Sunday Snippet: Kiss of the Virgin Queen

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Sharon Buchbinder

The Hoopoe bird plays a prominent role in many stories about King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba

Happy Mother’s Day! I hope you all have a relaxing day with your loved ones.

Many stories have been written about the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, from four major religions to thousands of novels and movies. My work-in-progress, Kiss of the Virgin Queen, takes place in the spaces between history, religion, and the paranormal. Kiss of the Virgin Queen explores that space and the effects of the epic romance between King Solomon and Queen Makeda that continue to ripple down the centuries to their descendant, Homeland Security Special Agent Eliana Solomon, aka the Jinni Hunter. The following ten sentences pick up from last week’s snippet from the prologue when the Queen of Sheba is a young girl.

The giant creature stood and his head touched the top of the cave. Her voice caught in her throat. He looked like her father had the day she heard the wolf speak, only angrier.

“Hear me, Makeda. You will become the mother of a nation of kings. Go home and prepare yourself. Learn everything you can about love, honor, and becoming a wise and just ruler, so you can teach your son and his son.”

She was terrified of this messenger and his god, but rules were rules. Her own mother had disappeared when she was a baby. Wasn’t that enough evidence that the punishment for non-virgin queens was banishment?

I hope you enjoyed that snippet. Kiss of the Virgin Queen is still a work-in-progress, but you can buy my other books here and I have a newly released paranormal romantic suspense, called Obsession, available now in Kindle format. And here is a link to the short book trailer for Obsession for your amusement. You can find out more about the blog tour for that story here.

In the meantime, be sure to check out the other authors who are participating in Snippet Sunday. Have a great day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did you know it’s that time of year again? Yup, it’s the TRR Sizzling Summer Reads Season! Come on by, play some games, win lots of prizes!!

Interview with Alana Lorens, Author of SECOND CHANCES

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Sharon Buchbinder

I’m delighted to have with me today my fellow Wild Rose Press author, Alana Lorens (aka Barbara Mountjoy) who has been a published writer for over 35 years. In addition to producing massive word counts, Alana also takes care of a husband and a bunch of kids and blogs on a variety of subjects, including autism, science fiction and life at Awalkabout.

Alana, what made you decide to be an author?

I read from the time I was three, and fell in love with romantic suspense by the time I hit junior high school. I guess it was natural that I’d want to write the same genre. I finished my first novel when I was 14, and actually sent it off to Doubleday, who published Victoria Holt’s novels. The editor was so kind and sent me a nice letter of rejection, encouraging me to keep at it. So different from the market today!

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

I love creating, and scenes where I know what HAS to happen and actually MAKING it happen in a way that’s appealing is almost like a drug. When you succeed, it’s like you’re flying over the moon.

What I don’t like is listening to people argue about the future of publishing or traditional vs. small press vs. self-publishing and how one is good and one is bad. There’s certainly room in the world for as many books as people can create. Readers will be able to tell which ones they like. Let’s just get to work and support each other.

How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing?

Particularly in the Pittsburgh Lady Lawyer series, of which SECOND CHANCES is the second volume, I know what it’s like to be a family law attorney practicing in Pennsylvania, and I’ve been to Pittsburgh a lot. Inessa Regan, our heroine, is also not model-thin, and when she’s hurt, she cuddles up with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s to compensate. I like writing about real women.

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?

I’ve never felt this way. My characters don’t get away from me. I’m a control freak like that. Ha!

You’ve written 17 novels and are working on an 18^th AND 19th novel. What’s your favorite time management tip?

What works for me is writing every day, but not necessarily at a set time. I often have “down time” waiting for a kid at the doctor, or waiting on a court hearing to convene, etc., and I make sure I have a notebook to go ahead and write out the next scene or at least outline. By getting my mind working on what’s next, when I actually have an hour to sit down and do it, things go much more smoothly.

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

It depends what kind of deadline I’m on. I try to write during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month (www.nanowrimo.org) each year, to get a first draft done for a book to edit during the next year. For that, I’ll write character sketches and outlines the month before so I can just concentrate on getting the words on the page. Same with some of the genre fiction I write where the formula is expected.

On the other hand, the ménage sci-fi romance I’m writing now is just flowing chapter by chapter, and I’m not really sure exactly how it’s getting where it’s going. J It’s discovery for me, too!

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

Never give up on your dream. I finished my first novel when I was 14 but didn’t get a contract for 39 more years. And now I’ve got four publishers, 17 novels and the dream I’ve always wanted.

Tell me more about SECOND CHANCES.

When Inessa Regan gets a pink slip, laid off from her law firm at the age of 42, without prospects she’s sure her life is over. She hides from the world, until her neighbor brings her a client, a young Iraq war veteran dying of cancer.

Kurt Lowdon only wants to make sure his affairs are in order should the worst happen, but meeting Inessa gives him encouragement on the road to recovery. His quest to help her realize her self-worth leads them into dangers they never expected, as horrors from the war and long-hidden family secrets come back to haunt them.

How about an excerpt from SECOND CHANCES?

Sure! This scene takes place after one of Kurt’s friends has a disturbing encounter at his parents’ home. Inessa is handling his divorce. Kurt, Rafe and his soon-to-be ex Susan all served in Iraq together:

Kurt was present on a Thursday morning near the end of June when Rafe burst through the door. Inessa, working on some papers in her office, heard the veteran’s gasping breaths as he yelled, “Top? You gotta do something!”

She had started out of her office before Kurt called her, but she wasn’t prepared when the young man pulled a dead gray cat out of his black backpack. “What the—”

“It’s my mother’s pet,” Rafe exclaimed through clenched teeth. “Sus killed my mother’s cat and nailed it to the garage door.”

A sensation of writhing worms passed through Inessa’s gut and she turned away from the bloody carcass, wishing she could get the image out of her mind, but it stayed there, like a bright afterimage in the dark. “Sweet Lord.”

“Rafe. Put that thing away,” Kurt ordered, his voice choked. He’d risen to his feet and stood stiff, watching them both. “Now, Private!”

“But—yes, Sarge.”

Inessa waited till the animal was hidden again before she first took a glance, then came to perch on the edge of the secretary’s desk, where Kurt had been loading an anti-virus program onto the future secretary’s computer. She had to force herself to look at Rafe. “Did you call the police?”

Face worn with lack of sleep, Rafe tossed the backpack over near the door, blood still on his hands. He wiped them on his pants. “Sure, my mother called them. They said if we didn’t see someone do it, they couldn’t do a damn thing. But you and I both know it was her.”

“You know where she is, Rafe?” Kurt walked over and put an arm around his shoulders. The picture was Mutt and Jeff to Inessa’s view: the strapping former bomb defuser with the debilitated former sergeant, the smaller of the two clearly the superior.

“Now, Top—”

Kurt pulled away. “You’ve been together, haven’t you?”

That got Inessa’s attention, although she wasn’t totally surprised when Rafe nodded.

“She met me last night up at the Wendy’s on West Liberty. Just to talk. Just to see if we could, you know… if I could help her in some way,”

“Oh, man.” Kurt blew air between pursed lips. “You know that’s not going to get you anywhere.”

“She sounded okay, Top, like herself again. I just thought that maybe she got medicated, maybe she was doing better.”

Inessa watched the anxious young veteran and compared his shamed attitude with that of any number of other abuse victims she’d represented. Inexplicable to those outside the relationship, they often went back, drawn by financial considerations, by coercion, often only by the hope and a promise that everything would change. Why wouldn’t they? Even abusers could be charming when they wanted to be. If you knew they could be so wonderful, why shouldn’t you hope they could always be that way?

“But apparently she wasn’t.”

Rafe shrugged. “She started out that way. She was even flirting. The way she tore into that food, I don’t think she’d eaten for days. But when I paid for the burgers, she grabbed my change. After, she demanded money. Said it was my fault she got kicked out of the apartment and she had to have a place to sleep the night.”

“You didn’t take her to your parents’ house?” Kurt said.

“Of course I didn’t.” Rafe sounded insulted. “I gave her another fifty, that’s all I had. She was angry there wasn’t more. She started making threats. Getting loud. The manager tossed us out and said he was calling the cops. She was yelling there in the parking lot, cursing me and men in general. I couldn’t talk to her. I tried, Top, I owed her that much.”

“I know you felt like you had to,” Kurt said.

“Finally I just got in my car and left her there. I stayed up awhile when I got home, sitting out on the porch with my pistol, but nothing.” He glanced at his backpack. “Then this morning, that.”

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

Website: http://alanalorens.com

Facebook:
Facebook Fan Page

Book Trailer(s): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEMtSxd6FQQ

Buy Links: http://www.amazon.com/Second-Chances-ebook/dp/B008CVY09Q/ref=la_B005GE0WBC_1_3_title_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1367343736&sr=1-3

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-chances-alana-lorens/1111662223?ean=9781612710808

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

Thanks for having me! I enjoyed visiting with you and your readers. J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did you know it’s that time of year again? Yup, it’s the TRR Sizzling Summer Reads Season! Come on by, play some games, win lots of prizes!!

Snippet Sunday: Kiss of the Virgin Queen

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Sharon Buchbinder

The Hoopoe bird plays a prominent role in many stories about King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba

She peeked up through strands of curly black hair. “Why me?”
“Your son will rule a great kingdom.”
Despite her fear, the notion of being a mother tickled her gut and tore huge gulps of laughter out of her throat. She wasn’t even a woman yet.
The creature stared at her. “You dare to laugh?”
The girl struggled to regain her self-control. “I’m never going to marry. I will never have children—”

I hope you enjoyed that snippet. Kiss of the Virgin Queen is still a work-in-progress, but you can buy my other books here and I have a newly released paranormal romantic suspense, called Obsession, available now in Kindle format. And here is a link to the short book trailer for Obsession for your amusement. You can find out more about the blog tour for that story here.

In the meantime, be sure to check out the other authors who are participating in Snippet Sunday. Have a great day!

Interview with Kimberly Kincaid, Author of Drawing the Line

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Sharon Buchbinder

I am delighted to have my friend, Kimberly Kincaid, with me today to talk about her new release, Drawing the Line. Kimberly writes contemporary romance novels that split the difference between sexy and sweet, taking the traditional idea of boy-meets-girl and infusing it with a sassy magic all her own. She believes in fiery yet flawed characters destined for a crash-course in falling in love– usually the hard way– and injects her trademark humor as well as poignant touches into her writing to create her stories.

Kimberly, what made you decide to be an author, specifically a romance author?

Not to put too fine a point on it, there are lots of voices in my head and I wanted to put them to good use J I have a really busy imagination, and it is constantly whispering stories to me. I have always loved to write, and channeling those stories from my brain to the page just made sense.

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

I love almost everything about being a writer! The down-the-hall commute is fantastic, even if the work day is never 9-5. The only drawback is that, like with any full-time, high-intensity job, it takes a lot to balance being a writer with my “real” life. Thankfully, my husband is wildly patient, and my kids like Cheerios for dinner when I’m on deadline.

How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing romance?

I write foodie romance, where food shapes the story in some way (usually through the characters’ professions— I write a lot of chefs and caterers and bakers and the like). Since I was raised in a family where “food is love”, I’ve definitely carried that over. Cooking (and eating!) has a huge place in my heart and my family.

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?

I often joke that my characters are way more in charge of their books than I am. I’m just the conduit! My second Pine Mountain book (Gimme Some Sugar, coming from Kensington in 2014) had a different heroine at first. I started writing it, and the hero kept telling me, “But I really like that woman over there!” After about 10,000 words of me trying to give him the “wrong” girl, I gave up and wrote the heroine he wanted. Best thing I ever did. The book poured right out from there.

You’ve written two novellas, three full-length novels and are working on a fourth novel. What’s your favorite time management tip?

I’ve published two novellas, written another scheduled for release in October 2013, and have completed three full-length novels to be released next year. I’m currently working on one more novella for my digital series, as well as my fourth full-length Pine Mountain book. I’d like to say I’m good at time management, but the truth is…I like Facebook too much! I am a big list-maker though. So I’ll say making realistic to-do lists and sticking to them. Without too many Facebook breaks!

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

My critique partners will laugh at this— organic is my favorite word! I am a total plotter. I have tried to pants my way through things and it just turns out like a mess. But I am very, very true to writing organically. I think we must honor what comes out as part of the process, whether it be plotted or unplanned. For me, it’s the best way to cultivate voice.

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

Persevere. PERSEVERE (it’s important enough to deserve eye-blinding caps, friends). It is okay to quit every single day as long as you get up fifteen minutes later and start again. Sticking with it is the biggest key to success, and is how we invent and reinvent ourselves as writers. Persevere!

What is the theme song for this book, the one you kept listening to as you wrote the story?

I am SO glad to see this question! It is “Gone, Gone, Gone” by American Idol cutie Phillip Phillips. I have worn a hole in my iPod playing it over and over. It just embodies the “I will be there for you no matter what” flavor of Jason and Serenity’s story to me.

Tell me more about Drawing the Line.

When Detective Jason Morgan is tasked with keeping a local restaurant owner safe as part of a make-or-break case, he rises to the challenge. The job is his first priority, and he owes it to the memory of his father, a detective killed in the line of duty, to do it at any cost. But Jason never expected Serenity Gallagher to be so beautiful, so serious…or so tough to protect.

Serenity has moved from place to place at the whim of her capricious mother all her life. The last thing she wants is to leave the diner she finally calls home, even if it means being stuck with a sexy blue-eyed detective. But she’s the only witness to a horrible crime, and the man behind it wants her very, very dead. Going into protective custody means survival, no matter how much Serenity hates hiding.

As Jason and Serenity bide their time together, they are shocked to discover they have much more in common than the surface reveals. But keeping her safe is Jason’s number one priority, no matter how much he’s drawn in by the woman beneath the witness, and Serenity’s past makes it difficult to trust. As the stakes get higher and the spark burns hotter, can Jason and Serenity draw the line?

How about an excerpt from Drawing the Line?

“Is everything okay in here? I heard a crash from the nurse’s station.” The nurse looked down at the still-overturned blood pressure monitor, then narrowed her eyes on Serenity’s wardrobe change. “You shouldn’t be out of bed. And where’s your gown?”

Serenity’s dark eyes went as round as her mouth, and she took a step back, bumping to a halt against the edge of the bed rail. “I, um…I…”

“It’s actually my fault,” Jason said, stepping in to give the nurse a sheepish smile while he blocked Serenity from the woman’s view. “I knocked right into this thing while I was helping Ms. Gallagher back to her bed so she could rest while she waits for her release papers. I’m so sorry, I didn’t even see it.” He tossed up his hands in a whoops-like approximation, cranking up his most winning smile as he reached down to set the rolling stand back to rights, and God bless her, the nurse bit hook, line and stethoscope.

“Oh.” The nurse blushed, her attention diverted. “I apologize, detective. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay down here.”

“Everything’s great,” Jason said, choosing as much genuine truth as possible while still cultivating an advantage. “Sorry to alarm you.”

The woman’s glance flickered over Jason’s shoulder, where Serenity must’ve given some sign of acknowledgment, because the woman headed toward the door without wasting so much as a step. “Just use the call button if you need anything. And please stay in bed, Ms. Gallagher. Just because your MRI came back clear doesn’t mean you should be running around. It’s easy to get dizzy with a head injury, even if you think you feel fine.”

He waited until the door bumped shut against its frame before turning to lift his brows at Serenity, who perched on the edge of the bed even though every inch of her body language had her poised for the door.

Nope. No chance. Jason angled himself directly into her exit path, smiling to temper the move. “Now where were we? Ah, right. I was helping you get back into bed,” he said, stepping in to pull back the thin cotton blanket and offer up his hand.

Her expression was wary, but she balanced it out with a firm grip of her fingers over his as she replaced herself against the mattress. “Why did you cover for me?” Serenity asked, and Lord, he was a sucker for a woman who got right to business. Her eyes flicked to the spot on his shoulder that blocked her view of the door, and okay, yeah. She meant a lot of business.

“I didn’t think you getting on the nurse’s bad side would help either of our causes,” Jason said, shocking himself at the straight answer.

Her brow popped high enough to disappear under the dark fringe of her bangs, and even though she made a good effort to cover the resulting wince, he caught it. “And what causes would those be?”

“You want to get out of here against medical advice pretty badly, Ms. Gallagher. And I don’t want to let you.”

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

Website: www.kimberlykincaid.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kimberly.kincaid1

Twitter: @kimberlykincaid

Buy Links: http://www.amazon.com/Love-On-The-Line-ebook/dp/B00BL77PKO/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_0880

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

Thanks for having me! Enjoy the book, but don’t read hungry!

Interview with Mimi Sebastian, Author of The Necromancer’s Seduction

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Sharon Buchbinder

I am delighted to have my fellow member of the Paranormal Romance Guild, Mimi Sebastian, with me today to talk about her upcoming release, The Necromancer’s Seduction. Noemi Ghirghi writes as Mimi Sebastian and raised herself on books and the strange and unusual with an unhealthy dose of comics and Saturday morning cartoons. Loving angst-filled romance thrown in the mix, she decided to blend all those elements in a steamy mix in her first necromancer urban fantasy, the Necromancer Books. The first book, The Necromancer’s Seduction, debuts July 15, 2013, with ImaJinn Books.

Noemi spent two years in the Ivory Coast with the Peace Corps and loves to introduce tid-bits from her experiences in her writing. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA. A transplant from the beaches of Florida, Noemi now wanders the desert in Phoenix, AZ, and attempts to balance writing with a day career, fantastic family, and household diva: her Amazon parrot.

Mimi, what made you decide to be an author?

I’ve always written, from journals to poetry, short stories. When the story for the Necromancer’s Seduction came to me, I just started writing it out without really knowing where I’d go with it. One thing led to another. I finished the manuscript. I started taking classes on queries, etc. I joined RWA. I edited. I sent out some queries. It was very organic. So I’m not sure I decided to become an author. More like it decided for me.

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

The best are those aha moments when a really cool plot detail comes to you or when the writing is just flowing and flowing. Makes up for the times when it trickles out in between the teeth pulling. The best is also forging friendships with other wonderful authors. The least? The fear of people not liking your stories.

How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing?

I’ve traveled a lot. Lived in Brazil, West Africa, Europe. I kept copious journals during those times. (I swore I’d try to get my travel stories published. I still might.) Those experiences helped a lot with observing other cultures and writing about them. I was also a big letter writer (before e-mail and Facebook) In college, I wrote lots of letters to my old high school friends and also while in the Peace Corps. Letters were our only way of connecting to the U.S. at that time (this was 1996-1998). E-mail wasn’t widely used yet, especially not in Africa. And for me, writing letters was like writing little stories to my friends. I enjoyed it immensely.

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?

Yes. It’s so exciting when that happens. I can remember a couple of specific moments. When I wrote the first chapter of the second book in the necromancer books: The Necromancer’s Betrayal. It just came out, non-stop, ten pages in one shot. That was amazing. And the pirate historical I wrote was like that. The scenes just kept coming, one after another. Writing the pirate historical was extremely organic.

You’ve written three novels and are working on a fourth novel. What’s your favorite time management tip?

Because I have a day job and family, this is extremely important. I don’t necessarily plan out each day, but I look at my long-term deadlines and goals, and then set monthly, realistic goals, then break those down to weekly. It’s all about the breakdown and being realistic. When I see that I’m meeting the goals, I know I’m on track, but more importantly, I feel like I accomplished something.

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

I don’t outline ahead of time. I let the story come to me first, which usually means the beginning and end with a few scenes in between. After that, I outline, but usually the final draft of the book looks much different than the original outline.

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

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. After you complete one novel, start another one so if you query on the first novel and get rejections, you have another novel to focus on. Keep writing.

Tell me more about The Necromancer’s Seduction.

She has never feared the walking dead. It’s the power required to reanimate the dead that startles her, seduces her. The power that dwells inside her…and is growing.

For Professor Ruby Montagne, being a necromancer has brought her nothing but heartache, and she walked away from that part of her life long ago. However, her quiet existence in San Francisco is shattered when she stumbles upon the body of a slain witch, and the supernatural community insists she transform him into a revenant to track the killer. But his murder was just the beginning, and Ruby soon realizes that the stakes are higher than anyone can imagine—and that revenants have nasty minds of their own.

Now demonic creatures have escaped into the human world, and zombies once again walk the streets. For humanity’s sake, Ruby forms an unlikely alliance with a witch, a zombie, and Ewan March, a demon warrior who sets her senses on fire. She’s always distrusted demons and Ewan is no exception, but circumstances push them closer together, and Ruby not only finds it harder to resist him, she isn’t sure she even wants to. But she suspects his job of patrolling the portal separating humans and demons conceals a dark and deadly past that may consume them both.

With events spiraling out of control, Ruby unravels a plot that not only threatens the human and demon realms, but puts Ruby’s very soul in jeopardy. Because when the dead walk, no one is safe. Especially Ruby.

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

Website: http://www.mimisebastian.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NecromancerSeriesMimiSebastianAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SebastianMimi

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

Interview with Tara Mills, Author of Accidents Make the Heart Grow Fonder

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Sharon Buchbinder

I’m delighted to have my fellow Rose from the Wild Rose Press, Tara Mills, to tell us about herself and her new release, Accidents Make the Heart Grow Fonder.

What made you decide to be an author?

From early childhood, I’ve loved reading and books. By age twelve, that love took a new direction because I’d been given a typewriter for Christmas. I converted my vanity into a desk and started tapping out stories and poems of my own. Some I even illustrated. I’ve wanted to be writer ever since.

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

I love allowing my imagination off its leash. I’m also a romantic so I’ve been matchmaking, in my head anyway, for decades. What don’t I enjoy as much? The grind of promotion and marketing that goes with putting a book out. It’s mentally exhausting.

How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing?

I’ve always been a quiet observer and a big reader. I think those two qualities are important in a developing writer, no matter what their age. Writers get almost a prism effect when we look at people and situations. Those facets both complicate and enrich our work. That ability to see more than a flat picture is essential when writing a multitude of viewpoints and positions. I don’t know where it comes from, but I think it’s an innate skill that writers possess and need to share.

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?

Oh my, yes! Accidents Make the Heart Grow Fonder was a whirlwind for me. It felt like I was possessed by a thrilling energy and all I could do was take dictation. Sometimes I could hardly keep up. The most unexpected part of it all was breaking into spontaneous laughter at what I was reading on my screen. I was absolutely perplexed at what I was seeing but loving it! I wish all of my books came so effortlessly. Accidents was so much fun to write, and believe it or not, just as fun to edit.

You’ve written seven novels and are working on an eighth novel. What’s your favorite time management tip?

I still struggle with managing my time more effectively. I try to write my blog very early in the morning, catch up on my messages and social media after that. Then I close down the laptop and head to my desktop upstairs. I have to leave my internet connections off if I’m going to write, otherwise, the constant beeping of new messages keeps pulling me away. That’s it really—nothing more than closing that door so you can write.

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

I used to say that I’m a pantser but I’m probably more of a plantser. A little of each. I know the general structure of a story and I’m pretty certain about how the turning points will play out, but the body of it, all the scenes that add life and meat to the skeleton come organically. That approach has worked for me through all of my books. Unfortunately, I’m thinking I might need to plot my work in progress because that spontaneity I’ve relied on for so long is off on a shopping trip, maxing out the credit cards, and she’s ignoring my desperate calls and messages to get back here and help me out. I think I need to replace her.

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

Read! Read everything you can, fiction and nonfiction. Appreciate good writing and elegant sentences wherever you find it. Don’t simply read for entertainment, but explore what you appreciate most about your favorite authors and learn from it. Passionate readers make the best writers.

Did music help you find your muse with this book? If yes, which song did you find yourself going back to over and over again as you wrote?

Queen’s song, Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

Tell me more about Accidents Make the Heart Grow Fonder. Here’s the blurb:

Sabrina Eckhart is losing it. Oasis, the restaurant she manages is getting battered by a trendy newcomer, and with everyone looking to her for ideas, you could say she’s under a little pressure. But wait, that’s not all. Her evil landlady has given her until the end of the month to vacate her crummy apartment. And her thirtieth birthday is looming, reminding her of the milestones she’s missed. No wonder she’s distracted and driving off the rails…down the sidewalk, and nearly running over the man with amazing glutes.

Jackson Murphy is an avid jogger, and the local television station’s scrumptious news director— if he can keep the job. Unfortunately, he has one year to resuscitate their wheezing news department or the owners are going to pull the plug. His hands are already full even without Sabrina dropping into them. The last thing he needs is to be involved with a publicity stunt.

The road to love is bumpy. It’ll take all of Cupid’s arrows, and a lot of interference from friends, for these two to win the Dating Game.

How about an excerpt from Accidents?

Terrific! Here’s the set up, Jackson’s just finishing talking to his new anchor about a distracting love triangle in the news department. He told the guy to fix it—now, or he’d fix it for him and he wasn’t going to like the consequences. Jackson doesn’t want to get pulled into the middle of things, but it’s become a disruption. Only afterwards, left alone in his office, does his mind drift to his own nonexistent love life.

Jackson rubbed his eyes and groaned. The road to love was paved with stones and all that crap. How could anyone resist? He looked at his phone and weighed the pros and cons of picking it up, then picked it up anyway. He did a search for the Oasis and put in a call.

“Oasis,” a woman answered.

“I’m calling for Sabrina Eckhart?”

“Yes, I’ll transfer you.”

This was madness. He cut the call and dropped the phone as if it stung his fingers. The woman was dangerous. Sure she was pretty, had a great smile, fantastic body, even her soft drunken snoring was kind of cute, but she was a disaster waiting to happen. Hang on, what had he said to Van? Threes. Bad luck came in threes. Counting them off, he patted the top of his desk remembering, the body slam into the wall was one, the car accident—that was two, and the ankle was three.

How gutsy did he honestly feel? He eyed his phone for a beat and picked it up again. Shaking his head, he looked at Crush the turtle, draped over his computer screen and said in his perfect surfer voice, “I’ve got serious thrill issues, dude.”

“Oasis,” the same woman said again.

“Yes, hi, I called for Sabrina Eckhart but I was disconnected.”

“Oh, I’m sorry about that. I’ll try to transfer you again.”

“Thank you.”

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

Website: Tara Mills Romance

Facebook: Facebook

Twitter: Twitter

Buy Links:

Accidents Make the Heart Grow Fonder is currently available on Amazon and Amazon UK. After the official June 7^th release date, it will be widely available.

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

My pleasure, Sharon. I can’t wait to have you visit me on my blog next!

Rachel Brimble says, “Anything is possible!”

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Sharon Buchbinder

Since I’ve been promoting my debut release with Harlequin Superromance, the single thing I’ve been asked most often is how I ‘broke into’ Harlequin when they are mistakenly known for not taking on new authors. So I thought today, I’d answer this question as best I can.

First of all, nothing is going to happen for any aspiring writer overnight and it was certainly no different for me. I started writing (and learning!) to write by cutting my teeth on short stories for women’s magazines…and after MANY rejections, I quickly realized writing short stories is an art form in itself. One that isn’t for me! I just cannot write succinctly enough to pen a good and riveting story in 1,500 words or less. I’m in awe of writers who can!

Feeling slightly dejected but still determined, I scoured the internet for publishers taking on bigger stories from unagented authors. At this stage, I decided I needed to jump in feet first and go for my dream of becoming a published romance novelist.

As I’m a Brit, living in the UK, it made sense that I looked for a UK publisher. I couldn’t find any particularly interested in romance. Women’s fiction, yes, but not mainstream romance. At the time, I was signed up for several online writing courses––which I can’t recommend enough as an affordable way for aspiring writers to hone their craft––and spoke to my fellow students of my frustration across the pond. Someone recommended I try a new and upcoming US publisher called The Wild Rose Press. I submitted my first 65,000 completed novel and HURRAH!!, it was accepted.

This gave me the much-needed boost to continue writing, which I did with a single-mindedness that is more often than not, looked down upon when you are a stay-at-home wife and mom. Guilt set in that I wanted more in my life than looking after my family all day, every day. I pushed it aside. I NEEDED something just for me.

As I continued to write and learn, I began entering the fabulous RWA first chapter contests––again, I cannot recommend this valuable experience enough. These contests provide the opportunity of receiving valuable feedback, and if you a final, a chance to get in front of editors of big romance publishers while avoiding the slush pile. A word of caution though, do take the comments onboard as and how you wish. Your writing is YOURS and you must remain true to that, always. I had one judge tell me to ‘give up now, you’ll never be published.’ What I wouldn’t give …

Fast forward two years and four novels later, and I felt ready to approach agents––and was quickly met with over 30 rejections from UK agents *sigh* After much deliberation, the notion to submit to US agents started to gather momentum. After all, I was published in the US, maybe that it was where my career destiny lie! I started to submit and was soon offered representation by the fabulous, Dawn Dowdle and I haven’t looked back since. Dawn has taught me so much and my writing improved significantly within six months of signing with her.

Things started to happen quickly and when Dawn submitted to Harlequin, the book was accepted after a single round of revisions, then my Victorian romance, “The Seduction of Emily” (coming in April), was accepted by eKensington in a two-book deal. With a further Harlequin Superromance coming in August and two more under way, I am one happy lady!

Would I have ‘broke into’ Harlequin without an agent? I can’t say yes or no to that, but what I do know is that Harlequin are always actively looking for new authors and as far as I’ve learned, the key ingredient they are looking for is, emotion, emotion emotion. Tons of it, heaped on with good, deep POV. Let your reader know what the characters of thinking, feeling, doubting, fearing, loving and enjoying ALL the time. In every paragraph, scene and chapter. Use dialogue as much as possible, less narrative and more action.

I cringe when I hear people claim it’s not possible to break from small press to traditional publishers – it is! It may take time, it may take huge amounts of disappointment, hard work and tenacity but it IS possible. The only people guaranteed for whom it won’t happen, is the people who quit. KEEP WRITING!!

Rachel’s debut Harlequin Superromance is available right now – here’s the blurb and links:

Old friends, new secrets

Sergeant Cat Forrester lives by her own set of rules. When her childhood friend is murdered, Cat’s world is thrown into chaos. Especially because Jay Garrett-a man from her past-is a suspect, and he needs her help to prove he’s innocent. After all they once shared, how can she say no?

The attraction flares between them, and getting involved with a suspect is a huge risk. But the more time Cat spends with Jay, the stronger the tug on her heart. He is the same caring, irresistible man she remembers. Yet she can’t let her emotions interfere with the case—solving it is top priority. But as she digs deeper, she discovers Jay has secrets that may jeopardize any possible future together.

Amazon US

Barnes & Noble

Book Depository UK

Bio:

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington–her debut was released in April 2013.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England…although she hopes a dream visit to Canada might just change her mind!

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Links:

Friday Quickie: Interview with Niecey Roy, Author of Fender Bender Blues

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Sharon Buchbinder

I am delighted to have my colleague from the Wild Rose Press, Niecey Roy with me today. She became a writer at a young age, but her moment of enlightenment came after watching the movie You’ve Got Mail. It was then she realized her place in life and happily parked her butt on romance. With her husband as her writing muse, Niecey loves to cook, enjoy the river and sun with her family, which is very important to her. When her fingers need a break, you will find her at a table with friends, drinking a few martinis and showing off a new pair of heels.

Niecey what made you decide to be an author?

I’m a bookworm and my addiction to books started when I was very young. I was in awe of the authors and in love with the idea of writing my own words down for others to read. I knew I wanted to write books by the third grade. It wasn’t something I questioned!

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

I love everything about writing. Mostly, I love the fact that while I write, I feel like I’m living vicariously through my characters, and I can be anything or anywhere in those moments I’m creating on paper. It’s why I love to read so much. The thing I don’t enjoy about writing is feeling the pressure of deadlines. I don’t like to feel rushed when I’m creating a story.

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 a pantser, but when I’m on a time constraint to get a book done (like now) I like to write down key plot points and an outline of chapters. If while I write the story goes in a different direction (which it sometimes will), I of course have to go with it.

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

Read. Read everything you can get your hands on.

Tell me more about Fender Bender Blues.

Her life took a wrong turn. He’s driven by success. They didn’t count on crashing into love…

Rachel Bennett loved her job until the day she finds herself doubting her choices. Now she’s hunting for a new career, but starting over isn’t easy. Her plan is simple—no distractions until she finds her dream job. She didn’t plan on fate throwing her a curveball in the form of a fender bender with a sexy guy in an expensive suit.

Craig Larsen is a wealthy, successful business owner with a plan of his own: survive his current PR nightmare and stay away from his overly determined ex-girlfriend. His need for control and personal success is turned upside down when he meets Rach, a sassy redhead who can’t drive.

Soon they find themselves battling with Rach’s grumpy old neighbor, toilet-papering the trees of a high school nemesis, and fighting over the last slice of pizza. Can two very different people plus one fender bender equal a chance at forever?

How about an excerpt from Fender Bender Blues?

“Classic cars, garden gnomes, and steamy romance? My kind of book!”

~Bestselling Author Kate Perry

“Now what?”

“Nothing.” Rach sniffed.

Craig shifted to eye her warily. “Since when do you answer me with single words?”

“Since I decided I’m not talking to you,” she answered with a shrug, crumpling up the white paper wrapper from her sub.

Craig leaned his face in close to her neck and enjoyed the startled jerk of her shoulders. Her eyes opened wide in surprise. His breath shifted a few strands of hair at the nape of her neck as he whispered, “Why, because you want me?”

“You’re incorrigible,” she said, breathless, her cheeks flushed.

She’s enjoying this. The thought pleased him. Rach was on her back beside him now, her eyes closed. He glanced around the park to see if anyone was watching. No one was. He could swoop in for a kiss and no one would catch him. No one would care, he told himself. She won’t mind…

“I can feel you staring.”

Craig smiled down at her. “So what.”

She peeked at him with one green eye. “So stop it.”

“And if I don’t?” Maybe she’d tackle him, push him down on the blanket and…

She didn’t. She promptly closed her eye and went back to pretending indifference. “I’ll hit you, that’s what.”

“Not if I do this, you won’t.”

He’d only meant it to be a short kiss, but the pleasure of touching his lips to hers kept him there longer. Her tongue was velvet soft and warm against his and the slow mating of their mouths quickened his heartbeat even as he told himself, It’s no big deal, just a kiss.

She nipped his bottom lip and sent heat sliding through his body. The woman could kiss.

She whispered soft against his lips, “Now why don’t you admit that it’s you who wants me.”

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

My website! www.nieceyroy.com

I’m also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/NieceyRoyRomanceAuthor and twitter https://twitter.com/#!/NieceyRoy.

Fender Bender Blues eBook is FREE on Amazon until March 9!!! http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Bender-Blues-ebook/dp/B00B5L71YQ

You can also get the print book of Fender Bender Blues from Amazon or from The Wild Rose Press. http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Bender-Blues-Niecey-Roy/dp/1612177417/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191&products_id=5145

Niecey, thank 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 today! And thanks to everyone stopping by! Grab your free copy of Fender Bender Blues at Amazon!

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It’s The Romance Reviews 2nd Anniversary and the party has started!

Stop by to play games and win prizes!

Interview with Elissa Daye, Author of IN FLAMES and IN RAPTURE

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Sharon Buchbinder

Ever since childhood, I have enjoyed reading stories as an escape from life. When I was a teenager I started to write my own stories that kept me entertained whenever I ran out of books to read. When I was accepted into Illinois Summer School for the Arts in my Junior year of High School, I knew I wanted to become a writer. I graduated from Illinois State University in December 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and began my teaching career, hoping to find moments to write in my free time.

After seven years of teaching, I decided to focus on my writing and made the decision to put my teaching years behind me so that I could create the stories I had always dreamed of. I am now happily married and a stay at home mom. I try my best to master the art of multitasking to get everything accomplished and write in any spare moment I can find.

Please tell us about your novels. What inspired you to write them?

Sometimes it’s a moment in time, an image that gets trapped inside my mind, or my imagination takes over. I come up with a general idea and then start to imagine how it works, where it will go, and how to get there. Sometimes I like to write in absolute silence, sometimes with music blasting. I never know what my muse needs all the time, but once I figure it out the words seem to flow freely.

Who is your favorite character and why?

My main characters from both books are my favorite. It’s hard to pick just one of them, for I try to build strong likable women, women who are not tied down to any preconceived notions of what it means to be a woman. These women are fighting in a world that pushed them aside, made them ashamed to be free with their ancient magic, and stifled their abilities to the point that most of them were in hiding.

Lysandra, from In Flames, has such a passion for life, despite her troubled circumstances. Her strong will drives the story forward. From the very beginning of the story she has learned to be a survivor who makes the best of her circumstances, all the while never losing who she is. She finds the ability to not only love Aiden, the man who is her captor and eventually her mate, but to find the power of love within herself, a power tied directly to the Adrianic magic that is handed down to every woman of Lena, a power that she had been shielded from her entire life.

Malinda, from In Rapture, knows that love is one of the most powerful things that can change a person’s life. While most people would be happy to fall in love, Malinda has learned from her past experiences that love can break a person apart and change them in the most destructive ways. She has to learn how to love without losing herself completely, and find the courage to believe that love can change people for the better as well. I feel I relate the most to this character, for I find a lot of me in Malinda.

What made you decide to write a book?

I’ve had scenes stuck in my mind for years, of what I would write if I wrote a romance novel. My first book, In Flames, gave me a chance to get some of those scenes out. When I realized the freedom of creating characters that knew magic or shape shifted, the whole story became even more exciting. There really aren’t the same limitations on the romance genre that there used to be.

Who are the writers that inspire you the most?

This question is hard to answer, as my favorite authors have changed over the years. As a child, I loved C.S. Lewis, Jean Craighead George, and Judy Blume. I absolutely love J.K. Rowling and respect the change she has brought to the literary world for children. Right now though, I would have to say that my colleagues inspire me. Those that have come before me and ushered me through this process, they have my utmost respect. There are so many members of my World Castle Publishing family, and we generally support each other down the publishing road. I also find a lot of inspiration from authors who are involved with the Paranormal Romance Guild. There are so many talented authors who are writing in paranormal romance genre and I am lucky to be one of them.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Inspiration, sometimes it’s fleeting, especially if your engine is running on low. For me I get inspiration from those around me who support my dreams to become better with each book. I see my fellow writers putting out book after book. These same people encourage you to keep going. When I edited In Rapture, I found a lot of inspiration from my editor to make the second book the best it could be. We are now going back to put the same inspiration into the first book. Writing is a never-ending process of becoming better with each effort you put forth.

If you were an animal what would you be and why?

I’m a wolf of course. I can’t decide if I want to be a golden wolf like one of my characters of In Flames, or a white wolf that comes later in the third book. But a wolf, nonetheless. Wolves are majestic creatures, very loyal to their pack, and fierce protectors of their own. Wild and playful, simple and true. These animals have gone through so much destruction and annihilation that their mere presence almost haunts the forest.

What is your fave food?

Right now I think I am more a steak and potato girl than anything else. You really cannot beat a nice tenderized and flavorful steak. Add a loaded baked potato and I’m good for awhile.

What is the one writing tip you want to pass on to others?

Never give up. Keep working on your book until you have polished it to the best of your capabilities. Get a good set of beta readers who will tell you where the problem areas are. Don’t settle for someone who is going to pat you on the back, stroke your ego, and not tell you what needs work. When they have reviewed your work and have given you things to edit, do it, but then go back again and read your story. It is necessary to read your book almost to the point where you are tired of reading it. Then, and only then, can you step away for a moment. If you do not do these things, getting published is going to be so much harder for you.

You have the floor, what is the one thing you want to pass on?

Be happy with any amount of words you get written each day. Celebrate ANY amount of progress. Get involved with people who can lead you in the direction you want to go. Never give up on your dreams.

Links where you can be found?

http://daenira.wordpress.com

http://www.amazon.com/Elissa-Daye/e/B008K1YK48/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com/author-elissa-daye.html

Twitter @daenira

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Elissa-Daye/167094080042272

First Kisses with Tawny Weber

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Sharon Buchbinder

Ahh, the awesomeness of firsts! First meets. First dates. And best of all, first kisses. The building anticipation, the delicious reactions, the swelling power of the feelings that kiss releases. Yep, these are right up there with some of the major reasons we read romance novels, right?! Or is that just me?

As fabulous as all those firsts are, it’s the first kiss I’m always the most excited bout. To me, that first kiss says so much about the relationship – about the conflict, about the heat, and about how the couple themselves.

The first kiss in my latest release, A SEAL’s Seduction takes place after a walk on the beach. Alexia doesn’t know a lot about Blake yet, just that he’s the gorgeous guy she met on the beach earlier that day, and that he’s arrived in her life at a really bad time. But sometimes, timing doesn’t matter. Sometimes rules just get in the way. And sometimes, common sense has no chance against red, hot desire!

What do you think? Are you a fan of first kisses?

A SEAL’s Seduction blurb:

Subject: Navy SEAL Lieutenant Blake Landon CurrentStatus: Two weeks of enforced leave 

Mission: Distract himself in any way possible

Obstacle: A woman who tempts him to break the rules…including his own!

Navy SEAL Blake Landon (a.k.a. “Boy Scout”) knows the rulebook inside and out. Checked. Rechecked. But when a mission ends badly, his entire team is ordered on leave. And that’s when Blake sees the tall redhead whose dark eyes suggest that the rules— especially those in bed—are made to be broken.

Scientist Alexia Lane has sex on the brain—partly for work, but mostly because she needs a man who makes her girly parts do the happy dance. Her only no-no? No military dudes. But Blake’s rockin’ bod promises delicious pleasures, and Alexia is halfway to sexual Nirvana before she can find out he’s actually a Navy SEAL.

And where one rule is broken, more are sure to follow….

A SEAL’s Seduction excerpt:

She was in trouble. Knee-deep, sinking fast, scream for help before it’s too late, trouble.

Alexia knew all the signs.

Her heart was racing, even as her feet twitched warning to run.

Anticipation curled, tight and low in her belly. Somewhere between desire and terror, it waited. Hope and fear entwined, making it impossible to know which to root for.

Her mind screamed warning, but her body wanted him, badly. Her nipples tightened and her thighs melted in anticipation. It was all she could do not to close the space between them, lean into that rock hard body and trace her tongue over the hint of stubble along his jaw. She’d bet he tasted yummy.

Catching herself just before she fanned her hand in front of her face to try and chill, Alexia desperately grabbed control, reeling it tight.

It was time to make an excuse and leave. She had a very narrow window—maybe five minutes, tops—before she did something really, really stupid. And she’d spent a lot of years weaning stupid behavior from her repertoire.

She was proud of that. Even as a sneaky part of her brain whispered that she’d been good for so long, she deserved a little bad. Just a little, now and then.

Mostly now.

Then Blake stepped closer. Her eyes widened. Her pulse tripped over itself before racing off so fast it made her light headed.

“I know it’s too soon,” he murmured, his words as dark and deep as the night sky, “but I have to taste you.”

Alexia’s mental gymnastics melted away, right along with her resistance. Desire swirled down into her belly in a slow, sinuous slide.

Then his lips brushed over hers and she didn’t care about stupid, resistance or the fact that they were on a public beach.

His breath was warm. His lips soft. The fingertips he traced over her shoulder a gentle whisper. It was sweetness personified. She felt like a fairytale princess being kissed for the first time by her prince.

And he was delicious.

Bio:

Tawny Weber has been writing sassy, sexy romances since her first Harlequin Blaze hit the shelves in 2007. A fan of Johnny Depp, cupcakes and color coordination, she spends a lot of her time shopping for cute shoes, scrapbooking and hanging out on Facebook.

Come by and visit her website at www.tawnyweber.com for hunky contests, delicious recipes and lots of fun.

Contact info:

www.TawnyWeber.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TawnyWeber.RomanceAuthor

Buy Links: http://tawnyweber.com/books/a-seals-seduction/#order

Book Video: http://youtu.be/IrFdY9–1AM