Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Celeste Hall to the blog today

Celeste, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’ve always been an adventurer and a daydreamer. I would make up elaborate games with treasure maps and story plots (Indiana Jones style) for my siblings to play as a child. Later I gained mobility with horses and cars, which let me vanish into the wilderness for weeks at a time.

I may have grown up, but I held onto that daydreaming little girl inside. I still love a good adventure, traveling all over the world to meet new people and explore places I’ve read about in books.

When I write, I always strive to take my readers along on a voyage of one kind or another. Delving into fantasy, mystery, romance and suspense with the same passions I employ in my own life.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I’ve always loved books and writing. As a child I wrote longhand, filling up dozens of notebooks and dairies with my stories, poems and exploits. I never really planned on publishing any of them, but life has a funny way of nudging us into roles we might not otherwise have taken.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

I have a very eclectic taste in books, but my favorites will always be the stories that either scare me or seduce me. I love Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Suzanne Brockmann and so many other fabulous writers. It’s hard to say which have influenced me the most. I suspect my writing style matured from a wide diversity of books I’ve read throughout my life as well as the experiences I’ve had.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

I primarily write romance novels, but I’ve completed dozens of other stories throughout the years. A couple have made it onto library shelves, but the majority will probably gather dust in the closet until I find the time to go back through them and give each a proper editing session.

What are some of your writing rituals?

I don’t have any rituals per se, other than keeping a full pot of coffee handy. I also utilize a variety of different construction techniques, depending on the type of story I’m writing and how inspired I might be at the time. Some days I just sit down and the words flow out onto the page as fast as I can type, while other days I have to write out storyboards for motivation and an outline to follow.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Last month I published Blood Seductions: Gavin, which is the first book in a spinoff series from my popular Dream Seduction line. The stories follow a group of Incubus and Vampires, which are normally enemies, as they are gathering together to fight against an evil unlike anything they’ve ever seen before.

This month I’m releasing Secret Admirer, a fun contemporary romance about a girl that receives an array of very frightening letters and acquires the protection of a very sexy bodyguard.

I also plan to publish the next book in the Dream Seduction line this summer, as well as a couple more contemporary romances, so stay tuned!

How did you come up with the idea for this story?

I gain my inspiration from a variety of sources, most of which stem from my own life experiences and wild imagination. I’ll have a dream (or a nightmare) and it will stick with me until I get it down on paper. Other times it will be an event, or person I’ve met, someone who just begs to have their personality captured and shared with the world.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I’ve recently started completing stories for a variety of anthologies, largely suspense or romance collections, but they won’t be coming out until early next year. Never fear, my wonderful followers will have plenty to read in the meantime. I currently have three completed novels I plan to release this year, and another three that are in progress.

Keep an eye on my webpage for excerpts and information on Secret Admirer, which will be coming out this month. Dream Seductions: All the Queen’s Men, which will be published in July. And Passionate Creatures, which I plan to release in August.

What would you be if you were not an author?

As a round cheeked and dimpled little girl I used to pray every day for a horse and a cow. I really wanted to be a cowgirl when I grew up. I dreamed of wide open places and endless skies.

I suppose I still yearn for those things. Someday I hope to have a big ranch out in some wonderfully remote and beautiful location. But I’m sure I’d still find myself driven to write. That’s simply who I am, and what I’ve always loved.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’m currently halfway through E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. As soon as I’ve finished these, I plan to read Deadlocked, by Charlaine Harris. I get a huge kick out of reading her books and then watching the True Blood series to make fun of their adaptations. I do the same thing with the Game of Thrones series so I’ve been forbidden from watching either show with my friends. =)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I just want to add a quick thank you to all of my friends and followers alike. You’ve all made such a huge impact on my life. I would never have made it this far without such a wonderful support group!

For those that are new to my writing, I’d love to talk to you about what you’d like to see more or less of in my stories. I hope you’ll all feel free to drop by and share your opinions or suggestions!

You can almost always find me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celeste-Hall/163107347079149

I’m a huge Facebook junkie, so messages left there will usually be answered that same day. =)

 Other places I can (less frequently) be found include:

My website, http://www.celestehall.com

Blog, http://celestehall.blogspot.com

Twitter, http://twitter.com/ACelesteHall

Goodreads, http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4915911.Celeste_Hall

or YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/user/authorcelestehall

I look forward to speaking with you again!

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Lauren Clark to the blog today.  Lauren, can you please share with us a little about yourself.

I’m a library nerd who’s always loved books. I spent my summers reading because my parents turned off the television every summer, all summer (no exceptions, and I am not kidding!). I loved school, loved college, and graduate school. I have two brothers, two sons, and two pet turtles. My favorite things include the color pink, Pure Barre, the ocean, my two children, good friends, and paying it forward.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

It’s not what I set out to do as a career, but I’ve always wanted to write a book. After ‘retiring’ from TV news to stay home with my kids, I got serious about writing. It took finishing 2-3 terrible manuscripts before I began Stay Tuned (my first novel), and that took several revisions to whip into shape!

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?  Sophie Kinsella is my all time favorite, but I do adore Emily Giffin, Ellen Hilderbrand, and Jennifer Weiner, and Jodi Picoult.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre? 

I love the fun and humor in chick lit. I also like that the stories tend to be more about a journey in the protagonist’s life, and that the main thread in the story about a personal journey or growth. While finding a boyfriend or husband can be part of the novel, it’s usually not the overwhelming theme.

What are some of your writing rituals?

I’m super-outgoing and chatty, so it’s best for me to write in a place that’s secluded and quiet!! I prefer to write in the library of a local university. The staff knows me now, and have actually had to come and find me a few times when the library was closing!!

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.

            With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she’s offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of  Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia’s story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I lived near Eufaula for several years and loved to drive up for the day and wander around the historic district. I found the mansions, churches, and landmarks fascinating. During the annual Pilgrimage, they have tours of many homes, gardens, and buildings. In the evening, they even hold tours of the cemetery and tell ghost stories!! It’s a great family weekend, with music, costumes, and great Southern food.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I am researching for my next novel, The Pie Lab, which is a real restaurant in Greensboro, Alabama. This story will follow a girl who’s gone off to a big city (like Atlanta or New York) and vows NEVER to come home. She’s forced to return to Greensboro, though, when her romantic relationship falls apart. Since she’s burned a lot of bridges, it will be interesting to see how she makes amends.  The Pie Lab, as a business, is a great concept, as it offers on-the-job training and the owners are very active in the community. Added bonus…the pies are delicious! The Pie Lab has been featured in Southern Living and The New York Times.

What would you be if you were not an author?

Gosh, I have so many story ideas that it would be awful if I couldn’t write!!! If I absolutely couldn’t write, I would probably go back to working in TV in some capacity.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?  Emily Giffin and Jennifer Wiener’s latest novels. I am also waiting for Juliette Sobanet, Tracie Bannister, and Kimberly Kincaid’s new books!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A HUGE thank you and a BIG hug to everyone who has read and enjoyed Dixie or Stay Tuned. If you’ve left a review on Amazon, BN.com, or GoodReads…. you rock!!!! It means the world to me!! Please feel free to email me with comments, ideas, or questions (laurenclarkbooks@gmail.com) or send me a note on Facebook or Twitter. I answer every single message!

Smart, Sassy Fiction with a Southern Twist

Dancing Naked in Dixie for Kindle

Dancing Naked in Paperback

Dancing Naked for Nook

Dancing Naked for iTunes, iPad, iPhone

Stay Tuned

Lauren Clark Books Website

Find Lauren here:

Lauren Clark Books Website

GoodReads Lauren Clark

Twitter Lauren Clark

Facebook Lauren Clark

Welcome back Darynda.  I am so excited to have you back on the blog.  Thank you for taking time out of your very busy schedule to stop by and answer a few questions.

#1 So, *looks longingly at D* what’s new? Anything exciting happening in your world these days?

Well, I’m currently working on rewrites for the second in the Darklight Trilogy, Death,
Doom and Detention. Then it’s on to Fifth Grave Past the Light, the fifth in the Charley
Davidson series. I also have three other series started, but I’m trying to focus. Not easy
when you really do have ADD. 🙂

#2 Oh Yeah!!! You have a couple new books coming out… Can you tell us about your latest book in Charley’s series?

Absolutely! In Fourth Grave, we learn a lot more about Charley and her powers as well as about Reyes. Many questions are answered. And, naturally, we have a fun mystery to look forward to. But I think the heart of this book is the development of the relationship between Charley and Reyes. Let’s just say LOTS happens and leave it at that. *evil grin*

#3 How long do you foresee Charley’s series to go on? And what is next for Charley?

My editor wants it to be ongoing, so there’s just no telling. I would love
it to continue for quite a while longer. I adore writing about Charley and her
antics. As for the next installment, I am hoping Fifth Grave will be quite a bit creepier. I want it to be a tad scary. I AM writing about the grim reaper, after all. I think she should have some creepy moments in her life. As an added bonus, I’m hoping to cause a few nightmares, but I doubt I can write that scary. Charley is always cracking jokes and ruining it for me.

So for those who may have been living under a rock.

Here is a look at Charley’s Series

 Book 1-First Grave on the Left

 Book 2-Second Grave on the Right

Book 3-Third Grave Dead Ahead

Book 4-Fourth Grave Beneath my Feet

Well, as you’ve probably guessed, the series is about a female PI who was born the
grim reaper. She solves mysteries for both the living and the dead. She has a best
friend-slash-receptionist who is the coolest sidekick a grim reaper could ever hope for, a
dark and mysterious lover who gives her more trouble than he’s probably worth, and an
associate in the form of a skip tracer who once tried to have her committed. Along with
the rest of her circle—some alive, some not so much—she attracts trouble like a spill on aisle 8 attracts a lawsuit. But she does it with style.

#4 What is the one book everyone should read before they die?

Just one? Wow. Okay, I think I am going to have to stick with one of my favorite classics and say To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. That book touches on so many sensitive issues that are still relevant today. And it does it beautifully.

#5 Who is your celebrity crush?  And what would you do if you ever meet them?

Okay, I have to admit, this changes about every six months. Right now, it’s Jeremy Renner. He is an amazing actor. Skill is sexy. And his eyes are so expressive. He is just such a hottie. If I just happened to meet him, I would probably stare. He would get really uncomfortable. I would continue to stare. He would ask me to stop. I would nod and continue to stare. He would call security. It would be a mess. I think I’ll stay in my writer’s cave where I belong. I can’t be trusted.

#6 Is there anything else you would like to add?

Besides my undying love and gratitude??? Nope. I’m good.

Darynda, Thank you so much for stopping by Books-n-Kisses.  And so can’t wait to meet you in October.  I will be the one acting a fool  J

To finally meet you face-to-face? I’ll be just as silly! I cannot wait!!!

A little more about Darynda:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a RITA®, and a Daphne du Maurier. As a born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

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We are pleased to welcome Lisa Darling to the blog today to chat about her newCan you please share with us a little about yourself

I never know what to say here so I’ll just try to make it short and sweet. I love; chocolate, writing, trying to garden, my cat, my kids, my husband of 26 years, classic cars, fast motorcycles, movies, Bruce Springsteen, Stephen King, and magick. I am addicted to; Facebook and its games!  I hate; stupid people.  Yeah, I guess that about sums it up in a nice little package.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, since 4^th grade I knew I would be writing all the rest of my days.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

Generally, after my hubby leaves for work in the morning (I’m currently unemployed and looking for work), I check/answer email, check site stats, then head to FaceBook to check that and play a few word games to warm up.  Then, most days, I’m off to blog—another warm up exercise. After that I gather my; coffee, cigs, cold drink, candles, incense, iTunes, and then open the file. If it’s a good day, I’m lost in the Zone until 3-4pm with my fingers flying across the keyboard.  If it’s not a good day, I’m back to FaceBook for more games while I try to figure out my next move in the story.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Most challenging; getting started! The older I get the harder it is to get going along. Most rewarding; getting a note from someone who read and truly enjoyed one of my books.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

One September 21^st, the third full-length novel in my OF WAR Series “Child of War-Rising Son” releases. The series revolves around Ares God of War, his half-Fey half-human wife, Alena, their son Raven and the Greek pantheon. The series is set in modern day though I’ve tried to keep the old world flavor to date. In “Rising Son” Raven gets his chance to redeem himself as he comes of age, to call the kid a hellion would be putting it very mildly. In this story we’ll find out if Raven can reconcile the fact that he’s not a full-blooded Olympian, that he’s hated by nearly every Olympian outside his Father, Mother, and Brother Eros, or if he’ll go through with destroying the mortal world which is in utter turmoil.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

As with all of my stories, the Muse dropped it in my lap. He asked; what if Ares fell in love? Not in lust and not in extreme, but temporary, infatuation but REAL love. I’ve been intrigued by Ares God of War since high school and then in the early nineties a little show called “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” appeared on TV with this absolute HUNK to portray Ares. Oh my lord! I fell in LUST the second Kevin Smith exploded onto the screen.  So, when the Muse asked, I thought it was an interesting question and we ran with it. I thought it would make a good novel so “The Heart of War” was born but then it turned into a series on me.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

As of this writing, I haven’t begun it yet, but the next work will be the final installment in the OF WAR Series, “Spoils of War”.  I don’t want to give anything away since “Rising Son” hasn’t released yet but let’s just say, in “Spoils of War” we’ll see if Ares can get Alena to fall in love with him all over again and if they can finally their Happily Ever After.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

My all-time hero is Stephen King, I always bend a knee at the Altar of the Master. I’ve always found hours of lustful enjoyment in the works of Harold Robbins, Jacqueline Susan, Judith Rossner, and VC Andrews.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 

Oh definitely! There is a Kingism or some nod to him in every single story I write. The OF WAR Series is dedicated to Red and Andy from “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank” Redemption, I can’t possibly tell you just how much I love those two! They are my absolute favorite characters. I cried my eyes out reading the short story and the movie always makes me bawl, the second Red gets parole I start crying!  I say hi entire monologue right along with him from start to finish, it ends with the best line in the world; “I hope.” My eyes are welling just telling you about it. If you’ve never read the story or seen the movie do yourself a favor, get “Different Season” or rent the flick, you won’t be sorry.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

My TbR pile is so large at the moment I’m not adding anything to it. A strange thing has happened to me as I’ve gotten older, I seem to only have the attention span—and interest—in the news! I can read any news article but when it comes to a book, lately, nothing has been able to hold my attention.  Pretty sad, huh?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If anyone is interested in reading the OF WAR Series, I’d like to stress this is not a YA series, it is written for adults, and contains several scenes of graphic sex and violence. I’d also like to thank you for having me here today, I’ve enjoyed it very much.

LINKS:

Website: http://www.moonsmusings.com
Blog: http://lbdarling.wordpress.com
FaceBook: http://facebook.com/lbdarling (“fan page”)
Twitter: @lb_darling

GoodReads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1577311.Lisa_Beth_Darling

My Books are Available On:

Amazon.com/Kindle- http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Beth-Darling/e/B002BMDA9I/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Smashwords- https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lisadarling

Nook- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lisa-beth-darling

iBooks- http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lisa-beth-darling/id411650358?mt=11

Kobo- http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=Lisa+Beth+Darling&t=none&f=author&p=1&s=averagerating&g=both

Giveaway: 1 e-book set of the OF War Series to date:

The Heart of War
Child of War-A God is Born
Christmas Eve on Olympus (a short story enhancement to the series of full-length novels)

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Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Liz Grace Davis to the blog today to chat about her new book Chocolate Aftertaste.

Liz, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I was born in Angola but my parents are Namibian. I grew up in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Germany and Austria. I met my husband in Austria and have been living here since. I’m in love with books.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I never really thought about it. I just started writing for me at first, and then decided to share my work with others. All I know is that I’m happy to be a writer. It’s a part of me I never want to live without.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Jodi Picoult, John Grisham, Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes…gosh there are many more. But these authors have touched me most. I can’t really say who influenced my writing. I think all the books I read and really enjoyed had a combined effect on me.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

The thing is, I write what I enjoy reading, and I read different types of genres. In addition to this romantic women’s fiction (Chocolate Aftertaste), I also wrote a young adult fantasy novel, Tangi’s Teardrops.

What are some of your writing rituals?

I don’t really have writing rituals. I try my best to write every day, but at different times. I do try to have my favorite snacks nearby and country music playing in the background.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Chocolate Aftertaste is a novel about Nora, a woman who has always lived up to her wealthy and domineering father’s expectations. Until she reaches a breaking point and suddenly decides that she wants to live her life according to her own rules. She risks her relationship with the only family she has, her father, but stands to gain so much more. She falls in love and rediscovers her dreams. But the road to her happiness is very rocky.

Chocolate Aftertaste is about real life problems and how Nora overcomes them in order to find her happiness.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

There are too many people in the world who do things just to make others happy—family, friends, relatives. I wanted to share the message that only you know what you really need, what would make you incredibly happy. Don’t sacrifice your dreams and happiness. Listen to advice from others, but take what is right for you and leave the rest. Life is too short not to live it fully.

Until I wrote the novel, I was one of those people who lived to make other people’s dreams come true, and neglected my own. No more. I can be there for others, help them reach their dreams. But not help them crush mine.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I’m currently editing my next romantic women’s fiction. Honeysuckle & Jasmine is the story of two African Au-pairs (in Germany) who become closer than sisters. As they go through the challenges of living in a foreign country, there is nothing they wouldn’t do for each other. Nothing stands in the way of their friendship—not money, not boyfriends…nothing. They will protect each other, even if it means getting in trouble with immigration. This novel is based on a true story and will be published in early December.

What would you be if you were not an author?

A book cover designer.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, Book 2). It’s right here next to me. I think I’ll start it tonight.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It’s so nice of you to interview me today. I enjoyed chatting with you. I hope your followers will give Chocolate Aftertaste a chance.

At her pre-wedding dinner, Nora Darkin, the daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur, discovers her fiancé is not the man she thought he was. As her father hoists his glass to toast them, she makes an announcement: there will be no wedding to her father’s right-hand man.

Due to the fresh rift driven between her and her father, Nora escapes to the quaint town of Dreara. Determined to live her life her own way, she makes new friends and pursues her lifelong desire of becoming a chef. Ethan Danes, a neighbour with his own broken heart, helps soothe hers.

Just as Nora discovers what it means to be happy, and she begins to fall in love with Ethan, a woman from his past re-enters his life…

Buy Link: Amazon

Excerpt:

Nora turned her attention back to the reality in front of her. She hated arguments; sometimes she wished she could hide somewhere, just wait them out. Unfortunately, life was not like that.

She lifted her eyes to meet Liam’s. The ice in his eyes had not melted. She dropped her gaze.

Instead of flirting with her appetite, the large marinated tiger prawns made her stomach queasy, and the oriental noodles looked like neglected yarn left out in the rain. From the way he dissected his steak, Liam’s appetite was just fine. She gritted her teeth as his knife scraped the porcelain plate.

Unable to bear the silence between them, she leaned forward and whispered, “I hate it when you ignore me.”

“What do you want me to say?” He chewed the last of his food and waved for the waiter. “We’re done.”

The waiter nodded and scuttled over to remove their plates.

When the waiter was out of earshot, Nora hissed through clenched teeth, “I wasn’t done.”

Liam took a swig of water, probably wishing it were something stronger. “You didn’t look like you were hungry.”

“Stop treating me like a child,” she snapped.

“Stop acting like one.”

Nora’s cheeks heated. She contained her anger with difficulty. “That’s really insensitive.”

“What do you want from me, Nora?” A vein pulsed in his neck. “What exactly do you want me to say?”

“Say you want me to be happy.” Her eyes brimmed. “Don’t ask me to get rid of my best friend.”

He loosened his tie—and then slammed his fist on the table, knocking over Nora’s glass of water. The silver stream raced straight for her lap.

The waiter appeared as if from nowhere to replace the white tablecloth with a new one. Nora forced a smile and whispered an apology. The waiter nodded, and a minute later he left.

Ignoring the curious looks they got from the other diners, she dabbed at the moisture on her black jeans. “You can’t always explode every time I refuse to do what you want.”

Liam ignored her. “Ask to pay. I want to leave.”

Nora flinched, but abided. Paying wasn’t so bad—so long as it was fair. On their first and second date, he paid. On their third and a few more after that, they went Dutch. After one year, he asked her to pay for an occasional meal until it became an unspoken arrangement between them. The only thing Liam had paid for himself in three years was her engagement ring.

About the Author:

Liz Grace Davis grew up in Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Germany. She now lives with her husband in Vienna, Austria.

Growing up, Liz spent most her days in libraries, diving into the world of books. In her spare time she reads a lot, travels, creates jewelry and designs digital scrapbooks. That’s of course when she’s not weaving stories. She’s in her element whenever she is doing anything that requires creativity.

Liz is the author of a young adult fantasy novel, Tangi’s Teardrops, and a romantic women’s fiction novel, Chocolate Aftertaste.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Book Trailer

Twitter / Book Trailer

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Lillian welcome to Books-n-Kisses.  Can you please share with us a little about yourself

I am originally from the UK but I now call Australia home.  When I am not at the day job or writing I enjoy reading, drinking red wine and when I can afford it traveling. If I could afford it I would move to house overlooking the beach and spend my days tapping away on my laptop to the sound of lapping waves.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Until about 6 years ago I didn’t even know I could write. I began messing about online with a friend and she convinced me to take it more seriously. I wrote my first book and sought a publisher. Three books later I was offered my first publishing contract.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

Because I have a day job I have to write whenever I get a window of opportunity.  If my husband leaves for work early I grab some time in my study before heading into the office. If I don’t have any lunchtime meetings I drive to a nearby carpark and spend an hour tapping away and if I am not too tired I write for an hour at night. Some weekends, when not busy renovating, I get a few hours during the day.  The only thing I need to write is my netbook and some music.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging is taking what is a brilliant idea and accepting that no matter how good it looks in your imagination it never quite works the same on paper. The most rewarding is when a reader emails and tells you they love something you have written.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

My latest book is called Go With The Flo.  Nineties girl Florence Spring joined Avon to find her Edward Scissorhands but instead needs to rescue his porno alter ego.

When Florence notices her eccentric ex-boyfriend, Eddie, isn’t putting on his usual show in the front window on Friday night she decides to investigate.  She asks her best friend, Nelson Tyler, to help but he seems more interested in seducing Florence than in finding her personal flasher. Florence has no idea when she embarks on the adventure she will accidentally shoot an undercover policeman, or that her actions will lead to Nelson’s kidnapping.  Now with two men missing she has no choice but to continue and thwart the plans of a psychotic soon to be divorcee.  She needs to rescue Nelson because life without him is unbearable, especially since she’s discovered his long sensitive fingers are far more erotic than scissorhands.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I love the movie Edward Scissorhands and I used to sell Avon in my youth. I got to thinking what if you went looking for your own Edward only to discover you had him all along. The idea of her going on the hunt for a missing flasher was just a moment of madness sparked by my wild and uncontrolled imagination.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

I am currently working on a book called Hot Male. It is book three in my Reigning Men Series. This book follows the life of Irish Stripper Michael Monaghan from the time he meets heroine Maggie Riley when he is 18 until she finally gives in to his obvious charms some 11 years later. Unfortunately she comes with a live in boyfriend, a frigid mother and a nymphomaniac octogenarian great aunt. Needless to say it’s a comedy. The book starts with the hero stripping to Parisian Walkways by Gary Moore and my critique partner says she will never hate that song ever again.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

My favourite authors include Janet Evanovich, JR Ward and JD Robb. They all have things about their writing that I love. Janet Evanovich makes me laugh out loud. JR Ward writes amazing vampires and I love JD Robb’s hero and heroine.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 

I think every book leaves a mark and influences you. I can’t say that any one author has inspired my writing style. I do think that they have all made me realize there is no one way to write and every author has their own voice and all attract readers who love your style.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I am hanging out for the next Black Dagger Brotherhood book by JR Ward, Olivia Cunnings next Sinners book and Jaci Burtons’s new Play by Play novel. I still have at least half a dozen JD Robb books to read as well. I just wish there were more hours in the day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Only to thank you for interviewing me. You have been very gracious.

www.lilliangrant.com | http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lillian-Grant/187161274732755 | https://twitter.com/lilliangrantaus

Nineties girl Florence Spring joined Avon to find her Edward Scissorhands but instead needs to rescue his porno alter ego.

When Florence notices her eccentric ex-boyfriend, Eddie, isn’t putting on his usual show in the front window on Friday night she decides to investigate.  She asks her best friend, Nelson Tyler, to help but he seems more interested in seducing Florence than in finding her personal flasher. Florence has no idea when she embarks on the adventure she will accidentally shoot an undercover policeman, or that her actions will lead to Nelson’s kidnapping.  Now with two men missing she has no choice but to continue and thwart the plans of a psychotic soon to be divorcee.  She needs to rescue Nelson because life without him is unbearable, especially since she’s discovered his long sensitive fingers are far more erotic than scissorhands.

Buy Links: Amazon / All Romance Ebooks / Liquid Silver Books

Excerpt:

Florence Spring trudged down another empty street. A bag full of lipstick, foundation, eye shadow, and all manner of items designed to make a girl of the nineties a sight to behold, swung from her shoulder. The tote banged against her hip, aggravating an already aching bruise. Even though drizzle soaked her face, she resisted the urge to wipe it off. She knew it was her duty to represent the products she sold to the best of her ability. The handbook for sales 101 read, better to appear damp, than smudged.

This wasn’t how she’d envisioned life as an Avon representative. Where was her dark castle? Her mysterious hero? When would she find a beautiful man with a penchant for leather and rubber? She joined up to find her Edward Scissorhands. The closest she’d come was his porno alter ego, Edward Penishands.

If Eddie Cain wiggled his dick in his front room window one more time as she walked past, she would take the gold-handled nail scissors, on special this week for two dollars with any order over twenty dollars, and snip the little worm off. Bad enough she’d gone out with him once—once, and only once. The relationship had been doomed from the start. After his mother died, Eddie became most odd. Their one date had confirmed her belief that he was strange.

Snuggled together upstairs at the back of the number forty-six bus, he had whispered that he would like to handcuff her to his bed and whip her with a riding crop. She hadn’t even had a chance to answer before he let out a low moan and spontaneously ejaculated, leaving a noticeable stain on the front of his gray gabardine pants. She’d graciously lent him her jacket to carry in front of him as they climbed from the bus and entered the movie theatre. When he unzipped his fly and pulled the worm free at the first on-screen kiss, she excused herself and fled. She never did ask for her jacket back. It was her favorite too, genuine faux leather and fur. Never mind. She doubted even the dry cleaners would have been able to get the spunk stain out.

Cautiously, she approached number ninety-two Stoffer Street. The curtains hung open, however the front window stood bare. Eddie appeared to be out. She checked her watch. Bang on time. Eight p.m. as usual. She passed by every Friday night. He lived on the most direct route from her allotted sales patch to Nelson’s house. Eddie always waited for her. This time of the year he was usually silhouetted by the living room light. He’d never missed an opportunity to wiggle his wanger at her before. As much as she hated to admit it, she missed the little bugger; the wanger, not Eddie. She needed a good laugh after the dismal sales she usually mustered and Eddie always managed to add some element of humor to the whole sordid show. If only he learned to do the comedy act without the nudity he could take his show on the road. Of course, he could take it on the road with the striptease if he wanted to appeal to a whole other audience.

Truth be told, seeing him semi-naked once a week was, she suspected, the closest either of them had come to dating lately. If only she could find her prince charming, all dark, mysterious and quiet. She had a thing for silent movies. Everyone knew men of few words were sexy. You could imagine all sorts going on in their heads. Plans to show you the world, slay dragons, and win your heart. No one wanted to deal with the truth of them wondering if your boobs were real or if you had tissues stuffed in your bra, or calculating how long it would take them to wrestle you out of your underwear.

With a shrug, Florence tugged her jacket collar up in a feeble attempt to protect herself from the steady precipitation. She hated winter. Every year her mother reminisced about her childhood in England, telling Florence about the huge family Christmases they had which broke up the long cold months. Nothing happened in winter in New South Wales. Florence only had her mother’s secondhand memories of chocolate box celebrations. Although, Grandma Wilson did her best to break up the monotony of endless gray days with her Christmas in June party. Florence recalled the last outrageous family event only six weeks ago. What had that been beneath the mistletoe with Nelson? She shivered, even though she wasn’t cold. She needed to push that memory right out of her head before she reached her destination.

With a dismissive toss of her head, just in case he was watching, she left Eddie to his own sordid devices and continued on her way—her ego a little deflated. Even the local flasher had lost interest.

She turned the corner and a feeling of contentment swept over her. Her best friend Nelson’s home was her bolt-hole from reality, away from her parents and the madness at her house. The small, rundown, two-bed town house might look in need of TLC to some. To her it stood out as an oasis in a horrible sales jungle. A lamp lit vision shrouded in mist. The tiny house was a cottage by the sea, a cozy little shack in the woods, anything her imagination fancied.

Not bothering to knock, she turned the handle and stepped inside. A blast of motor oil and male musky-scented air greeted her, along with Nelson’s cat, Killer. She lifted the undersized ginger fur ball to her face and rubbed him against her cheek, giggling at his loud purr. He waited for her every week, as did Nelson. She always popped in to warm up before he escorted her home.

A shout came from the kitchen. “That you, Squirt?”

She put the cat down and dropped her heavy bag on the side table. After tugging off her sodden woolen gloves and damp jacket, she tossed them on the banister to dry.

“Yeah, it’s only me.”

She secured the front door so Killer couldn’t escape, and sauntered the length of the threadbare carpeted hallway, glancing at the shiny new bolt and padlock on the basement door. She stopped on the threshold of the kitchen and stared at the vision before her.

Nelson glanced up from where he was kneeling on the floor. His eyes were hidden by his tousled dark hair. A huge grin spread across his face. “Hot chocolate’s by the stove.”

She stared at the red and polished chrome monster currently taking up half the floor space. “What are you doing?”

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Lacey Wolfe to the blog today to talk about Bound by Pleasure.

Lacey, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I am a stay at home mom with a wild imagination. When I’m not writing, I am either reading or cleaning.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I have! I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember. It’s always been something I enjoy, along with reading.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

I love Ella Jade, Keri Ford, Bonnie Bliss, Kristen Higgins, Jill Shalvis, Victoria Dahl…the list could go on. I think romance writers themselves influenced me. I love reading about the worlds they create as well as creating my own. Even though ideas may be similar in some books, each authors seems to spin it in their own way.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

I write several genres. I started in erotic romance and I have slowly moved into sweeter romances as well. Bound By Pleasure however is an erotic romance that isn’t just typical sex. I’ve moved into the Dominant/submissive world in the erotic genre.

What are some of your writing rituals?

No kids at home. This summer has been so hard to get anything writing related done. I also must have a snack in front of me.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Bound By Pleasure is the first BDSM I’ve written. And I love this story.

Can Megan let her guard down enough to experience the pleasures Greg has to offer?As an erotic romance author who has spent hours researching the BDSM lifestyle, Megan thinks she knows all about it. But when she decides to explore it firsthand, she quickly learns that there’s a lot she doesn’t know.

Greg isn’t your typical Dom. He’s an artist, and his life is anything but organized. He likes Megan from the start. She’s honest and he sees something different in her. The more time he spends with her, the more he finds himself acting in ways he never has before. He’s developing feelings for her, and he’s hopeful Megan might be feeling the same way, but every time he tries to get her to open up to him, it seems that she takes a huge step back.

Megan has a hard time expressing herself, a problem that only intensified when her ex criticized her every time she tried to share her feelings. As a result, she learned to bite her tongue and keep her emotions hidden. So when she begins to fall in love with Greg, she isn’t sure how to tell him, or even if she should tell him. But she fears if she doesn’t open up to him soon, she may lose him. Can Megan find the courage she needs before it’s too late?

Content Warning: graphic sex, BDSM theme

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I never thought I’d write BDSM. It was too taboo for me. But, I started reading some and suddenly the scene in the beginning of the book hit me. And before long, I had this baby written and off to my editor.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I am working on the final novella in my Hot Bods series.

What would you be if you were not an author?

I’d most likely be doing something with books. Working in a book store most likely. That or I would a teacher or real estate agent.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

Oh, there are so many! I can’t wait to read The Sex Demon trilogy by a new author, Jaye Shields.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me! I’m a big fan of your blog. And I love to connect with my readers.

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Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome for her first visit to our blog Emma Elliot.  

Emma, can you please share with us a little about yourself?

I currently live on the east coast and consider myself a wandering homebody. I love to travel, and thankfully I have a job that affords me many opportunities to do just that. I have an indefatigable love of westerns and war movies, cold weather, good books, scarves, polka-dots, Irish wolfhounds (and just dogs in general), yoga, cardigans and button-up blouses, hand-written letters, pillows, Burt’s Bees lip balm, hiking, and Williams-Sonoma’s peppermint hot chocolate.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Truthfully, I cannot remember a time when I didn’t love the cadence and rhythm and wonder of language. To write has been a life-long goal and dream of mine.

Some of my first memories are of sitting on my father’s lap and, at the age of three, reading to him from the children’s book Are You My Mother? I have loved words from the time I realized that scribbles on a page were connected and, when grouped together with skill and imagination, could form worlds and lives, love and loss, magic and music and something able to transport and uplift and broaden the scope of our existence. I think there is little as powerful as story. History has shown that with the tradition of tales told and recorded throughout the ages. If there is anything that connects all of humanity, it is our love of stories. 

At this point in my life, it’s not my career, but eventually I would like to be able to write fulltime.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And you explain the difference?

Strangely enough, as obsessive about order and details and lists as I am, I’m a pantser when it comes to writing. At least to some extent. I have a rough idea of where the story will eventually end up and the hurdles through which the characters have to jump to get there, but I don’t plot or outline or create storyboards or conduct the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator on the characters. Perhaps I should, though…

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have this pair of wicked purple ankle boots with a four or five inch heel that a friend gave to me for my birthday not too long ago. Don’t ask me why, but I had to wear them when I did my own revisions of the rough draft. Whenever I was editing that first draft, I wore those shoes, and it wasn’t as if the rest of my attire matched. Usually it was something like a fuchsia t-shirt, blue skiing penguin pajama pants, and said wicked purple ankle boots with the killer heels.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

At its heart, A Thin, Dark Line is about family, perpetuated secrets, revenge, and redemption.

Amazon | B&N

Eloise Carmichael, a librarian and a member of the most well-to-do family in Dogwood, Ohio, hires Cormac O’Malley, a man viewed as the town’s pariah after spending over a decade in prison, as a handy-man. His return is the catalyst for a series of murders, and Eloise finds herself in the role of Cormac’s defender even as she uncovers long-buried secrets that may destroy everything she knows and prove him guilty.

How did you come up with the idea for this story?

My original idea was of a young woman who feels as if she’s at a crossroads in her life, who is lonely despite the love of her friends, whose life intersects with a man who has always been on the outskirts of society and who is hiding volatile secrets that could destroy everything she knows. The germ of the story came to me on a Wednesday morning in April 2010. I was a nanny at the time, and I was sitting on the floor with Elizabeth in my lap at our local library for the weekly children’s story time when Eloise and Cormac showed up in my head. Elizabeth and I went home, I prepared lunch for her, read her a few of her favorite books, settled her down for a nap, and then started writing.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I have a couple of different projects in the works right now. One is an historical, set in Wyoming territory, near Yellowstone in the 1870s. It revolves around a group of men who have banded together and are attempting to save bison from being hunted into extinction—and around the woman who stumbles into their lives. The other is related to A Thin, Dark Line, but it’s still in the idea phase, so I don’t want to say too much about it.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

That’s difficult to choose, because there are so many I would have loved to meet, if they were still alive today. Mary Stewart is my absolute favorite author in this era of fiction writing. I love all of her books:  her seamless blending of subtle, classy romance and breathless suspense; the rich descriptiveness of places, so much so that the settings are entities unto themselves; the strong secondary characters. I wrote her a letter once–she’s in her nineties now—and she replied with a handwritten note. I have it framed. I would love to sit in her garden with her and talk over a cup of tea.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

If you’ve a passion for writing, you can make it happen. I don’t have any sage words to offer on how to accomplish it, because writing is such a solitary, personal endeavor that’s different for everyone. But I think perseverance and discipline are essential.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I’d love to visit the Marquesas Islands—a remote part of the French Polynesia—one day.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’m ashamed to say that as busy as I’ve been this summer with work, I haven’t been keeping up with new or upcoming releases. I hope once the summer traffic slows down I’ll be able to begin stockpiling books again.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

My favorite book is “The Night Country,” by Loren Eiseley, and everyone should have the pleasure of reading it. The book is a collection of archeological/anthropological essays, which sounds dry, but it is a brilliant, poetic pondering of the nature of man. 

What is your favorite time of year & why?

Autumn wins out over winter by only a slight margin. I love the skiing and the cold and the silence of snow-laden forests of winter and that I can get away with wearing my unfashionable LL Bean snow boots all season. In autumn, there’s the chill in the air that warrants a scarf and mittens, but you can still get away with defying a coat. The leaves are burnished, the air is crisp, festivities abound, and there’s the excitement for the coming winter. I love everything about the fall.

Who is your Celebrity crush?  And what would you do if you ever meet them?

Tom Selleck, especially in his younger days. He has tall, dark, and craggily rugged down to an art. If I were to ever meet him, I’d ask him if he knows where I can find a copy of High Road to China, one of my favorite movies of his. I’d probably be uncouth and ask if he would sign it as well.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for hosting me today! It was a pleasure.

Learn more about Emma here: 

Blog: http://emmaelliotauthor.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elliotemma.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/emma_elliot

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

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