Book-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome to Casea Major to the blog.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I am a stay-at-home mom with two school-aged children and one preschooler. I was born and raised in Texas and am a die-hard Cowboys fan. I love reading well-written emotional stories. I enjoy writing them too.
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
I always enjoyed writing but not until a year ago did I understand I could actually finish a story.
3.What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I write most of my stories out of order, usually writing the last chapter well before the preceding chapters.
4.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My current release is a sexy 1Night Stand story that I came up with watching football one Sunday afternoon. I wondered what catalyst would make someone venture out into a sexual realm they’d never tried. Voila! Night with a Dom was born.
5.Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m writing a sexy short erotic story which will be part of a series of stories a anti-hero.
6.Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
The Apostle Paul because he wrote the largest percentage of the greatest book ever written
7.What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Find a good critique group and critique, read and write as much as you possibly can.
8.Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I would love to do a river boat cruise down the Danube. That is a dream.
Thanks for having me, Kelly! It’s been a pleasure.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Rebecca Royce on the blog today.
1. Hi Rebecca, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses can you please share with us a little about yourself
I am the mother of 3 boys (4 if you count my husband) and I write paranormal romance. Sometimes I also delve into science fiction and fantasy. I love movies, reading, and Broadway shows.
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
Yes! I wrote my first book in fourth grade. I just love telling stories.
3.What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I open up my computer, click on Word. The document page opens. I write the chapter heading and then I write constantly until I get to page 13. In my first draft, all of my stories have 13 pages per chapter.
4.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Out of Place Mate is the fourth book in a series I write called Shifters and Bikers. It is a subseries of Decadent Publishing’s The Edge. Basically, all of the stories in the Edge take place in one scene. They are hot and, well, edgy. My particular group of stories take place in a biker bar called Gunther’s that also happens to be a shifter bar—although most of the humans there don’t know it.
5.How did you come with the idea for this story?
When I was first approached to write a story for The Edge, I wrote a story called Unwanted Mated. After I finished Unwanted Mate, the next three stories just kind of appeared in my mind. This is one of them.
6.Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I am writing the next in my Outsider series. It’s the fifth book in that series.
7.Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Nalini Singh because I think she’s brilliant.
8.What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Do you research and write every day.
9.Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I want to go to St. Lucia.
10.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m always waiting on egg shells for the next Psy-Changeling novel by Nalini Singh.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have the wonderful Debbie Gould on the blog today to talk about her up coming 1 Night Stand release.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Debbie: Let’s see, I work full time as a nurse at a rural family practice in Vermont. I have 3 children. My daughter, the oldest, is in the Air Force, the middle son works for the family Water Well Drilling business, and the youngest is in college.
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
Debbie: Nope, lol. Not until about ten years ago. I am an avid reader. Started out with Stephen King as a teenager and moved to romantic suspense as I got older. I finally started hearing all these characters in my head wanting a story for themselves.
3.Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Debbie: Well, like I said, I cut my teeth on Stephen King and Koontz. Still love them. Most recently, Lori Foster, Cindy Gerard, Suzanne Brockmann(I want to be like her when I grow up) lol, Catherine Mann. Gosh I could go on and on.
4.How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
Debbie: I love romantic suspense and that is really where my heart lies, but this story is more contemporary. I have a writing partner with some other novels, L.J. Garland, and we are writing all kinds of different sub genres within the romance spectrum. It’s been fun.
5.What are some of your writing rituals?
Debbie: I really don’t have any. I used to be a punster, and just write without knowing where I was going, but L.J. has taught me the fine art of outlining. Even though we may stray, I find it keeps me much more focused.
6.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Debbie: Second Chance. is a story about getting past your self perceived failures. The hero is an Air Force Special Ops Officer who lost his wife in childbirth while he was on an op. For two years he’s lived on the guilt he feels for not being there for her. The baby is being cared for and loved by his wife’s sister, Emily. He financially supports them, but has emotionally distanced himself.
Emily has grown to love Colin and with the help of one of Colin’s teammates, together they set up the one night stand where she hopes to show him he can still have the family he thought he lost. It’s an emotional story of forgiving yourself and allowing yourself to take that second chance.
7.How did you come with the idea for this story?
Debbie: I’d heard about the 1 Night Stand series and wanted to do a story for it. You’ll see a lot of the military theme in my stories because of my daughter. She and her friends inspire me everyday. The sacrifices they make take their toll though and I think those stories need to be told.
8.Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Debiie: Well L.J Garland and I are actually working on Colin’s teammate’s story at the moment. We also have a romantic suspense coming out in April form Decadent Publishing.
9.What would you be if you were not an author?
Debbie: Since I’m a nurse, I guess that’s your answer, although I do believe I was supposed to be born a Billionaire so I could just sit on the beach and write all day, but that didn’t happen, lol.
10.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Debbie: I can’t wait for Sins of the Mind to be release in April. I’m dying to get the reactions. It’s a bit of a dark book. If anyone has read my Infidelity, I do believe this one is darker, lol. As for my TBR pile? It’s huge and mostly compiled of other 1 Night Stand stories from Decadent.
11.Is there anything else you would like to add?
Debbie: Thank you so much for having me and I’ll be giving away a copy of Second Chance to one lucky commenter so don’t forget to leave an email addy.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Lisa Mondella to the blog today.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself?
Lisa: I’m the author of 13 published novels. I’ve written for small presses as well as Avalon Books and most recently, Harlequin Love Inspired. I love music, movies and books. (Everyone has a passion, right? Mine’s all three!)
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
Lisa: I always say that I never chose to be an author. Writing chose me somewhere along the line. I’d always written short stories. But I didn’t write my first novel until the year before I was married. I credit getting my first PC for giving me the courage to try. I don’t think I would have ever taken the leap to novel writing on a typewriter. Carbon paper? White out? Not the way I write! Of course, PCs back then were nothing like they are now. My first PC had a floppy drive that held a total of 33 pages on it! Yeah, we’ve come a long way in 20 years.
3.Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
Lisa: I need to have a cup of coffee on my desk. My husband can’t understand this because my coffee goes cold. I rarely ever finish a cup while it’s still hot. But I have to have it handy. My best writing time is 11AM – 2PM and then again at 11PM – 2AM. Don’t ask me why. I think it has to do with nap and bedtime when the kids were small and then school time when the kids got older. I know I’ll have a chunk of time when I won’t be interrupted. But when I’m on deadline, all bets are off. I write when I can, as much as I can until the book is done.
4.Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Lisa: The most challenging thing is writing about something you have no knowledge of. It’s also the best thing. I love learning new things. But it’s a little nerve wracking trying to weave details into a story, making it sound authentic and compelling while getting all the details right.
5.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Lisa: Mandy Morgan swore she’d never step foot in Texas again after Beau Gentry left her for life on the rodeo circuit eight years before. But now her uncle s heart is failing and she has to convince him that surgery will save his life. She never dreamed the first thing she’d see when she stepped off the plane would be her biggest nightmare…the one man she’d never stopped loving. Beau Gentry had the fever for two things: the rodeo and Mandy Morgan. But for Beau, loving Mandy was complicated by his father s vendetta against her uncle. This led him to make the hardest decision of his life and he can still see the bitterness and hurt on Mandy s face. All these years it has killed him to think Mandy had forgotten him and moved as far away as possible from him. But now they’re back in Texas, and he’s going to do all he can to win back her love.
6.How did you come with the idea for this story?
Lisa: Her Heart for the Asking was the book that was never going to be written. I’d written a blurb of the story as an example for an article on pitching to editors at conferences. A reader read the pitch and asked me when the book was going to be published. So I quickly wrote a few chapters and sent them off to Avalon Books. They bought the story a few months later. I’ve just released the ebook of the story. I’m thrilled that a new set of readers are being introduced to my Texas Hearts series.
7.Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Lisa: I’m currently working on a screenplay with a producer and revising a romantic thriller called, Material Witness. Material Witness is the story of crime author, Cassie Alvarez who goes from writing about crime to being in the middle of danger when she’s the only witness to an organized crime murder in Providence while researching her latest novel. Officer Jake Santos was a target that night and he knows he needs to keep Cassie alive to testify or the killer will go free. It will be released in June 2012.
8.Who are some of your favorite authors?
Lisa: Honestly, there are way too many to name and I’d be afraid of leaving one out. I have some auto-buy authors that I know I’ll enjoy. It all depends on what I’m in the mood to read.
9.Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Lisa: When I’m deep into writing, I don’t read the same type of romance I’m writing. For instance, I won’t read romantic suspense if I’m writing it. I’ll read fantasy or shorter category books. That way the writing voice doesn’t bleed into my own.
10.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Lisa: Under the Moon by Natalie Damschroder is high on my list as well as Miracle Under the Mistletoe by Tracy Madison. I’m still getting through a C.L. Wilson series.
Melanie Summers, a feisty zoologist with big dreams, must spend a month in the Wyoming wilderness in order to satisfy a deal made with her father.
Stoney Buxton is a hard-driving cowboy with simple values who needs to raise quick money to save the family ranch. Re-entering the rodeo circuit seems like the best way to get the money he needs until Melanie Summers shows up at his ranch flashing easy money. To everyone else, her offer seems like the answer to all his prayers. But one look at her long legs and pouting lips and Stoney know this high society gal is going to be nothing but trouble for his cowboy heart
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome WJ Craft to the blog today. To talk about her newest books.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself
WJ: I’m a very sensual person, both in terms of erotic feelings and the five (or maybe six?) senses. I think it’s important to put as many of the senses in writing as possible, so that the reader can experience them too. I wish that sensuality was valued more than violence in our society. I’m also probably older than you might guess, and would be surprising to meet in person. I consider myself an intellectual hermaphrodite.
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
WJ: Yes! I’ve enjoyed mainstream sci-fi for many years, and erotica too, especially pin-up art. Now that the internet has made it possible for regular people to get published, I’m thrilled to be out there with the rest of us rejects. LOL The traditional publishing racket is so out of touch with everything at this point, and I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.
3.Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
WJ: I enjoy Robert Heinlein and Ray Bradbury very much, especially Bradbury’s short stories. He could take pretty much anything and turn it into a creepy short. I love short stories because sometimes all you want is a little snapshot into a situation, like an episode of the Twilight Zone. So I guess I should include Rod Serling among my influences too! In terms of erotica, definitely Dragonfly, who I first encountered on the internet way back in 1996. Some amazingly kinky sci-fi shorts there, and she’s releasing her stuff on Amazon now! I’m very tickled about that.
4.How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
WJ: I just went ahead and did it! I knew that if others could be successful at it, so could I, because I feel the quality of my writing is just as good, if not better, than most erotica out there. I am going to be doing another collection of what I call “light horror” shorts in the near future. More about that below.
5.What are some of your writing rituals?
WJ: Caffeine is essential. After I wake up, I like to surf my bookmarked adult sites to get me in the mood, then I decide if I’m going to finish a project or start a new one. I’m a lot like Neil Gaiman that way, in that I usually have a few things brewing at the same time. If I have only one thing, it quickly seems boring and like something I don’t want to work on. If I have several, I can flip through them and see what I’m most in the mood for that day.
6.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
WJ: My first short story collection is called Chicks In Charge, because every story has the woman benefiting or on top in some way. It’s all sci-fi and fantasy erotica, with something for everyone. If you don’t like one story, you’re sure to love another after a few pages. They’re all quite different.
7.How did you come with the idea for this story?
WJ: I’ve had a lot of story ideas rolling around, and I enjoy brainstorming them. I have pages and pages of story ideas, including outlines for three novels. Not enough hours in the day!
8.Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
WJ: I’ve just started work on a “light horror” short story collection that I’ve been wanting to do for a while. By “light,” I mean that there’s no zombies, minimal blood, and nothing that will keep you up all night and freak you out for a month. It’s mostly psychologically creepy as opposed to brains and guts everywhere. There will be body parts removed, but only because they deserve it.
9.What would you be if you were not an author?
WJ: I’d love to be a sex therapist, helping people have a healthy and loving relationship with the pleasurable parts of their bodies.
10.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
WJ: I happen to know that Volume 3 of Dragonfly’s short stories is in the works, I’m dying to see that! A few other titles that look interesting are “Schmidt Steps Back,” “Religion for Atheists,” and the new Avengers movie. Note, I am not an atheist, I’m more of a Pagan or Agnostic, I haven’t decided really. I’m not particularly religious. Unless you count two hours of watching hot men and women in skin-tight clothing on a giant movie screen a religious experience. I know that kind of thing moves me in mysterious ways…
11.Is there anything else you would like to add?
WJ: I’m helping to work on a new sci-fi erotica publishing collective called Deepest Regions Publishing (http://deepestregions.blogspot.com/) with Dragonfly, which I am very excited about! It’s new, and we’re both really busy working on new projects, so the blog is kind of… not as up to date as it should be, but I’m hoping to get on that in the next week or two. I also have a Twitter (https://twitter.com/WJCraft) where people can tweet with me. Come say hello!
An Erotic Short Story Collection
Over 20,000 words of intriguing and playful delights where women come out on top in a variety of ways!
Chainsaw Chicks of Chinese Camp: Are the legends true? Are four amazons lying in wait in this tiny rural town for their perfect boy toys to come along and play with them?
Zap: While researching a possible preventative for epileptic seizures, a scientist stumbles onto a very interesting use for her new app.
Take Me To Your Leader: In this 1940s retro tale, a military translator gets up close and personal with some newly-landed alien emissaries.
The Gnome World Order: Find out what really goes on underneath those seemingly innocent pointed red hats.
Little Shoppe of Enchantments: Augustus Pound takes a wrong turn with some rather questionable results. This version includes the longer alternate ending, not available anywhere else!
Cowboy: They seemed like ordinary women in the greasy spoon in town, but they had plans for Jack Barnes and his equipment.
Rosa Erotica: Lyrical and touching. A 500-word ode to the spirit of the rose goddess and a warrior’s epiphany.
The next day, she made a few alterations to her application, reversed a few things, and then waited for Richard to make his morning appearance. She didn’t have long to wait.
“Good morning,” he said, right behind her ear.
“Good morning, Richard,” said Veronica, then she tapped the button.
Instantly the sound of coffee splashing all over the floor met her ears, and she turned to see her nemesis staggering backwards until he crashed into the cubicle wall, which threatened to topple into the next space over. His eyes were partly rolled up into his head and he was moaning and gasping, his twitching body slowly sinking horizontally onto a filing cabinet. With a grin that was triumphant, surprised and slightly sadistic, she tapped the button again to see what would happen when she turned the app off.
A noticeable wet stain at the front of a medium-sized pants tent caught her attention. Had the poor man wet himself?
“Ohgod,” was all he could manage for at least five minutes as he recovered. Veronica began to wonder if she should call a medic, and coworkers started to crowd in her doorway to see what the hell had happened.
“It’s all right,” she reassured them. “Still working on that epilepsy app. Must have reversed something.”
“That was… that was…” Richard spit out, trying to regain the gift of language. “Fucking incredible…”
Confused, Veronica stared at him.
“What?”
“Incredi… mind-blowing. Best orgasm ever…”
Now that, she hadn’t expected. But something about it sounded vaguely familiar. She turned her back on her human lab rat as the embarrassed coworkers made themselves useful elsewhere. A quick search on “epilepsy” and “orgasm” brought up research on the phenomenon known as the “orgasmic aura,” a state of spontaneous climax that some epilepsy victims experienced at the onset of a seizure. She could hear Richard slowly collecting himself behind her.
“Again,” he finally moaned.
“Fuck off.”
“Do it again!” His hand gripped her shoulder and she turned, finding herself face-to-face with a pair of desperate, lust-filled eyes. His other hand shot out and gripped her throat. Unable to cry out for help, she did the only thing she could think of to incapacitate the madman – she hit the button again.
BnK: Hi David & Beka, Thank you so very much for stopping by Books-n-Kisses to talk about your story. I know you are both very busy. Shall we begin?
David/Beka:“We’re glad to be here! This is a quaint coffee shop, I’ve not been here before. And this is very exciting, because this is our first interview together.” Beka winks at David.
“I just hope the demon activity stays to a minimum. Keep an eye out, Beka.”
Bnk: David, can you tell my followers a little about yourself?
“My name is David Sadler. I look as if I am about twenty-six or so, but I am around four hundred years old. I’ve been locked away in sensory deprivation for nearly a quarter millennia, and even now, I’m still trying to adjust to all the changes.” David holds up a tall Mocha Latte. “Ordering a cup of coffee should not be this difficult. Thankfully my Beka knows much.”
BnK: Beka, same questions.
“Hi! I’m Rebeka Abbott, but most everyone calls me Beka. I’m a Guardian who was charged with protecting the young girl David was assigned to procure by his Master.” She pats David’s knee. “But things have a way of working out. . .”
BnK: How do you feel about Lynn telling your story?
“Oh, I’ll answer this one.” Beka raises her hand and David nods his consent. “I was surprised Lynn wrote it from David’s point of view to tell you the truth. Most novels I’ve read are written from the woman’s point of view, or at least both the woman and man’s point of view.” Beka grins. “But I think she did well by David.”
BnK: Do you think that Lynn kept the story true? Did she leave out anything important?
“Like Beka mentioned, Lynn did right by me,” David says. “It was such a struggle for me those first hours out of sensory deprivation, and she captured that.” He rests his arm around Beka’s shoulders and tugs her close. “And the struggles this little temptress caused me during my search for young Jessica.”
Beka nods. “Lynn got the main points. Except the fact that on David’s plane ride to Arizona, he watched Nickelodeon to learn the culture—and that he liked it.” Beka laughs.
A subtle growl emanates from David, yet the corner of his mouth curves up in a half-smile.
BnK: David, tell us about that first time you saw Beka.
“She was dancing at her club. I’ll never forget that dress she was wearing. I was immediately entranced by her beauty. Even thought another quarter millennia would be worth it just to be near her.”
BnK: Beka, Can you tell us what it was about David that made you know he was the one?
“Even though he was big and scary, flashing his claws and fangs, I sensed his determination.” Beka caresses his knee. “Dedication to hold onto what was left of his humanity. Despite deprivation for so long, he resisted my advances. I respected him for that.” Her grin widens. “And it doesn’t hurt that he’s sexy as sin, either.”
BnK: Can you tell us a little about your journey to get to where we are now?
“You’ll have to buy the book,” they both say in unison.
Beka laughs and says, “It was a journey filled with heartache, temptation, and many battles. Both battles against demons and the ones within ourselves, but it was well worth it.” She twines her fingers with David’s.
BnK: What is up next for you guys?
Beka looks to David, but he nods for her to answer. “He’s not much of a talker, is he?”
“Okay, I will answer.” David sits up and clears his throat. “I know the journey for us is just beginning. With Wasteland, Lynn has only begun to tell about the struggles between the demons and the Guardians. But for now, I will enjoy my Beka as long as I can.”
BnK: Is there anything you want the readers to know before I let you go?
“I know I speak for Lynn when I say Thank You for your support for Wasteland.” David dips his head. “We are honored you are enjoying our story. She tells us there are over 100 five-star reviews between something called Goodreads and Amazon.”
Beka shakes her head. “He’s really resisting the technology.”
“That is what I have you for.” David grins at Beka.
Bnk: David, Beka, Thank you again so very much for sitting down and talking with me. I enjoyed your story and enjoyed learning more about you.
David/Beka:
“It was our pleasure.” Beka straightens in her seat. “But we had better go, I’m getting a . . . sense.”
“At least they waited until the end of the interview.” David stands and reaches for Beka. “Thank you, Kelly, for the coffee.”
To learn more about Lynn Rush, check her out here:
Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his dark enslavement.
The only obstacle-Jessica’s distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what’s left of his human soul.
Hi Gini, I am SUPER EXCITED to have you back on the blog to talk about your newest release Alien Diplomacy book 5 in your Alien series.
Gini: Awesome to be back! Thanks so much for having me!
BnK: Gini, for the folks that don’t know you can you please share a little about yourself with my followers.
Gini: I write the Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books. I live in Hell’s Orientation Area (aka Phoenix, Arizona) with my husband, 3 dogs (the Canine Death Squad) and 3 cats (the Killer Kitties), and one very spoiled daughter. Who admits to being spoiled, but wants me to tell you that she’s not as spoiled as the pets. And she’s probably right.
book 1
BnK: Can you tell us about your Alien Series.
Gini: It’s the best series ever written and a deal at twice the price! (Hey, you can not blame a girl for trying.)
The Alien series follows the exploits of Katherine “Kitty” Katt, who first discovers that the Roswell rumors are true, but with a twist — the aliens are here to help us and, as a side benefit, they’re all gorgeous. Kitty first gets involved helping save the world from parasitic superbeings. As the series progresses, Kitty gets deeper into Centaurion Division, and discovers that there’s a lot more evil out there to fight, and a wide variety of conspiracies to prevent and disrupt, with dangers both internal and extremely external to guard against.
BnK: How did you come up with the idea for this series?
Gini: I had a dream. I get at least 50% of my ideas from my dreams. This dream was dark, noir-ish, and scary. So I thought I’d write a dark, short, noir-ish horror story. Instead, Kitty’s voice and personality inserted itself, so by page 3 I realized it would be neither dark, nor short, nor horror. Martini breezed onto the page, charmed Kitty and me, and the rest is, as they say, history.
BnK: Do you see a little of yourself in Kitty?
Gini: Oh, of course. However, I see a little bit of myself in every character I write. Including the villains. Perhaps especially the villains. (Be afraid. Be very afraid.) I am the God, they are my creations, they all have me in them somewhere.
book 5
BnK: I know we have talked about this before, but for those who don’t know. Can you tell us how many books you have planned in this series
Gini: Well, right now I’m contracted through Book 8, so Alien vs. Alien will release December 4, 2012, Alien in the House will release April 2013, and Alien Collective will release December 2013. I’m mapped out, as much as I map, through Book 12. And right now I can “see” through Book 16. So, basically, DAW says that as long as people are buying the books, they’ll be glad to publish the books.
BnK: I know you live totally spoiler free, but can you give us a little something about Alien Diplomacy? Please.. just a little tease. How about a quote or your favorite line.
Gini: Sure. I live spoiler free, but not teaser free. ;-D
In Alien Diplomacy, everyone’s dealing with a lot of change, and most of them aren’t dealing with it all that well, Kitty in particular. We see the return of some of my personal favorite supporting characters from an earlier book, and they affect things in a big, big way. And, for those who’ve been wondering when, if ever, they’d get an answer about what’s going on in Paraguay, that answer begins in earnest in this book.
BnK: Do you think Jeff & Chuckie will ever get along?
Gini: Define “getting along”. LOL Seriously, though, yeah, they will. Just not saying when.
BnK: Speaking of Chuckie, I know he says only Kitty can call him that. But I have proof that he said I can call him Chuckie — >> See
Gini: Well, he’s okay with readers and fans calling him Chuckie. Just no one in the books, other than Kitty (and Kimmy) can call him that.
BnK: Oh back to my question. Will, uummm Chuckie ever get over Kitty? Maybe find a new love interest?
Gini: *cough*
BnK: *looks at Gini* What would that be spoilers??
Gini: Yes, we call that a spoiler where I come from. But yes, Chuckie will have a normal life progression just like everyone else.
BnK: How is the rest of the Team dealing with all the changes they have been thrown over the last year?
Gini: Well, that’s pretty much Alien Diplomacy’s main theme — how do you handle being moved into jobs you don’t want, weren’t thinking you were ready to move to, that turn out to be completely different than expected, or a combination thereof? Every character in the book is experiencing major change in some way, so they’re all dealing, and not everyone’s dealing with it well. But then, that’s the fun, isn’t it? If everyone handled all things perfectly, why would we want to read about it?
BnK: You know how much I love Christopher. How is he doing? Any chance we will ever get a story for just him? Maybe just a short… *drops to knees* PPPPLLLEEEAAASSEEEE!!!
book 2
Gini: I know I should never say never, but it’s really unlikely. I get this question a lot, in regards to Christopher, Reader, Chuckie, a variety of other characters, and I don’t always answer it fully. But because it’s you…
#1 – This series is told in first person, from Kitty’s point of view. If I’d wanted to write other POVs, um, I’d have written this in 3rdperson. LOL
#2 – Y’all have NO idea how hard it is to write a short story, do you? I’m a natural novelist. I do indeed write short stories, novelettes, and novellas (I refer you to what I have up at Musa — see answer to a question below — as well as other shorts published in a variety of anthologies). But they are HARD to do. HARD. So, when y’all ask for “just a little story”, what you’re asking me to do is to stop writing the next novel in the series, and to AGONIZE over something that, let’s be honest, is a throwaway.
I love all my fans dearly, but, seriously, ask yourselves this: What do you really want more? A short story about a couple supporting characters, or the next novel in the series? Because you can’t have both right now. (Oh, and my publisher votes for “next book in series”, and DAW has the deciding vote. ;-D)
#3 – This relates to #1. If I’d wanted to write things from Christopher’s POV, I’d have already done it. One of the things I enjoy about writing first person POV is that the reader can ONLY know what the POV character knows, sees, and experiences. Some readers may catch on to what’s going on FASTER than the POV character (which is, after all, part of the fun), but we don’t KNOW what’s going on in other characters’ minds. I enjoy that. I don’t really want to have to tell it all from another character’s POV. And, when I try, well, we usually end up with an entirely different book for an entirely new series, which is nice and all, but not what you’re asking for.
Can this answer change? Sure. Will it change any time soon. Magic 8-Ball says “unlikely”.
BTW, I do have a couple of characters I’m more than willing to do something with “outside” of the series. But not saying who and not doing anything with it right now. Because deadlines say I don’t have time to play.
book 3
BnK: Can you tell us what you have coming up next for Kitty and the Crew?
Gini: Well, in Alien vs. Alien, we have the return of some characters no one ever wanted to see again, as well as the culmination of the Paraguay situation, along with a whole lot of scary stuff going on. But I’d have to say Alien vs. Alien is all about the birds.
Bnk: Gini, I know you write under a multitude of pen names. Can you share with us a little about what your other pseudonyms? What they are, what they write. What is coming up next for them?
Gini: Sure! My pen names include (but are not limited to) Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch — all of which have releases up at Musa Publishing (http://www.musapublishing.com/). As G.J. Koch I have a new series coming from Night Shade Books, Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, which releases June 5, 2012 ( http://www.nightshadebooks.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=240)
Alexander Outland: Space Pirate is science fiction set in the far future, with a lot of humor, action and romance. I think if you like Kitty & Company, you’re gonna love the Outland and his crew.
book 4
Pop Quiz:
Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi:Neither. I don’t drink Diet drinks, ever. I can taste fake sugar in anything and everything and I HATE the taste of fake sugar. It’s REAL Coca-Cola all the way, baby.
Rolling Stones or Aerosmith:Really? You have to ASK? Aerosmith, always and forever.
Pizza or Burgers:Both, with extra cheese
Bath or Shower:Shower at home, bath at nice hotels
Sun or Snow:I live in Phoenix, Arizona. SUN, baby. Sun.
Boxers or Briefs:Thong or commando
Christopher or Jeff:Both, and Chuckie, Reader, Gower and Buchanan, too (oh, look…a teaser…)
Ebook or Paper:Whatever the reader wants (for me, personally, it’s paper)
Romance Movie or Action Movie: Action
Batman or Superman:Wolverine
Bnk: Gini, thank you as always for being FABOUOLUS!! I love having you on the blog and love your Alien series. I can’t wait to see where you take Kitty and the crew next.
Gini: Taking them to infinity and beyond, and to a really good designer. (Oh, look…another teaser…)
Bnk: Gini, would you like to do a giveaway?
Gini: Sure, I’d love to give away any book from my backlist (Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation), signed and personalized. And yes, open internationally.
BnK: Okay to be entered for a chance to win one of Gini’s back list book. Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
Gini Koch lives in Hell’s Orientation Area (aka Phoenix, AZ), works her butt off (sadly, not literally) by day, and writes by night with the rest of the beautiful people. She writes the fast, fresh and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, listens to rock music 24/7 (particularly, but not limited to, Aerosmith), and is a proud comics geek-girl willing to discuss at any time why Wolverine is the best superhero ever (even if Deadpool does get all the best lines). She also speaks frequently on what it takes to become a successful author and other aspects of writing and the publishing business.
Her interests include seeing how often she can ask, “So, have I told you about this plot twist yet?” of her husband before he goes insane, going to rock concerts with her daughter, and training her pets to ‘bring it’. Gini started writing to have an excuse to stay up late playing on the computer while listening to music and mooning over pictures of Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.
Now she’s expanded her thinking — she moons over a wide variety of hunks in order to keep the visual creative juices flowing. So to speak.
Books-n-Kisses is super excited to welcome JD Tyler back to the blog today.
JD, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down and talk with me about SAVAGE AWAKENING and what’s next for the Alpha Pack.
JD: Hi, Kelly! Thanks for inviting me back for a visit today!
Kelly: Do you need anything before we begin? Margarita?
JD: You know, even though it’s early, I’ll take you up on that! It’s that kind of day. J
Kelly: Shall we begin?
JD: I’m ready when you are! Be gentle with me…
Q1) Can you share your Top 5 Guilty Pleasures?
JD: Just 5?I’d love to! Let’s see…
1) Reading! Now there’s a surprise. J
2) I love going to concerts, mostly classic rock! My must-see shows include Bon Jovi and Aerosmith. I scored really great tickets for myself, my rock guitarist son, and daughter to see Aerosmith in Dallas on July 28th, and we can’t wait!
3) One hour-massages and pedicures are a special kind of heaven for me!
4) I enjoy traveling to see friends who live out of state, especially my critique partner and fellow author Tracy Garrett, who lives in Missouri at Lake of the Ozarks. Spending a week with her on the lake is pure bliss.
5) Meeting friends for long lunches which result in copious amounts of alcohol and getting absolutely no writing done!
Q2) Tell me and readers who may have missed it before a little about your 3 pseudonyms? I mean 3… WOW!!!
JD: In addition to writing paranormal as JD Tyler, I write contemporary/romantic suspense as Jo Davis, and paranormal erotica as Jo Carlisle. Honestly, it’s not as hard as it sounds writing-wise. I work on one book at a time, and all of my focus is on that story and those characters at the moment.
Q3) Let’s talk books… Please Describe SAVAGE AWAKENING briefly for our readers.
JD: Aric Savage is the snarky redheaded wolf shifter who was taken prisoner by Orson Chappell’s evil minions at the end of PRIMAL LAW. Aric is suffering brutal experiments in the name of creating a breed of super-shifter soldiers and is losing hope for a rescue. Along comes liberation in the form of his team…and a gorgeous LAPD cop named Rowan Chase, who has joined the team in hopes of finding her missing brother and Alpha Pack member, Micah. She finds a lot more than she bargained for…
Q4) Tell us a little more about Aric. *wiggles eyebrows*
JD: Aric is a wisecracking smartass with a bit of a temper, and loves to harass the guys. He’s a Firestarter/Telekentic, so he torch stuff, or move it at will. He’s got a big heart under his prickly surface, and he’s about to meet his match in one tough, streetwise LAPD cop…
Q5) It looks like BLACK MOON is up next, which is Book 3 in your Alpha Pack series. Would you like to share a little with us?
JD: BLACK MOON is the full-length book featuring our Sorcerer/black panther/Necromancer Kalen Black and Dr. Mackenzie Grant, the lady who’ll eventually be his Bondmate. Kalen’s mind is slowly being taken over by a lethal enemy who wants to harness his power. Mac and the team will have to either save Kalen or execute him…before he destroys them all. The book releases on December 4 and promises to be explosive!
Q6) A birdie told me that you just sold books 4 and 5 of the Alpha Pack series to your publisher! Congrats! Care to tell us a bit about those?
JD: Thank you! I’m thrilled to be able to continue with the series! Book 4 is tentatively titled HUNTER’S MOON, and all I’m saying right now is that it’s a “Predator” story… the scariest monster of all is the one you can’t see…
Q7) SQUEE!! That sounds so exciting! Do you have any idea who will get Book 5 after Ryon?
JD: Thanks, I hope readers love Ryon as much as I do. JI do know who gets Book 5, but I want to keep the suspense going a little longer. (evil grin)
Q8) It was tough for you to pick a favorite pack member before. Do you have one now? If so, who & why?
JD: Yes, it’s still so hard to pick a favorite among these guys! They’re all sexy and loveable in their own way, and they’re all different, appealing to a woman’s various tastes in men. But Kalen is my favorite right now. He’s magnetic and so different, with his kohl-rimmed jade eyes, black nail polish and black rock-star hair. But he’s also very deeply hurt, lost and damaged, having been thrown out of his home at age 14 to survive on the streets. Mac is going to have to be a special woman to get through to him, and show him how to love.
Q9) Can you tell Us what you are currently working on and what’s next?
JD: Right now I’m working on BLACK MOON, which is due to my editor soon. Then I’ll be working on Book 1 of my new series SUGARLAND BLUE, being written as Jo Davis, which is a spinoff of my FIREFIGHTERS OF STATION FIVE series and stars the Sugarland Police Dept. Book 1 (title TBA) is Detective Shane Ford’s story, and I’m so happy to get started! My readers have been requesting his book for some time and I can’t wait.
Kelly: Again a HUGE thank you to JD for stopping by my blog and share with us her newest book.
JD: Thank you again for inviting me back!
Kelly: JD, What do you say we give the readers a chance to win SAVAGE AWAKENING?
JD: Sounds great! I’m giving a signed copy, so good luck, readers!
If you would like to win a copy of Savage Awakening please fill out the Rafflecopter form below
Jessica: Thank you so much for having me today, Kelly. I’ve brought along Bryce Beuermann, from The Zurian Child, for an interview.
[Bryce enters the room behind Jessica, his presence filling the room. The man is a solid wall of muscle, with short brown hair that contains the slightest wave, and deep brown eyes. He nods, raising one eyebrow, a brief smile on his lips, then shakes Kelly’s hand before sitting down.]: Yes, thank you, Kelly.
[Jessica sits across from him]: Now, Bryce, can you tell us who and what you are?
[Bryce leans back in his chair, spreading his thick, long legs out in front of him.]: Well, you already know my name, and I’m an RCMP officer in the drug section of the “O” division based in London, Ontario.
Jessica: I think I’m going to have to pry here. [Turning to Bryce] And what about being Hemera?
[Bryce sits up and glances around the room.] You do realize that’s not something I generally tell others about, right?
Jessica: Yes, but it’s okay to talk about it here.
Bryce: I’m not sure sure, but if I don’t say anything, you’re going to tell her, right?
[Jessica nods.]
Bryce: Fine, I’m Hemera, an alien species from the planet Alectrona, located twenty light years from Earth. I left there when I was only a baby, and have lived the rest of my life here.
Jessica: Can you tell us why you were brought to Earth?
Bryce: Alectrona was under attack by a species call the Erebus. They wanted our land and slowly gained ground. Because they choked out our food and water supply, we could do nothing but flee and search for a new planet to call home.
Jessica: How many Hemera live on this planet?
[All expression disappears from Bryce’s face]: I cannot say.
Jessica: Can you tell us the difference between the Hemera, and people from Earth?
[Bryce’s posture relaxes and he smiles]: Yes. [He removes his shoes and socks.] I have webbed feet. And I have gills on my neck, but they’re not really noticeable until I’m in water.
Jessica: Now, who is Quinn?
[Bryce slips his socks and shoes back on, and leans back, relaxed once again.]: He’s my best friend. We also work together. And he’s half-Hemera, his mother coming to Earth on the same ship as myself.
Jessica: How does Lindsay fit into the picture?
[The corner of Bryce’s mouth twitches, as if he’s unsure how to react.]: She’s Quinn’s wife, and the mother of his child. Half-Hemera as well.
Jessica: But what is she to you?
[Bryce clasps his hands together and glances to the floor.]: She’s my soul mate.
Jessica: Can you define soul mate for us?
[He looks up, his gaze distant.]: It means I’m supposed to be a part of her life. But, if we were on Alectrona, she would be my wife. I would have found her before Quinn. [He stands up.] I’m sorry, but this is still too hard for me to talk about. Plus, I have to figure out how to tell them they’re both half-alien, and that a prophecy made many years ago relates to the child Lindsay now carries. Thank you, again, Kelly, but I’ve got to go.
Jessica: Well, I guess the interview is over. Thanks so much, Kelly. J
The Zurian Child Blurb
Lindsay Beckett longed to be reunited with her first love, Quinn Montgomery, until she learns the secret that sent him fleeing from her in the first place. He’s an alien, a Hemera, and she’s half-Hemera herself. As if that wasn’t enough to ruin her dreams of a perfect life, when their child is born, they discover she fulfills a prophecy told twenty light years away and many years ago. Lindsay wants to ignore it, until her husband is murdered and suddenly believing becomes a matter of survival.
Lindsay and her young daughter are forced to rely on another Hemera, her husband’s partner and best friend, Bryce Beuermann as more and more of the Hemera are slaughtered. Bryce will do anything to help his best friend’s widow—including suppressing his own deep feelings for her. But he must prove they can trust him, even pretending he doesn’t want her with all his heart.
Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have JN Johnson on the blog today!!
We are chatting about her new (debut) book Passionate Tides.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Living in her hometown of Charleston West Virginia Jennifer is the proud mom of two beautiful little girls, Rebecca and Josie and is married to her high school sweetheart Nathan who she considers the rock that keeps her grounded to reality. She was first introduced to the world of fantasy when she was seven years old reading The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe making her never want to read about the “real world” again. Her mom and grandmother’s love of romance novels gave her the opportunity to learn about book trading, taking all of their old books to the local flea market to trade for anything that sparked her interest. Those days are long gone; her books now stay safely on her book shelves at home and out of harm’s way.
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
No but for some odd reason I can’t remember what I wanted to be when I was little. Reviewing for Sizzling Hot Books is really what inspired me to write Passionate Tides, I became such a fan of the short romantic stories that were written by authors who are just like me and I thought “you know what I can do this” so I sat down one day and started writing and here we are.
3.Can you share with us your typical writing day.
Is there anything you have to have while writing? Hmm, my typical writing day changes all of the time. My favorite time to write is when I’m totally alone with no distractions, I know it’s weird but taking a long drive and then hiding in my car seems to be my favorite so far.
4.Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
When I got the call saying that “yes we want your book, Congrats your being published” that was pretty awesome but when my ten year old had her first book published through her school this year and she said “Mom we were published on the same day how cool is that ?” I knew that nothing in the world could beat that feeling.
5.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My latest book happens to be my first book; Passionate Tides is a story about two people overcoming their past heartbreaks and find love again on Topsail Island, North Carolina.
6.How did you come with the idea for this story?
It was one of those lazy Sundays where my husband, me and my two girls had curled up in bed to watch daddy beat the bad guys on the play station, I had pulled up my laptop to look at vacation destinations and the words that are now Passionate Tides hit me like a hammer and demanded to be written down. Two days late I sent a rough draft to Marissa and the rest is history. The setting came pretty easy to me, Topsail Island, NC is a tiny island in the Outer banks where my husband and I spent our honey moon and most of our family vacation.
7.Can you share with us your current work in progress?
I am currently working on two stories one is a paranormal series that has been beating at me to finish it for awhile now. The other is a story I hope to submit to Ruby Lioness Press for their Clearwater Series.
8.Who are some of your favorite authors?
Oh there are so many to list but I will try. Kim Harrison is one of my favorites and I had the pleasure of meeting her last year. LKH, Jeanine Frost, Patricia Briggs, Lara Adrian, Kresley Cole and Chloe Neil are some of my favorite main stream authors but since I have been reviewing for Sizzling Hot Books I find that there are so many authors out there producing amazing books that are not on any Best Sellers list but definitely should be, I’m very thankful for sites like yours that give these authors a forum to share their works and extend their audience.
9.Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
I think being the avid reader that I am I have been influenced by a slew of authors. I think the more I read the better I write.
10.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Right now I am reading Kim Harrisons A Perfect Blood, but the top of my TBR pile is the newest release in the Undead in Brown County series by S.J Wright, The Vampires Redemption.
11.Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for giving me the chance to introduce your followers to me and my story Passionate Tides. I hope that everyone that reads it likes it as much as I did writing it. I love to hear from authors, reviewers and readers. Happy Reading.
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Susan is honored by enthusiastic readers who say that her books make them laugh, make them cry, and make the world a happier place to live. Susan lives in Seattle with her husband and her tiny but intrepid toy poodle. She’s there for the coffee, not the weather.
Susan’s latest book is BAREFOOT SEASON, the heart-wrenching story of two wounded women who heal their friendship – and find love with two fabulous men – over one long, lovely summer on Blackberry Island, Washington. BAREFOOT SEASON is the first book of Susan’s new Blackberry Island series of women’s fiction novels.
Susan, what made BAREFOOT SEASON a story you had to tell?
I find female friendship endlessly fascinating. I feel very blessed to have several strong, supportive friendships that have endured for years. We celebrate each other’s successes, grieve for each other’s losses, nurture and praise and lecture – whatever is called for at that moment. I know how strong friendship between women can be.
But friendship can also be fragile.
One day, I asked myself, What if you and your best friend fell in love with the same man… and then he chose her? Could you be truly happy for her when your heart is breaking? What would you do if he then came to you – this man you both love – and told you that he made a mistake, that he should have chosen you? Could you turn him away? From this spark came BAREFOOT SEASON.
As children, Michelle and Carly were as close as sisters, running free on Blackberry Island. Now, ten years after their friendship was destroyed by love, they’re forced together again by circumstances to save the Blackberry Island Inn. Along the way, they’ll each find love with two great men and the sense of family they’d been missing for so many years. I do love a happy ending!
BAREFOOT SEASON is the first book of your new Blackberry Island series. What can you tell us about Blackberry Island, both the books and the place?
On Blackberry Island, life is sweet and the happy ending is guaranteed! I’m a firm believer that life is better with romance, so you can rest assured that the women on Blackberry Island will find love with men who will make your toes curl. The Blackberry Island books will also allow me to explore other relationships. We women often define ourselves by the relationships in our lives. Not just by our romantic relationships, but by our friendships, our relationships with our mothers, our children, our bosses, our neighbors… For us, it’s not so much “what do you do?” as “whom do you love and who loves you back?” that determines how we feel about ourselves. It’s nice to stretch my wings a little to write about some of these other defining relationships, as well.
Blackberry Island is a quaint island off the coast of Seattle, a popular weekend escape for Seattlites who want to get out of the city. You can get to the island either across Getaway Bridge or by ferry. Locals are friendly hosts, happy to direct you to one of several wineries on the island, the daisy fields that have made it the Daisy Capital of the West Coast, and the Puget Sound Crane habitats. You can learn more about Blackberry Island at www.blackberryisland.com. And yes, it’s fictional, but it’s real in my heart, as I hope it will become real in yours!
BAREFOOT SEASON is more of a women’s fiction, then, rather than a straight romance. Are you moving away from writing romance?
Absolutely not! I love romance. There is still nothing more exciting to me than watching two people fall in love. I adore the first kiss, my heart always sinks when things are at their darkest and it looks hopeless, and I am as thrilled as ever when love triumphs in the end. My next romance will be SUMMER DAYS, book 7 of the Fool’s Gold series, which will land in stores on May 29. Well, that’s the next full-length romance. On May 1, I’ll release ALMOST SUMMER, a Fool’s Gold ebook novella. Then there will be two more Fool’s Gold romances in July and August, plus a Christmas gift-sized hardcover in October called A FOOL’S GOLD CHRISTMAS. If you’ll sign up for my mailing list at www.susanmallery.com/members/, I’ll send you an email on release day.
Do you think book clubs will enjoy BAREFOOT SEASON? Why or why not?
I do! I belong to a book club, and the books we most enjoy discussing are the books that feel like a slice of life. In BAREFOOT SEASON, the two women at the center of the story are both decent people who have legitimate reasons for feeling the way they do, which means that book club members can legitimately fall on either side of the issue that’s causing the conflict in the book.
I’m always very proud when readers and reviewers say that they really identified with the characters in my books. Those characters feel as real to me as people in real life – a fact which is endlessly confusing for my poor husband, who has to ask for clarification when I tell him about something that someone did that day. “Is she a real person?” he’s forced to ask.
I think readers will really connect with the characters in BAREFOOT SEASON. Carly is a hard-working, loving single mom. She would do anything for her daughter, including put up with the woman who betrayed her. If the inn goes under, Carly doesn’t just lose her job – she loses her home, the only home her daughter has ever known.
Michelle is sarcastic and funny and kind of crabby. I do love a crabby woman! Michelle is prickly, but beneath that prickliness, she’s loyal and has a heart that won’t quit. Wait until you meet the dog she rescues – and who rescues her.
I’ve included a readers’ discussion guide in BAREFOOT SEASON to help get the conversation started. There are even a couple of recipes! I’d be happy to chat about the book live via phone or Skype with any book club that selects BAREFOOT SEASON. Just email my assistant at jenel (at) susanmallery (dot) com to set it up.
What kind of research did you do?
In BAREFOOT SEASON, Michelle is struggling with post-traumatic stress after being wounded in Afghanistan. Since I’ve never served in the military, I wanted to be sure I got those details right, to honor the women who serve our country. I did a lot of research online, then I spoke personally with Sergeant Betty Thurman. What struck me time and again was how proud our soldiers are of what they do. Rightfully so. These are strong, resilient women. Although they are barred from certain duties, they can and do serve in war zones. They can and do put their lives on the line, and they do it because they love our country.
After I finished the book, I asked a fan of mine who has been deployed twice to read it for a “gut check.” Did I get the emotions right, I wanted to know. She told me that she felt as if I was in her head. On top of being a soldier, she is a wife and mother to four children. She loved the book so much that she has preordered ten copies to send to her “battle buddies.”
What do you hope your readers take away from reading BAREFOOT SEASON?
Friends can become family. We’re not all lucky enough to be born with the family we deserve, but we can build a family by surrounding ourselves with loving, supportive friends.
How did you come up with the title BAREFOOT SEASON?
In the book, Michelle spots Carly’s young daughter in the back yard, barefoot and spinning in circles with her face raised toward the sun and her arms outstretched. It makes her long for the long summer days of her own childhood, when she and Carly ran barefoot around Blackberry Island. In her mind, being barefoot is closely connected with innocence, with the time in her life before she had been hurt, before she knew there was darkness in the world.
What’s next for you, after BAREFOOT SEASON?
This summer, I’m heading back to Fool’s Gold, California – the Land of Happy Endings – with four brand new full-length novels, plus an ebook novella. The titles and release dates are:
Books-n-Kisses is please to have Elizabeth McKenna on the blog today to talk about her newest release Cera’s Place.
Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Elizabeth: I’m a full-time technical writer/editor for a large software company. I live in Wisconsin with my husband (whom I have loved since I was sixteen (is that the proper use of “whom”? I can never remember)), two teenage girls (who are smart, talented and beautiful), and a sassy yellow lab (who is also beautiful but rules the house much to my dismay). I telecommute, so I’m able to fit in my professional, family, and creative writing duties throughout the day. I love to travel with my husband and sleep. (I really love to sleep…)
I always thought I took after the Irish side of my family until I visited Germany this past summer. I found a country that is as worried about cleanliness and following the rules as I am. They are my soul mates.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Elizabeth: Yes, but I’m a big self-doubter and creative people have always intimidated me. In college, I started as an English major but then switched to Journalism. I tend to write concisely and I wasn’t comfortable with the other English majors who could write paragraph long sentences (I’m still not). So, my path veered off into non-fiction writing. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I tried to write fiction.
Q3) What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Elizabeth: Before I start writing for the day, I have to check my list of websites (Hotmail, Facebook, Google+, Goodreads, Amazon, etc.). I’m OCD, so I guess it is my ritual. I can’t concentrate until I do.
Q4) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Elizabeth: Cera’s Place is set in San Francisco 1869. Cera runs a saloon but, unlike other such businesses of the times, she doesn’t allow prostitution. Over the years, she has helped women escape their terrible lives and become “respectable.” Jake is an ex-soldier haunted by his Civil War experiences. He’s on a mission to find the daughter of a friend who died in battle. One of the subplots of the novel is based on actual events. During this time period, since the majority of the Chinese population in California was male, Asian women were kidnapped and forced into prostitution in America. The Anti-Prostitution Act of 1870 made it illegal to import women for criminal or demoralizing purposes. Cera and Jake team up to fight a gang that is kidnapping Chinese girls for the local brothels. Of course, in the process they fall in love.
Q5) How did you come with the idea for this story?
Elizabeth: I’ve always loved rugged heroes, so it was easy to choose a western type of story for my debut novel. The Chinese subplot came from research of the time period. I made Jake an ex-soldier because I have a relative who has done a few tours in Iraq. It is a challenge trying to be a “regular person” after that. I have so much respect for the men and women in the military. They give up a lot to protect us.
Q6) Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Elizabeth: I’m working on Moonlight in Venice, another historical romance set in the 1750s. I love the cover art I found for it (see my website). The storyline involves murder, theft, art, Freemasonry, Carnival season, pregnancy, and cataracts – and love, of course, lots of love.
Q7) Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Elizabeth: I would love to meet J.K. Rowling. Her hard covers sit on my bookshelf like priceless artwork. I had to buy my girls their own copies since they weren’t allowed to touch mine. I would like to thank her for giving us so many years of enjoyable reading.
Q8) What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Elizabeth: I have this quote by Milton Lomask plastered everywhere, “There’s no right way of writing. There’s only your way.” Not everyone will like your writing – and that’s ok. With that said, however, critiques are important. I had several writers/editors review Cera’s Place and I learned so much from them. I am grateful they took the time to help me.
Q9) Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
Elizabeth: Does quitting my day job to write fiction full time count? If not, touring Italy with my girls is high on my list. My husband and I vacationed there before we were married. The food was fantastic – those people really know how to eat. I would love to experience it again with my family.
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Elizabeth: I’m dying to see what Suzanne Collins puts out next. My girls and I can’t wait for the Hunger Games movie. We are Camp Peeta.
Q1) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Elizabeth: I’d like to thank Books-n-Kisses for giving me the opportunity to talk about Cera’s Place today. As an indie author, I get kicked around a lot, so I’m always looking for new friends! I really hope your readers like Cera’s Place. I tried to make it both historically accurate and entertaining. Feel free to contact me (elizabethmckennaauthor@hotmail.com) with any comments or questions!
