Firstly, I would like to say that The Path of Innocence is my debut romantic novel and I am very proud to have been awarded 5 and 4 star reviews.
I particularly wanted to write a book for women who understand that life is not clear-cut and The Path of Innocence is more than just a contemporary romance. It is also a deeply emotional story about the complexity of love and its contradictions.
It is based in the UK and the main characters are Fiona and Roger, two young and naive adolescents from very different class backgrounds, who are travelling precariously towards adulthood along a path of self discovery, love and sexual awakening.
The book explores the challenges they face, following their ups and downs and the pain they suffer as a result of betrayal though misplaced trust. Along the path, they eventually meet and fall in love and, although it takes a huge leap of faith for Roger to let Fiona into his affections, they seem to finally find the happiness that has, so far, eluded them both.
Yet, they are unaware of the powerful struggle Debbie, Fiona’s mother, has with her own conflicting desires and which threatens to bring their happiness crashing down.
Debbie’s journey is an important theme and the book explores her inner turmoil as she wrestles between the contradictory emotions of wanting to care for an invalid husband, whilst also nurturing a burning sexual desire.
The dramatic consequence of Fiona and Roger finding out her dark secret threatens to shatter their beliefs in everything and the question of whether their love can survive a cruel twist of fate hangs in the balance to the final page.
Reviews: ‘ A MUST read’ euroreviews
‘This novel shows readers that when love is strong between
two people that nothing , not even the cruel hands that fate delivers us
can stand in the way and destroy what is there.’ bkwalkerbooks
Who controls the story, you or the characters?
For me, it is always the characters who lead the way and the plot tends to evolve from the way in which they develop and interact, both with each other and their environment. When developing characters I try to let them grow, almost organically. I put them in a setting with which I feel a strong emotional attachment and then let them respond to the culture, the surroundings and each other.
On the first draft, I will have a loose plot, which I treat as a flexible guide, but I don’t write to a strict plan. I think that I would find writing to a detailed plot quite restrictive creatively and I can see how authors might get involved in battles with their characters when they won’t do as required in order to achieve a tightly defined outcome. Dilemmas and conflict should occur through characters behaving naturally.
My strategy is to keep writing until the initial draft is complete, then to go back to revise and tighten up afterwards.
What did you do prior to becoming an author and how has it helped you to be a better writer?
Prior to becoming an author, I was a college lecturer. The demands of the job did not free up much time for fiction writing, although I always enjoyed academic writing, preparing and researching papers; a discipline that has subsequently been invaluable to me. It was only when life slowed down that I discovered my creative streak. Suddenly, it was as if I found a tap inside my head to unleash all the accumulation of experiences stored inside. We are such complex characters, moulded by our unique life experiences, that once you start to delve inside there is no telling what you might find!
Why contemporary romance?
I prefer to write contemporary romance as it enables me to bring current issues/ modern dilemmas into my work. Romance is such a broad genre that it gives a writer plenty of scope to pursue so many different avenues.
How do you write, planned time or when the mood strikes?
When I am writing, I work to a schedule. I write in the mornings and set myself a daily target. Inevitably, some writing days are more productive than others, but when I am working on a project I always endeavour to write something every day, even if I know it isn’t quite right. That way, I can go back when I am feeling fresher and reappraise it. The point is to keep writing something. I firmly believe that no effort is wasted.
Is there anything special you require to help the creative juices flow, tea, chocolate, music?
The main thing I require to help me write is silence – absolute silence- and gallons of tea and coffee. That said, I do find that my mind will frequently drift off into creative mode when listening to music – ideas can occur spontaneously or problems might be clarified when you aren’t even trying.
Chocolate is my guilty pleasure rather than a creative stimulant, but only 80% dark chocolate taken in copious quantities in the evenings.
Of course, it’s medicinal and very good for you!
What was your favorite book as a child, teen, and adult?
It is hard to pinpoint one favourite book when there are so many… As a child in the 50s, I remember being enthralled by Enid Blyton’s adventure books. She has subsequently been lampooned for her restrictive vocabulary and for being non pc. However, the stories themselves are guaranteed to stimulate a child’s imagination. I started my own daughter’s reading habits through Enid Blyton and it really harnessed a long-term love of books. As for a favourite teenage book, one that readily springs to mind is ‘My family and other Animals’ by Gerald Durrell. I find him such a humorous author. As an adult, however, there are too many to mention and I have quite eclectic reading tastes, anyway.
Are you currently reading anything?
Sadly, no. I am far too busy writing my wip currently. However, I am determined to make time soon to read ‘The Other Family’ , Joanna Trollope’s latest release.
Do you have a favorite historical period? Figure?
The Regency period is one of my favourite historical times and I love Jane Austen’s works.
I love Jane Austen too…
Where would you like to see yourself in 3 years?
In three years time, I would like to have several more published works to my name, hopefully with great reviews and equally great sales!
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do, accomplish or see that you haven’t yet?
Professionally, I would like to continue doing more of what I am doing. On a personal level, I would like to broaden my travel experiences to include more of the USA/Canada. I tended to focus my long haul trips on the Far East when I was younger and subsequent family holidays were in Europe. However, my student daughter recently took a trip to Vancouver which reinforced my own aspirations to go there and journey all down the west coast.
What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
My next project is a romance based in Italy. I love everything about Italy, so I find the setting very stimulating. It is a story about a holiday resort representative who befriends her leading hotelier’s younger sister, but soon finds herself drawn into a host of unforeseen complications, made even more complex by her increasing attraction towards Giovani, the enigmatic hotelier. Needless to say, the path towards love will be strewn with hurdles and setbacks with plenty of tension, some serious issues will be raised and there will be a diverse cast of supporting characters.
Thank you again Megan for being with Manic Readers today. I’ve enjoyed having you.
Thank you, Ivy. It’s been great being here!
OK Y’all, Megan would like our help with a survey she’s conducting…Her question is:
What do you consider to be the essentials of a romance novel?
Please go to her website to see the results so far. She’d also appreciate answers emailed to her at: meganjohns11@yahoo.com
Here’s a chance to voice your opinion so go for it and be heard…
Please welcome Sharon Donovan. She’s sharing some insight with us regarding serial killers, her newest release MASK OF THE BETRAYER, and challenging us! Be sure to read through to the contest rules….Lotsa fun for those creative/imaginative to pick up the gauntlet with a great prize for the winner!!
How would you feel if you realized you had just married a serial killer? Margot Montgomery faces this dilemma in Mask of the Betrayer, book one in the sequel series. When she meets the charming and devastatingly handsome Michael DeVeccio at his Vegas club, she has no idea of the monster lurking behind the mask. Here is a blurb:
When the whispers in the night, the whispers of her lover, are the whispers of a killer, will Margot escape before she becomes the next victim?
Deep in the foothills of Red Rock Canyon, a serial killer stalks. He leaves his signature—a skull mask on the corpse. But when the homicide cop realizes the crimes are the reenactment of a case never solved ten years ago–all fingers point to Michael DeVeccio. And when Margot realizes she is married to the killer, her life becomes a living nightmare.
What would cause a man with the world at his disposal to be such a chilling killer? According to psychologists, if a child is traumatized before the age of twelve, it can cause irreparable damage. Even though a child that has been abused may block it out by dissociating, the trauma festers in the darkest recesses of the mind and can cause the mind to corrupt and can create the very horror we know as a serial killer.
Who could forget Charlie Manson and the Manson murders? The book Helter Skelter still gives me the wee willies. What could have caused this monster to orchestrate such a string of violence that still shocks and horrifies society several decades later? He was neglected as a child and did not know who his biological father was and suffered from severe psychological problems as a result. During a prison interview, Manson said that his mother beat him up and stole money from him, and he in turn, beat her back.
Ted Bundy was plagued with fear and self-doubt from the sixth grade into high school and college. He was a very disturbed individual, and evidence suggests his trauma began when he learned his sister was his mother. The aura surrounding Ted Bundy is still a mystery to this day. How could he lead such a double life? A family man and a demented killer?
For whatever reason, morbid curiosity or wanting to figure out the puzzle, serial killers draw us in. We want to read about them, talk about them, study them. I am no exception. The mind fascinates me. It can bend. It can break. It can snap. I took psychology classes for this very reason, to get into the mind of a killer. And once I had all my research and notes in short order, I created my most complex character to date. Michael DeVeccio is a cold-blooded killer in my newly released novel Mask of the Betrayer. In this psychological thriller, I take the reader on an incredible journey of one man’s life and the destruction of his psyche. What could have caused an innocent blue-eyed boy to grow up to become the most chilling serial killer of his time?
Michael DeVeccio is a sociopath. He is highly intelligent, devastatingly handsome and charismatic. He is sole beneficiary to a billion dollar dynasty and rules the world with absolute power. Yet if anyone dares and betrays him, he will kill them with a death star and shroud their corpse in a macabre skull mask with no remorse. He has the right to decide who will live and who will die. Something so traumatic happened in Michael’s life at the age of twelve, causing him to totally dissociate and lose his identity. Michael fell victim to a domineering uncle, a feared and revered leader of organized crime who trained his nephew to be his number one assassin. I hope you will enjoy reading Mask of the Betrayer as much as I enjoyed writing it. Here is anexcerpt of when Margot and Michael meet
Flaming copper finials bordered the entrance of DeVeccio Plaza, drawing guests in with its regal appeal. Standing tall and mighty in a sky of midnight blue velvet, the flaming torches gleamed like shooting stars with tails. The interior of the grandest resort on the Vegas Strip gave chase to marble staircases with elaborately turned balustrades and high end sculptures behind beveled glass enclosures. Rushing down the corridor after procuring the mural she’d bid on, Margot fought the urge to kick off her high heels and walk barefoot down the plush, red carpeting.
The beckoning wail of sax drifted out of the piano bar, the bluesy sound of jazz bristling beneath her skin. After spending the better part of the afternoon negotiating at an art auction, unwinding over a chilled martini sounded like utter bliss. Seduced by the sound of sax, she sauntered up the three steps leading to the mezzanine and ordered a Pomegranate martini.
“You got it, doll,” the bartender winked.
“Whatever the pretty lady wants is on the house,” the man approaching the bar said in a buttery soft voice. “And give me a bourbon on the rocks, Jazz.”
Margot turned around and came face to face with the billionaire tycoon of DeVeccio Plaza. His shocking blue eyes left her breathless. With his sharply defined features, full sensual lips, and all that black wavy hair, he reminded her of one of the sculptured Greek gods she’d featured last month at her gala.
“Allow me to introduce myself,” he said. “I’m Michael DeVeccio. Welcome to my palace.”
Every pulse in her body was as charged as an electrical current. Michael DeVeccio, legendary for building luxury resorts in every continent, exuded strength and power from every pore. His world renowned success preceded him. And here he stood in front of her in all his glory, one hundred and eighty pounds of raw, sexual energy. Mesmerized by his hypnotic blue eyes, she met his gaze. “I’m Margot Montgomery. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Your resort is everything it’s rumored to be, simply breathtaking.”
“Thank you.” he edged a bit closer. “I’ve always fancied it to be the jewel of the Strip. I didn’t think anything could outshine DeVeccio Plaza. But I was wrong. Nothing could possibly hold a candle to the sparkle in your emerald green eyes.”
Alice and Roy, Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us at Manic Readers today.
First I wanted to let y’all know that I adore Saylor and Benita but especially Saylor. I never made it to five feet either and between my size and names, I know exactly how she felt. Madcap noir fits this series beautifully and I admit to laughing out loud in my dentist’s waiting room. Fortunately they know me and expect these kinds of things.
Thanks, Ivy. We love to hear from readers who say they couldn’t help laughing out loud. That was definitely our goal in creating two bungling, lovable characters who get themselves in over their heads — thriller content that keeps you turning the page combined with comedy that stops you in your tracks for a good laugh. Plus a bit of sexy fun.
How did y’all meet?
Roy was studying art and taking a class in life drawing. Alice was a hungry dancer who modeled in art schools and for professional artists to earn money. He liked what he saw.
Out of all the neighborhoods y’all have lived in, was there a favorite?
Roy: Manhattan’s East and West Village.
Alice: I don’t have a favorite. They all had things I loved and things that drove me nuts.
I understand that Saylor was created in response to a funk Roy fell in while writing about a boxer suffering from pugilistic dementia. How did Roy’s creation translate to Allyson Roy? Had y’all written together before Aphrodisiac?
Our editor insisted we use a female pseudonym because the book was to be marketed originally under Romantic Suspense. She was concerned a male author might put off female readers. Roy came up with the name Allyson Roy as in Alice n’ Roy. As it turned out we discovered that female readers were actually very receptive to a male and female writing team. Maybe we’ll use our real names at some point.
How many happy dances did y’all do when you found out you’d won the Daphne du Maurier award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense? That had to have been really thrilling.
Yes, it was thrilling! And very rewarding to actually have our debut novel win an award.
Morning person, night owl, when do you find you’re most productive? Do you do better when you have time to wiggle & tweak things or when it’s crunch time? Alice? Roy?
Roy: I’m a night owl and like working between 1 a.m and 7 a.m. I dread crunch time, but ironically, I do some of my best work when I have to move fast and am slightly delirious.
Alice: Roy is a high-energy person who works in short bursts. He can stay up round the clock or work out a plot problem in the grocery store. I need my sleep, prefer working in the day and need to have several hours in front of me when I sit down to write.
So y’all compliment each other beautifully then…
Stress relievers?
Alice: A juicy book that’s unlike whatever I’m working on at the time. A corny, old movie. Listening to B.B King, Alicia Keyes or Puccini.
Roy: Punching inanimate objects. They can’t sue me.
Vice(s)?
Roy: Do you really think I’m going to flip you an honest answer on that one?
Well yeah, kinda hoping…everybody has at least one. If there’s more than one, the lesser of the evils.
Alice: Reading endlessly and telling myself it’s research when it’s actually avoidance.
Alice, favorite book as a child? Teen? Adult? Roy, likewise?
Alice: There were so many! I remember getting chills in the library trying to decide what to bring home. I loved fairy tales, Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain, Tolkien, Dickens, Mary Renault, Bronte and Judy Blume. I also remember going through a phase where I read everything I could find about Cleopatra and Egypt. As an adult I’m a compulsive reader with eclectic tastes. Paranormals, Suspense, Literary, Regencies, SF&F, RomCom and books on ancient history.
We have a lot in common as far as reading tastes Alice. I’m all over the place too.
Roy: As a child, Playboy, ur, uh, I mean, The Little Engine That Could. Later, Davis Grubb’s The Night Of The Hunter.
Everyone has a nickname. I read where Alice’s was Jocko because she was so athletic. In the interest of reciprocal disclosure I’ll fess up a couple that are particularly embarrassing Roy if you’ll fess up yours?
Roy: Since I already fessed up to you via email the embarrassing nickname my dad gave me at age six, I’ll go public with another one from my later years — Rapid Roy.
Yeppers and my lips are sealed, wild horses, water torture etc..couldn’t get it outta me….
Currently reading?
Roy: My latest unfinished manuscript
Alice: Maggie Steifvater, Nicole Jordan, Y.S. Lee
Care to give us any hints on what’s up next for my favorite intrepid duo?
The revenge of the alien psychos from hell. Or, maybe not.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see then…..
Alice and Roy, I’ve had a large time and look forward to reading more of Saylor and Benita’s adventures. Thank y’all again for taking the time to be with us today.
Alex shares with us why he’s where he is & a bit about his debut…….
Ever since I was young I liked telling stories. I was the kid with the big imagination and the very big mouth that could talk faster than the thoughts that popped into his head, which usually led to incoherent ramblings about weird and wonderful worlds, characters and situations.
Not much has changed!
When I left school I attempted to write my first serious novel. It turned out to be poorly written and had a story with more holes than my garden after my dogs have been on one of their digging sprees. It was a learning curve. I learned if you are going to spend many months working hard on a story then you better damn well make sure it makes sense. Over the next few years I dabbled with various books, but most of them were sci-fi or fantasy and aimed at young adults. This too was a learning curve. I think the more you read and the more you write the better you come to understand who you are and what it is you are trying to say through the medium of writing. It was here that I learned that I like telling stories about real people, which was generally how my book would start and then a emerald green fire breathing dragon would appear, perhaps a shoot out would take place, a car chase down a dark and narrow alley, a fist fight upon the top of a church during a thunder storm and so on. It meant by the time I finished a story it made no sense.
I nearly quit.
I just wanted to tell honest stories about real people. I wanted to show the good sides of human nature and the bad sides of human nature. Up until this point in my life I hadn’t been able to tell the stories I wanted to tell because I was writing in the wrong genre and for the wrong audience. This is when I moved into erotic romance and suspense novellas and novels. This genre suits me perfectly. In the past I always had to put the brakes on when ever two characters created a strong connection, but love, lust, sex and passion are all vital components of finding out just who a person is. There is nothing more intimate when you take down your walls and allow a stranger to know your mind, your body and your soul.
The Lady and the Lake is an erotic romance story and is part of the Sinful Delights Digest coming out with Midnight Showcase. It is the first of several The Lady and the Lake stories. The reason being is that I wanted to show how different characters react when placed in similar situations. This is my insight into the good and bad nature of human beings. Through this series I highlight the different levels of lust, sex, passion, love and connection. I want to show how people can say one thing and perhaps mean one thing, but in their heart of hearts need something more in their lives be that money, adventure, love, lust and in some cases I show that sometimes people don’t need a reason to do something good for someone else or in some cases stab someone in the back. Before I began writing The Lady and the Lake I did some research and found that many erotic stories sway from one cliché to the next. It was like the author was trying to create a fantasy so grand and amazing that the reader can escape from their world for a little while, but I honestly believe that stories don’t need to be told this way. The Lady and the Lake is based on real people, set in the real world and shows how easy it is for lonely and lost people to slip up, to find love, to make mistakes and to make great discoveries. I think the fact that people will be able to relate to the characters will give so much more meaning to the choices they make.
The Lady and the Lake is told through the eyes and mind of Nathan.
In one word Nathan is a failure. He moved out into the city to make a name for himself like his rather wealthy and successful father had done many years ago. Of course Nathan’s plan backed fired on him in spectacular fashion and now he works long hours, for bad pay and lives in a rather crummy apartment. He is in a rut. He hates his job, but doesn’t want to go back home and admit his failure; he has no friends, no girlfriend, and no money and doesn’t really have much to look forward to in the future. His father knows that his stubborn son is struggling emotionally and mentally and talks Nathan into coming up to the lake house for a joint family vacation with his father’s business partner and his family. Nathan doesn’t want to go, but his father could talk a man with no hair into buying hair gel.
When Nathan goes to the Lake House he meets Miranda. The most beautiful woman he has ever seen and instantly the two of them hit it off because their personalities are like two halves of one whole. The slight hitch is that she is married to his father’s business partner and thus the conflict begins. I do not like writing predictable stories because very rarely do you have a happy ever after in real life. The Lady and the Lake explores how far people are willing to go for their loved ones. I do not mean just their lovers, but all actions have consequences and our important people can be hurt by the things we do. Nathan has to decide between following his heart and taking his relationship with Miranda to the next level or sabotaging his own happiness so that Miranda’s family is not torn apart and the family business is not placed in any danger because it is unlikely that Miranda’s husband would want to continue working with the man whose son is sleeping with his wife.
The Lady and the Lake is about real love, real people and real passion. It shows how people that are neglected, lonely, sad and lost can find love if they are willing to take a leap of faith. It also shows that when people are at their most vulnerable they make choices in life that perhaps that wouldn’t have actually done if they were in a stable state of mind. Sometimes these choices can be bad, but then again sometimes these choices can be good. The story does not attempt to paint any of the large cast of characters good or bad. They are all human and they are all flawed. It is up to “you” the reader to decide if the choices they make were in fact the right thing to do and at what point can something be considered selfish or selfless? It asks the question how far you would go for love.
For a quick read of one of Alex’s early efforts : Before the Dawn
Lorie, thanks so much for taking time out to answer a few questions for us, hon. I’m really glad you could make it.
Can you please tell us a bit about your latest release, THE BODYGUARD. It’s an anthology right?
Yes. It’s an anthology. I’m in it with Gena Showalter and Cherry Adair. The theme running through the entire book is men who protect. So you’ve got three stories with super sexy, prime alpha men. My story, On A Moonless Night, is about a bounty hunter who is chasing a man he doesn’t realize is a werewolf. But a young, feisty, aggressive lady, who continually shadows him, becomes more of a distraction than he can bear.
I love anthologies…sometimes they’re just the right size, appetizers..*G*
Are you willing to fess up any hints on your September release, PLAY DIRTY?
PLAY DIRTY is my first book in a series of bounty hunter books. I think I’ve found my niche here. I love and totally drool over the hard abs and even harder nature of a pure alpha male. That’s what compelled me to write werewolves so long ago. I wanted a hero who could toss someone over his shoulder, in battle, or in the bedroom, without breaking a sweat, but who also had a tender side so fragile it desperately craved a woman’s touch. My bounty hunters make that match, and they’re completely human!
Here is the blurb for PLAY DIRTY, which releases Sept. 27th.
Heartthrob bounty hunter Greg King knows how to work it—and he knows that he can have any woman he wants. But there’s more to Greg than meets the eye…and he’s still haunted by the memory of his beautiful, estranged wife. Much as he’s tried to move on, he’s never been able to stop wondering what he could have done to make her stay…
After putting a vicious criminal behind bars, Haley King had no choice but to leave her loved ones behind and enter the witness protection program. Turns out that, in her new life, Haley has once again found herself in serious trouble—and needs help from the only person she can trust: her husband. Now, as old secrets threaten to tear them apart and danger closes in from all sides, it’s up to Greg to keep Haley safe…and convince her that this time, he’s playing for keeps.
That sounds soooo good!
A lot of authors stay with one genre. Is there something that compels you to write in more than one?
I’ve never given any thought to remaining with one genre. I think because I started with Ellora’s Cave and they pretty much accepted whatever I wrote, I had the freedom to explore. After writing eight or ten lunewulf books, I was ready to write something different. EC didn’t have a problem with that. When I thought it would be fun to explore science fiction romance, and fantasy romance, they said cool, write at will. Then there were days when I craved a really good romantic suspense, so I wrote that. I think I write the way I read. There are certain genres I prefer, my favorite being historical romance, but that is only because I can’t write it, or won’t. LOL.
New York publishers don’t work the same way though. St Martin’s has my romantic suspense’s and for now that is what they want from me. Their mind set is an author should build her name in one genre so her readers know what to expect from her. I understand this and agree with it wholeheartedly as a reader. As a writer though, I love delivering the unexpected. Kensington has my contemporary fantasies. That is what I write for them. EC has my paranormals. That is what I give them. So far, it’s working out great. My readers can enjoy different genres from me but can tell by the book, since each of those publishers put out different looking books, what they’ll get when they pick up a Lorie O’Clare book.
Do you have a favorite character or is that like asking which son is your favorite?
It depends on which day it is as to which is my favorite. *grin* But in truth, you’re right. They are all my babies. A mama has enough room in her heart to unconditionally love all she’s conceived and I’m no different. I think, for me at least, it depends on the world the hero or heroine is in. I’ve enjoyed some worlds better than others.
I’ve always stood by the simple truth that my favorite world, and therefore my favorite series, are my NUWORLD books (no longer in print but I do sell them myself off my website. Click on the link on the main page at the top that says, “check out what I have on ebay right now.”) Otherwise, I honestly do love each book as I’m writing it, submerging myself into their world, walking alongside my hero and heroine. We become best friends. I always feel a little sad when a book ends.
If I were to mention a few though, just to satisfy your question; Rock Toubec and Simone DeBeaux in In Her Nature really stole my heart. I think it was probably so many told me not to write this book. (It is still one of my top selling books.) Both were so rebellious and Simone was definitely not viewed as a ‘good lunewulf’. But I felt everyone deserves a second chance to redeem themselves and Simone got that chance.
Oh, and Moira Tangaree in Living Extinct, book two in the Malta Werewolf series. Living Extinct is in the paperback Alpha Exiled. Moira was forced to leave her home, everything she knew and loved and start over. I believe many of us daydream, or have nightmares, about such a thing happening to them. Imagine moving so far away from everything you take for granted, all the people you know and all the places you frequent. You no longer know the person behind the gas station counter, or the check out lady at your grocery store. No one seeks you out, or cares if you come or go. You have to build all of that all over again. Moira built a very tough shell to keep the pain from consuming her after being forced to start over. She can’t even admit who she is, or reveal the pride she feels for her people, or she’ll risk death. When she slowly crawls out of that shell, the beauty she sees in life, and the man who helped her see it, almost made me cry.
I could probably go on, listing character after character and telling you why they are so special to me. In the end, I probably would have listed each of my books and I know you have more questions.
Who is in charge, you or the characters?
Have you ever heard an author tell you they are in charge? Don’t you hate it when people answer questions with questions?
Honest and truth, when I sit at my computer and open up a new blank page and start a word doc, I’m in charge. I say how long I sit there and write. My schedule determines when I have to walk away and leave the world I’ve created in flux until I return. So, I’m the boss.
With that said, yes, I’ve sat and watched words appear on the page and have had no idea where the story was going from there. I’ve been on the edge of my seat, my heart pounding, my fingers moving so fast there is smoke flying off the keyboards (not really but it seems like that sometimes) anxious to find out what happens next. And yes, I have fallen asleep (one time for several hours) and kept typing after being asleep. Those were interesting pages. Amidst the gobbly gook I actually found some pretty awesome sentences.
I’ve also created heroes and heroines and walked alongside them as their story progresses and have hit brick walls. In my mind I see my hero or heroine standing there, facing me with their arms crossed, tapping their foot impatiently, until I figure it out, hit delete, and go in the direction they want to take. Some characters are just like that. Everyone has their own personality, you know.
I love your paintings. Can you tell us how they fit in with your books?
First of all, thank you! I’m definitely not a professional but I absolutely love painting and creating a visual world captured in one scene. I paint to relax, to soothe my brain, and quite often to play with scenes I’m working on in my head. I let them go in different directions, speculating where they might head after that, until I can’t stand it any longer and leave the painting to go back to writing.
At the encouragement of some of my readers a while back, I created a page on my website where you can see some of my paintings. I’ve sold some of them, but as I said, I’m not a painter by trade, I’m a writer.
Some people have comfort food, I have comfort authors. Do you have certain authors you read to put yourself in “a better place?”
Not really. I’m not the kind of person who wants to do the same thing over and over again. I’ve always loved change. Lately though, I’ve been eating up Hannah Howell’s books. She has so many I haven’t read yet so I’ve been going through her back list. I really love Amanda Quick and as well, Jayne Ann Krentz. I tend to lean toward what I can’t write when I’m reading. I think that’s why I really enjoy the historicals.
Lorie, I love your tip about the notebook. I think that would work w/ everyday things too…How did you come up w/ this idea?
I’ve always been very competitive by nature. My world today though is very solitary. I’m by myself most of the time. So the only person I have to compete with is myself. I keep track of what I do all day because, also, since I’m alone, there isn’t anyone to crack a whip over my head and tell me to get to writing. By keeping a notebook by my desk I know if I goof off all day and have nothing to write in my notebook I’m going to have to show a 0 for my word count for that day. Not to mention, I love writing. It has never been something I’ve had to force myself to do. But I can get busy with other things I know need to be done and end up putting off writing until they are all done. Sometimes that doesn’t happen. By keeping a notebook I’ll know to stop with whatever else I’m doing and make time to write. There is nothing more important than my writing. Well, except for my kids. J
How is your HEA fund coming along? I think it’s a wonderful thing you’re trying to accomplish.
I think it is, too. Foreclosure is the scariest thing you can imagine. I know. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Too often it happens to hard working people, folks who are honest and trying to move ahead. They don’t deserve the humiliation and embarrassment of losing their home.
HEA is coming along slowly. I have started listing some of my books on ebay with all the money going to HEA. Right now, I have $35.98 saved, which isn’t enough to do anything with. Once I can get more people to donate money then I can search for someone in need. I’ve already received emails from a few folks who have shared their desperate situation with me. I just want to be able to help everyone of them. Unfortunately, I can’t do it alone.
What made you decide to do the Ebay thing & sell your books there?
There were several reasons. Many readers wanted my older EC titles and weren’t able to find them. I am always getting emails asking when I would do a signing in different towns. A lot of people like autographed books. And, it is a way to bring in some extra income.
I buy the books from my publisher at a discounted amount in bulk. I list them on ebay, package them as they are won and mail them out. I have all of my auctions set so shipping is free in the US. It isn’t free outside the US. I wish I could do that but I just can’t afford it. I do charge $1.75 on top of the price of the book to insure it. That way if it doesn’t arrive, which seldom happens but I like to play it safe, no one is out any money.
I really love doing this. It has brought me closer to many readers I might not otherwise have chatted with. My books sell fast, too. That’s awesome to watch and know so many would pay to get my books. I can see the numbers on royalty checks but there is something about watching them fly off the shelf that leaves me with a really good feeling.
Jo, thank you so much for taking the time to visit with us honey. I know you’re very busy.
Thank you so much for inviting me to visit! It seems I’m always on deadline, and chatting with readers gives me a much-needed break.
Congrats on being a finalist in the ARRA 2009!
Thank you, it was a thrill to be nominated and an honor to see my name up there with all of those talented authors. I was truly surprised and humbled.
Can you tell us anymore about the motion picture development for WHEN ALEX WAS BAD? Who would you cast in the various roles?
ALEX is in development with Mandalay Pictures (SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET, DONNIE BRASCO, DEEP END OF THE OCEAN, etc) and the acquiring producer is Cathy Schulman (Best Picture, CRASH, 2006). It’s in the lineup to go into production, but there are never any guarantees. I can say that the experience of having a book opted for film with a major producer has been thrilling and mind-boggling. I got to speak with Cathy and David Zelon (CABLE GUY, THE NET, ENEMY AT THE GATES) on a conference call, and I thought I was going to pass out!
Hmm, for the role of Alex, I could definitely envision Mark Wahlberg or Jude Law! For Olivia, maybe Angelina Jolie? Or Megan Fox? A woman who has that dark, sultry look. For Jason, I’m not sure. But he’d have to be someone with the boy-next-door appeal, yet be able to play someone who is older than he appears, who harbors a couple of terrible secrets.
I haven’t yet read LINE OF FIRE so I may change my mind, the excerpt is very tantalizing, but my favorite is UNDER FIRE. I adore Zack. I can honestly say he’s the only contemporary hero possessing that special trait/attribute. He’s only the second I’ve ever read period. Why did you bless him in that way?
That’s just how Zack was when he introduced himself to me! <g> Zack, who possesses a genius IQ, has a certain innocence that is unique among my heroes. As a young boy, add that he was overweight in addition to being brilliant, and he was hounded unmercifully. He had no friends. As kids do, he grew into a beautiful man, but inside he’s still that fat little boy who’s unsure of himself and shy around gorgeous women—thus, he’s still a virgin. And along comes Cori, an exotic dancer putting herself through nursing school, and his mind is blown! In a great way.
I do hope you try LINE OF FIRE, Tommy Skyler’s story! He’s the youngest firefighter on the team, and is seriously questioning his decision to become a firefighter. He’s dealing with painful issues, not to mention trying to survive an arsonist’s deadly plot. Captain Sean Tanner’s slide to rock bottom also plays a big part in this story as he makes a mistake that will change everyone’s lives.
Love this cover, good gravy!
I SPY A WICKED SIN is the first in the Shado series and I really enjoyed it. I read that soon you’ll be working on I SPY A DARK OBSESSION, the LAST in the series? Only two? Why honey? I love that whole concept….
Actually, the SHADO Agency series is a trilogy. I SPY A NAUGHTY GAME (Blaze Kelly’s story) will be released on September 7, and then I SPY A DARK OBESSION (Michael Ross’s story) comes out in March 2011. I’m working on DARK OBSESSION now and should have it turned in to my editor next week to finish the series.
Bummer, I missed that memo obviously….
and yet another yummy cover….
Who is in control of the story, you or the characters? If the latter are you ever surprised?
I believe the characters let me *think* I’m in control, and then every once in a while they misbehave to remind me that I’m not! I’m just their secretary, writing down their stories. I’m always surprised when they want to do their own thing, though I know I shouldn’t be. Kind of like raising teenagers, you know?
I understand all too well honey…*huge sigh*
Do you feel the workshops you conduct make you a better writer?
Both teaching and attending workshops definitely help hone my skills and serve to remind me of things I’d forgotten. Refreshers are always good, and as a former public school teacher, I can attest to the fact that nobody is ever so good that they don’t need them. Including me!
What is your favorite part of being a writer? Least favorite?
I’m an introvert at heart, so writing full-time is a dream job come true! There’s no boss popping in to my office, micromanaging and annoying me constantly. I can, and do, work in my pajamas. I can drink, scratch, and cuss, and there’s nobody around to know. Does a job get any better than that?
I’d have to say no…though w/ the exception of the jammies & scratching I do that at work anyway! *G*
However, since I write full-time and it’s a sedentary job, I have to make an effort to exercise—an activity I loathe with a passion. I can look at a carrot stick and gain five pounds. Not fun. If I was meant to exercise I would’ve been born Richard Simmons.
Why romantic suspense and erotica vs another genre?
Romantic suspense was my first love as a writer because I enjoy writing action scenes and putting my heroes in danger. With Erotica, I enjoyed reading it first, and then when I discovered I could write it as well I had the best of both worlds!
Recently, however, I sold a new paranormal romance series to my publisher, NAL, which will debut next year under a different pen name. We’re very excited about the new series, and I’ll be able to say more about it in the coming months.
Well hang, talk about teasing.. I’m looking forward to that…
Is there a book or character you’ve written that’s a particular favorite? If so, why?
My first love is Howard “Six-Pack” Paxton from TRIAL BY FIRE, the first book in my Station Five series. He’s strong, handsome, dependable, and fiercely protective of those he loves.
Do you have a favorite series that you follow as a reader?
I am wild about Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series! Harry Dresden is a handsome, sometimes bumbling, PI who is also a master wizard. He gets himself into all sorts of paranormal scrapes, and he’s just to die for.
I love the Dresden Files too…found it quite by accident and have done my part to spread the word. I know of at least 2 people I’ve gotten hooked on it.
What would you like to accomplish this year professionally? Personally?
Professionally, I’d love to make a major bestseller list. Who wouldn’t? Personally, I’d love to lose fifty pounds and morph into Paris Hilton’s physical clone, with all the money and none of the baggage. Anyone want to take bets over which one is likely to happen first? Right. LOL.
Jo I’ve really enjoyed talking and learning more about you and what’s in the future for those of us who love your books. Thanks so much for being with us!
Thank you for having me here! It’s been my pleasure.
Hey Denise, I appreciate your taking the time out to chat with us.
It’s a pleasure. J
Did you always want to be a writer? How did you start?
I was an avid reader at a very young age and at fourteen I wrote my first short story and after that I continued to write fiction. When I was a teenager I wrote reams of poetry and started writing gothic romances. I took journalism class as well as creative writing courses throughout high school.
You write so many genres, is there one that’s a favorite?
No, I can’t say there is a favorite. I can say that many if not most of my novels contain elements of paranormal and/or suspense. I’m drawn to both of those avenues in my writing. I’ve only written two straight contemporary romances that don’t have those elements somewhere in the story.
Is it ever difficult to write across so many genres or is it mood reflection? You write per your mood?
Almost all of my novels are written based on what blows my skirt up. J It’s easier by far for me to write across genres than it is to continually write in the same vein for too long.
Can you please tell us a bit about your most recent release MAJOR PLEASURE and your July release DARK, DEADLY LOVE?
Major Pleasure was one of three stories in an anthology called BY HONOR BOUND featuring interconnecting stores about the military. It’s erotic romance. When Ellora’s Cave divided up the anthology, Major Pleasure was released again. It features an Army Special Forces hero.
July 2010 is my new release. It, too, is a re-release. The original title was Midnight Rose. It was renamed DARK, DEADLY LOVE. This is one of my favorite books. It’s set during the Jack The Ripper murders in 1888 London and features an aristocratic hero and an American heroine. It’s definitely suspenseful with paranormal elements.
That sounds really good…I love books set in that period.
Do you have any say in regards to your book covers?
I have a lot of input into my covers. That doesn’t mean I’ll always get the cover I’d like, but I do get input. The cover for DARK, DEADLY LOVE is stunning. I can’t wait to share it with the world.
I can’t wait to see it. You’ve had some gorgeous covers.
Is the whole story figured out beforehand or do you go with the flow?
Virtually, all by the seat of the pants. If I plot much ahead of time my creativity dries up. I can have ideas of things I might want to happen in the story, but I may change my mind completely as I go along. The story has to evolve as I’m writing it. I have only one novel where I knew before I started writing what the end of the story would be.
That must keep it interesting for you. Are you in charge or do you allow your characters free rein?
I’d say it’s more the characters in charge.
What is the hardest part of being a writer for you? The easiest?
Probably being a by the seat of the pants writer is the hardest. I have to recognize each time I write a book that it’s okay to feel uncertain about what is happening next. My inner critic is a real bitch and very mean. The easiest thing is writing when I want how I want for how long I want every day. And I can do it in sweats with bed head.
You’ve traveled extensively and lived in many places, do you have a favorite?
Scotland hands down is my favorite, though we loved traveling and living in England. Wales and Ireland were fabulous. Here in the US our favorite travel destination is Sedona, Arizona.
Can you tell us what Bogey’s up to? His pics are adorable. There’s one that reminds me of what a cashier once said to me about my oldest, “You can just see the devil dancing in that boys eyes”. O’ how true!
Bogey is almost eighteen months old and spunky. He’s adorable but can be mischievous about certain things. He’s in puppy play camp twice a week where he plays with other dogs all day. We’re doing that to try and calm him down a bit since he loves other dogs so much he just has a fit if he can’t run up to every one he sees and say hello. He adores people.
We share a love of spiders..my motto is, “the only good one is a dead one.” Do you have a funny/scary spider story?
We share a love of spiders? We do? LOL. I wish I could say I have a funny spider story. Probably the scariest one I’ve every seen was in Hawaii. It was this really big cane spider that turned up on the wall of the office where I worked. Ugly!!! Really, when it comes down to it, roaches and centipedes are even creepier as far as I’m concerned.
Denise honey, thanks so much for making the time to join us. I’ve had a large time and am looking forward to DARK, DEADLY LOVE.
Y’all be sure and check out those gorgeous covers & catch up on the latest news on Denise’s website.
Hey Maya, Thanks so much for taking the time to visit and answer a few questions for us!
Tell us a bit about SWEET TEMPTATION and the other books you have being released this year.
Sweet Temptation is the fourth book in my sweet series and features, Micah Hudson, who’s been in all of the previous books (usually naked) He’s run pretty hard from his past, but it catches up to him when the sister of his oldest and dearest friend arrives in Houston to turn his world upside down. He fights her—and fights hard—but he can’t win against the one thing he needs the most. Her love.
As for my other releases, Colters’ Lady, the second book in the Colters’ Legacy series releases (today!) from Samhain publishing. This book features the sons of Holly, Adam, Ethan and Ryan Colter.
And coming up this fall, I have a new action adventure/romantic suspense series debuting. I call it my KGI series (Kelly Group International) and it focuses on a military family, six brothers who all served (two of whom are still enlisted) who do contract work for the government or private sector. The first book is called The Darkest Hour and you can check out the cover and blurb on my website, www.mayabanks.com.
Why erotic?
It’s erotic when the story calls for it In all seriousness, it’s the absolute truth. Some of my “erotic” books are more erotic than others. While some books that would ordinarily have “erotic” themes, such as a story with more than two people, aren’t erotic at all. Even books within a series, such as the sweet series, some books are more rooted in sex and sexual themes than others. It’s just a matter of who the characters are and what is right for them and their situations. If you try to force a story to be erotic when at its heart it isn’t, then it’s not going to turn out well.
Do your characters come to you with their stories or do you develop them?
Yes and yea. They come to me with a part of a story. Rarely do I get an entire storyline from start to finish. What I get is a kernel. Just bits and pieces of things I really like and then I have to develop the rest to fit those bits and pieces.
Do you have a favorite character or couple?
Eli and Tyana from Into the Mist. Nathan and Julie from Sweet Seduction. I love Garrett from my KGI series.
Favorite book(s) as a child, teen, adult?
Impossible to say. I read everything as a child and I mean everything. It was nothing for me to check out 30-40 books every time I went to the library, and I’d go at least every two weeks.
What’s your stress buster?
I’m still looking for one, unfortunately.
3 biggest pet peeves, I know it’s hard to pick just 3.
Rude people. Really. People who do nothing but bitch all the time. I just want to tell them to take a xanax (or three) and chill the hell out. No one wants to listen to that.
People who make assumptions about me based on what I write.
Preachy people. You know, the ones always doling out the advice but never taking it themselves?
What do you prefer to hunt? What do you hunt with, bow & arrow, .22 ?
Mostly deer. I have a Browning compound bow and I shoot a Remington model 07 .308, stainless steel with a black synthetic stock and a Leupold stainless scope. It looks totally badass *g*
I bet it does…it sounds incredible..
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do and haven’t yet?
I’d like to go deer hunting up in Saskatchewan. Hoping to do that soon! I’d also like to go dove hunting in Argentina.
I hope you do get to realize those dreams soon & that you have a large time doing it!
Maya honey, I’ve very much enjoyed this chance to chat with you….Thank you again for visiting today…
Back when I first started writing, I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was that I wanted to write books. I dreamed of walking into a store and seeing books with my name on the cover sitting on shelves alongside some of my favorite authors.
I’d always wanted to write books, but marriage, travel and life got in my way, and I shunted the idea of writing aside in favor of other things. Then, one day I woke up and decided if I didn’t start writing soon I’d run out of time. That one decision started me on a path that is equally rewarding and frustrating.
I took writing courses, joined the Romance Writers of New Zealand and finished my first book. I edited and submitted my first book and started writing a second book while waiting for the great news from the publisher to say I’d written a masterpiece. Of course, that didn’t happen, and about three months later, I received my very first rejection.
I stared at the fence that had grown between me and my dreams—the fence that divides aspiring authors from published ones. It had grown while I wasn’t looking! I took another look at that fence and wondered how I’d get to the other side.
Meantime, I finished my second book and started on my third. I read craft books, attended meetings and conferences. I entered competitions and even placed in a few. The entire time I kept reading books in different genres and experimenting so I could grow into my voice. Some things I did well—they came naturally and the bricks at the top of the wall fell away. Some things were just plain difficult and that fence grew while I wasn’t looking.
But I didn’t give up. I wanted to climb the fence and run on the green grass on the other side so bad I couldn’t give up. All my favorite authors were on the other side of the fence—the ones I sought to emulate. I equated the other side of the fence with success.
If you’re an aspiring writer, the thing you’ll soon learn is that everyone’s journey is different. No two writers are the same and comparisons aren’t possible. My journey from aspiring to published ended after six years of learning and trying to bash down the dividing fence. I discovered e-publishing and realized this new medium fit me much better than the traditional publishing route. Once I discovered this truth, I bashed my way through the fence and emerged triumphantly on the other side.
I learned something completely new during the next month. The grass might be green on the other side of the fence, but with it came a steep learning curve. Suddenly I needed to know about contracts and edits, cover sheets and promo. I needed to think about a website and how to juggle all the new balls while writing another book. And one thing that shocked me rigid was when I learned selling one book didn’t guarantee another sale. Each successive book had to stand on its own merits. Yes, it’s true. I learned there was just as much rejection on the published side of the fence as there was on the aspiring side. Oh, the pain!
Now, six years later, I’ve learned a lot. Some of my decisions have been good while others haven’t worked out for me quite as well as I’d hoped.
PROMO:
I never realized what a huge beast promo is and how much time is consumed in trying to get your name in front of readers. In the past, publishers have helped with promotion, but these days, authors are expected to do a lot of the promo themselves. It all takes time away from writing. There are lots of different ways to promo and, at times, it’s difficult to measure how successful a particular campaign has been. Sometimes, it’s a matter of trying different things or picking several ideas for promo that you think you’ll enjoy. Ideas range from blogging to social networks to bookmarks and advertisements. The possibilities are endless.
COMPLETING A BOOK:
As an aspiring author, I only ever thought about the sale and the edits. Once a contract is signed there’s actually a lot more work in store for the author. Depending on the publishing house you might have several rounds of edits, then galleys. You might have to write a blurb and complete cover sheets so the cover artists can work their magic.
WEBSITE DESIGN:
Website design is something you can actually think about before you’re published. Surf the net and take note of the websites you like. Learn how to design or maintain a website before you’re published and you’ll find yourself ahead of the game. Likewise, promotion is something you can think about before you hit the other side of the fence. Track the types of promotion your favorite authors undertake and learn at the same time.
DEADLINES:
Deadlines are something a published writer learns to deal with. Once again, you can get a head start on training yourself to keep to deadlines by tracking your writing before you’re offered your first contract. Work out how much you can write comfortably in a week or a month given your personal circumstances, track how long it takes you to write a book and how long it takes you to whip it into shape. It’s all good training because blowing off deadlines isn’t good for business.
JUST DO IT:
Learn to flex your writers’ muscles every day. There will be some days when you don’t feel like writing but, due to deadlines, you have to write anyway. If writing is a habit, this helps pounding out pages that much easier.
READING & KEEPING UP WITH THE MARKET:
As a published writer, I find my time for leisure reading is severely restricted. I plain don’t have time, but on the other hand, a writer needs to keep up with the market, which means some reading is necessary. Trends come and go in the book world, and while it’s important to write something that excites you, if you can incorporate new trends and stay true to your voice then you should!
PIRATES:
Unscrupulous people will upload your books on the Internet and you’ll lose sales. It’s heartbreaking and policing this will take a lot of time, possibly time you don’t have.
PUBLISHERS/AGENTS:
Times change and sometimes we need to change our publishers and/or agents. Lines close and others open. Some publishers go out of business and a writer must have a plan B to adapt to changing circumstances and market forces.
CONCLUSION:
Staying published is actually harder than bashing through the fence separating aspiring from published. There! I said it. It’s plain hard work. There will be times when you think the deadlines are going to bury you alive, times when you’re dying to try to write something new, but your publisher wants something in the same vein as your last six books. There will be times when other writers seem to be doing better or catching the latest trend while you’re left standing still. There’s no doubt about it—the life of an author is not an easy one. So, would I choose the same path again?
Heck, yeah! I might do a few things differently, but on the whole, I think my journey would be fairly similar. Ask any writer, and their answer is probably the same. Writing isn’t a choice—it’s a compulsion, a life style, and the lows are counteracted by incredible highs. I am a writer and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Heads up y’all! Shelley has generously offered to give an ebook download from her backlist at Ellora’s Cave or Cerridwen Press.
Send the answer to the following question to IvyD@manicreaders.com. The winner will be chosen at random from the correct answers.
What is the title of Shelleys’ Ghost story?
Shelley Munro lives in New Zealand and writes contemporary and paranormal romance for Samhain Publishing and Ellora’s Cave. You can visit Shelley at www.shelleymunro.com
Addison honey, thank you so much for being with us and allowing us to be a bit nosey..I’m looking forward to finding out more about these Warriors of yours.
AF: Thank you so much for the invitation!!!
I read where Brody came to you cocked, locked and ready to rock. Have any of the other Warriors followed suit or have you had to coax anyone?
AF: I’ve been incredibly lucky with these characters – they’re all very clear in my head – a true gift, let me tell you!
That said, that is really the heart of my personal process. I “see” the characters (for lack of a better word) and the rest flows from there.
PS – I love that – “cocked, locked and ready to rock….” I hope you don’t mind if I use that!!
Feel free hon…It’s a military saying I picked up from DH.
Why the Zodiac?
AF: I’ve always had a basic fascination with the Zodiac and love to read my horoscope. That said, what’s been fun about the Zodiac from a creative standpoint is that it is such a rich canvas to paint with.
There is this awesome set of collective wisdom in the population about astrology and various astrological signs and it’s made for a lot of fun with the development of my characters’ personalities.
I agree, especially if you start getting into ascendents and houses….so many variables to play around with.
Do you have a favorite Warrior?
AF: I can’t say that I do (I love them all, every hunky, one!) J
That said, Brody and Kane’s stories are both complete so I feel I know them best. And let me tell you, spending a few months with each of them was a LOT of fun!!!
I’m sure it was!
Who’s in control, you the author or the character?
AF: Me, absolutely. The process of uncovering what’s lurking in my subconscious always brings surprises, but in the end, it’s my story to tell and it’s coming out through the conduit of these characters.
I find that interesting because some authors feel it’s the character coming to them with the story…It’s these differences that intrigue me…
Do you schedule writing or strike while the irons hot?
AF: Both. Deadlines are an incredible gift and I am so grateful to say I have them! That said, I’m also very accountable to my publisher and that means being consistent in my writing time.
What I will say is that I tend to vary when I write. My day job is pretty demanding, so there are some weeks where I’m able to write every day and some weeks where it all gets saved for the weekend. As long as I feel I’m moving forward each week, I’m happy!
What do you find to be the hardest part of writing?
AF: I’m not crazy about revising, but it is an absolutely necessary part of the process. I find the first draft is the most fun – when the story flows and it feels fresh and new. Revising is like having to go exercise – completely necessary but I can’t wait until it’s over!!
Do you require anything to be creative?
AF: I don’t require anything, per se, but I do love having a nice hot cup of tea or coffee next to me (depends on the time of day – coffee in the morning, tea from noon on.) I find a warm, steaming mug to be a very relaxing, comforting thing and it is nice to reach over and take a sip as I work through a scene.
Do you have a hobby?
AF: I’m a voracious reader and find it to be one of the most relaxing things on earth – just curling up with a good book on the couch. I’m also a big foodie – I love trying new restaurants and I really enjoy wine. And I’m always up for a trip to the movies!
Stress reliever? Writing or something else?
AF: Again, I’d have to say both. There are some days when the writing is such a wonderful escape. Those magical days when the words flow, the characters pop to life on the page and the story practically tells itself.
I’m also a big fan of doing little things for yourself. Go pop into the coffee shop for a half hour and relax in a chair. Give yourself a pedicure. Watch an hour of purely mindless TV.
I know it’s been said by so many, but women tend to feel that we not only have to do it all, but that we should feel guilty when we take a few moments for ourselves. In those moments of getting re-charged, we often re-fill the well to continue giving.
I agree wholeheartedly….
Do you have a favorite movie or 2 or 3?
AF: Well, I’m a child of the 80s, so the John Hughes canon is pretty much at the top of my movie favorite list (The Breakfast Club in particular). I also love Two Weeks Notice, Laws of Attraction, The American President, Moonstruck, Midnight Run, Working Girl…..the list really does go on and on….and on!
What genre(s) do you enjoy reading? Favorite authors? Currently reading anything?
AF: I am a huge romance reader. I average at least a book a week and probably 90% of what I read is romance. I also love reading YA. I’ve got a few mystery series I keep up with and I’ve really gotten into urban fantasy in the last few years.
Favorite authors….this list will be just like the movie list – it’s hard to pick just one. I am a huge Nora Roberts fan – I absolutely love her work and as an author I have a tremendous amount of respect for her. I’m also a huge fan of Jayne Ann Krentz, Roxanne St. Claire, Kresley Cole, Gena Showalter, J.R. Ward, Jo Davis, Lorraine Heath, Meg Cabot, Anne Stuart….again, the list just goes on and on!
I usually have about 6 books going at a time and I have a FANTASTIC list of books I’m reading right now. I would tell anyone reading this, if you haven’t picked up any of these, run out and get them – you won’t be disappointed!
Soulless by Gail Carriger
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake – Sarah MacLean
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher (although, read the entire Dresden Files series – it’s awesome!)
I also recently discovered the Betsy~Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. They are set during the early 1900s and follow the life of Betsy Ray, beginning in book 1 when she’s 5 and running through to her marriage in book 10 (the first four are for children and the next six are young adult/adult). These books are truly magical. I found them after reading a piece by Meg Cabot and feel that discovering them has been an incredible reading treat.
Soulless is on my TBR Mountain and the Dresden Files are an auto buy for me. We definitely have some authors in common. The first Meg Cabot I read was told totally in email and I thought that was so incredibly inventive, it amazed me.
Thanks so much for sharing with us & giving us all those great insights, I’ve enjoyed visitin’ with you Addison… BTW, I’m really looking forward to Kane’s book!
AF: Thank you so much for having me – I’ve had a blast! And I’m really excited to share Kane’s book, too. His book, WARRIOR AVENGED, will be out September 7th.
In all seriousness, it’s the absolute truth. Some of my “erotic” books are more erotic than others. While some books that would ordinarily have “erotic” themes, such as a story with more than two people, aren’t erotic at all. Even books within a series, such as the sweet series, some books are more rooted in sex and sexual themes than others. It’s just a matter of who the characters are and what is right for them and their situations. If you try to force a story to be erotic when at its heart it isn’t, then it’s not going to turn out well.
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