Please help me welcome my friend, author Callie Hutton…
#AHAgrp
My book, The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage is an historical romantic comedy. It’s a road trip story, set during the Regency period. The heroine in my book on her way to visit her twin sister who is expecting a baby. She is travelling from London to the Highlands.
Although it is not a romance story, one of my favorites is Planes, Trains and Automobiles. We watch it every Thanksgiving, and never get tired of it. The very first road trip movie was the old “It Happened One Night” with Clark Gable and Collette Colbert. It was the first time a man removed his shirt and bared his naked chest to the movie audience.
My, how the times have changed.
I think there is something both funny and romantic about a man and woman—generally strangers when the story starts—who are thrown together, face a great deal of trouble together, and eventually fall in love. The most recent road trip movie I saw was The Mountain Between Us with Idris Elba—new to me—and Kate Winslet. Not a comedy, but still a very good movie.
I guess one could say that a wagon train story is a road trip, also. I covered that in my book, Emma’s Journey, and again in Prisoners of Love: Becky. They are fun to write, and I love getting my characters into lots of trouble.
The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage is currently on sale for .99.It is the 6th book in my Marriage Mart Mayhem series. Lady Sarah Lacey is on her way to the Highlands to visit her twin sister, Lady Sybil MacBride, when she meets with an accident. Stranded on the road, she encounters Professor Braeden McKinnon, traveling to his home near Sarah’s destination. She cajoles him into escorting her and her maid.
As they take to the road together, Braeden finds the fiery Lady Sarah a handful of trouble. But nothing prepares him for the words she utters in front of witnesses that binds them together in matrimony. Waiting for word that he has been selected to work on an archaeological dig in Rome, he had no intention of taking a wife for a long time. Now that she has accidentally married them, however, perhaps it would not be such a bad thing, after all.
Except Sarah has no intention of being anyone’s wife. She has other plans . . .
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and holiday season. And if you’ve never seen it, take a look at Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
BIO
USA Today bestselling author, Callie Hutton, author of more than twenty-five historical romance books, writes humorous and spicy Regency with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). Callie lives in Oklahoma with two rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of many years. Her family also includes her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law. And her almost three year old twin grandsons “The Twinadoes.”
Callie loves to hear from readers. Contact her directly at calliehutton11@gmail.com, or find her online at www.calliehutton.com for a complete list of all her books and sign up for her newsletter to receive information on new releases, appearances, contests and exclusive subscriber content. Also visit her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.
Please help me welcome fellow OKRWA author, Maxine Douglas with an interview and her latest release!
Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?
I am originally from Wisconsin (born and bred) where the UW-Wisconsin Badgers reside. Go Bucky! And home of the Green Bay Packers, yes that makes me a cheese head. LOL My husband and I know live in a small city southwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We traded 6 months of winter for a few weeks, and have enjoyed being here. My oldest son lives in the same city we do with his family, and our three other grown children live in Wisconsin. We have two grand-daughters: one is a senior at UW-Whitewater majoring in Marketing and the youngest will turn 10 this summer. We currently have two horses and one dog.
Where did you get the idea for The Brides Along the Chisholm Trail series?
I was asked by Callie Hutton if I was interested in joining a western historical boxset. Of course I said, than immediately went into panic mode when I learned I had to have it done by September, and it was June. I was in the midst of my first mystery and needed to finish it before delving into a new genre…again. But I finished Simply to Die For (sold it to MuseItUp Publishing), and finished The Reluctant Bride for the Wanted: One Bride boxset on time.
Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?
I’d not written western historical before even though I do have three historical time-travels published.
Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?
The idea for The Brides Along the Chisholm Trail series actually came from the director of our local Chamber of Commerce. He approached me at a three-day event last October and said he had a great story idea for me. I mulled it over and came up with three book ideas. I’d already had The Reluctant Bride set in Dodge City, The Marshal’s Bride takes place in Fred, Indian Territory which was about 7 miles southeast of Chickasha and is now available, The Cattlemen’s Bride takes place in Texas and will be available late summer.
What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?
If you are writing a historical you want to make sure you have even the small things right, and that you don’t bore your reader with too many facts.
What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?
The research for Fred since it is so close to where I live. I spent several hours at the Grady County Historical Museum where Patricia Cunningham was a great help.
Are there any tricks, habits or superstitions you have when creating a story?
Even though I have a home office I do like to go to one of the following places once in a while: the library, McDonalds, a park, or on my back patio. I also will watch/listen to movies in the genre that I’m writing to keep me on track and my mind set in the right place. I have found that if family is around I can’t write. I think it’s because in the back of my mind I know that they’ll talk to me, whereas in a public place the chance of that happening is very slim.
What book have you read that you wish you had written?
Oh my, there are so many. Some of my favorites are The Kent Family Chronicles by John Jakes, Outlander, Game of Thrones, anything Heather Graham writes…need I go on? LOL
Do you collect anything?
Like most authors I collect books. At one time I had an extensive collection but have since pared it down to only the books I really want to keep in print. I’ve been picking up the old Nancy Drew books as I find them as they were my favorites when I was in grade school. I also will pick up any horse story books I find because I love horses (what girl doesn’t?). Plus I do have a collection of S&P that was started by my maternal grandmother.
What was your first job?
Babysitting. But my first actual paycheck was from a department store called Prange’s. I remember when it opened in the East Towne Mall in Madison back in the 1970s, it was amazing.
What do you want readers to come away with after they read The Brides of the Chisholm Trail?
A sense that they read a good story, that they lived the lives of my heroes and heroines.
What is your favorite quote?
I find a new quote each month for my newsletter, but I think this is one by Ernest Hemingway is one of my favorites: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.”
If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have 3 (inanimate) objects, what would they be?
Hmm, let’s see–books, my laptop, my phone.
What celebrity would you most like to be stranded on an island with?
This is going to sound strange but Drew Cary – he’s so funny and seems down to earth. If he wasn’t available, then I’d go with Kevin Costner.
Your most prized material possession? Why?
My wedding rings because I didn’t get married for the first time until I was 46 years old. A high school friend and I reconnected in January of 2001 and in August of that same year we said “I do.” Ladies, it was definitely worth the wait! *wink*
What do you want your tombstone to say?
Loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend, romance author. Spark your imagination, read a book.
Have you written any other books that are not published?
Yes! I have an erotica that I just can’t seem to finish. Plus, I have a number that have a paragraph or two written as a reminder of what the story is about. I keep a spreadsheet where I have titles, character names/descriptions, and blurbs all waiting to come to life for my readers.
Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
There have been a few. When I lived in Nashville I became good friends with Charlie Dick (Patsy Cline’s husband), I dated James Monroe (Bill Monroe’s son) for a while, and I had the privilege of having a good chat with Heather Graham and Jodi Thomas a few years ago.
Your favorite…
Movie White Christmas
Music County
Place you’ve visited Galveston, TX
Place you’d like to visit England
TV show from childhood Zorro
TV show from adulthood Outlander
Food Seafood
Sports team Green Bay Packers / UW-Wisconsin Badgers
Thank you so much, Maxine! I enjoyed getting to know you better. ha, I will have to say I find Drew Cary an odd choice. 😀
Scroll through our list of books and short stories for only 99¢ each! Below each cover is a clickable link for that book. A variety of genres from sweet to suspense to paranormal to erotica to historical…enjoy!
(PLEASE CHECK BEFORE ORDERING!!! – We are not responsible if prices are no longer 99 cents)
Disclaimer: I have not necessarily read nor do I endorse any of the books on this list. It is advisable to read the Amazon excerpt before purchasing.
Now…for some shopping fun!
(Tip: When you are on the link, right click to open a new window so you will not be taken away from the page)
Soul Seducer: Reapers of Boon Book 1, Paranormal Romance Novel by Alicia Dean
She spent her entire life fighting death. Now she’s falling in love with him.
By the Blue Moon, Book 1 Blue Moon Magic Series — Werewolf Erotica, Novella —Debi Wilder
Live your life By the Blue Moon. One father, Two mothers, Four siblings. One incredible story about that special night which changes them all… Forever.
NATHAN’S VOW (Search For Love series, Book 1), a Contemporary Romance by Karen Rose Smith
Nathan Bradley’s ex-wife disappeared with his daughters. Psychic Gillian Moore has a gift that could find them. Will Gillian and Nathan’s potent attraction be a roadblock that will prevent her gift from leading her to his children?
Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing U.S. Presidents.
Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:
Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Abraham Lincoln (What a bunch of hotties, am I right? ;))
Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link
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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of Valentine romance short story, Cupid’s Beau – What happens when a Cupid falls for her target? (ON SALE for only 99¢)
Want: Roosevelt. I mean, if he was unfaithful anyway, I might as well get in on the action, right? He was suave, handsome, and a great leader. I would feel guilty, though, because I adore Eleanor. (Not that I was born when they were in office, mind you, (side note: I might be old, but I wasn’t around when ANY of these presidents were in office) but I admire what I’ve heard about her, I love her quotes. I actually should read her book now that I think about it…)
Wed: Truman. He seemed like a good, caring man. I admire that he fought in World War I. He did make a tough, controversial decision to drop the bomb, but I think he did it with the best of intentions. It put an end to a war that would have cost no telling how many more Japanese and American lives. So…anyway, I think he was a great leader and he did a lot of other good things while in office.
Waste: Lincoln. As much as I admire and respect him, he gets the ‘waste’ mainly because of his lack of attractiveness. But also, had I lived in the Civil War days, I would have wanted to be a Scarlett-like Southern Belle (although, admittedly, I would be hard-pressed to compete with her in the 18-inch-waist arena) and no self-respecting Southern Belle would dare to be seen with a damn Yankee! (No offense to all my Yankee friends – But, we’d have been duking it out on the battlefield)
NOTE: Silver is offering a free digital copy of THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC (the prequel novella in the Penumbra Papers series) in the winner’s choice of formats. Drawing will be held next Tuesday, February 4th – Be sure to leave your email address with your comment for your chance to win!
Want: Lincoln. I mean, who wouldn’t want a president who can hunt vampires? Okay, seriously, the man had a way with words. And he’s taller than I am. And likes women with padding. Works for me!
Wed: Truman – The buck stops with him. And he’s not afraid to make the hard decisions. He’s also a decent man, and to me? There’s just something inherently sexy about decency and doing the right thing, even when it feels wrong at the time.
Waste: FDR – Eleanor can keep him. I have trouble with infidelity in political leaders. I’m just weird that way.
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Diane Burton, author of ONE RED SHOE – Wannabe writer rescues wounded spy while risking her heart. Website: www.dianeburton.com
Want: This is tough. Roosevelt, I guess. Handsome, debonair. Sure knew how to manipulate the media—they never showed him in his wheelchair or walking with crutches. Charismatic—if he hadn’t died, I’d bet he would have served more terms.
Wed: Hands down, Harry Truman. He took ownership of problems—the buck stops here. He made sure even MacArthur respected the office of president. His best quality? He was faithful to Bess all his life. Back home in Missouri, they lived like regular people. (Saw a replica of their kitchen at the presidential museum.)
Waste: Again, tough choice. I admire Lincoln for his stance on slavery and preserving the union. But I just can’t see wanting or wedding him.
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LYNDI LAMONT, author of TOVA’S DRAGON – An earth mage and a handsome dragonshifter team up to save the kingdom from an evil sorcerer. ON SALE for 40% off through Jan. 31 at http://www.lyndilamont.com/
Want: FDR, who was apparently charming, urbane, and sophisticated, but not a faithful husband. An affair with him would have been a fascinating glimpse into the world of American aristocracy and probably a lot of fun. No place for a blue collar girl like me in the long run though. Can you say misfit?
Wed: Lincoln has been one of my heroes since I was a kid. Despite his faults, he was a great man: smart, funny and a good husband and father. Marriage to him would have been ultimately tragic, though.
Waste: Truman, mainly because of his decision to drop the A-bomb, the 20th c. version of opening Pandora’s Box.
Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing talk show hosts.
Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:
Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman
Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link
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Me (Alicia Dean). FOUR different Ebooks on sale for a limited time from Amazon: 99¢ each! Lady in the Mist, Death Notice, Liberty Awakened, Liberty Divided. Click here for info and links: Alicia Dean Kindle Book Sale
Want: Johnny Carson. He was funny and adorable. Definitely the sexiest of the three. I think I would actually rather be married to him than David Letterman, but when I think of ‘want,’ Johnny definitely comes to mind before David. So, since I can’t Wed and Want Johnny, he gets the ‘want.’ (Who made up these stupid rules, anyway? J)
Wed: David Letterman. He’s not sexy at all, but he’s really funny. We would have a chaste marriage, but I would have a lot of laughs.
Waste: Jay Leno. He is NOT attractive, and I find him the least funny of the three. I’m SO glad Jimmy Fallon is taking over for him on Late Night. Now, talk about a ‘want’…
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Callie Hutton, author of An Angel in the Mail, Angel never wanted to be a mail order bride, but now she’s facing a stranger with five children. Website: www.calliehutton.com
Want: Johnny Carson, cause in his own way he’s ‘bad little boy’ sexy
Wed: Jay Leno, cause he’d always have me laughing
Waste: David Letterman. ::sigh:: It seems I wouldn’t need a reason, cause he really is a ‘waste.’
Want: Johnny Carson. I went to bed with this man every night for years and I still miss his particular brand of humor. I just wish he was still breathing.
Wed: Jay Leno. He’s rich, funny, has a garage full of really hot classic cars–what’s not to get cuddly over that pre-nup with?
Waste: David Letterman. Yeah. He is sooooo not my type. Snide, arrogant, and there’s nothing socially redeeming about him, IMO.
Want: David Letterman who has such an off-the-wall sense of humor. Though if I had my choice, it would be the adorable and equally off-the-wall Charleston dandy, Stephen Colbert. He’s such a hoot.
Wed: Jay Leno, who seems to be an all-around good guy. Plus have you seen his classic car collection? I’d love to go tooling up Pacific Coast Highway in a classic convertible with him some Sunday afternoon. I grew up with old cars and love them.
Waste: Johnny Carson, mostly because I’m not into necrophilia. 😉
GIVEAWAY!!! M.J. is offering a FREE copy of Trapped Under Ice to one lucky commenter! Name will be drawn Monday, January 6, 2014 – Be sure to leave your email address along with your comment.
Want: Okay, I’m going purely on looks here for the want. Johnny Carson is the most attractive of the three, although he’s much older than I am and I probably wouldn’t be interested, no offense. But if you’re going straight looks, Johnny’s my pick.
Wed: Well I can’t say Letterman, because I think it was rumored that he’s had affairs. I’ve never heard that about Leno, so I’ll stick with him.
Waste: Wow, that leaves me wasting Letterman, who I have no real desire to waste. Sometimes this game is cruel. …but I still LOVE it!
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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Talk Show Hosts would you Want, Wed, and Waste?
**** The first 5 people to share their WWW choices for this week in the comments will receive a #FREE Kindle copy of my Kindle Worlds story, ‘We All Fall Down’ – If you have the book or don’t watch the show, you can choose any of my other titles****
WANT: Chuck Bass. Oh my…I love that intense, broody, unpredictable thing he has going for him. I think marriage with him would be exhausting, but I would definitely enjoy that angsty, steamy, on again-off again thing he and Blair had going on. I adore bad boys, and I would enjoy our angry times almost as much as our ‘not angry’ times. And, think of the make up sex! I also love that he calls Nate Nathaniel. It’s a little thing, but it’s delightful for some reason. Lastly…can we say ‘limo scene’? Enough said. 🙂
WED: Nate Archibald. He’s gorgeous and sexy and funny. I think he’d make a better husband than Chuck, but hopefully, mine and Chuck’s thing could continue after the wedding. Nate was the inspiration for my bad boy vampire in the Isle of Fangs series. I just completely and totally adore him!
WASTE: Dan Humphrey. He’s a cutie, and I hate to waste him, but he’s the least appealing of the three, although, he’s definitely appealing. He’s a writer, and he’s sexy and the whole Lonely Boy thing makes him vulnerable and charming. I know poor Dan has been kicked around enough, but yes, I’m afraid, he would be the one to go, out of the three.
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Callie Hutton, author of Miss Merry’s Christmas ON SALE for ONLY 99¢ – The Duke of Penrose is not happy with Miss Meredith Chambers, the American governess his new wards have arrived with. He quickly replaces her, happy to have his unwanted attraction to the unsuitable woman behind him. Until his mother hires her as a companion…
(Callie graciously agreed to play along, even though she’s never seen the show :))
Want: Chuck Bass, cause I love a man in a suit (Alicia sent me pics of these guys).
Wed: Dan Humphrey, cause he looks cute, and why not marry a cutie?
Waste: Nate Archibald, only because he looks like someone I wouldn’t like.
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My daughter and GG fanatic, Lana Clary.
Want– Nate. He’s a mini Ian Somerhalder and ridiculously sexy. I’d give anything to run my fingers through that hair and look into those eyes. Oh…and of course we would have to re-create the entire Blair-Nate scene when they made love for the first time and Apologize by One Republic was playing (you thought I was going to say Nate-Serena scene on the bar….didn’t you??).
Waste– Dan. Sorry bro. You’re kind of whiny, a bit of a backstabber, you’re up against Nate and Chuck, and you’re a writer (no offense to anyone reading this….just doesn’t do it for me).
Wed– CHUCK. BASS. Yes please! Um – where do I start? Hot, sexy, gorgeous, smart, ambitious, rich, exciting, great sense of style, amazing in bed (yes, I do KNOW this for a fact…I have my sources), emotional enough to be cute and vulnerable but not whiny like Dan, mean, ruthless, charming, hot one-liners, deep sexy gaze, has been with Blair Waldorf whom I would also wed if she’d let me, rough…just enough……oh…..and…..he’s Chuck Bass.
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My sister and GG fanatic, Christi Perryman
Want-Chuck Bass -He is not the marrying kind, he is powerful, rich, gorgeous and wonderful! Who would not want this bad boy! But not the marrying kind.
Wed-Nate Archibald. I know the Archibalds have had their share of “issues” I would still proudly carry the Archibald name!! Nate is genuinely a good guy-I think he would be a loving and loyal husband. And ummmm, look at him…he is beautiful!
Waste-Dan, mostly because he is not athletic and therefore less manly in my opinion. I do not see the attraction to him and how he managed to get Serena, the hottest girl in the world??? I will never understand.
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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Sexy GG Guys would you Want, Wed, and Waste?
