Meet Secret Cravings author, Paloma Beck

Hi Paloma,

Thank you for joining us today. Please share your adventure with us

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? Writing, or something else?

A mother. I wanted to have a family to care for. I also considered becoming a teacher because I love to learn. Then in high school, I took a creative writing class and was sold on writing. Who wouldn’t have been? I had the author Wally Lamb as my teacher! I thought then that I would teach English-and write in my spare time-because it was a proper career. I planned to be the first in my family to go to college and I knew becoming an author was a longshot so I opted for the safety of a practical career. Years later when I actually fulfilled my dream of becoming a mother, the writer in me re-emerged.

 What inspired you to write your first book?

The book I consider my first book was actually the third book to be published. Coming Home was written over several drafts during 2010-2011. So many things inspired Coming Home. It has many pieces of me woven in that it feels like an extension of me. What finally inspired me to put the story to paper was getting a box full of old writing notebooks from my parents and realizing I had a dream to catch.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. I write full-time, using the time when my sons are in school to let my characters out to play. Though I allow my characters to lead their stories, I do have a general plan. Since writing is my career now, I go to my office five days-a-week… the office just happens to be in my home and I do on occasion work in pajamas! I schedule my time to complete business over coffee and then write at least until I hit my daily word count. Being able to write as a career is going back to the advice college professors give: find something you love to do and then find a way to get paid to do it.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

In my mind, I’ve always been a writer. Since high school, I’ve always had voices *characters* in my head trying to convince me to write their stories. Writing helped me cope with all that high school drama. But it wasn’t until I signed my first book contract that I considered myself an author. And even now, seeing my books being sold can make me pinch myself.

Do you have any advice for new writers beginning their adventure?

If you want to write, write. Don’t talk about it. Don’t think about it. Do it. Write with everything you have inside. Harness your emotion and drive it out through your words. Tell stories. Create characters. Just write. That’s all it takes to be a writer.

    

What book are you reading now?

I read at least three books-a-week, usually one on audio. I’m listening to Thea Harrison’s newest Elder Race book, Lord’s Fall. I’m reading Paula Quinn’s Children of the Mist series, working my way through her Highlanders. And boy, do I wish that was more literal than figurative!

 BLURB
Rachel Porter, a romance writer, has told her three sons tales of finding their true love since they were just boys.  She believes there is just one match for every person.  Now as men, they have yet to discover their soul mates.  That is, until they come home…
Ryan Porter, Rachel’s oldest son, needs a change from his busy city lifestyle.  After five years of living in New York and establishing his own real estate firm, something is still missing.  When a family tragedy brings Ryan back to his family’s rural home, he meets Tyra.  She just might be the catalyst for the change he needs, redirecting the course of his life; but first he has to accept his relationship with his parents and embrace Tyra’s secrets.

Links
SECRET CRAVINGS: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=456
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Coming-Home-ebook/dp/B00AHJDZ4M/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1
ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-cominghome-1011013-148.html

PG13 Coming Home excerpt

The woman with the fiery red hair tossed a look over towards Henry at the bar, then snuck a look at Ryan and back to Davis. She smiled—a shy smile through her lashes—and Ryan’s heart ramped up. He noticed the shorter brunette standing beside her when she said, “Next game, you’ve got the winner.

“I hope so,” Davis replied, “I do truly hope so.”

Ryan shook his head and blew out a laugh. How did Davis always pull it off so easily with women? One woman, Ryan could handle just fine—more than fine. But a group of women, no way, it felt like a swarm of bees were attacking him to even be in a room with so many women, gorgeous or not. And gorgeous was only the beginning when he checked out the ass on the fiery red head as she bent down to consider her next shot. She turned quickly at the sound of his laugh and the slap of the high-five he exchanged with Davis.

 

Caught. Her eyes jumped to Ryan and he gave her a sly grin when she raised her eyebrows at him. Not as broad as Davis, Ryan met his height at an even six feet. All of his brothers took after their father in their height. But it was Davis who looked most like their father with his darker coloring and chocolate brown eyes. Ryan and Henry had their mother’s lighter skin tone and green eyes. It was those green eyes that locked onto hers when she turned around. Yep, she was looking at him—not lover boy Davis.

Ryan definitely liked what he saw. She was tall, with legs that went on forever until they met with the sweet crossing he knew could bring this boy to his knees. As she bent over the pool table for her next shot, her ass stuck up into the air and swayed just slightly as if teasing him to inspect it further. Her entire body called to him. Shit, he hoped Davis had his sights on any other woman in that group because in his mind, he’d already laid claims on this one. And he wasn’t prepared to share. It had been a long time since he had a little harmless fun.

“Like old times, Ry, seems to me this night might be just like old times,” Davis said, bumping his shoulder when he noticed Ryan’s stare. “Knock it off. Quit the staring. You’re going to scare them away before I make our move.”

“I got news for you, Davis. I got moves of my own. It’s been a long time since I’ve needed you to pick up women for me.”

“Interesting. Hear that, Henry? Ryan says he’s got game,” Davis teased.

“Can’t wait to see this,” Henry snorted as he sat down at the table. They’d made up back in the bunk house but Henry was still sore. He knew how to hold a grudge, damn little shit. But Ryan knew just how to take his mind off his troubles tonight.

Ryan licked his lips, considering how much more interesting the night just got. He certainly liked what he saw and he knew she liked what she saw by the way her eyes roamed from his head to his toes. Ryan was dressed in an old pair of jeans that were tighter than the usual suit pants he wore and a tight black t-shirt he’d pulled out of his old dresser. He didn’t feel like himself but it felt good. Actually, maybe he felt more like himself than he had in awhile—the Ryan before his business became his life.

When Henry poured the beer out, Ryan grabbed up two glasses and headed straight for his target. Her eyes were glazed a bit, definitely looking down and he gave a little cough to catch her attention. Busted—guess they were even now. She blushed and it was beautiful—her flushed cheeks brightened her eyes, mesmerizing. When she reached out to take her beer and their fingers brushed, her hand shot back and some beer sloshed over the glass. Her soft feminine fragrance mixed in with the faint scent of the beer touched his nose and he took in a deeper breath to savor it.

She cleared her throat, seeming as taken in private thought as he was. “Thanks,” she said, giving him an intense stare while a smirk spread across her face right up to her gorgeous blue eyes, “So, you like my ass?”

Ryan swallowed back his surprise. She was forward…this was going to be fun. “Sure do,” he grinned, “And I’m pretty sure you like what you see too.”

Her look of surprise was priceless.

BIO

Paloma Beck is an erotic romance writer in both the contemporary and paranormal realms. Happily married and living a life of total contradiction, Paloma runs carpool service for her three sons and volunteers in PTA. Then in the moments when her characters talk to her, she journals their stories - and they are anything but PG. Paloma believes a daily dose of espresso and a good book make any day better.

BLOG:                                    http://RomanceBeckons.blogspot.com

WEBSITE:                             http://palomabeck.weebly.com

TWITTER:                             https://twitter.com/PalomaBeck

FACEBOOK:                        http://www.facebook.com/PalomaBeckAuthor

FACEBOOK PAGE:            http://www.facebook.com/thePorterBrothers 

GOODREADS:                    http://goodreads.com/PalomaBeck

AMAZON:                             http://www.amazon.com/Paloma-Beck

TUMBLR:                             http://palomabeck.tumblr.com/

PINTEREST:                       http://pinterest.com/PalomaBeck

Thank for sharing your journey today, Paloma, Here's wishing you many sales.

Jean

Meet Wild Rose Press author,. Mariah Lynne

Hello Mariah

Thank you for joining me. Tell us a little about your writing adventure.

What inspired you to write your first book?

 Writing has always been a part of my life whether it was the play I wrote in grammar school that my class performed, or being selected news editor of my high school paper. Many years later, I wrote weekly entertainment columns and reviews for both of our beach newspapers for over twelve years. I continued to write short stories for fun. Writing a book has always been a goal of mine. When the central character of the gypsy came to me one day, she inspired me to write THE LOVE GYPSY. Raya, the gypsy, is not only kind, but middle aged, beautiful and intelligent.  She does not profess to tell the future but is intuitive making her successful at helping her clients find a soul mate. Her talents do not stop there. She is a time traveler’s friend helping those from another time resolve a problem brought to the present. She does not consider herself a psychic but admits that she possesses the gift of her ancestors. Her primary goal is to find true love for those who don’t expect it. As a beautiful young police detective tricked into visiting her says, she’s “ not like anything I expected.”

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? Writing, or something else?

 I always had a vivid imagination. Sometimes, I’m sure my mother thought too vivid. I held tea parties for my dolls and pets and acted out careers that captured my interest. The first was a ballerina. I danced at home struggling to stay on my toes but my chubby feet were too flat to get into proper toe shoes. I was upset when the dance instructor told my mother that I should settle for tap dancing which is wonderful in its own right but her statement just crushed me so I decided on piano lessons instead. Then I thought I’d become an astronaut. I would feign illness to stay home from school and watch the manned space launches on TV. I loved to pretend I was walking on another planet. As I got older I and learned about how our government worked, I was so impressed I thought I’d like to run for office. I would write speeches and practice them using a spoon for a mike but my favorite thing to do was to make up stories… not lies but stories about a doll, my dog and repeat the silly things to anyone who’d listen. I loved telling stories and those stories led me to writing just for fun. Now that I’m older and wiser I understand how difficult it is to tell that story in an interesting and fun way. As a writer, I understand that I must continually learn about the craft that is our passion and improve with each effort.

Do you belong to any non-writing organizations?

Yes. I am a member of a no-kill animal shelter. I had the privilege of serving on their board of directors for three years. I resigned when Hurricane Charley (a category four storm) hit our area. I felt that I had too much at home to take care of to do a good job for them. I am also a member of Ostego Bay Foundation, a marine science center that is a valued part of our island community. The foundation promotes the conservation of our fragile marine eco-system, instructs school-age children about our sea life, while maintaining a separate oil spill co-op for our section of the Gulf of Mexico. They provide tours of the docks central to our shrimping industry and operate an educational day camp for youngsters. I’m a licensed real estate broker so I belong to our local Board of Realtors. Of course I am a member of Romance Writers of America and the Southwest Florida Romance Writers. We have an active and wonderful chapter. Members encourage new writers and the chapter actively provides professional training.

Have you ever traveled to a place and come away with a story unexpectedly?

Yes, but it came to me years later. I am writing a sequel to The Love Gypsy involving an English Duchess from the 17^th century who comes to the present. I visited some friends in Derbyshire, England several years ago. We visited Chatsworth, the lovely royal estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Walking through the massive hallways filled with antiques and original books by Audubon, my imagination became captivated by this lavish yet elegant lifestyle. The rooms were filled with lovely period furniture and silver pieces. The manicured grounds and gardens cover 105 acres. Remembering that lovely estate while curious about its past residents definitely influenced my newest time travel romance.

 

If you could time travel back, or forward, for one day, where would it be and why?

I love the idea of time travel. How wonderful to be able to peek at our future, visit ancient civilizations or witness history in the making. If I had only one day to travel, I would visit ancient Egypt during the construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza. Quite an amazing feat considering how they had to drag and cut the stones to fit as tightly as possible. I read that the Great Pyramid at Giza took 10-20 years to construct so I would visit when it was almost complete.

Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.

I’m going to preface my first fun fact, my interest in volcanoes, with the fact that I do not like to see any one harmed or any property destroyed. I live in Southwest Florida and am aware of the destruction a strong storm or natural disaster can cause. I am fascinated by how volcanoes work, what makes them erupt. I am not a scientist but enjoy reading about them as well as watching TV shows on the history channel or National Geographic. My husband attributes this quirky obsession to the fact that my family came to the US from Naples, Italy near Mt. Vesuvius. I’ve visited Naples and Pompei and was amazed by how the lava preserved history in the structures and wall paintings. We flew over Kilauea (Hawaii) in a helicopter while it was erupting. Wearing headphones, we listened to classical music as red hot lava flowed into the Pacific Ocean. My fifth grade geography project was a clay model of the Icelandic volcano that erupted a few year ago. We visited Iceland last summer, enjoying her beautiful scenery of contrasting black volcanic rocks, clear waterfalls and green fields.

The second fun fact, which you probably figured out by now, is that I love to travel. Of course I have to do it around our work schedules and within our budget. We try to visit a different place each year whether it’s our national parks or if time allows another country. Traveling teaches us about other cultures and history as well as having an opportunity to view incredible scenery. We hope to tour New Zealand some day.

 My talented dog is the third fun fact. A shelter adoptee named Max, he does a magic show in which he can decipher a brown cookie from a white one and a red one from a tan one besides other slight of hand. Remember, dogs are colorblind. Even at ten, he still loves to perform.

Bio

            Mariah Lynne always had writing on her radar but it took her a while to get there. Growing up in New Jersey, she graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in English education. After teaching junior high for two years, she went to work for a small daily paper as a copy- reader in the newsroom. She and her husband decided to move to a Florida Gulf coast island while they were still young enough to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. Jobs were scarce on their island so they each went into business. Mariah opened a video and home entertainment center. She was active in her national trade association serving as a regional chapter president for six years. During that time, she wrote weekly entertainment columns and reviews for two of the island’s newspapers. She also freelanced, ghostwriting autobiographies of successful Realtors for a national yearbook.

She loves where she lives and enjoys watching the dolphin and manatees frolic in the lagoon behind the island home she shares with her husband and ten year old shelter adoptee Max. THE LOVE GYPSY published by The Wild Rose Press, a time travel romance, is her first book.

THE LOVE GYPSY

BLURB:  

Florida homicide detective Brianna Breeze can’t seem to catch a man unless she handcuffs him. So her best friend decides to take matters into her own hands and tricks Brianna into seeing the Love Gypsy, a time traveler’s friend noted for her extraordinary matchmaking skills.

When a tall, muscular man wearing jeans, a black leather jacket, and slicked-back 50s hair bursts in on her first visit, Brianna is bewitched. Despite the gypsy’s warning not to get involved with him, Brianna can’t get him out of her mind—even though she, more than anyone, knows the pitfalls of romancing a stranger.

A present-day murder, a mysterious vintage car registered in the distant past, and a smoking gun complicate the puzzle. Brianna doesn’t know if her lover from the past is a murderer, or a savior, but she’s willing to risk time travel to find out.

EXCERPT:

            “Hey lady,” he whispered. “You’re some kind of knockout. I heard you tell Raya that you’re a cop. Where would you hide a concealed weapon in that dress?”

  

WEBSITE: MARIAHLYNNE.COM

Email:MariahLynneAuthor@yahoo.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mariah-Lynne/295721153858612

BUY LINK:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=177_139&products_id=4917   

or Download The Love Gypsy

Thank you for sharing your adventure today, Mariah. Here's wishing you many sales.

Jean

Meet multi-published author Linda Nightingale

Hi Linda, and welcome. Please tell us a little about your writing adventure.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? 

When I signed the contract for GEMINI RISING, which was released in print by Double Dragon Publishing, Inc.  The Wild Rose Press published Black Swan, a vampire short story, earlier in ebook, but I wanted to hold my book in my hands.  The day my book arrived I felt as if I were holding my new born child!

How many books have you written? 

I’ve written six:  2 vampire; 2 fallen angel and one about the horsy set—and then there is Gemini Rising—my first book released in print, by Dragon Publishing, Inc.  (Tag line:  Forbidden love.  One man...one woman—one heart, one soul—only together can they be complete.)  In August of 2013, my paranormal romance, Sinners’ Opera, will be released by Double Dragon as well.

Which is your favourite? 

Each one of them is my favourite when I’m writing it.  It’s difficult to decide between I, LUCIFER, a dark fantasy, and SINNERS’ OPERA, the book of my heart.  My favourite hero is in Sinners’ Opera.  His name is Morgan D’Arcy.  He’s a concert pianist, an English lord and a vampire.

In which genre do you prefer to write and why? 

I write paranormal romance and dark fantasy.  Gemini Rising and I, Lucifer are both dark fantasies.  I write these two genres (which aren’t that dissimilar) because I love the extraordinary.  My heroes are usually the paranormal element in my stories.  I have only written one romance novel, GAMBLER’S CHOICE, where the hero was a normal, human man!

Can you give us some details about your upcoming release/s? 

I mentioned Sinners’ Opera already, but here’s the short synopsis:

For centuries, Morgan D’Arcy has cherished a dream—a race of immortal crossbreeds possessing vampire strength and human morals.  Ambition is not his only motivation.  Love is.  When Isabeau, his chosen bride, was a child, he appeared to her as an angel and watched over her.  As the Angel Gabriel predicted, Isabeau is now a brilliant geneticist.  She has come of age, and Morgan is ready to marry her.  However, many forces oppose them, not the least of which is Vampyre law.  Mating between the human and Vampyre is prohibited.  The offspring or DarkeChildren carry a dangerous gene that causes them to go insane at puberty.

An enemy from Morgan's distant past is stalking him. Paul D'Alembert seeks eye-for-an-eye justice, intending to kill Isabeau as once Morgan killed his beloved.   In fact, his enemies are rapidly closing in on them.  Will Morgan have time and an opportunity to make his dream come true—to sire a child on Isabeau?  Will he outsmart his enemies, protect her and escape death himself?  For the first time in eternity, the clock is ticking.

In January of 2014, DDP will release CARDINAL DESIRES, another vampire paranormal.  Here’s the quick synopsis of Cardinal:

How can Katy McCaully resist Sterling Fox?  At fifteen, she fell in love with a man in a painting, and he looks exactly like that Novgorodian knight.  Even though he's got the keys to her chemistry set, she mustn't succumb to his charms.  She's a forensic psychiatrist working with Scotland Yard.  He's a high-profile journalist who invades the underworld for a story or broadcasts live at the scene of the world's worst tragedies.  Police and media do not mix.  They are both trying to capture the same animalistic killer whom newspapers have dubbed The Vampire Slayer.  Modern London doesn't know that the Slayer has also killed four vampires.  Katy doesn't know that Sterling is a vampire until too late—after she's fallen in love with him.

When you are not writing, what are your hobbies, passions, etc?

I am a sports car enthusiast.  I like to participate in car events.  In fact, I went on a Texas Hill Country drive (snaky little curves) recently  I also enjoy symphony, theatre, reading, piano and movies.  Though I don’t own horses now, I will always love them.  For 13 years I bred, trained and showed the magnificent Andalusian horses.

What historical person would you want to meet and why? 

Edward VIII.  He is such a romantic persona.  He abdicated the throne to marry “the woman he loved.”  Though he probably isn’t the epitome of the romance hero, I’d love to meet him—not to mention he was handsome, blond and blue-eyed—my fave!  If I did meet him, I couldn’t wear heels.  He was only 5’7.

Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.

My favourite cocktail is Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic with a twist of lime.

I love to wear wigs because I hate my baby-fine hair.

My horse laid his ears flat for relief when I sang to him.

My stallion Bonito was my soul mate, I think.

And that’s four, so the fifth fact is:  I can’t count!

Born in South Carolina, Linda has lived in England, Canada, Miami, Atlanta and Houston.  She’s seen a lot of the US from the windshield of a truck pulling a horse trailer, having bred, trained and showed Andalusian horses for thirteen years.

With Cardinal Desires, a vampire paranormal to be released in 2013 by Double Dragon Publishing, Linda won the Georgia Romance Writers Magnolia Award.  She works in the legal field and has two wonderful sons.  She loves Andalusian and Lusitano horses, her snappy little sports car and her parlor grand piano.  Visit her at http://www.lindanightingale.com for a free vampire story starring her favorite hero Morgan D’Arcy.

Also, check out Black Swan, a spicy vampire story, available from The Wild Rose Press.

Thank you for joining us today. Here's wishing you many sales

Jean

Up, up and away…

 My blogging guest went AWOL this week. I hope she's OK. So I hope you will forgive the break in interviews and a little self-promotion. Interviews resume next week. But this author had her own adventure many years ago and couldn’t resist turning into a book.

* * * *

My husband went to a great deal of trouble to wrap my Christmas present.

A massive box, but not too heavy, all wrapped up in festive paper. When I opened the box, inside was another box, also wrapped in Christmas paper. And, yes, you guessed it, inside there was another, then another, and another, right on down to an…

 

…envelope.

Inside there was a ticket for something I had always wanted to do—take a flight in a hot-air balloon.

I’d often seen them floating gracefully over the hills and dreamed of taking a ride in one. Now I could.

On a Sunday morning about two weeks later, I took that ride and it was truly magical. Several weeks after that A MAN LIKE SAXON became the first twinkle in my eye.

I wasn’t a scaredy-cat like my heroine, (she has good reason to be), but I have to admit to a few moments of trepidation mixed with the excitement as we approached the launch-site on the cold, but windless, dark morning.

I’ll let my characters take over the story from here.

EXCERPT

     
       “I’ve got a surprise for you.”  Saxon sounded excited.

Danielle frowned and propped herself up on one elbow. “A surprise?

“You’re going to love it.”

“What kind of surprise? It’s the middle of the night.”

“It’s just after five. It’ll be light in an hour.” Still beaming from ear to ear, he indicated a glass of orange juice on the nightstand. “I’m taking you up in the balloon.”

The smile froze on her lips as terror took hold. Her stomach knotted. The balloon! Dear God, no.

       She tried to swallow, but nothing happened. They had shared a wonderful two weeks of fun, laughter, and lovemaking, and now she could see it all ending with them plummeting to earth in a ball of fiery nylon.

“Now?” was all she managed to squeak through her closed throat.

“Best time of day.”

       Did he have to keep grinning like a dog with two tails? She pulled the bedclothes around her body in a futile attempt at protection.
       “This is a joke, right? It’s pitch dark out there.”

       Saxon laughed. “It’ll be light by the time we’ve had breakfast and driven to the Eastons.”
       “David and Susan’s?” she croaked inanely. “What have they got to do with it?”

       “They and some of the crew helped me set this up. It may be the only chance I’ll have to take you up ‘til filming’s done. By then, the weather will probably have packed in.”

Everything fell into place. The covert conversation last night that ended abruptly when she appeared. They had been setting up her “surprise”. The phone calls downstairs just now. Probably to the Met Office, then to David.

Bile rose in her throat. Saxon had misinterpreted her idle curiosity about ballooning as interest. Why hadn’t she kept her big mouth shut?

“Let me get this right,” she choked. “David and Susan, and some of the crew, got up early on a Sunday morning especially so you could take me up in the balloon?”

His grin refused to be shaken. “Yeah. Terrific of them, huh?”

“Terrific,” she repeated miserably, her heart racing. The thought of going up there made her feel sick, but they’d all gone to a lot of trouble to do this for her, given up part of their one day off in the week.

He inclined his head at the nightstand. “Drink your juice. I’ll get breakfast while you dress. Warm clothing. It can get pretty darned cold up there. We have just over a half hour.”

To live? “Until?”

       “Until we have to leave.” He started for the door, then turned to face her. “Scrambled eggs okay?”

       The eggs would probably end up a lot more scrambled if she tried to force them down her throat. She stared after him in wide-eyed disbelief as he went out the door.




Nothing to do with the book but I couldn't resist the picture

Was this the divine retribution she’d been waiting for after all?

If you want to find out what happens next, A MAN LIKE SAXON is free on Kindle this weekend (Nov 10/11).

What follows is an almost verbatim account of what happened on my balloon flight, from arrival at the launch site, to the champagne breakfast afterwards, (good thing I kept all the notes). The only difference is that we were eight passengers and the pilot, rather than just one.

Until next time

Jean



Meet Celtic Hearts member, Mary Gillgannon

Hi Mary, and welcome to Adventures in Auhorland. Please share your writing adventure with us.

Have you ever traveled to a place and come away with a story unexpectedly?

The idea for The Dragon Bard came to on my first trip to Ireland. On the last leg of the trip we went to County Antrim, which is in the far northeast coast of the island. From the shore there, you can almost see all the way across the Irish Sea to Scotland. When the previous book in the series, The Dragon Prince, ended, the hero’s brother Bridei was on his way north to what is now Scotland. Gazing across the water on the coast in County Antrim, I suddenly knew that in his book Bridei wasn’t going to stay in Scotland, but end up in Ireland. And as I observed the lush countryside of northern Ireland, I imagined a beautiful Irish queen fighting to hold on to her lands and the idea for the story of The Dragon Bard was born.

Can you give us some details of your latest release?

As The Dragon Bard begins, my hero Bridei is lying shackled on a slavers’ boat as it crosses the Irish Sea. The boat eventually ends up in territory of the Queen Dessia of the Fionnlairaos in northeast Ireland. Queen Dessia is young and beautiful and desperate. Her whole family was killed years before and she has spent her life since recapturing the lands her father once held and regaining her heritage. Her harsh life has made her suspicious and driven, and when she meets Bridei and he tries to charm her with his singing, she is immediately wary. She suspects this handsome bard has the means to undermine everything she’s worked so hard for. Thus begins a clash of wits and wills, as Bridei seeks to seduce the distrustful queen and Dessia tries to resist.  Over the course of the book, both of them will have to confront what they fear most and discover what truly makes life worth living. Not surprisingly, because it’s a romance, they discover that love might be the most important thing of all.

How many books have you written? What’s your favorite?

I’ve published thirteen books and have completed four others, so it’s pretty tough to pick a favorite. But I do love The Dragon Bard, which is the fourth book in my Dragon of the Island series. The first book in the series was my first published book and featured my first (fictional) hero, Maelgwn the Great. In The Dragon Bard, Maelgwn makes a brief appearance at the end and it was very satisfying to show him as an older man and reveal his growth as a character.

I also love the hero in Bard, Bridei ap Maelgwn, because he’s a different sort of hero. He’s a poet and a musician rather than a warrior and he uses his wits, his talent and his charm to make his way in life. He’s also very cynical and rather bitter, although he hides that beneath a façade of devil-may-care. It’s the vulnerable aspects of my heroes that really intrigue me and although he conceals it well, Bridei is pretty wounded. He also undergoes probably the most dramatic character growth of any of my heroes, going from a detached, rather selfish outlook on life to finally risking everything for love.

What place inspires you the most?

Although I live in Wyoming, land of cowboys and wide open spaces, almost all my books have been set in the British Islands. Due to some sort of ancestral memory, misty forests, hidden glens and rocky hillsides are where I feel most at home and that’s the landscape where a lot of my books are set. They also take place in the past. I took my heroine all the way back to the Bronze Age in one of my unpublished books and the Dragon of the Island series is set in the time of King Arthur. (Arthur plays a big part in the third book, The Dragon Prince.)  I’m currently working on a time travel where the hero visits modern day Denver. But since the set-up of the story happens in the 9^th century, even that one has ties to the past.   

   

What inspired you to write your first book?

I’d always been a voracious reader and secretly harbored the dream of someday writing a novel. But I was too insecure and intimidated to attempt writing fiction until two things happened:  1) I had emergency back surgery and that forced me to consider the possibility of dying and I began to think about what I’d most regret if I did die (besides leaving behind my children).  2) I started working in a library where I realized people weren’t mostly reading great works of literature, but simply stories. Once I knew I just had to write a book before I died, and I got past the idea that you had to be as talented as Fitzgerald or Faulkner to write a novel, I decided to give it a try. Since I had small children and very little free time, I wrote in longhand on my breaks at work and any other chance I had. I told all my co-workers what I was doing, thinking that way I’d be embarrassed if I didn’t finish the book. As I wrote, I fell in love with the creative process. Having my characters “come to life” before my eyes was exhilarating. I was hooked. When I finished the book, I had one of my co-workers read it and she said it was pretty good and I should try to get it published. And so I did, and somehow, magically, it was and I was on my way.

Do you have any advice for new writers beginning their adventure?

I’ve been writing for almost twenty years and my career has had a lot of ups and downs. In this business, persistence and pure stubbornness are probably as important as talent. And you have to love it. The thrill of having characters and worlds come to life before your eyes has to be there, or it’s going to be very difficult to keep at it through the rough times. Put your heart and soul into your books and readers will respond to that. Your passion for your story does come through on the page.

Excerpt from The Dragon Bard

At last Dessia could see the visitor’s face, and it was as fine and comely as she’d expected. He wore only the hint of a beard, a dusky down outlining the square shape of his jaw. His nose was straight and narrow, his mouth, full and sensual. And his eyes—by the gods—it seemed unfair that a man should possess such amazing violet blue eyes, surrounded by thick, black lashes.

Shaking off such thoughts, Dessia forced herself to meet the visitor’s gaze. “Who are you?” she asked.

The man bowed low and then straightened, his movement as graceful as a cat’s. His dazzling eyes glinted with warmth. “I’m Bridei ap Maelgwn, lately of Britain, although I have lived many places.  I play the harp and musical pipe. I compose poems, sing songs and recite a hundred different tales. I can write Latin and a little Greek, decipher runes and tally accounts. I would be a most useful and entertaining addition to your household, Queen Dessia. In exchange for my services I would ask only that you provide me with a small chamber of my own, food and drink such as you give your warriors, and the freedom to come and go as I please.”

As he finished his speech, Bridei felt rather startled by what he’d just said. He’d intended to entreat Queen Dessia to help him return to Britain. But somehow, at the last moment, different words had formed on his tongue. Why had he offered to serve her? Was it simply a response to her remarkable beauty? For Queen Dessia was stunning. Masses of dark red hair cloaked her tall, voluptuous form. Her face was a pale, delicate oval, set with gleaming jewel-green eyes and a lush coral mouth. She was a goddess. As bold and magnificent as Epona, lady of horses. As radiant as Arianrhod, queen of the moon and stars. Merely looking at her made Bridei’s loins grow tight.

Queen Dessia shifted her body and licked her lips. At last, she said, “You appear far too young to possess the skills you boast of. And you haven’t told me how you came to be here. My man, Keenan…” She motioned to the warrior who’d escorted him there, making Bridei feel a sudden surge of jealousy. “He says you were wearing slave chains when he found you.” Her green eyes narrowed. “You’ve been brought to Eire against your will. Why would you choose to stay here rather than returning to your homeland?”

He made his expression sorrowful. “If you haven’t heard, there was a great battle in my homeland last summer. Our brave, valiant leader, Arthur ap Uther, was defeated and killed by the Saxons. Fighting at his side was my older brother Rhun.” He hung his head dramatically. “I’m still mourning my loss. While the remainder of my family yet live in the mountain kingdom of Gwynedd, I haven’t the heart to visit them. I can’t bear to look upon my father’s face and tell him that his eldest son is dead.”

He slowly raised his gaze and assessed the effect of his words. She looked stricken, as if he had been speaking of her family rather than his own. Pain creased her fair brow and her mouth trembled. He quickly bent his head again, repressing a smile of satisfaction.

He waited a moment, then sighed deeply and once more looked into her eyes. “Call me a coward, if you will, but I am weary of the war and fighting that has torn apart my homeland. I seek a place of refuge, and this lovely bit of land, bordered by the wild sea, warmed by a gentle sun and blessed with soft, sweet rain, seems the perfect place to mend my spirits.”

A sheen of tears glazed her green eyes, reminding him of sunlight shining upon a still forest pool. She looked so tender and sweet…and young. He could see the wounded girl she’d been, only partially hidden beneath the trappings of the proud queen. She could still weep over loss and injustice. In a moment, she would agree to let him stay in her household. Then he need only offer a few more soulful looks and touching tales and she would eagerly welcome him into her bed.

But even as he considered the splendor of this prize, he couldn’t help wondering what he had done—offering up his freedom, his independence, to serve this exquisite young queen. He glanced down at his hands and saw the pale reddish lines marking the place where the iron fetters had encircled his wrists. Those shackles were gone, but it felt as if they had been replaced by other, invisible and yet more powerful, bonds.

Bio:

I am fascinated by history, as well as Celtic myth and legend. These interests inspire and enrich most of my books, both historical romance and historical fantasy. Raised in the Midwest, I currently live in Wyoming with my husband, four cats and a dog. I work in the local public library and have two grown children. Besides writing, I enjoy gardening, travel and reading, of course! 

For more about my books and me, visit my website http://marygillgannon.com or check out my blog: http://marygillgannon.blogspot.com.

Thank you for joining us today, Mary. Here's wishing you many sales.

Jean

Meet Wild Rose Press author Gail MacMillan

Hi Gail, and thank you for joining me today. Tell us a little about yourself and your writing adventure.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Let’s just say, I’ve never considered being anything else.  Maybe I have a writer gene somewhere in my DNA.  I must have.  Otherwise, over the years, with setback and rejections, a 9 to 5 office job, getting a university degree, and raising a family, I probably would have given up. 

Do you see writing as a career?

A career?  Not really.  I see it as a journey, sometimes smooth, often bumpy, always challenging.  Where publishing is concerned, writing can be frustrating and discouraging but never in the actual creative process of putting words to computer (or paper).  Those moments of actually making a story are magic, a writer’s raison d’etre.

  How many books have you written?

 HOLDING OFF FOR A HERO will be number twenty-six. 

Which is your favourite?

HOLDING OFF  FOR A HERO published by The Wild Rose October 19,  is my current favourite but, then, each and every one of my books has been and will remain special to me. It’s like asking which is a favourite child, isn’t it?  Our books are our babies and their growing up and going out into the world doesn’t make them any less precious.

Can you give us some details about your upcoming release/s?

In September, 2010, my book GHOST OF WINTERS PAST came out from the Wild Rose in both e-book and paperback.  It’s in the romantic suspense genre and set in a snowmobile lodge in northeastern New Brunswick.  If you love a good mystery complete with a First Nations ghost and an amazing Malamute sled dog with a sense of humor as comic relief, I know you’ll enjoy “Ghost”.

 

October 19, 2012, my romantic comedy was published by the Wild Rose both in e-book and paperback.  I had a lot of fun writing this book with my Pug Bruiser as cover guy and hero.

Coming from the Wild Rose in 2013 will be a contemporary romance with lots of suspense entitled ROGUE’S REVENGE.  I’m not certain what genre this actually falls into.  It does have elements of mystery.

Who are some of your favourite authors?

I love the Victorian classic novels of Austen, Collins, Dickens, the Brontes, and Harding but I’m also a big fan of mysteries beginning with Agatha Christie and Josephine Tey to such present day writers as Rhys Bowen, Maureen Jennings, Sue Owens Wright, and M. C. Beaton.

When you are not writing, what are your hobbies, passions, etc?

First of all, in the passion department there’s my husband and children.  Following on their heels are my dogs.  I’ve written four dog books, two of them award winners.  I love spending time outdoors with the dogs.  I have retrievers and a Pug  (the hero of HOLDING OFF FOR A HERO).  They’re the ultimate exercise machines...their walks cannot be denied.

Excerpt from HOLDING OFF FOR A HERO

She floored the gas, and they took off with a squealing of tires.

   “Hey, hey!” he yelled. “Slow down! The speed limit is 100 km. You’re heading to 130!”

   “Look, I told you, I’m in a hurry!” she exploded. “I’ve got a ton of things to do back at the cabin. You see,” she continued, quieting and sounding sly, “I’m having a party tonight. I have to get ready.”

   “A party? You’re having a party? At the lake?” Ah, man, that just about tears it.

   “Actually, a bachelorette bash. One of my teacher friends is getting married next week, and a bunch of us decided we’d give her a real whing-ding of a sendoff…up at my cabin where there’ll be no witnesses. Teachers and the likes of myself have reputations to think of, you realize.” She cast him a wicked glance.

   “So there’ll be music and a lot of noise and…”

   The Professor’s blood pressure would skyrocket when he gave him this information.

   “Oh, y-e-a-h.” She dragged out the last word.

   “Couldn’t you have it somewhere else? Like a male strip joint in town?”

   “Didn’t you hear what I just said about teachers and others of that ilk? We can’t be seen parading into one of those places. Our superintendent would suspend every last one of us. Anyway…” She looked over at him. “I don’t see why it should be such a big deal for you. You don’t have to keep banker’s hours. If the noise bothers you, stay up, watch a video, and sleep in on Sunday morning.”

   “Okay, okay, but will you please keep your eyes on the road? And slow down! There’s a speed trap somewhere along…”

   Behind them a siren wailed.

   “Quick!” she ordered, pulling over as the police cruiser rolled alongside. “Hunch over and clutch your chest.”

Three time Maxwell Medal winning author, Gail MacMillan is a graduate of Queen’s University and author of twenty-six published books.  Her articles and short stories have appeared in magazines across North America and in Western Europe.  Gail lives in Bathurst, New Brunswick with her husband and two dogs, Fancy a Little River Duck Dog and Bruiser a Pug who is the hero of her latest book HOLDING OFF FOR A HERO and its cover model.

Thanks for joining me today, Gail. Here’s wishing you many sales

Jean