam, his grin returned. “Never in the history of the world has one man made such a sacrifice for a friend. I will remember this forever. No matter what I do from now on, no matter whom I bring home, anything less than a hooker and I’m golden. She’ll never complain about my girlfriends again.”
Adam waited for a growl to build in the back of his throat, but surprisingly, nothing came. What was wrong with him tonight? He was too young to start mellowing.
“After dinner we need to talk,” Adam said. “I have a problem.”
“You mean in addition to the fact that you just brought a gun-toting, tattooed biker chick into Mamacita’s house? I can’t wait to hear it.”

How much trouble did your characters give you while writing your new release? Which one?   This was supposed to be Jillian’s story, and she is the young girl in the prologue.  Somewhere in Chapter One, I realized it was Adam’s story. When a good-looking guy taps you on the shoulder and says, “I’ll take over now,” what are you going to do?

Where do you get your ideas from?  I have no idea.

How did you choose your title?  The story was long finished before I chose the title, even then I changed House to Secrets.

How do you cure writer’s block?  I take a (short) break – put the clothes in the dryer, walk the dog around the block – then get back to work.


Do you have any advice for an aspiring writer?  Write, write, write.  Yes, take classes, read books, but keep writing.

What sacred advice have you been giving by another writer?  Learn the rules before you try to break them.

Where can your readers stalk you?   www.susancmuller.com

Tell us about your new release:  A Homicide detective is chasing a serial killer when he stumbles across a crooked cop, an intriguing woman, and a vengeful ghost.  Can he stay alive long enough to bring down the cop, win the woman, and destroy the ghost?

Sounds like a wonderfully spooky read. Thank you so much again for stopping in Susan.

Get your copy of The Secrets On Forest Bend at Soul Mate Publishing here.




AVAILABLE NOW @ Soul Mate Publishing: The Swan Cove Murders Release Date December 28th: Secrets of Jenkins Bridge

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Memories of Christmas Past

 This time of year with Christmas around the corner always has me reminiscing of Christmases past. My mom's house was filled with the majority of us children and grandchildren. The ones who couldn't make it because they lived much further away would call, and we'd just pass the phone around to say hi and Merry Christmas. Mom would start between 6-7 am making apple, pumpkin, mincemeat, and chocolate pies and storing them in the back part of the house where the room was cold (you could see your breath). Christmas dinner consisted of a ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pearl onions, green beans, corn, a tossed salad, fresh baked rolls, and of course her famous raisin sauce for the ham. There was always more leftovers than we knew what to do with. The Christmas songs were blasted from the radio all day and into the night. In the evening, us kids would go play and the adults would play penny poker. It was fun to hear their laughter in the kitchen. As I got older, the card games changed but I had finally been included. I have so many memories, it's hard to nail down a favorite as each one meant the world to me.

Now, we're spread out quite a bit. Mom has many more grandchildren and great grandchildren. It been 16 years since my dad had passed away and 7 years for one of my brothers. I'm not saying Christmas now is less than great. Just that it's changed and I'm learning how to make my own family's Christmases memorable for them. It's just nice to go back and remember the smell of Mom's apple pie baking as I opened my presents with Dad sitting in his recliner dressed up like Santa handing the presents out. Or my brothers and sisters showing up later on for dinner and how I couldn't wait to see them. Great Christmas memories :)

Here's the deal. Tell me about one of your favorite Christmas memories along with your email address and I'll have my son draw one lucky name to win a copy of The Swan Cove Murders and my new bookmark. See below.




And be sure to stop by The Dark Phantom Review for my guest interview!



AVAILABLE NOW @ Soul Mate Publishing: The Swan Cove Murders             Release Date December 28th: Secrets of Jenkins Bridge

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Callie Hutton And Her New Release: A Run For Love


I'm excited to have Callie Hutton here. Her debut book, A Run For Love, releases today and it sounds like a great historical romantic read. Find a cozy seat, grab a cup of coffee, and join us.

Welcome Callie. Thanks for joining me today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
 
I’ve been making up stories in my head since elementary school, and writing since I learned to type in high school.  I’ve had a number of things published, and finally last summer,  decided to put it all together and write a book. So far I’ve finished four Historical Western Romances and one contemporary as part of a project with my Oklahoma Romance Writers group.
Being a History major in college, it follows that I write mostly Historical Romance. Oh, I also like falling in love — did it myself and now I enjoy writing about it. And yes, I fall in love with all my heroes.
Although we’ve lived in several states, Oklahoma is where I’ve hung my hat for the last several years, but I hail from New Jersey. I’m an Okie-Jersey girl. And proud of it.
My hubby supports me in all my ventures, truly being the wind beneath my wings. We have two kids at home–21 and 19–and we’re so happy our two dogs and new little kitten allow us to share their home.

What is the most romantic thing your significant other or anyone has done for you? One time years ago, as most newly married couples, we were kinda broke. The women in the office where I worked at the time were going out to lunch, but I didn’t have the extra money. I called hubby and told him, and he suggested I come home for lunch. When I got there, he had the table set with our best dishes, tablecloth, etc. He’d made us both a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and we split a soda. He wore a suit, and had a cloth napkin over his arm. It was a riot, and something I never forgot.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
  But of course!  How else?

What are your pet peeves? Books with illogic or inconsistences. I hate when I’m reading a book and someone who the heroine knows has an agenda tells her a horrendous lie about the hero, and the nitwit believes it.  I also hate books where a five minute conversation would clear up the ‘conflict.’ I once read a book where one word would have cleared up the conflict.  I can never finish those books cause it really annoys me.

Cats or dogs?  Both. I have two dogs and a new little kitten.

White wine or red?
Club soda with a twist of lemon

Coffee or tea?
Both. Depending on my mood and the time of day.

Vanilla or chocolate ice cream? Kinda both.  Vanilla with chocolate syrup.

What are 4 things you never leave home without? Cell phone, keys, flash drive with my music, debit card

Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop. I take it with me everywhere I go.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing? Any place, any time.

An actor you have a crush on? Bradley Cooper

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed? Don’t really watch TV, the last movie I saw that I really liked was Bridesmaids

What made you decide to be an author? I love to make up stories.

How did you choose the genre you write in? I was a history major in college, and I love reading historical fiction.

Are you a panster or a plotter and why? Both—neither. I do some planning at the beginning (character sketches, outlining). I usually don’t stick to the outline too closely. About mid way through the book, I’ll do a more detailed outline, when I see where the characters took me.

Is there a particular author who may have influenced you? Lynsay Sands, Sandra Brown, Janet Evonovich.

What is your all time favorite book? Absolutely impossible to say.  I’m not even sure I could name a favorite in each genre.

What is your favorite sentence or quote in your new release?
“Jesse never gave up on me.” She pointed a shaky finger at the pastor. “He never gave up. Never! No matter how many times I pushed him away, he never, ever gave up. You didn’t know that did you?” Her voice lowered and she rubbed dirty, bloody hands down her skirt, her voice shaking. “I’m not giving up on him either.” She flung her arm out. “So you can all go on home, but I’ll be here until I find him.”

How much trouble did your characters give you while writing your new release? Which one? I had to whip Tori into shape cause she was a stubborn one. But in the end her stubbornness paid off.

Where do you get your ideas from? Everywhere

How did you choose your title? My book is based on the Oklahoma Land Run, so A Run For Love just seemed to fit.

How do you cure writer’s block? A recent writer’s block ended when I took the characters out of the setting they were in and put them somewhere else. Worked great. It was two male characters, and they were much more cooperative when I took them out of an office and put them in a bar with a beer in their hands.

Do you have any advice for an aspiring writer? Write, write, write.  Read, read, read. And not just books on the craft of writing, which are good, but reading books in your genre will inspire you and see what works and what doesn’t.

What sacred advice have you been given by another writer? Make sure you keep your story yours. Don’t take so much advice from others that you lose your story, or your voice.


Where can your readers stalk you? www.calliehutton.com


Tell us about your new release:
TORI HENDERSON wants independence, freedom and no husband.  JESSE COCHRAN wants a new start, far from the crippling effects of a childhood stained by being the whore’s kid.
            It’s April, 1889 and the Oklahoma Land Run is about to begin.  Since they’re going to be evicted from their Kansas home, Tori needs land to provide a home for her four nieces and nephews. After the unexpected death of her brother, she became their only parent. Jesse wants to leave his past behind, and practice law.
            Their first encounter in Arkansas City, where thousands have gathered to await the firing of the cannons to begin the race, has them snapping at each other.  His opinion on a woman participating in the Land Run without a husband certainly reinforce her opinion of domineering males.  It’s easy to dismiss each other, however.  That is until the dust settles after the Run, and they end up next door neighbors in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
            Will these two survive life together when an unintended pregnancy forces them into marriage?
            A Run For Love book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8kCfEl_F4g
            My website:  www.calliehutton.com


You can purchase here www.soulmatepublishing.com and don’t forget to go to Soul Mate Publishing to check out all the other great new debuts.

Thank you so much for being here today Callie.







AVAILABLE NOW @ Soul Mate Publishing: The Swan Cove Murders Release Date December 28th: Secrets of Jenkins Bridge

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Thanksgiving Done Early

I have decided to partake in my Thansgiving early. Not the turkey and the trimmings and the family. Just what I'm thankful for this year. And there is quite a list.



1. For my recovery from the whole gallbladder, stones and pancreatitis from the beginning of the year. That was a rough few weeks. But without my son's help, it would have been so much worse. Which leads me to the next.

2. Because I was so sick, my son, Aaron, came back from Tennessee to be by my side and help me through all the days at the hospital and especially after coming home.

3. I'm thankful for Savvy Authors hosting May Bootcamp, June Revision Hell and July Pitches. Without that, The Swan Cove Murders would not be completed and published.

4. I'm thankful for all my family's health. For the most part, they are all doing okay. I have a very large family (I'm the 9th child) plus all the extensions meaning in laws of everyone plus my own. You are talking multitudes here. And all of us are pretty good.

5. For my close friends. Without their support, I'd probably be bald from yanking all my hair out. They keep me sane.

6. For my critique partners (Twinkies!!). They are like family to me and they tell it like it is. That's exactly what I need at times.

7. For my new writing group, Writers Up and Coming. Even though I haven't been able to do a whole lot here lately, they still root me on and have some great patience.

8. For my new grandson and his continued health. He is doing better and is gaining weight and is finally drinking from a bottle. Yay!! We are keeping our fingers crossed that he's home by Christmas.

9. For my family, again. Without their support of my writing, I don't know that I could push through. Let's just say I have a HUGE cheerleading squad and they rock!!

10. For my editor who saw something no one else could see in my writing. That little difference, a little twist if you will in mine. And she took a huge chance on me and ran with it full force. She is an awesome editor and I couldn't have asked for anyone more solid, more understanding, and more there by my side than her. Again thank you Debbie for all you do.

11. For my imagination and the ideas that continue to flow. Without them, well there would be no writing period. I believe we're all given some type of gift and writing is mine.

12. For my new found friends and fellow authors over at Soul Mate Publishing. I'm so glad to have met you all and how fast we're growing in our writing together.

13. Thankful for my mother's continued good health. At 84 she has finally had to slow down. And let's just say she's not liking it. The age factor is starting to catch up to her however. So, every day that I call her and can hear her voice is another day that I'm especially thankful for as she is and always will be my absolute best friend.

14. For my new job. It came at the right time as all things usually do. The place is great, the people are awesome and I'm making some decent money so I can catch up on bills and have a good Christmas.

15. For the troops whom have fought and continue to fight for our freedom every day. These are my real heroes.

Okay, I could go on and on with the list, but now it's your turn. What are you thankful for this year?


AVAILABLE NOW @ Soul Mate Publishing: The Swan Cove Murders Coming December28th: Secrets of Jenkins Bridge

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Angeline M Bishop is in The House Today!!

I am so excited today. I have Angeline M Bishop here today to talk about herself and her new release North Star. She is a fellow author as is Char Chaffin (if I didn't mention that yesterday) over at Soul Mate Publishing. Angeline, it's wonderful to have you here. Pull up that cozy seat and let's get started.


Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a southern belle making a living in fast-paced New Jersey, where multi-tasking, NJ Turnpike exits, and talking with our hands is a way of life. (laughter) Wow, I just thought about my Atlanta, Georgia based aunts sharing quizzically looks as my purse chime with incoming emails.  We’re super connected in the New York/New Jersey area. I guess that’s why the some of the new G4 commercials crack me up (see http://youtu.be/bvVVQGgbKk0).  We do everything fast here, we really need reminders to slow down and disconnect.

I know all about those New Jersey exits!

What is the most romantic thing your significant other or anyone has done for you?
Well, let me see.  I would say he made our night during a blackout in a French chĆ¢teau-like hotel, seem like a scene from a wonderful romance movie.  And I have to find a way to weave it into a story.  The wonderful thing about that time was he wasn’t even trying to be romantic.  I guess romance comes natural for some people. 

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
Yes, I love to do that!  I race home, cook, eat dinner, jump in the shower, and by 7PM I’m writing my novel.  My red Rutgers pajama bottoms and a white tank are my favorites.  Go RU!!

What are your pet peeves?
Pets that pee!  (laughter) No, I’m just being silly. I don’t like narcissists that wear elitist looks on their faces (you can be a narcissist just don’t let me suspect it).  (grins) People that squeeze the toothpaste tube in the middle, jaywalkers on college campus (yeah, I can’t see you if you choose to jump out from between the buses).  And people that take the last sip of juice without calling out that they are about to finish it.

Cats or dogs?
I love DOGS!  Loyal, welcoming, protective.  Yeah, I love the agility of felines but dogs have a special place in my heart.

White wine or red?
I’m going to try not to get a funny interview tagline with my response. (laughter)  My fellow Soul Mate Publishing authors know what happened the last time I answered this question on a blog.  So I’ll keep it simple, I like white wine.

LMAO!!

Coffee or tea?
It would be herbal teas, I find them so calming.  My favorites are Chamomile and Cranberry Pomegranate.

Vanilla or chocolate ice cream?
Mmmm, I like vanilla-based ice creams.  Haagen Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond, Cherry Vanilla and Butter Pecan are my favorites.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?
My BlackBerry smartphone, my purse, my car keys and my Bluetooth ear piece.

Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop because I can take it anywhere to write and not be stuck at home.  It’s also better for traveling.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
I enjoy writing at home at night right now, but in the beginning of my writing career I was a morning writer.  It’s funny how things change when your life gets busier.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?
Oprah because she knows enough people to get us rescued quickly.
Wolfgang Puck because he would make sure we ate decent meals while we were there.
And Hugh Jackman to act out any story I wanted to write.

An actor you have a crush on?
I can’t pick just one.  Right now I’m adoring Hugh Jackman, Boris Kodjoe and Blair Underwood.  Just let me mix them together.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?
I love Grey’s Anatomy.  Totally addicted to it but now Once Upon a Time is drawing me in.  I love how the writers are turning my classic fairy tales on their head.

What made you decide to be an author?
Well Oprah and Tyler Perry caused me to re-examine at my childhood wish to be writer and push myself to make it a reality.  They firmly believe all goals are a possibility and the only person preventing my dreams from taking flight was me. 

At first, I didn’t believe it was that simple but it really is.  If you want something bad enough, work hard to get it, you can achieve it.  When I look back on my life, I’ve always wanted to be an author.  I was even vice-president of a high school club called Future Authors of America at DeSoto County High School in Florida.  It was before I graduated from Gainesville High School but it proves I wanted to be a writer as a youth. The desire was always there.

How did you choose the genre you write in?
I took the write what you know philosophy.  I know about contemporary times because my readers like seeing bits and pieces of our times in their novels.  Does it date the work?  Of course but a good story can stand up no matter what the timeframe.

Are you a panster or a plotter and why?
I’m a plotter and I blame my college literature professors for that practice.  They strengthened my plotting skills with every essay, story and research paper. One day, I’ll try to craft a short holiday novella as a panster (a writer that simply sits down and starts writing, trusting that they will figure everything out as they go along. The name comes from the fact that they write by the seat of their pants).

Is there a particular author who may have influenced you?
I would say there were two, Maya Angelou and Richard Wright. I read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Native Son at age twelve because my mother pushed reading more than television in our home. 

My mother was leery about me reading Native Son because it was a book meant for my brother but I didn’t like the fact that everyone in my home read that novel while I was busy reading Encyclopedia Brown.

What is your all time favorite book?
Homer’s Greek epic poem The Odyssey.  I love the story of the Greek hero and his long journey back home Ithaca, and his wife, Penelope.

What is your favorite sentence or quote in your new release?
Right now, it would be, “He was cold and distant, making it very clear that he wasn’t her safe place to fall. When they hung up, she waited until she was alone to cry. Long streams of hot tears cascaded down her face as her heart pounded in her ears. The realization that he had no concern for her made her throat tighten and her body shake as she sobbed.”

How much trouble did your characters give you while writing your new release? Which one?
Yvette was a hand full.  I could feel myself wanting to tell her story more and more but it's not her time. She has many layers and it take a special man to step into her world. I’m not one hundred percent sure when I’ll work on her story but it’s coming.

Where do you get your ideas from?
I observe real life love stories all the time.  Men and women are so open about how they met their loved ones so I listen and sometimes it sparks a story

How did you choose your title?
The Sheridan series deals with the love stories of four siblings so the first book, North Star will deal with Graham’s story.  The other stories will also have the navigational directions in their titles too.

How do you cure writer’s block?
I plug in my iPod and dance around to release stress.  Then I live life away from the laptop by visiting friends or spending time with my daughters.  If that doesn’t work, I pick the brain of a flesh and blood alpha male until he raises an eyebrow and laughs me away. (laughter)

Do you have any advice for an aspiring writer?
Write, write, write!  You can’t be a writer if you don’t write, it’s just that simple.

What sacred advice have you been giving by another writer?
Nora Roberts, Nicholas Sparks, Jackie Collins all say the same thing, “Your story is right for your type of reader and publishing is a business.” Writing may be art, but publishing, when all is said and done, comes down to dollars.

Where can your readers stalk you?


Tell us about your new release:
When Caresse Aldana is chosen to persuade Psyche's dangerously handsome editor-in-chief, Graham Sheridan, to feature an article on Mason Community Center, she tells herself it's just business but he's just the man to prove her wrong and make her his own. NORTH STAR takes inspirational themes of family bonds and community involvement and gives readers a passionate romance.

Book trailer: http://youtu.be/WNMhnmqhfkM


It was great to have you here today, Angeline. I wish you well with North Star. It sounds wonderful.

You can purchase your copy of North Star here over at Soul Mate Publishing.



AVAILABLE NOW @ Soul Mate Publishing: The Swan Cove Murders       Coming December 28th: Secrets of Jenkins Bridge

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Char Chaffin's in The House!!!


I'm super excited as I have Char Chaffin here today to talk about herself and her new release Promises To Keep. I am so glad you could make it here, Char. Pull up a cozy seat and let's get started.

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 
I was born and raised in Upstate New York, married an Air Force man and have traveled all over the US and Canada. We’ve been in all fifty states, Mexico and much of Canada, and right now we’re living on a sixty-acre farm about twenty miles from my hometown. We’d chuck it all tomorrow for a chance to return to Alaska!

What is the most romantic thing your significant other or anyone has done for you?
Every time I’ve needed to grow, to stretch my wings, he’s encouraged me. There’s nothing more romantic than a man who understands me. And he holds my hand while we sleep. 

Wow. That is definitely romantic.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
Well, I don’t wear PJs, or anything else like that, so I’d have to say “no.” I’ve been known to write in my underwear, though.  ::wink::

What are your pet peeves?  
Sarcasm, overuse of the word “basically,” people who ask me a question by beginning the sentence, “Question,” and drivers who cut across parking lots. I once got hit in a parking lot by a guy driving a truck who cut across instead of following the lanes like a sane person.

Cats or dogs?
Definitely dogs. Cats don’t understand me.

White wine or red?
Neither. I like beer.

Coffee or tea? 
Coffee, but only if it’s loaded with French vanilla syrup, and pale with vanilla creamer.

Vanilla or chocolate ice cream? 
Chocolate. The only vanilla I ever want is in my coffee.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?
1. A wristwatch. I’m addicted to them and I collect them. I have about thirty that I wear regularly. 2. My cell phone. Not because I like talking on the phone (I don’t), but because if I get stuck somewhere, I can pull up my Kindle app and read a book.   3. A bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper.  4. Chewing gum. 

Laptop or desktop for writing?
Lately it’s been my laptop. Got it for my birthday and LOVE it.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
I write in the living room with my laptop and my trackball mouse, with my Natural keyboard attached. I used to write in my office, but it’s sure nice to be in the same room with my hubby!

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?  
 George Bush, Laura Bush and Ronald Reagan.

An actor you have a crush on? 
Oh, why focus on one when so many are cute???!

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?
I adored ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘Lost.’ Two shows I hated to see end.


What made you decide to be an author?
It was something my hubby said. He told me I wrote the most wonderful letters and maybe I should try my hand at writing short stories. Then he encouraged me to try writing something longer. Then he persuaded me to try my hand at writing a novel. By then, I was hooked on writing, and I’ve never looked back.

How did you choose the genre you write in?
I don’t know; I just started writing and it fell into the mainstream romance category. Which is crazy since my favorite reading material is horror and science fiction. I do adore romance and I read a lot of it. But my first love was always horror. 

Are you a punster or a plotter and why?
I just start writing and let it fall where it will. After a few chapters, if I feel I have something worthwhile, I might do up an outline. Sometimes I think up a title and then write around it.

Is there a particular author who may have influenced you?
Nora Roberts has definitely influenced the romance side of my writing. I’ve probably learned the most by reading her.

What is your all time favorite book? 
Not a single book but a series: The Quinn Brothers series, by Nora Roberts. Nobody writes men and relationships like Nora.

What is your favorite sentence or quote in your new release?
“The day I fell in love with you was the day you gave me half your fish and all of your worms.”

How much trouble did your characters give you while writing your new release? Which one?
My lead characters were a dream to write. I knew where they were going, how they’d get there and what personality traits they’d show, along the way. My secondary character, Ruth, was much more difficult. I needed to show her as a terrible person while still giving her vulnerability and writing her in such a way that the reader would ultimately feel sympathy for her.

Where do you get your ideas from? 
All over the place. Songs, dreams, a nightmare or two. Places I’ve traveled through. It’s hard to just pin it down to a few things.

How did you choose your title?
From the way my characters relate to each other as well as a line from a Frost poem: “I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.”

How do you cure writer’s block? 
I don’t. I let it take me. It’s no use fighting it, at least not for me. Fighting it only makes it worse. It may mean I don’t write a word for weeks, but if I tried to cure or work through it, I might not write again for years. I think writer’s block happens for a reason. Maybe I really need the downtime.

Do you have any advice for an aspiring writer?
Never stop writing. If you have something to say, then say it. When you think it’s done, it’s not. Polish your work to death, then give it to a critique partner and polish it some more when they send it back to you. You might love it but others have to love it, too. Follow the basic writing rules but don’t concede your impulses when you’re sure you’re right. Most of all, learn humility and learn to listen to others who have already published and know the ropes. Join writing groups, participate in social networks and enter a few contests now and then. Read as much as you can, as often as you can, and read in your genre as well as in other genres. Pick a favorite author and read everything they have written. But most of all, WRITE.

What sacred advice have you been giving by another writer?
See above! Someone said it to me, I took their advice and now I pass it on to others. It’s sound advice, trust me.

Where can your readers stalk you?


Tell us about your new release:
PROMISES TO KEEP is a mainstream/family drama set in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. For Annie Turner and Travis Quincy, social status doesn’t matter. Like two halves of a whole, they’re only complete when they’re together. And nothing is more important than the vow they make to someday marry.

But the rich, privileged boy and the girl from the wrong side of town will find that when it comes to keeping the pledge they made to each other, it's easier said than done. Travis's mother, Ruth, has plans for her son and they don't include a girl like Annie. With cold determination she sets out to destroy their bond.

Love is magical at any age … and a promise is forever.

Isn’t it?



Sure is Char! Thank you so much for being here on your special day. For those who would like to win a free copy of Promises to Keep, go to SMP Authors Blog and comment on Char's blog.

You can find Promises to Keep at Soul Mate Publishing

And tune in tomorrow as I will have Angeline Bishop in the house for an interview about herself and her new release out today North Star over at Soul Mate Publishing.




AVAILABLE NOW @ Soul Mate Publishing: The Swan Cove Murders       Coming in December: Secrets of Jenkins Bridge

Sunday, November 13, 2011

November Releases at Soul Mate Publishing

 Thank you all for your support and encouraging words in regards to The Swan Cove Murders and Highland Legacy release day.

There are more great releases coming to Soul Mate Publishing this month and I wanted to feature them here today. But before I do, every Wednesday and Thursday for the remainder of the month I would like to have author interviews with the ones whose books are being released that given week. For this coming Wednesday will be Char Chaffin chatting with me about her new release Promises to Keep. And Thursday I hope to have with me Angeline Bishop and her new release North Star.

Enough with schedules. Here are the new releases and their given dates for the remainder of the month. All can be purchased at Soul Mate Publishing.

Coming November 16th: 



Annie Turner has lived in small-town Thompkin all of her life. Her family is poor, but she and her siblings have loving parents and a roof over their heads. As far as she’s concerned, she’s a lucky girl.
Travis Quincy’s ancestors founded Thompkin, deep in the Shenandoah Valley. He’s known immense wealth from birth, and for him that wealth is a part of his life that he’s never had to question.
While still in grade school, Annie and Travis meet and fall in love. Neither understands why they’re drawn to each other, but it doesn’t seem to matter. Like two halves of a whole, they’re only complete when they’re together. And nothing is more important than the vow they make to someday marry.
Growing up together, the rich, privileged boy and the girl from the wrong side of town find that when it comes to keeping their pledge, it's easier said than done. Travis's mother, Ruth, has plans for her son and they don't include his marrying a Turner. Her painful and secret past gives her an unwanted connection to the Turner family and a reason to hate them all. With cold determination she sets out to destroy the bond between her son and Annie.
Love is magical at any age...and a promise is forever.
Isn’t it?


Caresse Aldana is chosen to persuade Psyche’s dangerously handsome editor-in-chief, Graham Sheridan, to feature an article on the Mason Community Center. She tells herself it’s just business.
 
She thought her heart wasn’t in jeopardy, but she clearly underestimated Graham’s charm, and his determination to win her heart. As their passion intensifies, disturbing mishaps at the Center place Caresse’s life in danger.

The highly anticipated Mason Ball fundraiser is in peril. Can Graham decipher the evidence, finger the culprits, and save Caresse before it’s too late?




Coming November 23rd:

Tori Henderson is binding her breasts and donning her nephew’s clothes. Why? Because she just became the only parent to four teenage nieces and nephews, and they’re about to be homeless. So she’s joining the thousands of hopefuls surrounding the Oklahoma Territory borders to race for a piece of free land. Certainly disguising herself as a man will protect her from unwanted attention. Won’t it?

Set in 1889, A Run For Love depicts one of the most amazing events in our nation’s history. It pits the feisty Tori against the arrogant Jesse Cochran, attorney at law, and her new neighbor in Oklahoma.

Tori sees herself as a slightly overweight, spectacle wearing, no-nonsense woman. She has no time for men or the entrapment of matrimony. Jesse wants to distance himself from a town where he’s known as the "whore’s kid." Respectability is in his future, and he’s settling for nothing less.

When Jesse and Tori first clash in Arkansas City before they even begin the run, sparks ignite and insults fly. They come to a somewhat truce as they settle in their neighboring homes, but a family emergency puts the two of them on the road together where the sparks turn into flames. But forces are pulling them apart, even as they work to find an everlasting love.




Molly Tanner, unjustly suspended from her nursing position, is choosing flight over fight. Driving along a lonely, twisting highway, Molly misses a deer, but the oncoming car is not so lucky. She rushes to aid the injured motorist. Slumped over the steering wheel, he is not moving, but Molly hears the cry of a child coming from the backseat.

Smelling gas and afraid of the car exploding, Molly pulls the driver and child to safety. Semi-conscious, Pearce beseeches her to pretend to be his wife so his daughter won’t go into foster care again. Remembering her own life in the system, she agrees. But while caring for Gracie, and her father, Molly finds she’s in danger of losing her heart to both of them.






Coming November 30th:

Fairytales don’t always work out the way you plan.
Jenn Taylor has been with her husband, Jack, since they were in college. They had a fairytale life plan. They were going to finish college, get married, and have three perfect children all two and a half years apart.

Before they knew it, the three perfect children become four not-so-perfect children. They find themselves so busy keeping a handle on work and children, they don’t have the time or energy to keep the spark of romance in their marriage.
Jenn complains to her friends, who suggest she should recreate some of the scenes from her much loved romance novels and surprise her husband.

All the while, she is trying to contend with three boys who do not know how to stay out of trouble and an environmentally and socially conscious daughter who is trying to become a vegan.

Is her marriage doomed to stay in a rut forever? Will she finally succeed in bringing the romance back? Or will she end up permanently injuring her husband with all the romantic scene mishaps?



 
Another day. . . another dead body.
When Detective Adam Campbell learns that a WWII gun is connected to several murders he’s investigating, he hopes that tracking down the killer will be as easy as tracing the gun’s history. When he meets Jillian Whitmeyer, the last known owner of the weapon, the case becomes anything but simple.

Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t real.
Adam soon learns that people who get close to Jillian have a bad habit of turning up dead. Jillian claims that the spirit of her sister, accidentally killed with that same gun, is responsible for the deaths. She warns Adam that he is likely to become the next victim. Adam’s been a lousy judge of women in the past, and this one’s obviously a nut case. Or is she? How does a just-the-facts detective deal with a ghostly serial killer and the sexy-as-hell sister she won’t set free?














AVAILABLE NOW @ Soul Mate Publishing: The Swan Cove Murders
Coming in December: Secrets of Jenkins Bridge

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

It's Finally Here!!!

It's Wednesday and that means only one thing: it's release day at Soul Mate Publishing!!! Woot!! And I'm so on cloud 9! And I'm sure my fellow SMP author B.J. Scott is just as excited. We're not only debuting our books, but also ourselves as published authors. I'm still stumbling over that one. It will take some getting used to.

Since I've already given my interview a couple of weeks back, it is B.J.'s turn in the hot seat. But before the interview, I want to remind everyone who posts a comment here up until Friday will be entered into a random drawing for a $10 gift certificate good @ Soul Mate Publishing. The winner will be announced at the top of this blog post on Saturday morning.

I want to personally thank my editor, Debby Gilbert, over at Soul Mate Publishing as this wouldn't even be possible without all of her dedication and hard work.She believed in me and this story when no one else would. Huge hugs.

Today, I'm over at Anna James' blog for an interview. Click here. And tomorrow I'll be over at Kristina Knight's blog for a quick one. Click here.

One last thing. Be sure to head over to SMP's Author Blog tomorrow where B.J. Scott will be blogging and holding a big contest to win a ton of great prizes.

Now, onward with the interview!!

B.J. Scott is in the house. I'm so glad you could make it and answer some questions for us. 

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in the Niagara Region of Ontario. After spending 12 years as a Reg. Nurse and three years in Child and Youth work, I met my husband Steve, and we moved to a small village in Southwestern Ontario on the shore of Lake Erie. In addition to my current job in child care, I have a small home-based business. I have been making a variety of heat sublimated products, doing custom embroidery and other hand crafted items for the last 7 years. You can often find me at a dog show on the weekends from spring thru fall selling my products. www.krittersnkrafts.com  When not working or writing, I enjoy reading, camping and antiquing.

What is the most romantic thing your significant other or anyone has done for you?
 He is such a sweet man it is hard to pick one thing. We met later in life, so initially planned a very quiet wedding to be shared with our immediate family and friends. We arranged a small intimate ceremony on a Friday afternoon and booked a room at a quaint bed and breakfast for our wedding night. A party was planned for Sat night and on Monday it would be back to everyday life. The place we stayed turned out to be amazing. Instead of a regular room, he had arranged a suite with a fireplace, and Jacuzzi tub big enough for a group of people. We had a quiet dinner in a lovely, private dinning room. It had a fantastic view and there was a gourmet meal and a bottle of our favorite wine waiting for us when we arrived. After that, he told me we would be having a honeymoon in Hawaii. We got married in Oct so decided to wait until the weather got colder. We spent two glorious weeks, basking in the sun. We went on Valentines day. Romantic things don’t have to be that elaborate. I collect giraffes and he often just brings one home or picks one up when we are out antiquing. That means every bit as much to me as any large gift or gesture.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
All the time! I would live in pjs if socially acceptable. lol
I find my muse hits in the early morning and late at night so being in pjs is natural.

Cats or dogs?
I have four dogs: a golden retriever, Cailin…named after the heroine in my book ;), Jazz a yellow lab and Lilly and Willie, two Norbottenspets…I know odd name and one no one has heard of. They are the national dog of Sweden, quite rare and very sweet. They grow to be about 20 lbs and live to be 25 years old.  Lilly is a show puppy and I am planning to take her to some dog shows in the spring. She is only 16 weeks old right now. We also have a 4 year old tabby cat that I picked up on the side of the road one day. Kismet was about 6 weeks old when I found her. Someone had dropped her and the mom on the country road and left them there. Sadly mom was hit by a car and Kizzy was left alone. Both my husband and I are huge animal lovers.

White wine or red?
White… and sweet. I love a late harvest Riesling or Vidal.

Coffee or tea?
Green tea

Vanilla or chocolate ice cream?
Vanilla, but like to add either strawberry or chocolate sauce.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?
Pen, paper, my netbook, cash ;) My e-book reader is in a close tie for 4th.

Laptop or desktop for writing?
I do final read through on my PC, but write on my netbook.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
Anywhere the muse hits. I do a lot of writing in my big comfy chair in the corner of the family room. There is nothing nicer than writing with the fireplace going, and some music in the background. I like to have things going on around me when I write so if I am not listening to music, the TV is on, dogs are playing, etc

 
An actor you have a crush on?
 I don’t see many movies so really don’t have a favorite to speak of. I like watching the older classic movies more so than the modern ones. My all time favorite actor was Jimmy Stewart. I loved his sweet gentle, understated nature. He was funny and yet he could play the serious rolls with finesse. Can’t say I had a crush since he was old enough to be my grandfather, but thought he was a great actor.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?
I don’t have a lot of time to watch movies or TV shows. When I am not working or completing orders for my small business, I am writing or reading. I do enjoy the talent related TV shows like So you think you can dance or X factor. Love to see new talent discovered and get a break. I enjoy both music and dance shows.


What made you decide to be an author?
I have loved to read and write from the time I was a child. A true Gemini, I was blessed with the gift of gab, the need and ability to tell a story. I have had so many experiences in my life and have such a love for books, it seemed my natural calling. About ten years ago, I started to write for fun and as a way to express my feeling, hopes and dreams. One day I showed my writing to a friend who encouraged me to pursue it further. It has not been without its ups and downs or its fair share of hard work and disappointment. Now that I have reached the next step in my writing career and publication a reality, the sky is the limit.

If using a pen name, how did you chose it and why?
When I decided to become a writer and to submit my work for publication, my husband and I discussed the name I should use. While there was nothing wrong with my name, we both felt something with a little more pizzazz was needed. It was not difficult for me to decide. Given my Scottish, English and Irish ancestry, something along that line made sense. I was named after my father’s mother… her maiden name Barbara Scott. She was a true heroine in her own right. Leaving her home and family in Kirkintillock at age 21 to come to Canada to start a new life. Ironically, my maternal grandmother, born in England, also had the maiden name Scott. She and I were very close, and I respected and admired her very much. My mother’s name is Joyce (my middle name) By choosing B.J Scott as my pen name, I honor my ethnic heritage and three woman who were very important in my life.

How did you choose the genre you write in?
I have always been drawn to history, especially anything Celtic, Native American or Civil War related. I also worked at a historical museum/village for 8 years, did some 1812 and Civil War reenacting and loved every minute of it. I enjoy antiques and anything with a past.

I also write contemporary, paranormal and romantic suspense.

Are you a panster or a plotter and why?
Both. Depends on the story. I like to have a basic idea or storyline in my head, but nothing is set in stone until the words are written. I have been known to change my entire story part way through and some,  I have writer as I went along.

Is there a particular author who may have influenced you?
As a child, I loved to hear a bedtime story, but in grade four when our class went to the library and I found my first copy of  C.S. Lewis The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, I was hooked from then on.

What is your all time favorite book?
 So many to choose from. It is difficult to pick just one. Historical romances, and ones based on actual historical events are among my favorites.

What is your favorite sentence or quote in your new release?
“Sometimes the only way to fight temptation is to surrender to it body and soul.”

How much trouble did your characters give you while writing your new release? Which one?
The characters were pretty clear in my mind from the start. Connor was no problem at all. Being the typical alpha hero, it was as if he leapt off the page and into my room every time I wrote. Cailin was clear in my mind, but my first drafts had her as too much of a victim and not spunky enough for a true heroine. After some excellent advice from an agent who read my first ten chapters, I went back and made some changes. She became a much stronger character, more resourceful and she was no longer a victim needing to be rescued. Keeping the secondary characters in check was harder than the main characters. They all have such strong personalities and could easily take over if I was not careful.

Where do you get your ideas from?
Like most authors, they come from a variety of places. They are often inspired by people I have known or heard about. Historical facts are important to me so often they are loosely based around a historical event. Highland Legacy, while a true romance has some very interesting, accurate historical facts that help to make the story feel more authentic.

How did you choose your title?
It just came to me and stuck. Started out to be what I thought was a working title. I figured it would change once I had more written and had a better feel for the story and characters, but never changed it. The story is loosely based on Scottish history and the legacy left by those who lived and fought during the struggle for independence, so thought it fitting.

How do you cure writer’s block?
Good question. It depends on the reason for it. If it is because I am swamped with other things, I try to put as much aside as I can and take a break. Sometime if I leave the story alone for a few days, or go over some other ideas, the muse starts to talk again.

Do you have any advice for an aspiring writer?
 Follow your heart and never give up if this is truly what you want. Learn as much as you can about the craft. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. If you join a critique group, submit a manuscript to a publisher or enter a contest, take the comments (good and bad) and advice offered. Use it to make yourself a better writer.

What sacred advice have you been giving by another writer?
Never give up. You are only as good a writer as you think you are.

Where can your readers stalk you?
or email me at bjscott@authorbjscott.com I would love to hear from readers.

Tell us about your new release: 


While it does have actual historical fact woven into the plot, it is a true historical romance in every sense of the word.

Dunkeld Scotland, 1306
Faced with an abhorrent betrothal, Cailin Macmillan flees her father’s castle and quickly learns that a woman traveling alone in Medieval Scotland is an easy target for ruthless English soldiers. When Highland patriot, Connor Fraser, comes to her aid, his steadfast dedication to king and country is challenged by an undeniable attraction and overwhelming desire to protect Cailin—even if he must marry her to do so.
Accused of murdering one of her assailants and determined to rely on her own initiative, Cailin dresses as a lad, intent on seeking refuge at the camp of Robert the Bruce. Can she elude the enemy from her past? A vindictive English lord with a personal grudge, bent on her capture and utter demise? Or will she fall prey to his carnal intent and be executed for a crime she did not commit?
Can Cailin breach the walls that guard her Highland warrior's heart, or will the twist of fate that brought them together, tear them apart forever?


Thank you so much for the interview B.J. It was great to have you here today.

And don't forget, you can purchase Highland Legacy here.


And now, a little bit about mine:


The Swan Cove Murders Blurb: 

As if the violent murder of Lena Dixon’s fiancĆ© hadn’t been bad enough, now his brother, Nicholas Hunter, is court ordered to live with her for the next thirty days. And to top it off, the murderer’s ghost is asserting his innocence and refuses to leave until Lena and Nicholas prove it.

The skeptic in Nicholas believes Lena has lost her mind until he witnesses some unexplainable events and is forced to believe in her psychic abilities and his heart’s desire. 

As their sexual chemistry heats up, so do their guilt levels. Can they make their newfound relationship work, or will it be too late when the real killer comes calling for her?

Buy your copy of The Swan Cove Murders here.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Mark Your Calendars!!

On Wednesday, I'm having a blog party/interview for my new release The Swan Cove Murders. You all have to stop by and join in the fun. There's a prize in it for someone!!!



And along with me, B.J. Scott's new release Highland Legacy is premiering the same day. Woot!! And hers sounds like an awesome true Scottish read. I love a man in a kilt, lol. Hmmmmm....

Exhibit A!!


Back to the blog party. Since I've already posted my interview, I wanted B.J. to give us some info on her and Highland Legacy. And she has graciously accepted.

So, be sure to stop by on Wednesday and comment. I will randomly choose one lucky winner on Friday who will receive from yours truly a $10 gift certificate for the Soul Mate Publishing website where you can purchase some wonderful new releases!

Also, be sure to stop by SMP's Author Blog site on Thursday for details on how to win some fabulous prizes including a stainless travel mug with Soul Mate Publishing logo, $25 gift certificate to purchase books, a mouse pad featuring the Nov releases, book marks, and e-book downloads.

It's going to be fabulous!!!!! Pass along the word :)

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Release Date: November 9th!!!


 Soul Mate Publishing has given me a release date for The Swan Cove Murders: November 9th. That's like next week and I'm so excited!!



The journey thus far has been one hell of a roller coaster ride, but wow what a ride! It is finally coming full circle. It's still a little surreal to me that a simple spark of an idea has led to Nicholas and Lena's beautiful (and a little spicy) story. I still get goosebumps.


 Also premiering on November 9th is my fellow SMP author, B.J. Scott and her book, Highland Legacy.

So, B.J. and I would like to do something special and fun for our release date. And I thought maybe some of you would like to pass along to us what you'd like to see for a blog post next Wednesday. A blog party? Interviews?


I would like to give all of you the opportunity to give me your input on this. The cutoff date would be this Sunday so we can prep for November 9th. All ideas welcome.



And don't forget to spread the word!!!




November 9th: The Swan Cove Murders
Coming December: Secrets of Jenkins Bridge
Both coming to Soul Mate Publishing