Angela likes the happy-ever-after ending

Welcome Angela. Make yourself comfortable and tell us about your adventure.

Thanks so much, Jean, for inviting me to Adventures in Authorland. 

In which genre do you prefer to write and why?

My philosophy has always been write what you like to read.  If another genre is recommended to me, I’ll read it.  But at the library, bookstore and Amazon, I’m looking at the romance listing.  I like the happy ever after ending.  I’ve watched soap operas for years, so writing romance with twists and turns, but the eventual happy ever after ending just seems natural.

Can you give us some details about your current release?

Magic Moment started about four years ago.  I already had the idea for a hero who goes through life believing he has to be the type of person others want him to be, rather than the person he wants to be.  Chase Donovan is a man who grew up torn between a self-centered, unprincipled father and compassionate, selfless mother.

Then, a colleague of mine, who has children, said she wished that her family could live on just her husband’s income and that she didn’t have to work.  She said since she had to have a full-time job, she had missed out on some important milestones in her kids’ lives.  For example, her oldest daughter took her first steps in day care.  She said she didn’t need a career.  She would be happy just being a volunteer lunch mom at her daughters’ school and going to PTA meetings.      

Some of our colleagues scoffed.  I couldn’t see anything wrong with this woman’s feelings.  That’s how I thought of the character of Laura Roberts, a woman who never aspired for a high-power career, but a simple, unpretentious life as a wife and mother.

The idea of bringing the FBI into their lives, and sending the couple on the run, I needed those twists and turns.  I’ve watched television police dramas and soap operas since I was ten-years-old and the most successful romances, the most interesting storylines, were the ones littered with suspense.

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

I read.  I listen to a lot of Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi.  And, baseball.  Or more specifically, my Philadelphia Phillies.  During Baseball season, I even have the radio on, listening to a Phillies’ game, while I’m working on my writing. 

What place inspires you the most?

Places where I lived.  I live in Philadelphia, have spent summers at the New Jersey shore, and went to college in Vermont.  It’s not so much being inspired, but writing about what I know and where I’ve been.  The fictional towns of Magic Lake, where Chase docks his boat, and Sea Tower, where the couple take refuge, are blends of Cape May, New Jersey and Montpelier, Vermont where I went to college.

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

I’m not comfortable giving advice, as in saying to others “you should do this,” but I can tell you what it’s been like for me.  I always keep my mind open to whatever comments others have to make.  I love feedback.   If I think a critic’s advice makes sense, I’ll follow suggestions. 

Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

I’m very sentimental.  Anything that touches my heart brings tears to my eyes – whether it’s being sad over a tragedy reported on CNN, or hearing O, Holy Night at Christmas, or even being excited for the Phillies’ Roy Halladay as he pitched his perfect game.  But as for movies…a couple of weeks ago, I caught a snippet of The Way We Were.  Although I’ve seen that movie at least a dozen times, the end where Barbara Streisand sweeps a wisp of hair from Robert Redford’s forehead then embraces him, always has me reaching for the tissues. 

Blurb:

When the FBI brings Laura Roberts – a quiet, reserved bookkeeper– in for questioning regarding activities at the warehouse where she works, an uneasy Laura resigns her job – only to be attacked by thugs.

Chase Donovan intends to spend a few peaceful days on his boat getting his head together – and finds a woman being assaulted by two men who say his father told them to do it.

Chase doesn’t want to believe his father could hurt anyone. Laura doesn’t understand why she’s a target. Can they learn to work together to discover the truth – before someone dies?

Excerpt:

As she opened the cabin door, a pleasant, tangy sea breeze tickled her senses. Stiff limbs hindered her movements, but she climbed the stairs to  the deck. The sun blazed in the clear blue sky. The boat teetered, alone, in a vast mass of water. A brisk chill nipped the air, and Laura hugged herself.

“Chase,” she called. No answer. She called his name again, this time her voice having an edge.

He wasn’t in the wheelhouse. She darted back down the stairs. If he had been moving around in the bathroom or “head” as he had called it, she would have heard him.

“Chase.” Panic gripped her. “Chase.”

Her heart pounding, she ran through the narrow corridor and stopped dead in the eating area. Propped up on the stool, he was asleep at the bar with a half-filled liquor bottle and an empty glass. His head rested on folded arms, his breathing deep. A laptop was also on the bar. The monitor was dark, but the yellow light blinked. Laura hit the space bar and print appeared on the screen. Several windows had been minimized.

Clicking on one minimized window, she skimmed the on-screen print and gasped, amazed at the words she read. She clicked another window and saw a search engine page. Chase had been reading articles on women who had been assaulted. Her eyes scanned the list of titles. He had wanted to understand, wanted to know how he could help her. From what she had observed of Chase in the last three years, she never guessed he had this sensitive, compassionate side to his personality. Her perception of Chase had been that of a friendly, but overindulged, self-absorbed playboy.

Who would have guessed?

Bio:

Angela Adams writes and reviews contemporary romances. Her work has appeared in Romance at Heart, Oysters and Chocolate, and The Long and Short Reviews. In December 2011, Whimsical Publications published an anthology, Winter Wonders. Ms. Adams’ short story “Burgers and Hot Chocolate,” was among the collection.

Buying Details:

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Moment-ebook/dp/B0096D6XDA/ref=sr-1-1?D=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348280326&sr=1-1&keywords=Magic+Moment+by+Angela+Adams

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/magic-moment-angela-adams/113004656?ean=9781440554940

All Romance ebooks

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-magicmoment-995887-237.html 

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/magic-moment/id559862434?mt=11

Books-A-Million

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Magic-Moment/Angela-Adams/9781440554940?id=5387281849566

Journey beyond the stars with SE Gilchrist

 Hello SE, and welcome to Adventures in Authorland. Please get comfortable and tell us about your adventure/

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I believe this occurred when I decided to take my writing seriously but I wasn’t sure I would ‘make’ it so deep down inside, I didn’t really believe I was a real writer. In January 2009 I made a commitment to take my passion seriously so I took my first on-line course, the RWA Bootcamp 109 and followed that up by my first attendance at the RWA conference, that year held in Brisbane. Seriously, these two events changed my life.

Suddenly, I was in contact with like-minded people, some of whom were like me, on the threshold of their writing journey, others were established writers with years of experience and achievements and of course, there was everyone in between.

And what was so wonderful at that conference, was that everyone said to me: If you write, you are a writer.’

 How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

I’ve written about eleven books/stories but my early attempts will never see the light of day. Hard to choose my favourite as I have a tendency to fall for each hero when I am writing that particular story then when I move onto the next one, I fall for him (see how fickle I am?). But since I have to pick, it would have to be Legend Beyond the Stars. This book encompassed a lot of firsts for me. I wrote my first sex/love scene (thank you so very much to the encouragement of the ladies of Bootcamp 109). It was the first single title I’d ever attempted and finished, my first attempt at writing sci-fi (although I’ve been a sci-fi / mythology fan since I could hold a book in my hands). This book also gave me my first placement in a writing contest, it came third in 2011 RWA Emerald Contest.

In which genre do you prefer to write and why?

I love to set my stories in worlds which I invent, futuristic, post- apocalyptic, fantasy with historical settings. The whole deal of world building is fascinating and I love researching for facts, inventions, myths, history anything that I can use or twist it around to suit is challenging, fun and exciting for me.

You’ve recently signed with a publisher. Tell us about your writing journey before and after this point.

My writing journey has so far been a ride and I love it, even the ‘downs’ and challenges.  When I decided to treat my writing seriously I devoured ‘how-to’ books, attended heaps of on-line writing courses and entered contests for feedback.

Attending conferences and writers workshops have been vital to me for motivation and I’ve learned so much through doing so.  From Bootcamp 109 I not only made new friends but I found a writing buddy, Sandie Hudson, who actually lived in my area. Together we ended up forming a local f2f writing group, now called the Hunter Romance Writers (here’s our link http://hunterromancewriters.wordpress.com/).
When one of the members of the RWA erotic loop came up with an idea for an anthology where any member, both published and unpublished could put up a short story for consideration, I joined in. The self-published anthology idea was scraped when Momentum Publishing expressed an interest and we all sent off our stories to Joel for consideration. That moment of receiving notification my story, Paying the Forfeit, had been chosen to be included in the Hot Down Under series is indescribable. A lot of squealing and yelling went on. The series was launched on 1^st November and my story on 1^st December.

At our 2012 conference, another two new e-publishers were announced. So on 10th September I submitted a partial and a 100 word blurb for my sci-fi single title on the new Harlequin Escape website. Kate Cuthbert requested the full on 21st September and on 12th October, I received that special email. My reaction…. Similar to my brain imploding I think. Disbelief, heart pounding, more squealing, running around the house, etc. I must have read that email a hundred times that day. And the days after.
Sometimes I think I’m still dreaming!

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

Legend Beyond the Stars (to be released by Escape Publishing in January) has hot and passionate romance, dangerous adventure, interesting characters, a dark and dirty secret and plenty of conflict that threatens to drive my heroine and hero apart. I fell in love with this hero and I hope my readers will too. Oh, and I mustn’t forget a crazy alien called, Norman.
Here’s a one sentence blurb :
In a world of uncertainty, where the wrong decision could mean the death of an entire race, the last thing either of these two soldiers expects, or needs, is to fall in love.

I also entered the world of self e-publishing over the holiday break with an erotic fantasy novella, Bound by Love. This story whilst it has fantasy elements is mainly set in Iron Age Britain and is a tale of vengeance being thwarted by unexpected love for the enemy. It’s available at Smashwords and Amazon.

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

Spending time with family and friends is a priority but to unwind I love bushwalking, it clears my mind and makes me feel alive. I kayak occasionally when I can find the time and also paint in a very small way. I’ll read anything I can get my hands on and a book is never far from me. The environment, climate change and the welfare of animals are very hot topics for me. I’d also love to be in a position to travel again.

Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

I’ll weep copiously at any animal movie. No seriously, if anyone remembers Born Free I was so upset when I saw that as a little girl, my father swore he’d never take me to another movie again. Another was the Lion King, I blubbered away at that one, Titantic (what a wonderful love story), Steel Magnolias and My Sister’s Keeper.

Excerpt for Legend Beyond the Stars © S E Gilchrist

Star Time: Darkon Year 6035 – Earth Year 2156

The best way to start a new mission was definitely not lying in an induced hiatus inside a coffin-shaped tube.

Not to mention the agonising awakening to consciousness followed by long hours spent crouched over what passed as a toilet on this alien spaceship. The entire experience made Captain Alana Knight feel as if she had just trekked through the Gobi Desert hauling an armoured tank. She repressed a groan when her stomach muscles gripped hard before releasing.

A shaky breath slipped past her lips as she continued to pace around the cabin. She did an abrupt about-face then retraced her steps, while she rubbed her stiff thigh muscles, her feet heavy like chunks of rock inside her anti-gravity boots. Finally, she stopped to stare at the viewing screen where the darkness of outer space stretched into infinity.

Something was wrong.

She concentrated on tuning out the constant, low whine of the turbines that powered the intergalactic space voyager as it cruised through the black. The background murmurs of the other women as they milled about in restless groups faded.

Yep, something definitely stank.

Ever since she had awakened, disquiet had gnawed at the edge of her mind. Awakened from a hiatus the traders had insisted was necessary to alleviate the rigours of travelling through the Vortex. She frowned. Had it been a ruse? Enclosed in her confining tube, she had been helpless. Anything could have happened to her during those weeks of sleep. She shuddered and flexed her damp hands.

Best not go there.

Not yet, anyway.

She raised a trembling hand and tugged at the shaggy ends of her short, red hair, before pressing her fingers against her temple where pressure built like an over-heated fuel tank just waiting for the moment to explode. Until now, she had refrained from speaking about her doubts but with every hour that passed they travelled further away from home.

Away from safety.

“I sure am not keen on this here meetin’,” muttered the woman at her side.

Alana spared her a quick glance, taking in the hint of fear in her brown eyes, the underlying pallor that gave the woman’s dark skin a sallow tinge. "I’ve got a bad feeling about this, Jess,” she admitted in a low tone.

Jessamine snorted. “I knew it!”

“Hush, please, Jess. I don’t want to start a panic.” Alana sighed. “But, I fear you’re right. There are too many unanswered questions. Not to mention the traders’ strange behaviour in separating us from the men. It’s made us too vulnerable.” And an action that had left her the senior officer in charge of a motley band of unknown women.

“Worse, some of us are not here of our own volition.” Jessamine produced a compu tablet from an enormous satchel slung over her shoulder and waggled it under Alana’s nose. “I’ve done a census as you suggested, Captain, and the facts sure don’t add up.”

Alana twisted her lips into a parody of a smile. “Let me take a wild guess. We’ve got no scientists, doctors, physicists, militia. No geologists, no farmers, no builders ...”

 “Could be those roles are filled by the men, but you don’t think so, do you? Some of the women do have similar qualifications but I’m missin’ a lot of names off the list you gave me. So, what does it mean?” Worry lines bracketed either side of the other woman’s mouth. 

“It means the United Earth Corporation has been duped. My gut tells me there’s no earth-like planet in the next star system for us to colonise.”

Author Bio

SE can't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Now she writes stories where her favorite words are ...'what if' and 'where'? She combines passionate romance with action and adventure set in dangerous worlds. Her heroines are valiant and know exactly what to do with their alpha heroes. SE enjoys making both of them work hard to be worthy of their 'happy ever after'.

She lives in an urban/country town in New South Wales, Australia and writes in the romance genres of futuristic/sci-fi, fantasy, historical and post-apocalyptic.

Her first release, Paying the Forfeit, a short erotic romance set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world, was published by Momentum Books on 1st December 2012.

Her second release, a single title, Legend Beyond the Stars, a sci-fi/futuristic hot romance will be released by Escape Publishing on 10th January 2013.

SE has self e-published an erotic novella, Bound by Love, set in a fantasy / Dark Ages Britain on 28^th December 2012.

website - http://www.segilchrist.com

Twitter - @SEGilchrist1
Like SE's facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/SEGilchrist
Her f2f writing group - http://hunterromancewriters.wordpress.com/

Beth Barany - inspired by fairy tales

Hi Beth and welcome,, I must apologise. Blogger seems to be having problems with uploading pictures. Never mind, we'll press on regardless.

Please tell us a little about your adventure 

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I first considered myself a writer at age 7, but in that unconscious confidence we have as kids. My next flash of "I can do this!" came at age 13, when a teacher required us to do a lot of creative writing for class, and I churned out things like a diary of a young girl coming West during the Gold Rush in California. And then, I really felt like a writer, for real, at 18 years old when I consciously journaled each day, and decided that just because I wrote daily I could call myself a writer. After that, my goal became getting published, and I no longer questioned if I was a writer really, but I did wonder if I was a good one. Another question entirely!

What inspired you to write your first book?

I wrote my first novel because I just wanted to prove to myself that I could actually write a novel. I was specifically inspired by a sentence pulled at random from a Virginia Wolff book for a creative writing exercise in a writing group, something about a dog hopping on three legs. That sparked my first novel set in 1850s Paris, France, that will forever remain in the closet. (Though I forever still love Paris and remain fascinated about that time in Paris when most of the grand boulevards were built.)

What books have most influenced your life most?

I would say that the stories that influenced me the most are fairy tales like Jack and the Beanstalk, and other Jack tales, like Jack the Giant Killer. I really liked Jack's courage and adventurous spirit, but, you see, he was a boy, and I'm not. I was upset that all the tales I read were always about Jack. What about girls doing those things? Why was it always boys going on adventures in all the folk tales that were read to me? Wondering that inspired me to start my first fantasy story, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer, that started when I was 20 years old, and when I was just starting my adventures.

How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

I have written three nonfiction books and four novels. Only one of those novels is published, so far. I'd have to say my favorite is always my next book. In this case, it's the one that's coming out next, the second in my YA fantasy series, Henrietta and The Dragon Stone. More on that below. My next favorite book is the first in the series, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer.

In which genre do you prefer to write and why?

I prefer to write fantasy and paranormal, anything with elements of magic and the fantastical. I grew up steeped in fairy tales and folk tales and have always loved these seemingly timeless stories that feel rich in symbolism and yet relevant somehow to our lives now. Anything without magic seems only half-baked somehow. I suppose I see life through a magically-tinted lens.

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

Sure! My next book out will be Henrietta and The Dragon Stone, due out in March 2013.

This story picks up where Henrietta The Dragon Slayer leaves off and continues Henrietta's adventures with her friends, up against a new scary foe.

Here's the blurb:

Henrietta the legendary ass kicking dragon slayer wants to return to her village with a hero’s welcome. But an unknown sorcerer is after her, her Dragon Stone, and everyone she cares about. Can she claim her newfound powers sparked by the Dragon Stone and keep her loved ones safe, especially her more-than-friend and her stalwart bodyguard, before the sorcerer destroys her and everything in his path?

EXCERPT from HENRIETTA THE DRAGON SLAYER

Chapter One—Invitation

Battle-hardened and brave

Ready for the fight

Henrietta the Dragon Slayer

Swings with all her might

—From the chorus of the Song of the Dragon Slayer

Henrietta strode away from the tavern, fists clenched so hard they hurt. At two paces from the forest edge, the ground crunched in the black night behind her. Even with her ale-fogged brain, she sensed the presence of a man, smelled on him soot, leather and metal, and knew he was armed, but wore no armor.

She didn’t have time for this.

“What do you want?” Henrietta whirled to face the thrill seeker, her long sword drawn, her long red hair whipping across her chilled cheeks. Above her head, the bitter wind keened through the forest trees.

The man hovered five feet-lengths away from her, out of sword reach, his face shadowed by the light of the tavern behind him. “I heard your story back there.” His voice, thick with a foreign accent she couldn’t place, held no compliment. “I hear you’re looking for a new quest.”

“Who gave you that idea?”

“The Song of the Dragon Slayer.” The man’s tone was flat.

So he wasn’t a fan. She didn’t care. She cared that he didn’t move any closer. Empty hands at his sides, a sheathed long sword at his belt, he was broad shouldered and taller than her by half a head.

She re-sheathed her sword reluctantly. “So? What does that have to do with anything? It’s only a song.”

“A song about you. That is why you must come with me now.” He stepped toward her, his face still hidden by darkness.

“No, I must not go with you. Leave me be!” she said annoyed and angry. There was a thrill seeker in every town. Facing him, she stepped back to have room to swing her sword if necessary, her hand waiting on her sword pommel. “There’s plenty of others in that tavern to harass.”

She didn’t want to play “who’s the best warrior” just now. The drink had touched her head more than usual, without its usual lovely numbing affect. “Who are you anyway? No, I don’t want to know. Just leave me be.”

“I am a knight, doing his duty. Assessing.” He didn’t move any closer.

Like she needed to know that. Then she opened her big mouth.

“If you’re a knight, where’s your armor?” As soon as she heard herself, she knew that was a dumb question.

“I do not need armor for this.” He said the words as if she wasn’t worth a gnat on sheep’s berries. “You will come with me now,” he repeated.

He dared to order her?

“I will do no such thing. Weren’t you listening in there?” She gestured toward the tavern where she’d just told and re-enacted her tale. A thrill seeker who ordered her? What was this nonsense? “I did my quest. Now leave me to my peace.”

He didn’t budge his bulky frame. What was he waiting for? A royal invitation to depart?

Heaviness pressed against her chest like an anvil, preventing breath from fully entering her lungs.

She’d done her dragon slaying and military campaigns. Done. Finished. Fini.

“There is much coin and glory for the one who takes the Emerald Dragon’s Dracontias,” the stranger knight said, disdainfully.

How much coin? But that didn’t come out. “The what-ias?”

“Thought you knew everything there was to know about dragons.”

Politeness wasn’t this man’s strength.

“Yah, that’s me. A walking, talking dragon-spouting slayer, at your service.”

The man snorted. Very elegant.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning fantasy author, Beth Barany has been making up fantasy and adventure stories all her life. She writes to empower girls and women with her kick ass heroines who have to save the world against great odds. In her off hours, Beth enjoys walking, capoeira (a Brazilian martial art) reading and watching movies with her husband, author and singer/song writer Ezra Barany. More her novels on her site: author.bethbarany.com.

Beth's books are available on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnesandnoble.com, iBooks, and Kobo. Go here to download a sample of Henrietta The Dragon Slayer: http://www.amazon.com/Henrietta-fantasy-adventure-Kingdoms-ebook/dp/B004P8K292

FACEBOOK            https://www.facebook.com/HenriettaTheDragonSlayer

TWITTER            http://www.twitter.com/beth_barany

PINTEREST            http://pinterest.com/bethbarany/

GOODREADS            http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4169630.Beth_Barany

GOOGLE+            https://plus.google.com/u/0/109622969800353027208/posts

WRITING BLOG            http://www.writersfunzone.com/blog

WEBSITE            http://author.bethbarany.com/

Cynthia Owens, a passion for Ireland

Welcome Cynthia. Please get comfortable and tell us something about your adventure.

Hi everyone, and thank you so much, Jean, for having me on Adventures in Authorland. I’m so happy to be here to promote Playing For Keeps, Book III of the Claddagh Series, historical romances set in Ireland and beyond.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? Well, I’ve always written down stories, ever since I learned to string a few words together into a (hopefully) coherent sentence, so in that respect, I’ve always considered myself a writer. But on the day I held my first book, In Sunshine or in Shadow, in my hands, smelled that wonderful “new book” smell, saw MY NAME on the cover – that was when I really believed it.



In which genre do you prefer to write and why? I write historical romances because I love to delve into the past of a place and its people. I love the research, love to imagine how people might have reacted to circumstances. Besides, love, real love, is the same, whether in the 19^th Century or the present day.

Can you give us some details about Playing For Keeps? I’d love to! Playing For Keeps is the third story in the Claddagh Series. It started with Rory O’Brien and Siobhán Desmond of In Sunshine or in Shadow. Gambler and survivor. Landlord and tenant. A love that couldn’t be denied. It continued with Coming Home, when Ashleen O’Brien showed an Irish-American war hero that you can find a home and a family in the most unlikely place. And now there’s Playing For Keeps, Katie’s story. This half-Irish beauty has finally returned to Baltimore to visit the family she barely remembers…

He fled life in the shadows for a life in the limelight

Never as dutiful as his older brother, Lucas was a thinker, and a dreamer of dreams. When tragedy overtook his family, he fled to the bright lights of the stage. Can he make the Shannon Theatre Troupe a success – or is he doomed to once again be “the other son?”

She sought the past she barely remembered.

Mary Kathryn O’Brien returns to the genteel world her mother left behind – but can Irish Katie ever truly hope to belong? Or will old wounds and new rivalries destroy the threads of family forever?

Lucas and Katie must battle prejudice and buried secrets before they can learn to trust each other. Is their love just a brief intermission, or are they Playing For Keeps?

Do you hear from readers much? What kinds of things do they say? I love to hear from my readers, and connect with them on Facebook whenever I can. I think the nicest thing a reader has ever told me was that she loved my characters. It’s the characters that make the story. You can have the best storyline in the world, but without memorable characters, it’s just that – a storyline. It’s the characters that make the story.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? Writing, or something else? As a child, I loved to read mystery stories, and my favorite character was Trixie, of the Trixie Belden Mystery Stories. For a while I desperately wanted to be a “girl detective.” Once I even used up a whole week’s allowance to buy a “detective kit,” complete with magnifying glass and Sherlock Holmes cap. I guess I was about 10 at the time.

What place inspires you the most? Ireland! I’ve been in love with Ireland and all things Irish forever! The myths and legends, the tragic history and fierce determination to survive despite all the odds. The music, so hauntingly sad, yet with an undercurrent of joy. The magical Irish mist which hovers over the country like a protective, comforting blanket. And the people – the best, most open-hearted folk I’ve ever been privileged to know!

Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why? I cried during Titanic. It was during the scene when the Irish mother, knowing she and her family were going to die in steerage, tenderly tucks her children into their bunk and tells them the story of Tir na Nog, the Land of the Ever Young. It’s always been one of my favorite Irish legends, and I found the scene heartbreakingly sad.

Playing for Keeps 

Prologue

Philadelphia, 1850

Luke stared in silent horror as glowing red flames devoured the warehouse.

What have you done this time?

The words resounded through Luke’s brain, condemning and inevitable, in his father’s disapproving tones.

What had he done? He’d secured the warehouses. He had, he was sure of it. He’d made certain all the forges were out.

Hadn’t he? Or had his head been too full of the play he’d been studying in secret, the characters he was determined to flesh out, the pages he’d obsessively filled with his own dreams and interpretations?

Clanging bells and pounding hooves hammered in his ears.

Thank you, God.

But as quickly as relief flared, terror chased close on its heels.

Dear God, was anyone still inside? Tobias, his father’s most trusted clerk—surely he’d left long ago. And the two young men Matt hired last month—hadn’t they spoken of going to The Dancing Horse to spend their first pay packets?

He struggled for breath, the acrid smell of burning wood and molten steel tearing at his throat.

Bleak realization swept through him. It was his fault. It had to be. But it was an accident…

Matthew. Matt would take care of everything. Matt always cleaned up his little brother’s messes, covered up Luke’s many shortcomings.

“Mr. Lucas? Mr. Lucas!”

Dazed, Luke stared in disbelief at the normally impeccable clerk. Tobias had lost his coat, his once pristine white linen shirt was torn and covered with soot. Luke’s gut clenched as he took in the other man’s wild hair, the bloody gash slashed cruelly across one cheek.

“Mr. Lucas!”

Luke grabbed Tobias’s arm, his head thudding, his fingers gripping convulsively. Fear struck ice cold in his heart. His entire body shaking, he ran his dry tongue over his ash-covered lips.

“Tobias, where’s Matt?”

The clerk gazed at Luke, pity darkening his eyes. Tears trailed slowly down his soot-blackened face.

“Mr. Matthew’s dead, sir.”

Meet Loveswept debut author, Wendy Vella

 Hi Wendy, and welcome. Tell us something about your adventure to this wonderful place we call Authorland.

Firstly thanks so much Jean for having me on your wonderful site!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I don’t know if I consider myself a writer yet but I think I began to feel a bit more comfortable with the title when I received my first contract in the post. It’s a funny occupation don’t you think? It’s not like training to be a Doctor or Architect, people don’t really take you seriously when you say you’re an aspiring writer, but when you’re published they immediately want a free copy of your book!

 What inspired you to write your first book?

Actually it was a competition I was going to enter. They gave you a scenario and you had to begin your book there. Ballroom, handsome lord and a lady with a dangerous past. Funnily enough I never entered the competition but the book turned out well and went on to do great things in the Clendon competition.

What books have influenced your life most?

These Old Shades, by Georgette Heyer was the first historical set in the Regency Era I read. I remember thinking that it was like stepping into a different world (considering my previous reads had been Jill’s Pony Club) and I was pretty much hooked from that moment. I spent a lot of time reading Catherine Coulter but it was The Wyndam Legacy that really got to me. I loved the humour and dialogue and I wanted to write like that. There have been many others, Devil’s Bride - Stephanie Laurens, Fool For Love - Eloisa James, Devil In Winter – Lisa Kleypas and An Offer From A Gentleman – Julia Quinn. I love humour in my books and really sharp dialogue and all these ladies have that in their books.

 
What book are you reading now?

The Escape Diaries – by Juliet Rosetti. It’s a great read!

 How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

I’ve written two contemporary and ten historical novels. Of course some of these will never see daylight but I think each one has helped me in some way to reach the point of publication. I wrote a book called Inauspicious Beginnings that I like a lot. The characters in this book were fun to create and developed in ways even I could never have imagined.

In which genre do you prefer to write and why?

Definitely historical, although contemporary is fun, I can’t see myself ever being really good at it.

You’ve recently signed with a publisher. Tell us about your writing journey before and after this point.

I had dabbled in sending out work and pitched a few times over the years but it was after I won the Clendon that I decided to get serious about being published. I was lucky enough to meet Sue Grimshaw, my wonderful editor from Random House, at the RWNZ conference in 2011. We got on very well straight away and I had actually done a cold read of a contemporary with her in the morning which she liked. When I pitched to her later, she asked about what else I had written and I told her about my historicals, and she said send me something. She loved THE RELUCTANT COUNTESS. Within two months she had requested the full manuscript and then she told me she wanted to buy it. The journey has been painless in all honesty, she’s very open and each step she’s been there with me. I know that there will be struggles ahead, but for a first book to go so smoothly I think I’ve been incredibly lucky.

From Wendy Vella comes a Cinderella story of whirlwind passion between a dashing earl and a beautiful countess—and the secret that threatens to tear them apart.

Regal, poised, and elegant, Sophie, Countess of Monmouth, is everything that a highborn lady should be. But Sophie is hiding a past that is far from royal. When Patrick, Earl of Coulter, realizes that her story doesn’t add up, he resolves to find out the truth of what Sophie and her sister-in-law are concealing. Although Sophie has every reason to avoid him, the handsome and charismatic Patrick awakens something wicked deep within her soul . . . a powerful need that Sophie must stifle in order to protect her place in society.

Despite Sophie’s humble background, the raven-haired beauty has won Patrick’s heart. But what Sophie needs now is an ally. Viscount Myles Dumbly, the disgruntled former heir of Monmouth, is determined to expose Sophie as a fraud to recapture his lost inheritance. Soon Patrick is drawn into a fight for both their lives. Somehow he must find a way not only to rescue Sophie from poverty once and for all, but to keep her in his arms forever.

Wendy Vella is a lover of all things romantic. She started reading her first Georgette Heyer book at a young age and instantly fell in love with the Regency era. Writing is something she has always found time for; she penned her first novel at eighteen though she says it will never make an appearance further than the closet in which it currently resides.
After having her two children Wendy then joined RWNZ and started honing her chosen craft by entering competitions with some success and attending conferences. Her Clendon and Readers Choice award-winning historical romance THE RELUCTANT COUNTESS will debut in Jan 2013 with Random House in their Loveswept line.
She has an addiction to reading and loves a wide range of genres while her first love will always be historical. She relishes novels steeped in romance and excitement with feisty heroines and delicious heroes, especially when they are set amongst the treacherous waters of London society.
Wendy is a sucker for a happy ending having secured her own. She has been married to her own dark brooding hero for 28 years and shares her home with two wonderful children, two dogs and anyone else who happens to be visiting at the time. Born and raised in a rural area in the North Island of New Zealand, Wendy loves the beaches and lush green rolling hills of her homeland and is proud to call herself a very patriotic Kiwi!

Visit my website: http://www.wendyvella.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorWendyVella

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/wendy_vella

Email: wendy@wendyvella.com

THE RELUCTANT COUNTESS can be purchased from Random House INC http://www.randomhouse.com/book/221633/the-reluctant-countess-by-wendy-vella

Please welcome multi-published author, Georgie Lee

Hi Georgie, welcome to Adventures in Authorland. Please tell us about your adventure.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve always considered myself a writer and I grew up writing many different things including poetry, short stories and screenplays. I wrote a short story for a contest in sixth grade. At the time, I was fascinated by Greek mythology so I created a myth about the Greek gods and the creation of the silver swan constellation. The story won first prize.

My professional writing career began at a small cable TV station in San Diego where I wrote marketing videos and public service announcements. I’d always dreamed of being a screenwriter, so I moved to Los Angeles and earned my MA in screenwriting. Despite my best efforts, screenwriting success proved a little elusive (OK, a LOT elusive). I’d always read romance novels and so I thought to myself, heck, I can write a romance novel. So I did. The first draft wasn’t pretty, but I learned a lot during the revision process. That story went on to become Lady’s Wager, a Regency romance and my first published novel.

 What books have most influenced your life most?

There are so many great books which have influenced me but the first was Watership Down. It was the first adult book I read and I loved so much that I read it more than once. I enjoy post-apocalyptic stories and this one has such great characters and such a different kind of post-apocalyptic sense about it that I was drawn in and it has never let go.

Who are some of your favourite authors?

I admire so many great authors, but some of my favourites are classics. I love Oscar Wilde for sharp witty dialogue, W. Somerset Maugham for great insight into characters and D.H. Lawrence for well developed internal monologue.

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

I’m a major history buff so choosing just one time period is tough, but I have to pick ancient Egypt during the reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. She was the most powerful female ruler in Egypt and they were co-rulers for some time. Once she died, Thutmose became one of Egypt’s greatest Pharaohs. It would be wonderful to see the dynamics that made her reign possible, to watch her rise to power and to know why, so many years after her death, Thutmose decided to remove her from the historical record. Also, I’d love to know more about the ancient Egyptian’s daily lives. Although we know a great deal about their funerary practices, very little is known about their daily lives. I would love to see the court of Pharaoh, to see how he and the noble women spent their days.

If you could have any super hero power, what would it be?

I want the Force. It’s like having so many great powers rolled into one. Also, let’s face it, there are just days when you want to choke someone without having to get out of your chair.

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

Keep trying and don’t give up. There were many years when I was writing and nothing was being published and then all of a sudden, one day, all the hard work began to pay off.  It’s a long term career so you can’t let setbacks make you quit.

BIO:

A dedicated history and film buff, Georgie Lee loves combining her passion for Hollywood, history and storytelling through romantic fiction. She began writing professionally at a small TV station in San Diego before moving to Los Angeles to work in the interesting but strange world of the entertainment industry.

Her traditional Regency, Lady’s Wager and her contemporary novella Rock ‘n’ Roll Reunion are both available from Ellora’s Cave Blush. Labor Relations, a contemporary romance of Hollywood is currently available from Montlake Romance. Mask of the Gladiator, a novella of ancient Rome is now available from Carina Press.

When not writing, Georgie enjoys reading non-fiction history and watching any movie with a costume and an accent. Please visit www.georgie-lee.com for more

information about Georgie and her novels.

 

LINKS:

Buy link for Studio Relations -  http://www.amazon.com/Studio-Relations-ebook/dp/B008RBSNYY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354680230&sr=8-2&keywords=studio+relations

Website: www.georgie-lee.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/georgie.lee.96

Twitter: @GeorgieLeeBooks

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2985551.Georgie_Lee

BOOK BLURB

Studio Relations

By Georgie Lee

Available from Montlake Romance

Vivien Howard hasn’t forgiven Weston Holmes for almost derailing her career five years ago. Female directors in 1930s Hollywood are few and far between, and a man who coasts by on his good looks and family connections can’t possibly appreciate what it took for her to get to where she is. But when the studio head puts Weston in charge of overseeing Vivien’s ambitious Civil War film, she realizes she has a choice: make nice with her charismatic new boss or watch a replacement director destroy her dream.

Weston Holmes doesn’t know much about making movies, but he knows plenty about money. And thanks to the Depression, ticket sales are dangerously low. The studio can’t afford a flop—or bad press, which is exactly what threatens to unfold when an innocent encounter between Weston and Vivien is misconstrued by the gossip rags. The only solution? A marriage of convenience that will force the bickering duo into an unlikely alliance—and guide them to their own happy Hollywood ending.

Thanks for visiting, Here's wishing you many sales.

Jean