A Love Beyond Time - Alisha Paige

Please welcome my special guest this week, Alisha Paige, who writes for The Wild Rose Press and New Concepts Publishing. Alisha's book, A Love Beyond Time, was recently released by The Wild Rose Press as part of the Song of the Muses anthology.

Over to you, Alisha!

Can you tell us a little about your book, A Love Beyond Time?

This book gave me a unique challenge. I never plan or plot my books. I write by the seat of my pants and never would I have come up with the idea to write about a Greek muse but when my editor approached me with the idea, I was willing to go for it. I chose Clio, the muse of history because I’m fascinated with history. I was also thrilled to work with eight other authors in this series about the nine Greek muses. I’ve become quite close to many of them and so very thankful I was given this wonderful opportunity.

Here’s the blurb:

Cursed for mocking Aphrodite, the goddess of love, Clio, Muse of History and her lover are thrust back in time to the Salem Witch Trials and then the Italian Renaissance. Only love can save them both, but is their love strong enough against the one goddess who can end all love? Is their love A LOVE BEYOND TIME?

How did the idea for the plot come about?

I’m fascinated with The Salem Witch Trials and I wanted to write a time travel so I decided my muse would start out in Salem and travel back in time to one of my favorite time periods, the Italian Renaissance. I really had no idea where I’d go from there but I was required to give my editor a vague notion of where I was going. Being a pantster, I had to ask my editor a couple of times if the plot was okay, just to make sure I was on the right track.

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

Well, I never received a call, but I did get that first email that left me staring open mouthed at my computer screen. These are the most beautiful words….How would you like to become a published author? I’ve told this story on my blog before so I’ll copy here.

When my editor sent me an email with a contract attached, I nearly choked on my morning coffee. I just knew it was a rejection. For some reason, I always thought my first sell would come via "the call". I actually skimmed the email because I knew it would be painful for me......and then she closed it with Congratulations! Huh? I reread the email slowly and nearly flipped out! No, I did flip out and called my husband who was working out of town. He's a steel worker......one of those guys who builds the framework of a building.......who walks high in the air on beams. He was in the air when I called and the wind was whipping around him, making it hard to hear. I called him over and over until he picked up. He said, "Honey, what is it? I'm in the air." I said, "Guess what?" He could hear it in my voice. He already knew. "You sold a book?" "Yes!" I answered. "Oh, honey. I'm so damned proud of you. So, how is my published author?" Siggggggghhhhhh, yes, I will be reliving that moment for years and years to come! What an amazing feeling.


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 read so many books. I can’t possibly pick a favorite, but a classic, Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor stays with me still though it doesn’t have the traditional happy ever after I crave. And yes I was disappointed but her writing is sublime.

I just saw a great movie with Russell Crowe called A Good Year. I have fantasies about owning a vineyard in Tuscany so this movie catered to everything for me…my love for wine, romance and Crowe is oh so yummy. What a great movie, based on a novel by Peter Mayle about a businessman that inherits a French winery from his favorite uncle. The end was tied up so beautifully.

I rarely watch t.v. unless it’s the Biography channel. I’m fascinated by the lives of people and find that we all have so much in common. We all struggle, no matter who we are. We all have self doubt. We’re all human.

Fantasy squeeze…Clive Owen. All that stubble and that accent…need I say more?

What are you working on now?

Currently I'm working on another shapeshifter tale set in Circle City, Alaska and just finished a werewolf novella set in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I'm waiting to hear back from my publisher on this story as well as my were-lion tale set in Africa and the London countryside.

My fantasy romance, Hunting for Fireflies, will be available this year! I'm very excited about this book because it's also suitable for young adult.

My romantic urban paranormal thriller, Nocturnally Vexed, will also be available at the end of the year. This book is about a clan of hybrid creatures known as the Orgulocks, half shapeshifter/half vampire. King of the Orgulocks, Vex Savaker kicks off this series as detective for the Metropolitian Police, on the prowl for the modern day Jack the Ripper. Stay tuned for news of the other Orgulock brothers; Jet, Knight, Daze and Stone.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

You can find me at Alisha Paige. Make sure you enter my monthly contests. I also have a blog, two My Space pages and a Facebook page, all listed on my site. I also belong to Infinite World of Fantasy Authors, a fabulous group of speculative fiction authors. You can find us at http://www.iwofa.net/.


Thanks Alisha! ~Thanks for having me! I had a blast!

And the Winners are...

Here's Robbie with the update on her contest:

Okay!

Every response was just fantastic! So I've put all your names in a hat (a bowl, actually) and had Tabby draw two names out.:drum roll please:

The winners are Rebecca and Helen!!!

Please contact me at my website addy and let me know which book you'd like =)

And a great big fabulous WOOHOOOO for your no 1 spot, Christina!!!

Thanks for having me here, ladies =)It's been great fun!

Robbie

Forever My Lady - Jeff Rivera

Please welcome my special guest today, Jeff Rivera, whose first book, Forever My Lady, has recently been released by Grand Central.

Jeff, over to you!

Can you tell us a little about your book Forever My Lady?

Yes, I wrote Forever My Lady the screenplay when I was about 19 years old so that's over 10 years it's taken for it come this far. I believed in the story even after people kept rejecting it, to me it was something that needed to be told. That's what I would advise people if you really believe in something stick with it.

Dreams really do come true and that's one thing that I tell in Forever MyLady because it is Dio, the main characters dream to really become something. But everyone has given up on him, even his own mother but there's one special girl who believes in him and encourages him when everyone else says he's a lost cause. That is Jennifer and the two of them are instant soul mates who are there for each other throughout the years. Well, Dio gets himself into some trouble and lands in prison boot camp where he promises Jennifer he'll turn his life around and marry her when he gets out. But then he is finally released he discovers she's planning on marrying someone else.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

It came about originally because I had a friend who had come out of a gang and was trying to turn his life around for his lady. I then put in so many things I've been through personally

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

Well, sure! I started out self-publishing my novel because I didn't want any more rejecting and I kept promoting my book online and every penny I made I'd put back into printing more copies and I built such a huge online following that it garnered the intereste of Grand Central and well, the rest is history.

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 love too which is why I love Nicholas Sparks books. He was a major influence for me when I was writing Forever My Lady. I was grateful enough to finally meet him this year and thanked him. I also love old episodes of In Living Color, Pushing Daisies, Boston Legal, and I have to admit I love watching VH1's New York Goes to Hollywood (can't get enough of it.)

What are you working on now?

I'm working on some really cool Young Adult books.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

They can visit my website: http://www.jeffrivera.com/ or they can go to Amazon.com and check out my latest books as well.

Pod, People!

On Friday I was completely thrilled to discover that Foretaste of Forever hit the #1 spot on The Wild Rose Press Bestseller list! Thank you to every one who helped make this dream a reality. It's a wonderful feeling and I certainly couldn't have got there without all your encouragement and support!

In other news, my fantastico CP, fellow witch Amanda, has a podcast interview up over at Free Book Friday!! Two signed copies of Amanda's amazing debut novel, You Had Me at Halo, are up for grabs and all you have to do is sign up here. Oh, but do listen to her podcast interview! Amanda has the most adorable Aussie accent!!!

Baby Bequest - Robyn Grady

Please welcome my special guest this week, Robyn Grady, who writes for both Mills & Boon Modern Heat and Silhouette Desire. Robyn is also giving away a copy of her two recent releases to two lucky people who comment - Baby Bequest (C says: I've just read this one and OMG the hero is to die for!!!) and Confessions of a Millionaire's Mistress!

Robbie, over to you!




Thanks so much for popping by today Robbie! Can you tell us a little about your book, Baby Bequest?

Thanks for the invite, Christina!! And congrats again on the release of Foretaste of Forever. I’m really looking forward to enjoying what promises to be a terrific read.

(Christina):Thank you!

My latest Desire, Baby Bequest (released in NA November, Aus/NZ December and UK January), features my favourite hero yet! Gage Cameron is the perfect alpha male. Strong in his convictions, honourable in every sense, and driven mad with want for a woman he can’t have. Twelve years ago, Gage, a penniless bad boy, fell in love with a rich man’s daughter. After being falsely accused of a crime, the heroine’s father paid Gage to leave the country, and his daughter Jenna alone. Convinced he wasn’t good enough for Jenna, Gage left.

In present time the heroine’s family are killed in a freak accident, and Jenna’s tiny niece is in the custody of her stepmother, a narcissist who doesn’t know the meaning of the word love. Jenna needs to gain custody of her niece. But when her former flame shows up - now a powerful multimillionaire and sexier than ever – Jenna must decide whether she can accept the terms, and dangers, of Gage’s drastic solution.

There are elements of suspense and a gorgeous German Shepherd called Shadow, as well as a beautiful baby girl who so deserves happiness.

Gage is one of my fave heroes too. How did the idea for the plot come about?

I wanted to create a hero who was one hundred percent noble. Alphas are leaders of the pack, but Baby Bequest’s alpha male is very much a lone wolf, and I play on that image, and mentality, throughout the story. I wanted a heroine who could admit she still feels deeply for the man who had apparently deserted her years before. And I wanted to give Gage a watertight reason for leaving the woman whom he loved, in fact, still loves enough to walk away a second time. He hadn’t banked on falling even harder for Jenna, as well as for this adorable baby. There are some light/playful moments, but basically this story is a ‘heart-ripper’, as one reader called it.


Well Robbie, as you know I love sale stories! Can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

Ah, yes! My loooooong road to publication, lol. After leaving my TV job, I decided to follow my heart and write! That was 1999. Barbara Hannay had just sold. Jane Porter too. I was so excited and had no idea of the wild ride ahead of me. I joined Romance Writers of Australia and worked my way up from form rejections to personal rejections, to personal rejections with suggestions and requests for more, to emails and finally, in 2005, a phone call from a London editor who loved my latest manuscript for a new line, Modern Extra.

I remember stuttering and stammering on the phone and thinking, “This is it!” Unfortunately I “didn’t go far enough with the revisions”. I sent another manuscript to London and received another phone call. But I didn’t do those oh-so minor revisions right either. In 2006, I finalled in 13 US contests but I’d started to feel as though I would never break through and give this editor what she needed. I emailed another story to London and received a very long email with revisions that amounted to a complete rewrite.

I slaved over the rewrite for two tough weeks. Then, slightly out of my mind, I email queried a New York agent. To my amazement, the agent took me on and I sold to Desire the following month and to Modern Extra (now Modern Heat) in a two book deal the month later. Since that time, I’ve received 12 contracts (five from Modern Heat, 6 from Desire and one on line eharlequin read) and I’m still floating!


That sure was a rollercoaster ride, but so worth it in the end! 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!)

Favourite books…
The Time Traveller’s Wife (I could read that last page over and over)
Year of Wonderd
My Favorite Mistake
The Love Machine

Favourite movies…
Phantom of the Opera (sob!)
The Notebook (What a kiss!)
Stepmom (I cry every single time.)
Last of the Mohicans. (No better hero)300 (Because… Well, just watch it and you’ll see!)

TV shows…
I don’t watch tele really, other than Law and Order. I totally love Bobby Goran’s character in Criminal Intent. If I weren’t a writer, I’d want his job!






Fantasy squeeze…
Can’t go past Gerard Butler. Can you blame me??

Hmm, that Gerard is a very popular guy round here!! What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on my fifth Modern Heat, a reunited lovers story with a matchmaking twist. I wanted to create a completely irresistible bad boy. No wonder the working title is Devil in a Dark Blue Suit.

I love bad boy stories. How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

Come and visit my website! http://www.robyngrady.com/ My books are available on Amazon and the Harlequin and Mills & Boon sites. Please email if you’d like to comment on any of my stories. I’d love to hear from you

Two books to give away!

Question to win either Baby Bequest or Confessions of a Millionaire’s Mistress…

Tell us the name of your favourite romantic hero (book or film) and why.

The Long & Windy Road...Strewn with Big Rocks!!!

The lovely Eleni and Hannah invited me over to their Bootcampers Blog today to chat about my writer's journey, which has been a bit rocky at times, and that's putting it politely!!!

Find out what my personal mantra is... I'll give you a clue... it might be a line from Galaxy Quest!!!

More Good News

I'm giving a big shout out to my good friend, Helen Hardt, who tied for first place in The Wild Rose Press Got Wolf? contest! Helen's entry, Blood Wolf, will be published by the Black Rose line in an anthology in late summer 09. Congratulations, Helen!

This Friday I'm interviewing the lovely Robyn Grady, Desire and Modern Heat author. Robbie is giving away not one, but two of her new releases to two lucky poeple who comment on her post! Do drop by on Friday and say hi to her!! We'd love to hear from you.

Later today I'm being interviewed over at Jennifer's Random Musings. Jennifer has a fabulous blog with lots of wonderful book recommendations, interviews and reviews.

I'm also visiting Western Romance Author Paty Jager today!

Happy Guy Fawkes Night!

A New Contract!

Late last night I was offered a contract by The Wild Rose Press for my Scarlet Rosette, Touch of the Demon. I'm thrilled!!

So now I'm neck deep in revisions and trying to tackle the mysteries of formatting. I'd much rather the revisions since the formatting gives me palpitations but luckily Sara was on hand to... um... hold my hand through the process!!

Here's the blurb:

Dark angel Rafe travels back in time to destroy the woman who is fated to bring untold chaos to the cosmos. Instead he finds Celeste, a child of the Earth Goddess, who is sworn to protect the one Rafe seeks. He mistakes her for his quarry but an irresistible attraction prevents him from taking her soul. And although Celeste holds the one weapon able to banish Rafe from earth forever, she's unable to deny the overwhelming desire to possess this creature from hell. They come together in a frenzy of passion, each believing they are changing destiny by their actions but when the Earth Goddess appears they discover her plans are more far reaching than either had imagined.

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

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.

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!!

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!

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.

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!!

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

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.

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?

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!

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!!!

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!

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???

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!" '

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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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!!

Somewhere My Love - Beth Trissel

Please welcome my special guest this week, 2008 Golden Heart finalist Beth Trissel, whose book, Somewhere My Love, is being released by The Wild Rose Press today!


Thanks so much for having me as a guest! I’m excited to be here and will pop in and respond to any comments or questions your visitors might have.

A bit about Beth:

My fascination with Colonial America, particularly stirring tales of the frontier and the Shawnee Indians, is an early and abiding one. My English, Scot-Irish ancestors had interactions with this tribe, including family members taken captive. These accounts inspired my passion. Intrigued with all things Celtic, much of my writing features these early Scot-Irish forebears who settled in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and surrounding mountains, spreading into Tennessee and the Carolinas. Through the Fire, my Golden Heart ® final, grew out of this absorption, release date TBD. Daughter of the Wind, my light paranormal with strong Native American elements, also spun out of my focus on the colonial frontier, release date TBD.

My passion for Colonial America extends to the high drama of the Revolution. I have ancestors who fought and loved on both sides of that sweeping conflict. Extensive research into the Southern face of the war was partly inspired by my great-great-great grandfather, Sam Houston, uncle of the famous Sam, who kept a journal of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina, 1781, that is used by historians today. Enemy of the King is my Revolutionary War romance novel, release date TBD.

Moreover, I'm ever intrigued by ghost stories, and Virginia has more tales than any other state. I find myself asking if the folk who’ve gone before us are truly gone, or do some still have unfinished business in this realm? And what of the young lovers whose time was tragically cut short, do they somehow find a way?

Love conquers all, so I answer ‘yes.’ This is how my light paranormal romance, Somewhere My Love, came to be, the first of four novels I've signed for with the Wild Rose Press. I write historical and light paranormal romance and a mix of both. My short Free Read Nighthawk is available for download now at the Wild Rose Press: http://thewildrosepress.com/

Can you tell us a little about your book, Somewhere My Love?

Somewhere My Love, a departure from my historical romance novels, is a murder mystery/ghost story with flashbacks to early nineteenth century Virginia. My first light paranormal romance and debut novel, ‘Somewhere’ is coming to the Wild Rose Press in digital download on Sept. 26! http://thewildrosepress.com/

Please take a look at the trailer for Somewhere My Love on Youtube. It has a phenomenal number of hits for a new author. I’m delighted. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpBh0tPOVUM

How did the idea for the plot come about?

The idea for the story came to me after I toured old Virginia plantation Homes along the James River, the setting for ‘Somewhere.’ I’m also very influenced by my family’s Virginia home place circa 1816.

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

I’ve written vignettes about country life for years and took up historical romance novels with a passion at 40. Life truly does begin at 40. J I’ve had more than one exciting call with contest finals, culminating in the 2008 Golden Heart®. I was invited to submit to the Wild Rose earlier this year and received with great enthusiasm, most gratifying. At the WRP ‘the call’ comes in the form of a much sought after email and I’m thrilled to be a part of this wonderful romance company. I’m writing for two lines, the American Rose and Faery Rose.

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 shamefully behind in my TBR pile, spent time this summer watching Netflix with my daughter. I’m a big fan of Clive Owen and Gerard Butler. My all time favorite hero is Daniel Day Lewis in The Last of the Mohicans.

What are you working on now?

The next story in my ‘Somewhere’ series, a Scottish time travel entitled Somewhere My Lass, another departure for me. I’m branching out. I also have sequels in the works for several of my historical. Yikes, I better get back to work.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

My website: http://www.bethtrissel.com/

Release Date!!!

It's official! I heard today from my wonderful editor, Angela Anderson, that my paranormal Scarlet Rosette from The Wild Rose Press Foretaste of Forever has a Digital Release Date of October 24th 2008!

So it will be a Halloween release, and I'm thrilled to bits by that, since this story is a dark erotic romance between a beautiful witch and her deeply tortured lover.

Blurb

Elyesha, last surviving descendant of a line of powerful witches, finally finds the only man she's ever loved, the man who deserted her countless years before. But Ben is torn between desire and despair when Elyesha eventually penetrates his protective retreat. He knows what she wants, but the price for their love is too high. At midnight, on the beach, a battle of wills and erotic seduction ensues as each confronts the other's darkest fears.

Adult rated excerpt here

Clive Owen and Doctor Who

Okay... so after chatting with a fellow writer over the weekend (you know who you are!!!) I realised it had been a while since I'd posted any photos of my fave fantasy squeeze. So here he is, the utterly adorable Clive Owen (and I am not a good sharer when it comes to Clive... hehehehe)





I know I've posted these pics before but I can't seem to find any new ones of him, although I did discover a nekkid-ish one which was a bit of a thrill. Besides, when it comes to Clive I'm quite happy staring at these ones!!

Anyway, as to my other fantasy squeeze, David Tennant. We have finally reached the two part grand finale of Doctor Who and ooooooERRRR!!!! Excitements. I confess I've found some of the episodes of this series a bit iffy, but all is now forgiven. I did cheat a bit some weeks ago and read on Debs blog what happens in


the very last episode, but that's ok as I often read the last pages of novels so I don't end up with any nasty surprises (I'm trying to curb that because it's quite an annoying habit). Personally I've loved the UST between the Doctor and Rose and I'm sure it won't be resolved. *Happy sigh*

On the writing front I'm relieved my Roman is behaving himself (in other words he is so NOT) so all is good there!

No Funny Stuff! - Michele Hart

Please welcome my special guest this week, Michele Hart, whose book No Funny Stuff! was recently released by The Wild Rose Press and spent three weeks at the top of the bestseller's list!

Thanks for popping in today, Michele!

Hi, Christina,

Thank you so much for the opportunity to spread my brand.
Here are the answers to your questions:


Can you tell us a little about your book, No Funny Stuff!?

No Funny Stuff!, a tale for the Muse of Comedy, is a very special project. Before NFS!, I’d only written my own ideas and in full-length novels. But then, I was invited into the Song of the Muses anthology, 9 Tales of Romance for the 9 Muses of Inspiration, and suddenly I was handed a preformed structure, Thalia’s story and the entire realm of Greek Mythology, and I had to do it in 35,000 words. It was a tall challenge for me to write so short. And I never wrote a comedy.

But it’s been an incredible experience. I love the Muse writers, and I’m lucky to be in their midst. Several of us have become close. I’m proud of NFS!, and the other Muse stories. I hope you’ll check them out @ Meet the Muses.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

For the very first time in my writing, the ending came to me before much else! Then it was just a matter of time and writing to get the characters there.

No Funny Stuff!’s doing very well holding #3 for three weeks on The Wild Rose Press’s Current Bestsellers, and it’s getting a great reception.

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 in 1990-95, then was swept off my feet by a handsome guy, and the writing took a back seat. I started again on 2003, determined to see publication. And I found EVERYTHING has changed in Romance. Everything from the ‘90s, author rights and respect, the advent of e-publishers, big changes in RWA. So I reshuffled my game plan.

I quickly wrote my Erotic Romantic Suspense, Looks Are Deceiving, and sold it twice, the first e-publisher who’d folded in the first round of e-publisher crashes. I was very lucky they rushed me to print just before they closed and didn’t have to, so it was a bittersweet happening. They believed in me and made sure I was published before they drowned. I appreciate that. Very soon, Siren Publishing picked LAD up and it’s done very well, hitting #2 on Siren’s Bestsellers List. It all moved quite fast. I’d received 3 contracts be e-mail in a week for 3 different projects. That’s enough to make a writer’s head spin.

I came into the Song of the Muses anthology a few days later than most of the Muse writers, so I had 3 of the Muses from which to choose. It was never a battle in my mind. I was inspired to take Comedy, and I was probably a numbskull to have chosen it! I knew Thalia would be a very hard Muse to write. Sense would have made me choose another, but I had none! I’ve always had great respect for the Comedy Romance authors, but that’s doubled since this project. All hail Katie Macalister! I want to be her!

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 love everything futuristic. My current favorite movie is Equilibrium, very poignant and emotional film, one of Christian Bale’s very best, but somehow it didn’t get as big as it should have. Fantastic movie. I love Historicals. Who didn’t say Wow over Dangerous Liasons?
I rarely watch TV, hardly have an idea what’s on. When I watch, it’s real-life crime and forensics shows so I’ll learn something or get some brain and plotting exercise thinking out and solving the crime. I won’t watch the dramas. They often present untruths, and I don’t want false info in my head. The Daily Show and The Colbert Report are the most important shows on TV right now, IMO. And cartoons. I watch Adult Swim on the Cartoon Channel every night.

What are you working on now?

I’m editing a SF Romance short story called Zero-G, and then I’ll be getting back to my full-size SF Romance, Alien Whip. I’m really looking forward to writing AW again. It’s about a group of people who are abducted by aliens. Here’s a little on that project:
http://www.ILoveShapeShifters.com/b21-book.htm

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

I can be found forever at: www.ILoveShapeShifters.com/songofthemuses.htm
Please stop by and take the tour.

No Funny Stuff!, a tale for the Muse of Comedy
Watch the Book Trailer, Discover the Excerpts, Check out the Reviews!
http://www.ILoveShapeShifters.com/b22-book.htm
BUY LINK: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.phpmain_page=product_info&products_id=925

Looks Are Deceiving, an Erotic Romantic Suspense
Dive into Steamy Excerpts, Look out for the Fantastic Reviews. Book Trailer, too. http://www.ILoveShapeShifters.com/b18-book.htm
BUY LINK: http://www.SirenPublishing.com/michelehart/lad.asp

Have a magical day,
Michele HartSci-Fi/Fantasy Romance Author Walk Another World ~~~ * * * * * * * * *Available NOW! * NO FUNNY STUFF! * a tale for the Muse of Comedy!http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=925

SONG OF THE MUSES * 9 Inspirations of Romance * coming October '08AMUSE ME * another tale for the Muse of Comedy * coming 2009!~ ~ ~ ~ Available NOW! * LOOKS ARE DECEIVING * a Siren Bestseller!http://www.SirenPublishing.com/michelehart/lad.asp

Excerpt!

Phew. The verdict from the witches is my new erotic romance is on the right track. Thankfully they understood exactly what was going on (unlike one partial I sent them earlier this year! that one needed a major overhaul!!)

Tonight I joined and uploaded my author's page. It looks a fun site, and I'm sure there're a lot of other things I can add onto my page once I figure it all out!

In other news my editor thinks we'll have a Fall release date for Foretaste of Forever, which is very exciting! I've added the excerpt to my webpage.

Anam Cara - Keena Kincaid

Please welcome my special guest today, Keena Kincaid, whose book, Anam Cara, has recently been released by The Wild Rose Press.

Keena grew up on an Ohio farm slightly to the left of nowhere and learned to read by picking words out of an old history book that vividly recounted the past through short stories centered on children of the age: The Grecian slave boy. The girl from Pompeii. The knight’s squire in England. The stories stayed with her. After honing her writing skills as a newspaper reporter and editor, she switched to public relations and began writing fiction. When not working or writing romance, Keena regales her niece and nephews with stories of quick-thinking ladies, mathematically challenged knights, and ill-mannered dragons that chew with their mouths open.

Keena, thanks for joining us today!

Can you tell us a little about your book, Anam Cara?

Anam Cara is first and foremost a story of atonement and grace. Bran and Liza are bound by love, separated by betrayal, and trapped on the wheel of time by vows of redemption for a crime many would consider irredeemable.

Branwyn ap Owen (Bran) suffers a fate of his own making. His hell is to live again and again until he fulfills his vow to right an ancient wrong. Even worse, he remembers the past and his crime even as he sees the future. And he always remembers—and looks for—her.

Liza of Carlisle remembers nothing of the past or the vow trapping her in Bran’s repetitive cycle. Yet some aspects of her personality are constant. Still fiercely independent, she defies the conventions of 1161 society to live on her terms as a brewer and innkeeper. When Bran walks into her inn, their instant connection unnerves her. She fights the attraction, knowing instinctively that if she lets him, this wandering bard will forever change the life she loves.

In each previous life, Bran tried and failed to atone for his crimes. Determined to make this life the one in which he finally repairs the damage of his first betrayal, he uses the knowledge gained over a thousand years to woo and win her. Yet just when he has regained her heart, a fresh betrayal destroys his last hope for love.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

Originally, I sat down to write a medieval murder-mystery with Bran as the hero. However, I hiked Hadrian’s Wall one weekend and when I stopped for refreshments at this little place, I noticed the foundation stones looked suspiciously like Roman-cut limestone. I immediately wondered what stories the stones would tell, and the idea of a 2000-year-old pub came to mind. At that moment, Bran tapped me on the shoulder and said, “I’m here for her.”

“Who?” I asked.

“Her,” he said, gesturing.

That’s when Liza entered the story. Needless to say, the whole murder-mystery went by the wayside after that conversation.

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 sitting in a coffee shop telling my best friend about Liza and Bran when an eavesdropping agent tapped me on the shoulder and said… OK. I’ll keep my daydream to myself. Like most writers, I learned how to query through trial and error. Marketing a book to an agent or editor requires a skill different from storytelling, but I eventually figured out how to best position ANAM CARA.

I was shaking with excitement when I got the email offer for a contract—then I got a second one a few days later! I weighed my options, and decided to go with The Wild Rose Press.

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!)

Mmm…this is always tricky because my favorites tend to change with my moods. But here goes:
Movies: French Kiss and Lion in Winter (although A Knight’s Tale always sucks me in when it’s on TV)

Books: This varies, to be honest. I think I will always have Shakespeare, the Bible and the Oxford English Dictionary on my shelf. I also love Robin Hobb’s voice and have been reading a lot of Kresley Cole lately. My TBR pile is huge.

TV shows: My current must-see show is Mad Men on AMC. I just love the messy interpersonal relationships between the employees of Sterling Cooper. Buffy: The Vampire Slayer is one of my all-time favorites. Could those relationships have been any messier?

Fantasy squeeze: Methos from the Highlander series. He may not have been the sexiest man on the show, but he was the smartest, and I am a sucker for smart men. Plus, can you imagine the bedtime stories he could tell?

What are you working on now?

I am working on a two-book story that covers a plot by Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine to assassinate her husband, Henry II, and rule as regent for her son. Crucial to her defeat are Aedan ap Owen (Bran’s brother whom we meet in ANAM CARA) and his sister, Amilia of Ravenglas. They are druids out of place in a modern world, but possess the power to save the kingdom. Such magic comes with a price, however, and only when love provides a ballast in their lives are they able to wield power without losing themselves to it. For Aedan and Amilia, finding and keeping love may turn out to be a matter of life and death.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

There are several ways reader can keep up with me. The easiest is probably through updates on my Web site: http://keenakincaid.com/ I’m also on Facebook and MySpace and post updates there. Or just email me at keena@keenakincaid.com and ask. I will always answer.

Galleys

Spent this morning moving everything into the office (that was a job and a half and honestly where do all those dust dinosaurs come from? Anyone would think I never do any housework... oh wait that's right - I never do) anyway, as soon as my clever husband had got the internet working again I logged on to discover my galleys have arrived!

OMG how exciting! Foretaste of Forever is all set out like a proper book!!!

I wonder if I can persuade hubby to get takeaway tonight!!!

Research Black Hole

I always moan to my cps about how much I hate research (I believe they tune out now when I start going on about it!!!) but it's not really true. I love research. I just hate the way it sucks up so much time.

Currently I'm researching the Roman period (and does anyone know of those Horrible History books they are brilliant! Thanks to them (and various x-box games which we will totally ignore) my son knows quite a bit about the Romans.) But anyway. The research is fascinating, and I've learned loads about the organisation of the Roman Imperial Legion (my hero is a centurion. In case you didn't guess!)

The problem is, I end up reading about it all for ages. And that, of course, means I have less actual writing time. I have tried doing as Amanda's frequently suggested and just put *** in places where I need to go back and clarify when the book is finished but it claws at the back of my brain. The following day I have to hop online and research for the missing pieces - which often takes three hours just to fill in half a blank sentence. And although before I start I try and print out all the info I think I'm going to need, don't you just know it - there's always something new that pops up!

Office in Sight

My eldest daughter moved out four weeks ago, and we've finally emptied out her room (I don't know where she packed all the stuff, the things she left behind now take up half the space in the family room. Tardis springs to mind) As always nothing is straightforward, and daughter #2 decided she wanted to move into that room. She started moving her things yesterday and I have slender hopes she might finish the procedure by the weekend *sigh*

However, this means that eventually there will be a spare room going again. It's the smallest room and no way will we get two desks in there. My darling husband conceded the other night that I could have it as my office. YAY!!! I'm so excited. An office all of my own, where I can put up the framed cover of my book and gaze at it for inspiration!!!

Just over a year ago, hubby and I shared an office for five months (when both our daughters moved out for a while... they came back again... must be all my delicious home cooking) (um sorry did I hear laughter in the peanut gallery there???) anyway, during those five months I loved going in that room but basically didn't write a bloody thing.

I promise to do better this time!!