Category Archives: Uncategorized

I am pleased to introduce one of my fellow OKRWA chapter mates, Calisa Rhose.

Calisa…thank you so much for joining me today.

Let’s get right to the questions…

What book have you read that you wish you would have written?

Anything by Nora Roberts! But I really think her Key Trilogy is exceptionally done.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

A bad review. I can’t learn from no review. 🙂

If you could change something about one of your books that’s already released, what would it be?

I would write Home longer.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

None really. I like paranormal and contemporary and have, or am already writing in both.

What celebrity would you most like to be stranded on an island with?

Loretta Lynn. I just love her. Oh- but she probably wouldn’t want to be stranded. Lol So second choice, Tom Hanks. He’s cute and he’d be fun. Besides, he has the experience to survive in that situation! Lol WILSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your most prized material possession? Why?

My horse, Sonny and my Chihuahua, Cocoa. That’s two and not really material. Hm, my laptop and it’s pretty obvious. LOL

Your favorite…

Movie Hope Floats

Music Country

Place you’d like to visit Ireland

TV show from childhood Bay City Rollers

TV show from adulthood NCIS

Food Tacos

Sports team College FB- OU Sooners, Pro- Dallas Cowboys

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? All

 

Love, like life, is not without risk.

Veterinarian Vivian Dane has purchased her uncle’s practice in the tiny town of Wales, Missouri, where most residents still doubt her ability to treat their pets. But Viv is used to being considered less-worthy than her predecessors. After all, her parents are world-renowned wildlife vets, and most everyone is unimpressed she’s chosen to not follow directly in their footsteps.

Now Connor, a patient’s owner, is hot for Viv, but clearly doesn’t think she’s dating material because he has a daughter…who he believes no woman is good enough for.

Being a perfect dad is EMT paramedic Connor’s life focus. He can’t seem to stay away from sexy Doctor Viv, but attraction is as far as he’ll ever let it go. His mother abandoned him, leaving him to be raised in the foster system, and then his wife abandoned both him and their daughter. He absolutely will not risk bringing another woman into his little girl’s life and having her feel the hurt of being left…again.

Forfeiting is easier than attempting and failing. So why does Viv feel compelled to prove she’s a sure bet for Connor and his daughter? Can Connor trust Viv—and himself—enough to play the possibilities?

 

EXCERPT:

It was close to five o’clock and Viv wanted to go home. Winter hadn’t reached the Midwest yet, but from September through October the temperatures often dipped and dove sporadically, before diving for the long winter ahead. There’d been a slight chill in the air that morning and she hoped for a few more weeks of warmth before harsh weather moved in.

She looked forward to a hot soak in the bathtub, but Skittles was due for pick-up first. Connor had assured her he’d pick her up, or have his father get her before five. She glanced at her watch again. Four-fifty-six. She didn’t mind staying late if she needed to; it would be a shame to leave the nervous animal alone another night.

She opened the small closet to put the dust mop away.

“Hello.”

With a start, she spun and her hand caught the broom handle on her way around. Gasping, she grabbed uselessly, horrified as the cleaning tool flew sideways from the closet. In slow motion she saw it shoot out against Connor’s shoulder and fall with a sharp snap onto the tile floor.

“Oh! I’m so—so sorry! Are you hurt?” Instant heat rushed up her neck and she bent to reclaim the errant broom to shove into the closet. She slammed the door and leaned against it on a sharp breath.

“I’m fine. You worried your killer broom might attack again? You might consider putting a lock on the door,” he said with a crooked smile.

Puzzled, Viv looked around and realized with total humiliation how it appeared she’d trapped the broom inside the closet—when in actuality, she wanted to climb through the door beside the instrument and hide.

“Of course not. That would be silly. I didn’t expect you right now.”

“It’s two minutes of five. I told you I’d be here for Skittles. Is it too late?”

Right. The skunk. “No. I’m sure she’s more than ready to go home. Do you have the pet carrier to put her in?” She probably didn’t need to ask when Connor stood empty-handed before her.

He lowered his head and she knew he’d forgotten it, fought back a smile at his forgetfulness. “Sorry. I drove straight from work and didn’t think about it.”

“No worry. I have one you can borrow.” Which meant he’d have to see her again. She’d definitely need to see him again.

“Thank you. I’ll bring it back tomorrow.”

“Oh, there’s no rush. I keep a few on hand for emergencies.” She led him back to the cage where the skunk still huddled, and got a carrier while he opened the cage to retrieve his daughter’s pet. As he lifted the black fur ball out, Viv set a pink case next to him.

He hissed under his breath and almost let the animal loose. Viv opened the cage and held it upright for him to lower the skunk down inside and shut the door. Once he stood with the pet taxi, she detected a smear of red on one finger.

“She bit you?” Skunk bite, rabies, germs…

“It’s fine. When she’s scared she tends to nip a warning like a cat.” Connor’s lack of care concerned Viv, however.

“I should clean it with antiseptic before you go.”

“I’ll tend it when I get home.”

“But, it may have germs…get infected.”

“It’s not the first time, and her rabies vaccination is current. Thank you, but it’s not necessary.”

Viv stopped by a cabinet on the way to the front reception area to grab ointment and a Band-Aid.

*Risk Factors- a Lyrical Press contemporary romance

***

BIO:

Calisa Rhose is an Okie, born and bred, through and through, and proud of it. While growing up, when she wasn’t on the back of a horse, she could be found with pen and paper in hand. Her writing career began with poetry in her younger days. Then she discovered Rock-n-Roll and cute musicians. Poetry turned into stories of romance and dreams. These days she lives with the same man who convinced her to take a romantic journey with him almost 30 years ago. After raising three strong daughters she spends her days loving their granddaughters, hoping for a boy someday, and writing. When she’s not writing, you can find Calisa putting on her editor hat and working to help other published and aspiring writers.

She is working on more projects with her favored contemporary cowboys, first responders  and firemen. She plans to have some paranormal stories on the way to publication soon, as well (under a pen name tba).

Find Calisa at her website/blog http://calisarhose.wordpress.com

Twitter @CalisaRhose, Facebook/Calisa Rhose, Goodreads and Amazon.

Order Risk Factor Here: LPI-  amazon-  B&N

Although I love movies, I don’t often make an effort to go see them at the theatre. (A recent exception was Magic Mike…well worth the effort). When I saw the previews for Dead Man Down, I knew I had to see it opening weekend. I met my daughter, Lacey, at a theatre downtown. The movie was amazing. I was enthralled from beginning to end. Just as it ended, my other daughter, Lana, texted me and said she was about to see the movie at a different theatre. I had just enough time to get there, so I did. And I saw the movie again. And was just as enthralled the second time.

Colin Farrell is….well, he’s gorgeous, of course, but he’s also a phenomenal actor. There are a lot of beautiful actors out there, but Colin has that special something. He can play any role and nail it. He pulled off playing evil, unattractive Bobby Pellitt in Horrible Bosses and ‘almost’ hid his extreme sexiness. And he was hilarious. His thick Irish brogue is adorable, yet he is able to disguise it, take on any role with any accent, and make you believe it.

Dead Man Down is about a man and a woman seeking revenge–both for different reasons and with different targets–who cross paths. This film is not your average, run of the mill revenge-action movie. I can’t say much without giving away spoilers, so I’ll just say, go see it, you won’t regret it. I hear it is not doing well at the box office, and that Colin Farrell’s movies are often bombs. I can’t imagine why. A fantastic movie that makes you laugh, cry, and keeps your muscles bunched with tension for two hours…what more could you want? And did I mention, uhm, it stars Colin Farrell??????? 

 

 

Baby Stetson

Love and Music in Texas, Book One  

In small Texas towns, strangers come and go…

Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she’s never lacked for love…only the knowledge of her past.

By day she works the Inn, but by night…Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good…stable, until new guests blew into town. 

Some strangers come with secrets and lies.

Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn’t matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony’s Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.

Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery’s ignited within, he’s intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn’t want Avery to know.

Each time they’re near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie.

But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.

 Add this book to your goodreads list!

 http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17341981-baby-stetson

 Other books by Nikki Lynn Barrett

 The Secret Santa Wishing Well

 http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16159845-the-secret-santa-wishing-well

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She’s an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. The Secret Santa Wishing Well is her debut book. You can visit Nikki’s site at: http://www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers. Email her at nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com

http://www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com

 Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett

 https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor

 @Stormgoddess925 on Twitter

And the winner is….

Goldie Edwards! Her name was drawn for the 9 Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll short stories. Congratulations, Goldie. And Congratulations to the winners of a copy of Liberty Awakened: Goldie Edwards, Rebecca Ward, Joelle Walker, Monique DeVere, and G. Ogan. Thank you all for commenting!

In honor of my ex-husband’s 50^th birthday today, one lucky commenter will receive a FREE e-book copy of EACH of the 9 Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll stories for the Kindle or Nook. (Note: The English Lily and Trail of Hope are currently only available on the Kindle). Check out the list here on Amazon.

PLUS – 5 commenters will receive a FREE ebook copy of my vampire novella Liberty Awakened, Isle of Fangs Book 1 All you have to do is leave your email address in a comment. Feel free to comment further, but be sure to leave your email address. The winners will be chosen this Saturday, March 2^nd.

Sounds like a strange offer, doesn’t it? 🙂 I just thought it would be kind of fun, kind of different. And, in spite of our divorce seventeen years ago, my ex and I have remained friends. After having worked in the office of divorce attorneys, I’m well aware of what a rare blessing an amicable dissolution is. We have three grown children together, and they are close to both of us, and are close to their stepmother. You can’t ask for much more than that. Not that we haven’t had our issues in the past, but compared to some of the cases I’ve seen, our divorce was a breeze. (People going through a divorce or custody battle can be insane!!!)

So, at least leave your email address, but if you’d like to also leave a comment, such as sharing (briefly) about your experience with a divorce, or about your perfect marriage, or anything along those lines, feel free.

Happy Birthday, Terry!

Have you ever wondered why you can picture a scene so clearly in your imagination, yet often it doesn’t translate onto the page as clearly as you envisioned? Does this sound familiar? “It was so much more vivid in my head, why can’t I get it to be the same on paper?”

I’ll tell you why. As writers, we imagine our scenes/sequels in specifics; we then relay what we SEE to our readers. Sight is the first sensory element we use to convey our pictures. Often new writers stop there. They are so focused on making the reader see what they see they forget to deepen the scenes with additional sensory detail. In our mind’s eye, the scenes are vivid because our imagination automatically fills in all the particulars needed to let us experience the imagery.

I call scenes without at least one or two other sensory details half-scenes. Yes, I know you’ve written the beginning, middle, and end of the scene, therefore the scene must be complete. If you haven’t made good use of all of your character’s human senses, your scene will be missing a few vital ingredients.

I see scenes and sequels as a collection of moments. Every moment in your story should consist of sensory elements. We’ve dealt with sight and this is the most used one—the easy one.

What about TOUCH? The sense of touch isn’t only what your character touches with his/her hand that matters, things touching them works too. Even something as simple as a cool evening breeze brushing your POV character’s skin, or the sensation of sun warming it can really bring a moment to life. You add a few little touches (pardon the pun) like that, and your readers will tell you your writing is vivid.

Don’t stop there, we have a few other senses we can use to add life to our scenes. TASTE, for instance, can be appetizing or aversive. Don’t be afraid to show your reader the disgusting as well as the yummy stuff. This will draw the reader in and let her experience what your character is tasting almost as if she was there.

The same goes for SMELL. The nose is a sensitive organ and when used within a scene it can be an effective tool. Scents can trigger memories—good or bad. They can also create a more vivid picture. You don’t need to go into great spiels of description for each sense, a short evocative sentence would do just fine. Here is an example from my latest rom-com release Let’s Pretend.

The putrid scent of stale booze and partly digested curry permeated the air.

I don’t need to tell the reader anything else at this point since it is likely the reader has smelled stale booze and curry before. I’m sure not many have regurgitated it! However, I think it’s safe to say most people have thrown up and have a pretty good idea of the way stale booze and partly digested curry might smell. So you see? It only takes a dash of sensory detail to bring your scenes to life.

The sense of HEARING. Now this is one that can have you jumping out of your socks with fear, or rolling on the floor laughing at a good joke. You can use sound to communicate, set mood—relaxed or scary. Soft Sax jazz in the evening can be relaxing. A sudden loud bang can trigger fright. The sound of a steady heartbeat beneath your ear can lure you to sleep. Nails scratching a blackboard can set your nerves on edge.

Then there’s the INTERNAL SENSES. What your character FEELS, his/her INTUITION—that gut feeling about something, whether right or wrong. What she/he THINKS.

So the next time you imagine your scenes/sequels try to envision what else your character must be hearing, touching—what might be touching them, thinking, feeling, sensing, tasting, smelling as well as seeing. And don’t forget to depict your character’s reactions to these sensory responses.

******************************************************************************************************************************

Thank you for hosting me, Alicia. It’s been a pleasure hanging out with you.

The pleasure was mine, Monique. Wonderful post! This is something I often overlook myself, thank you for reminding me to be more aware of adding sensory details.

Monique is giving away two autographed copies of Let’s Pretend to two lucky readers, so please leave a comment below, with an email addy where she can contact you, for a chance to win your copy of this romantic comedy.

You can read the first chapters of both Let’s Pretend and More Than a Playboy FREE on my blog: http://www.moniquedevere.blogspot.co.uk/

Blurb: LET’S PRETEND by Monique DeVere

True love needs no pretence

When A&E trauma surgeon, Dr. Isobel Murphy, married sexy Irish firefighter, Lucas Delaney, she knew it was going to be forever. Unfortunately, she didn’t realise forever would only last five short years.

Keeping her failed marriage from her family seems like a piece of cake, until her grandmother calls a family gathering and Belle suspects she’s about to announce a critical illness. Making excuses for Luc’s absence, she flies home to Connecticut. Then delicious Lucas arrives for the three-day get-together and Belle knows things are going to get dicey. Especially since he still has the power to make her heart miss a beat, and her stomach bottom out.

When Belle asks him to pretend they’re still deeply in love, Luc doesn’t have a problem. He sees an opportunity to reclaim the love of his life. And he goes all out to remind Belle how it used to be between them, before long work hours and clashing schedules invaded their marriage. What he needs to know though, is, once the pretence is over, will Belle be applying for her decree absolute? Or will they be renewing wedding vows?

Please welcome Lynda Kaye Frazier whose debut novel, Rescued from the Dark, has just released from Black Opal Publishing. Soooo exciting!

Thank you for being here, Lynda. Let’s get to the questions and learn a little about you.

What book have you read that you wish you would have written?

Twilight or Harry Potter of course.  🙂

Well, sure. Who wouldn’t?

What do you love that most people don’t like and wouldn’t understand why you do?

I really can’t think of anything quirky. I love coffee; really love coffee and going to the beach but so do others. I guess the only strange things my family can’t understand is that I love to drive. I could get in my car and drive for hours. Put in an audio book and I’m in heaven. I also put mustard on my steak. I do not like steak sauce, barbecue sauces, but I love mustard and horseradish sauce mixed. Great on steak or even chicken. 🙂

That actually sounds kind of good. I love horseradish. I’ll have to try that. Not a fan of the driving, although I will admit an audio book makes it bearable.

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

My day job. I work in the medical field and love what I do, but I love writing more.

I totally get that.

What’s your favorite book of all time and why? What’s your favorite childhood book?

My favorite childhood book is by Dr. Seuss, All the places you shall go. Now favorite book of all time I don’t have just one. I read every day and each new book becomes one I add to my favorite list.

Yes, that is a tough question, I’ll admit. 🙂

What do you want readers to come away with after they read, Rescued from the Dark?

I want them to want more. This is the first in a series of eight. The series is called Guardian’s of Hope. It is about a group of eight men, made up of Special ops, Navy seals and FBI agents that form a group that the government sanctioned to do rescues they can’t, or won’t. I leave you with a HEA but it also gives you a little insight to what the next book will be about and who’s story it will be.

Hmmm. I want more already. Sounds great.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

No writer likes bad reviews but since I’m new if I get a bad one I want to make sure it’s from someone who actually read the book and why they didn’t like it. I review for magazines and read outside of the genre I prefer and can still like the story.  But there are serial reviewers that spend their days cutting books; I prefer to have no review if it’s from one of them.

I totally agree. I can accept criticism, but please make sure you’ve read the book first.

If you could change something about one of your books that’s already released, what would it be?

That’s easy, nothing. This is my first full length novel.  🙂

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

I write Romantic Suspense and have a contemporary I’m working on. I like to read sci-fi/shape shifters, books like that. I have an outline for one but not sure if I could actually write it. I have a hard time writing about different worlds, species, things like that. I can’t wrap my mind around it enough to get it to sound right.

It can be quite challenging. I’m not all that great at world building, but it’s a nice skill to have when writing paranormal.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have 3 (inanimate) objects, what would they be?

Coffee, unending supply, kindle, and a magic bottle with an unending supply of wishes.

Uhm. I think that’s cheating. I’ll check with the judges. 😉

What celebrity would you most like to be stranded on an island with?

Too many to choose from, that’s where the gene bottle comes into play. I can change them as I get finished with them.

Gotta admit, it’s a good plan.

What is your favorite…

Movie: Too many to choose from. I love romance and suspense but will not see anything scary, horror or Zombies. I go to the movies every weekend. My kids say it’s for the popcorn.

Music: My iPod is filled with everything from classical to country. I’ll listen to anything as long as I can make out the words.

Place you’ve visited: Japan, their beaches are amazing.

Place you’d like to visit:  Hawaii

TV show from childhood:  Lost in space, Gilligan’s island

Food: Mexican

Sports team: College football teams, UT and LSU Schools my children attended

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Card Games, love poker 🙂

I’ll have to agree on the Mexican and Gilligan’s Island. Good choices. Thank you again for joinging me. It was fun chatting with you.  Now tell us a bit about your new release:

BLURB:

She has no memory of their love…

Kidnapped by terrorists and sent into a drug-induced coma, FBI intern Mercedes Kingsley awakes with no memory of her ordeal—or the intimate interlude that left her pregnant. Convinced her child was fathered by her ex-fiancé, she walks away from the only man she has ever loved, determined to make things work with her ex, a man the FBI suspects is implicated in her abduction. 

He knows the truth, but no one will listen… 

FBI undercover agent Jason Michaels remembers what Mercy can’t and those memories are breaking his heart. Forced to keep his distance from his lover and their unborn child, Jason risks his life to protect Mercy from a cell of international terrorists who have vowed to get the secrets locked in her memory, no matter the cost. Can Jason convince Mercy to trust him until she remembers their past, or will he lose her to a man who will trap her in a nightmare world of darkness from which there is no escape?

E-book teaser: 

He had to get her out of there, but with all the drugs in her system, would she even remember who he was? 

Mercy was lying on the bed. Even in the dim light, he could tell she was pale. Her clothes were wrinkled and her shirt caked with what they forced her to eat. From the looks of the room she fought hard. Damn, he needed to get her out before the drugs took her from him.

“Mercy, wake up. Come on, open your eyes.” Nothing. She didn’t move. Okay, she’s not going to like this. “You need to wake up and take a shower, so let’s get both done at the same time.”

He took the chair into the shower and turned it on then went back to the bed. He picked up Mercy, and placed her under the fine mist of cold water. Just what she needed. He held her in the chair as the water flowed over her head, soaking her hair and drizzling down her shoulders. His back was pelted by the spray as he knelt in front of her, but he didn’t care. He shook her shoulders, and she stirred.

“Good, Mercy. Come on, open your eyes.” He struggled to hold her slippery, wet body in the chair. The T-shirt was soaked and her thin bra could not hide the effects of the cold water. He clenched his jaw tight at the thought of never being able to touch her, love her. She has to remember him, remember them. She struggled against his hold as she started to wake. “I’m not letting you up until you open your eyes. Come on, look at me.”

Her eyes flew open. They were filled will fear and confusion as she frantically searched the room. Then her head dropped and their eyes met and he knew.

EXCERPT:

An explosion ricocheted behind Jason Michael’s eyes as the pressure mounted in his head. The rush of panic consumed him. He struggled to move, tried to swallow, but nothing. His throat burned as the flames engulfed his lungs. He needed to breathe but couldn’t. Shit. He strained to make out the muffled voice, but the pounding in his ears erased all hope. His head started to spin and he succumbed to the realization, this was it, the end. He won. The flames dampened and his heartbeat slowed as the drums subsided, then the voice became clear.

“Give it to him now you son of a bitch. What were you thinking? We still need him.”

In a split second, Jason sucked in a breath, causing stabbing pains to shoot through his chest. Every muscle fiber burned as the cold blast of air shot through his lungs releasing the oxygen his body craved. He arched his back, raising his chest up to pull in more air when his head snapped to the side and the crack from his neck echoed in his ears. The pain ripped through his jaw, racing across his cheekbone. Before he could gather his senses, intense burning set his face on fire. What the hell?

The slap against his cheek stung, and his eyes snapped open. He wrenched upright, hitting his head on the roof of the SUV. His gaze darted back and forth looking for something familiar until he locked onto the ice-cold stare of the devil himself, Shaun Flanagan.

Damn, that was close. Jason could not blow his cover, even if it meant he would die as David Logan and not Jason Michaels.

“You’re finally awake, my boy. We almost lost you,” Shaun cold, emotionless laugh caused Jason’s blood to boil. “You stopped breathing, I think. It’s hard to tell with this new stuff. I hope you’re not too injured. We’ve got work to do.”

Jason’s vision blurred, but his other senses were sharp. Shaun had known exactly what the drug would do and the burn in Jason’s throat was a harsh reminder. Shaun’s sarcastic tone spoke volumes to him. He was evil and did not play by anyone’s rules but his own. Jason had spent the last two months undercover, playing their games and doing their dirty work to buddy up tight to this family. He’d earned his spot with Thomas Flanagan, but his son Shaun had issues trusting anyone, even his own father.

Jason’s anger burned inside of him, but he couldn’t afford to make mistakes, not now. He was too close. It’s time to step it up, but first the drugs had to stop. He rubbed his aching jaw with one hand, clenching his other into a fist to hide his visible shaking. He had to get control of this game before he lost everything.

Buy Rescued from the Dark:

Amazon   Barnes and Noble

Find Lynda at…

http://lyndafrazier.blogspot.com

www.lyndakayefrazier.com

Facebook-   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-Kaye-Frazier/189048967838229

Twitter-  lynda_kaye 

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B009L7TK04

Publisher:  www.blackopalbooks.com

e-mail- lyndakayefrazier@yahoo.com

I am happy to introduce fellow Crimson Romance author, Nora Snowdon, as my guest today.

Nora has agreed to answer a few questions. Nora, enquiring minds want to know…

What’s the main thing you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

Procrastination. I love writing when the story is flowing and I am being surprised by what happens next, but many times I just get stuck. Then I’ll find myself doing practically anything to avoid staring at my accusing computer. When I pull out the vacuum, the cat knows I’m near the end of my rope.

I am sure most writers struggle with that very thing.

What’s your favorite book of all time and why?

I have different books that have called to me at different stages of my life. “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole was my fave in 1980. “Midnight’s Children” by Salmon Rushdie in the 90’s. Alice Brookner and Anita Shreve also have written many books I’ve loved. I seem to be reading mostly Romantic Comedies these days; Jane Fallon, Anne Charles, early Marion Keyes. All books are escapism for me, but where I want to escape to seems to change periodically.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read your books?

I’d like them to be thinking, ‘Oh I have to remember that line.’ several times throughout the book. Afterwards, I hope they feel the fuzzy warmth of a good romance with a few chuckles.

Good answer. That would mean your story really stayed with them.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

A best seller.

LOL. Wouldn’t we all? From our keyboards to God’s ears.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have 3 (inanimate) objects, what would they be?

A lot of wine, chocolate and, of course, a friendly volleyball.

Right, because who could ever be lonely with a volleyball friend. 🙂 Or with wine or chocolate come to think of it.

Thank you again for agreeing to be my guest. I enjoyed chatting with you.

Nora is giving away a copy of Accidental Arsonist to one commenter, and that same commenter will get their choice of any Alicia Dean title for the Kindle or Nook. Drawing to be held this Wednesday, February 13. Be SURE to leave your email address in your comment.

Now, for a glimpse into Arsonists Anonymous…

Blurb

Arsonists Anonymous

What’s a girl supposed to do when she finds herself inadvertently starting fires? Lucinda Dawson becomes a firefighter to help mitigate her guilty conscience. But she gets more than she bargained for when she signs on with the Seattle Fire Hall headed up by the ruggedly handsome Captain Josh Reynolds. 

To make matters worse, she is assigned part time to work with Arson Inspector Byron Morgan. A man used to making his own rules, Byron both threatens and thrills her. But is his interest in her merely a ploy in his own game to beat out his old rival?

Lu must fight more than fires in her struggle to keep her secret safe and her heart secure.

Excerpt:

Red continued along the right wall to a locked door. He raised the Halligan, using the adze side to pry the door open. 

Lu sensed the danger a little too late. “No!” she shouted over the splintering of metal and wood. Red half-turned to her with a look of confusion. Lu reached out and yanked him backwards. He lost his balance and crashed to the floor as a fireball barreled past him from the gaping doorway.

The fire was accelerating way too fast.

Lu grabbed his arm to help him scramble to his knees. She could still hear the woman, only she seemed to be in the next room over. Red started back down the hallway, but Lu ignored him, instead crawling toward the woman.

“No. That beam is coming down!” Red grabbed Lu, jerking her back the way they’d come.

“The woman—”

A loud crash cut her off and she turned to see a burning hunk of beam from the ceiling had crashed to the floor where she’d just been. Red pulled her arm again and she followed him. They neared the splintered door. Reynolds’ voice on the radio ordered them to evacuate. As they ran outside Reynolds grabbed her other arm and the two men pulled her clear.

“Open up the deck gun,” Reynolds shouted over the radio.

“Roger.” Ace’s response crackled back. There was the air horn warning blast, immediately followed by a thick stream of water arching onto the top of the building.

“Break open the west windows to vent,” Reynolds pointed to the least damaged side of the house.

That was it then. Lu’s stomach twisted. Once they were blasting the fire with water, there was no way anyone could go back inside to rescue the woman. It’d be too dangerous. And the woman was too far inside for them to cut through from the outside walls to reach her. The wailing of Bellevue 2 truck and the ambulance cut through the cacophony. For a brief moment Lu wondered if the second crew could help get them inside. Then she realized that she no longer heard the screams. Shit.

 ************************************************************************************************

Arsonists Anonymous is available in print or e-book at:

Amazon                                    Barnes&Noble

Author Bio:

Living in New York and Toronto, Nora Snowdon was a jerk of all trades—one week hawking toys at major toy conventions, the next in a high end jewelry store pandering to the rich. She worked in the financial market, environmental protection biz, gambling dens, food service industry and sold shoes. During these years she also either appeared in or directed over twenty five plays.   

Then Nora moved to the wet coast, took up health foods (dark chocolate and red wine) and became a Writer of Elegant Smut. Her ambition is to become a crazy cat lady and wine hoarder, not necessarily in that order. 

Read more about Nora at www.norasnowdon.com

Welcome, Jessica…I am so happy to have you as a guest on my blog. Jessica is a fairly new author friend, but she’s a sweetheart, and I feel we’ve bonded already. 🙂

Please tell us about your new release, Accidental Romance.

First of all, thank you so much for having me on your blog, Alicia! It is a pleasure to be here.

Accidental Romance is part of the new The Challenge series at Decadent Publishing. Here’s a little bit more about the series:

Challenge: A test of one’s abilities or resources in a demanding but stimulating undertaking.

In every life, there are challenges, boulders in the flowing stream of existence. From the physical, to the psychological or emotional, nobody is immune. No one gets through life intact, but the challenge is not to avoid damage, but to work through, past or around the things that make life so difficult.

We all know people who do this—live fulfilling lives in spite of the difficulties they are forced to deal with.

The Challenge series is about characters who do just this—and the people who love them. Challenge is a romance series with a twist. The “challenge” takes a central role in the characters’ romance.

Sounds fascinating. I love the premise of the series. Very unique.

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

For me, it’s not so much getting rid of anything, but keeping my mind focused. If I have something else that I’m supposed to do, whether or not I have to do it right away, it’s hard to stay focused on writing my stories. Once I get a certain amount of housework or promo done, I am able to focus better on my writing.

I understand. It’s almost like you have to declutter your mind a bit.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read Accidental Romance?

As with any of my romance stories, I want readers to feel happy after they’ve finished reading them. And in Accidental Romance, I want people to know that life is full of challenges. If we remain determined to overcome them, we may just find our happily ever after.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

Oh, I love to read young adult novels, and want to write one, but I worry about writing in first person. That is a struggle for me. I once read a book in second person, and I totally admire the author for writing an amazing story, but that’s one POV, I don’t want to try.

I am not a fan of second person. Not all YA’s have to be first person, though. You should give it a shot.

What celebrity would you most like to be stranded on an island with?

That’s an easy one. Will Smith. Not only does he seem like such an awesome person, but he’ll know how to survive. He’s proved it in many of the movies he’s been in, including I Am Legend, and the upcoming release, After Earth.

🙂 Glad there was some logic in your decision, but then, since you like sci-fi, I guess logic is a given.

Share with us your favorite…

Movie – Star Trek (2009) though there are some great Sci-Fi movies releasing this year that may take it’s place.

Music – I like pop and dance music. My fav song right now is Clarity by Zedd ft. Foxes

Place you’ve visited – Any place with a waterfall.

Place you’d like to visit – Hawaii and Alaska

TV show from childhood – Space: Above and Beyond

TV show from adulthood – What is Jeopardy?

Food – pasta

Sports team – Ottawa Senators

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? I don’t watch a lot of television, even though it’s often on as background noise. So, I guess that would be board games. Especially the classic ones. As a child, we used to play Aleeo, which is kind of like Trouble, but on a big wooden board, and with marbles.

Thank you again for joining me, Jessica, and for letting us get to know you better.

Now tell us a little more about Accidental Romance…

Blurb:

At twenty-two, Leanne Declan has graduated from college and hopes to take over the family farm until a tragic accident changes her life forever. Unable to do the simplest everyday chores, she must depend on her family and friends as she learns to face life’s challenges. But when her fears threaten to destroy her future, can an unexpected love be strong enough to help her dreams come true?

Excerpt:

A million needles pierced her wrist. She had to get away from the fire. Leanne flicked open her eyes, screaming, longing for the agony to stop.

White walls surrounded her. Machines beeped. Taking in the new scenery, she closed her mouth, the pain forgotten. Bags filled with clear liquids as well as blood hung from a metal pole. She followed the tubes from the bags into her left hand. Was that where the burn came from? She glanced at the other arm, the end of which was wrapped in thick bandages. The image of spinning blades and her mangled flesh flashed before her eyes. She screamed again, tears falling down her cheeks. This can’t be happening.

Bodies rushed into the room, many in scrubs. With her vision blurred, she didn’t recognize anyone. All strangers. She was in the foreign place by herself. A nightmare. Has to be.

“Shh, calm down, sweetie. You’ll be okay.”

A familiar voice. She glanced to her other side to see her mom standing beside her, her eyes glassy. She held her hand, but Leanne couldn’t feel it, only the throbbing which had returned to her other one, the one that was…gone? She groaned, turning on her side, and pulled her knees up to her chest.

“Mom, is it really…?”

She brushed her fingers over her forehead. “Don’t worry about it right now. You need to rest.”

“It hurts so bad.”

“I know.” Her mother stroked her face again. “But the nurses will help it go away.”

“Leanne,” one of the nurses hovering around her said. “I want you to take deep breaths and count backward from ten.”

“Ten.” She sucked in air and cried out in agony.

Between clenched teeth, she continued. Anything to stop the pain. “Nine.”

Ice traveled through her veins. “Eight.”

The throbbing slowly ebbed away. Seven.

Darkness swept over her and pulled her down with it.

Wow…very vivid, very intense. Definitely leaves me wanting more. Great job!

Readers, here is where you can buy Accidental Romance:

Amazon (Canada/US/UK) | Decadent Publishing | All Romance | Barnes&Noble | more

And you can find Jessica at:

Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Authorgraph

 

And the winner is…

Karielle Stephanie Gam!!!

Her name was drawn for the Vampire gift pack. Congratulations, Karielle!

Thanks a bunch to all of you who commented. I had a blast.

No, I am not giving away an actual vampire. If I had one, I’d keep him–or her–for myself. 🙂 I am, however, giving away a fantastic Vampire Gift Pack. I will draw one name from those who comment on this blog post during the month of February. The drawing will be held in early March, and I will announce the winner here and contact you by email.

A few rules (very few):

1) You must answer at least one of the questions
2) You must leave your email address in your comment
3) Entrants who are out of the United States will receive a $40 gift card from Amazon or B&N if their name is drawn since there are all these pesky issues with mailing international packages

That’s it…

NOTE: Answer one or more question to be eligible for the drawing and PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. In addition to answering the question, feel free to tell us a little more about your VL (Vampire Love), if so compelled (wink, wink)

Now for the questions:

What do you love about Vampires?
Who is your favorite? (television, book, or movie vampire) Why?
What is your favorite Vampire book? Movie? Television show?
Have you ever been bitten by a Vampire? Would you like to be? Would you like to be turned or just used for Vampire sustenance?
For True Blood fans…if you could, would you be a Fang Banger?

Thanks…can’t wait to hear from all of you. Remember one lucky commenter will win…

Gift Pack includes…

-Immortality (Wait. I can’t promise that. Sorry! Scratch that)
-Your choice of ‘Vampire Diaries’ Seasons 1, 2, or 3 on DVD
-You can name a character in my third installment of Isle of Fangs and I will give your name and the name you chose in the acknowledgments
-You choice of a $20 gift card from either Barnes and Noble or Amazon
-Free ebook version of Isle of Fangs Book 2 for the Kindle or Nook (Available in early March)
-A dozen Alicia Dean ink pens
-A bonus gift surprise

Check out my Young Adult Vampire Novella…Liberty Awakened (Isle of Fangs Book 1)

Evil lurks beneath the surface in the beauty of the tropics…

After graduation from her small, Oklahoma high school, Liberty Delacort is looking forward to a fun-filled summer before college. But when the people she trusts the most betray her, and a letter arrives claiming the father she thought was dead is still alive, she jumps at the chance to travel to an exotic island to meet him.

But her excitement is short-lived. Her father is dying, and he doesn’t want her around. In spite of its outward tranquility, the island is filled with danger and ominous secrets. Before long, the secrets begin to unravel. She learns she is a descendant of Van Helsing, the vampire hunter, and she must fulfill her destiny in order to save humans from a faction of vicious vampires. The only man who can help her learn the skills she needs is a volatile, hostile, vampire who wants her off the island.

Will her inexperience lead to her death—and the death of others—or will she rise to the challenge and realize her full potential as a Hunter?

[The winner of Wednesday’s drawing for free books was Taylor Anne! Thank you all for commenting.]

I am pleased to introduce my friend, Martini Club cohort, and fellow author, Kathy L Wheeler. Welcome, Kathy. Thank you for joining me today. Let’s get started learning a little bit about you…

What book have you read that you wish you would have written?

My favorite all time author is Jayne Ann Krentz; Amanda Quick; Jayne Castle (all one in the same) so anything she writes I read, then I laugh. So anything she writes, I wished I’d written. So, now, while that is totally unrealistic, Susan Elizabeth Phillips has a terrific Chicago Star Series on the NFL. And EVERYONE knows how much I love the NFL. . .

Darn…if only.

What do you love that most people don’t like and wouldn’t understand why you do?

Ummm. . .my husband? He can be a very difficult irritant at times, and I don’t think many people see beneath the surface. So he is a VERY lucky man.

Hahaha. Al’s a good guy. But sometimes all men are hard to love.

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

My current full time job. Oh, wait! It pays my travel. And I love my friends. And I like the corporate environment. . .good setting info.

Good point, but income aside, full-time job is a good answer. 🙂

What’s your favorite book of all time and why? What’s your favorite childhood book?

My favorite all time book. . .hmm. . .Well, I love Lady Rogue by Suzanne Enoch. My favorite childhood books were from 5^th grade. The adventures of Betsy and Tacy.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read Maybe It’s You?

That even through your greatest insecurities, you, as a person, are strong enough to sustain. And kick some ass.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

Eeek. Okay, I’d rather have a review, but I don’t want to read the bad review. I’m trying to come away with the message I wrote about in the question above. . .

Well, getting a bad review can help you learn to sustain and rise above insecurities, right? No…?

If you could change something about one of your books that’s already released, what would it be?

Perhaps I would deepen The Color of Betrayal, one reviewer said the characters weren’t deep, even though it is only 16k words.

It’s difficult to develop characters in a story that short, but I thought you did an excellent job. A short story is just that…a short story. You only get so much character development. I thought your characters were very real and relatable, so that’s a plus.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

I might like to try my hand at Paranormal someday. My true love is historical.

Hmmm. I had no idea. (about the paranormal thing, that is) Well, you’re in luck. A couple of your critique partners happen to write paranormal. 🙂

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have 3 (inanimate) objects, what would they be?

An anthology with Teresa Medieros, Jayne Ann Krentz, Suzanne Enoch and Elizabeth Boyle (oh, and blank pages in the back so I can still write), a toothbrush, and sunscreen a (large, long lasting) pen. 

You can make a tooth brush out of coconunt fronds, didn’t you watch Gilligan’s Island?

Speaking of islands…what celebrity would you most like to be stranded on an island with?

Someone young and strong so they can do the hunting for food. . .maybe Nick Collison; although that’s really selfish, because Thunder Basketball needs him under the rim.

You would sacrifice for your beloved Thunder? True fan.

Your most prized material possession? Why?

My laptop computer, of course, so I can still write.

Your favorite…

Movie: How to lose a guy in 10 days

Music: Jekyll & Hyde

Place you’ve visited: London

Place you’d like to visit: Ireland

TV show from childhood: HR Puffinstuff

TV show from adulthood: Sports, NBA; NFL

Food: spinach salad with strawberries and blue cheese. And a good vinegarette

Sports team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Board games.

Thank you, Kathy. I actually learned some new things about you. I thought we’d covered everything on trips and at the Martini Club. Guess not.

Tell us about Maybe It’s You…

Blurb:

How can a girl who’s been rejected by Once Upon A Time ever believe that happily-ever-after even exists?  Co-bookstore owner Lorianne Gentry is branded by deep-seeded insecurities.  Abandonment issues surface when she finds herself falling in love—totally pissing her off. 

Ashton Turner III is nobody’s Knight-In-Shining-Armor.  He’d jumped off that horse a long time ago­—the sex, however, was damn good.  And when Lorianne’s grandmother delivers Ash life-altering news, his past explodes into the present.

 

GIVEAWAY: On Wednesday, we will draw a name from one of the commenters and that person will win a copy of Maybe It’s You and their choice of any Alicia Dean title in either Kindle or Nook format. BE SURE to leave your email address with your comment.

You can find Kathy at…

Kathylwheeler.com (blog)

http://klwheeler.com

@kathylwheeler

Kathy@klwheeler.com