It all began with a scene

Hi Sydney, and welcome to Adventures in Authorland. Please get comfortable and tell us about your adventure.

Sydney St Clair

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I never considered myself a writer until, for the heck of it, I decided to write a scene. It was the first story I ever wrote, in my thirties, that I had not been forced to write, like in school.

A funny thing happened. I could not write the scene I wanted because I needed to know why two people were by that river, in that time period. So I ended up writing their stories and bringing my first hero and heroine together (White Wind as Susan Edwards) 

What I learned in my forties after I was published, was that as an incurable daydreamer (day dreamed my way through school, and yes, even in English), I was actually a storyteller as all my day dreams and even make believe games as a child were stories with plots, goals, motivations, conflicts, etc. I just never wrote my stories on paper.

What inspired you to write your first book?

Reading romances. I was reading a lot of Native American romances and had a great scene idea for bringing a NA hero and White female together.  I wanted to just try writing a love scene—had just read Sandra Brown’s Fanta C about a woman who decides to write her fantasies down on paper—and decided to do the same. That as they say, was the beginning of a long career!

What book are you reading now?

Right now I’m reading JD Robb. I’ve started over with book 1 of her Death series. I’m on book 6. It’ll take me forever to get through them all with the amount of time I have to read!  6-10 months at least…

Do you see writing as a career?

Oh yes, maybe not a high paying one except for a few, but I consider it a career. Writing is the hardest thing, the most mentally exhausting job I’ve ever had as well as the most demanding. Add in the excitement and disappointments, it’s a career that is filled with highs and lows.

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

I’ve written 14 full length historical romances as Susan Edwards and three novellas as Sydney St Claire for Wild Rose Press.  I also do ghost writing, or work for hire, erotica novellas. I started this last December and just turned in book 8. This year I’ve written a total of 11 novellas!  Whew, no wonder I’m tired all the time <g>

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

As a child, it never occurred to me to write.  Ever. I hated writing in school, and English as a whole. I hated being told what to read as well. What I wanted as a child was to have children and work with children. I love babies, and even as a very young girl, if there was a baby in the room, I was right there.  Every year when the new Sears catalogue came out, I took the old one and cut out pictures of all the baby stuff I liked and wanted for my babies.  I have two grown children and granddaughter on the way and look forward to having a child in my life again.

BLURB: RED AND HER BIG BAD DOM

     Wealthy computer genius Graham Winters is in love with a woman who won’t join him for a stingy cup of coffee. How can he prove he’s nothing like her jerk of an ex if she won’t give him a chance? Then he spots her at a BDSM club and devises a plan. During the day, he’s “that damn geek.” At night, he’s the masked Dom known as The Wolf.

     When it comes to her love life, Lucy Sanchez has one rule—no geeks. Not even rich, good-looking geeks. She’s attracted to Graham but rules are rules. Besides, she has her wolf, the mysterious Dom who makes her blood sing. Then she’s invited to a fairytale event at Pleasure Manor and this Little Red Riding Hood plans to enjoy every delicious moment with her big, bad Dom.

EXCERPT

“I’m taking you to dinner tonight. In the city.” He sat on her desk, which she now found endearing rather than annoying.

She set her purse into an empty cabinet and lifted a brow. “You’re telling me?”

He shrugged. “If I ask, you’ll say no.”

“I have plans.” With The Wolf.

He tipped her chin up. “Cancel them.” His lips brushed hers, then he deepened the kiss.

Lucy’s insides clenched at the feel of his warm mouth against hers and the taste of coffee with a hint of caramel, his favorite kind. She closed her eyes, her lips moving with his. His tongue dipped into her mouth, and she moaned, leaning into him.

Then he broke the kiss and walked away.

Lucy gaped at him. Her insides melted, and that familiar longing zeroed in on her center and pooled between her legs. Damn. She was attracted to her geek. Very attracted. Too bad he wasn’t her wolf. Now, if Graham were as good as her wolf in bed, she’d have found the perfect man.

She sighed. Yep, too bad. So what now? Two dates, two men equaled complications.

Her lips turned downward tightly as she got to work. She loved her wolf-lover, but their relationship was not completely satisfying or fulfilling. Not rounded and balanced. Graham, on the other hand, was open. She knew who he was, shared many common interests, and most of all, Graham didn’t have any secrets. What she saw was what she got with him. In a way, she preferred that to the mysterious and secretive.

“All right,” she said.

Graham glanced up, his eyes unfocused. “Huh?”

Realizing three hours had passed, and he was totally immersed in Geekland, Lucy wadded up a sheet of paper and tossed it at him. “Come back to earth, Graham. Dinner. Date. You. Me.”

His eyes cleared, and a huge grin lit his entire face. His blue eyes shone with pleasure. “Great.”

His smile slipped into a frown when she stretched her arms and back. “You tired? Need to stop?”

“Yeah, need to cancel my plans for tonight and stretch my legs. Want to walk outside with me?” His grounds were beautiful. Calm and restful with formal groupings, waterfalls, and a small forest that reminded her of the woods surrounding Bryce’s mansion, the woods where she and her wolf had played and strolled. She shook off the memories.

“Give me ten. You can go explore the house if you want. I forgot to give you the tour.” He grinned. “My bedroom is up the stairs, straight ahead.”

Lucy had been dying to see the rest of the house, and yes, that included the man’s bedroom, but she rolled her eyes for good form. Didn’t want him to know how eager she’d been to see the upstairs. “Okay. Twisted my arm.”

BIO

Sydney St. Claire is the pseudonym of Susan Edwards, author of 14 Historical Native American/Western/Paranormal romances and the author of the popular “White” Series.

Sydney loves writing and sharing stories of love, happiness and dreams come true with her readers. She credits her mother for her writing success.  Encouraged to read as a child, she always preferred happy endings, which meant romances were her favorite genre.  Sydney takes her readers into the world of erotica romance where her characters come together in explosive passion as they solve life’s problems and find true love along with the best sex our hero and heroine have ever experienced.

Sydney’s office is quite crowded with three dogs at her feet and five cats to keep her company while she writes. Three cats always insist on beds on her desk, barely leaving enough room for her monitor and keyboard. Life gets fun when all five insist on supervising…

When not writing, she enjoys crafts of all sorts including quilting, sewing, cross-stitch and knitting. She and her husband of 30 + years are avid gardeners. He takes care of the veggies, and Susan is in charge of the ‘pretties’. Her medicine wheel garden is in a contact state of war: flowers vs. weeds. Sadly, right now the weeds are wining…

While writing, she listens to a wide variety of music. Her current favorites are Blackmore’s Night and David Lanz.

Contact Links

Email:               Sydney@sydneystclaire.com

Trailer:           http://youtu.be/F-O0tWqMrGM

Website:             http://sydneystclaire.com

Twitter:                 https://twitter.com/Sydneystclaire

Facebook:             https://www.facebook.com/sydneystclaire

Blog:                     http://sydneystclaire.wordpress.com

Goodreads:            https://www.goodreads.com/sydneystclaire

Pinterest:            http://www.pinterest.com/sydneystclaire/

Wild Rose Press:  Wild Rose Press

Buy Links

Wild Rose Press:             http://bit.ly/1xB319E

Kindle                         http://amzn.to/1CbSmTt             

Nook:                          http://bit.ly/108m27I

Muses have fun with time and history

Hi Red, welcome to Adventures in Authorland. Please get comfortable and tell us about your adventure.

Red L. Jameson

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

     I always wanted to write. Before I could read, I wanted to write. I’ve written short stories almost all my life. However, I never thought it was a viable career choice, until I was in my mid-thirties. I’d written in all that time, but had thought I should do something more pragmatic. It is a crazy career—writing. In this career there are no guarantees. I’ve seen one of the most talented writers I’ve ever met give up; crazy skilled writers never making enough money; and SO MUCH rejection.

The only reason why we write is because we are compelled to do it. Call it God, a greater good, fate, or just plain stubbornness, writers are a complicated breed with much against them—so it seems sometimes, and I’m honored every time I’m considered one.

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

     I’d love to be able to see my son in the future. I’m fascinated by his big brain and even bigger heart. I truly believe he’ll make the world a better place just by his existence. So I’d love to see that.

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

     I am the queen, although unintentionally, of odd traveling stories. I have one about my sister and I getting lost in Boston, but somehow always finding our way when we ran into Cambridge; a story about my sister nearly getting me arrested in Detroit—there is a theme with my sister, did you notice? A story of driving behind falling Christmas trees on a highway in Utah, a story about my brother nearly getting arrested in California for driving my car too fast while I was asleep; a story about a naked man accosting a friend and mine on a beach in St. Croix; and the list goes on and on!

Do you hear from readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
     I can’t believe the things my readers say. I’m baffled and so, so honored. They write of how much they loved my stories, and can’t wait to read the next. I cry almost every time a reader has made contact, and, to me, it feels better than any prize I’ve won, than any sales rank. I LOVE my readers and wish I could buy them houses! Maybe one day I will.

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

I have skydived, gone to Cuba when it wasn’t exactly legal, and get very shy around crowds.

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

ENEMY OF MINE came out October 1. It has already received great reviews and was a finalist in Pages from the Heart Contest! Here is the cover and blurb:

     Kidnapping mortals to different eras is such fun. Trickster muse sisters, Clio and Erato, call it a glimpse, but military historian Minerva Ferguson, Erva, is fairly certain she’s gone nuts when she wakes two hundred miles from her apartment. And two hundred years in the past to Brooklyn, 1776. In an unfamiliar manse, during the American Revolutionary War, she’s not too sure how to regain her sanity. Especially when she realizes whose mansion she’s just woken in, the one British general she studied more than anything else, Lord William Hill.

     When Will hears Erva’s screams of panic, he breaks down a door to save her, even if he can’t quite remember why she’s visiting. She calms, though, the instant she sees him, as if they’ve known each other for eons. From the second he sees her dressed in a toga made from a bed sheet to later when she’s with his troops, wooing them with her musket skills, he realizes he’s smitten. But he’s a weary soldier, shrouded in grief, while she reminds him of a sun goddess. Is she too good for him? Lord, how he wants her to want him.

     How could Erva not fall for a guy who accidentally quotes a Cheap Trick song? But now she has to get to the bottom of if Will is really a rake, how to stop one of the most important battles of the war, and lastly how to stop her insane crush on the general. After all, he’s going to die in less than a week.

     The muses have to work fast for this glimpse. But that’s when they work best. And as explosions erupt through New York, sometimes it’s not from the artillery.

And Links:

Amazon http://tinyurl.com/mw5694c

Barnes & Noble http://tinyurl.com/mdoa9by

iBookstore http://tinyurl.com/nsrpyg2

Move over Spielberg, here comes Leslie Ann

     Hi Leslie Ann. Welcome to Adventures in Authorland. Please get comfortable and tell us about your adventure.

     Thank you, Jean, for having me as your guest today. I'm thrilled that my audience is from The Land of The Long White Cloud.

Leslie Ann Sartor

In which genre do you prefer to write and why?

     I write romance. From action adventure romance like STONE OF HEAVEN, to a bit sexier like Dare To Believe and then my holiday series Star Light ~ Star Bright. There is romance in varying degrees in all of them.

     For a long time, I didn't tell people that my books were romance, as the first response was always, "Oh, I never read those formulaic books." (This was in the 90's and you know somebody read them as romance sales were over 55% of the market.) But now I'm proud of being a romance inspired writer, because my stories take you on a journey.

     Sure at the end of every book there is a HEA, that's expected, but what intrigues me about romance is how people overcome fears to fall in love.  It's that internal conflict that drives the characters to behave after the external conflict has driven their feet…so to speak.

     So I'm no longer timid or ashamed to say I write romance.

Do you see writing as a career?

     Yes. Now for the long answer.  My bio says how I started, but I began seriously to write in the 90's. Always assuming I'd be the next big best seller.  Didn't happen. Then I got involved in screenwriting and got my first contract and thought I'd be the next Steven Spielberg.  Nope. But I kept plugging away, winning contests, learning more and more. Then my husband started showing me WSJ (Wall Street Journal) articles about authors going the Indie route.  That path finally sounded legitimate to me.  Then I was lucky and retired way early and treated my writing as a job.

     Bad idea. I was miserable. And I've got to tell you that retirement isn't for sissies. It took me a year + before I was comfortable in my new skin.

     Now I treat writing like a career, a long haul, a marathon, not a sprint. Putting the best book out there that I can write at that moment.  Not always fast, so I'm lucky to put out two books a year, but I'm comfortable with that and I know they're my best effort.  Readers deserve that.

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

     Oh yes, many, many times. After all, writers observe.  One of my latest inspirations was at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado, my home state. Terrifyingly beautiful, sometimes its width appearing to be nothing more than a deep slit, with rock walls and a roaring river below. The viewing areas feel almost suspended over the canyon!  I have noodled around with a mystery set there, and since it keeps pulling at me, I guess I'll just have to write it.  Here's a link to the park: http://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm and http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/black-canyon-gunnison-national-park/

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

     I'd like to fly. You know that song "Superman" (It's Not Easy) by Five for Fighting?  It's the theme song from the TV show Smallville (do you get that show there?) Well it's an interesting, humbling song about Superman.  Brings him down to almost human scale.

And frankly, I know I could never be a pilot with all the training needed, so flying like Superman would be awesome way to get around. I'm not sure I'd be a good super hero, though I do like protecting the underdog. 

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

     Yes, often.  I was re-watching Beauty and the Beast, yes, the Disney version and I cried for the pain the beast was enduring, the meanness of people. I cry at commercials, especially those darn Hallmark commercials.  I figure it's because I'm recalling an emotion I've felt, or a person I miss. I do try and hide it from my husband, but he cries, too.

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

     Ohhh, yes. Thanks for asking.  Book 2 in the Star Light ~ Star Bright series is coming out in November.  Forever Yours This New Year's Night is Jen's story, Annie's best friend from Be Mine This Christmas Night. It's also set in Boulder, Colorado. 

Viking Gold will be released in Spring of 2015.  Book 2 of the Carswell Adventure Series, set in Norway.        This story features Abby, Tori's twin. Tori was featured in Stone of Heaven.

(Old Blurb)

STONE OF HEAVEN

Book One of the Carswell Adventure Series  

The Recluse …

     Tori Carswell treasures her solitude and simple life.  Her identical twin, Abby Carswell, is the polar opposite, seeking increasingly risky adventures.  Now Abby has put herself in mortal danger, captive of an          ancient Mayan cult.  Her only hope?  Woefully under-prepared Tori.

And the Treasure Hunter …

     Reid Hunter, good-natured and currently broke, aims to beat his ex-partner Abby to the fabled blue jade known as the Stone of Heaven.  But when reclusive, aero-phobic Tori overcomes her fear of flying and tracks her sister to a well guarded tomb deep in the Yucatan rainforest, he realizes Abby is in serious trouble.

Can Opposites Accomplish the Impossible?

     Abby no longer trusts Reid. Can Tori risk doing so now, and join forces with him to save her sister?  Or will Reid put riches before life and love? 

* * * *

(New Blurb)

For the Adventurer and Romantic in all of us

 STONE OF HEAVEN, Book One in the Carswell Adventure Series

Hurricane Michaela lashes the Yucatan Coast and uncovers what had best been left buried, the fabled Stone of Heaven.

Two twins couldn't be more different …

     Tori Carswell is happy with her simple if reclusive life. But she worries about her younger twin, Abby, an adventure junkie seeking increasingly dangerous quests.

When Abby vanishes in the Yucatan rainforest, feared captive of an ancient Mayan cult, Tori is the only person who can rescue her.

     Until, unbelievably, Tori runs into her sister's ex-partner, Reid Hunter.  A ridiculously  handsome Southern gentleman without a conscience,  interested in only one thing.

Wealth.

     He'll help Tori find her sister, in return for all the treasure, the fabled blue jade called the Stone of Heaven.

The two rescuers couldn't be more different…

     Tori can't trust him, even as she's drawn to the excitement and the raw masculinity that Reid wears like a second skin.

     Will he help save her sister or will he put riches before life and love?

About Leslie Ann:

     Leslie Ann Sartor (aka L.A. Sartor) began telling stories around the age of 4 when her mother, at Leslie’s insistence, wrote them down and Leslie illustrated them.  As an adult she writes suspense and action adventure novels with a dash of romance, and screenplays—she's had a contracted adaptation!  She lives in Colorado with her husband whom she met on a blind date.  Leslie loves to travel and thinks life is an adventure and we should embrace the journey.  She has a blog: www.anindieadventure.blogspot.com. She is also one of the Five Scribes at www.fivescribes.blogspot.com. 

     If you'd like to be on my mailing list for release dates please use this link; http://lesliesartor.com/?page_id=214

     I really don't send out many newsletters, maybe 4 a year.  So you won't be inundated, but there are usually great deals included in the letter.

     Here is a fun challenge.  Comment on which blurb you like the most, old or new, and you'll be entered into a drawing for a digital copy of STONE OF HEAVEN. 

     I may have a slightly new cover as well. But I don't think they're ready to reveal yet.

Social Links

L.A. Sartor's Website

Facebook profile:  

Facebook Author Page

Twitter 

Goodreads

Pinterest

Buy Links for all books:

Amazon

Thanks again for having me, Jean. It's been a lot of fun.

Historical series began as a mistake

Hi Sasha, and welcome to Adventures in Authorland. Please get comfortable and tell us about your adventure.

Sasha Cottman

What inspired you to write your first book?

     I spent a couple of years trying to write something after I mistakenly enrolled in a writing course at the local adult education centre in Melbourne. In the end I realised I didn’t like my heroine, the story had saggy bits and the plot kept changing. The one thing I did have was a strong secondary character who eventually became the heroine, Millie Ashton, of my first published book, Letter from a Rake.

In which genre do you prefer to write and why?

     When I first started reading romance novels about six years ago I naturally gravitated toward historical books. I have always been a history buff and it seemed to just be a natural fit for me to try and write them. The Regency period is such a great era to write about, the only other era I think I could possibly write about would be Medieval. (I studied Medieval and Renaissance history in my final year at high school and loved it.)

Can you give us some details about your upcoming release?

     My new release is AN UNSUITABLE MATCH, which is the second book in the Duke of Strathmore series. Lady Clarice Langham has discovered that David Radley, the illegitimate son of the duke is her secret admirer. Her father, Lord Langham, forbids them to be together.  The central theme of the story, is learning to accept who you are and through that challenge the world to take your rightful place. I loved writing this book and parts of it are set in a village in England in which members of my family live. I was fortunate to visit Sharnbrook when I was in England in April of this year.

     I am currently editing the third book in the Duke of Strathmore series which has Lucy Radley, David’s sister as the heroine.

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

     Unlike many other authors I had no ambition to be a writer when I was a child. I wanted to either be an archaeologist or an astronomer. Neither career had many job opportunities, so I ended up with a MBA in business and have worked in finance all my working life. Having worked in publishing many years ago, I at least know how hard it is for authors to make a living out of writing.

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

     My family had some input in this answer. My daughter suggested compulsion, which I think means she plans to be a super villain. My husband said super strength, but then was disappointed that he would be too slow to save the world. I decided immortality would be fun, it would give me plenty of time to finally get my overstuffed wardrobe sorted in the bedroom.

My favourite authors?

     All historical romance authors. Stephanie Laurens, Anna Campbell, Julie Quinn and Eloisa James. I am about to start reading my very first Courtney Milan and really look forward to it.

BLURB: AN UNSUITABLE MATCH

The Favourite Heiress..

     Once engaged to the future Duke of Strathmore, the beautiful Lady Clarice Langham now finds herself in the humiliating position of celebrating his marriage – to another woman.  As a result of the scandal, it seems her reign as London's most eligible debutante has come to an end.  But things begin to look up when handsome and charming rake David Radley makes it clear that, at least as far as he's concerned, she's still the catch of the season.

The Illegitimate Son…

     The eldest son of the Duke of Strathmore, David Radley has been raised alongside his father's legitimate children.  But while he is generally received as part of the family, not everyone thinks he should be, and especially not Clarice's father, the Earl of Langham, who forbids her from having anything to do with him.

An Unsuitable Match…

     David's been in love with Clarice for years, and it isn't long before the attraction between them develops into something deeper. Yet he senses Clarice is hiding something and until she reveals her secret, she won't be free to follow her heart. Despite everything, David will not give up on Clarice, not even when another seems set to claim her.

EXCERPT:

I dream of the hours when you and I can finally be alone.

Softly sharing whispered words of love.

London, Mid-Summer 1817

As the carriage slowly snaked its way up Park Lane, Clarice picked at a loose piece of thread on her gown. No matter how hard she pulled, it refused to come free.

            She sighed, dreading that this was a sign of things to come. Tonight was going to be a trial, no matter what.

            And I have no-one to blame but myself. You could have done it all in private, but no, you had to go and make a huge public scene. Well done, Clarice. Well done.

            ‘At this rate we shall have to get out and walk if we are to arrive at the dinner on time,’ Lord Langham grumbled.

            Stirred from her thoughts, she looked across the carriage to her father. Everyone, it would appear, was headed to Strathmore House for the wedding celebrations of the Marquess and Marchioness of Brooke. It had taken them nearly an hour to get this far in the slow-crawling line of carriages.

            ‘We could turn the horses around and go home,’ she offered.

He shook his head. Reaching out, he took hold of her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

            ‘We have to do this, my dear. We must show the rest of society that you are not crushed by the unfortunate event of your failed betrothal to the groom,’ he replied.

            She mustered a hopeful smile for him. Her father was right, of course. If she stayed away from the wedding celebrations it would only confirm what the rest of the ton no doubt thought of her. She was Lord Langham’s poor little broken bird. An object of pity.

            ‘Yes, of course, Papa,’ she replied.

            The truth was, she didn’t particularly mind what the rest of London thought of her. In fact, she rather preferred they didn’t think of her at all. Being unremarkable was at times a blessing. 

            She shifted in her seat and forced herself to sit upright. As she straightened her back, the tight garments under her gown shifted and eased. She took in a shallow breath. The discomfort meant little. For her father’s sake she would endure far worse.

            Tonight she would stoically bear all the whispers and sly looks that came her way. This evening was for her father. London’s elite would know Henry Langham was a man capable of forgiveness. But Clarice knew there was a limit to her father’s magnanimity.

She knew she could never confess her terrible crime against him. To have him know that she had stolen from him the thing he had held most dear. Earl Langham might forgive others for their sins against him, but Clarice knew there could be no forgiveness for what she had done.

ABOUT SASHA:

     Born in England, but raised in Australia, Sasha has a love for both countries. Having her heart in two places has created a love for travel, which at last count was to over 55 countries. A travel guide is always on her pile of new books to read.

     Sasha lives in Melbourne with her husband, teenage daughter and a cat who thinks sitting on the keyboard is being helpful. Her family have managed to find all but one of her secret chocolate hiding places.

     When not writing, she is busy working full time as a Chartered Accountant. On the weekends Sasha loves walking on the beach while devising new ways to torture her characters.

Letter from a Rake:
Finalist 2014 Romantic Book of the Year. (Ruby).
Winner 2013 Book Junkies Choice Award for Historical Romance.
Finalist in the ARRA Awards Best Historical Romance and Best New Author.
Sasha’s newest release AN UNSUITABLE MATCH is released through Destiny Romance on 16^th September 2014.

Buy Links:

You can follow Sasha and find out more about her and her books on her website: http://www.sashacottman.com

Follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/sashacottman

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sashacottmanauthor     

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7136108.Sasha_Cottman

AN UNSUITABLE MATCH.is on pre-sale at Amazon. http://tinyurl.com/ob4xtjj

Like drinking hot chocolate on a cold winter's day

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

Jennifer Britt

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

     It wasn't until I was a finalist in a contest in 2012. Up to that point, I had been writing and writing, but considered it more of a hobby. I still remember receiving the email telling me I had made the finals and jumping up and down with excitement and happiness. I swear I told everyone, family, friends, and strangers, that I was a finalist and I'm sure most people I told didn't care. But when I saw my name on the list with the other finalists, I knew at that point that I was a writer.

What books have most influenced your life?

     Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, anything by Nora Roberts, Rachel Gibson, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and many others. If it weren't for these authors, I wouldn't be writing romance today. While I fell in love with romance after reading Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice, Nora Roberts hooked me and kept me coming back for more.

In which genre do you prefer to write and why?

     I write contemporary romance. While I read a wide variety of romance and other genres, I tend to come back to contemporary romance. I enjoy reading and writing about modern day heroes and heroines. It also gives me the ability to create the quirky, small town characters that I love. A good contemporary romance is like drinking a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day.

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

     I've written three books thus far - Betting Brenda, The Best Intentions, and Finding the Dream. I can't pick one as my favorite. All of them have moments and characters that I love. The Best Intentions and Finding the Dream are special to me because they are part of my Lincoln Falls series and all of the characters have become near and dear to my heart. When I sit down to work on a Lincoln Falls novel, it's like coming home.

Do you have any advice for new writers beginning their adventure?
     Write at least 15 minutes a day and try not to edit yourself as you write. It took a long time for me to turn off the editor in my head. I found I wasted a lot of my writing time trying to get the perfect wording down. You can edit and worry about perfection later.
     Learn to take criticism in stride. Writing is subjective -- some people will love your writing and some won't. You will have to analyze the criticism you receive to find the nuggets that will help you improve your writing. I highly recommend contests. The critiques I received through contests were invaluable.

     Make sure to read. You can learn a lot from reading books, not only in the genre you write in, but in other genres as well.

Share three fun facts about you that most people don't know.
     I would love to go up in a hot air balloon one day. It has been on my list of things to do for a long time.
     I love to prank people. I've been married to a prankster for a long time now and I think I caught the prankster bug.
     I'm extremely competitive. I go into everything with the idea that I'm going to win.

BLURB: FINDING THE DREAM

     Jessica James had her dream—a career on Broadway as a successful actress—until one night when it was taken all away. Forced to move back to Lincoln Falls and live with her parents, Jessica's only goal is to regain her career and go back to New York. She doesn't count on a honeysuckle hating man standing in her way or the town of Lincoln Falls itself. Now everything she thought she ever wanted may not be her dream at all. 

     Eric Mason and his daughter have quietly lived next door to Jessica's parents. That all changes when he meets Jessica. She is overly dramatic and the most annoying person he's ever met. Yet, he can't get her off his mind.

     Will they find a new dream together?

EXCERPT:

     Eric had heard a lot about Lorraine's daughter, the actress, but he hadn't had the opportunity to meet her since she'd come home. So far, she'd made quite the impression on him. Who knew there'd be this much drama over a honeysuckle.

      "I'm wearing slippers." She turned, anger in her brown eyes.

      "With reindeer?"

     "No. Moose."

     He laughed. God, she was easy to bother and, for some reason, he enjoyed bothering her a lot.

     "Why would you wear those?"

     "They keep my feet warm," she said it as if it should have been obvious.

     "You know they sell slippers without antlers."

     "These were a gift," she said, pointing at them.

     "You could have returned them."

     "Why would I do that? I like them. I need a cup of coffee. Goodbye." She pushed a tangle of blond hair out of her face as she turned to walk away.

     He held up his hands. "Whoa. I didn't realize you were so sensitive about them."

     "I'm not. I'm just done with this conversation. Eric, I wish I could say it was nice to meet you, but under the circumstances . . . well, you understand." She shrugged and walked toward the house.

     "Wait. You know my name, but I didn't get yours."

     "Jessica."

     "Jessica James. As in Jesse James. You're named after the infamous outlaw?" That was a good one. What had her parents been thinking?

     She flipped him the bird as she turned to go and he laughed.

     "It was a pleasure," he said, watching her as she retreated across the backyard. She had a willowy frame and, in her slippers, stood almost as tall as him.

     She glanced over her shoulder one last time with her full lips pursed and fire in her eyes. He couldn't wait to meet Jessie James again.

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M1SX6CI

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-the-dream-jennifer-britt/1119887447?ean=2940046046267&itm=1&usri=jennifer+britt

About Jennifer Britt:

     After graduating from law school, Jennifer Britt worked for a leading tax publication as a legal editor.  She then moved to an accounting firm as an associate director and legal editor.   While her day job keeps her busy, Jennifer has managed to find time to write and, most nights, she can be found in front of her laptop writing her next contemporary romance novel.
     She lives in Virginia with her husband and family.
Connect with Jennifer on her website at http://jennifer-britt.com/, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest

Historicals fire up Samanthya's passion

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

Jean, Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog.

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

     As a child I had many desires, be a singer, be an actress, but the one thing that seemed to come natural was write. I wrote poems, short stories, and then tucked them away. When I graduated, I married a military man, we travelled the United Stated and abroad. Once I found historical romance novels, I couldn’t put a book down. I fell in love with the characters and needed to know their happy ending.

     When my children were grown, I started writing again. I wrote a story and once again life took over, so I put my MS on a shelf. A few years ago I decided I wanted to pursue writing seriously. I entered a lot of contests, workshops, and made some good friends via e-mails. I pulled my story back out and finished my historical, THE RIGHT ONE, the first of a trilogy in the One and Only Series.

     I sent my MS to editors, and finally a pitch opportunity with Savvy Authors resulted in an editor asking for a full. Now I have not one, but two books published by Soul Mate Publishing. I’m working on the historical sequels, book 2 to be released soon, and also have plans for a contemporary series, The Firemen of Station #8.

In which genre do you prefer to write and why?

     My main love is historical. I would have liked to live in the Regency time period. Dashing lords and pirates seem so romantic. So historical genre is the one I chose. One day I was playing around to get my mind off edits and I wrote a scene with two women bantering back and forth. The words seemed to flow. I ended up writing my first contemporary Something More. Even though historical romance is my first love, the Regency requires a lot of research and effort with language of the time period. But I learn a lot of history while I’m looking. So many amazing details which makes a good foundation for any MS. I find the more I research, the more I write down, the deeper my thoughts and the more my characters come alive.

What books have most influenced your life most?

     Historical Romance—And who has not been inspired by Kathleen Woodiwiss!! There are so many favourite authors, Shirlee Busbee, Janelle Taylor, Johanna Lindsey, Catherine Coulter, Jude Deveraux, I’m really afraid to mention names for fear of leaving someone out. I’ve found many new authors as well and I look for new authors to read.

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

     In my first historical, Katherine’s brother is missing. Find out what happened to Kat’s brother in the thrilling sequel in the One and Only series. Book 2,  Stephen’s story -  “The True One” 

     His ship in splinters and his men captured, Stephen is a broken man. Yet the torture he received by his enemies is nothing compared to the torment he bears from an angel with lavender eyes.

     Jennifer left England full of a young girl’s fantasies of romance and adventure. When she cares for a near death captain, memories emerge of the family she left behind. Will the passion they share be enough? He must choose – her or revenge.

     After that, Book 3, Giles’ story -  “The Only One”

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

     No# 1.  Join RWA. From there you learn to do a number of things. You can join chapter groups, critique groups, you’ll find friends and receive a lot of help. Take every workshop offered—GMC, POV, character interviews, etc. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did. Enter contests and keep your mind open. Take criticism as constructive. Make your writing better. Don’t expect success overnight. It is a long, hard process. If you are determined, keep trying. Don’t give up.

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

     Blue is my favourite colour. Never a pink girl. Wonder if that had anything to do with the fire trucks and guns I played with as a child. Hmmm. I’m working on Firemen of Station #8 Series. I wonder if I had a deep desire even then.

     I would love to ski, jump from an airplane, all the things I should have done at a much younger age. Now, I love to go to the beach, read a book, take walks, crochet, and watch my grandkids.

     I love to make people laugh. My hubby is so silly. And his playfulness has rubbed off on me. Anything can come out of my mouth sometimes, just for fun. I’ll say things that don’t make sense, have people raising their eyebrows, or just busting out with laughter. At my age I still love rollercoasters.

     Dark lords are sexy. Every girl dreams of a strong hero and every man wants a sexy woman. The idea of mistaken identity intrigued me and I needed a hook. As I put my story to paper I created conflicts. This is the result.

 

Blurb: THE RIGHT ONE

Morgan Bartholomew Langston, Earl of Whetherford, has finally decided to accept his fate. Tired of dangerous assignments and putting his neck on the line, he has returned to his ancestral home to accept the title of his birthright and produce the required heir. But, when he arrives, he finds his home has been invaded and a female has taken off with his mother’s jewels. Morgan decides the traitorous jade will not get away, so he sets into motion a plan to bring her back. When he abducts the wrong woman, his reaction to her brings him dangerously close to breaking his vow of forbidden emotions.

Katherine Elizabeth Radbourn is a strong, independent woman, and at the age of twenty-three is still unwed. In a desperate attempt to find her brother, she is abducted which leads her on a journey to love and mistaken identity. Once she meets her captor, fear and indignation dissipates to an overwhelming awareness. Even though he tells her she is the wrong one, Kat realizes she has finally met a man that—not only she is attracted to—but has awakened her woman’s body. Does he really care for her or does he secretly yearn for the woman she is supposed to be?  Uncertainty makes her risk the very man she has given her soul.

EXCERPT:  THE RIGHT ONE

He abducts the wrong woman . . . she proves she is the right one.

Nothing else in the room existed but the two of them. His hypnotic pull seared her, sending a tingling sensation beginning in her stomach, then flowing down the back of her knees and extending through her limbs making it impossible to move.

Her throat tightened.

If those eyes could shoot fire, they would sear holes right through her. But the expression on his face . . . he looked like he’d just had a good kick in the teeth.

Morgan felt as though someone had just punched him in the gut—hard. His breath caught at the sight of the stunning creature before him. Lost in amazing green eyes—adrift in their sparkling jade and mystique sensuality. He scanned her high cheekbones with soft creamy skin, and let his gaze slide down to fasten on luscious lips. Suddenly his mouth was dry

She stood straight and tall with her chin at an angle in challenge. Even with that rod in her backbone, he sensed her vulnerability. A pang of concern struck his chest.

“You,” he whispered. What the hell is she doing here?

An explosion went off in his brain. Holy Mother of God! Those fools. They must have brought her here thinking she was Juliana.

Blood and the devil!

 Morgan’s heart kicked and landed somewhere in the bottom of his gut. Choking on the words for this unsettling circumstance, he compelled himself to speak hoping his voice would not betray him. “I owe you my profound apology. There has been a horrendous mistake, madam. And I fear that I have made it.”

Those beautiful eyes blinked. She stared at him as though someone had taken over her senses. Was this woman a simpleton?

He hurried to the sideboard. Even though she could quite possibly be in shock, he ignored the stronger spirits and poured a generous amount of sherry. He didn’t want to knock her on her bum, just bring some colour back in her face. He strode back to the unknown beauty and placed the flute in her hand.

Changes came over her face. Stupor—awe—surprise—and . . . anger. Although Morgan was not a patient man, he waited.

Her eyes flamed with fire. “Did I hear you correctly? Mistake?”

Morgan stopped the oath before it left his mouth. “Yes. I believe your being here is a mistake.”

“A mistake.” She echoed with a stupefied look, unseeing the crystal she held in her hand. “That’s what I thought you said.”

She raised the glass and downed the liquid in one swift movement. Tears came to her eyes as she tried not to cough. She marched to the side table and he feared she planned to get more. Instead she set the glass on the table top. When she faced him, her hands were fisted and the fire in her eyes burned brighter than the flames in the hearth.

“Mistake?” she snapped. “I was kidnapped! I have been a prisoner in your home. Forced to come here and forced to remain. I’ve been scared out of my mind. Every day I worried if you still lived. I agonized over what would become of me if you died. Then I walk in here and you have the audacious daring to tell me it was a mistake?”

Visit my webpage: samanthyawyatt.com 

You can also find me on Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, and SMP Authors.

Thank you for your interest. Tell your friends.

Buy links:

“The Right One”   http://amzn.to/1lEk2qY

“Something More”    http://amzn.to/1mhTqw4

Firemen and cowboys get Calisa steamed up

Hi Calisa, welcome to Adventures in Authorland. Please make yourself comfortable and tell us about your adventure.

Calisa Rhose

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

     When I got my first rejection. LOL In 2005 I decided to take my ‘hobby’ to the next level and wrote a “real” book targeted for Harlequin Desire line. A year later it was complete and polished, so I submitted and got a full request just a month later from the Desire senior editor and she suggested I also send a partial to the editor of Harlequin Special Edition (back then it was still known as Silhouette Special Edition). It took all of three weeks for the SE editor to reject the story. To compound that, the Desire editor lost my ms and told me to check for it with the same SE editor who had rejected it. Nice editor that I got, he asked me to email the partial to him (again-- because he’d never received the full from Desire editor. He then rejected it a second time, two years after the first rejection. With a story like that, I figured I had to be a writer! LOL

What inspired you to write your first book?

     I’ve been writing as a hobby since I was fifteen years old so it just seemed the natural progression for me to get serious about my first love (besides my hubby and three daughters, that is) and begin writing to submit. It took me until I was forty to reach that point after raising our daughters. We’re all told to write what we know and I’m a horse person married to a construction hottie. The story I chose to write is about the owner of a horse rescue ranch and a construction owner who builds a much-needed barn for her. I titled it Contract For Love and it’s a reunion story of a couple clearly meant to be together but life decides otherwise as they are torn apart time and again. Of course they get their HEA in the end. J

In which genre do you prefer to write and why?

     I write contemporary romance--you know, cowboys, firemen, first responders--but find myself dabbling with contemporary paranormal, too, these days.

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

     I wouldn't be able to answer this from a new author perspective since it’s actually been four years since my first sale, but this January I got the opportunity to sign with Kensington Publishing Corp for their new imprint line when the e-press I had sold to last year sold to KPC. On the other hand, I’ve also had two books sold before that point. So now I’m also with a BIG house and it’s a new feeling and adventure for me. Exciting? Some, yes. But my very first sale was to Wild Rose Press with a novella and nothing will ever beat that first sale euphoria. Home, that novella, has expired its contract and is no longer for sale at this time. I’m thinking of touching it up and re-releasing it with another e-press, however.

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

     I love horses, as I said, so I spend time with my quarter horse, Sonny, and helping my grandchildren learn to ride their pony, Apple. I also read when I get a chance and my other creative outlet is designing and making jewelry. I love playing with polymer clay and beads! I’ve embraced this hobby a lot while on hiatus because it gives me a fun creative outlet while not writing.

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

     Write, read, write, read. Be persistent and remember editors are your friend. J Oh, and beware of burnout! I’m on a hiatus this summer because life caught up to me and I couldn’t write a word of sense. I decided it was time for some much needed me time. Give yourself permission not to write. It really IS okay! Don’t write until you can’t think straight or writing is no fun, or feels like hard work. It is work if it’s your career choice, but remember to take time for you, family and other interests to refill your writing well once in a while.

Love, like life, is not without risk.

BLURB:  RISK FACTORS

     Veterinarian Vivian Dane has purchased her uncle’s practice in the tiny town of Wales, Missouri, where most residents still doubt her ability to treat their pets. But Viv is used to being considered less-worthy than her predecessors. After all, her parents are world-renowned wildlife vets, and most everyone is unimpressed she’s chosen to not follow directly in their footsteps. Now Connor, a patient’s owner, is hot for Viv, but clearly doesn’t think she’s dating material because he has a daughter…who he believes no woman is good enough for.

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

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

EXCERPT:

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

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

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

     “Hello.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     “I’ll tend it when I get home.”

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

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

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

Buy links:

Amazon- www.amazon.com/Risk-Factors-Calisa-Rhose-ebook/dp/B00IRITMD8/  

B&N- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/risk-factors-calisa-rhose/1114744098

iTunes- https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/risk-factors/id833826837

Kensington-Lyrical Press- http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/30013

Also, Risk Factors is on Authorgraph! Get your copy signed. http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/CalisaRhose

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

Twitter@CalisaRhose, Facebook/Calisa Rhose, Goodreads, Amazon, G+ and Pinterest

About Calisa

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

     She is working on more projects with her favored contemporary cowboys, first responders  and firemen, as well as the occasional ‘other’ heroes- and their sexy female counterparts, those sassy, stubborn heroines.

     Thanks for inviting me over Jean! I’d love to offer an e-copy of Risk Factors to one lucky person this weekend.