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!!

Seduced in Seoul - Helen Hardt

Please welcome my special guest today, fellow debut Scarlet Rose author Helen Hardt! Helen's book, Seduced in Seoul, was recently released and is a bestseller on the Wilder Roses Press - over 18s only, please!!

Thanks for joining me today, Helen!

Can you tell us a little about your debut book, Seduced in Seoul?

Of course! It's a short story in the Destination Pleasure series in Scarlet Rose, the erotic line at The Wild Rose Press. The series publishes shorts only, and all must be set in an exotic locale with an American heroine. The hero can be foreign or American. Here's my blurb:

The last thing Allison Sanchez expects when she arrives in Seoul is the Asian god waiting for her at the airport. Right away it's obvious he can't understand a word she says. But body language is universal, and Allison soon casts aside her inhibitions in favor of engaging in one of her secret fantasies with the hot chauffeur. Talking dirty during sex takes Allison to an all new high until she discovers her exotic lover is only half Korean--and her brother's American roommate.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

The Destination Pleasure series intrigued me because I often build stories around places I've visited. My husband, sons, and I are all blackbelts in taekwondo, and we visited Seoul two years ago with our taekwondo master. I thought it would make a unique setting for an erotic short, especially when I came up with the premise.

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 wanted to write since I was in the first grade, but I didn't get serious about it until a few years ago. After completing a young adult fantasy fiction manuscript, I needed a fun read for a plane ride and picked up a romance for the first time in a decade. I got hooked all over again and decided to give romance writing a try. I've written about 400,000 words of romance in the last two years. Of course, it helps that my sons are now teenagers and I have a lot more flexibility.

The call? I actually got the email, LOL. But it was just as exciting. As I experiemented with romance, it became clear that I write to the steamy side ;). One day, when I was struggling with writer's block, I decided to write an erotic short to clear the fog. It worked, and that attempt became Seduced in Seoul. I submitted it to The Wild Rose Press, and my editor accepted it within a few weeks.

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!)

Well, anyone who knows me won't be surprised. One of my favorite books is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, due solely to her marvelous hero, Jamie Fraser. And my fantasy squeeze? Gerard Butler. Check out my blog to see a wonderful picture of Gerard as Jamie Fraser. The best of both worlds, LOL!

What are you working on now?

My current WIP is an American western historical novella with a Native American hero. I'm also working on polishing a contemporary western that Silhouette requested at RWA Nationals.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

Go to my website, http://www.helenhardt.com/, where you'll find information on all my completed works and works in progress. I also have a myspace, www.myspace.com/helenhardt, so please friend me! And my blog, http://www.helensheroes.blogspot.com/, where I chat with authors about their heroes, post hunks on Wednesday, and share other information that (I hope) readers find interesting. I also have a free erotic short, Under the Moon, available at http://www.pinkchairdiaries.com/.

Coming Soon!

I've hit my stride with my next erotic romance. The characters won't leave me alone, and I'm thinking about them at all sorts of inappropriate moments, such as when I'm supposed to be helping my son with his homework or chatting to my daughters or husband. Luckily they're used to me living in my own little world and don't get too miffed when I'm clearly not with them!!

I had a little squeee moment over the weekend when I was browsing through the Wild Rose Press site and came upon My book! and Me! in the Coming Soon section! Yes that was a definite omg moment. So much so that I had to wake my husband up and drag him to the computer so he could witness this event!! I'm of the mind that there are so many setbacks along this road, that we have to take every little good thing and celebrate!!

Starquest - Hywela Lyn

I'm thrilled to welcome fellow Wild Rose Press author, Hywela Lyn, who has bravely agreed to answer my hard hitting interview questions!! Lyn's novel, Starquest, is being released today, Friday 29th August 2008, from The Wild Rose Press.

Lyn, over to you!

Thanks for inviting me, Christina. I'm really happy to be here, as well as being very excited about the release of my futuristic romance, 'Starquest'.


Can you tell us a little about your book, Starquest?

It's the story of a young woman's search for the man she loves. She has partially lost her memory and all she knows is that he is the second in command of a starship called 'The Destiny'. She has several adventures along the way, on strange and alien planets. Friendships are formed, sacrifices are made and before she finds her HEA she nearly loses everything before realising what she was searching for was closer than she suspected. I recently made a trailer which is up on my website and gives a 'flavour' of the story.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

It started as a short story. There was a certain actor I really fancied, and being keen on science fiction and fantasy, I set him aboard a starship and created a heroine for him to love. However. I grew even fonder of my heroine than I did of him, and at the end of the short story I knew there was more - much more. So I just kept on writing.

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

I had several short stories published over the years and didn't do much with 'Starquest', other than give it to some friends to read. I actually put the original MS away in a drawer for several years, while I dealt with a personal tragedy, a move, three horses and a dog as well as a full time job. Then a few years ago, when I had married Dave and moved from Wales to England, my sister asked me if I would look after her house, dogs and horses in a remote and beautiful part of Wales, while she was in Canada for a month. Of course I jumped at the chance to go back to my beloved homeland. Leaving my long suffering husband, Dave to look after my own horses, my dog and I headed for Wales. I took Starquest along on disc and while I was there, completely revamped it. After finding a wonderful Scot to be my crit partner (we corresponded by email, but I did meet him and his wife when we visited Scotland) I sent it off to several British agents with no success. One evening, by chance, I saw the Wild Rose Press mentioned on one of the Writing Groups I belong to. I sent off an enquiry and was thrilled to be asked for a partial, and then the full. After several months, I had to go into hospital for an operation on my hip. The day I came out of hospital, Dave said there was an email from the Wild Rose Press. I couldn 't get to the computer physically, and he made me wait while he downloaded the whole document and printed it out. I didn't even know it was a Contract until he gave it to me to read! What a coming home present!

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 don't watch much TV these days (I spend all my time on the pc). I've just read the 'Earthsea' series by Ursula Le Guin. Although it's not strictly speaking romance, it's a wonderful fantasy series and eventually the two main characters find each other again and realise their feelings for each other, even though it's a little late in life. I think my favourite romance of all time has to be 'Gone With The Wind', both the book and the movie. I love historical America and Westerns, I think it was such a romantic period of history. I read a wide variety of novels and love anything in the distant past or the far future. I'm not really one for contemporary stories, unless they're very well done. I don't really feel this century is a very romantic one although there are many wonderful authors out there who seem to be able to find romance in the most unlikely places. For me the setting and background need to be romantic too, either unspoilt landscapes or the beauty of space and the stars. I love a hero who is strong but gently - and a heroine who is also strong but feminine. I don't like heroes who are bullies or heroines who are so independent they have lost all their femininity. I like a heroine to be self-sufficient but to be able to ask for help when it's needed. I love that moment when the h and h realise they are more than just 'friends'.

What are you working on now?

I'm just starting work on the edits for the sequel to 'Starquest' 'Children Of The Mist'. I'm also mulling over a second story for the Wild Rose Press's 'Song Of The Muses' series and toying with an idea for a third story in the 'Starquest' series, although that's pretty tentative at the moment.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

I have a website: http://www.hywelalyn.com/ and a Blog: http://hywelalyn.blogspot.com/

I also have a My Space www.myspace.com/hywelalyn

I have a 'Starquest' My Space for my heroine: www.myspace.com/jestine_darnell

and one for the heroine of 'Dancing With Fate' my story in the muse series: www.myspace.com/terpsichoremuseofdance

I also have several Author Pages, including one at the Polka Dot Banner : http://www.polkadotbanner.com/

My Blog and the My Spaces can also be reached from my website.

Thanks so much
Lyn

Hostage to Pleasure

Hooray! The 5th full length entry in Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling world is due to hit the shelves on September 2nd and Nalini's holding a fun contest on her blog all about being a hostage to pleasure with a great prize up for grabs (unfortunately the prize doesn't happen to be Lucas or Vaughn or Judd or Clay... but a girl can dream...!) So hop on over and enter!

RWNZ Conference 2008 Part Two

I though I'd post a few more photos from the conference. Here are three of the witches, Amanda, me and Sara, in our Saturday night finery.

One of the tea breaks where I consumed far too many yummy scones and cream than was good for me.












Amanda chatting to Jenny Hatton, assistant editor at Mills and Boon.

Here I am up on stage collecting my certificate for the Meet the Editor contest. From l-r Pam, Bron, Toni, Cindy Hwang (senior editor at Berkley) me and Anne Gracie, Prez of the RWAustralia who collected certificates for Aussie finalists could couldn't attend, and MC-ing was Tessa Radley. Ellie can just be seen standing off stage.

Cindy's feedback on my entry was priceless, and gave me a lot to think about!

Anyway back to reality! I've sent my revisions off to the witches for their input. I've also joined the Clayton's Conference for those not attending the Melbourne conf this weekend, run by the dynamic duo Sandie and RC. I don't know where they get their energy from but I wouldn't mind some of it!!!

We Have Cover!!!

While I was playing away at conference (I mean working hard at conference) my editor and cover artist, the fabulous Angela Anderson, created the most amazing cover for my book. It's dark and sexy and has the gothic feel I wanted. And just look at that brooding hero! OMG. I'm so in love with it. So are my two daughters and if it comes to that my husband is smitten too! Although I think he's probably more interested in the heroine but that's fine by me, as so far he's printed out three copies of the cover (one for me, one each for our girls) and used up all his coloured ink in the process. And didn't even mind!!!

I'd love to know what you think!

In other news I've also received my second round of edits so will be diving into them today. My editor hopes it won't be too long before details of Foretaste of Forever are up on TWRP website. Squeeeee!!! I've had so much excitement this week it's probably illegal!!