Category Archives: The Wild Rose Press
Calisa Rhose~Tuesday Roundup Features Leanna Sain #mfrwauthors #magicalsuspense
Friday Fanfare Welcomes:
Leanna Sain – Half-Moon Lake
How did the writer’s journey begin for you?
My novel writing journey began at a Halloween party where I saw the “Gate to Nowhere” (the title of my first novel) and the stories just keep coming. My “Gate” books have stacked up numerous awards, from Foreword Magazine’s Book-of-the-Year to the Clark Cox Historical Fiction Award from the North Carolina Society of Historians. My fourth novel, WISH, is a stand-alone, YA crossover.
My Southern romantic suspense or “GRIT-lit,” showcases my plot-driven method of writing that successfully rolls the styles of best-selling authors Mary Kay Andrews, Nicholas Sparks, and Jan Karon into a delightfully hybrid style that is all my own. Regional fiction lovers and readers who enjoy suspense with a magical twist will want my books.
Tell us three things about you-the writer-readers wouldn’t typically know.
- I’m one of the fastest goat-milkers I know.
- I’m terrified of heights
- Wasp/Hornet spray stuns a rattlesnake so you can kill it (voice of experience talking here), but you have to unload the whole can on it.
Well, I know what I’m reaching for next time I see a rattler! LOL
It all began when…
It all began when my husband and I were doing a furniture delivery down in the Nantahalla Valley. The kudzu inspired it.
Where did you get the premise for this book?
I was on a ‘twins’ kick. I wondered about something bad happening to one twin that resulted in their death and the psychological trauma causing amnesia in the remaining twin.
Interesting. What stands out about this story that made writing it different for you?
It was my first book written in 1st person. I actually wrote this one before Red Curtains (the first book in my GRITS series). Everything is in Kate’s POV. It was so much fun I decided to do all the GRITS books in 1st person too.
Were there any difficult challenges or special subject matter you came across while writing this book?
No difficult challenges, but since kudzu plays an important part in the story, I had to do a lot of research about the plant. I wove what I learned into the story. There’s more to it than just an invasive vine.
I thought that said invasive wine. I was about to grab my glass! 😆
What about this book would make us want to read it more than others of similar taste?
I think my characters are just more believable and although it’s a suspense/mystery, it’s a FUN read. I made myself laugh…out loud. Plus Levi is just plain HOT!
LOL!
What do you want readers to take away from this book?
I want them to love the book so much that they can’t wait to go out and get all my other books.
Tell us about the finished book. Is there anything special we might not know after reading it?
When Kathryn Dorne is summoned to Half-Moon Lake for the reading of her father’s will, she discovers a shocking truth: everything in her life—including her name—is a lie.
Learning that her name is Katelyn Eubanks is only the first surprise. Second, she had an identical twin sister who drowned at the age of nine. Since Katelyn can’t remember anything prior to that age, it seems more than mere coincidence. The biggest surprise is that her father, a man she never knew existed, left his entire estate to her, enraging other would-be heirs.
With her unremembered, but closest childhood friend, Levi, as well as help from the estate’s deaf-mute gardener, and the outspoken cook, Katelyn searches for answers to questions that have plagued her all her life, but doing so, opens the proverbial Pandora’s box. As her memories return, so does the terrible danger she escaped fifteen years earlier.
I hope readers get their curiosity piqued when the story mentions Half Moon, the Cherokee Indian medicine woman, and the MacKinlay family (see the Gate to Nowhere Trilogy).
Where can readers find you and your books?
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/half-moon-lake/id1241572035?mt=11
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/half-moon-lake-leanna-sain/1126450434?ean=2940157456566
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/half-moon-lake-1
Is there anything else you want to share or add?
I love talking to book clubs or women’s groups. If your group is within an hour or two of western NC, I’d love to come see you. Contact me at http://www.LeannaSain.com
I wish I lived closer! Thanks for visiting Leanna!
K folks, it’s a nasty, rainy day here in Oklahoma, and I don’t have a fireplace. So, I’ll gift one commenter with a copy of my ebook Risk Factors if you share this post on FB and Twitter then post both direct links in comments. I’ll draw the winner Sunday night.
Dodadaghovi~
Do You Think About the Homeless? Leanna Sain opens her eyes and heart #thehomeless #mfrwauthor #
Osiyo~
I have Leanna Sain in the Round Pen today. I’ll let her tell you a bit about her book, Red Curtains.
I saw ‘Lily’ while my husband and I were visiting Savannah for our 26th anniversary. We were waiting for a tour bus when she strolled past us, wearing a court jester hat and talking to herself. She walked up to a mailbox by the bus stop proceeded to sprinkle some invisible substance around its base. I cocked an eyebrow at my husband and quipped, “Fairy-dust?” He shrugged, waiting to see what she did next.
She was obviously homeless, and the moment I saw her, my mind started creating her story. As soon as we got on the bus, I began scribbling ideas as fast as my pen could write. Red Curtains is the result.
I know the homeless issue isn’t a comfortable subject, but unfortunately, it’s reality and I hope my book raises awareness. Homeless statistics are staggering, so to help in a small way, I’ll be donating a part of book sales to the “Stand Down” program mentioned in the story.”
***
“Cleo!” she greeted me joyously, as if we were long, lost friends instead of mortal enemies. “It’s so good to see you!”
“Ellie.” Her eyes narrowed at my mispronunciation, but she didn’t correct me. I gave her a cold stare. The only thing that kept me from yanking her out of my seat by her dark rooted, bottle-blond hair was sheer, iron will.
“I saw you come in earlier,” she trilled in her fake- friendly voice. “I wanted to be sure to come tell you ‘hi.’ Imagine my disappointment when I finally made it to your table and found you were gone. But luckily…” she gave Jonas an impudent smile. “…this nice man was good enough to let me sit here and wait for you.”
Finally made it to my table? Yeah, right. I was sure she’d waited—on purpose—for me to leave before she swooped in. I’d seen this act before, and I thought I was ready for it, but I guess I wasn’t. When she finished her little performance with a wink, I think I may have growled.
“Well, that worked out well for you, didn’t it?” My smile was brittle. One false move and my face might shatter into a thousand little pieces. I waited stiffly for her to vacate my seat. Could a person’s blood actually boil?
Jonas was casting an uncertain look between the two of us. I’m sure he was astute enough to feel the undercurrents. He might not understand them, but he had to be aware of them.
Then he sort of jumped, shoulders stiffening, eyes widening in shock as he stared across the table. What was that about? I glanced at Ellie, looking for an answer. Uh-oh. I knew that look. I’d seen her use it often enough. It was her “come and get me” expression—gazing up through her mascara thickened lashes, a seductive smile curving her lips, promising things I didn’t even want to know about—the look that reduced men to puppy-like creatures, eager to please. A movement under the table caught my eye and my jaw dropped. Ellie’s stiletto-clad foot was rubbing suggestively up and down Jonas’ leg. Obviously, Ellie had no intention of relinquishing her spot at the table.
Oh, no you don’t, girlfriend! Not this time! I made a totally out-of-character and utterly rash decision, praying that Jonas would just go with it and that it wouldn’t backfire. I slipped into the seat beside him, snuggling up close. “I like it better on this side, anyway.”
I’ll have to hand it to him. It only took him a split second of startled uncertainty before he dropped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me even closer. He put his lips to my ear, whispering, “I guess you’ll explain what’s going on later?”
His warm breath against my ear caused goose bumps to shiver along my arms and down my legs, but I dimpled up at him and answered, “You know I will.”
Turning to Ellie, I almost shouted over an explosion of laughter from the bar. “Isn’t he a sweetheart? I just love him to death!”
Ellie’s expression had become a bit frosty and I almost giggled with delight. It felt wonderful to be vindicated. Not to mention, it was very, very cozy to be snuggled up against Jonas like this.
She slid toward the outside edge of the seat. “It was good to see you, Cleo. Happy holidays. Nice to meet you, Jonas. Maybe we could meet for a drink sometime?”
“Sounds good,” he said. “I’ll let you set it up with Cleo.”
Ellie’s jaw tightened. “Of course. See you later.” She spun around and stalked away, swaying a little on her four-inch heels.
***
North Carolina native, Leanna Sain, earned her BA from the University of South Carolina, then moved back to her beloved mountains of western NC with her husband. Her “Gate” books have stacked up numerous awards, from Foreword Magazine’s Book-of-the-Year to the Clark Cox Historical Fiction Award from the North Carolina Society of Historians. Sain’s fourth novel, WISH, is a stand-alone, YA crossover.
Her Southern romantic suspense or “GRIT-lit,” showcases her plot-driven method of writing that successfully rolls the styles of best-selling authors Mary Kay Andrews, Nicholas Sparks, and Jan Karon into a delightfully hybrid style that is all her own. Regional fiction lovers and readers who enjoy suspense with a magical twist will want her books.
She loves leading discussion groups and book clubs. For more information or to contact her, visit: www.LeannaSain.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leannasbooks
Twitter: Leanna Sain@Leannasbooks
Website and blog: http://leannasain.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/LeannaSain
Buy link:
http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/4594-red-curtains.html
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Curtains-Leanna-Sain-ebook/dp/B01L5R53U8
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/red-curtains/id1149202885?mt=11
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/red-curtains-leanna-sain/1124412152?ean=2940156862825
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/red-curtains
Thank you for sharing Red Curtains with my readers, Leanna! I think it’s a wonderful thing for you to donate a portion of sales to a good cause most of us don’t even think about in our own daily lives.
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose presents ~ Gambler’s Choice by Linda Nightingale #mfrwauthor #abouthorsepeopleforhorsepeople
Osiyo~
Today I have a special guest who is a new and very dear friend and fellow horsewoman who has been instrumental in helping me through an, at-times, unbearably intolerable week. Please welcome the multi-talented and lovely Linda Nightingale to the Ranch! She’s brought her new book to share. I absolutely LOVE this cover and can’t wait to read my copy of the book. Here’s Linda to share about the book.
Gambler’s Choice
By Linda Nightingale
A novel about people who love horses…
From The Wild Rose Press
Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor
Editor: Mary Harmony
Tagline: An English aristocrat and a Virginia socialite go head-to-head—and feet-to-feet—in a battle over ownership of a very special horse.
Rating: Spicy
Digital Price: $4.99
Print Price: $16.99
Here’s a video trailer to enjoy in lieu of a blurb. 😀
Gambler’s Choice:
Rebecca McQuaid was in England for one reason.
To find the perfect match.
Size was important. Becca was a tall girl. Money was of no consequence whatsoever. Becca was a wealthy girl. Heart mattered most. He must have the heart to go the distance. She dreamed of a partnership that would last a lifetime. But looks did rank quite high on her list of priorities.
“I simply can’t ride an ugly horse. That would be like dating an ugly man.” Tossing her long blonde hair over her shoulder, she laughed and winked at her friend.
Meg shot her a frown, her tone accusing Becca of being an uncivilized colonist. “Rebecca McQuaid, you say the damnedest things.”
An appreciative chuckle turned her around to squint into the sun. A tall, elegant, dark figure of a man on a magnificent horse caught her imagination mid-stride. She couldn’t see the rider’s face, but she knew he’d overheard the exchange with her friend. He saluted her with a tap of his whip to the brim of his hat as he rode past. Excitement capered over her, and she smiled. The horse’s muscled, blood bay rump glistened. The stallion was sixteen-two hands, fit and impeccably groomed.
“Nice buns. That one’s good-looking enough for me.” She elbowed her friend. “Who is it?”
Meg shaded her eyes. “Gambler’s Choice and Austen Heath. Both horse and rider satisfy your criteria, my dear girl.”
“The horse is handsome.” She wished she had gotten a better look at the bay, but he was a mahogany blaze in the morning sun. “Are you telling me the rider is?”
“That’s the general consensus, but Austen hides in that rambling, dark mansion of his.” Meg studied the pair picking up a trot along the arena. “Fierce competitors. Hard to beat at Intermediate. We’ll see how they handle Advanced.”
“An Advanced horse?” Becca wriggled her shoulders. “I’m in the market.”
“Look elsewhere.” Meg’s finger jutted at Becca’s nose. “Austen won’t sell Gambler for love or money. Guaranteed. Not even for the kind of money you’re willing to spend.”
“Meggie.” She linked arms with her friend. “Everything has a price.”
Meg balked like a donkey. “You’re in a different world, princess.”
“Well, not everything. Love doesn’t have a price.” Pain wrenched her heart as a memory of the breakup with Daniel flashed through her mind. The hurt was too fresh to even think of another man. “But I’m not in the market for love.”
Becca had found that the best way to protect her heart was to play spoiled little rich girl. She had that part down pat, and, as Winston Churchill had said, There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. She was looking for a horse to fall in love with and help mend her broken heart.
*****
Linda and Bonito perform a Musical Freestyle to Phantom of the Opera
From the time I was born, I was in love with horses. Every Christmas, I’d rush to the window to see if there was a pony tied to a tree. Sadly, there never was until my parents moved to a small farm near where we’d formerly lived. Then they bought me a black paint gelding I named First Fling. I was thirteen at the time. From that beginning, after I married, I went on to breed Egyptian Arabians and later the magnificent Andalusian horse. My stallion Bonito was three times National Champion.
So, it was predestined that at some time I would write a book about horses and the people who love them. I can testify that this love can be one to distraction! I had never participated in 3-Day Eventing, a very demanding and dangerous sport, but my friend in Florida was an eventer. If I ran into a problem with the technical information, I called Helen. She’d walk me through the event. I didn’t ramble off into too much detail because I didn’t want to bore the non-horsey reader. The techniques of the half-pass, the shoulder-in, and the canter pirouette are probably not familiar to most people outside the horse aficionado.
Gambler’s Choice is the name of a jumping class in a horse show. I think that name and the excitement of that race against the clock inspired the book. In this class, each team (horse and rider) that makes a clean round goes on to the next. The fences are raised, and again they must beat the best time of other entries. A sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of experience.
I named the equine star after the class. Though the book is a romantic suspense, the story is really about two people who love one horse. Becca is willing to pay any amount for Gambler’s Choice. Austen is not going to sell his best friend for any price. Perhaps, a horse person is the only one who’d understand how dramatic this conflict is.
I love to chat with readers so come see me at these locations around cyberland.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LNightingale
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaNightingaleAuthor
Buy Link: print http://ow.ly/YaLsh or digital http://ow.ly/YaLFD
Web Site: http://www.lindanightingale.com – Visit and look around. There’s a free continuing vampire story.
Blog: https://lindanightingale.wordpress.com/ – Lots of interesting guests & prizes
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4839311.Linda_Nightingale
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lbnightingale1/
Book Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03972_A_5-Y
Thank you for visiting and sharing GC with my readers today, Linda. I can’t wait for news on future projects!
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose presents ~ Shatterproof by KK Weil #mfrwauthor #tuesdayroundup
Osiyo~
Welcome KK Weil to the round pen today! She’s sharing her new book, Shatterproof, and I’m asking her a few random questions. KK also has a special offer at the end.
Thank you so much for having me on your blog! I’m very excited to be here.
I’m thrilled to have you! Let’s get started.
What is your writing routine?
As soon as my kids leave for school, my computer goes on. My coffee sits next to me and if the weather is nice, I either work outside or open all my windows. Fresh air inspires me. Usually, I take care of any “business” first, like social media or communications with other authors. After that, I dive into writing. What that means depends on the day. It might be picking up where I left off and spewing out tons of words or maybe I just go over what I did the day before and tweak it. Of course I find the days when I get more pages out to be more productive, but both kinds of days are necessary. I work until the kids come home, which often means losing track of time and neglecting everything else that needs to be done. And then my computer goes back on when they go to sleep.
Which comes first for you—plot or characters?
It depends. For my first book, At This Stage, I knew the premise of the plot before anything else. I developed my characters around what I wanted to happen in the story. In my new release, Shatterproof, my hero, Griffin is a character from the first book. I fell in love with him while I was writing At This Stage, and I knew I wanted to give him his own story. Shatterproof developed entirely around Griffin, so in that case, character definitely came first. In the book I’m working on now, I started with a general idea of the plot, but was having some trouble with my heroine. Then I used a character sketch to get to know her better and then everything started flowing like magic.
What aspect of writing comes easy to you? What is difficult?
For me, the most natural part of writing is the story development. I absolutely love creating something from nothing and every time plots come together in ways I didn’t initially expect, I get very excited. I tend to write about sensitive subjects, so I guess I’d have to say the hardest part is how to handle them. For example, a large part of Shatterproof is about how Griffin deals with his anger towards his mother for staying in an abusive relationship for years. I really wanted to capture what he was going through, while making it clear that the feelings were his as a product of that household, and not mine as a writer. It can be tricky.
What was your first writing piece and where is it now?
I’ve always written, so I couldn’t name my first piece. But my first “full length book” – which would have to be judged by how many pages it took up in a marble composition notebook – was about twin girls. One good, one, bad, naturally. And the trouble they got into. I think I wrote it in Junior High. I still have it, tucked away in my basement, in a duffle bag filled with old stories I’ve written.
Where in the world would you want to visit (all in the name of research, of course) and why?
My number-one dream destination is, without a doubt, Australia. I’ve actually had my itinerary planned for years, because one day, it will happen. There are so many things I want to see there. The opera house and the beautiful Great Barrier Reef are at the top of my list. But above all, I want to visit the outback, Ayer’s Rock and learn about the Aborigines. I couldn’t imagine a more wonderful place to take my family. And imagine the stories it would inspire!
Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry and why?
Margaret Atwood. (https://twitter.com/MargaretAtwood1) To me, she is the queen of dystopian fiction, one of my favorite genres. I’d do anything to pick her brain.
Favorite movie and why?
I have so many, and they truly change with my mood. But two of my all-time favorites are Bullworth and Oh Brother, Where Art Thou, because I love satire.
Salty, sweet, or both?
Salty, salty salty. Except if you’re offering me a peanut butter cup.
Shatterproof Blurb
Griffin Stone knows the stats. Sons of abusers become abusers. This is his single fear.
After witnessing firsthand his parents’ tumultuous marriage, Griffin worries that he, too, harbors an explosive dark side. Can he escape from his father’s rage-fueled ways or is he destined to become part of the cycle?
Unable to persuade his mother to leave and wrestling with his resentment towards her for staying, Griffin volunteers at Holly’s House, a safe haven for abused women. Through sculpture, Griffin gives these women pieces of themselves they’ve long forgotten. Holly’s House is the only place where Griffin finds peace and purpose.
Until he meets Frankie Moore.
Frankie is an aspiring photographer, finding beauty in things most people miss, including Griffin. Griffin is attracted to her free-spirited, sassy attitude but fears Frankie will trigger the most intense part of him, the one he must keep buried.
Frankie’s got to get her act together. Her anything-goes behavior is leading nowhere fast. She’s hopeful that her latest hobby will be a building block for the future. But when a stranger appears on the other end of her camera, looking as complex as he is handsome, Frankie thinks this might be just the change she needs.
Shatterproof Excerpt
“You need to grow up, Griffin,” my father spat at me. “Life isn’t perfect. You need to get over it and move on. Your mother can. She’s happy with me and whatever we have between us is our business, not yours. Grow the hell up, and start acting like a man instead of a petulant child.”
Heat shot through my body at lightning speed. “Act like a man—like you?” I shouted. “What should I do, go pick some amazing woman who’s full of life and beat it out of her until she can’t even recognize herself any more, until she can’t even differentiate between love and pain? Is that what a man does, Dad? Is that what I should do?”
My father broke into a smile. An evil, condescending, terrifying smile. “You think you’re so different from me?” He hovered over me. His tone was sinister, as if he was trying to cut through my skin with nothing but his voice. “Get up.” He yanked my arm and pulled me by the elbow into the bathroom. He grabbed the back of my head and forced me to face the mirror. “Look at yourself, Griffin. And look at me. Everything about you comes from me. You may deny it now. You may put yourself on a pedestal, thinking you’re above being human, but just know that the fire inside you, that’s my fire. That passion, it’s mine. And when you have an uncontrollable desire to love, to hurt, to possess a woman, it’s from me. Nothing is yours alone. Even this face.” He snagged my chin between his strong fingers. I tried to yank it away from his grasp, but he held on too tight. “It’s mine. And there’s nothing you can do about it. You can try to mask it in this mess of hair and clothes and tattoos you have going on, but know that every time a woman falls in love with that face, every time she says she can’t resist you because of it, every time she can’t walk away from you…it’s because of me. It’s because you are me. We. Are. The. Same.” He released my chin with a shove and left the bathroom.
Author Bio:
Instead of telling you how I’ve always loved to write (which is true) or how I dabbled in different genres for years while I was a teacher, before I took it up full-time (also true), I’d like to let you get to know me a little.
I love trying all different foods. I enjoy everything from street meat to decadent delicacies. When I travel, I pester the locals for restaurant recommendations, off the beaten path. Having said that, I am a savory fan. I don’t have a sweet tooth. I’d much rather have another bite of dinner and one more glass of wine that save room for dessert. There is one exception to this rule. Reese’s peanut butter cups. Sometimes I think I love those more than I love my children. I’m kidding. Maybe.
I’m left handed. I blame my horrendous handwriting on this, even though I don’t really believe they’re related. Everything in this world is built for and by righties. (Ever try using a can opener with your left hand?) So when I meet another left-handed person, I feel an immediate bond to her, like we’re in this special club. A club founded on being inconvenienced. When I was young, I was desperate for my sister to be a leftie like me. So even though she grabbed things with her right hand, I’d quickly switch them to her left. Now she’s ambidextrous.
I always save the best of everything for last. It’s a compulsion. I don’t like pizza crust very much, so I eat it first. I tear it off, piece by piece (I don’t bite the slice backwards. I’m not a Neanderthal, for God’s sake), until there’s just a little bit left in the center. I use this as a handle.
I have an irrational fear of lice, bedbugs and any other insect that can become an infestation.
I prefer beaches over grass, heels over flats, dramas over comedies, coffee over tea, night over morning and fall over spring.
She sounds interesting, doesn’t she? Check out:
Shatterproof, a New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Amazon http://amzn.com/B015UESACU
Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shatterproof-k-…/1122695550…
Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/shatterproof
The Wild Rose Press http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v1…/index.php…
Follow Me
Website: http://www.kkweil.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KKWeilAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KK_WEIL
Blog: KKWeil.blogspot.com
I have one leftie (of my three girls) and teaching her was a challenge in a lot of ways as she grew up, since I’m a rightie. She’s ambidextrous also, mostly because she was right handed until a nine foot fall when she was almost 2 that rewired her brain some. Thank you for visiting the Ranch and sharing your work and yourself, KK!
For a chance to win a copy of one of her books, tell KK if you are a rightie, or a leftie. 🙂
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose~Tuesday RoundUp presents~ Chrys Fey #ghosts #mfrwauthor
Osiyo~
Welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules… The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.
I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Chrys Fey, who is sharing her eBook, Ghost of Death with us!
Please show Chrys some real Ranch love!
Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.
My name is Chrys Fey and in case you’re wondering…that is a pen name. Chrys came from a nickname that my oldest friends call me, but I changed the spelling to make it more mystical. And Fey is a nickname used for a person thought to have supernatural qualities. Since the books I’ve been writing half my life all have supernatural elements, I thought Fey was perfect. And that is how “Chrys Fey” was born.
I love how you came up with your name! Okay, I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones.
My writing area at the moment is a corner of the couch in my living room. What does your writing space look like?
It’s a lot better since I was last at the Ranch and answered this question. It’s in a corner of my bedroom now next to a window with a lovely view of the tree in the front yard of my new house.
I love new houses. I’ll be moving into a new office soon too. For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?
It’s usually easy for me, but the title of “Ghost of Death” was originally Diary of a Dead Girl. Since I didn’t write it in the form of a diary and I’m also publishing “Witch of Death” later this month, I changed it. As for my characters’ names, the characters in “Ghost of Death” are named after people, so that was easy. *wink*
What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?
Keep writing.
Keep dreaming.
Keep believing.
The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?
Do not overwhelm yourself. Stick with a few social media sites you like and stay active on
them, do a little marketing every day or at least a few times a week, and write no matter
what obstacles this ever-changing industry throws your way.
Oh, that’s good advice. Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?
J.K. Rowling. I’d like to have tea and biscuits with her and to talk about writing, books, and life in general.
It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆
Favorite animal?
TOO MANY!
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter?
Fall
Favorite food?
Italian
Well done! 🙂
Okay, Flash four. Ready?
What are you working on now?
Well, I’m going to be sending my publisher the sequel to Hurricane Crimes (with fingers crossed) very soon and I am working on book three! 😀
I have my copy of both these books and can’t wait to read them (some day). LOL What are you sharing today?
Ghost of Death!
Jolie Montgomery, a twenty-one-year-old woman, wakes up in an alley next to her corpse. She has no memories of her murder or the night she died. She didn’t even see the killer’s face before he or she took her life. Wanting justice, Jolie seeks answers in the only way a ghost can…by stalking the lead detective on the case.
Avrianna Heavenborn is determined to find the person responsible for a young woman’s death. She gets closer to the killer’s identity with every clue she uncovers, and Jolie is with her every step of the way.
But if they don’t solve her murder soon, Jolie will be an earth-bound spirit forever.
I love her name. Where can we find you and your books?
Amazon US / Amazon UK / The Wild Rose Press / NOOK / KOBO
www.writewithfey.blogspot.com/
Where will you be next?
Tomorrow I am visiting Julie Flanders. On Thursday, I’ll be stopping by Christine Rains’
blog. And Friday I’ll have fun posts at the blogs of Marlow Kelly, Medeia Sharif, and Kelly Hashway.
Witch of Death is also available for PRE-ORDER! 🙂
Detective Reid Sanders doesn’t believe in the supernatural, but when he’s faced with a crime scene that defies the laws of nature, he has no other choice but to start believing. And solving a magical murder involves working with a witch.
Liberty Sawyer embodies the look of your classic evil witch, so, it’s no surprise when she uncovers the murderer is a witch that she becomes Reid’s number one suspect. If she can’t convince him otherwise, more people could lose their lives to dark magic, including her.
Book Links:
VOTE: Which do you prefer? Ghosts or witches.
I’ll go with ghosts. 🙂
Thank you so much for playing along Chrys! Wishing you much luck with your book(s) and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day.
Thank you, Calisa! I love visiting the Ranch! 😀
And the Ranch loves having you, Chrys!
Don’t forget to place your vote of witch or ghost in comments.
Have a lovely day!
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose~ Tuesday RoundUp with Joyce Holmes #MFRWAuthor #romance #interview
Osiyo~
Welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules… The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.
I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Joyce M. Holmes, who is sharing her book, Dare to Risk All with us! She’s a new Wild Rose Press sister, too, so congrats for that Joyce!
Please show Joyce some real Ranch love!
Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.
I live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, in British Columbia’s interior, with my husband and very tiny, very spoiled dog, Roxy. I have three grown boys, two are married, and my oldest has blessed me with two little grandsons. Besides writing, I love photography. The best of all worlds is when I can travel, take tons of photos, then write about where I’ve been on my blog.
Haha We just got a new dog last month (not so tiny shepherd/boxer) whose already spoiled. Granddaughter named her Roxy!
Okay, I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones.
My writing area at the moment is a corner of the couch in my living room. What does your writing space look like?
I’m lucky to have an actual office with a desk, cabinets and bookshelves. It’s the smallest room in the house, but I’m happy it’s all mine. I work on a laptop with an attached keyboard and mouse. Although the laptop is connected wirelessly, I rarely go on the internet while I’m writing to avoid distractions. I keep chocolate or other sweets tucked away in the desk drawers (shhh, don’t tell my hubby) and occasionally reach in for a nibble.
I have an actual office, too, but it’s being used as storage at the moment—hence the recliner. Lol For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?
I’ve never had a problem coming up with names for my main characters, but do sometimes draw a blank with secondary ones. I try to choose those names carefully, because you never know when they might ask for a story of their own. As for titles, a working one usually comes to mind immediately, but on occasional I change it once the story is finished. In the case of Dare to Risk All, I was asked to change the title because the publisher already had a book with my original title, and I’m pleased that this one is even better suited to the storyline.
So true about secondary characters, Joyce. I’ve actually had a few start nudging me before I finish the story, so I have to go back and give them better/more fitting names. What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?
Write. Write and read. And learn the craft. Take courses, workshops, go to conferences if possible. Learn all you can, but most importantly, write. Make sure your work is as strong as it can be before you submit. It’s not an easy career choice and the real hard work comes after the book has been written. But if writing is your love, then write.
Good advice. The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?
If I knew the answer to that, I’d be the next big thing, lol. The absolute most important thing is to write an outstanding story people will want to read. But in today’s industry, you need an edge beyond being a good writer. Part of that might be luck—getting noticed by someone big—and part of that is writing something out of the ordinary. And having a strong marketing strategy is paramount as well. I really do need to take my own advice.
LOL We all could benefit from this advice I think. Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?
There’s so many, but if I can only pick one, I’d like to meet Mark Twain. Not only was he such a talented writer, I think he’d have been an interesting and knowledgeable man to chat with.
I agree with that choice. It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆
Favorite animal?
Dog
Season?
Spring
Favorite food?
Brownies
Mmm Brownies! I need to rethink my own answer to that one. Lol Well done! 🙂
Okay, Flash four. Ready? What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished a project, so I’m in the brainstorming stage. I’m hoping to do a third story connected to the first two books I published, but it’s being a little elusive at the moment.
What are you sharing today?
Blurb:
Dare to Risk All
Tessa Caldwell’s carefully structured world is thrown into chaos when the handsome stranger she had an uncharacteristic fling with reappears in her life. Ben not only gets the promotion she thought was hers, but is also intent on resuming their physical relationship. Although Tessa’s rational mind insists on a professional association, both her heart and her traitorous body have other ideas. Can her sensible nature possibly win against such temptation?
Memories of the petite blonde with large, blue eyes have haunted Ben Dunham for months. When he transfers to her branch, he anticipates picking up where they left off. Reality doesn’t match memory when the cool and collected lady wants no part of him. If he intends to pursue Tessa, he has to earn her trust. The problem is, Ben carries a dark and dangerous secret. How does he get Tessa to trust him when he can’t trust himself?
***
Where can we find you and your books?
Amazon page:
http://www.amazon.com/Joyce-M.-Holmes/e/B008H5HTV8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1402703325&sr=8-1
Goodreads page:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6431862.Joyce_M_Holmes
Blog:
http://JoyceHolmes.wordpress.com
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/Joyce.M.Holmes
https://twitter.com/Joyce_Holmes
Publisher:
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6123
Amazon:
Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dare-to-risk-all-joyce-m-holmes/1121218050?ean=2940150071254
Where will you be next?
At the moment I don’t have any other engagements scheduled (I hope to be buried deep in the writing cave), but readers can always find me on my website. I post all my updates there and list my books on the bookshelf.
http://JoyceHolmes.wordpress.com
That is one beautiful cover, as I’ve said before! Love Tina Lynn Stout’s work. Who remembers it was Tina who did the cover for my first novella, Home?
Thank you so much for playing along Joyce! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day.
Thanks for having me. I enjoyed chatting about my writing with you.
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose presents ~ One More Second Chance by Jana Richards #MFRWAuthor #LobsterCove
Osiyo~
I’m welcoming to the Round Pen sister WRP author and a wonderful writer, Jana Richards, to share her contribution in the Lobster Cove multi-author series.
ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE is part of the Lobster Cove series from The Wild Rose Press. Lobster Cove is a fictional small town in Maine, and stories included in series include contemporary romance (like mine), romantic suspense, historical romance, paranormal and erotic romance. Writing a story in a multi-author series was a lot of fun, but it had its challenges. The series needed continuity and consistency, so characters and buildings, and even the landscape had to be the same from book to book. That necessitated a lot of emailing back and forth between writers and our senior editor, Lori Graham. Lori even created a map of the town! I found the map very helpful in moving my characters around town, and just getting a picture of what the town looked like.
I love small town romances, probably because I came originally from a small town. In ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE, I wanted to explore what it would be like for someone from ‘away’ to fit into a place where everybody knew everybody. Coming from a big city, would he find Lobster Cove too small and set in its ways, too lacking in the things he was accustomed to in a larger center? Or would he discover that despite living in each others pockets, people in Lobster Cove sincerely cared about one another and looked after their own when the chips were down?
Good question. These books are special to me because I was in on the creation of Lobster Cove from the ground up and have met most of the characters as they came to Lobster Cove from their writers’ minds. I’m still working on my book (romantic suspense) for the series, but many others are already flying through the cyber book stores. Let’s learn about Jana’s book now!
Title: One More Second Chance
Author: Jana Richards
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, the Lobster Cove Series
Release Date: February 6, 2015
Blurb:
Dr. Alex Campbell has an agenda—finish his contract to provide medical services in Maine, pay off his medical school debt, and head back to his real life in San Diego. But when he meets Julia, all his carefully laid plans are put in jeopardy.
Julia Stewart, Lobster Cove’s high school principal, swears she’ll never let another man drag her away from the home she loves. Her aging parents need her, and the Cove is where she wants to raise her daughter. When her mother’s illness brings her and the big city doctor closer together, panic sets in. Her marriage taught her men don’t stay.
Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering? Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever?
Excerpt:
“What did the x-ray find?” she asked.
“A spiral fracture of the right arm.” He paused for a moment and took a deep breath as if trying to control his emotions. “I’ve seen this kind of injury before. A fracture like this can be the result of a fall, but it can also be an indication of child abuse. An arm as small as Ava’s will break like a twig if it’s twisted hard enough. I’m obligated to contact the authorities if I suspect abuse.”
Julia stared at him in mute shock, her brain struggling to process his words, as if trying to translate some unintelligible language. The words child abuse rang in her ears. Finally she found her voice.
“You think someone deliberately hurt her?”
“Her injuries are consistent with abuse.”
“I don’t give a damn what they’re consistent with. Ava has not been mistreated. My mother said she fell down the stairs, and if that’s what she said, then that’s what happened.”
“I believe there’s more to the story than a simple fall.”
“If it comes down to believing you or believing my mother, I’m going with my mother.”
“Perhaps you don’t know your mother as well as you think you do.”
Julia sucked in a breath and stared into Dr. Campbell’s dark, accusing eyes. The idea that her mother would hurt Ava was ridiculous. She adored Ava, would do anything for her…
She blinked and looked away, remembering an incident the other day. She’d heard her yelling at Ava about the milk she’d spilled on the kitchen floor, making such a huge deal of it that Ava had cried. It had struck her as strange, since she couldn’t remember her mother yelling at anyone, ever. She wasn’t as patient as she used to be. And how did she explain her strange phone call telling her Ava had been hurt? Of course she’d been upset, but her mother had been nearly incoherent with distress. Was something going on she wasn’t aware of? She was seventy-one now. Maybe looking after a rambunctious five-year-old was too much for her.
No. She shook her head to reject the disloyal thought. Dr. Campbell was the one who was wrong.
“I know my mother. She didn’t do this. It was an accident.”
“We’ll soon find out. Sharon is questioning Ava now.”
Julia stared at the door. “She’ll be scared, all by herself.”
“Sharon’s very good at what she does. She has a way of making kids feel comfortable.”
Julia turned on him, the anger and despair she’d been holding inside spilling out. “And you? Do you enjoy upsetting five-year-olds and turning families’ lives upside down? Does it make you feel powerful to sic the authorities on us?”
“Look, Mrs. Stewart, I take no pleasure in bringing in the authorities. But I’ve seen child abuse, up close and personal, and I can tell you it’s damn ugly. The things parents and caregivers are capable of doing to defenseless children…”
He stopped abruptly, his chest heaving. Closing his eyes, he averted his face and took a deep breath. When he turned back to her, his steely control was back in place. “So yeah, if I have even the smallest suspicion that a child has been abused, I’m going to ask questions. And I’m not going to apologize for it.”
***
Bio:
When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPI finalist.
In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com
Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.janarichards.com
Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards
Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards
Google+ Profile: https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/More-Second-Chance-Lobster-Cove-ebook/dp/B00S46KSX6
The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6065
Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/one-more-second-chance
Chapters/Indigo:
ibooks:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/one-more-second-chance/id959306323?mt=11
Your book sounds great, such sensitive subject matter, and I love the cover, Jana! Congrats on your release and for letting me be a part of the release party!!! Now to work on my budget so I can get the book! 🙂
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose presents ~ End of Lonely Street by Alicia Dean – Plus an Awesome Giveaway #TWRP #MFRWAuthor #ElvisPresley
Osiyo~
I’m turning the round pen over to friend and fellow TWRP author, Alicia Dean to share her new release and much more. Who doesn’t love Elvis Presley? Mostly those of us from the 50s, 60s and 70s grew up listening to his smooth, sensual and sexy voice and swooned. I still can see my older sister planted in front of the radio, chin in hands, during one Christmas when I was eleven as Elvis sang White Christmas as if he were singing a love song just to her. She was a big fan. 🙂
I have one very dear friend who, having been born in the 40s, literally grew up listening to and watching Elvis and to this day she’s a huge fan. She could probably rival Alicia in that respect. I was there several years ago when my friend’s husband gifted her with a hand gun with Elvis’s likeness and signature engraved into the pearl handle! Even though I grew up with his heavenly Christmas and love songs, I’m not even close to the fangirldom as that of my talented guest, Alicia Dean.
She can take you inside that fangirl world, and does on her own blog. Have a question about this crooner? You might find an answer here. In the meantime, she’s written a book titled after one of Elvis’s most famous songs. I’ll be reading this one for sure!
Take it away, Alicia! 🙂
I’m excited to share my latest release from The Wild Rose Press on what would have been Elvis’ eightieth birthday. ‘End of Lonely Street’ is a Vintage Romance Short Story set in 1957, in the era when Elvis first burst on the scene. Like my heroine in the story, I am a diehard Elvis fan. (As you probably figured out, I took the title from a line in Heartbreak Hotel, which was Elvis’ first million selling record).
Check out End of Lonely Street and enter to win GREAT prizes…
GIVEAWAY: – Entries accepted from January 8, 2015 through noon on January 22, 2015
Three prizes –
Elvis Gift Basket including DVD, CD, plus more
$25 Amazon Gift Card
$10 Amazon Gift Card
First place winner has first choice, second place winner has second choice, third place winner receives remaining prize.
Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B00QQO3BK0
Blurb:
Can she let go of the past, before it destroys her future?
All Toby Lawson wanted was to go to college to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and the painful memories of finding her and the guy Toby loved kissing. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away, helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.
Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, and even though she knows her mother initiated the kiss, and that he didn’t kiss her back, she can‘t seem to get past what happened. He soon realizes that the true problem lies in Toby’s belief that she’s not good enough for him and in her fear that she will be just like her mother.
What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?
Excerpt:
Chapter One
Mapleton, Tennessee, November, 1957
Toby Lawson closed her eyes and shut out all sounds of the diner, except for Elvis Presley’s voice. He was crooning about how she was the only one for him…no matter where he went or what he did… he’d spend his whole life loving her…
Rough hands landed on her waist and shattered the fantasy. She caught a whiff of hair tonic and too much cologne, and she snapped her eyes open. Wes Markham’s hateful face replaced the image of Elvis’ beautiful, crooked smile and smoldering blue eyes.
“Let me go.” She gritted her teeth, keeping her voice low. If her boss, Mr. Winstead, knew there was trouble on account of her, he’d explode. He’d barely let her have the job in the first place. Everyone in Mapleton knew the Lawson women were trouble.
Toby gripped his right wrist with one hand, tightening her hold on the utensils she held in the other. “I said let me go. Now!”
She shoved against him, but he didn’t budge.
He pulled her tighter. “Your momma’s a whole lot friendlier than you are. They say the apple don’t fall far from the tree, so how’s about you cut the pretense and we go someplace quiet? Winstead won’t miss you for a few minutes.”
Her cheeks heated. She didn’t dare look around. No doubt the customers were watching, listening. Elvis had stopped singing and everyone in the place could hear what he’d said about her mother. It wasn’t like they didn’t all know, though. Constance Lawson hadn’t exactly kept her escapades a secret.
Toby clenched her teeth and brandished the utensils. She spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. “Release me this instant, or I swear, you’ll be pulling this steak knife out of your eyeball.”
He held her gaze for a split second, then gave a laugh that was somewhere between nervous and furious. “Sure, sure. Okay.” He released her and stepped back. “I was just foolin’ around anyway. I got better things to do with my time than waste it on a used up chick like you.”
Muffled laughter rose around her. Oh God, she could crawl into a hole.
“How about you apologize to the lady, then beat it?”
Toby whirled at the male voice. Noah Rivers stood behind her, looking handsome and sharp in his police uniform—even with his dark hair in the military buzz cut. Her knees weakened, and tingles swept over her skin. She swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat. She’d heard he was back, but hadn’t seen him until now. And what a time to have a reunion.
***
*** 10% of all of Alicia Dean’s net royalties for End of Lonely Street will go to
The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation ( http://www.graceland.com/epcf/ ) ***
Alicia Dean lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals.
Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching her favorite televisions shows like Vampire Diaries, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, The Mindy Project, and Dexter (even though it has sadly ended, she will forever be a fan). Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.
Find Alicia here:
Website: http://aliciadean.com/
Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008364070487
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean
Geez… What a scene. 🙂 Be sure to do the Rafflecopter for your chance to win!
Thanks, Alicia. Many wishes for ultimate success with your release!
Dodadagohvi~
Calisa Rhose and Friday Fanfare with Mackenzie Crowne and A Case For Calamity #MFRWAuthor #12BridesofChristmas
Friday Fanfare presents:
A Case for Calamity by Mackenzie Crowne
Today I’m proud to have my lovely friend Mackenzie Crown on the Ranch. If you’d like to connect with her street team that link will also be included with the usual ones at the end. I’m in it, and it’s an awesome and really fun community to know!
We’ll jump right in and get to know her better. 🙂
How did the writer’s journey begin for you?
Tell us three things about you-the writer-readers wouldn’t typically know.
- I’m a total pantser, which can be a frustrating writing process, but fun too. I love when my characters reveal themselves in an unexpected way.
- It’s hard to type with one hand twirling my hair, but I manage to pull it off.
- I’m lucky enough to have a private office, but do most of my writing on the living room couch.
A fellow pantser. Yes, we are brave to take on a couple of characters with nothing more than a name oftimes. I have a private office too, but it’s outside the house in a cabin and too far away for my father in-law to reach me in an emergency so I, too, reside in the living room. Lol It all began when…
I signed up for NANO a couple years ago. I cringe just thinking about that horrific month. I made it to 37k words, far ahead of schedule, and was so crazy I quit. I didn’t look at the story again until I got a request from my editor to write a story for the Twelve Brides of Christmas. A change here, a shift there, and A Case for Calamity was born.
Where did you get the premise for this book?
The heroine’s best friend, Shae, is based loosely on my bestie from high school. She was and is a lot of fun, but got me into trouble occasionally with her larks.
What stands out about this story that made writing it different for you?
I’ve never written a novella before and probably won’t again. At least not right away. I prefer having the time and word count to dig deeper into my characters.
Writing novellas is definitely not for the faint of heart, is it? I think my first one tortured me more than I tortured the h/H. Were there any difficult challenges or special subject matter you came across while writing this book?
Other than the word count, I struggled with Jane’s relationship with her parents. My parents were incredible, so the concept of selfish, self-centered parents was one I had no experience in.
What about this book would make us want to read it more than others of similar taste?
It’s a Christmas story, but instead of the usual chaos of the season, Jane and Gabe are caught up in the consequences of a one night stand, and with the hope what they saw in each other that night will bring a lasting love.
I love that these characters have ordinary, plain-Jane, names. Pun intended. 🙂 What do you want readers to take away from this book?
I write lighthearted romance. I hope they walk away with a happy sigh and a smile.
Tell us about the finished book. Is there anything special we might not know after reading it?
Well, you might not know I named Jane’s best friend after my granddaughter, Shae. She loves that!
What a neat thing for her! Tell us about the book, please.
For Jane Whitmore, agreeing to switch identities with her best friend seems like innocent fun, but spending a romantic night in Paris with a man who doesn’t know her real name turns out to be a lark gone bad. When their one night of passion proves to have lasting results, tracking down Gabe Sutton and telling him he’s about to be the father of her child is just another calamity Jane would rather avoid. After years of avoiding long-term romantic entanglements, Gabe has found a woman he might just be able to build a life with, only to have her disappear. When he finally finds her, his belief in happily-ever-after staggers under the weight of deception, and looming fatherhood leaves him with two choices: fight her for custody of his future child or cling to the promise of true love.
Let’s look at the beautiful trailer Mac brought along. 🙂
Excerpt:
“Michael said you were lovely. He didn’t do you justice.”
Chaos erupted in her belly as if thousands of butterflies had suddenly taken flight. Setting down her glass, she dismissed the manic fluttering and dragged in a calming breath. The dark-haired devil sitting across from her with intent green eyes and a come-to-me-baby drawl would fluster any woman with a pulse, even one with a natural cynicism for situations like this. She might be a round plug in a family of square holes, but she’d been raised in the world of corporate finance and recognized his words for what they were. Gabe Sutton thought he was flattering the daughter of a very powerful business associate. As the only daughter of Thomas Whitmore, CEO of Whitmore Financial Industries, Jane had been on the receiving end of similar praises over the years…for exactly the same purpose.
A wry smile curved her lips. “That’s kind of you, but, about…my father. I’m sorry he roped you into including me tonight. He means well, but he can be pushy.”
A trace of humor flashed in his eyes. “He isn’t exactly subtle, is he?”
“No, he isn’t.” She shrugged. “We’ve met, which is what he was after. Once he learns his plan didn’t work out, he’ll move on to the next…candidate.”
He sprawled back and his thickly lashed eyes narrowed as they roamed her face. “Candidate? This isn’t the first time your father has set you up like this, I take it?”
***
Where can readers find you and your books?
Find me here:
Buy links:
Is there anything else you want to share or add?
The Wild Rose Press is offering A Case for Calamity for $1.50 today and tomorrow.
I know! I got my copy already. 🙂
I’m so thrilled to help you share A Case For Calamity, Mac. Thank you!
For our readers, thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to join us. Ask questions, leave a comment and I’ll personally contribute a copy of this ebook or a gift certificate for one commenter to the Wild Rose Press so you can get Mac’s book (or another if you already have it).
So, readers, what was the most trouble you and your besties caused or got into as young, brave souls? We’re listening!
*edited to include an ebook in the offer
Calisa Rhose welcomes Darlene Fredette to Tuesday Round Up #MFRWauthor #TWRP
Osiyo~
Welcome one and all! Grab a beverage of choice, something sweet and sinful. No-no, not the men. What’s the matter with you? You know the hands-on rules… The guest gets first pick! 😉 Take a comfy seat for another, or a first, spin in the Round Pen.
I’m thrilled to welcome my wonderfully talented guest today, Darlene Fredette, who is sharing her book, Law of Attraction with us!
Please show Darlene some real Ranch love!
Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.
An avid reader since childhood, I loved to put a pencil to paper and plot out stories of my own. I write heartwarming contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When I’m not writing, editing, or reading, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and Yellow Lab.
Okay, I’ll begin with five questions, then follow with three more, and end with four final ones.
My writing area at the moment is a corner of the couch in my living room. What does your writing space look like?
My writing space is very organized and tidy…however, I rarely write in my office. I write on my laptop, which allows me to be portable. So, like you, I’m usually in the living room, sitting in my comfy chair with my dog at my feet (that’s no lie…he’s asleep on my feet as I type). I only drag one file folder around with me, containing notes on my current story. The rest of my files and books are neatly stacked on a shelf in my office.
For a lot of writers it’s a life-altering event coming up with titles and character names. Others it comes as naturally as breathing. Which is it for you?
Characters names are easy. If I can’t think of a name for one of my characters, I’ll seek out my daughter’s advice. She’s a great help. Unfortunately, titles don’t come as easily. They either hit me right away, or I’m stumped. One of the new stories I’m making notes for is currently untitled and may be that way until I type the words, The End.
What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?
Just write. If you’re not good at deadlines, then don’t set any. Write when you can. Everyone has daily interruptions (work, family, etc). The less pressure you place on yourself, the more the story will flow from the tips of your fingers.
The constant shift of the industry makes me often scratch my head and ask ‘what next?’ So, what do you think it takes to be a successful author at the moment?
I can’t keep up with all the changes and social media, so I just write the best story I can. Then I make sure it’s clean and ready for an editor/publisher’s eyes. Once I hit ‘Send’, I keep my fingers crossed they enjoy my story. In regards to social media, I’m no expert, but I try my best to get the word out there about my books.
Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?
One of the first romance novels I read was by Penny Jordan. She’s one of my favorite authors, so I’d love to meet her and chat for hours.
It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆
Favorite animal?
Dogs
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter?
Summer
Favorite food?
Dessert
Well done! 🙂 Okay, Flash four. Ready?
What are you working on now?
Hershey’s Choice, a heartwarming contemporary romance. This story is becoming one of my favorites. The characters are fun and Hershey is irresistible.
What are you sharing today?
Law of Attraction
Lawyer Christina Crawford has a successful career and stable financial future, but is it enough? Her world is disrupted when a routine divorce case means working with a man she never expected—or wanted—to see again. During their first meeting, she can’t deny a connection still exists. Her head warns her to run, but her heart yearns to stay.
Steven Mitchell is ruthless in the court room, but outside those doors, his easy charm, good looks and unlimited stream of female companions gives him an unscrupulous reputation. Six years ago Christina saw beyond his façade, but the emotions she evoked scared him and he pushed her away. Now he wants a second chance and he is determined to get her back…even if he has to play dirty.
Excerpt:
Heart pounding in her chest, she closed the door behind him. Wearing her best business face, she returned to this disastrous meeting and sat. Christina drew in a deep breath, and a measure of control was restored. She picked up her pen and flipped open the case file. “So, according to these documents, your client is contesting the divorce?”
Steven reached across the table and snatched the pen from her hand. “What’s the rush, Christina? We haven’t seen each other in years. There’s a lot of catching up to do.”
She clenched her teeth together, barely parting her lips as she spoke. “We have nothing but this case to discuss.”
“Come on, don’t be like that.” He leaned back in his chair, frowning. “You’re not still holding a grudge, are you? What happened was so long ago. I hoped we could start fresh, as friends.”
“Are you freaking serious?” She glared an icy stare. Forget a slow death by high heel. She’d get more pleasure strangling him with her bare hands. “You accused me of misconduct, had me fired, and now you want to be friends?” Her heart thumped a rapid beat in her ears. “You’re out of your mind.”
***
Where can we find you and your books?
Contact links:
Web Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarleneLF
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarleneLF
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/DarleneLF
The Wild Rose Press Purchase Link:
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1186
Where will you be next?
Stop by my web site where I have a list of my complete blog tour visits.
I’m having awesome giveaway to celebrate the release of Law of Attraction. Stop by my site to enter, or you can leave a comment here (with your email address) and I’ll be sure to add you to the giveaway.
Thank you so much for playing along Darlene! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day. You heard Darlene, comment for a chance to win! WooHoo!!! 😀
Dodadagohvi~
I write contemporary and paranormal romance, with sensuality as the key ingredient and spice for kick.
Pen of The Dreamer 