AP Miller, Writer(s) Extraordinaire

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Sharon Buchbinder

I am delighted to have the award-winning husband and wife writing team, Andrew and Patti Miller writing as AP Miller as guests on my blog today. I first “met” them when they liked me on FaceBook after I signed with literary agent, Jennifer Etherton. I liked them back because (among other reasons) we have the same literary agent. We have chatted online on numerous occasions and I finally screwed up the courage to invite them to my blog. I was thrilled when they accepted.

Authors of 24 books, Patti and Andrew live in sunny and mostly warm Las Vegas, Nevada with three dogs who are plotting for world domination. Patti has been a long time published author since 1989. Her very first trilogy, “Thief of Hearts” was published with a small press in NYC. The company was purchased by a larger one, and the series was forced to sit back on her shelf collecting dust. The series will make its debut shortly. She has a thirty year background in fiction and script writing, newspaper and magazine writing as well as publishing, which has enabled her and her husband to become the prolific bestselling authors they are today.

Andrew has been actively writing since he was twelve years old; and writing stories that are worth reading, instead of simply using for toilet paper, since he was nineteen. His beliefs about equality, libertarianism, and personal potential lend his works direction and endings that often quite differ from the formulas seen in most other literary works. He is a former editor with three now defunct e-book publishers. He has studied and experienced a wide range of pursuits, ranging from courses in emergency medical procedures to several decades of training in martial arts styles from around the globe, to baking and sushi making. He is currently an amateur mui thai kick boxer hoping to go professional (in the ring or in the NHB cage, depending), and thinks boots were made for walking…unless they’re high heeled boots worn by statuesque dommes.

Patti and Andrew have generously agreed to provide a free e-copy of BOOGEDYMAN for one reader. All you have to do is comment or ask a question at the end of the interview to be entered to win.
I’m intrigued by the idea of a writing team for fiction. As a non-fiction author, I’ve had co-authors and editors for decades, but I’ve never tried it for fiction. What is your writing process?

We are asked this question frequently. Andrew and I have no real process. What we basically do is come up with ideas and toss them back and forth. Andrew likes to plot his writing while I’m the one to dive in head first and allow my characters to take over. When we do decide on a book together we each take on a chapter and switch back and forth that way. Andrew and I have a very similar writing style so it’s easy to feed off of one another.

What you like best about being writers? What do you like the least?

We love coming up with fun story ideas and actually sitting down at the keyboard to write. We also love being able to sit and write is our PJ’s all day and watch cartoons…it’s incredible! I can’t admit to anything we dislike about it because it’s always an adventure, but the one thing I can admit to which are the long grueling hours and days of the dreaded DEADLINE!

How do you keep yourself from being distracted by the bright lights of the playground in your backyard? Do you ever allow yourselves to go play at the casinos?

Actually we aren’t gamblers so it’s easy for us to ignore the city lights. We do go out every now and then but not to the casinos unless it’s around the holiday season when it’s all decorated! We prefer a meal out at one of our favorite places, spending time at home or with family, or going to the movies. I tell people who always say they are jealous we live here, that wanting to live here is not something you take lightly if you have addictions. This will be the worst place for that. We love the rustic beauty that is the state of Nevada. It’s not all the lights and excitement of the strip.

On your website you state “Our writing is based on the belief that our readers’ needs are of the utmost importance.” How do you assess these needs?

Our readers are very important to us and we love them all, so obviously we want to please them. We tend to get a lot of requests for stories they want to read so we do what we can to accommodate. We write what they want…simple.

Have you ever felt as if you were being dictated to while you wrote a book–as if the words came of their own accord? If yes, which book did that happen with?

All the time. Our characters do the talking. Some might think this is nothing but pure insanity but when my fingers hit the keys I become the character and see the book as a movie in my head. Andrew does as well. Takes years to master. I have al least 300 characters in my head running amuk.

You’ve written 24 books in 7 years and received numerous awards. What’s your favorite time management tip? And which is your favorite award and why?

The problem is we don’t have a schedule. We sit down and write when the muse is functional, which for me is very active now and has been this past year. I’d have to say it’s been in overdrive. Our favorite awards are the ones that come from our readers like voting for book of the year, or best book etc…those are the ones that mean the most.

If you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be?

“WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW.” I can’t stress this enough to authors who ask how we do it. You have to write from your heart and write what you know.

Tell me more about BOOGEDYMAN. What if the Boogeyman was real?”

Plagued by horrific boogeyman nightmares since childhood, Murray Thompson is deathly afraid of the things that he thinks “go bump in the night”. The one thing that keeps him grounded is his psychiatrist of many years, Dr. Rosen. With regular visits since he was 11 years old, Murray feels progress should have been made already, but with his dreams becoming more intense and “real”, he thinks something needs to be done. Going to see his family, Murray believes that this is the break he needs to keep sane. Feeling at home, and safe around his family, it works for a time. But when the nightmares start up again, he once more relies on Dr. Rosen for help. Once back, Dr. Rosen takes Murray on a journey to root out his longtime phobia and find out if there is cause for his fear or all in his mind.

How about an excerpt from BOOGEDYMAN?

Prologue

The clouds perforated the moonlit sky in a dance macabre. The street lamplight’s bulb flickered, and blew out.

The sound of a cat screeched through the nearby alleyway as it knocked over the lid of a steel trash can it had been hiding under for shelter. Along the heavily tree-lined, dimly lit street, cars were neatly parked while their owners nestled inside the safety of their homes, sleeping soundly.

Sixteen year-old Abigail Moorehouse walked home as usual after her shift at the all night diner. With her mp3 player tucked neatly in her jeans pocket, she plugged the earphones tightly in her ears while moving to the beat of the music as it soothed her. She never could get used to walking alone in the dark late at night. If she wasn’t forced to take a job after school to help her mother support her two younger brothers she would be in the comforts of her own bed right now. Her feet ached as she continued her pace.

The music ceased in her ears. She knew the battery must have died. Irritated, she removed the earphones and placed the player in her apron pocket instead. One more block to go she knew and quickened her pace. The night breeze began to blow a slight chill that surrounded her so she wrapped her arms about her for warmth.

Behind the tree ahead, the unseen dark figure hid waiting. Abigail hastened her pace as she felt a familiar pit in her stomach. The kind she sensed when she knew something was about to happen, and her instincts set off a jumble of warnings.

As she reached the tree the figure stepped out, grabbed her from behind with a firm hand to her mouth and a sharp blade to her throat. Her fingernails dug into the assailant’s firm grip as she tried to scream but her mouth was muffled. She stumbled, scratching and kicking his legs. Twisting, turning every which way. Her family’s faces flashed before her eyes. She wasn’t giving up, not now.

Tears stung her eyes as she continued her fight. She bit his hand, for a brief moment freed from his grasp. He pulled back on her hair as she kicked and screamed. Lights to the surrounding homes turned on as the owners emerged from their doors to see what the ruckus was all about. He pushed Abigail down on the ground the moment he wanted to shove the knife he carried deep into her back. Too late.

A young man came running from one of the homes to her aide. “Back off of her! Someone call 911!” Her attacker was up and running as two more men followed on his heels. He was too fast for them and gone from sight before they could see his face.

“Are you all right, miss? Here, let me help you up. The police were called and on their way.”

She was visibly shaken and still crying. “Thank you for saving me,” she managed in a whisper.

“Don’t worry, you’re safe now.”

She heard one of the approaching policemen say how lucky she was compared to the girl two nights ago.

“Come now, Miss, you’re all right. We have an ambulance on the way to take you to the hospital. Can we call your parents?”

Abigail handed him her cell phone.

“You’re a very lucky girl. We will find the person that did this to you, I promise.”

The music ceased.

Where can readers find more about your books and you on the Internet?

The book can be purchased at: https://museituppublishing.com/

In ebook and print formats.

Anrewandpattimiller.weebly.com

http://apmiller.weebly.com

http://apmillerauthor.webs.com/
APMiller654@bookblogs.ning.com

http://twitter.com/APMillerauthor3

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1078907930&ref=profile

Andrew and Patti, thanks so much for being with us here today. I know my readers will enjoy your work and your interview.

Thank you so much for having us! We are honored! Happy Reading to all of you!

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Want to win some goodies? Check out these two (2) exciting opportunities!

1– eReaders and eBooks are hot. So hot, they’re on fire! The Kindle Fire, that is.
I’m delighted to announce that I’m participating in the “Reading next to the (Kindle) Fire” holiday giveaway. The prize? A brand, spankin’ new Kindle Fire and 20+ eBooks in Romance, Paranormal, Science Fiction, mystery and YA! How do you enter? Simple.
1. Join my blog, and/or any of the blogs of the participating authors.
2. Click this link to be taken to official entry form. Fill in the required information (it’s just a few smidgens of info), and you’re entered! While you’re over there, check out the full list of participating authors and books to be given to the winner.

2–Join me at The Romance Reviews Year End Splash for a month long event celebrating romance. I’m giving away two (2) e-copies of DESIRE AND DECEPTION. Stop by, chat with authors and enter contests to win lots of really cool prizes!

Jana Richards, Author of THE GIRL MOST LIKELY

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Sharon Buchbinder

I am delighted to have my Wild Rose Press, Class of ’85 classmate and friend, Jana Richards, with me today to talk about her latest book, THE GIRL MOST LIKELY. Author of 7 books, Jana has been creating stories in her head all of her life–sometimes about real people but more often about people she made up. It wasn’t until she was in her thirties that she began to put her stories down on paper. She’s been at it for more than fifteen years, although she’s just recently become published in novel length fiction. Jana says, “Just think of me as the poster child for perseverance!” She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada with her husband Warren, two university age daughters, and a highly spoiled Pug/Terrier cross named Lou. Jana also grows Lupins, Icelandic poppies and grapes in a tough environment, so it’s no surprise she has succeeded in writing in a competitive publishing world. Jana has generously agreed to provide a free e-copy of THE GIRL MOST LIKELY for one reader. All you have to do is comment or ask a question at the end of this interview to be entered to win.

Jana, after all these years of making stories up was there a specific moment in time or a turning point that made you flip the switch from creating stories to putting them on paper?

I can’t remember what book it was (and I’m not sure I’d tell you even if I did), but I was reading a romance novel and I said to myself “I could write this.” In my arrogance and naivety I believed I could do better, or at least just as well. I thought it looked easy. I soon found out I had a lot to learn. But once I started writing romance, I was hooked. I don’t think I could stop now if I wanted to.

What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like the least?

I most enjoy creating characters with problems and flaws as well as good qualities like kindness and integrity. My aim is to create a character that feels ‘real’ to the reader. I also love creating worlds for these characters and giving them situations that test them.

As much as I enjoy living in my head, one of my least favorite things about writing is the isolation. That’s why my writing groups and critique partners are so important to me. It’s also why I continue to work at my day job. I enjoy getting out and seeing my co-workers. A person’s got to get out of her pajamas sometime! The other thing I’m not so fond of is marketing and promotion. I really don’t have the knack for selling or knowing what it is that sells books.

Living in Baltimore, Maryland, I shiver just thinking about winter in Winnipeg. How do you think your harsh Canadian winters have prepared you for a writing career?

Wow, I’ve never given that question any thought before. Well, I do spend a lot of time indoors in the winter. What else are you going to do but write?

I’ve heard it said that a lot of musical groups developed in Winnipeg because of the isolation, and maybe the winter. We’re a six hour drive to the next major city and so a lot of musicians (eg: Neil Young, The Guess Who, Bachman Turner Overdrive, The Weakerthans) learned their skills here playing in community clubs and other local venues. It’s a long winter and people have to do something to keep amused! But seriously, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the province next door where I grew up, both value the arts and literacy. There are a lot of writers and musicians who got their starts on the prairies. When you see that other writers from your area are successful it gives you the courage to say, “If they can do it, why can’t I?”

On your website you state “For some, high school was the best time of their lives, and for others it was the worst.” What were your high school years like? Have you ever attended your high school reunion? If not, why not? If yes, what surprised you the most?

My high school years weren’t awful, but they weren’t exactly terrific either. I come from a very small place; there were 24 of us in our graduating class, 18 girls and 6 boys. With those odds, I didn’t have a lot of dates. Anyway, most of us had been together since elementary school. It wasn’t like a large school where you’d have a choice of different people to hang around with, or different clubs to belong to. You saw the same people all day, every day. And if you didn’t get along, or somebody decided they didn’t like you, it could be tough. Even small schools had their cliques and ‘popular kids’. I went out of my way to get along with everyone. To this day, I’m something of a peace-maker and appeaser.

And yes, I did attend a high school reunion. I was 7 months pregnant at the time, so not exactly at my slimmest point! I can totally relate to my character’s desire to look good for her reunion.

Have you ever felt as if you were being dictated to while you wrote a book–as if the words came of their own accord? If yes, which book did that happen with?

The closest I came to that was with my book “A Long Way from Eden”. I really felt that I understood my characters and knew exactly what they were feeling, and that seemed to make the writing so much easier. I think it’s the quickest book I’ve ever written and then one that needed the least editing!

You’ve written 7 books in 15 years. What’s your favorite time management tip?

I am so not the person to be giving time management tips! The first four books that I published were ones that I had worked on for several years before I was first published and that I had “in the can”, so to speak. Let me tell you how long it took me to write “Till September”. My character, Hannah, has a nine year old son. I made Ryan nine because that’s how old my youngest daughter was when I began writing the book. By the time I finished it (after many rewrites) she was about 15 and I think she was 18 when it was actually published. Not exactly a fast writer here!

However, having said that, I have improved my speed over the years. Since 2009 I’ve written and published 3 books, with one more contracted. My early works suffered from endless rewrites. I would go in one direction with the plot, then get stuck and have to start all over. I think I’m a better writer now and know what works and what doesn’t, at least most of the time. I’ve also learned to trust my gut more and not be quite so indecisive about where to take the plot. I’ve also learned to take a few more chances that have made my writing more interesting.

So, the only time management tip I can offer is to do some planning of your story in advance. That way you can (hopefully) anticipate problems and plug plot holes before you even start writing. I find that doing some planning saves me time writing in the long run.

Are you a plotter or a pantser, i.e., do you outline your books ahead of time or are you an “organic” writer?

I’m definitely more of a plotter (see above question). I generally have some sort of loose outline/synopsis that I work out ahead of time, along with character sketches for my hero and heroine. But that doesn’t mean that things don’t grow organically during the writing of the story. Sometimes the characters or the plot takes me in unexpected places. Sometimes that’s a good thing, but occasionally I’ll still go off the rails. I like to think of my outline as my road map. It’s helping to guide me from my opening problem to my happy ending. But if I get off the main road to take a side trip once in a while, that only makes the trip more interesting. I just need to remember that I have to make my way back to the main road eventually!

If you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be?

Keep learning your craft. Take writing classes, go to conferences, have your work critiqued, read writers you admire and dissect what it is that makes their writing great. Don’t be satisfied with where you are now; always strive to make your writing better.

Tell me more about THE GIRL MOST LIKELY.

Cara McLeod, the girl most likely to have the perfect marriage, is now divorced and, in her own words, “fat, frumpy, and over forty.” The thought of facing former classmates—and the ex-husband who dumped her—at her high school reunion terrifies her. Cajoled into attending by her kids and her best friend, Cara enlists help at the gym to lose weight and look great for the reunion. Personal Trainer Finn Cooper is more than willing to help—but does he have to be so to-die-for gorgeous?

Finn thinks Cara is perfect just the way she is. She’s everything he wants in a woman, except for one thing—she can’t get past the fact that he’s eight years younger. To Finn, age and weight are just numbers. But can he convince Cara the numbers she worries about add up to only one thing for him—love?

How about an excerpt from THE GIRL MOST LIKELY?

He chuckled. “Jessica better watch her back. You could give her a run for her money.”

He heard Cara’s throaty laugh, and various parts of his anatomy tingled in response. “Yes, that’s my evil plan. Take over Rochester Noon, then the world.”

“If you set your mind to it, I’m sure you could do it.”

“Thanks Finn.”

“For what?”

“For believing in me.”

“Are you going to be okay now?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Thanks to you.”

He wanted so badly to tell her he loved her, adored her, thought she was the most amazing woman in the world. But fear stopped him. Was she truly over her ex-husband? Why else would losing weight for the reunion be so important to her if not to impress Peter?

“I’ve got to run. Thanks again. I’ll talk to you later at my condo, right?”

“Absolutely. I can hardly wait to hear about your big TV debut. Break a leg. Isn’t that what they say in show biz?”

She laughed. “Yeah, that’s what they say. Bye.”

Finn replaced the receiver and closed his eyes. He hoped everything went well with this interview. Cara deserved to realize how amazing she was.

If she did come to that realization, would there still be room in her life for him?

Where can readers find more about your books and you on the Internet?

I’m at http://www.janarichards.net , at my blog at http://janarichards.blogspot.com and at Facebook.

Jana, thanks you so much for being with us here today. I know my readers will enjoy your work and your interview.

Thank you for letting me take over your blog today. And thanks for the insightful questions.

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Want to win some goodies? Check out these two (2) exciting opportinities!

Interview with Edward Medina, Author of YA Fantasy Adventure Novels

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Sharon Buchbinder

I am delighted to have my Twitter friend, Edward Medina, with me today to talk about his young adult, steampunk fantasy novel, MATHIAS BOOTMAKER AND THE KEEPERS OF THE SANDBOX, BOOK ONE: IT IS SAID. Ed is a native New Yorker now living in Orlando, Florida by way of Atlanta, Georgia and London, England. He was raised by his mother and grandmother to believe that life is an adventure best lived to the fullest. To that end Edward has lived his life on the edge of creative possibility. Over time, he has been a radio and voice over artist. He built a significant career as a producer, director and writer for both digital media and the New York Off and Off Off Broadway stages. He also had the honor and the privilege to work for the late great Jim Henson. He then went on to become a theme park designer. For fun, he became a steam train engineer and since childhood, a sometime magician. Although, at this point in his life the magic he creates is for the page. In addition to sharing his experiences and latest teasers, Ed has generously agreed to provide a free e-copy of MATHIAS BOOTMAKER AND THE KEEPERS OF THE SANDBOX, BOOK ONE: IT IS SAID for one reader. All you have to do is comment or ask a question at the end of the interview to be entered to win.

Ed, what made you want to be an author? At what age did you start telling stories and then writing them down?

I come from a Hispanic family with deep Native American roots. Story telling is in our blood. I have very fond memories of sitting around with family and listening to their stories. They had beginnings, middles, and ends. The funny stories had to be really funny. The dramatic ones had to be full of pathos. And acting them out and doing the voices was important.

When I was a child, living in my beloved Bronx, New York, on Sundays I would always go to church. Yep, Catholic school education. After our mandatory visit, my friend Nando and I would go the Circle theatre in Parkchester for the double feature. I have to confess that some of the money didn’t make it into the collection plate just so that we could have a few snacks during the movie.

Once I got home, my mother would have me tell her the whole story of the movie while she prepared and cooked dinner. My grandmother encouraged me to write my own stories down. I truly believe that those tellings started me on my way. Movies and storytelling lead me to the theatre, and that’s where my creative engine really started to hum.

What do you like best about being a writer?

Oh no, you’ve inadvertently stumbled on to my biggest secret. I’m almost hesitant to say it. Okay, twist my arm. I am not fond of writing. I know. Heresy. But sadly it’s true. I seriously marvel at writers who sit and knock out five, six, eight thousand words a day. I wish I had that gift. Don’t get me wrong, when I’m on a roll I can close in on a writing target very quickly. But I’m one of those that has to be in the right mood to get the work done, and that can be a chore.

I am lucky to have many gifts. I can direct and produce a production like nobody’s business. Love it. I can edit the hell out of a video piece. Love it. I love to write but it’s a gift that does not come easily. I know there are other’s out there like me. We remain quiet in our self imposed guilt. I say let your procrastination flag fly. I say open your window and shout to the world ‘I love writing, but damn it sucks when I first sit down to do it!!’.

Now, being a Libra, all things have an opposite side in order to maintain a balance. The key to that exclamation is the word love. Torture me a bit and I’ll say it. I do love writing. Once I’m there. Once I’m in it. There really is nothing like it. So, if you need to make sure there are three white candles lit in the room before you sit, then do it. If you need to clean your apt or house completely before you begin, knock yourself out. Just make sure that at some point you do sit, and get the story told. You know you’ll love it. When it’s done.

With your extensive theater background, why did you decide to write a young adult, forensic, steampunk fantasy novel?

The Mathias Bootmaker trilogy is full of theatre, and creativity, and color, and light. It is also full of the dark. When a theatre is closed for the night one light is always left on. It’s placed center stage. It’s there to keep the spirits away. It’s called ‘the ghost light’. The faces of comedy and tragedy are there to remind us that light and dark go hand in hand.

Theatre was and is an important part of my life and I wanted it to be an important part of the world of Mathias Bootmaker. The story lives in a world called Sandbox Harbor. It is the place where all imagination comes from. It’s partly the story of how that place came to be. How could it not involve theatre and the arts. When our ancestors first gathered around a fire they learned to communicate with grand gestures, musical sounds, interpretive dance and images painted on a wall.

When people talk about ‘the world’s oldest profession’ they’ve got it all wrong. Acting is the world’s oldest profession, and theatre became it’s form.

The forensic part? That comes from my love of Sherlock Holmes. I love drama and mystery together. If you’re going to read the Mathias Bootmaker books then you’re agreeing to go on a mysterious and sometimes confusing journey. I want my readers thinking along with my characters. I’m not going to tell you everything but I’ll give you everything in the end. Mathias himself is good at putting pieces together. His powers of observation are born of Mr. Holmes and are there to guide my readers.

Are you a plotter or a planner, i.e., do you outline your books ahead of time or are you an “organic” writer?

Every writer has their own thing, and it all works as long as it produces good work.

I always start with the title. First a story will begin to form. Most times it’s a phrase or a sentence. Then I need a title to guide me. Next comes structure. I’m often told that my writing is cinematic. It always makes me smile because I approach any story as a screenwriter would. It’s a classic structure. Three acts. Each act bridged by a compelling push to the next. Each act has an arc that leads to the bridge. Cut anything that doesn’t move the story forward.

Once the structure is in place it’s time to listen to your characters and tell them where you need them to be. As a stage director I would always tell my actors ‘Let me take care of the blocking. Let me tell you where I need you to be. How you get there is up to you’. Characters are actors for the writer’s imagination. But you need to work with them in order to build the story you’re all trying to tell. And I’m not talking about some weird ethereal connection here. It’s just common sense. They’re in your head already. Might as well listen to them before they drive you mad.

Next it’s time to tell the tale. Lots of notes. Lots of index cards. Lots of filling in that structure. The tricky part is to be open to the unexpected. Something that causes me to rework the structure. From all this madness comes a good story. I hope.

Have you ever felt as if you were being dictated to while you wrote a book–as if the words came of their own accord?

Yes. Often. I call that “the rhythm of my mind’. Rhythm is the final layer for me and the most important part. My work has been described as lyrical. That makes me smile too. Every writer has a voice. In that voice is your rhythm. Embrace that. It’s what makes you unique.

As for me, when I’m in the zone things connect. All that layout and structure start to produce new ideas and make new connections I never even realized were there. Or did I? Either way it makes the tedious journey of writing a true joy in the end.

If you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be?

It’s simple, follow your bliss, and be true to your voice. Other than that, keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times, and enjoy the ride. Oh yes, watch out for the fifty foot drop. Have fun!!

Tell me more about MATHIAS BOOTMAKER AND THE KEEPERS OF THE SANDBOX, BOOK ONE: IT IS SAID.

This is the story of Mathias Bootmaker, a young man searching for the better parts of himself. His search for what he’s lost begins an amazing adventure through a world of extreme imagination. A world he helped to create but a world he can’t remember anything about. There’s a dragon and a genius. There’s a very scary little boy and a very gifted little girl. There’s darkness and light, deadly evil and glorious good. It’s the story of his life, the birth of creativity and the true power of the energy all around us.

In this tale of redemption, in order to find what he seeks, Mathias must save a people who were once great but are now, by their own hands, victims. He must help them face a terror that they themselves created. He must find a friend that has disappeared. Befriend a reluctant guide and rescue a very unique group of children trapped in a cursed castle full of tragedy.

Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of the Sandbox is a dream embedded within a nightmare. A maze inside a labyrinth. It reads like an adventure. It plays like a thriller. It’s designed to make you question every place you go and every character you meet. It’s designed to be a puzzle you must solve. It’s meant to blend grand fun and fright in the tradition of Carroll and King.

Turn the pages. Follow the path. Keep an eye out for clues. Beware of traps. But most important of all… you must not fear the Darke.

How about an excerpt from MATHIAS BOOTMAKER AND THE KEEPERS OF THE SANDBOX, BOOK ONE: IT IS SAID?

Head on over to my author page on facebook. There you will find the first two chapters of Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of the Sandbox. Feel free to hit the ‘like’ button while you’re there. http://www.facebook.com/mbkeepers?sk=info

Ed, thanks you so much for being with us here today. I know my readers will enjoy your work and your interview.

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Want to win some goodies? Check out these two (2) exciting opportunities!

NEWSFLASH! DESIRE AND DECEPTION RT Nominee for Best Book, Erotic Fiction

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Sharon Buchbinder

YES! You read that right. In case you didn’t hear my squeals of delight echoing throughout cyberspace, it is official. My sexy and smart erotic noir thriller, Desire and Deception, is an RT Book Reviews Nominee for Best Erotic Fiction Book of 2011

To celebrate the RT Book Reviews Nominee for Best Erotic Fiction Book of 2011, I’m giving away two (2) free e-copies of Desire and Deception to two (2) lucky commenters. To enter, you need to be over 18 years of age and you need to read the the excerpt on Red Sage for Desire and Deception. When you are done wiping the steam off your monitor, come back here and tell me what you think here on this blog. Names will be drawn by a random number generator on Monday, November 21, 2011. Caution, smoke alarms may go off while reading!

Just to give you a teaser, since this is a family friendly blog, I am posting the G-rated version of the book description. For the sizzling excerpt, click on over to Desire and Deception at Red Sage. You must be 18+ to enter the site. I recommend you wear oven mitts while you read, as your keyboard might be a tad HOT.

Blurb: Pampered princess and daughter of a Mexican crime boss, Isabel (Izzy) Ramirez is a newly appointed assistant professor working toward tenure and promotion. Driven by voracious desires, including ambition for advancement in the legitimate world and lust for her boy toy, Izzy’s house of cards is threatened when the department chair confronts her about a major transgression. Izzy’s take no prisoners approach means she makes sure her boss can never expose her deceptions.

Graduate assistant and guy-on-the-side, Sean Richards wants Izzy to leave her sleazy husband. If she would only get away from that crook, he’s convinced that he can bring out the better woman who exists beneath Izzy’s tough sex siren exterior. He adores his hot blooded Latina and will do her bidding–up to a point. Despite the mind blowing sex, he can’t and won’t murder for her.

As Izzy’s nosy parker friend and colleague doggedly follows an obscure trail of clues about the department chair’s death, Izzy is forced to choose between reverting to the ways of her unredeemable father–or becoming the extraordinary woman she sees in Sean’s loving eyes.

PS1: Desire and Deception is my first published full-length novel. It is an honor to be nominated. I feel as though I’ve already won.

PS2: Want opportunities to win some more goodies? Check out these two other (2) exciting opportunities!

3– Join me at The Romance Reviews Year End Splash for a month long event celebrating romance. I’m giving away two (2) e-copies of DESIRE AND DECEPTION. Stop by, chat with authors and enter contests to win lots of really cool prizes!

Interview with Sandy Wolters, Paranormal Romance Author

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Sharon Buchbinder

I am delighted to have my Twitter and Goodreads friend, Sandy Wolters, with me today to talk about her latest book, A BROTHER’S LOVE. Author of three books, Sandy has been an avid reader for years. To her husband’s dismay, she has bookshelves full of books, rooms full of books, boxes full of books. Her cars have books in them. About two years ago, her husband gave her the dream gift, a Kindle. It was love at first sight and her first foray into the world of ebooks. While she still has books everywhere, she no longer takes ten or twelve books with her when she goes on vacation. The only thing she needs is her Kindle. It never leaves her purse. In her life prior to becoming an author, she was a Legal Assistant/Office Manager for a wonderful local estate planning attorney (no criminals that she knows of!) Sandy and her husband, Michael, raised two beautiful, strong women so that’s who she writes about. The women in her books are strong individuals that have moments of weakness and frailty to work through. Sandy has generously agreed to provide a free e-copy of A BROTHER’S LOVE for one reader. All you have to do is comment or ask a question at the end of the interview to be entered to win. To whet your appetite, check out her book trailer for A BROTHER’S LOVE at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lycg005izwo

Sandy, what made you want to be an author? At what age did you start telling stories and then writing them down?

It’s funny you ask this question. I had never dreamed of being an author. There were several times in my life that I would look at those around me and be astounded at what they were going through. I would write in a notebook, thinking that one day it would be nice to write something to let people know about things like the love between my mother and father. My dad was so ill, and yet he clung to life with every ounce of strength he had until my mother had the strength to tell him that she would be alright when he goes. He just wouldn’t leave her until he heard the words. He took his last breath just hours after she told him. I wrote notes about the strength I found in my mother when she was going through such difficult times with her own health, something that might give others inspiration. As it turned out, those experiences were so painful, I just couldn’t sit in front of the computer to tell those stories.

About a year and a half ago, I started daydreaming of people and things they had done. I started to dream at night about them. My mind would wander when people were talking to me, to these characters and what they were going through. I’ve always had a vivid imagination, but this was ridiculous. Finally, I sat down at the computer and started to write it all down.

These characters had introduced themselves to me and demanded that I take action, so I did. I felt really stupid when my husband asked me what I was doing. I told him, “I think I’m writing a book.” And that’s how it began.

What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like the least?

My favorite part of being an author is the feeling of exhilaration when I finish writing for the day. It’s euphoric. It’s a high without the drugs. It’s like taking a long hike, looking around you, and then having the feeling that you are walking where no one else has ever walked before. It is absolutely amazing.

My least favorite part of being an author is time management. I really love the whole promotion and marketing side of being an author, but it is very time consuming. All I really want to do is write my stories and make them available to readers. I get so focused when I’m writing that the promotion side usually suffers. There just are not enough hours in the day to do both writing and promotion properly at the same time. So I just focus on what’s really important to me, and that’s developing my story.

How do you think your work as a Legal Assistant, Office Manager and mother have prepared you for a writing career?

As a Legal Assistant, I learned to be very precise. I think that really helped in developing scenes and dialog.

As a mother, I’ve raised two very strong, independent women and that’s who I base my characters on. No doormats in my books. I like it when a strong female lead can stand toe to toe with a strong male lead. It really makes the scenes much more interesting, especially if the strength of the woman is challenged in some way, maybe by putting her in situations that she is not comfortable with, or giving her emotions that she’s never had to deal with before. I just can’t wait to see how she’s going to react.

On your website you state your “genre of choice is Romance with a paranormal twist. Nothing beats a good romance especially when those you love and have lost come back to assist you in unexpected ways when you need them most.” Have you had assistance from those who have passed on? If yes, would you be willing to share an anecdote?

These are two incidents that happened to me that I have shared publicly:

My father and I were very close. My mother, my sister and I were with him when he died. He had been ill for such a long time, and we knew the end was coming. I was sitting in a chair at the end of the bed, holding his feet and praying that when the end came, it would be peaceful for him.

I was still in that meditative state when I looked up at my father and couldn’t see his face. I stood up and yelled at the nurse to find out why smoke was coming from my father’s mouth. Before I could get all the words out, I looked back at my father and saw the final wisps of his spirit leaving him.

At that moment, I knew I had been given a gift few people are given, and I knew my dad was going to be just fine. Because he allowed me to see that very private moment, I was able to make it through the upcoming months with planning his service and helping my mother through that horribly difficult time.

Several months later, it was time for my youngest daughter’s birthday. We ordered her cake. I had to write down what I wanted it say. It was nothing special. It just said, “Happy Birthday Pilar”.

When they opened the box for us to look at it, the cake said, “Happy Birthday Billar”. I sucked in my breath, and asked who did the cake. They brought the person out. She could see I was visibly shaken. I asked her why she wrote Pilar’s name as Billar. She said that’s what the instructions were and pulled them out. She got a strange look on her face and said, “I’m so sorry. I don’t know how that happened.”

I started to cry, and she said she would fix it. I told her it was perfect. My dad’s name was Bill. He was just letting us know he would be celebrating with us.

Have you ever felt as if you were being dictated to while you wrote a book–as if the words came of their own accord? If yes, which book did that happen with? Do you hear dead people? (FYI, I do have clairaudience, so I ask this without tongue in cheek!)

I’m really more visual than audio. I see the scenes as if a movie were playing. Sometimes it’s as though I just drift off somewhere and I’m shown a movie. It can be really quite embarrassing if I’m having a conversation. Sometimes I’ll just sit in front of the computer and start typing. Before I know it, I’ve written two chapters.

You’ve written three books in 1 1/2 years. What’s your favorite time management tip?

When I’m writing, I allow myself one hour on the computer to check e-mails and all the social media networks. I then close out of everything and open Word to concentrate on writing and writing only. After I’m done writing for the day, I’ll go back on the Internet.

Are you a plotter or a pantser, i.e., do you outline your books ahead of time or are you an “organic” writer?

I never outline. I don’t know how authors do that. I would think it would be very confining. I just let the stories and characters come to me. They speak their mind, and I write it down. I never really have any clue as to what direction my book will take, or for that matter, how a book will end. I just write it as it comes to me.

If you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be?

You have to have patience. It takes a lot of time and effort to get your name recognized or even noticed for that matter. Don’t get bummed out because your books aren’t selling the way you think they should. Just keep plugging away.

Tell me more about A BROTHER’S LOVE.

A Brother’s Love is a romance/suspense/thriller with a ghostly paranormal twist. The lead female character, FBI Special Agent Pilar Campos, is based on my youngest daughter, Pilar. So you will not find the steamy scenes that are in my first two books, Maggie Mae and Justice For Emily, in A Brother’s Love. I sat at my computer for hours, sweating and hyperventilating, just staring at a blank page when it came time for the steamy sex. In the end, I just had to get Pilar and Amos started and let the reader use their imagination for the rest of the steam.

FBI Special Agent Pilar Campos lives and works in a man’s world. She loves her job because the only interaction she has with people is pointing her gun at them and arresting them. She’s a smart ass with a temper and is not above breaking bones if someone disagrees with her. Needless to say, she doesn’t have many friends. She enjoys the fact that she inspires fear in her coworkers.

Pilar and her partner, Rick, have been executing surveillance on the Snowflake Militia Group for two years. Everything was going just fine with the twenty-seven million dollar operation until she was forced to shoot and kill Thorne Baker, the brother of Boone Baker, the self proclaimed leader of the militia group. Her life would never be the same.

Boone Baker initiated a one million dollar contract on Pilar’s life and would go to any length to avenge his brother’s death. Deputy Director Greg Olsen knows that he has to get his best agent into protective custody, but he also knows that she won’t go even if he orders her to. She’ll stay and fight to the end. The only reasonable action he can take is to hatch a plan to have her tucked away at a ranch in Northern Arizona owned by Amos Thomas, a man that dislikes people with as much if not more fervor than Pilar.

Away from the city, Pilar’s life is transformed. She finds peace at the ranch that she had never felt before. She has a special bond with the animals that transfixes even the most seasoned ranch hands. She learns to open herself to the people at the ranch and develops close bonds with them. She falls in love with Amos, who wants no part of a relationship. Unfortunately for Amos, Pilar knows how he thinks. He is, after all, just like her, and that makes his actions predictable. Pilar knows just how to handle him.

Unable to locate the woman that killed his brother, Boone Baker goes to extreme measures to draw her out in the open. In one fell swoop, he will destroy her life as she knows it. Will she be strong enough to continue on, or will he get his wish and kill her?

How about an excerpt from A BROTHER’S LOVE?

In this scene, Pilar was taking a walk and came across a dead cow and dying calf.

Jackson ran up to her and pushed her away from the Diamondback. He shot the snake and turned to find the woman next to the calf, cooing that it’s alright now. “Nothing’s going to hurt you, baby.”

Pilar turned to Jackson and said, “Please, hurry. Call someone, so we can get this baby back to the ranch. He needs help right away.”

Before she was done crying out for help, Jackson was on his phone to Frank asking for a truck. He bent down next to Pilar and said, “Frank’s on his way with the truck.” He put his hand on Pilar’s shoulder and said, “I don’t think the calf is going to make it, though.”

Pilar reached up and grabbed Jackson’s hand and said pleadingly, “No. He’s going to be fine. The snake didn’t bite him. I made sure of that. Please, he just needs some food and water. He’s going to be fine, right?”

Jackson looked into Pilar’s eyes, and his heart melted. She was so afraid for this calf that she had risked her life by trying to get rid of the snake with a branch.

“Don’t worry, ma’am. We’re going to do everything we can for the calf.”

Fifteen minutes later, Frank pulled the pickup truck next to the calf. He got out and moved toward Jackson.

“What the hell happened here, Jack?”

Before Jackson could answer, Pilar ran for Frank and said, “Please help us get this baby into the back of the truck. We need to get him back to the ranch or he’s going to die.” She reached for Frank’s arm, and her eye’s pleaded with him.

Frank said, “Let me take a look at him.”

He bent down and knew the calf didn’t have a prayer. He sighed and looked at Jackson. Frank stood and started moving toward Pilar. She already had the tailgate to the truck down, and she said, “I think with the three of us, we can lift the baby.” And she moved past Frank and Jackson.

She turned and pleaded, “Please hurry.”

Neither Frank nor Jackson could refuse her. They moved together and lifted the animal into the back of the truck. Pilar jumped in and rested the calf’s head in her lap.

Frank turned to Jackson and said, “Get back to the ranch and call a few hands in. You can bring the truck back to move the carcass so it doesn’t foul the pond. Move it up into the trees where the dogs can get it.”

Jackson nodded and got on his horse. By the time he got back to the ranch, the woman and Frank had moved the calf to a stall. He went in to see what was happening and stopped before he got there. She was singing to the calf. She was singing a lullaby. His heart melted even more. Instead of intruding, he went back out to the truck to wait for the men he had called.

Hours later when Amos walked through the front door of the house, Mabel was on him in an instant.

“Where is she? Where’s my little girl?”

“Hold on, Mabel. What are you talking about? She said she’d be here to help you with supper. Are you telling me that she didn’t come back?” A hot anger started to boil in him at the fact that this insensitive woman would worry Mabel needlessly like this.

Mabel grabbed his arm and said, “Amos, I’m so …”

There was a knock at the door. Amos grabbed Mabel’s arm to calm her and said, “I’m sure she’s okay.”

Another knock.

Amos moved to the door and opened it, expecting to see the woman he was gladly going to kick from here to Flagstaff.

Frank stood with his hat in hand. Mabel came running to the door and screamed, “What’s happened to my niece?”

Frank nodded his head and said, “Miss Mabel, your niece is in my barn and in a terrible way.”

Mabel screamed, “I knew it. I could feel that something was very wrong.”

Amos didn’t know if he should run to the barn or stay and ask questions. Mabel was crying, so he decided he better find out what had happened before he left her.

Amos moved Mabel out of the doorway and said, “What happened, Frank?”

“Well, Mr. Thomas, that there is probably the most tenderhearted woman I’ve ever come across. She came across a dead cow and dying calf earlier, and I haven’t been able to get her to leave the calf’s side. It’s the damndest thing. She’s been singing to it and telling it stories and cuddling up to it, telling it everything was going to be just fine. It brought tears to my eyes that she cared so much for a critter she ain’t never seen before.”

“From what I heard from Jack, she was defending the calf from a Diamondback when he got there. Damned fool woman could have been killed.”

Frank paused and shrugged his shoulders. “She finally cried herself to sleep with that calf in her arms. He died about fifteen minutes ago, and I just ain’t got the heart to wake her and tell her. That’s why I’m here. I came up here to get you so you could tell her.”

Amos had just about had it with this woman. She was wreaking havoc on his ranch. Frank saw the look in his boss’s eyes and said, “Don’t be hard on the little girl. She has a big heart and just wanted to help that calf. Why, she was so upset, she couldn’t even remember her name. She just kept sayin’ over and over, I’m Mabel’s niece. I’m Mabel’s niece.”

Amos dropped his head in defeat. He turned to Mabel and said, “I’ll go get her, Mabel. She’ll be fine.”

Mabel grabbed his arms and said, “Don’t you be gruff with that little girl. Do you hear me, Amos? I mean it. She just got a hard lesson about ranch life today. I want you to take a minute and think back on the first time something like this happened to you. I held you for days. Do you remember?”

“I’m not an ogre, Mabel. I’ll be gentle. I promise.”

Amos walked through the barn doors and saw Dog sitting outside a stall looking in. As Amos moved forward, Dog looked briefly at him, but returned his attention to his newfound friend.

Amos bent down and patted Dog on the head. “You’ve had a hard day today, haven’t you, fella?”

He stood and looked into the stall. His breath caught in his throat. There she was, this little, itty, bitty slip of a woman with her arms wrapped around the dead calf’s neck, sound asleep.

He walked in silently and knelt beside her. He knew she would hurt for the calf when she woke up, but that couldn’t be helped. He moved a wisp of her golden hair off of her face, and her body jerked. With her eyes still closed, she started petting the calf’s face and said, “Hush, baby. It’s going to be all right.”

She then did something that pulled at Amos’ heartstrings. She started quietly singing, “Hush, little baby, don’t say a word, mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird.” And then she stopped. She was still asleep.

Amos lifted her into his arms, and she woke. “Amos, what are you doing? I have to stay here with the baby. I can’t leave him.”

He looked into her eyes and said, “I’m sorry, sweetheart, the calf didn’t make it.”

FYI: The first two chapters of A BROTHER’S LOVE are available at Sandy’s website http://sandywolters.weebly.com/a-brothers-love-excerpt.html

Where can readers find more about your books and you on the Internet?

My website at: http://sandywolters.weebly.com/

Sandy, thanks you so much for being with us here today. I know my readers will enjoy your work and your interview.

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Want to win some goodies? Check out these two (2) exciting opportunities!

2– Join me at The Romance Reviews Year End Splash for a month long event celebrating romance. I’m giving away two (2) e-copies of DESIRE AND DECEPTION. Stop by, chat with authors and enter contests to win lots of really cool prizes!

Interview with Mike Wells, Best-Selling Suspense and Thriller Author

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Sharon Buchbinder

I am delighted to have my Twitter friend, Mike Wells, with me today to talk about his latest series of books, LUST, MONEY AND MURDER. Author of nine books and two screenplays, Mike is a bestselling American thriller and suspense author who also teaches part-time in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. Known for his fast-paced, “unputdownable” novels, Mike confesses that one of the best things that ever happened to him is that his mother-in-law is a gossip columnist and a genius at titling books. In addition to sharing his experiences and latest teasers, Mike has generously agreed to provide a free e-copy of LUST, MONEY AND MURDER, BOOKS 1, 2 & 3 for one reader. All you have to do is comment or ask a question at the end of the interview to be entered to win.

Mike, what made you want to be an author? At what age did you start telling stories and then writing them down?

Though I was a voracious reader as a child (Hardy Boys, Mark Twain, etc.) I’m actually not one of those writers who started penning stories at a young age. What I did do, that’s kind of weird and closely related, is turn our garage into a funhouse, like they have at amusement parks to entertain the neighborhood kids. My friends and I would hang sheets all over the garage to make a half dozen “rooms” with stuff in them that would make the kids laugh, gasp, be grossed out—experience a wide range of emotions. We would haul them through this maze in a little red wagon. That’s pretty much the same thing you do when you write a good novel—you pull the reader smoothly along through a series of events that (hopefully) causes them to experience a wide range of emotions. I believe that people read fiction mainly in order to feel.

What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like the least?

The best thing, of course, is all the glamour—the whirlwind trips around the world in my private jet, the photographers and reporters clamoring to get a piece of me when I stop in each city, spending summers on the island I bought in the Caribbean. I’m joking, of course, and I’m sure I didn’t need to tell you that. The very low income relative to the huge amount of work is probably what I like least, struggling to make a living from fiction writing. But the part I like best is getting feedback from readers that tells me I accomplished my goal, that my book fully engaged them and kept them up all night or whatever, that they experienced that kaleidoscope of emotions that I wanted them to experience. That’s very fulfilling to me, counteracts all the negative.

Many best-selling authors would see teaching creative writing as a great sacrifice–some would even consider it a waste of their precious time. What made you decide to teach creative writing at Oxford?

I’ve always enjoyed teaching—my mother was a professor and a fiction writer, too. There are a couple of things I love about teaching fiction writing. First, it makes you, as an author, reflect very deeply about your approach to writing and helps you improve. At least, it does that for me. The second thing I like is just interacting with a bunch of young, enthusiastic and talented writers. It’s very stimulating!

You are a genre crosser! You write young adult, thrillers, paranormal and romance novels. What drives you to transcend genres?

Funny, what drives me to transcend genres is that I don’t think about it genre at all when I come up with story ideas. You might say it’s a mistake…which is why I’ve had a difficult time going the traditional publishing route. That and not having 100% creative control over my work—I can’t deal with that.

How do you manage to be so prolific? What’s your favorite time management tip?

Actually, I’m not very prolific—I only appear to be because I have published 15 years of work, suddenly, in digital format. Some writers have cranked out 5 times as many books as I have over the same time period.

Are you a plotter or a pantser, i.e., do you outline your books ahead of time or are you an “organic” writer?

I would say I am a combination of the two—I start out on each book as a pantser, following the muse, writing key scenes that I know will be in the story (or at least that I’m pretty sure will be), and then as I begin to near a first draft, I start organizing it all, making little outlines of various parts of the book. So I sort of bounce back and forth between freeform and structured modes. But I never outline anything in advance, that just doesn’t work for me.

Well, I would not say that I hear a specific person’s voice who is outside of myself, but there are definitely very strong storytelling voices in my head that want each story to be written a certain way, in a certain style, down to each word. If I start reading someone else’s book, that voice often pops up and I started mentally editing what I’m reading, thinking about how I would write the same story. I think it’s pretty normal for this to happen with writers as you go farther and farther along—your storytelling “voice” or voices become quite strong and clear in your head, and this clarity is what gives you a unique style and makes you different from everyone else.

If you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be?

Well, that’s related the last question. My advice would be: find your voice. Your unique voice. This is absolutely crucial to being a successful writer. Avoid copying other people too much, or listening to too much advice, and tell your stories the way you think they should be told, in your own style, including what you think should be included and cutting what you think should be cut…and stick to your guns. Listen to reader feedback over the advice from editors, agents, and other so-called experts (yes, even writing teachers like me!) This is really the hardest part of developing as a writer. At some point you have to stand your ground and tell your teachers and editors and critics, “I hear what you’re saying, and I understand why you’re saying it, but this is the way I’m going to do it.” Perhaps paradoxically, when you reach this point, you start seeing some real success as a writer—when you know all the rules but purposefully break them in order to establish your own style.

Tell me more about LUST, MONEY AND MURDER. This book begins with a young and naive Elaine Brogan as she initially pursues her dream of a career as a photo model. After becoming entangled with a sleazy modeling agency, she decides to become a Secret Service agent, struggling through the arduous training academy. After her first disastrous assignment, she is transferred to Bulgaria. There, she meets Nick LaGrange, the love of her life.

How about an excerpt from LUST, MONEY AND MURDER?

PROLOGUE

Italy – Present Day

The man picked her up in Vernazza, a picturesque village perched along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera.

From his salt-and-pepper hair, and his lined face, Maria guessed he was in his early 50s.   He bought her a drink, then dinner, then a new dress and a pair of pumps and a few other things, spending lavishly on her in the quaint village shops.

There were no pretences. They went to his plush villa, which afforded a breathtaking view of the sea. When she asked his name, he looked at her with his brooding dark eyes and said, “Are names important, cara?”

All she knew was that he was a businessman from Rome. She supposed it didn’t matter.

They were soon hungrily making love to each other on the king-sized bed. She hadn’t expected such energy out of a man his age—he was insatiable. She often had to fake orgasms with older men, but not with this one.

They spent most of the weekend in the bedroom. In between sexual bouts, they hiked up and down the cobblestone streets of the village, admiring the view and the lovely, narrow houses that were painted in pink, blue and yellow pastels. They gorged themselves on the local cuisine—cappon magro, a pyramid made of fresh vegetables and a half dozen different types of fish, and the torta pasqualina, a cake made of 18 layers of light pasta and stuffed with ricotta cheese.

They spoke very little. Maria didn’t care. Words might break the spell, and she didn’t want this to end.

* * *

On the third day, he felt that he had won the girl’s trust.

The experiment he wanted to perform was far too important to delegate to one of his lieutenants. There was much riding on the outcome. He needed to see the results first hand.

But he had to be careful.

When she lay in his arms, spent, he said,   “Did you know I am celebrating this weekend, cara?” He stroked one of her full, firm breasts. “You are a gift to myself.”

She looked up at him with liquid brown eyes. “What do you mean? What are you celebrating?”

He rose naked from the bed and picked up a small leather Gucci bag that was sitting on the coffee table. He knew she was curious about what was inside—he had been carrying it around everywhere they went, keeping it close at all times.

When he opened it, she gave a little gasp.

The satchel was packed with crisp, new U.S. $100 bills.

“So much money,” she said in a hush. “Where did it come from?”

“I sold a flat in Portofino, a dilapidated hovel I have been trying to rid myself of for years. I finally found an American gullible enough to buy it, but he insisted on paying part cash. It’s only about fifty thousand dollars.”

Even though she was trying to hide it, he could see the greed in her 21-year-old eyes. She was a velina, a soft hooker who survived on her good looks, roaming up and down the Riviera, living off one rich man after another, staying a few days or weeks in a villa or onboard a yacht until the current sponsor tired of her and threw her out, after which she moved on to the next.

He said, “I was thinking of driving up to San Remo and trying my luck. Have you ever been to the casino there?”

“No,” she lied.

“You’d love it—it’s the largest casino in Italy. All the richest people gamble there.” He also happened to know that the establishment had just updated its currency verifying machines with the latest software.

He motioned to the cash, feigning frustration. “Unfortunately, I left my passport in Rome. There’s no way to change this kind of money without one.”

“I could change it for you,” she blurted, but then checked herself. “I mean, if you want me to.” When he didn’t react, she said, “I have my passport right here,” and reached over to her purse and produced it.

He smiled. He already knew she had a valid passport. He also knew that she had left her home in Naples at the age of 16, and was unknown to anyone in these parts.

* * *

Ten minutes later, they were driving up the coast, heading towards San Remo in a metallic blue Porsche cabriolet, the wind blowing through their hair. It was just before sunset. The highway ran up and down the rugged cliffs along the shore. Soon, the sky exploded into a riot of orange and indigo and violet.

Maria was excited, looking forward to a few more days of luxurious meals, plush accommodations, and expensive presents. Maybe he would buy her a diamond bracelet at the casino gift shop. Why not?

* * *

When they reached San Remo, he surprised her again. He pulled up in front of the sidewalk that led to the casino entrance and handed her the Gucci bag. “Take that inside and convert all of it to casino chips.” He motioned to the other side of the street. “I’m going to have a cup of coffee and catch up on a few business calls I have to make.”

Maria was astounded that he was going to let her walk away with all that cash. When she got out of the car, he leaned over and looked up at her and smiled. “Try not to gamble it all away before I get there!”

She walked up the long sidewalk towards the casino. When the uniformed man opened the door for her, she glanced over her shoulder. Her generous friend was just sitting down at one of the tables at the cafe. He waved at her.

Maria was tempted to try and run away with the money.   But she wasn’t some stupid puttana—she knew better than to try and steal from a man like him.

Carrying the Gucci bag in one hand and feeling very chic and powerful, she went inside the busy currency exchange.

There were security cameras above each counter. Then she noticed a sign on the wall:

- WARNING -

ANYONE CAUGHT TRYING TO PASS AS MUCH AS ONE COUNTERFEIT BANKNOTE ON THESE PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OVER TO THE POLICE

Of course the money she had to change wasn’t fake—she had nothing to worry about.

“Casino chips, please,” she told the male clerk, emptying the bag on the counter.

She was disappointed with his reaction—he only looked bored. “Passport?” he said.

Maria handed it over.

He studied the document, then took a few of the bills and studied them, rubbing them between practiced fingers.

Maria was suddenly terrified. What if this money was fake? She didn’t know the man who had brought her here! He could be a criminal!

With a sinking feeling, she wondered if she was being used to change counterfeit currency.

The clerk began feeding stacks of the notes into a big, complicated-looking machine. It had a red digital display that showed the total amount, the numbers escalating as the bills were swallowed up.

If any of the money was fake, it was too late now. She would be arrested on the spot, just like the sign said. And the man who had supposedly given it to her? Conveniently disappeared.

“Here you are, signora,” the clerk finally said. He handed her a handsome, leather-crafted carrier that was loaded with casino chips.

Thank God, she thought, greatly relieved. She let out a little laugh as she carried the chips into the casino. It was silly of her to think badly of the man she had just spent the last three days in bed with—he was a nice person, she had known it from the start.

She began playing roulette, betting only €50 at a time.

A few minutes later, her friend showed up.

“Ah, there you are!” he said, rushing over to her. He took the chips and placed a drink in her hand and gave her a warm smile. “Come, cara—I will teach you how to play baccarat.”

* * *

He gambled recklessly that night, delighted with the results of the experiment. Within several hours, he had lost €150,000 worth of chips, but he didn’t care.   It was a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of money he would make in the coming months.   He gave Maria €10,000 in chips to gamble with and sat back and watched her lose it.

By 3 am, she was tipsy, and he was getting tired.

“Let’s go back to Vernazza,” he said, stopping her before she placed another bet.

“Vernazza?” she said. She looked disappointed. “I thought we would stay here…”

“It’s silly to waste money on a hotel room here when I own a beautiful villa so close by.”

A guilty look flickered across her face. “I’m sorry I lost all that money…”

“It’s nothing,” he said. “It was thrilling, wasn’t it?”

* * *

By the time they were back at the villa, he found his second wind. He drove his lean, hard body into the young girl, bringing her to a series of toe-curling orgasms.

They lay there for a few minutes, and then he suddenly rose from the bed and started putting on his pants. “I’m buzzing with energy—I can’t sleep. Let’s go for a walk.”

“A walk? Now?”

“Come,” he said, pulling on her hand. “The fresh air will make you feel better.”

“But it’s so late…”

He ignored her protests and helped her get dressed, making sure she wore only her own clothes and not anything that he’d bought for her. When she reached for her wristwatch, he grabbed her hand and impatiently said, “For God’s sake, cara, you’re not going to a fashion show!”

It was windy outside, the sky just hinting at the coming dawn. They walked up the hill, along the cliffs.

Vernazza is part of a cluster of five villages know as the Cinque Terre. They veered off in the direction of Corniglia, the next closest village, which was only 3 km to the south. The path soon became so narrow that they had to walk single file.

“Be careful, cara,” he said, letting her move ahead of him. “It’s slippery in places.”

The sea along this particular stretch of coastline was always rough, the waves breaking over clusters of jagged rocks that were covered with razor-sharp coral. It was not uncommon for hikers to slip and fall down the sheer 200-foot cliff face. Within minutes, their bodies were pulverized into bloody slabs of unidentifiable gristle and bone.

“Isn’t the view incredible?” he said, stopping her after the path widened again.

“Yes,” Maria said, snuggling her back up against his warm chest. Far below, the waves were exploding over the rocks, the spray filling the air with brine.

He kissed the top of her head, hugging her tightly. It was a shame. She was a beautiful girl—he was already developing a paternal, protective feeling for her.

Even though the fake $100 bills had passed through the casino’s verifying machine, they would eventually be detected. She had shown her face on video. Her passport had been in the camera’s field of view as well.

He gently turned her around and kissed her again, aggressively, shoving his tongue deeply into her mouth.

When he drew away, her eyes widened—all at once, somehow, she understood everything.

He shoved her into the abyss.

* * *

A few minutes later, he placed a call to a number at a sprawling dacha on the outskirts of Moscow.

A deep voice answered on the other end. “Da?”

“I have good news, my friend. Our experiment was a smashing success.”

Where can readers find more about your books and you on the Internet?

All my books are available on Amazon, B&N, iTunes, Smashwords, and all the usual places. My Amazon author page is: http://www.amazon.com/Mike-Wells/e/B004MCEC1U/

My website/blog is at http://www.thegreenwater.com

My Twitter address is @MikeWellsAuthor

Mike, thanks you so much for being with us here today. I know my readers will enjoy your work and your interview.

Thank you so much for having me, Sharon! You asked some very good questions, different from the usual interview fare. I really enjoyed answering them.

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PS: Join me (yes, me, Sharon Buchbinder) at The Romance Reviews Year End Splash for a month long event celebrating romance. I’m giving away two (2) e-copies of DESIRE AND DECEPTION. Stop by, chat with authors and enter contests to win lots of really cool prizes!