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, Kristina Knight, who is sharing their book, Start Me Up with us!
Please show Kristina some real Ranch love
Before I get to the nosy 5-3-4 part of this interview, tell us a bit about you.
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 depends on the day! Today, I’m working on more ‘business-y’ stuff – like blog posts and art fact sheets, so my office is my actual desk in our living room. I’ve got a lot of knickknacks laying around – including an orange stress ball, a broken Boyd’s Bear figurine and a ceramic pic. When I’m writing the actual books, my ‘office’ changes to suit my mood – I might curl up in our recliner with my iPad, I might hit Starbucks or McDonalds or even the library.
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?
Character names usually come to me, although I’ve had a character insist – half way through a draft, in fact! – that I got their name wrong. lol Book titles are … so much harder. Finding the right 3-5 words that encompass an entire book is so hard!
What advice would you offer aspiring and new writers?
Keep pushing yourself. Try to make each paragraph, chapter and book better than the last. That doesn’t mean whip out the thesaurus every other word, it just means dig deep into your well to get the emotion, characterization and setting right.
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 still think the key is perseverance. There are so many ‘nos’ in this industry that it is easy to pack it in and just write for ourselves…it’s the people who keep pushing forward, who don’t take the first for five hundredth ‘no’ who make it.
Who would you like to meet in the publishing industry- dead or alive- and why?
I soooooo want to have a sit-down with Nora Roberts. She writes amazing books, first of all, but she’s had her own battles and I think it would be so interesting to get her take on things.
I agree 100%. It’s time for 3 in 1! I’ll ask the questions and you answer them in one word. 😆
Favorite animal? Dog (hazel-the-pup)
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Summer!
Favorite food? Bacon (just had BLTs for lunch and yum!)
Well done! 🙂 And who doesn’t like doggies, warm weather and bacon? Well, I suppose there are some who don’t, but not here on the Ranch! 😆
Okay, Flash four. Ready?
What are you working on now?
I just got copyedits on my first SuperRomance, called The Daughter He Wanted, so I’m working on that. I have a proposal I’m polishing up the proposal for my second SuperRomance (*squeee*) and I’m finalizing the draft of a super secret project that I’m hoping to be able to share with you all soon!
I can’t wait! Can I cheat? 🙂 What are you sharing today?
I’m sharing a quick excerpt from my new book, Start Me Up, the second in my Rockers trilogy. Here’s the tagline: When Hollywood hunk Chase MacIntyre proposes a faux relationship, disgraced L.A. matchmaker Nina Wright can’t refuse…until some serious sexiness makes “on paper” happen between the sheets!
The excerpt:
“I can’t lie to your family.”
“We are lying to the entire world, with or without dinner.” It was a reminder to himself as much as to her.
The lights dimmed again, cutting off further conversation. But not before he saw the flash of hurt in Nina’s eyes.
Nate took the stage, welcoming the audience and introducing the first performers, a brother-sister duo competing on the reality show Star Power, which Nate and Chase’s sister, Lily, starred on.
“I’m hoping to sign them after the season,” Chase whispered in Nina’s ear. “I’m sorry about that lying to the world thing. I didn’t mean it. Nate kind of caught me off guard.” Not her apparent attraction to his friend. Definitely not that.
“I didn’t think about the family thing, either. This is a little more complicated that I imagined,” she said. Nina took his hand in the dark, cementing the connection between them. Her touch was soft. Soothing. A juxtaposition because the inch of space separating their thighs was a shooting gallery of heat. And then it was only the two of them. No residual doubt at her reaction to Nate. Nothing but Nina’s hand against his.
The couple on stage went into the chorus, singing about hurt. Chase joined in the applause as they left the stage a moment later. A flash of deep purple caught his attention and he saw Jillian from the corner of his eye. She offered him a finger wave and, unsurprisingly, Chase didn’t feel a thing.
It was Nina who held his attention throughout the show. Nina who he wanted to dance with.
Two dates and a single kiss and the woman had his blood at the boiling point.
* * *
Where can we find you and your books?
You can find me: Website: http://www.kristinaknightauthor.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kristinaknightromanceauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorkristina
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorkristina/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5827833.Kristina_Knight
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+KristinaKnightAuthor/posts
Buy Links:
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/harlequin-e-contemporary-romance/id896507885?mt=11
Where will you be next?
I blog every Tuesday and Thursday on my personal blog (www.kristiknight.blogspot.com) and each Wednesday at WordWranglers (http://wordwranglers.blogspot.com), and you can always catch me on Twitter and Facebook (don’t tell my editor!!!)
I’m giving away an e-copy of my backlist, you get to choose, for those of you who tell me what it is that you love about romance novels?
Thank you so much for playing along Kristina! Wishing you much luck with your book and writing. I hope you’ll come visit again one day.
Dodadagohvi~
UnCover Mondays on The Ranch!!!
Hey-Ho cover oglers! Are you ready for Spring? I know I am! But until it arrives, here’s March’s lovely cover art and the awesome authors, publishers and artists who made them possible for you to gaze this month. It would be great if you leave a comment letting everyone know what you like (or don’t like) about them and maybe even check out a few author links to meet those behind the books. Or just say hi. Don’t forget to tell your friends to stop by so they can appreciate some greatness too!
UnCover Mondays on The Ranch!!! This feature is only to highlight authors–not to sell books (though if you see one you want to buy I’m sure the authors won’t mind 😆 ). Enjoy this weeks’ covers to ogle and explore. If there is one provided, you can follow the artist links by clicking on the name, or if there’s an artist link provided, to learn more about the amazing creators of these beautiful covers. I think they deserve fair mention since they helped create the book! As always, click the covers for author websites to find out more. I wish everyone a fabulous new year in 2014!
Title: Abandon All Hope
Website: www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Kissmet Publishing
Cover artist’s name: Steven Novak
Release date: June 13, 2013
It was one of those mornings for newspaper-writer/photographer Hope Creswell. The alarm clock didn’t go off and she cut her finger on broken glass. Not one to let such things get her down, Hope headed into her assignment meeting with excitement, only to leave it stunned. Her new assignment is to trail the sensational rock-star, Chase Hatton, for an article. Chase Hatton! No one knows the power that name holds for her. No one knows of the childhood friendship that blossomed into romance, only to abruptly die on the night of Hope’s senior prom. No one knows of the ache that still fills her heart.
What starts out for Chase Hatton as an average publicity trip to Chicago suddenly becomes complicated when his manager tells him Hope Creswell will be interviewing him in the morning. He spent eight years trying to forget Hope, and now she would be in his penthouse in a matter of hours?
When Chase opens the door to his penthouse and finds Hope on the opposite side, his heart begins beating a rhythm the rocker has yet to capture in any of his music. The smoldering embers of their former romance are fanned by their mere proximity. Will they both be burned again?
Can Hope ever trust her heart to Chase after what he did? Can Chase bear to see her walk out on him a second time? And what about Hope’s boyfriend, Phillip? Where does he fit into the picture that Hope is developing?
Title: Dream Reunion
Author: J.J. DiBenedetto
Website: www.writingdreams.net
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Suspense
Publisher: J.J. DiBenedetto
Cover Artist: Ami Low
Release date: December 16, 2013
“I wish someone – my mother, my husband, anybody – would really let me have it, instead of telling me everything’s not my fault when it obviously is…”
Sara’s seen the cost of interfering in other people’s dreams firsthand; it’s measured in ruined lives and cemetery plots.
When her supernatural dreams start up again, Sara is faced with problem after problem. And the only solution she can see is the one she’s sworn never to attempt – changing the minds of the dreamers from the inside-out.
Sara thought that fighting against serial killers, mobsters and crooked politicians was difficult, but she’s about to come up against the most difficult foe she’s ever faced: her own conscience.
Dream Reunion is the emotional sixth book in the Dream Series.
Title: Music For My Soul
Author: Lauren Linwood
Website: www.laurenlinwood.com
Genre: Medieval romance
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Cover Artist: Ramona Lockwood
Release date: May 14, 2013
As the third wife of an abusive French vineyard owner, Madeleine Bouchard hasn’t produced the expected heir after three years of marriage. Fearing he plans to kill her, she flees during a trip to England. Unable to make her way home, she joins a troupe of traveling mummers and reinvents herself as the only woman troubadour in the land, captivating audiences with both song and story.
Nobleman Garrett Montayne’s fascination with Madeleine causes him to pay the troupe to bypass their next stop in order to journey to his estate. Though he suspects Madeleine of being a thief with dark secrets, love blossoms between them under the magical moon of summer solstice.
But Madeleine’s past is about to catch up with her, as her husband is set to arrive to conduct business with Garrett. Madeleine determines to free herself from her loveless marriage and make a new life with Garrett, no matter what the cost.
Title: No Other Love
Author: Jean Adams
Weblink: www.adventuresinauthorland.blogspot.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Cover Artist: Diana Carlile
Release date: TBA 2014
Lucas Nelson, a man brought to his knees and humiliated by two women, had given up on them. When he finds himself falling in love with Jenna, who he has problems avoiding, he knows he’s in trouble.
Jenna Blake is living the life of her dreams and has made it clear she’s not interested in a relationship with an ordinary man. She wants to marry an aristocrat, like the Earl of Kendal. Nothing must be allowed to get in the way of everything she’s worked for, not even true love.
But Jenna finds Lucas hard to resist. Will she follow her heart? Or the earl and his aristocratic trappings win her over?
Title: Pushing the Limits
WebLink: www.facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Artist: Heidi Stryker
Release date: December 30, 2013
When a case of mistaken identity puts Cade Tucker in the wrong place at the right time, he can’t believe his luck. Drawn to the beautiful Julia McCormack, he flirts his way into her bed, and they welcome the New Year together.
Though they agreed their time together was to be a no-strings-attached arrangement, Julia’s having a hard time letting go of the best sex she’s ever had. She dives into work at her corporate law firm, hoping to get her mind off the man who rocked her world.
But then Julia finds out the senior partner has appointed a new attorney to work with her on her biggest case, and her co-counsel will be Cade Tucker. Her plans to make partner are in serious jeopardy when she and Cade disagree on the best legal strategy for their case. What will happen when they can no longer fight their desire, and the company’s strict fraternization policy threatens both of their jobs?
Title: The Girl and The Raven
Author: Pauline Gruber
Website: www.paulinegruber.com
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Dragonfly Ink, Ltd.
Cover Artist: Phatpuppy Art
Cover Designer: The Bookish Brunette
Release date: December 13, 2013
Good versus evil just got complicated.
Sixteen-year-old Lucy Walker just wants a normal life, until she learns she is half-witch, half-demon. Now she’s got other problems, like keeping her demon dad from killing her boyfriend, the witches in her life from killing her demon dad, and her non-supernatural friends safe from both sides. She’s walking a tightrope between good and evil, drawn to both, uncertain which she will ultimately choose.
Title: The Lady and the Earl
Author: Christine Donovan
Website: www.christinedonovan.org
Genre: Regency Romance
Publisher: Christine Donovan
Cover Artist: Cali Taylor
Release date: June 2, 2013
Lady Amelia Seabrook spends her days at her brother’s country estate, far removed from London Society. Ever since the tragic death of her betrothed, Captain Rycroft, she can’t bear the London Social Scene. Most days she can be found sitting on the banks of a small stream daydreaming about happier times with her captain. One day a stranger appears and spoils everything, or does he?
Living in self-imposed exile the past twelve years, William Spencer, the Earl of Bridgeton loves the solitude of the countryside. Some days it bothers him to read the daily papers from London and still see his name being mentioned. After twelve years one would think the gossip mongers would have someone else to gossip about. Someone else to blame for the murders of his family members.
Title: The Saint’s Devilish Deal
Website: www.kristinaknightauthor.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Kristina Knight
Cover Artist: Carey Doucet
Release Date: December 5, 2013
A billionaire surfer… A down-on-her-luck hotelier… One hot summer fling…
Esmerelda Quinn has been looking for a place to belong since her parents were killed in a car crash when she was young. The closest thing to home has always been Aunt Constance’s villa in Puerto Vallarta, so after a string of dead-end hotellier jobs, she’s coming home to run the villa.
Santiago Cruz has called the villa home for as long as he can remember. In between surfing events, Constance has always had a room for him. Color him surprised when Constance decides to retire – and leaves a joint interest in the villa to both Santiago and Esme.
Esme isn’t thrilled to share ownership of the villa with the youngest Cruz brother – especially when she learns Santiago’s brother has been after the villa for years. But Santiago has grown up while she’s been away at school and soon she finds herself falling for the rich boy down the hall.
Title: Untangle My Heart
Author: Maria K. Alexander
Website: http://mariakalexander.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Cover artist: Diana Carlile
Release date: March 19, 2014
When her marriage ended in tragedy, Kate DiFrancesco rebuilt her life, but has never gotten over the pain of what she lost. Seeking the help of an ex-lover ignites feelings she’s promised never to have again. She’ll need to untangle herself from dangers in her past in order to break the hard shell around her heart.
Edward Weston has a lot to prove, both to his stuffy upper-crust British family, and to himself. Working alongside Kate, a woman he had a casual relationship with, stirs unexpected feelings. Helping her family makes him realize what he’s missing. For the first time, he wants more than a one-night stand.
When Kate is threatened, Edward must overcome feeling unworthy to protect the woman he loves and fight for the family he never thought he’d have.
Title: Welcome Home
(Pikes Run Series-Book 1)
Author: Kara O’Neal
Website: www.karaoneal.com
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Cover Art: Adrian Nicholas
Release date: September 18, 2013
Emma Prescott, determined and selfless, flees from wealth and her murderous father, wanting the love and forgiveness of poor cotton farmer, Kyle Lonnigan.
Although Kyle refuses to forgive her for her part in his father’s death, Emma stays and works her own farm. Over the next several months, Emma proves to Kyle she is not the spoiled girl he remembers.
Emma’s sudden re-entrance into Kyle’s life only conjures long-buried painful memories. Kyle does his best to avoid her, needing to keep the pain at bay, and stopping her from reminding him of their last moments together before bullets shattered their world. But, he is unsuccessful. The love he denies is too strong, and soon Emma and Kyle are tumbling headlong into the past and passion.
I want to thank all the authors who submit and make this a special place to share their work!
Jun 4
This gallery contains 1 photo.
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 […]
Mar 26
This gallery contains 2 photos.
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 […]
Osiyo~
What a pleasant surprise! I woke to another blog award from my critique partner and friend, Christine Warner! How awesome, right? She’s great. Just look at this!
The Liebster Blog Award originated in Germany. Liebster means dearest or beloved, and Liebe is love.
So cool. Thank you Christine!
To accept this award, the recipient will:
– Thank the person who gave it to them and link back to that person’s blog- I did.
– Copy and paste the award to their blog- see mine in the sidebar.
– Choose 5 blogs to award in kind, and break the news by commenting on those blogs- see below.
– Hope those people pay it forward in turn by accepting and awarding “The Liebster Blog Award” to bloggers they’d like to honor- fingers are crossed. 🙂
Pretty easy to do, pretty amazing to award! So here are my five: (I copied the instructions from Christine’s blog)
3. Beth Trissel
4. Sarah Grimm
Dodadagohvi~
Living in the Oklahoma countryside with my husband is all the inspiration I need.
Pen of The Dreamer 