Musings and Drama from Leigh Wood as We Travel On the Way to New Isosceles!
In some ways, I’d rather it be the old days where a writer could be anonymous and let a work speak for itself. You don’t need to know anything about me or even need to like me in order to like what I write. Having said that, I’m perfectly proud to indulge readers and interviewers with all my quirks-from what my housewife-self baked today to the joke that I vacuum with my pearls on and nothing else! I also collect weird pens and adore animal prints-especially cat motifs. What does that have to do with writing a book? Absolutely nothing, but I suppose goofy things like this assure readers that I’m a real human being-an author at the other end of the virtual spectrum delighting in the readership! ‘If you prick us…’
I’m also pretty proud of my November 2009 Eternal Press release On the Way to New Isosceles. Although I’ve had other articles and reviews out and about online and in print over the years, this is my first big release. Sure, it’s small to some of the big NY publishing house bigwigs, but ecstatic to me nonetheless! I’m pleased with the near perfect blend of science fiction and sex. I started out thinking I would have a small novella of one sex scene after another on a long space flight. My previous works are not entirely erotic, and fragments of sex scenes had been waiting in my idea notebook for some time. Halfway through writing Isosceles, I had twice as many pages than I expected, serious character conflicts, space battle action, and even some death and angst. After all that, I finally got to the sweet sex scenes! I wasn’t sure if there was an audience for material that would please the hard sf fan but also the erotica lover. Such audiences of mind versus body seem at polar odds. Sometimes you find some science fiction that’s really lofty and full of space and technology over people and just a little too high brow. On the Way to New Isosceles has a tongue in cheek look about it. Be honest, what else must they do on long space journeys but get hot and bothered?
Well instead of ranting and raving about all these lofty concepts, it’s about dang time I talked about some books, isn’t it? On the Way to New Isosceles is out now, of course, but the sequel is one or two years away. Truthfully, I never expected an outpouring for the follow-up, silly I know. When I write a book, submit it, edit it with the publisher, then put it out for the masses, part of me is dang glad I’m done with it! I find I often alternate between my works. After the exasperation of getting the rough draft down, I need to let a manuscript stew before I go back to it, and then again perhaps after an edit or two.
There has to be a bit of longing for a work, don’t you think? I need to set something aside so I can think on it and wish to return to that place. Once I finished my final polish of On the Way to New Isosceles and submitted it, I filled the agony of waiting to hear from the publisher into creative output on my next work. Naturally, I went the complete opposite of Isosceles’ science fiction heavy with light-hearted sex and turned around my second draft of a medieval fantasy and sexually angsty epic called Horns of Myleness. After that itch was alleviated for a while, then it was back to Isosceles’ universe for the first draft of what I’m currently calling Equilateral Planet.
Why do I do it this way? Most likely I’m a twit, but I suspect there’s some usefulness to it all. One, even I get tired of a universe sometimes. Edit after edit, book after book. If you do a series all at once, does it stretch thin and loose its luster? I probably should stay in a similar vein of genre and style, but again, I like stretching my wings and switching creative gears. Perhaps the cross training of ideas in one genre leads to a light bulb that revitalizes an old manuscript you’ve buried time and again. Horns of Myleness is about a love triangle that has dire sexual consequences. I had been germing the story line in my head and notebook for sometime, and after completing the positive relationships in On the Way to New Isosceles, I was ready to theorize on the unhealthy. Equilateral Planet introduces new people to JJ and Rub, making New Isosceles a steamy, swinging planet. After writing all that melancholy in Myleness, I was ready to speculate on some healthy but no less kinky ménage. Two factions, one planet-make love, not war!
I still write long hand in much of my story creation. With our everybody knows how to type lifestyle and the rapid sixth month to a year turnaround in the e-publishing industry, a writer can put out good stock two, even three times a year. I, however, am incredibly slow in my handwriting respects. There’s something about the rapid scratch of the pen against the blank space. The smell of the ink, the glob marks it makes as you go across the script…sigh. I find it sad that penmanship is being reducing in many elementary schools. Will the actually craft of writing by hand soon not be taught to future generations? Will the written word that sets our civilization apart technically be lost in favor or typing and touch pads?
There are several reasons to hang onto the original writing tools against fancy smart phones or swift laptops. For example, what writer has an idea nugget in the middle of the night and is capable of getting out of bed, going down stairs, and booting up a pc in time to capture her muse? Sure, it can be done, but take the easy way: Keep a pen and notepad by your bed with a flashlight. I’ve banged my head on my nightstand picking the stuff up from time to time, but I don’t disturb my husband or fling myself down the steps. I write what I need, and there it is in black and white to stare at me when I wake up. My notes piling up beside my alarm clock, phone, and contact lens solution forces me to notice a gem that was important enough to wake me up. By time breakfast is done and you’re cleaned up and the family out’s the door, it might be several hours until you get back to that computer. By then, who the heck can recall what that nighttime spark was all about!
But of course, we don’t live in the day and age where you can send off a littered and dirty handwritten manuscript! I have to type all that handwritten she-bang, don’t I? It’s an extra step, yes, but a layer that does multiple duties in the time it takes. As I type, I’m in effect making my next draft- adding, removing, re-arranging. For all my handwriting praise, my penmanship sucks. Sometimes looking back at what I wrote isn’t so easier to discern. I have to think about what I wrote then, speculate on my prose more, and read aloud even. All of these pieces together help kick the revision process into high gear. There’s pen and paper stashes strategically placed all over my house, yet I’m reluctant to share a scrap of paper or a morsel of ink with anyone. My Dad says that since I moved out of his house, he can’t find a piece of paper or a working pen for anything! I’m also quirky in the notebooks I carry-an assortment of odd journal books or blank gift books both purchased or given to me. I have some ridiculous pens, too-from very small sized utensils to huge foot long flower pens.
Oh, by golly I’ll say it: the pen is mightier than the sword. Take that, Smart phone! For all our worldwide knowledge and connectivity, one pen and one piece of paper can still take us to places above and beyond the highest high or the lowest low. Let them!
Leigh’s blog: http://leighwood.blogspot.com/
How did you start your writing career?
I’d always been an avid romance reader, and finally decided to try writing a romance book. My first attempt was awful, but I did get three agents to look at it. One was kind enough to inform me that I needed dialogue in in my book…I’d written it almost completely as narrative. I had much to learn!
Tell us about your favorite character from your books.
In “Strip Poker for Two”, I enjoyed writing about Melissa. The heroine didn’t want to get involved with the hero, but just enjoy sex. Love entered their relationship and she fell for him.
Tell us about your current/upcoming release.
No new erotic romance right now, but I’m working on one! “Sexy Games” was my last erotic release.
Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
I had critique partners up until two years ago when it got harder and harder to find time in my schedule.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?
I found out I could push myself to write an erotic book…never thought I could! Now, I’m pushing myself into writing other genres, and expanding my opportunities.
What do you think makes a good story?
I love a good plot, but not too many boring details. I don’t need to know all the decorating details or the heroine’s bedroom, or the inside of the hero’s office. Dialogue is important, and I like to read/write fast-paced exchanges.
Plotter or Pantser? Why?
Sort of both. I have a plot in mind and write out a few sentences. Then I just start typing as I “head write” the story. If I take too much time on plotting, I use up time I could be writing.
What book are you reading now? Any books coming up that you are dying to read?
I’ve got a backlog of ebooks and a few print books to read in romance. In other categories, I’ve got three Glenn Beck books to read and I want to get one about Sarah Palin.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Always wanted to be a teacher. Got my degree and taught grades K-3 and remedial reading and math.
What are your favorite TV shows?
NCIS, all the CSI shows, Numb3rs, and NY Mets baseball.
What songs are most played on your Ipod?
No Ipod and I can’t listen to music as I write…it distracts me.
Where are you found on the web?
http://www.aprilash.net
http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com
http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=13 Cerridwen Press
http://www.breathlesspress.com
“Anything You Can Do” release date TBA
http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=11 Ellora’s Cave
“SEXY GAMES” http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7393-sexy-games.aspx
5 HEARTS, Diana Coyle, Night Owl Romance, REVIEWER TOP PICK
Sneak Peek into “Sexy Games”
buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/m-441-april-ash.aspx
EXCERPT: –Stacy & Sloane role-playing – Sheik (Abdul) and Bride-to-be (Fatima)
She accepted his offered hand and stood. “I am your guest here and will dance for you and your kindness.” She took off her veil and watched as Sloane’s eyes widened.
The music held a rhythm she found mesmerizing. Although she didn’t know any true Arabian dances, she twirled, shimmied and shook her body to keep up with the music. When the song ended, she sank to a low bow.
Sloane clapped and walked to her side. “Excellent. Come. Have more wine.”
While still standing, they drank again and spoke of childhood memories of growing up as royalty.
Stacy’s guidelines for Fatima had her acquiescing to her plight and the erotic pull the “sheik” had on her. She sensed a flush creeping up her face. And dampness between her legs indicated her readiness to bring their game to another level.
“You seem tense. Perhaps a little tired. Would you like me to rub your back to ease any stiffness?” Stacy threw out her nonchalant comment to let Sloane know the game would progress.
“An excellent suggestion. I have some jasmine oil you could use to rub on my back. Then,” he smiled, “it will be your turn. If, of course, you wish it.”
Hell, yes. “Perhaps. You must remove your vest.”
He gazed at her with heat in his eyes. “Would you undo the hook, my favorite dancer?”
“Of course. May I ask you to remove your turban. It could get crushed while you lie on the pillows.”
Sloane grabbed the turban, pulled it off his head and then tossed it onto a chair. “Done.”
As her skin touched his, Stacy heard Sloane’s shaky exhalation, a loud whoosh that hinted at his more than ready need for any moment of pleasurable contact. Heat radiated between them when she unhooked his vest and ran her fingertips along his chest. As she unhooked the vest and ran her fingertips along his chest, heat radiated and matched her own warmth. He removed the vest and reclined on the pillows.
“Oil’s over on the fireplace.”
Stacy got the bottle and opened it. The delightful scent of edible jasmine flavored oil filled the room and she poured some on Sloane’s back. Slowly at first, she massaged his shoulders, neck and back. The more she rubbed, the quicker her breathing sped.
She dropped her hands to his waistband, eager to dip below. “I, uh, can’t do a lower back massage unless you—“
He stopped her request by quickly pushing his pantaloons down past his ass cheeks. “Please continue,” he pleaded.
Heart pounding in her chest, Stacy lowered her hands to massage and cup each cheek. “I love this fragrance.” She bent to feather kisses where her hands had molded his flesh.
“Will you do my front? I love the feel of your hands on me.” His request came as a whisper.
“I think you need to remove the pantaloons so we don’t get oil on them. And maybe I’d better shed my clothing for the same reason.”
Sloane stood and stripped off his pantaloons as he faced her.
Tell us about the latest release. Is it part of a series? Stand Alone title? What inspired it?
Carolina Heat is a stand alone contemporary romance, with more than a hint of suspense thrown in. The inspiration came when years ago my husband and I spent two days in Charleston. I walked past an old graveyard, shaded by enormous magnolia trees, tripped over a cobblestone and realized it would be a terrific place to set a story. At the time I was on a romantic suspense kick, so I decided to write one (as with most things, the idea was far simpler than the actualization). Given the rich history of the area, I knew it had to tie in to the Civil War in some fashion. Ever since then, every time I go someplace on vacation, I’m struck by inspiration for a new book. I think soaking up the different atmosphere just kicks my brain into overdrive.
What do you love about writing? I get genuinely delighted when I craft some particularly witty banter. Love the thrill of having plot twists appear organically. Hate about it? I hate writing sex scenes! There is a finite number of times you can mention each body part and where/how his hand touched her breast. Not fun at all!
Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share? My husband would claim it is the electric blanket (only plugged in on my side of the bed) I insist upon come winter. But I think it is my weekly, verging on sacred trips to the library.
If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why? Beach – any beach. Something about the water and the sand makes me feel like I’ve escaped everything. Plus, being at the beach gives me license to eat whatever I want without feeling guilty!
Is there any character from one of your books who you would change places with? Absolutely not. I adore my husband, and wouldn’t do anything to change our life together. That being said, I make sure my characters have action packed, romantic, wonderful lives.
What authors do you enjoy reading? Ubiquitous answer, but Nora Roberts tops the list. I pre-order each of her books. As a result of last year’s RWA conference, I’ve reacquired a taste for historical, especially Eloisa James and Lisa Kleypas. Who is on your bookcase/e-reader? Jayne Ann Krentz, Christie Ridgway, Karen Marie Moning, Mindy Klasky, Richelle Mead, and Stephen White.
Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write? No. If I’m up at 3 am it means I haven’t gone to bed yet. Otherwise, nothing drags me out of bed before dawn.
If the world was going to end within the next 5 days, what 3 things would you HAVE to do before everyone perished? Eat sushi and a few submarine sandwiches. See another Broadway show. Then hunker down with my hubby for the duration.
How important is reader/reviewer feedback to you? Very important! After pouring my heart and soul into a book, I desperately crave positive reinforcement. Sure, I know it is completely subjective, but I absolutely adore feedback.
What is your writing schedule like? After years as an actress, my creative juices kick into high gear after 6 pm. I do my plotting during the day – well, whenever the ideas strike, which is often either when I’m at the gym or the symphony, oddly enough. But the bulk of my writing takes place between sunset and midnight.
What character do you identify with the most? Who could be said to be a bit like you? I like to think there is a little bit of me in each of my characters (except the villains, of course). I do find that when I enter a character’s POV, I completely identify with them, and sometimes having trouble switching at the end of a chapter into the other’s mindset. Love the one you’re with, I guess.
Which book, character was the most difficult to write? My current WIP Cruising Toward Love is proving incredibly difficult. It incorporates many different locations requiring huge amounts of research, a suspense angle requiring huge amounts of brain power, and more complex twists between the main characters. But I’m past the halfway mark, so I progress undaunted.
Who was the biggest challenge? The heroine in Carolina Heat, Annabelle was definitely challenging. I was still finding my voice and figuring out how to write a book. Although my intent was to make her somewhat Type A and standoffish, she kept coming off as shrewish. It was a fine line to learn how to walk (but if you want to read the book, don’t worry – I fixed it)!
Where can readers find you on the web? Please go to my website www.christibarth.com There you can find links to purchase Carolina Heat in print (on Amazon) and in ebook format (available at Eternal Press, Coffeetime Romance, Mobipocket, Fictionwise and soon to be on Barnes & Noble). I also have a list of upcoming interviews, and a link to my blog http://wordwranglers.blogspot.com . We’ve got a group of six romance writers in various stages of the road to publication blogging about their journey. Funny and honest, it is definitely worth a look!
What is coming in 2010 from you? I finished my second book in July, a funny romance set behind-the-scenes of a Minneapolis dinner theatre. I just need someone to offer me a contract on it….. Right now I’m working on my third book which takes place on a cruise ship.
Sneak Peek into Carolina Heat, Now Available at Amazon and Eternal Press:
Step into the world of Carolina Heat…
Annabelle pushed through the baggage claim doors and stopped dead as a dense wall of humid air immobilized her. No, it was more like being slowly smothered. The humidity was a wet blanket lying over the entire city of Charleston and it sapped the tiniest dreg of energy she had left.
“Careful there. I guess it’s too late to tell you to watch your step?”
Annabelle stared at him for a moment without responding. The only thought in her brain was Wow! The man had to be several inches over six feet, and every speck of skin she could see was tanned. The way his muscles bulged under the plain white T-shirt told her his amazing physique didn’t come from weekly visits to a gym. And were those really dimples bracketing his smile?
“Uh, thanks,” she said belatedly. This behavior was ridiculous. She’d interviewed world leaders, celebrities, but was struck dumb by a complete stranger in an airport parking lot? Another part of her brain catalogued how well his deep black eyes were offset by his olive complexion and thick, black wavy hair.
“Are you okay?”
“What? Oh, yes, I’m fine. Apparently too tired to walk a straight line, but overall I’ll live.”
His dimples deepened. “Good to hear.”
“Thanks for catching me. The way my day’s gone, I would’ve fallen and broken my wrist.”
“Pleasure’s all mine. Now I can scratch `rescue damsel in distress’ off my to-do list.”
“Hmmm. When you look at it like that, it’s almost as if I did you a favor,” Annabelle teased.
“Then I should pay you back. Would you let me buy you a drink?”
This guy was smooth. And fast. On the other hand, this was the most fun she’d had in days.
He cocked his head to the side. “Come on, take a chance. I promise – no nefarious schemes. I’m gainfully employed, straight, single, and I think this could be fate. After all, it isn’t every day a gorgeous redhead falls right into my lap.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t even know your name,” she stalled.
“I’m Mark.”
“Annabelle.”
“It’s a genuine pleasure to meet you, Miss Annabelle.”
His voice was flat out amazing. The vowels oozed like warm honey from between the consonants. This was her first encounter with such a thick Southern accent, and she was completely enthralled by his slow Charlestonian drawl.
She realized her hand was still clasped in his, and abruptly pulled free. Annabelle didn’t make a practice of standing in the middle of the street gaping at a man, even if he was unbelievably handsome in a brawny sort of way.
Christi Barth
http://wordwranglers.blogspot.com/
The Resurrection of the Regency Romance
By Celina Summers
Thanks for having me, Raine!
When Raine asked me to write a guest entry for her blog, I was stumped for a while on what I’d write about. I stewed on it for a few days and finally fell on a topic that’s near and dear to my heart—romance novels.
Yes, I know—really original, Celina. But I do have an unusual observation to make that hopefully might make you think for a minute.
Do you remember back in the ‘good old days’ (yeah—the nineties) what the romance section at the bookstore looked like? Paranormal romance was still very new but gaining popularity quickly thanks to writers like Nora Roberts, Christine Feehan and Diana Gabaldon. Tucked in here and there were the genre romances—sweeping historicals, family epics and Regency romances were wildly popular. You can still find those historical and family epic romances easily. But what happened to the Regency romance?
The traditional Regency romance is set in a very specific period of time—the early 1800s. Jane Austen’s novels were Regency romances in their purest form; Georgette Heyer brought the Regency romance from the comedy of manners of Austen’s style to a true-blown historical novel, chock full of factual references from the historical events of the period to costumes to common slang and society—and created an entire genre in the process. The Regency heroine was quick-witted and beautiful, always engaging her man in a battle of wits and driving him nuts in a situation where sex before marriage wasn’t even the remotest possibility. Society (with a capital S) ruled; everything else was unimportant compared to the good opinion of the leaders of the ton.
But that clever incarnation of sweet romance suddenly died away. Publishers who were the cornerstones of the genre—like Zebra and Signet—stopped publishing the traditional Regency romance in favor of spicier historical romances set in the same period where the heroine was not averse to a little hanky-panky before the wedding day. Romance novels were getting more erotic. So, Zebra and Signet killed their regency lines within weeks of each other in the summer of 2005. Finding new Regency romances was almost impossible and loyal readers were devastated.
But in recent years, the demand for Regency romance has grown once more. Harlequin began to reissue Regencies—a new Georgette Heyer title was released every month. The backlists of Regency writers—familiar names like Mary Jo Putney and Loretta Chase—were kept alive by thousands of devoted Regency readers who now had few new titles to read. Although the historical novel remains extremely popular, the traditional Regency romance is making a comeback—enough of one that publishers are beginning to sit up and take notice.
I know that my introduction into reading romance novels began with traditional Regency romances: I devoured Georgette Heyer at sixteen the same way I devour chocolate now at forty three. They were the perfect books to carry along; quick, easy reads designed to transport the reader out of humdrum lives and back to a lovelier, gentler era. For working women, they were perfect—they fit in your purse, they were preferred lunch break reading and on vacation? Well, what could be better than a dashing Regency buck pursuing a madcap heroine hell-bent on getting her own way?
Nothing.
The repartee, the romantic moments—heck, even just the thought that the look in a man’s eyes could get a woman all a-flutter—and the inevitable and well-deserved happily ever after endings, which were usually in a lovely drawing room with the hero on his knees proposing or at the church with the hero staring lovingly down at his beautiful bride while the vicar recited the wedding ceremony, combined to create the perfect escapist romance novel.
Just thinking about it makes me want to recline on a chaise lounge and fan myself while sipping tea with my pinky elevated. I think I should go dig out my pearls…
So now, amidst all the paranormal romances and urban fantasies and the other amazing genre romances out there, the well-loved and once-lost traditional Regency romance is creeping back onto readers’ “must read” lists. Small publishers are putting the Regency romance back on their preferred genre lists—Aspen Mountain Press, for example, recently announced the launch of a new imprint Aurora Regency, which will publish traditional Regency romances and historical romances exclusively. Agents are seeking writers with completed Regencies and writers are digging their language guides and Society resources out of the backs of their bookcases. It’s a great time to be alive if you, like me, are ready for some more romantic adventures set in merry old England when King George was mad, the Prince of Wales was the Regent, and all Society was at its most glorious and exciting peak.
Just think about it for a moment. We, as readers and writers of romance, are getting a nostalgic return to one of our favorite genres.
What could be better in these troubled and terrible times than a good, old-fashioned, frothy Regency romance? Not a heck of a lot, and that’s a good thing.
[Celina Summers is a writer and editor. Her award winning and Golden Ros-nominated epic fantasy series, The Asphodel Cycle, is published by Aspen Mountain Press. With co-author Rob Graham, she is busily working on the Vampire Covenants Trilogy—following up the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll Best Erotica novel Breaking the Covenants with Warding the Covenants, to be released on April 30—and her paranormal erotic romance series based on Greco-Roman mythology, Mythos, which debuted with Bride of Death in February and will continue with the May 7 release of the second book, Daughter of the Sea. Celina’s website is Shoot the Muse! (http://shootthemuse.bravehost.com) and you can find her blog, Elf Killing and Other Hobbies, at www.kaantira.blogspot.com
TITLE: Setting or World Building? A Rose by any Other Name…
I’m author Kayelle Allen. First, I’d like to thank Raine for inviting me to be here, and giving me a chance to share some writing secrets with you. I’ve authored nine books, two of which will be out this summer, and two which will release the last week of March. Here is my backlist. In the Tales of the Chosen series: Wulf, Alitus, and Jawk. A Time To… (EPPIE Finalist Fantasy anthology, the Last Vhalgenn), The Last Vhalgenn in ebook, and audiobook. The Antonello Brothers series, At the Mercy of Her Pleasure, For Women Only (and in 2011, When I Breathe). The Surrender trilogy, Surrender Love, and coming soon, Surrender Trust. Surrender Will should be out next year. You can find links to all my books and read excerpts at http://kayelleallen.com/Books.html
Now, on to the question of the day. World building… All Romance novels have one thing in common beyond a love story. The author must create a believable setting. Defined as the place and time, setting is often used to describe the various genres themselves.
Contemporary means it takes place in the current day. Historical means sometime prior to now, whether the sixties, the forties, the middle ages, or the dawn of time. Regency is a specific span of years, as is a Highlander story. Futuristic is anywhere from five to ten years in the future, or perhaps even a century. It may involve time travel. Science Fiction usually means far future. Along with the time period, the setting also involves a specific place. Highlander stories generally happen in the Highlands of Scotland; Regencies are in England. Science Fiction may be on another world, or a spacecraft.
In today’s vernacular, creating the setting is called world building.
Think of the last movie you saw. Furniture in the background told you where you were and what time period you were in. Did you see horses, cars, or spaceships? Clothing was another clue. Hair, makeup, jewelry (or lack thereof), helps define a time and place. If you saw a movie where everyone wore dark, somber colors, the buildings and vehicles had been destroyed, and people carried weapons, then you were probably watching an apocalyptic or end-of-the-world flick like the Book of Eli or the Matrix. If the characters are on horseback and wear cowboy hats, you know you’re watching a western. What if they look like cowboys, but ride their horses up a ramp and into a spacecraft? Now you’re crossing genres because you’ve mixed settings and/or time periods. For the movie Avatar, the crew went to extensive lengths to create alien flora and fauna to populate the moon-world of Pandora. The richness and depth of detail of the world is what made the movie so believable. You felt as if you had been pulled inside the story and were part of it.
How much world building does it take to create a credible story without going overboard? For that matter, how far is “overboard” exactly? When do you know if you’ve crossed the line? As a writer who created a ten-thousand year history and an alien language, I have experience in this area. Read on for tips.
1. Be believable. Don’t say a cobra attacked the heroine while she was in Alaska, unless there is some reason for a cobra to be there. They are not native to that area of the world. Is she visiting an exotic zoo, or does the owner keep them as pets? If someone can check your facts and know whether you’re faking, chances are, they will.
2. Keep your facts straight. It’s easy to add details and even easier to lose sight of what they are. If you have a diverse populace with numerous types of races, whether alien or European, keep track of who does what and where. In my books, the feline-humanoid Kin can smell emotions. I have a chart of which emotion smells like what, and I refer to it every time I need to portray this ability. A writer’s bible is as necessary for an historical as it is for a futuristic. What color is your highlander’s plaid? Does a character wear three black feathers over his right ear, or the left one? Is there a significance to the side on which they are displayed? Which hand has the moon-shaped scar from a hunting accident? Yes, some of this is characterization, but world building is also involved.
3. Plot comes before setting. Never forsake the plot for the sake of the setting. Focus on the story. The characters and setting should serve to reinforce the plot. When all is said and done, the story should remain central to the book, and your world building efforts should strengthen it. If you spend all your time painting a verbal picture for the reader, but you fail to engross him/her in the story, what have you accomplished?
World building is a necessary skill for any fiction writer. It helps you develop the setting, time period, and characterization of the story. Use these skills to make the story more believable by checking the facts, ensuring they are followed, and always keeping the plot essential to the story.
Whether you refer to setting or world building as the background aspects of your story, work to make them strong and consistent. Readers will thank you for it.
Contacts
Email
kayelle@kayelleallen.com kayelle @ kayelleallen .com
Homepage
http://kayelleallen.com
Booklist
http://kayelleallen.com/Books.html
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Romance Lives Forever – Group
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Romance Lives Forever – MySpace
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Romance Lives Forever – Blog
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Twitter
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Facebook
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Marketing for Romance Writers
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Tell us about your favorite character from your books?
I loved writing about Katie from “Gone to the Dogs” I wrote that book in first person and loved being “in her head” all the time!
Buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/m-310-marianne-stephens.aspx
Tell us about your current/upcoming release.
“Anything You Can Do” was released by Breathless Press on 19 Feb., http://www.breathlesspress.com. BLURB:
When her daycare facility needs financial aid in order to offer the employees at Ryan Industries the best care for their children, Allison Minetti approaches the CEO, Jeffrey Ryan. After he fails to answer her requests for a partnership, Allison dares him to spend one week at the center. Jeff accepts the challenge and ups the ante by demanding her company for the weekend if he wins.
Instant mutual attraction leads to a week of seductive teasing and brief steamy encounters. Is there a way for them both to win? Or will someone’s interference in their challenge lead to mistaken conclusions and pull them apart?
How would you describe your writing style?
I like to think I write as I would “tell” someone my story, face-to-face. Easy to read and understand, yet intriguing enough to catch a reader’s attention.
Tell us five things about you.
1. I have 7 grandsons and am VERY good at buying “BLUE”.
2. When I first taught Kindergarten, I dated two men on the USS Enterprise at the same time but during their different work/time off shifts. Obviously I could function on less sleep then and had more energy!
3. When my husband worked at the White House, we had a direct line to the WH switchboard and had to keep the kids from using that line.
4. I write nonfiction memoirs as a ghostwriter.
5. I once took archery lessons.
What is on your bookcase/E-reader right now? What are some of your favorite authors?
Too many books to mention on my Sony reader, and a few print books I still need to get to, including some non-romance books by Glenn Beck. Favorite authors? Again, lots of ebook authors, plus Carla Cassidy, and love romances by Georgette Heyer and Barbara Cartland (although I don’t write in that genre).
What do you have coming in 2010? Any sneak peeks we can look at?
I’m trying to find an agent for a nonfiction book about a woman who lived in Sarajevo during the 1992-1995 Bosnian War. In romance, I’m 3/4 of the way done with a paranormal mainstream romance, and just started another erotic romance.
Where can readers find you on the web?
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.aprilash.net (erotic)
http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com
http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com (every Monday)
If we talked to your muse, what would they say about you?
“Marianne likes to find humor in her writing, although some of it can be suspenseful. If she could only get past the dreaded “middle of the book” writer’s block…” Happens with every book!
If you were a superhero, what would your name be and would you wear tights and a cape? What super power would you have?
Super Organizer. No tights or cape. I like to organize everything, and drive people crazy sometimes. My super power would be to magically wave my hand and have everyone’s life/home/job be completely organized and scheduled.
You get to meet any fictional character. Who would it be and what would you do together?
Jessica Fletcher from the “Murder, She Wrote” series. Love how she solves crimes. I’d like to get some story ideas from her that haven’t been done yet!
Where can readers find you on the web?
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=13 Cerridwen Press
http://www.breathlesspress.com
“Anything You Can Do” release date TBA
http://www.aprilash.net
http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=11 Ellora’s Cave
“SEXY GAMES” http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7393-sexy-games.aspx
5 HEARTS, Diana Coyle, Night Owl Romance, REVIEWER TOP PICK
*****
Sneak Peek into “Anything You Can Do” by Marianne Stephens
Buy Link: www.breathlesspress.com
EXCERPT:
Allison thought she’d go crazy. Being stuck in an overheated elevator within kissing distance of a sexy, charming man, made her crave to purr like a kitten. The electricity charging the air between them should’ve been enough to jump-start the elevator.
As sanity warred with the fantasies marching through her brain, Allison scooted a short distance away from Jeff. She smoothed her skirt before pushing back the damp curls clinging to her forehead. Damn his kissable lips. Their closeness weakened her control and made her vulnerable.
“I wish they’d work faster.” Exhaustion and the heat, coupled with embarrassment and passion, tore at her composure.
“So. One week with you and the kids. I won’t be left alone with them, right?” A tinge of nervousness colored his question.
Allison laughed and then said in a nonchalant tone, “Absolutely not. I have to make sure they’re taken care of in case you decide to escape.”
A sly grin spread across his face. “Just checking. I wouldn’t wanna whip them into shape and encroach on your territory.”
A niggling doubt crossed her mind. When he’d accepted the challenge, she’d been positive he wouldn’t be able to handle even one day in the daycare. Could he make it through a week?
“I’ve gotta stand up and stretch. Maybe the air from the vent will reach my head quicker that way.” Jeff maneuvered his body into an upright position. “Hey, I think it’s cooler when you stand.” He offered his hand to Allison.
She grasped it, and prickles of heat raced up her arm. He gave a gentle tug and helped her up. Once standing, Allison wiggled her hand free and concentrated on yanking down her skirt. Doing something, anything, helped her forget his burning touch. “Yep, it’s cooler this way.” She fanned her face with her hand.
“Should we shake hands and seal our deal?” Jeff stretched out his hand to once again encase hers.
“Let me make sure I absolutely understand this. If you live through one week of daycare, all I have to do is accompany you around town for a weekend, no strings attached?”
He drew back his hand and placed it over his heart. “That’s the deal and all I ask.” He grinned and added in a sexy tone, “Unless you decide to change the rules.”
Allison considered the realities of their agreement. Although confident she’d win, logic wormed its way into her assessment of their dare. Even if she lost, she’d be in his company. She could sneak her requests into their conversations, so it wouldn’t be a total defeat.
“Hey down there! Grab onto something or hit the floor. I’m gonna start up the motor!”
With one huge grating sound, the elevator jolted and rocked into action, causing them to lose their balance. They stumbled as the car sped upward. Jeff landed in a sitting position.
Unsteady on her feet, Allison tripped and lost her footing. Jeff reached out, gripped her hips to stop her from falling backward, and pulled her down toward him. She landed with unladylike grace in his lap, renting inches of splits in her skirt seams as she straddled his body.
They grabbed onto each other, locked in an intimate embrace. Basic instincts took over. Her lips slid across his, and her hands wound into his curly hair. His tongue teased her into a frenzy of soul-searching kisses.
Jeff groaned and moved his head back to rest against the wall. “Wow. Very nice.”
Tell us about your latest/upcoming release. Is it part of a series? A stand alone title? What inspired it?
My latest release is a stand alone title, Diary of an Incubus. It is, like many of my books inspired by dreams and just flat wish fulfillment. LOL Who doesn’t want two hot vampires?
What do you love about writing? Hate about it?
I love being able to put what I think, feel, and imagine into words. It’s wonderful. I hate that I never have enough time to spend coming up with all those words.
Do you have a guilty indulgence? Something you do just for you. Want to share?
I like to sketch my characters sometimes. I normally do this while listening to R&B and enjoying a glass of wine. I occasionally share my drawings with some of my closest friends, but they tend to drool on my notebook.
If you could spend a secluded weekend somewhere, where would you go and why?
I would love to go back to Jamaica, simply because I’ve been there before and it was beautiful. Hot, but beautiful. It’s an easy place to forget the rest of the world … I think we could all use that from time to time.
Is there any character from one of your books who you would change places with?
I would take Lilith Mercury’s (from my werewolf hunter series) life over mine most any day. LOL
What authors do you enjoy reading? Who is on your bookcase/e-reader?
J.K. Rowling is one of my new favorites. I am in love with Professor Snape. LOL Other than that, I tend to stick to the classics. My bookshelf is full of a little bit of everything, comic books (I collect Batman and Vampirella), reference books (Vampire Dictionary, Bullfinch’s Mythology, etc.). I haven’t read anything in my own genre in a while, just because I don’t want it to influence my work.
Do you ever get up at 3 am just to write?
*sigh* All the time. Sometimes, I get my best ideas then.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?
I pursued my dream of becoming a bestselling author and didn’t listen to the people who said I couldn’t do it.
What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween. I just love to dress up. It’s like the one day of the year where I get to be myself.
Of all the steamy/non-steamy you’ve written, what one is your personal favorite?
Hmm … That’s a tough one. Probably Bitten or Diary of an Incubus, they really are a tie.
And which one is something you’d love to try? *grins*
A tie once again. In Bitten there are four hot vamps and in Diary of an Incubus there are two …. I just can’t decide. LOL
Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?
You can find out more about me and my books at www.traceyhkitts.com
On a slightly different note, I thought readers might like to know that 10% of all my royalties are always donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. That goes for every book.
Sneak Peek into Diary of an Incubus, now available at New Concepts Publishing:
“Of course. Like I was saying, I love clubs. There are so many different kinds of fear here. Fear of being alone, fear of never finding that special someone and falling in love.” As he spoke Alucard clapped his hands together and batted his eyes.
I laughed. “You’re sick.”
“This is true, but you find me attractive.”
He winked at me and I couldn’t fight back the smile. Still, I denied it. I mean, I wasn’t supposed to find the bad guy attractive. And Alucard was the bad guy … wasn’t he?
“What? How dare you?”
This time he laughed and I shivered again. I was beginning to learn that fear also made my heart race and if handled properly that was only a heartbeat away from arousal. How twisted was that?
“Deny it all you want. I can tell when you’re lying.”
“Bastard.”
“So my mother said.”
“Why are you here, Alucard?”
“Dance with me.”
I turned to order another drink. “I don’t think so.”
He leaned in close and whispered for my ears only, “Wouldn’t you like to know why her boyfriend is dead?”
“You knew about this,” I hissed.
“Dance with me and all will be revealed.”
He held out his hand and I only hesitated a moment before accepting his invitation. Fortunately, Brea was too drunk to be paying attention to any of this. She only gave us a sideways glance as we walked onto the dance floor before turning back to her rum.
“Did you kill James?”
He twirled me around and pulled me close. Despite our height difference, my high heels made it possible for us to dance with relative ease. I wish I could deny that it felt good to be pressed against him. But he knew that it did so why bother lying to myself?
“No.”
He watched me for several minutes before saying anything else. I took the opportunity to observe him more closely too. I couldn’t help myself. He put his hands on my hips as we moved and I liked it. His touch was possessive, yet gentle. And the more I was near him, the more I wanted his hands on me. The top few buttons on his shirt were open and I moved my hand to touch that small expanse of flesh. I shuddered at the contact and so did he. Skin against skin, it was so wrong, so sinful to touch him. He was the monster underneath my bed and all I wanted to do was pull him under the covers with me. Every move, every smile, every subtle gesture spoke to me. And they all said, “I want to do bad things to you.”
To purchase a copy of Diary of an Incubus:
http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/diaryofanincubus.htm
Haunting Magic continues to win or place in some wonderful contests. Recently, I received word that it placed (Honorable Mention) in the Book Cover Category at the LR Café “Best of 2009” Awards, where it was up for Best Shifter Book & Best Cover. WOOT! Quite exciting since this cover is one of my ultimate favorite. Reviews have been glowing on this book and readers ask if they can “borrow” Rod for a spell.
Since I can’t hold it in anymore (or I am just being told I am mean to tease everyone-lol) , Aspen Mountain Press is interested in the following books:
Devon Falls Series (ARC #1):
Devon Falls 5: Moonlight & Magic (Paranormal Erotic/Shifter)
Devon Falls 6: Yuletide Magic (Paranormal Holiday Romance)
Devon Falls Series (ARC #2)-2011:
This will focus on the Craven Family siblings, elemental mages
Book 1-Title TBD
Book 2: Title TBD
Book 3: Title TBD
Book 4: Title TBD
Club Fantasy Series
Book 1 Desires Unleashed (Paranormal Ménage BDSM)
Book 2: Ecstasy Unchained (Paranormal Erotic Romance BDSM)
Book 3: Title to be determined (Paranormal Erotic Ménage BDSM)
The Cougar Club Multi-Author Series book
Title to be determined
The ones in red are to be into my editor(s) hands this year so new books are coming later 2010 from me and I am VERY excited. So there is my exciting news and frankly, it looks to be a very busy year writing wise for me.*Tosses confetti and pops the champagne*
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Scheduled Chat Dates for March 2010:
(More are forthcoming as Katie, my PR Manager, sets them up for me)
5th – Tony de Vissage blog
5th – Kayelle blog
9th – LRC book club.
17th – NLV with Annie Alvarez
18th – Savvy Readers blog
22nd – Savannah Chase at 7pm eastern
26th – Embrace the shadows
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Contest News:
I am involved in a few different things this year. Check out the following places for contests and look on my contest page for any upcoming author contests I may have periodically.
Lori Foster’s “Keep it HEA” Auction-Donated an Easter Goodie basket full of books, gift cards and more good stuff for this wonderful cause. More information on this worthy cause can be found at: http://www.lorieocl are.com/keep- the-hea-in- our-lives/
LASR/Whipped Cream Reviews Easter Scavenger Hunt (Runs March 29th-April 4th, 2010). More information can be found at http://www.longands hortreviews. com/promo. htm
Donated an Easter Basket full of goodies as above.
My Easter Contest-Information coming soon.
***
Sneak Peek 1:
Club Fantasy 1: Desires Unleashed (Paranormal Ménage BDSM)
What happens when your deepest, darkest fantasies want to be let out and you have no idea where to turn? Is there a place where you can find several partners to enjoy, be punished by your master and enjoy it, or be able to dominate the man of your dreams?
Welcome to Club Fantasy where all your fantasies will be fulfilled in whatever manner you desire. Each room delivers a different fantasy and whatever you desire will claim you: heart, body and soul! Once you walk through those doors, be prepared to let those fantasies come alive!
Unedited sneak peek so please forgive me on mistakes:
*Meet Damien, his lover/business partner Sim & Club Fantasy….. *
Damien threw the remote down and held his head in his hands. What the hell is going on tonight? I feel so damn restless and itchy for something. Standing up, he ignored the pointed look his partner, Sim gave him before he turned to the window. No one could see in but he could watch the world go by. As he spied Synnara walk with another woman to the door, he was surprised at the way his body clenched as his first sight of the woman had his body clenched tighter than a drum. What the fuck is going on? Damien thought as he closed his eyes as the lust raced through his body like a runaway train, gaining power until he almost buckled to the ground as it surged straight to his cock that ached to thrust into someone’s wetness. His hands tightened on the windowsill and he groaned softly as he tried to keep the lust at bay. As a half demon of lust, he needed sex and the sexual release daily but he never experienced this intense sort of heat before especially as he watched with hooded eyes as the two women stepped into his playground.
“Damien, what is it? I can feel your tension right across the room.” Sim asked as he walked over to where Damien was. Spying the bulge that jutted in front of the jeans, “My, my…what brought this on, love?” Stroking the hardness, he watched as Damien shivered and clenched his ass as a shudder raced through his body.
“Keep doing that, I am going to ram your ass hard and fast, Sim.” Damien growled as Sim’s stroking drove him to almost the brink of cumming. His fingers almost gouging the windowsill as the need for sex drove him to move his hips in time of the strokes.
“Oh I think someone needs a good spanking tonight if he wants to be a naughty boy. Is this all for me or should we see what caught your interest a few minutes ago?” Sim asked as he kept the light stroking, driving another shudder from his lover.
Damien took a deep breath and uncurled his hands from the windowsill. Grasping Sim’s hand, he leaned over and gave him a hard kiss, tongue diving inside to tease him as well. “Let’s go see who the new arrivals are Sim and maybe we can find someone to play with tonight. I am feeling a bit……..hungry for a pretty brunette tonight.” Grinning, his topaz eyes glowing and his cock jutted hard against the denim as it strained for release. “Let’s go play love. I think we might get a pleasant surprise tonight.”
Sneak Peek 2:
Devon Falls 5: Moonlight & Magic (Paranormal Erotic Romance/Shifter)
Dixie Sinclair was bored and just about ready to give up on love ever finding her. Her cousins all had love matches and frankly, she was tired of being the one always alone. Impulsively making a wish to find love before the dreaded Valentine’s Day, she never expects to find the one man to turn her inside out and make her believe in love all over again.
Michael Barnes is a rare white tiger shifter and with no pride of his own, he roams from place to place, trying to find the one place to call home. What he never expects is to find the one woman who is destined to be his mate. Can he find a way to win Dixie ’s heart while teaching her the delights of love…one chocolate kiss at a time?
Sneak Peek excerpt unedited so please forgive me on mistakes:
The sun shined brightly as Michael drove into Devon Falls . He looked around as he drove up Main Street and wondered if he could finally find a place to call home. “Wow…look at this place.” Michael said to the dog on the floor of the rental car. Sadie looked up and yawned before going back to sleep with a snore. Grinning, Michael took in the snow covered buildings to the people bustling around. He was charmed by the way the small town seemed to make him feel like he was welcomes. If Damien has told me the truth then I think I finally found the one place that will ease this loneliness inside, Michael thought as he spied the Dragon Inn up ahead.
Finally reaching the parking lot, the Dragon Inn looked imposing yet even he felt the magic that surrounded it. It made him wary even as he patted Sadie on the head and opened the window so she could get fresh air. “I will be back soon Sadie. Man the fort and bark if you need me.” Michael said as he stepped out of the car, shivering as the artic air seemed to have frozen the blood in his veins. Blowing into his hands, he cursed himself that he didn’t get any winter clothing before he started this trip. “Living in Miami for the summer really didn’t prepare me for winter at all”, Michael muttered to himself as he walked to the front door. Steeling himself, he hoped Damien would still welcome him and remember the invitation he made when they crossed paths in Europe a year ago.
Come to Devon Falls, Mic. Here you can be free to be yourself and you never know, you might find the one person who will love you no matter what, Michael remembered Damien saying in Prague as he pushed open the door and breathed in the warm air that had him shuddering as his body started thawing even as he shut the door behind him. Finally warmth and sniffing the air, the scents of bread baking m de his stomach growl in anticipation even as he tried to stomp the snow off his boots before venturing into what looked like the common room and courtesy desk.
He was just about to turn to walk over to the room he spied when he came in when a loud “MICHAEL” seemed to bounce of the walls. Turning around he spied Damien walking toward him, smiling broadly.
“Dang man, it’s been too long since I laid eyes on you. How have you been?” Damien asked him as he clasped hands with the one person he considered friend and smiled back, relieved to see that he was welcomed after all.
Michael grinned and said, “I decided to see what all the fuss was about in this town of yours Damien. From what I saw it looks very welcoming and intriguing.” Relief flowed in his veins as the knots in his stomach eased a bit as Damien guided him over to a private area where coffee bar was set up.
“Yeah Devon Falls is one heck of a town. How long has it been Mic, since I saw you? It must have been at least a year since Prague . Does this mean you plan to stay, at least for us to catch up?” Damien’s gaze looked hopeful and pleased while Mic felt the knots finally go away. He was welcome…finally a place to relax without fear.
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Blog News
Check out my blog as guest authors pop up from time to time and share their yummy books, thoughts and more with us.
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Favorite Recipe time
(If you have a favorite recipe, please share it with me and my readers)
Asian Noodles with Chicken
1 pkg. (1 lb.) Frozen Stir Fry Vegetables
2 pkg. (3 oz. each) Oriental-flavored Ramen Noodles
½ cup Orange Juice
2 TBS. Ketchup
1 TBS. low sodium soy sauce
1 TBS. vegetable oil
1 ½ lbs. chicken cut in bite size pieces
3 Scallions sliced
Orange Slices for garnish-optional
1) Cook vegetables according to package directions; drain. Cook ramen noodles without the flavor packet; drain. In a small bowl, whisk flavor packet, ketchup, orange juice and soy sauce together. Set aside.
2) In a nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add chicken and stir fry until no longer pink, about 15 minutes. Stir in noodles and vegetables….stir fry a bit then pour sauce over it all, cook 1 minute more. Add scallions cook 1 minute more. Garnish with orange slices if desired.
Torturing Your Characters
Today, I’d like to talk a little about the horrible things we do to our characters. Being a writer, I know that in order to have any sort of story, I need to have tension and conflict, a whole bunch of problems for my characters to deal with and hopefully overcome. I put them through a lot of horrible stuff and sometimes give them their happy reward at the end.
The hardship comes with the territory. And as awful as it is to admit, I enjoy it.
Take my character Alyce Kerr. She’s a Faith Healer, and uses the power of a demon to heal people. It sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? Do a little magic, draw a little magic circle, conjure up a demon, and use its power for your own gain. Well, while that did happen, it also came with a little bit of soul-sucking as payment. After all, demons don’t do things for free and no matter how clever you might think you are, they’ll more than likely (eventually) take control of the situation. Which is exactly what happened to Alyce.
She’s got a power that helps people, celebrity status, and money… but in order to keep it all, she has to let the demon Buer suck a little bit of her soul every time she heals. That way he can slowly consume her. But is that what the demon really wants? She doesn’t know what Buer really wants from her. Sure, she thinks she does, but she might be wrong. That’s why her story is a trilogy, because as the writer I’ve decided to make things harder for her with every installment. 
Book One, FAITHLESS is already available and Book Two, CARELESS, has just been released. Book Three is just around the corner, too. BOUNDLESS will be available from Damnation Books on June 1. If you’d like to know more about Alyce, you can check it out here or visit my website.
As bleak as things get for her–because even her lovelife suffers a huge blow because of what’s going on in her life–I think her journey is something she had to go through. She’d lost her focus in life, and as the torture goes on, it’ll make her stronger when she gets to the other side. The Alyce Kerr, Faith Healer Trilogy deals with her trials and struggle to get rid of Buer and reconnect with her ex, but I think her world is one that I’ll be visiting in the future.
There’s always someone new to torture.
Thanks for reading! And Raine, thank you so much for having me here.
Yolanda
www.yolandasfetsos.com
Q: Please tell us about your latest/upcoming release. What inspired it and is it part of a series or a stand alone title?
Dead Hunter is the third book in the Dead series at Aspen Mountain Press. It is an eBook, but the first two novellas in the series have been combined into a print duet that will be available at Amazon in POD, in additional to the Kindle single versions.
Q: What do you consider to be the key elements of a great story?
Characters that I like, enjoy or commiserate with and a story that makes me laugh or moves me in some way.
Q: Do you have a strict writing schedule? I’m working on that. This year’s goal is to become stricter with myself in that area. How do you balance your personal and writing time? Some days, not very well. I know how I want the day to go, but I have a family that can need help with a problem, or my husband will need me to handle something for him and I have a hard time saying “no” unless I’m down to the wire on a deadline. Even then it can be difficult…grin
Q: What is your favorite way to relax after a hard day working and
writing?
Snuggling with my husband, watching a movie or reading. I love to read and if my brain isn’t numb after dinner, I love to dive into a book.
Q: What is the one era you would love to go visit and why?
A lot of them would be interesting if one didn’t have to live the day to day horrors. Roman history fascinates me, and in our country, I’ve always gobbled up history on the Revolutionary War and especially the Civil War period. Maybe it’s because I’m from the South and so much history was around.
Q: What character out of all your books is the closest to your
personality?
I don’t think any of them are really close. There is probably a little of me in each one, or at least some of the character I’d like to have.
Q: What would we find on your bookcase if we looked? That would include the floor around the bookcase, too. A little bit of everything. Stephen King, Ian Rankin, Melissa Mayhue, Linda Wisdom, Robert McCammon, Jodi Picoult, Nora Roberts…the list can go on forever! What is one of your favorite authors? Wolf Hour and Swan Song by Robert McCammon are ‘must’ rereads every few years. I love the stories.
Q: Have you ever been nervous over reader reaction when a new book come out? How much does reader response mean to you over your books? Want to try “every time” one releases? What do you hope readers get from your books after they read them? Enjoyment and a sense of fun.
Some of the books on the planning board will hopefully have the reader come away with a better sense of how the hand life deals one, helps make them the person they become, unless they take steps to change.
Q: What is your favorite movie of all time? The one where you can watch it and still get affected at the same spots each and every time?
Romancing the Stone, is right up there. Along with that, Saving Grace, Sabrina and Something’s Gotta Give.
Q: Where can readers find out what’s new and how can they contact you?
www.lizzietleaf.com has a list of books available and the links. Also, a Coming Soon Page when a book is scheduled. I’m also on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.
Q: What is coming in 2010 for you? Anything you want to share with us?
Currently, I’m working on a new book in the Cougar Club series for Aspen Mountain Press which is scheduled to release in April. And a stand alone for Red Rose Publishing is in the works, but not sure on a release.
I’m polishing a full length novel that I’m not sure where it will go. Its the first in a new series.
Q: If the world ended, what would you be able to not live without (Computers, candy, etc)?
The only 2 things I couldn’t live without…food and water. After that, there are a number of things I’d miss, but books would be at the top of the list.
Sneak peek into DEAD Hunter, now available at Aspen Mountain Press:
They were here, no doubt about it.
They were here. The chilly tingle radiating across the back of her neck left no doubt.
Hot damn! I’m in the mood to kick some ass. Don’t mess with ArieAnne Hews when she has a bad case of PMS. This time of the month didn’t bring much in the way of bloating and cramps for Arie.
Just a seriously pissy mood.
The only person who could tolerate her when she was in one of her “moods” was her father. He’d just pat her on the head and laugh when she snarled at him. The fact he could accomplish that said something about how big he was. She stood six feet without the added inch of soul in her favorite red high-tops. Of course, he was a minister and found good in everyone, except for the creatures he’d trained Arie to destroy—vampires.
The chill on the back of her neck intensified. They’re here all right. But where?
A quick scan of the park revealed a woman sitting on the bench shaded by a huge oak tree. Obviously pregnant, the spiky-haired blonde munched on a chocolate bar.
Wonder if she has an extra she’s willing to share? Chocolate was at the top of her food list all the time, but the craving was another symptom for this time of month.
Oblivious to Arie, who was salivating as the blonde consumed the rich chocolate, the pregnant woman watched in amusement as an older female pushed a tow-headed toddler on one of the kiddy swings.
“Higher, higher,” demanded the child who squealed with delight when a stronger push met her request for greater height. “Watch me, Mommy. I can fly with the birds.”
The woman shoved the last bite of candy bar into her mouth, freeing her hand to wave. She seemed reluctant to move her other hand from the pregnancy-induced protrusion she was using as a table. “So I see. If Grammy pushes much higher, you can touch the sky.”
ArieAnne picked up the pace as she trotted along the path toward the family. They were exactly the kind of prey vampires loved to stumble on and it was up to her to protect them.
Just let you bastards try to feed on these unsuspecting victims. It’s not wise to mess with a hunter in PMS mode.
As she drew nearer, the chilly tingle over her neck reached vibration level. The blood-suckers were getting closer to their intended meal, but they’d have to go through her first.
http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/more-hot-reads/dead-hunter/prod_272.html
Dead Hunter is also available at Amazon in a Kindle version
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XZOUBA/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p351_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=0S1FKCWA4G0VBWGHZMPB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470939031&pf_rd_i=507846
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