Friday, October 31, 2008

It's Friday! It's Halloween! It's time for the WITCHES!!!

As some of you may know I'm in a crit group called The Witches (not sure why we call ourselves that. It's not as if we cackle whenever we get together!) We've known each other for several years, before any of us were published (except for Pat, who was already a multi-pubbed children's author when I first met her), so we've shared all the ups and downs and highs and lows along the way.

Anyway, to celebrate the release of Foretaste of Forever the darling witches are having parties over at their blogs, where they are revealing all sorts of things (and some of them ain't pretty). And so because it's Halloween, and it's Friday, and my heroine is a witch, we're holding a contest for the chance to win a download of my very first erotic romance novella.

All you have to do is pop over and leave a comment - for three chances comment at all three blogs!!! And Pat is hosting a Q&A session, so if there's anything you'd like to ask me hop over and leave your questions in her comment trail!

Amanda's Blog
Pat's Blog
Sara's Blog



MySpace Glitters

Thursday, October 30, 2008

A Place of Healing - Jean Adams



Please welcome my special guest today, Jean Adams, whose Champagne Rose novel, A Place of Healing, has recently been released by The Wild Rose Press!

Jean is the founder of the Romance Writers of New Zealand. Please tell us a little about yourself, Jean!

RWNZ was founded in September 1990. Ten or so people met in the back bedroom of my house and shared what little we knew about romance writing. It was enough to judge the level of interest which was high. We decided on a meeting date and RWNZ was born. The first conference followed four years later, in June 1994. I'd never organised anything like a conference before so the whole experience was a learning curve for me. Some very special people attended, including Daphne Clare, Robyn Donald, Susan Napier, Rosalie Henagan and the wonderful Gloria Bevan. We were even honoured by a letter of good wishes from Essie Summers. Since those early days, RWNZ has gone from strength to strength and I'm sure it always will.


Can you tell us a little about your book, A Place of Healing?

Holly Spicer is a cop with a tortured soul, being responsible for the murder of her police partner. Now she wants revenge and plans to go away for month to a secluded beach in the Bay of Islands to get her head together and make her plans for vengeance. She'll go through with it -- even if it kills her.


But she doesn't bargain on sexy Adam Benedict, psychologist turned movie mega star, using all his old skills trying to keep her alive.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

LOL. It actually evolved over a period of years, in between writing other things. It was written and re-written several times until finally I'd had enough of it and submitted it to The Wild Rose Press who loved it.

I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

My road to publication has been a bit bumpy and Healing wasn't my first call story. In fact I didn't get "calls" at all. I got emails. Not as noisy (as in screaming down the phone) but equally as exciting.

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

My favourite romance of all time is Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale. And anything by our own Helen Kirkman. I have all her books, and in fact discovered the other day that I have two copies of one book. The movies I like aren't romances at all, but they have romantic themes in the adventure sense. Lawrence of Arabia, The Man of La Mancha, that kind of thing. TV? Let's not go there. There's nothing worth watching at all, except maybe for some of the programmes on UKTV.

What are you working on now?

I'm tossing up whether to send two further books that The Wild Rose Press has requested. I am also developing a trilogy set in ancient Egypt which I would like to get published one day but I have other priorities now. I run a very lucrative home-based business which is much more important. Never thought I'd ever say that, but there you go. And I get to travel to exotic places for fun. What more could there be.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

Just watch my sig line. Eventually it will change but I suspect not in the near future.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Discover My Darkest Secrets!!

Today I'm over at fellow Wild Rose Press Paranormal author, the lovely Alisha Paige's blog! Please pop over and find out my deepest darkest secrets! (It's quite possible Clive Owen might be mentioned...)

There's still time to enter my contest over at Shelley's blog, and also at The Dynamic Three for an additional chance.

On Friday (Halloween no less!!) my fellow Witches (aka as my CPs!) are grilling me in honor of my debut release. Please check out Pat Posner's blog today and find out what she has in store for me!!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

My Heroine

Today I'm over at the lovely Shelley Munro's blog, where I'm talking about my heroine, Elyesha. Please stop by and leave a comment, as I'm holding a contest for one lucky person to win a download of Foretaste of Forever!

Monday, October 27, 2008

My Hero

The lovely Helen Hardt has posted an interview with me over at her blog, where I'm discussing my hero from Foretaste of Forever. Would love to see you over there!

Later this week my CPs, aka The Witches, are putting me under the spotlight, so that will be fun!!! More details to follow on that one.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

The Day After the Night Before

Thank you everyone who popped by over the weekend, left comments or emailed me privately with congratulations. You all made my day extra special and completely unforgettable!

And thank you Kaye Manro, who hosted a party over at her blog on Friday. It was huge fun!

Tomorrow I'm visiting my friend's blog, Helen Hardt, where we'll be chatting about my hero from Foretaste of Forever. Please pop on over if you get the chance, we'd love to see you!

On Tuesday I'm over at Shelley Munro's blog, where I'll be explaining why I chose a witch as my heroine. Although in fact Elyesha was always a witch and I just had to discover that!!

I had a fabulous surprise when I switched on the computer this afternoon. My very first review from PNR (ParaNormal Romance Inklings & More) ! The reviewer, Melissa Conatser, said this in part:

This fast paced story had me sighing from the passion and love and nearly crying with sorrow for these two soul mates. I enjoyed Foretaste of Forever and look forward to reading more of Christina Phillips’ work.

As you can imagine, I was thrilled to bits! The entire review can be found here

And two minutes ago, Foretaste of Forever was at the #4 spot on The Wild Rose Press Bestseller List!



The gorgeous flowers and bubbly my darling hubby brought home on Friday, and my fluffy purple teddy from my eldest daughter!!

Friday, October 24, 2008

FORETASTE OF FOREVER - Release day - PARTY!!



Today is the release day of my debut book, Foretaste of Forever from The Wild Rose Press! I'm so excited! I've waited a long time for this, and now it's finally here it all feels surreal!

And I have my very first interview up!! Please pop over to the lovely Nell Dixon and check it out.

As soon as Foretaste is up on The Wilder Roses page, I'll link directly to it.

A witch's tale for Halloween...

Here's an adult rated excerpt:

Elyesha hooked her ankles around Ben’s waist as he strode through the castle’s crumbling entrance. For a fleeting moment, she wished it had retained its former glory, but her ancestors had allowed the magnificent stronghold to fall into ruins centuries ago.

Besides, it didn’t matter where she had Ben. So long as she had him. And soon – she would have him forever.

In the Great Hall, with its soaring arches and remnants of ancient grandeur in the carved four poster bed, he paused and she slowly slithered from his grasp. “What shall we do now?” she said, tilting her head to one side and allowing her long hair to tumble provocatively over her shoulder. She traced one finger over the hard ridge of his erection and hid a smile as Ben clenched his jaw.

“No suggestions?” She raised one eyebrow and trailed her finger over his groin and toward his chest. She didn’t know why he fought against her some nights. What did he hope to achieve? Sooner or later, she’d get her way and then he would see how foolish all his protestations had been. “Perhaps I’ll strip you naked,” she suggested, loosening the ties on his scarlet linen shirt.

He didn’t reply, except to give the merest grunt of a laugh. She tugged his open shirt from his britches and admired his perfectly sculpted chest, before sliding the shirt over his shoulders and along his finely muscled arms.

“Enjoying yourself?” There was a rasp to his voice, as if he tried to deny the rising desire between them.

She shot him an exasperated glance. “I intend to enjoy myself far more before this night’s over.” She tugged at the fastenings at his crotch, deliberately prolonging the procedure as she massaged his rigid shaft. Occasionally she found Ben’s inhuman self-control infuriating, but even that didn’t matter. Because, in the end, he always succumbed.

But sometimes, she wished for the early years. Before Ben had rebelled against their relationship. Before his misguided sense of honor had risen its unwelcome head and corroded their perfect world.

Impatiently she thrust the thought aside. She admired his honor, but had no intention of destroying what they had at its altar.

“So long as you’re enjoying yourself.” Ben’s sardonic comment penetrated her thoughts, and wet heat flared deep in her pussy at the look on his face. He was no longer rigid with self-control but lust, and his eyes glowed with rising desire. “I exist for your amusement, Elyesha.”

She ripped the last fastening free and dragged his pants down his muscled legs. “Never forget that.” Her voice was uneven, her heart hammering against her breast. How could he do this to her, after so many years? She had only to think of him to want him, had only to see him to desire him. And when he teased her, she knew in her heart she would willingly die for him.

If she was only given the chance.

He hauled her to her feet. “And now it’s your turn to entertain me.” There was no hint of reluctance in his eyes now. Only love. For her. She wrapped the knowledge around her heart and knew it wouldn’t be long before Ben made the final commitment to her.

Edited to Add:

Foretaste of Forever is now up on The Wilder Roses Site! OMG. I'm so excited I might burst!!!




MySpace Glitters

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Blue Remembered Heels - Nell Dixon



Please welcome my special guest this week, award winning author Nell Dixon, who is here chatting about her new release, Blue Remembered Heels, published by Little Black Dress. Book link - Book Depository

Nell, please tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and continue to live in a small area of the UK known as the Black Country. Happily married to the same man for over twenty years, we have three beautiful daughters, a tank of tropical fish and a cactus called Spike. During the day I work for a disabilities charity in my local community.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling with my family in our touring caravan and exploring the countryside. I have a passion for cathedral architecture and historic buildings. I also enjoy walking, gardening and art.

Ever since I can remember I’ve loved stories and books, both reading and writing them. My first poem was published by a local paper when I was thirteen, since then I’ve had several poems published and was first runner up a few years ago in a national short story competition. I’ve also had several articles published in professional journals.

Writing romance remains my first love and I write the kinds of stories that I love to read. My publishers to date include: Little Black Dress, Samhain Publishing, Moonlit Romance, By Grace, D C Thompson, and Linden Romance. I am also proud to say that I was the winner of the RNA’s Romance Prize 2007 with my book Marrying Max.

Can you tell us a little about your book, Blue Remembered Heels?

Blue Remembered Heels is about a family of con artists, Charlie, the older sister, Abbey, the heroine, and Kip their younger brother. Their mother disappeared without trace when they were small and they make their living by scamming people. Then Abbey gets hit by lightning and can’t tell lies any more. A bit of a snag in her career especially when there’s a very hunky detective hot on her trail. It gets even more complicated when she starts to suffer other side effects from the lightning strike – flashbacks to her mother’s disappearance – and then their latest scam victim decides he wants his money back and he’s not asking nicely.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

The idea for the book came about after I read a newspaper article about someone who was hit by lightning and as he recovered he began to speak fluent French - a language he's never learned. The more I looked into the after effects of lightning strikes the more interesting it became. So Abbey was born, a conwoman who made her living by telling lies who suddenly could only tell the truth. In the book the lightning has one other unforseen effect too but I don't want to spoil the plot!

I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?


I was so excited when I heard about Little Black Dress. The books sounded like just the kind of stories that I loved to read and write. Fast paced with humour, quirky situations and full of life, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them. I read quite a few and I knew I had some great story ideas in my files that I thought would be perfect for my kind of writing. I went to the Romantic Novelist’s association conference shortly after I’d started writing Blue Remembered Heels and Cat Cobain, the editor for the line was taking pitches. I pitched my book even though it wasn't finished and she asked for a partial and told me to email it straight to her. A few weeks later she emailed me and asked to see the rest – I’d only completed ten chapters so I asked if she wanted to wait till it was finished or if she wanted to see the rough draft of what I’d got so far. She asked for the rough draft. I sent it on the Monday and she offered me a two book contract on the Friday based on the partial – wow! My second book is called Animal Instincts and will be out in March.

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

Oh, this is so hard! I really don't watch many films or much TV.My all time favourite film that I can watch over and over again is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - I love that film. I have dozens of favourite books, Pride and Prejudice of course, The House on the Strand by Daphne DuMaurier, Welcome to Temptation by Jenny Crusie, The Hound of Death by Agatha Christie and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Favourite fantasy squeeze is Bryan Adams, the Canadian singer.

What are you working on now?

At the moment I'm working on two books, One is called Crystal Clear and is about Crystal Therapy, fate and a heroine who thinks she knows what she wants from life but suddenly finds she may have everything all wrong.
My other project is a really challenging story that I've been wanting to write for a while and follows four different women.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

Visit my website or my blog or look for me on Face book or My Space.

Monday, October 20, 2008

E-Publishing Stats

For some ball park figures on how well various e-publishers are doing when it comes to selling erotic romance, EREC (Erotic Romance E-Publishing Companion) has some interesting data.

From one of my loops I was directed to a new blog, Crash and Burn, where the various pros and cons of e-publishing are discussed. The blog says it's for novices and newbies but I found the info there interesting, so will be keeping an eye to see what else is discussed over there.

Finally, advertising. What works, what doesn't? Hop over to Dear Author where the merits of cost per impression versus click ad campaigns are mentioned, along with how ads in romance magazines, banners and online reviews sway (or don't sway) readers into purchasing. It makes fascinating reading, and there are loads of great comments.

What do you think works in terms of online advertising for books, print or e-published?

Friday, October 17, 2008

Tea for Two - Shelley Munro


Please welcome my special guest this week, Shelley Munro, as I grill her about her new release from Samhain Publishing, Tea for Two.
Over to you, Shelley!!
Shelley Munro is tall and curvaceous with blue eyes and a smile that turns masculine heads everywhere she goes. She’s a university tutor and an explorer/treasure hunter during her vacations. Skilled with weapons and combat, she is currently in talks with a producer about a television series based on her world adventures.

Shelley is also a writer blessed with a vivid imagination and lives with her very own hero in New Zealand, spending her time writing hot and spicy tales for Ellora's Cave and Samhain Publishing. You didn't really believe the bit about being an explorer/treasure hunter, did you?

Book link: Samhain Publishing
Can you tell us a little about your book, Tea For Two?

Tea For Two is a contemporary romance and also my debut title for Samhain Publishing. The heroine reads tea leaves and gets herself into all sorts of trouble when a few white lies take on a life of their own. Oh, and there’s also a very sexy hero, a one-night stand and some spicy loving along with a little humor.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

I collect ideas—newspaper clippings, articles from magazines, Internet links, travel brochures and DVDs on topics that grab my interest. Whenever I start a new book I think about the type of characters I want, the possible settings and then I head to my idea box. It’s full – in fact, I either need to write faster or get another file box!!

With Tea For Two I started with fortune telling, tea, and London. I usually toss the ideas around inside my head for a few weeks along with possible plot themes. For Tea For Two I used secret identity/famous person/one night stand and hey presto, my story was born.
I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy) so can you tell us about your road to publication – and your call story?

I wrote for six years before I sold. Mostly I targeted Harlequin lines but I kept getting rejections. My writing is on the light side, usually with an alpha character and a quirky heroine. The stories I wanted to write just didn’t fit, and I have the rejections (filed in a folder) to prove it.

I continued to work and started what I call my “hope in the mail” process. This is where I worked really hard to get several submissions to agents and editors in the mail, and each time a rejection came back, I sent my submission (or another one) back out. That way I continued to have “hope in the mail.”

I started to submit to e-publishers and on 2nd January 2004, I received an email from New Concepts Publishing saying they wanted to publish my paranormal story called Aislyn. I vaguely remember shrieking. My husband came running. The wee dog came running.

“What’s wrong?” hubby demanded.

I stuttered and stammered so much he couldn’t get much sense out of me. I remembering checking that email several times during the day because I couldn’t believe it, but it was true. I had sold.

And the good thing was that my “hope in the mail” process really paid dividends because I sold several manuscripts really quickly. I sold to Medallion Press and Ellora’s Cave one day after the other. My husband is a sweetie and we had many bottles of wine to celebrate.

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it’s all in the line of research)

I’m all about cowboys and the wild West at the moment. Maybe it’s something to do with my recent trip to the US – I’m not sure. I’m anxiously waiting for Lorelei James to release another of her contemporary Western romances (very hawt men) and she also writes mysteries under the name of Lori Armstrong. I did a Fishpond order last week and I can’t wait for my package of books to arrive.

Hubby and I visited Deadwood during our trip and we’re currently watching the series on DVD. It’s not for the faint of heart since the language is shocking and it’s a bit gruesome in places, but we’re finding it fascinating. I’m in lust with the actor who plays Seth Bullock in the series, Timothy Olyphant . It’s his brown eyes. They’re very intense and sexy.

Funnily enough, I’m also into country music at the moment and Tim McGraw has caught my attention. Yep, tall, dark and cute, and he can sing as well. ;-)

And finally, before I went on holiday I watched a series called Wildfire. There’s an actor, Eric Winter who plays a cowboy called RJ Blake on the series (his character actually dies). He is very inspirational when it comes to the hero department. He also appeared on Brothers and Sisters as Jason McCallister, Kevin’s gay minister lover. I liked him in that, too. Yep, inspirational is the word…

What are you working on now?

I’m working on book seven in my feline shapeshifter series for Ellora’s Cave—doing final tweaking before I send it to my editor. Next after that I intend to start a new contemporary series for Samhain. There’s going to be a rodeo or two—New Zealand-style and a few other farming-type things along with some spicy loving. A good mixture, I think.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

I have a website, which is usually up-to-date, along with a blog where I post at least five days a week.

I also have a newsletter that I send out each month. This contains all the latest news, along with contests and special chapter previews for newsletter members. You can join at my website from either my news page or my blog.

Thanks for inviting me to play at your blog, Christina!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Hopping About

The wonderful Shelley Munro has a great post on her blog about promo, which I found massively helpful as I stumble my way through that tangled maze. After reading her post I went and joined AuthorsDen an online community of readers and authors (and it was free to join!!)

Then I decided to revamp my website. Again. I think I really like it this time! If you have a moment I'd love to know what you think of it!

And finally today my CP Amanda Ashby has put her completely adorable new cover up on her blog for her Spring 09 release, Zombie Queen of Newbury High. And how fabulous is that title!!!

Friday, October 10, 2008

The Magical Christmas Cat - Nalini Singh


Please welcome my special guest this week, Nalini Singh, who has bravely agreed to answer my hard hitting questions about her new book, The Magical Christmas Cat! Published by Penguin, TMCC is available to purchase through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders and Books a Million. It will also be available as an e-book.
BIO: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nalini Singh is passionate about writing. Though she's traveled as far afield as the deserts of China and the temples of Japan, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her the most. She's beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as a writer.
Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand. Currently she writes hot paranormal romances for Berkley, her books set in a world where telepaths exist and a panther can walk alongside a human. To find out more about her books, see pictures from her travels and read a free short story, drop by her website


Hi Nalini, and thank you for popping by today! Can you tell us a little about your book, The Magical Christmas Cat?

TMCC is actually an anthology with four authors (Lora Leigh, Erin McCarthy, Linda Winstead Jones and yours truly :)) My story is called "Stroke of Enticement" and it's about a sexy, dangerous and deceptively charming leopard changeling (Zach), and the woman he decides is his own (Annie). These two were so much fun to write - and their story makes me smile every time I read it. For an excerpt, follow this link

How did the idea for the plot come about?

In Mine to Possess, the fourth full-length book in my Psy/Changeling series, the hero and heroine were going to a ceremony to welcome Zach's mate into the pack. All of a sudden, I wanted to know who Zach was, and the identity of the woman who'd managed to win this cat's heart. It all went from there.

I can't wait to read Zach's story! It's a well kept secret, but I do love sale stories so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

I was bought by Silhouette Desire after submitting to the "slush" pile, and catching the attention of an editor. She didn't buy the first or even second thing I submitted, but she loved Desert Warrior. Some day, if you catch me alone at a conference, ask me this question and you'll get the full version (complete with the fact that I was eating cornflakes when The Call came) - AND lots of giggling and squealing. Thinking about The Call still makes me giddy.

Oh I definitely want to hear the full version!! We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

I like watching the crime shows on T.V. That either makes me very well-informed or very scary! I read like a maniac, so I have too many favorites to list. Some recent reads I enjoyed - Dark Light by Jayne Castle, Lick my Horns by Kresley Cole (ok, that's not the official title (Jane at Dear Author came up with this one) but I asked Kresley and she's cool with it *g* It's Cade's book), Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn.

LOL. Lick my Horns! What are you working on now?

Book 7 of the Psy/Changeling series. It sounds so strange to say that. I still remember every moment of writing book 1 - Slave to Sensation. The time has passed so fast - I just keep falling deeper and deeper in love with this world and the characters.I'm also putting together a proposal for book 2 in my new Guild Hunter series. There's an excerpt of the first book on my website

Oh yay! How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

I have a website which gets updated every month. I also keep an active blog so come on over and join in the fun, And I'm on Facebook & Myspace, plus I have a livejournal
Thanks for the interview, Christina!

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Helen's Hunk (he's mine really, though...)

Oh my. Helen has just made my day (week... month...?!) by posting fabuloso photos of my secret beloved. That man is hot. Smoking. Basically just totally adorable and I won't be held responsible for my actions if at some point I nick all those pics of him and post them over here so I can drool in private!!!

Any guesses as to who I'm panting about???

Monday, October 06, 2008

Behind the Scenes and Free Books

If you've ever wondered how the Wild Rose Press artists create those gorgeous covers, there's a great interview here with the Cover Artists which explains their process. And there's a fascinating insight into what, exactly, Production does here. Well I found them interesting but then again I'm incurably nosy!!!

And if you'd like the chance to win free books, then you can't go past this great new blog of Jessica Brody's, Free Book Friday (how's that for a hooky title?!) Here's what Jessica says on the blog :

'Fridays just got even better! Because every Friday, we're giving away free books!Each week, we feature a new author with an exclusive author interview podcast and host a drawing to win free signed copies of his/her book.All you have to do to enter to win each week is sign up! Winners are chosen at random and posted on the site every Friday morning. Hence the name, "Free Book Friday!" '

Friday, October 03, 2008

Steamy Encounter - Samantha Gentry



Please welcome my special guest this week, Scarlet Rose author Samantha Gentry who has an October release today, Steamy Encounter, with The Wilder Roses (over 18 only, please!)

Thanks for popping in today, Samantha! Over to you!

I'm currently living in Kansas, but have lived most of my life in the Los Angeles area.

For 20 years I worked in television production before becoming a full time writer. For many years photography was my avocation and that's what started me writing—non-fiction magazine articles to accompany my photographs. The writing eventually segued into fiction and novels.

As Shawna Delacorte, I have 21 novels published with Harlequin. My first Samantha Gentry ebook was published in January 2006. In addition to writing, I also teach an 8 week fiction writing class at the state university twice a year.

Can you tell us a little about your book, Steamy Encounter?

First I'd like to thank you for having me here today in conjunction with the October 3 release date for my book.

STEAMY ENCOUNTER is a novella of approximately 20,000 words which The Wild Rose Press designates as a Miniature Rose. It's the third of my Encounter novellas to be available through The Wild Rose Press. The other two are UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER and MASKED ENCOUNTER. It was originally published by Triskelion Publishing and released shortly before they filed bankruptcy, so it was only available for a limited period of time. There have been some changes from its original form.

Both my hero and my heroine have past relationship baggage so that neither of them are looking for a relationship, but the attraction each feels draws them together in spite of that. Just a harmless no-strings-attached fling that quickly spirals out of control and becomes so much more.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

Normally an idea for a story comes from one event or incident that brings the hero and heroine together for the first time. I start by asking myself what events led up to that situation (usually the outer conflict of the story to be resolved) and why were the hero and heroine present at that moment to give context to the event. What inner conflict issues do the hero and heroine have that puts them at odds with regard to that event. However...

The story idea for STEAMY ENCOUNTER actually came to me from the title I had settled on for the next Encounter book rather than deciding on a title that fit the story...definitely a little bit of a backward way of writing a book. I made a list of steamy situations. One of them was the concept of an outdoor hot tub at a winter ski resort, the hot water combining with the cold air to produce a lot of steam so that the word steamy would have a double meaning -- literal with the steam rising from the water and figurative with the hot encounter between hero and heroine. It didn't take long for me to decide the hot tub should be a natural hot spring.


I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

I took a screen writing class at UCLA. When I finished the class, I decided I wasn't interested in screen writing, but did want to try writing a novel. My only writing experience at that point had been some published non-fiction magazine articles. The story idea I had been working on during the class turned out to my surprise to be a comtemporary romance even though I had not consciously set out to write a romance. I finished it as a novel, then wrote a second one. It was my third completed manuscript that became my first sale. I had submitted it to Silhouette for their Desire line. I got "the call" at my office shortly after lunch on a Friday. I took off the rest of the day, called everyone I knew, then immediately started to worry about whether I'd ever be able to sell a second book. That book was SARAH AND THE STRANGER, released in August 1992.

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

I like mysteries. I think most of my favorite movies are mysteries and romantic suspense. One of my all time favorites is Charade with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn.

With television shows, it seems that most of my current interest is with various forensic/cop type shows: CSI Miami, CSI New York, Criminal Minds, Numbers, and Bones. But for a change of pace I also love the half hour situation comedy Two And A Half Men. Right now, except for the occasional special of some sort and the local newscasts, that's about the only broadcast station television I watch. I am looking forward to two new series that sound interesting: The Mentalist, and Eleventh Hour both on CBS.

As far as cable is concerned, my most watched channels are History, Travel, Tru and A&E (with some Discovery and TLC thrown in). And two or three of the regular shows on HGTV such as Designed To Sell. I also have several documentary type shows that I like such as Forensic Files on Tru-TV (formerly Court TV) and Weird Travels/Creepiest Destinations on the Travel Channel and other paranormal documentaries.

As for my fantasy squeeze ... he's quite often the hero I'm currently writing.


What are you working on now?

I am currently working on editor requested revisions for my next Encounter book, DECEPTIVE ENCOUNTER, that I hope to have under contract soon with the Scarlet Rose line of erotic romances from The Wild Rose Press. I'm also expecting the first round of edits on DEJA VU, an upcoming contracted release from the Crimson Rose line of romantic suspense at The Wild Rose Press.

And on top of that, I have several works in progress in various stages of completion.

In addition to writing, I also teach an eight week fiction writing class twice a year at the state university. I've been teaching this class for going on eleven years. I'm in the middle of the current session which ends October 22.


How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

Through my website at http://www.samanthagentry.com/

I readily admit that I don't understand the ins and outs of constructing and maintaining a website, so I send my webmistress monthly updates and she does the technical stuff. My website includes current releases -- cover, blurb, excerpts, reviews, and publisher link. There is also information about my upcoming releases and new contracts.

In addition to information about my books, I have a website contest which is usually about movie trivia. The current one (ending October 15) is Harrison Ford movies (hmmm...perhaps I should have added Harrison to my answer about fantasy squeeze ).
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Thursday, October 02, 2008

Cocktoberfest... thank you Kat!

October already! It seems every time I turn round another month has gone by, but now it's October that means it's release month for Foretaste of Forever!!

Fellow Wilder Rose author, Kathleen Scott, has a novella out this month, Hot Day in Heaven, and cracks me up when she jokes that it's a Cocktober release! We're planning a Cocktoberfest somewhere in cyberland where the beer will flow but I'll stick to wine (with no pineapple juice, thank you people. You know who you are... leading me astray)

What's everyone else been up to, it's been kind of quiet in blogger land lately!!