Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time guest Beth Ciotta to the blog today to chat about her news book “Fool for Love.
Beth, can you please share with us a little about yourself?
I could share a lot. I’m a babbler. But I’ll strive to spare you from a boring ramble. Key word: Strive.
I’m a longtime professional performer who ‘retired’ several years ago to pursue a new passion—writing. Although I work part-time at my local library, most of my time is spent writing the stories of my heart. Stories that range from contemporaries to historicals to paranormal to steampunk. I love it all and no matter the sub-genre there is always humor, suspense, adventure and a cast of colorful characters. Recently, I’ve been blessed with contracts for two different series with two different publishers—NAL, Penguin and St. Martin’s Press—so I have very little down time. Two favorite stress relievers. 1) Curling up on the sofa and watching a movie with my husband. 2) Walking with my dogs in the fresh air and sunshine!
Have you always wanted to be an author?
I’ve always loved to read and there were a few times I dabbled with writing stories and had fun with it. But my initial dream and the passion I pursued for the first thirty-some years of my life was that of singing. I made my living was a professional entertainer (singing, acting, dancing) for several years before rediscovering my love of reading romantic fiction. At that point, my passion turned to writing and I’ve never looked back.
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I can’t move forward to the next scene, the next chapter until I feel a click. It may not be the most beautiful prose, but everything else—the characterization and plotting—feels right to me and that naturally leads me into the next part of the story. It tends to slow me down, but if I don’t feel that click and rush on anyway? It never works out and I end up going back.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
FOOL FOR LOVE is the launch book of my new small-town contemporary series, the Cupcake Lovers (St. Martin’s Press). The series is set in a quaint touristy town—Sugar Creek, VT. A town populated with, you guessed it, lots of colorful folk. Much revolves around the antics of the Cupcake Lovers, a club that supports several charities as well as the troops via their delicious and creative cupcakes. Although recurring characters run throughout the series, each book features a new hero and heroine and their sexy romance. FOOL FOR LOVE features Chloe Madison, a newly degreed chef, and Devlin Monroe, a financial wiz and the current head of his family’s local department store. Two opposing personalities who mesh in a very sexy way. It’s all about taking chances and living life to the fullest. Oh, and cupcakes!
How did you come with the idea for this story?
My editor, Monique Patterson, approached me with the idea of a series revolving around a cupcake club. Once I started brainstorming, the premise—the town, the club, the initial romance—came fast and furious along with many of the characters and their complicated relationships. Now I have all kinds of charts to keep everyone straight in my mind!
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
After turning in FOOL FOR LOVE, I wrote the first book in my new steampunk romance series (The Glorious Victorious Darcys)—HER SKY COWBOY. Then the second Cupcake Lovers novel—THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE. Presently I’m writing the second steampunk book—HIS CLOCKWORK CANARY. Instead of cupcakes, research revolves around gadgets and gizmos, the Victorian Age and the late 1960s. Steamalicious romance and adventure. Yes, I suffer a wee bit of whiplash alternating between two very different sub-genres, but life is never, ever boring!
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
I’m extremely fortunate. Because of all the writers conferences I attend, over the years I have met nearly every author on my wish list. I was quite proud when I didn’t faint in their midst. There are several others I’d love to chat with, but I can’t pick just one. If I could go back in time, however, it would be Shakespeare. For him, I’d swoon.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Join a writers’ organization. Surround yourself with like souls and open your mind. Learn and grow. Hone your craft—always. Give back to others—always. To key words—determination and perseverance.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
To live in Canterbury, England. Or Edinburgh, Scotland. Either one would make me deliriously happy.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
The list is long. Most anticipated in the TBR pile… BORN TO DARKNESS, Suzanne Brockmann… and THE GREAT ESCAPE, Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just a HUGE thank you for having me here at Books-n-Kisses! A true thrill. Oh, yes, I’d love to give away a signed copy of FOOL FOR LOVE.
Learn more about Beth here:
Beth’s Website: www.bethciotta.com
Beth’s Blog: http://bethciotta.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethCiottaBooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BethCiotta
Congrats on the new release. This book sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it. How many books will be in the Cupcake Loves series?
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Thanks for a fun post and congrats on the new release! Sounds fantastic!
sounds like a great read – but Im still in love with Eve 🙂
Good morning, Joanne. Thanks so much for the interest! To date, I’m contracted for four Cupcake Lover books. Should the series be a hit with readers there will be even more. Toasting my breakfast cupcake to yours!
hi beth!
the book looks like a great story. why do you choose cupcake? why not other cake?
Erin, thank you for the well wishes. Greatly appreciated!
Kerry, I LOVE Evie. And I love that you love Evie even more! 🙂 Hopefully, I’ll hook with with the Cupcake Lovers as well. 😉
Sienny, my editor bakes incredible cupcakes and thought it might be fun if we did a series revolving around a cupcake club. So far, it’s been a joy!
Mazel Tov on the new release. I love cupcakes, and the only cupcake shop in the area closed last month. Now I have to bribe my daughter into baking a batch for us.
Thanks for offering a copy of your book for this giveaway.
Congrats, Beth! Gotta love those cupcakes!
Wonderful sounding story, can’t wait to read.
Congrats on the new release! I wish you all the best success!!
Thank you for the giveaway this book sounds great!
I have joined many writing organizations. I got the same advice. It has really helped me.
I love Beth’s books! Thanks for sharing today.
It would be amazing to win this book, the author sounds very imaginative and I am sure there is plenty of that imagination shown throughout her work.
Congratulations to Beth on the release of Fool for Love – I’m a huge cupcake freak so any series that has cupcakes in it…I’m there…lol…I also love the look of Her Sky Cowboy – I love steampunk!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Yay! Happy release day! Fool For Love is a wonderful book 🙂
I’m so glad I’m celebrating Release Day here at Books-n-Kisses! Loving everyone’s comments and wishing you all luck in the drawing. Clinking my cyber cupcakes to yours! — Beth
Congrats on the new release. It sounds great. Thanks for the great give away. You got to LOVE cupcakes. I know I do. Will be making some today. My own recipe I came up with.
Muffy
I love the idea of the cupcakes – I hope the books include some fun & easy recipes.
Congrats on the new release! What an exciting time!!! Thank you for the chance to win a signed copy in this awesome giveaway!!!! I love anything having to do with cupcakes.. unfortunately I cant bake for the life of me so I let others do the baking while I do the eating..lol
Congratulations on the release. I would love to read this book. Sounds very good.
Wow, both series sound very different, but both really great in their own ways. I especially love steampunk and I’ve already had Her Sky Cowboy on my wish list since I first heard about it.
Diane, there are a few recipes included in the back of FOOL FOR LOVE. Recipes submitted by some of my friends. Most of them are easy. All delish! 🙂
Brandy, baking is not my forte either. But, shhh, don’t tell anyone that. 😉 Luckily I have lots of friends who bake. Plus… i know w good cupcake when I taste one!
Victoria, thank you for the well wishes!
Barbara, excited to know HER SKY COWBOY caught your interest. It was a blast to write! 🙂
I can’t wait to read this book and I love cupcakes!!!
Aesome on the new release. I actually have never read any of your books, so i am looking forward to going on your website and checking it out.. I have no questions at this time.. But I do love cupcakes. Now I want one! 😉
What is with the cupcake craze Stateside? It’s all about (plain) gourmet European chocolate bars 😛
Congrats on the release! Adding this to my epic TBR queue of doom to balance out all that serial-killer-and-terrorists-and-fit-blokes-with-guns romantic suspense 🙂
P.S. Edinburgh is legend!
Congrats on the book! Nice cover and interview.
At what age did you first think about becoming a writer?
Hi Kathy,
i’m a day later with this. Sorry! I spent most of my life working as a stage performer. Started seriously writing around age 33. Never to late to explore a new passion!
I really enjoy stories where one of the characters is a chef.