Hi Linda!
Welcome! We at Enchanting Reviews would first like to congratulate you for your success, and thank you for providing us with the wonderful opportunity to review your work. We are very eager to get to know you, and the person behind the author, better.
1. What made you decide to become an Author, and when did you find that you had writing in your blood?
Hi! Thank you so much for this opportunity!
I started writing when I was a child. I was very lonely and withdrawn. My childhood was not happy, so I wrote stories to get away from the real world. As I grew older, I found out that writing helped me cope with stress and the pressure of real life. I guess that’s why I so love science fiction and fantasy. It’s about as far away from reality as you can get! LOL!
2. How do you come about your characters? Which is/has been your favorite character to write about?
Hmm, that’s like asking a parent which child she prefers. I can’t really say. I love Atty and Yulen in my Battle Lord series to the point where I’ve already written 3 sequels with more planned. Star and Hunter in my HeartFast books haunt me with their romance. And Cutler Glass in my just-finished dark urban fantasy series has a special place in my heart, as well.
3. What was your inspiration, if you had one, for the series of books Runners Moon?
Runner’s Moon started out as a challenge because I overheard two authors arguing at a con about the “definition” of shape-shifters. One claimed they were were-animals like wolves, etc. The other argued vamps. I went to my hotel room and thought about what kind of shape-shifter could I make that was neither, and the whole concept just took off. I originally intended it to be a one book deal, but about mid-way through Jebaral, I realized I had to tell Tiron’s story. And by mid-Tiron, I threw up my hands and admitted Simolif had to be given his lover, too. :D
Could you also tell us more about the inspiration behind the books Healer of the Heart and AEquana?
Healer of the Heart was actually my very first romance created all on my own. For many years I wrote freelance, but I hated the constraints. Sadly though, my editor at the time didn’t like my venturing out, and she would delete whole pages of the book with a magic marker because it was historically inaccurate (although it’s set on an alternate world). So I put Healer on a disk and filed it. But I never forgot Healer. Healer has a “medieval” feel to it because I love that whole “sword and castle” type of epic. It wasn’t I met The Dark Castle Lords Publishing (thank you, Veronica!) at RT in Houston this past year that I got up the nerve to pull Healer out of the mothballs, re-edit it, and submit. It became their very first fantasy novel.
AEquana is a special child to me. Again, I challenged myself to write about a very well known genre, but give it a different slant. I had been to Colorado with my hubby recently, LOVED the mountains and all, and decided to use the state as a back-drop. Since I’m one-quarter Cherokee, I thought a Native American hero would spice things up, and—voila!—things fell neatly into place. :) I have a sequel planned for those two.
4. Will you visit any of those worlds again, especially that of Healer of the Heart which showed promise for expansion?
At this time, no. I have other books I plan to expand upon, but at the moment I’m satisfied where Querl and Mareesa ended up.
5. How do you usually come up with a story idea? Is it Fate, or do you have a specific process you go about?
A bit of both. When you write freelance, you’re usually given an outline or topic, and then you have to run with it. Sometimes you get a photo that you have to write around. I’ve discovered I love to be challenged like that. So if I see something that catches my eye, I let it stew a bit to see if something cooks. Once in a while I’ll see what a publisher is asking for in their submission guidelines, and I’ll write something to fit.
Once I start, I like to outline where I’m going with a story, although sometimes the book may venture off into a completely different direction by the time I’m finished. I always set myself a daily goal of One Page Per Day. LOL! It’s not much, about 650 words in 12-pt. Times font, single-space. But nine times out of ten, once I get started I can crank out a bit more before I call it a day.
6. Do you feel a calling toward a specific genre or style of writing?
Yes, sensuous romances that have a sci-fi or fantasy flavoring and lots of emotion and angst. They’re like nothing you’ve ever read before. Trust me. :) But if a publisher asks for a specific type of story or genre, I don’t have a problem usually with trying to accommodate her.
7. Your books do not stick to one particular genre and you seem to like playing with the different genres out there. Is there one you have not written about that you would like to try?
Umm, well, I haven’t done a western. LOL! I have a paranormal I’m about 4 chapters away from finishing. And I’ve finally delved into erotica.
8. Do you pull a lot of research for your stories, or is it mostly inspiration that drives you? How do you go about your research generally?
When you create fantasy, there’s not much research you have to do. But when I do have to look up something, I try to talk to real people. When I wrote Sandeflay, I got direct information about wheelchairs and paraplegics from my next door neighbor who is handicapped. To get info about using a bow and arrow for my Battle Lord series, I talked at length with the owner of an archery range in Colorado. For AEquana, I interviewed a registered deep sea diver. The list goes on.
9. Are you an author who uses outlines and schedules, or do you simply let the creative juices flow?
I outline generally, just to give myself a foundation. Sometimes I write my books in “bricks”, then mortar them together. Other times I start at the first chapter and run with it. I always aim for X number of words per day, and a minimum of 60K words total.
For a lark I’ve done the BIAM (Book In A Month), just because I love a challenge. :)
10. How long did it take you to get your first book published?
From writing it to having it published? LOL! Healer was written in ‘96 and was published this past July. However, I submitted it in April, right after RT.
11. What did it feel like to hit the #1 list with Runner’s Moon?
Ohmygosh! I still don’t believe it! All I hoped for was to sell enough books so my publishers would not be sorry they took me on as an author, and to get my stories out where other people could read them. This whole best-seller thing is a dream I never dared to dream. :D
12. What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your interests outside of writing and creating such captivating stories?
Umm, I love to travel. I’ve been to Maine twice (on my own) and Vermont once. My husband travels on business, so when I can I go with him. I love to shop at little Mom-and-Pop stores in small towns. Stop when I see a place that interests me.
13. Is there anything else you would like to add? Maybe telling us more about Linda Mooney, the woman behind it all...
I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s in voice and music education. I’m also certified Early Childhood, which was how I was able to teach elementary music for 25 years, then teach Kindergarten for 6 more. I can’t retire for another 8 years, so after a full day, I come home and put in another 6 hours or so behind the computer. LOL!
I live in a south Texas town near the Gulf where I have been married for 25 years next January to a man who had a heart transplant in ‘01. And we have two grown sons.
14. A more personal question: Have the children you’ve taught in your professional career ever inspired you to put their traits in any of your characters?
Their traits? No. But I admit that I have “borrowed” a few names. :D
I want to thank you for your time today and we at Enchanting Reviews hope to see more work from you in the near future. We have been delighted with this opportunity to get to know you better.
Thank you for choosing Enchanting Reviews.
No, thank YOU for allowing me this honor! {{{{}}}}
Interviewed by Zee
October 2007
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sam Cheever
Hi Sam. Thanks for agreeing to chat with Enchanting Reviews about your books. We are so excited about getting to know you better.
1. What made you decide to become an Author? And why an author?
It was definitely self defense. I had thousands of stories inside my head bashing about in an attempt to escape. It was either let them out or suffer brain damage. Some who know me would say I definitely waited too long...but I did eventually make a deal with the stories. I let them out in a controlled fashion and they stopped bashing around in my head. Although I still get the occasional masher that needs to be managed.
2. How long have you been writing?
I can remember writing my first poetry in high school and having the teacher read it to the class because he thought it was really good. Looking back on it now I realize how dark and filled with teenage angst those first writing attempts were. I shudder at all that angst now. I’ve graduated to more physical writing since then. I’m really more of a blow ‘em up and smack ‘em around type of writer. It’s so much more satisfying than just sitting around fretting about something.
3. Was ’TWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL your first book? If not, can you tell us more about your first book and previous releases? How long did it take to ‘break through’?
It was the first book I’ve had published with a traditional publisher. I actually published a psychological thriller with a POD publisher before that. It’s entitled, BRUTAL INDIFFERENCE and it’s nothing like what I write now. It’s a lot darker and more intense. But I still think it’s a great story. I’ve had some small stuff published here and there, including children’s stories and poetry, but ‘TWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL was my first published novel. I worked on the book for a couple of years before I found the courage to send it out. It took about six months to sell the book once I sent it to some publishers. So the short and sweet answer is, it took several years...and it took six months. #:0)
4. How do you come up with a story? What was the starting point behind this work, and its sequel ’TWEEN A DEVIL AND HIS HARD PLACE? I must admit the spin given to fantasy in this Tweener series took me by surprise. How did you come up with this world, this different ‘magic’? Was there a lot of research behind it all?
Well, Astra and I have been friends for a while. As you can imagine, she was one of the stories that did the most damage to my head trying to break free. I blame every headache on her. She’s not exactly subtle! But she wanted the world to know about Tweeners. The concept of angels and devils has always intrigued me. Nothing speaks to the epic struggle between good and evil like a good angel and devil story. That’s how the ‘Tween series was born. And it has blossomed from there. I absolutely adore vampire and shape shifter stories, but I wanted to do something different...something that really hadn’t been done before. I think I achieved that with the series. As far as research, I have a strong Christian background. I went to Lutheran schools from pre-school on up. So it was a natural extension for me to write about Christian figures. I have definitely had to revisit some of the history behind these fascinating creatures, the hierarchy of the angels for example. But the beauty of fantasy is that you don’t have to follow any historical guidelines if you don’t want to. You can just make it up as you go along.
5. How do you come up with your characters? In the case of this series, how did the characters come to exist?
Well, I started with the basic premise of characters who were a mixture of dark and light. Then I made some characters weighted more heavily toward the dark and some more heavily toward the light. There are no absolutes in my stories. Though I do absolutely believe that there is evil in the world, I recognize that even the most evil critter has some good qualities. Whether the good qualities out-weigh the bad is a judgement call...one that Astra is constantly facing in her life.
From there it’s just all good fun. Picture a giant Chinese menu in your mind. I take one from Column A and two from Column B for this character, then three from Column A and one from Column B for that character. Pretty soon you have dinner...I mean a story!
6. Which is your favourite character in the story? (Say Dialle, please!!)
I have to answer this in two parts. My favourite female character is of course, Astra. As I said, we’ve been friends for a long time. She is basically me on steroids and without reality to bind me down. Astra just kind of fumbles and stumbles her way through all the problems that keep getting thrown at her, dealing with things as they come along in her own inimitable way, with assertiveness, determination, and humor, and guided by her own, unique moral compass. She definitely has an end point, but she’s never sure how she’s gonna get there.
But my favourite male character is definitely, yes, Dialle. He’s something of a mystery to
me still. I’m discovering him a little bit more with every book. He’s tall, dark, and sexy and, like Astra and me, he’s a confusing mixture of good and bad. His story is epic. On his shoulders might rest the future of the world. If Dialle is the great Unifer he is a figure of prophesy and a very important Royal Devil. And if he isn’t, then dang...who the heck is? #:0)
7. A question we all want to know the answer to – What makes a great hero? Ultimately, a great heroine too?
That’s easy for me. Both a hero and a heroine do the right things that most of us are unable or unwilling to do. They do larger than life things. Sometimes, as in the case of Astra, they do it without any planning or foresight. When faced with a problem and a moral dilemma they just do the right thing, no matter the personal cost. And sometimes, like American soldiers around the world, they set out to do the hard things and accomplish them with dignity and skill. Either way, whatever the impetus, they do hard things for the right reasons, at great risk of life and limb. That’s heroic in my opinion.
8. What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice?
Just sit down and do the hardest thing...write. Write snippets of stories that pop into your head. Write about things that happen to you. Write whatever you care about most. Don’t try to write for a specific market if you don’t have a passion for that market. Writing is hard enough without forcing yourself into a niche you aren’t really comfortable in. Your readers will know if you don’t care about the story. And they won’t care about it either.
9. Do you have a set schedule when you write or do you write when you are feeling creative?
My days are packed full. Every minute accounted for. I get up around 5:00 am and try to write for a couple of hours before my day really gets going. Then I write in snippets throughout the day as I find time. I’m blessed in that I can usually sit down and write fairly efficiently pretty much whenever I find a few moments of time. Then I set the writing aside and move on to something else. And because I get easily bored, I always try to write multiple stories at once. When I get stuck or tired of writing on one story I move to another. I generally try to write a chapter a week on each of my WIPs. That seems to be a pretty manageable goal for me.
10. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I have ten dogs, four horses, two daughters, and a husband. If I allot just a few moments a day to each of them there goes my day. #:0) But seriously, my list of things I love to do is very long, which is why my days are packed full. I like to take several walks a day with my dogs. I consider this mind candy for them and it works great as a mind clarifier and de-stressor for me. I try to ride my horses at least a couple of times a week. My oldest daughter and I go to at least one movie a week. We prefer romantic comedies and fantasies. My youngest daughter only likes to shop so we shop together. I love to read and do it whenever I have a spare moment. We do power yoga as a family every night, yes, even my husband. It’s probably my favourite activity of the day because we do it together. With ten dogs playing around us and climbing all over us, we don’t necessarily achieve chi every time but we share a lot of laughs and have a lot of fun with it. And, with the writing, that’s pretty much my day.
11. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
Well, I am, as you know, working on book 3 of the ‘Tween series. In this one, Astra is running against the clock to save the world from a twisted magic veil that’s closing over the Earth and driving all of the non-magic beings mad. She and her family have a special part in the drama that’s unfolding, with the Serpent at its center. And I do mean the Serpent. This is the book where we learn if Dialle is truly the great Unifer. Which is, I believe, worth the price of admission right there. #:0) Astra also gets a pet in Book 3, a rather unique pet. You won’t want to miss this one.
I’m also working on an erotic fantasy that will come out through Ellora’s Cave late this year or early next year. It’s based on a race of Cupids who run a human dating service. I’m having a lot of fun with that one.
And finally, because all good things come in threes, I’m finishing up my second romantic comedy, which is a departure from my fantasy works but has been a lot of fun to write. I think it will be a fun change of pace for readers who find my fantasy entertaining.
My first romantic comedy, DANCING WITH TAD, will be coming out in 2008 through Red Rose Publishing. I’m very excited about it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes, thank you for inviting me to spend time with you. I’ve really enjoyed chatting. And thank you for the support you give to me and all the other authors who are lucky enough to be read and reviewed by Enchanting Reviews. Organizations such as yours are a gift to those of us who love to share our stories with others. I think I speak for all my fellow writers when I say that we appreciate all you do for us.
Sam, I wish to thank you for your time today, and we at Enchanting Reviews hope to see more work from you in the near future.
Thank you for choosing Enchanting Reviews.
Interviewed by Zee
June 2008
1. What made you decide to become an Author? And why an author?
It was definitely self defense. I had thousands of stories inside my head bashing about in an attempt to escape. It was either let them out or suffer brain damage. Some who know me would say I definitely waited too long...but I did eventually make a deal with the stories. I let them out in a controlled fashion and they stopped bashing around in my head. Although I still get the occasional masher that needs to be managed.
2. How long have you been writing?
I can remember writing my first poetry in high school and having the teacher read it to the class because he thought it was really good. Looking back on it now I realize how dark and filled with teenage angst those first writing attempts were. I shudder at all that angst now. I’ve graduated to more physical writing since then. I’m really more of a blow ‘em up and smack ‘em around type of writer. It’s so much more satisfying than just sitting around fretting about something.
3. Was ’TWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL your first book? If not, can you tell us more about your first book and previous releases? How long did it take to ‘break through’?
It was the first book I’ve had published with a traditional publisher. I actually published a psychological thriller with a POD publisher before that. It’s entitled, BRUTAL INDIFFERENCE and it’s nothing like what I write now. It’s a lot darker and more intense. But I still think it’s a great story. I’ve had some small stuff published here and there, including children’s stories and poetry, but ‘TWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL was my first published novel. I worked on the book for a couple of years before I found the courage to send it out. It took about six months to sell the book once I sent it to some publishers. So the short and sweet answer is, it took several years...and it took six months. #:0)
4. How do you come up with a story? What was the starting point behind this work, and its sequel ’TWEEN A DEVIL AND HIS HARD PLACE? I must admit the spin given to fantasy in this Tweener series took me by surprise. How did you come up with this world, this different ‘magic’? Was there a lot of research behind it all?
Well, Astra and I have been friends for a while. As you can imagine, she was one of the stories that did the most damage to my head trying to break free. I blame every headache on her. She’s not exactly subtle! But she wanted the world to know about Tweeners. The concept of angels and devils has always intrigued me. Nothing speaks to the epic struggle between good and evil like a good angel and devil story. That’s how the ‘Tween series was born. And it has blossomed from there. I absolutely adore vampire and shape shifter stories, but I wanted to do something different...something that really hadn’t been done before. I think I achieved that with the series. As far as research, I have a strong Christian background. I went to Lutheran schools from pre-school on up. So it was a natural extension for me to write about Christian figures. I have definitely had to revisit some of the history behind these fascinating creatures, the hierarchy of the angels for example. But the beauty of fantasy is that you don’t have to follow any historical guidelines if you don’t want to. You can just make it up as you go along.
5. How do you come up with your characters? In the case of this series, how did the characters come to exist?
Well, I started with the basic premise of characters who were a mixture of dark and light. Then I made some characters weighted more heavily toward the dark and some more heavily toward the light. There are no absolutes in my stories. Though I do absolutely believe that there is evil in the world, I recognize that even the most evil critter has some good qualities. Whether the good qualities out-weigh the bad is a judgement call...one that Astra is constantly facing in her life.
From there it’s just all good fun. Picture a giant Chinese menu in your mind. I take one from Column A and two from Column B for this character, then three from Column A and one from Column B for that character. Pretty soon you have dinner...I mean a story!
6. Which is your favourite character in the story? (Say Dialle, please!!)
I have to answer this in two parts. My favourite female character is of course, Astra. As I said, we’ve been friends for a long time. She is basically me on steroids and without reality to bind me down. Astra just kind of fumbles and stumbles her way through all the problems that keep getting thrown at her, dealing with things as they come along in her own inimitable way, with assertiveness, determination, and humor, and guided by her own, unique moral compass. She definitely has an end point, but she’s never sure how she’s gonna get there.
But my favourite male character is definitely, yes, Dialle. He’s something of a mystery to
me still. I’m discovering him a little bit more with every book. He’s tall, dark, and sexy and, like Astra and me, he’s a confusing mixture of good and bad. His story is epic. On his shoulders might rest the future of the world. If Dialle is the great Unifer he is a figure of prophesy and a very important Royal Devil. And if he isn’t, then dang...who the heck is? #:0)
7. A question we all want to know the answer to – What makes a great hero? Ultimately, a great heroine too?
That’s easy for me. Both a hero and a heroine do the right things that most of us are unable or unwilling to do. They do larger than life things. Sometimes, as in the case of Astra, they do it without any planning or foresight. When faced with a problem and a moral dilemma they just do the right thing, no matter the personal cost. And sometimes, like American soldiers around the world, they set out to do the hard things and accomplish them with dignity and skill. Either way, whatever the impetus, they do hard things for the right reasons, at great risk of life and limb. That’s heroic in my opinion.
8. What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice?
Just sit down and do the hardest thing...write. Write snippets of stories that pop into your head. Write about things that happen to you. Write whatever you care about most. Don’t try to write for a specific market if you don’t have a passion for that market. Writing is hard enough without forcing yourself into a niche you aren’t really comfortable in. Your readers will know if you don’t care about the story. And they won’t care about it either.
9. Do you have a set schedule when you write or do you write when you are feeling creative?
My days are packed full. Every minute accounted for. I get up around 5:00 am and try to write for a couple of hours before my day really gets going. Then I write in snippets throughout the day as I find time. I’m blessed in that I can usually sit down and write fairly efficiently pretty much whenever I find a few moments of time. Then I set the writing aside and move on to something else. And because I get easily bored, I always try to write multiple stories at once. When I get stuck or tired of writing on one story I move to another. I generally try to write a chapter a week on each of my WIPs. That seems to be a pretty manageable goal for me.
10. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I have ten dogs, four horses, two daughters, and a husband. If I allot just a few moments a day to each of them there goes my day. #:0) But seriously, my list of things I love to do is very long, which is why my days are packed full. I like to take several walks a day with my dogs. I consider this mind candy for them and it works great as a mind clarifier and de-stressor for me. I try to ride my horses at least a couple of times a week. My oldest daughter and I go to at least one movie a week. We prefer romantic comedies and fantasies. My youngest daughter only likes to shop so we shop together. I love to read and do it whenever I have a spare moment. We do power yoga as a family every night, yes, even my husband. It’s probably my favourite activity of the day because we do it together. With ten dogs playing around us and climbing all over us, we don’t necessarily achieve chi every time but we share a lot of laughs and have a lot of fun with it. And, with the writing, that’s pretty much my day.
11. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
Well, I am, as you know, working on book 3 of the ‘Tween series. In this one, Astra is running against the clock to save the world from a twisted magic veil that’s closing over the Earth and driving all of the non-magic beings mad. She and her family have a special part in the drama that’s unfolding, with the Serpent at its center. And I do mean the Serpent. This is the book where we learn if Dialle is truly the great Unifer. Which is, I believe, worth the price of admission right there. #:0) Astra also gets a pet in Book 3, a rather unique pet. You won’t want to miss this one.
I’m also working on an erotic fantasy that will come out through Ellora’s Cave late this year or early next year. It’s based on a race of Cupids who run a human dating service. I’m having a lot of fun with that one.
And finally, because all good things come in threes, I’m finishing up my second romantic comedy, which is a departure from my fantasy works but has been a lot of fun to write. I think it will be a fun change of pace for readers who find my fantasy entertaining.
My first romantic comedy, DANCING WITH TAD, will be coming out in 2008 through Red Rose Publishing. I’m very excited about it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes, thank you for inviting me to spend time with you. I’ve really enjoyed chatting. And thank you for the support you give to me and all the other authors who are lucky enough to be read and reviewed by Enchanting Reviews. Organizations such as yours are a gift to those of us who love to share our stories with others. I think I speak for all my fellow writers when I say that we appreciate all you do for us.
Sam, I wish to thank you for your time today, and we at Enchanting Reviews hope to see more work from you in the near future.
Thank you for choosing Enchanting Reviews.
Interviewed by Zee
June 2008
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Raven Starr
Hi Raven. Thanks for agreeing to chat with Enchanting Reviews about your books. We are so excited about getting to know you better.
1. What made you decide to become an Author? And why an author?
This is a good question to answer. I don’t think anything made me become a writer/author. I’ve always written down my emotion and feelings, usually in poetic form. But as I got older, I started put my emotions into my characters bringing my feelings to life through. It’s a great release to have my hero/heroine face the same problems I face and I like to see how they work through them. And why an author? Writing is my passion. It’s most writers’ passion but with me it is truly apart of who I am. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing down something, poetry, stories, recipes; as long as I have a pen and paper that’s the making of a good story.
2. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil, so I was a very young and tender age.
3. What was your first book, and how long did it take to ‘break through’? Can you tell us more about your released work?
My very book is called Vampire’s Embrace which after 2 years it still isn’t finished. My first published e-book is entitled FAN-TASY and shortly after writing it and submitting to Red Rose Publishing did I finally break-through so to speak. So now I have three released works, FAN-TASY, HER SMILE, and the first of my Raine Matthews series GOING HOME AGAIN. I’ve got an Egyptian historical coming up, with another instalment to my Raine series THE PLEASURE CRUISE, and a paranormal teaser ONE NIGHT AT THE OFFICE.
4. How do you come up with a story?
This is a weird process I guess, but little things set off Big ideas in my brain. A word or phrase can spin my creative mind into a whirlwind. Mostly, I create characters in my sleep, dreaming of bits and pieces of the outline, plot and core of the story. Then when I woke up the story is there and the characters start begging for their own slice of reality.
5. How do you come up with your characters?
The process is the same as above just a little more intense. When the character is being written, then to me they’re no longer on the page. So when I write and then stop, that character screams at me until their story is completed. It can give me a great headache if I’ve started more than story at a time. LOL
6. Any preference for writing a particular kind of character?
No not really. I love them all, but I do have a fondness for the spookier side of things.
7. Do you feel a calling toward a specific Genre or Style of writing?
I love writing everything but paranormal and YA fantasy are my favourites. I love creating worlds, creatures, and mystical folks, good and bad. It’s all wicked fun.
8. A question we all want to know the answer to – What makes a great hero? Ultimately, a great heroine too?
I think compassion mixed with desire makes a great hero/heroine. Desire of goals, whether good or bad is the making of something wonderful.
9. Do you have a set schedule when you write or do you write when you are feeling creative?
I usually write the story or the character pulls me. I work on a few different stories at one time so I feel as if I’m pulled into different directions. I’ve learned that I can’t force the story, it’s written the way it calls to me. There are days where I am a writing whirlwind, then there days where I can’t write a stitch. I figured out that when I try to force the story forward it doesn’t come out or flow smoothly, so I wait, not patiently sometimes but I wait nonetheless.
10. What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice?
Read and write. Surround yourself with other creative and positive people that support you while being honest with you. I think that’s very important. It’s good to have honest people in your life; they will keep you grounded while reaching for the stars. Honestly, hurts at times but I’d rather know the truth then live a lie.
11. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I’m a single mom, so I’m mostly hanging out with my kids, playing the Wii. Now that it’s trying to get warm out the water is calling.
12. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
Right now, I’m working on my first suspense thriller called Twisted, and another instalment of my Raine Matthews’ series called The Ride, and my favourite a paranormal called Vampire’s Embrace.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I want to thank you Zee, for this interview, I really had a blast. I love hearing from readers so please feel free to check me out on my myspace www.myspace.com/dkraven I’m having a really cool website being built so I’ll let you know when that goes live.
Again thanks so much and I’ll see ya around cyberspace.
Raven, I wish to thank you for your time today, and we at Enchanting Reviews hope to see more work from you in the near future.
Thank you for choosing Enchanting Reviews.
Interviewed by Zee
May 2008
1. What made you decide to become an Author? And why an author?
This is a good question to answer. I don’t think anything made me become a writer/author. I’ve always written down my emotion and feelings, usually in poetic form. But as I got older, I started put my emotions into my characters bringing my feelings to life through. It’s a great release to have my hero/heroine face the same problems I face and I like to see how they work through them. And why an author? Writing is my passion. It’s most writers’ passion but with me it is truly apart of who I am. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing down something, poetry, stories, recipes; as long as I have a pen and paper that’s the making of a good story.
2. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil, so I was a very young and tender age.
3. What was your first book, and how long did it take to ‘break through’? Can you tell us more about your released work?
My very book is called Vampire’s Embrace which after 2 years it still isn’t finished. My first published e-book is entitled FAN-TASY and shortly after writing it and submitting to Red Rose Publishing did I finally break-through so to speak. So now I have three released works, FAN-TASY, HER SMILE, and the first of my Raine Matthews series GOING HOME AGAIN. I’ve got an Egyptian historical coming up, with another instalment to my Raine series THE PLEASURE CRUISE, and a paranormal teaser ONE NIGHT AT THE OFFICE.
4. How do you come up with a story?
This is a weird process I guess, but little things set off Big ideas in my brain. A word or phrase can spin my creative mind into a whirlwind. Mostly, I create characters in my sleep, dreaming of bits and pieces of the outline, plot and core of the story. Then when I woke up the story is there and the characters start begging for their own slice of reality.
5. How do you come up with your characters?
The process is the same as above just a little more intense. When the character is being written, then to me they’re no longer on the page. So when I write and then stop, that character screams at me until their story is completed. It can give me a great headache if I’ve started more than story at a time. LOL
6. Any preference for writing a particular kind of character?
No not really. I love them all, but I do have a fondness for the spookier side of things.
7. Do you feel a calling toward a specific Genre or Style of writing?
I love writing everything but paranormal and YA fantasy are my favourites. I love creating worlds, creatures, and mystical folks, good and bad. It’s all wicked fun.
8. A question we all want to know the answer to – What makes a great hero? Ultimately, a great heroine too?
I think compassion mixed with desire makes a great hero/heroine. Desire of goals, whether good or bad is the making of something wonderful.
9. Do you have a set schedule when you write or do you write when you are feeling creative?
I usually write the story or the character pulls me. I work on a few different stories at one time so I feel as if I’m pulled into different directions. I’ve learned that I can’t force the story, it’s written the way it calls to me. There are days where I am a writing whirlwind, then there days where I can’t write a stitch. I figured out that when I try to force the story forward it doesn’t come out or flow smoothly, so I wait, not patiently sometimes but I wait nonetheless.
10. What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice?
Read and write. Surround yourself with other creative and positive people that support you while being honest with you. I think that’s very important. It’s good to have honest people in your life; they will keep you grounded while reaching for the stars. Honestly, hurts at times but I’d rather know the truth then live a lie.
11. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I’m a single mom, so I’m mostly hanging out with my kids, playing the Wii. Now that it’s trying to get warm out the water is calling.
12. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
Right now, I’m working on my first suspense thriller called Twisted, and another instalment of my Raine Matthews’ series called The Ride, and my favourite a paranormal called Vampire’s Embrace.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I want to thank you Zee, for this interview, I really had a blast. I love hearing from readers so please feel free to check me out on my myspace www.myspace.com/dkraven I’m having a really cool website being built so I’ll let you know when that goes live.
Again thanks so much and I’ll see ya around cyberspace.
Raven, I wish to thank you for your time today, and we at Enchanting Reviews hope to see more work from you in the near future.
Thank you for choosing Enchanting Reviews.
Interviewed by Zee
May 2008
Monday, July 20, 2009
Lora Leigh
Hi Lora, thanks for agreeing to chat with us at Enchanting Reviews. We are so excited to have this opportunity to get to know you better.
Aemelia, thank you for the opportunity as well
1. NAUTI DREAMS is the third book in your Nauti trilogy. Please tell us more about it.
NAUTI DREAMS is about facing the past, and facing the knowledge that only that one man (in Chaya’s case) or the one woman (in Natches case) will do. In NAUTI NIGHTS you see Natches with this devil may care façade until the one scene where he interacts with agent Chaya Dane, known as Greta Dane during this investigation. You get a sense there is something more, as do his cousins Dawg and Rowdy. Once you get involved with NAUTI DREAMS, from the Prologue on, you realize how deep that connection between the two of them actually goes and the effect it’s had on each character.
I cried through writing this book. Chaya’s loss and pain, and Natches need to protect and love her, touched me in ways that was very hard to handle. He was dedicated to her in a way that when it came time to end the book, I didn’t want to let it go.
2. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please, tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.
I first started seriously submitting my work to NY in 2003 I believe after several other authors had read TEMPTING THE BEAST and begin encouraging me to submit. Angela Knight played a huge role in that, she even introduced me to my first agent who picked me up and sold my ideas to Berkley and St. Martins.
3. What kind of research do you do for your books? Do you enjoy the research process?
I do a large variety of research, something I wished I had started sooner. That doesn’t mean I don’t mess up, because I do, often. Details often get mixed up because I’m so involved in my head with the characters and their story that sometimes other information tends to become rattled. But I do enjoy the research I do on my books. The trip to Lake Cumberland and Somerset Kentucky for the Nauti books was really a lot of fun. And the area is simply stunning. I’d encourage everyone to vacation there. It’s gorgeous, and the people are so kind and welcoming. It was a wonderful trip for me.
Different books require different types of research methods though. I have shelves full of notebooks and books for research topics on various series. And I’m always trying to pick up more information. Sometimes the process of research itself helps the plots and ideas to form fully in my head. So it’s a fun process and one I usually enjoy
4. If you could be one of your characters – Who would you be? And why?
That answer would vary from book to book. Whichever character I’m writing at the time I’d have to say. Or whoever’s head I’m in at any given moment. I love all my characters, even my villains. They all have a story to tell me and lessons to teach me, so each one as they come along, is my favorite I guess.
5. When you are in the middle of a book, are you able to turn off/shut off the story you are writing when you leave your office/turn your computer off, in order to interact with family and do all the every day life mom/wife stuff? Or are the characters and story bickering in the back of your mind while you fake normalcy?
What exactly is normalcy I’d have to ask. The stories and characters are always in my head. There is no escaping them. I even carry them into my dreams. I do make time for my family though. Dinner is always a family event with everyone at the table. My office is always open and my husband and son spend a lot of time in here with me. The phone rings and I usually answer it to talk to my daughter or my mother. I’m family focused, but I’m also very focused on my books. I still have a lot to write, and I’m normally a fast writer. So that does leave time for my family between books.
6. Have you ever been in the middle of writing a book where you had to stop because another story would speak louder in your head? If so, were you able to finish both?
Not normally. The next book will usually start harping at me around the end of the book before it. Before I had deadlines, I’ve had that happen. I’d hop between this book or that book and just play with each one. The deadlines have taught me focus and discipline though, and I think it’s helped to make the books more structured.
7. Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?
My muse is pretty flexible. He just comes and goes as he pleases. Sometimes I have to struggle with a book, sometimes the muse hits me hard and heavy and rides me until I finish a book gasping from the pace that’s been set with it. The deadlines aren’t really a factor I don’t believe, other than the fact that they force me to stick with one book at a time.
8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like to garden, go fishing, sometimes I like to cook. It’s varied. Whatever hits my interest at the time. Sometimes I just want to sit back for a few hours and rest, because honestly, there’s rarely a day that I’m not writing.
9. What jobs did you have before becoming a writer?
The same jobs I have now. A wife, a mother. I’ve always been a writer, no matter what I’ve done at any given time. I was a waitress for a while and my notebook traveled with me.
10. Chocolate or Vanilla? Shower or bath? Blue ink or black ink? Beer or Wine? Jeans or slacks?
Hmm. I’m allergic to chocolate and don’t care much for vanilla. I love a long hot bubble back, and the ink is all according to my mood. Beer and wine are mood things too. Jeans or slacks? Well, that’s kind of according to my mood as well. I’m not one thing at any given time. It’s all according to where I am inside myself at that particular time. And sometimes, I even like purple ink. My journal is written in a variety of colors.
11. Many of our readers love buying books in the ebook format, as it allows them to have a huge library everywhere they go. Many print publishers have jumped on the bandwagon and have started releasing books both in print and in ebook format. Are you planning to continue writing ebooks and will your print books also be released as ebooks?
How the print books will be released I’m never certain. I usually know if they’re ebook whenever a reader posts it to my forum. As for continuing with the ebooks, that’s still not a decision I’ve firmly made yet. At the moment, I’m concentrating on my print contracts and the growth of my books as a whole. I don’t like to say, yes I will do this or no I won’t do that, because invariably something will arise to make me rethink that decision. I do have three more ebooks planned for Ellora’s Cave. It’s just a matter of getting to them.
Lora, thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your world. It's been great hearing about your books, experiences as an author and some of your insights on life. Congrats on your next release. We can't wait to review more of your work!
Aemelia, thank you so much for the interview and the chance to visit with the readers who visit your site. I’ve had fun answering your questions and look forward to visiting Enchanting Reviews again soon.
Interviewed by Aemelia
June 2008
Aemelia, thank you for the opportunity as well
1. NAUTI DREAMS is the third book in your Nauti trilogy. Please tell us more about it.
NAUTI DREAMS is about facing the past, and facing the knowledge that only that one man (in Chaya’s case) or the one woman (in Natches case) will do. In NAUTI NIGHTS you see Natches with this devil may care façade until the one scene where he interacts with agent Chaya Dane, known as Greta Dane during this investigation. You get a sense there is something more, as do his cousins Dawg and Rowdy. Once you get involved with NAUTI DREAMS, from the Prologue on, you realize how deep that connection between the two of them actually goes and the effect it’s had on each character.
I cried through writing this book. Chaya’s loss and pain, and Natches need to protect and love her, touched me in ways that was very hard to handle. He was dedicated to her in a way that when it came time to end the book, I didn’t want to let it go.
2. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please, tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.
I first started seriously submitting my work to NY in 2003 I believe after several other authors had read TEMPTING THE BEAST and begin encouraging me to submit. Angela Knight played a huge role in that, she even introduced me to my first agent who picked me up and sold my ideas to Berkley and St. Martins.
3. What kind of research do you do for your books? Do you enjoy the research process?
I do a large variety of research, something I wished I had started sooner. That doesn’t mean I don’t mess up, because I do, often. Details often get mixed up because I’m so involved in my head with the characters and their story that sometimes other information tends to become rattled. But I do enjoy the research I do on my books. The trip to Lake Cumberland and Somerset Kentucky for the Nauti books was really a lot of fun. And the area is simply stunning. I’d encourage everyone to vacation there. It’s gorgeous, and the people are so kind and welcoming. It was a wonderful trip for me.
Different books require different types of research methods though. I have shelves full of notebooks and books for research topics on various series. And I’m always trying to pick up more information. Sometimes the process of research itself helps the plots and ideas to form fully in my head. So it’s a fun process and one I usually enjoy
4. If you could be one of your characters – Who would you be? And why?
That answer would vary from book to book. Whichever character I’m writing at the time I’d have to say. Or whoever’s head I’m in at any given moment. I love all my characters, even my villains. They all have a story to tell me and lessons to teach me, so each one as they come along, is my favorite I guess.
5. When you are in the middle of a book, are you able to turn off/shut off the story you are writing when you leave your office/turn your computer off, in order to interact with family and do all the every day life mom/wife stuff? Or are the characters and story bickering in the back of your mind while you fake normalcy?
What exactly is normalcy I’d have to ask. The stories and characters are always in my head. There is no escaping them. I even carry them into my dreams. I do make time for my family though. Dinner is always a family event with everyone at the table. My office is always open and my husband and son spend a lot of time in here with me. The phone rings and I usually answer it to talk to my daughter or my mother. I’m family focused, but I’m also very focused on my books. I still have a lot to write, and I’m normally a fast writer. So that does leave time for my family between books.
6. Have you ever been in the middle of writing a book where you had to stop because another story would speak louder in your head? If so, were you able to finish both?
Not normally. The next book will usually start harping at me around the end of the book before it. Before I had deadlines, I’ve had that happen. I’d hop between this book or that book and just play with each one. The deadlines have taught me focus and discipline though, and I think it’s helped to make the books more structured.
7. Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?
My muse is pretty flexible. He just comes and goes as he pleases. Sometimes I have to struggle with a book, sometimes the muse hits me hard and heavy and rides me until I finish a book gasping from the pace that’s been set with it. The deadlines aren’t really a factor I don’t believe, other than the fact that they force me to stick with one book at a time.
8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like to garden, go fishing, sometimes I like to cook. It’s varied. Whatever hits my interest at the time. Sometimes I just want to sit back for a few hours and rest, because honestly, there’s rarely a day that I’m not writing.
9. What jobs did you have before becoming a writer?
The same jobs I have now. A wife, a mother. I’ve always been a writer, no matter what I’ve done at any given time. I was a waitress for a while and my notebook traveled with me.
10. Chocolate or Vanilla? Shower or bath? Blue ink or black ink? Beer or Wine? Jeans or slacks?
Hmm. I’m allergic to chocolate and don’t care much for vanilla. I love a long hot bubble back, and the ink is all according to my mood. Beer and wine are mood things too. Jeans or slacks? Well, that’s kind of according to my mood as well. I’m not one thing at any given time. It’s all according to where I am inside myself at that particular time. And sometimes, I even like purple ink. My journal is written in a variety of colors.
11. Many of our readers love buying books in the ebook format, as it allows them to have a huge library everywhere they go. Many print publishers have jumped on the bandwagon and have started releasing books both in print and in ebook format. Are you planning to continue writing ebooks and will your print books also be released as ebooks?
How the print books will be released I’m never certain. I usually know if they’re ebook whenever a reader posts it to my forum. As for continuing with the ebooks, that’s still not a decision I’ve firmly made yet. At the moment, I’m concentrating on my print contracts and the growth of my books as a whole. I don’t like to say, yes I will do this or no I won’t do that, because invariably something will arise to make me rethink that decision. I do have three more ebooks planned for Ellora’s Cave. It’s just a matter of getting to them.
Lora, thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your world. It's been great hearing about your books, experiences as an author and some of your insights on life. Congrats on your next release. We can't wait to review more of your work!
Aemelia, thank you so much for the interview and the chance to visit with the readers who visit your site. I’ve had fun answering your questions and look forward to visiting Enchanting Reviews again soon.
Interviewed by Aemelia
June 2008
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Bethany Michaels
Hi, Bethany. Thanks for agreeing to chat with Enchanting Reviews about your books. We are so excited about getting to know you better.
1. What made you decide to become an author? And why an erotica author?
I don’t think any of us decide to become an author, we just are. Stories and characters are always swimming around in our heads. Writing them down is just a way to let them out. As for deciding to write with the intent to publish, it happened on the eve of one of those ‘zero’ birthdays. I had 4 children under the age of 4 at home, a full-time job and a husband to manage. It was not the best time to embark on a new adventure, but in my heart, my dream was always to be a published author. Luckily my night-shift job included a desk, a computer and several hours of free-time in an office by myself. No kids, no laundry, no boss. I used that time to write. I didn’t start out writing erotic romance. I worked on an historical and two contemporaries before I took an online class on writing erotica and decided to give it a try. I had always been interested in erotica/erotic romance and had read many of the ‘classics’, so it really was not very far out of my comfort zone to write it-telling my somewhat conservative family-that’s another story. But everyone has been unbelievably supportive. I’m very lucky.
2. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing ‘seriously’ since 2004.
3. What was your first book, and how long did it take to ‘break through’? Can you tell us more about your released work?
My first sale was a novella to Red Sage in 2007 for one of their Secrets anthologies, which I had pitched at the 2006 RWA conference. I had worked on 3 full-length manuscripts prior, but once I tried the novella length, I found I really liked the shorter format. That first novella, EDUCATING EVA, will be released next month in Secrets 23: Secret Desires from Red Sage. It’s a Regency-set historical about a sex-researcher and very naughty house party. Other sales since then include a light paranormal erotic e-book to Whispers Publishing (Ruby Magic, 2007), a ghostly erotic romance to Whiskey Creek Torrid (Hart & Souls in 2007’s Samhain Scorchers anthology) and a contemporary Christmas Carol-type e-book to Red Sage (A Christmas Cara, 2007).
4. How do you come up with a story?
In writing erotic romance, usually it’s a sexy situation that first inspires a story. For EDUCATING EVA, it was the idea of Regency house party where anything goes-then I tried to figure out who would go to these parties and imagined a fish-out-of-water heroine and what she might be doing there.
5. How do you come up with your characters?
The plot and characters are very closely related. One drives the other. So when I come up with a fun and sexy situation, I try to imagine what kinds of characters would be most interesting to put into that situation. For EDUCATING EVA, it was a bookish young woman doing a scholarly study on sex as a biological function paired with handsome ladies’ man determined to show her another side of the subject.
6. Any preference for writing a particular kind of character?
I always like smart, independent, driven women, whether I’m writing a paranormal, contemporary or an historical. My heroines know what they want and aren’t afraid to go out and get it. And in regards to the erotic aspect to my stories, none of my heroines are the ‘simpering Miss’ kind of women, afraid of sex, or totally innocent as to what happens in bed. I like heroines who embrace their sexuality. My heroines are more likely to saddle the dang horse themselves and ride out after the man they want rather than waiting for Prince Charming to rescue them.
7. Do you feel a calling toward a specific genre or style of writing?
I really like fun, sexy stories, but they also have to have a strong plot and dynamic characters. For me, a string of generic sex scenes between strangers isn’t erotic; it’s the emotion within and between the characters followed by a powerful love scene that makes reading (and writing) erotic romance so much fun.
8. A question we all want to know the answer to - What makes a great hero? Ultimately, a great heroine too?
I like strong heroes to go with my strong heroines. Confidence is the sexiest attribute I can think of in a hero, real or imagined, followed by a sense of humor and intelligence. As strong as he is, though, a great hero will eventually recognize it when he falls in love with the right woman and be able to give up a little bit of his pride in order to show the sensitive romantic side that resides underneath that strong, confident exterior.
9. Do you have a set schedule when you write or do you write when you are feeling creative?
I don’t have the time or patience to wait for the muse to show up. J These days, I write whenever someone at my house isn’t crying or getting into something and the laundry isn’t piled up to the ceiling. I don’t have that block of free time at night at work anymore, so I write during the day at the kitchen table during Dora the Explorer, at the park on my Alphasmart, and at the kids’ dentist office (4 cleanings can mean a long stretch in the waiting room). I’ve been known to write some steamy love scenes while sitting at the McDonald’s Playland, too J Weekends and nights off from work are spent writing, too. When I first stated writing, I needed a large block of time alone, but I’ve learned to write whenever and wherever I have a free moment. Ipod and Alphasmart are the two best inventions of all time for a Mom-slash-Writer.
10. What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice?
To me, there is no merit to an “I don’t have time” excuse. Nobody HAS time. If you want to write to sell, you MAKE the time. Aside from that, I’ve found joining RWA, including my local chapter, has made all the difference in the world. No one can understand what it’s like to possess the drive to write like another writer. No one can understand the fear of failure, the pain of a rejection or the pure joy in finally getting ‘the call’ like another writer. Writing is a very solitary activity and having that network of people who understand is incredibly important.
11. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I like to read, of course, and watch movies, though I don’t get to the theatre much these days, unless it’s an animated feature J. My husband and I both are history nerds and we like to travel to National Parks on vacation-Presidents’ homes, battlefields, etc. I am sort of a nature girl and like to be outside whenever possible, either hiking or out just enjoying the day. I avoid housework whenever possible.
12. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
EDUCATING EVA comes out in July in the print anthology Secrets 23: Secret Desires from Red Sage. It will be available online and at major booksellers, nationally.As for works-in-progress, I’m almost finished with a three-part serial for Red Sage’s e-book line-up. That series is a Regency-set historical about a very ‘merry’ widow and a stolen journal containing her erotic adventures. I don’t have any release details yet, but will post them to my website when I do.I also have been playing with a paranormal about an exiled demon posing as a Vegas magician and a correspondence-school PI out to discover his secrets. And I’ve been working on a single-title Regency-set “hot” historical that opens with the heroine’s ‘ruin’ and unfolds from there. I’m having fun turning the ‘normal’ Regency plot on its side.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If anyone out there is going to be at the RWA Conference in San Francisco in July, I’d love to meet you! I, and many other Red Sage authors, will be at the Literacy Signing, autographing copies of the Secrets anthologies, including the hot-off-the-presses Secrets 23 and Secrets 24, both July releases! I’d love to know what you think of the stories, so feel free to visit my website at www.BethanyMichaels.com or email me at Bethany@BethanyMichaels.com.
Bethany, I wish to thank you for your time today, and we at Enchanting Reviews hope to see more work from you in the near future.
Zee
May 2008
1. What made you decide to become an author? And why an erotica author?
I don’t think any of us decide to become an author, we just are. Stories and characters are always swimming around in our heads. Writing them down is just a way to let them out. As for deciding to write with the intent to publish, it happened on the eve of one of those ‘zero’ birthdays. I had 4 children under the age of 4 at home, a full-time job and a husband to manage. It was not the best time to embark on a new adventure, but in my heart, my dream was always to be a published author. Luckily my night-shift job included a desk, a computer and several hours of free-time in an office by myself. No kids, no laundry, no boss. I used that time to write. I didn’t start out writing erotic romance. I worked on an historical and two contemporaries before I took an online class on writing erotica and decided to give it a try. I had always been interested in erotica/erotic romance and had read many of the ‘classics’, so it really was not very far out of my comfort zone to write it-telling my somewhat conservative family-that’s another story. But everyone has been unbelievably supportive. I’m very lucky.
2. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing ‘seriously’ since 2004.
3. What was your first book, and how long did it take to ‘break through’? Can you tell us more about your released work?
My first sale was a novella to Red Sage in 2007 for one of their Secrets anthologies, which I had pitched at the 2006 RWA conference. I had worked on 3 full-length manuscripts prior, but once I tried the novella length, I found I really liked the shorter format. That first novella, EDUCATING EVA, will be released next month in Secrets 23: Secret Desires from Red Sage. It’s a Regency-set historical about a sex-researcher and very naughty house party. Other sales since then include a light paranormal erotic e-book to Whispers Publishing (Ruby Magic, 2007), a ghostly erotic romance to Whiskey Creek Torrid (Hart & Souls in 2007’s Samhain Scorchers anthology) and a contemporary Christmas Carol-type e-book to Red Sage (A Christmas Cara, 2007).
4. How do you come up with a story?
In writing erotic romance, usually it’s a sexy situation that first inspires a story. For EDUCATING EVA, it was the idea of Regency house party where anything goes-then I tried to figure out who would go to these parties and imagined a fish-out-of-water heroine and what she might be doing there.
5. How do you come up with your characters?
The plot and characters are very closely related. One drives the other. So when I come up with a fun and sexy situation, I try to imagine what kinds of characters would be most interesting to put into that situation. For EDUCATING EVA, it was a bookish young woman doing a scholarly study on sex as a biological function paired with handsome ladies’ man determined to show her another side of the subject.
6. Any preference for writing a particular kind of character?
I always like smart, independent, driven women, whether I’m writing a paranormal, contemporary or an historical. My heroines know what they want and aren’t afraid to go out and get it. And in regards to the erotic aspect to my stories, none of my heroines are the ‘simpering Miss’ kind of women, afraid of sex, or totally innocent as to what happens in bed. I like heroines who embrace their sexuality. My heroines are more likely to saddle the dang horse themselves and ride out after the man they want rather than waiting for Prince Charming to rescue them.
7. Do you feel a calling toward a specific genre or style of writing?
I really like fun, sexy stories, but they also have to have a strong plot and dynamic characters. For me, a string of generic sex scenes between strangers isn’t erotic; it’s the emotion within and between the characters followed by a powerful love scene that makes reading (and writing) erotic romance so much fun.
8. A question we all want to know the answer to - What makes a great hero? Ultimately, a great heroine too?
I like strong heroes to go with my strong heroines. Confidence is the sexiest attribute I can think of in a hero, real or imagined, followed by a sense of humor and intelligence. As strong as he is, though, a great hero will eventually recognize it when he falls in love with the right woman and be able to give up a little bit of his pride in order to show the sensitive romantic side that resides underneath that strong, confident exterior.
9. Do you have a set schedule when you write or do you write when you are feeling creative?
I don’t have the time or patience to wait for the muse to show up. J These days, I write whenever someone at my house isn’t crying or getting into something and the laundry isn’t piled up to the ceiling. I don’t have that block of free time at night at work anymore, so I write during the day at the kitchen table during Dora the Explorer, at the park on my Alphasmart, and at the kids’ dentist office (4 cleanings can mean a long stretch in the waiting room). I’ve been known to write some steamy love scenes while sitting at the McDonald’s Playland, too J Weekends and nights off from work are spent writing, too. When I first stated writing, I needed a large block of time alone, but I’ve learned to write whenever and wherever I have a free moment. Ipod and Alphasmart are the two best inventions of all time for a Mom-slash-Writer.
10. What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice?
To me, there is no merit to an “I don’t have time” excuse. Nobody HAS time. If you want to write to sell, you MAKE the time. Aside from that, I’ve found joining RWA, including my local chapter, has made all the difference in the world. No one can understand what it’s like to possess the drive to write like another writer. No one can understand the fear of failure, the pain of a rejection or the pure joy in finally getting ‘the call’ like another writer. Writing is a very solitary activity and having that network of people who understand is incredibly important.
11. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I like to read, of course, and watch movies, though I don’t get to the theatre much these days, unless it’s an animated feature J. My husband and I both are history nerds and we like to travel to National Parks on vacation-Presidents’ homes, battlefields, etc. I am sort of a nature girl and like to be outside whenever possible, either hiking or out just enjoying the day. I avoid housework whenever possible.
12. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
EDUCATING EVA comes out in July in the print anthology Secrets 23: Secret Desires from Red Sage. It will be available online and at major booksellers, nationally.As for works-in-progress, I’m almost finished with a three-part serial for Red Sage’s e-book line-up. That series is a Regency-set historical about a very ‘merry’ widow and a stolen journal containing her erotic adventures. I don’t have any release details yet, but will post them to my website when I do.I also have been playing with a paranormal about an exiled demon posing as a Vegas magician and a correspondence-school PI out to discover his secrets. And I’ve been working on a single-title Regency-set “hot” historical that opens with the heroine’s ‘ruin’ and unfolds from there. I’m having fun turning the ‘normal’ Regency plot on its side.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If anyone out there is going to be at the RWA Conference in San Francisco in July, I’d love to meet you! I, and many other Red Sage authors, will be at the Literacy Signing, autographing copies of the Secrets anthologies, including the hot-off-the-presses Secrets 23 and Secrets 24, both July releases! I’d love to know what you think of the stories, so feel free to visit my website at www.BethanyMichaels.com or email me at Bethany@BethanyMichaels.com.
Bethany, I wish to thank you for your time today, and we at Enchanting Reviews hope to see more work from you in the near future.
Zee
May 2008
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Nancy Lindquist
Hi, Nancy. Thanks for agreeing to you to share a little bit of yourself with readers of Enchanting Reviews. We promise this will be mostly harmless (and a little bit fun).
1. When did you decide to become an author and why?
It was not that long ago. I made the decision to take my writing seriously and write a book in the spring of 2006. Before that, I’d been writing poetry and keeping a blog. I’d always wanted to write a book, but I’m dyslexic and believed I would never accomplish finishing a book and getting it published.
2. Who is a writer that inspires you?
Good writing is my best inspiration. I spend time every day, reading. I don’t have a specific mentor, but the generosity of other authors have allowed me to realize my dreams.
3. Do you have a set schedule for when you write? Do you have any superstitions or rituals when writing?
I write September, through June. Take the summers off to be with my kids. During the school year, I write Monday – Thursday, ten hours a day. I have to push myself, but it’s worth it. I don’t have any special writing rituals, unless you count an addiction to Diet Coke. J I read for inspiration. I can tell when I have not read enough, my writing suffers. Feeding my muse is very important. Silence is good, too.
4. How long did it take you to get your first book published? How did you go about picking a publisher?
It didn’t take long. I sold it quickly, after an initial rejection, and it was published six months later. I was shocked and thrilled and will be forever grateful to Samhain Publishing for the opportunity. I chose Samhain because the quality of the writing there is top notch and they are very supportive of their writers.
5. Please tell us about your favorite book that you have published and what makes it special to you?
I love all my stories. I think you have to love your work, but I have a soft spot for LADY LILLIAN’S GUIDE TO AMAZING SEX. It was the first book I’ve ever written and I love the story.
6. How do you come up with your with your characters and/or plot? Are any of them based loosely on real people in your life? Are your characters usually hard or easy to work with?
I come up with my best ideas when I’m running, or in the shower. Ideas pop into my head when I’m focused on something else. Some mornings I get on the computer and tap away at the keys in a towel. Which the neighbors are probably not thrilled about since I have to open my curtains and have natural light. LOL!
I do base my characters on people I know. At least, that’s how they start. They are not recognizable as I move through the work.
A lot of authors see their characters as living breathing beings with control. I’m not like that. It’s my hamster cage and I control the rats. I’ve never had a couple not be able to fall in love. I am too much of a control freak to let my characters do anything, but fall in line. You squeak on the hamster wheel when I say you do. LOL!
7. Which couple that you have written is your favorite and why? Can you describe them using only 3 words?
Rick and Becky from HOW TO CONJURE A MAN. I just love them. They talk out their issues. There is drama, but it’s internal. I’m a stormy ole nasty wench, when I wanna be, and Becky is not like that at all. She’s not into my trauma drama.
Becky and Rick: Fire, Laughter, Seduction.
8. Which of your male characters would you be the most attracted to in real life?
None of them. LOL! I like smart blond men, like my husband, but most of my male characters are tall and dark. Smart. I cannot have a character who is a dope. No man-cicles here, but I am not into dark men. I think I dated two dark men in my entire dating career and both relationships were a mess.
9. I love your quote 'Because a Penis is Not a Throbbing Love Muscle'. Do you have any other words of wisdom for us?
OH MY HECK!! I love that one too. “It’s all sassy fabulous,” is a Nancy-ism and, “If you don’t stop screwing around, I’m going to cook and eat you.” That one is often said to my kids. I also say, “You just think you’re the king turd of poo mountain, don’t you?” but that was stolen from a tri-athlete I know, who calls himself The Bear.
10. What do you like to do when you are not writing? How do you train for your triathlon events?
I eat. It’s sad, but true. I am such a foodie. I only do the triathlons so I can eat pancakes without guilt.I train on and off for my tri’s. Usually you get an every-other-summer effort out of me. One summer I will hit it hard, and the next, I take it easier. When I’m training hard I run five miles in the morning and bike fifteen – twenty miles in the afternoon. I swim when I force myself. I’m a strong swimmer naturally, and I find it easy. Which translates to, I think I can slide. I can’t, but I do. I love the races. I always think I’m crazy and I can’t do it, and I always finish. I’ve just learned to finish what I start in the last few years.I also read and travel. I love to travel.
11. What is one item that you could not live without?
People: Kids and husband.
Item: Computer. “You can have it…when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers.”
12. If you were stranded on a deserted island with only 3 books, what would they be?
That is an EEEVIL question.The Vedas, a Hindu religious text. I love them. War and Peace, ‘cause I barely finished it twenty years ago and I was skimming near the end. And The Joy of Cooking.
13. If we were having this interview in a person, what restaurant would you choose and what would you order?
Great question, since I’m all about food. I’m assuming you’re paying and I can order anything I want, because you have a fabu expense account.
Fabu expense account:There’s a place in downtown Ann Arbor that my husband and I hit once a year. It’s called, “The Chop House.” AMAZING STEAKS!!! I’d order a fillet, a nice salad and a Cosmo. Which means you’d get an interesting interview about halfway through the evening. *grin* Next door there is a dessert restaurant with AMAZING desserts. One of each, to share.
If we’re on a regular budget:The Peppermill in Las Vegas. They have huge, monster portions of the best twelve egg omelets ever and hash browns you would die for. They also serve a Bloody Mary that is out of this world. When in Vegas, I drink before noon, 'cause there’s a three hour time difference between there and home. Goodness, I sound like a lush. I only have a drink when I’m out and then, only one. I’m a lightweight.
14. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
I’m just finishing my first action adventure romance. I don’t have a title. I am crap at titles. It’s set in my hometown of Grand Haven, MI and has a St. Bernard in it. I put dogs in my work a lot. I love animals. I would write more cats, but they are so mysterious and elegant; the opposite of me.
15. Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers?
I am just thrilled and tickled to be a part of this site and to be interviewed by you. I am honored, beyond words. Not a frequent thing, for me.
I also want to encourage other moms of special needs children. I have two of them. One adopted with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and my autistic angel. I know it’s hard. I know there are days you lose yourself. I also know the value of opening a book in the rare lulls and being transported to another time and place. Books are our friends, when the kids are screaming and the world is ending. A good book will refresh and revive you. Those are the people I write for -the women who just want a few minutes to escape and laugh, as well as fall in love all over again.
Thank you so much for your candor and humor in answering our questions. We can't wait to review more work from you in the near future! You are such a wonderful lady and we really appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better. Thanks again for choosing to work with Enchanting Reviews.
Interviewed by dawn
August 2007
1. When did you decide to become an author and why?
It was not that long ago. I made the decision to take my writing seriously and write a book in the spring of 2006. Before that, I’d been writing poetry and keeping a blog. I’d always wanted to write a book, but I’m dyslexic and believed I would never accomplish finishing a book and getting it published.
2. Who is a writer that inspires you?
Good writing is my best inspiration. I spend time every day, reading. I don’t have a specific mentor, but the generosity of other authors have allowed me to realize my dreams.
3. Do you have a set schedule for when you write? Do you have any superstitions or rituals when writing?
I write September, through June. Take the summers off to be with my kids. During the school year, I write Monday – Thursday, ten hours a day. I have to push myself, but it’s worth it. I don’t have any special writing rituals, unless you count an addiction to Diet Coke. J I read for inspiration. I can tell when I have not read enough, my writing suffers. Feeding my muse is very important. Silence is good, too.
4. How long did it take you to get your first book published? How did you go about picking a publisher?
It didn’t take long. I sold it quickly, after an initial rejection, and it was published six months later. I was shocked and thrilled and will be forever grateful to Samhain Publishing for the opportunity. I chose Samhain because the quality of the writing there is top notch and they are very supportive of their writers.
5. Please tell us about your favorite book that you have published and what makes it special to you?
I love all my stories. I think you have to love your work, but I have a soft spot for LADY LILLIAN’S GUIDE TO AMAZING SEX. It was the first book I’ve ever written and I love the story.
6. How do you come up with your with your characters and/or plot? Are any of them based loosely on real people in your life? Are your characters usually hard or easy to work with?
I come up with my best ideas when I’m running, or in the shower. Ideas pop into my head when I’m focused on something else. Some mornings I get on the computer and tap away at the keys in a towel. Which the neighbors are probably not thrilled about since I have to open my curtains and have natural light. LOL!
I do base my characters on people I know. At least, that’s how they start. They are not recognizable as I move through the work.
A lot of authors see their characters as living breathing beings with control. I’m not like that. It’s my hamster cage and I control the rats. I’ve never had a couple not be able to fall in love. I am too much of a control freak to let my characters do anything, but fall in line. You squeak on the hamster wheel when I say you do. LOL!
7. Which couple that you have written is your favorite and why? Can you describe them using only 3 words?
Rick and Becky from HOW TO CONJURE A MAN. I just love them. They talk out their issues. There is drama, but it’s internal. I’m a stormy ole nasty wench, when I wanna be, and Becky is not like that at all. She’s not into my trauma drama.
Becky and Rick: Fire, Laughter, Seduction.
8. Which of your male characters would you be the most attracted to in real life?
None of them. LOL! I like smart blond men, like my husband, but most of my male characters are tall and dark. Smart. I cannot have a character who is a dope. No man-cicles here, but I am not into dark men. I think I dated two dark men in my entire dating career and both relationships were a mess.
9. I love your quote 'Because a Penis is Not a Throbbing Love Muscle'. Do you have any other words of wisdom for us?
OH MY HECK!! I love that one too. “It’s all sassy fabulous,” is a Nancy-ism and, “If you don’t stop screwing around, I’m going to cook and eat you.” That one is often said to my kids. I also say, “You just think you’re the king turd of poo mountain, don’t you?” but that was stolen from a tri-athlete I know, who calls himself The Bear.
10. What do you like to do when you are not writing? How do you train for your triathlon events?
I eat. It’s sad, but true. I am such a foodie. I only do the triathlons so I can eat pancakes without guilt.I train on and off for my tri’s. Usually you get an every-other-summer effort out of me. One summer I will hit it hard, and the next, I take it easier. When I’m training hard I run five miles in the morning and bike fifteen – twenty miles in the afternoon. I swim when I force myself. I’m a strong swimmer naturally, and I find it easy. Which translates to, I think I can slide. I can’t, but I do. I love the races. I always think I’m crazy and I can’t do it, and I always finish. I’ve just learned to finish what I start in the last few years.I also read and travel. I love to travel.
11. What is one item that you could not live without?
People: Kids and husband.
Item: Computer. “You can have it…when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers.”
12. If you were stranded on a deserted island with only 3 books, what would they be?
That is an EEEVIL question.The Vedas, a Hindu religious text. I love them. War and Peace, ‘cause I barely finished it twenty years ago and I was skimming near the end. And The Joy of Cooking.
13. If we were having this interview in a person, what restaurant would you choose and what would you order?
Great question, since I’m all about food. I’m assuming you’re paying and I can order anything I want, because you have a fabu expense account.
Fabu expense account:There’s a place in downtown Ann Arbor that my husband and I hit once a year. It’s called, “The Chop House.” AMAZING STEAKS!!! I’d order a fillet, a nice salad and a Cosmo. Which means you’d get an interesting interview about halfway through the evening. *grin* Next door there is a dessert restaurant with AMAZING desserts. One of each, to share.
If we’re on a regular budget:The Peppermill in Las Vegas. They have huge, monster portions of the best twelve egg omelets ever and hash browns you would die for. They also serve a Bloody Mary that is out of this world. When in Vegas, I drink before noon, 'cause there’s a three hour time difference between there and home. Goodness, I sound like a lush. I only have a drink when I’m out and then, only one. I’m a lightweight.
14. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
I’m just finishing my first action adventure romance. I don’t have a title. I am crap at titles. It’s set in my hometown of Grand Haven, MI and has a St. Bernard in it. I put dogs in my work a lot. I love animals. I would write more cats, but they are so mysterious and elegant; the opposite of me.
15. Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers?
I am just thrilled and tickled to be a part of this site and to be interviewed by you. I am honored, beyond words. Not a frequent thing, for me.
I also want to encourage other moms of special needs children. I have two of them. One adopted with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and my autistic angel. I know it’s hard. I know there are days you lose yourself. I also know the value of opening a book in the rare lulls and being transported to another time and place. Books are our friends, when the kids are screaming and the world is ending. A good book will refresh and revive you. Those are the people I write for -the women who just want a few minutes to escape and laugh, as well as fall in love all over again.
Thank you so much for your candor and humor in answering our questions. We can't wait to review more work from you in the near future! You are such a wonderful lady and we really appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better. Thanks again for choosing to work with Enchanting Reviews.
Interviewed by dawn
August 2007
Lesli Langtry
Thanks for agreeing to chat with Enchanting Reviews about your books, Lesli. Big fan!
1.What made you want to be a writer?
I’ve always enjoyed messing around with words and stories. As a kid, I would tell myself stories out loud for hours. I think maybe there’s a creative side it is impossible to repress.
2. How did you go from unpublished to published?
I got involved in Romance Writers of America and my local chapter. I worked and worked at it, writing four complete novels before selling. I attended RWA national workshops and it was at my third conference where I met my editor. She liked my idea and asked me to send it. The rest is history!
3. What do you like best about being a writer?
Getting paid to make stuff up. That’s pretty cool. My eight-year old asked me to define the word “fiction.” I told him it is something invented. He wanted to know if fiction was the truth. I said no. He then announced that I got paid for lying. I’m still trying to figure out if he’s right about that.
4. Do you have any writing rituals?
Not really. I sit with my laptop either in my office or any other room in the house and open up a file and go. There’s a lot of procrastination involved. But really, I just have to sit down and do it. I tend to eat and drink when I write. Usually Dove dark chocolates and tea. Some people can write while having a glass of wine or something like that. I’ve never tried it. I figure if I drank while writing, there’d be a whole lot of nothing on that page.
5. How did you come up with the idea to write about a family of assassins?
I had a dream about them. I was working on something totally different at the time. But the Bombays invaded my dreams and wouldn’t leave me alone until I started writing. Part of it too is that I’ve always loved adventure movies and books. And I like taking something normal - like widowed soccer mom Gin Bomba - and give her a job you couldn’t possibly imagine for her.
6. What sparked the idea for STAND BY YOUR HITMAN?
I’m a Survivor fan. In fact, I include a brief mention of the show in each book. And with Missi Bombay being an ingenious inventor, I thought “How cool would that be?” It turned out to be pretty cool after all.
7. What is your favorite quality of Missi's?
I like how she can look at something like dryer lint or a bobby pin and think, “You know what? I could kill someone with that.” She’s not fettered by the “rules.” Anything and everything has infinite possibilities. I love that.
8. What do you have in common with Missi?
I’m a chaotic thinker like her. The parts of the book where her mind wanders from work to Pop Tarts in two seconds are what I most relate to. I think just like that.
9. What do you like best about Lex?
He’s so laid-back and thoughtful. He really looks after Missi. I think that’s what we all want, isn’t it? I based his character on Det. Lee Scanlon from Medium. He’s just so amazing!
10. What was your favorite scene to write?
I loved writing the challenges, especially the ropes course/zip line one. I based that course on the set-up from my local Girl Scout camp. Every time I use it now, I smile.11. What's next for you?Coney Island Bombay’s book, I SHOT YOU BABE, comes out in July so I’ve been finishing that up. After that, who knows? I get fan mail asking for books on everyone in the Bombay Family from Paris to Grandma Maryland . And there are some other ideas I have for alternate series. We will just have to wait and see!
Can't wait to find out what's next in the crazy, fun series. Thanks for the interview!
Interviewed by Lisa
December 2008
1.What made you want to be a writer?
I’ve always enjoyed messing around with words and stories. As a kid, I would tell myself stories out loud for hours. I think maybe there’s a creative side it is impossible to repress.
2. How did you go from unpublished to published?
I got involved in Romance Writers of America and my local chapter. I worked and worked at it, writing four complete novels before selling. I attended RWA national workshops and it was at my third conference where I met my editor. She liked my idea and asked me to send it. The rest is history!
3. What do you like best about being a writer?
Getting paid to make stuff up. That’s pretty cool. My eight-year old asked me to define the word “fiction.” I told him it is something invented. He wanted to know if fiction was the truth. I said no. He then announced that I got paid for lying. I’m still trying to figure out if he’s right about that.
4. Do you have any writing rituals?
Not really. I sit with my laptop either in my office or any other room in the house and open up a file and go. There’s a lot of procrastination involved. But really, I just have to sit down and do it. I tend to eat and drink when I write. Usually Dove dark chocolates and tea. Some people can write while having a glass of wine or something like that. I’ve never tried it. I figure if I drank while writing, there’d be a whole lot of nothing on that page.
5. How did you come up with the idea to write about a family of assassins?
I had a dream about them. I was working on something totally different at the time. But the Bombays invaded my dreams and wouldn’t leave me alone until I started writing. Part of it too is that I’ve always loved adventure movies and books. And I like taking something normal - like widowed soccer mom Gin Bomba - and give her a job you couldn’t possibly imagine for her.
6. What sparked the idea for STAND BY YOUR HITMAN?
I’m a Survivor fan. In fact, I include a brief mention of the show in each book. And with Missi Bombay being an ingenious inventor, I thought “How cool would that be?” It turned out to be pretty cool after all.
7. What is your favorite quality of Missi's?
I like how she can look at something like dryer lint or a bobby pin and think, “You know what? I could kill someone with that.” She’s not fettered by the “rules.” Anything and everything has infinite possibilities. I love that.
8. What do you have in common with Missi?
I’m a chaotic thinker like her. The parts of the book where her mind wanders from work to Pop Tarts in two seconds are what I most relate to. I think just like that.
9. What do you like best about Lex?
He’s so laid-back and thoughtful. He really looks after Missi. I think that’s what we all want, isn’t it? I based his character on Det. Lee Scanlon from Medium. He’s just so amazing!
10. What was your favorite scene to write?
I loved writing the challenges, especially the ropes course/zip line one. I based that course on the set-up from my local Girl Scout camp. Every time I use it now, I smile.11. What's next for you?Coney Island Bombay’s book, I SHOT YOU BABE, comes out in July so I’ve been finishing that up. After that, who knows? I get fan mail asking for books on everyone in the Bombay Family from Paris to Grandma Maryland . And there are some other ideas I have for alternate series. We will just have to wait and see!
Can't wait to find out what's next in the crazy, fun series. Thanks for the interview!
Interviewed by Lisa
December 2008
Beth Kery
Hi, Beth, and thanks for agreeing to chat with Enchanting Reviews about your books. We are so excited about getting to know you better.
Thanks for asking me. I’m glad to be here.
1. Which of your male characters would you be the most attracted to in real life?
Oh, Jeez. A toss up. Christian Lasher from GATEWAY TO HEAVEN-I have an adolescent thing for rock stars *rolling eyes*--and Vic Savian from WICKED BURN, my New York publishing debut book which comes out December 2008 from Berkley Sensation. Vic’s a cowboy playwright, a little moody, probably more than a little imperfect…and so damn sexy.
2. If you had to describe your writing to someone using only 3 words, what would they be? What do you like least about writing?
“Pulls at heartstrings.” The thing I like least about writing is agonizing before I get started on a book. I’m actually much happier when I’m ‘under way” on the journey of writing something. Preparing for the trip, so to speak, is hard for me. I’m always itching to get going when I haven’t planned things out sufficiently, which is a great way to end up in the Siberia of novel writing.
3. How long did it take you to get your first book published? How did you go about picking an agent and/or publisher?
I believe it took about a year from send-off to acceptance, and then it took another seven months until actual publication. The initial wait was excruciating because I never knew if it was lost, long ago tossed in the garbage…or what? Like many writers, I hate waiting. Unfortunately it’s as integral to this business as putting words on a page. I have several wonderful publishers so I’ll comment on why I chose my agent. I chose Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency because she not only said she loved my writing, she told me WHY she loved it. She sounded confident that she could sell it-and she did in two weeks. *grin* But seriously, your agent has to really feel good about trying to sell your stuff. Laura was able to convey her enthusiasm to me. I figured she’d also be able to convey that to editors.
4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I like spending time with my wonderful husband, reading, listening to live music and traveling. I also love going to art galleries and art museums. I am such a non-artist, but I have a huge admiration and appreciation for it. Writing is art, of course, but I’m referring to painting, sculpture, etc. Several of my heroes and heroines are artists, probably as a wish fulfillment on my part.
5. What is one item that you could not live without? What is your favorite junk food?
It’s a toss up between my tiny little Sharp two pound laptop and my sound machine. I live in the city, but I’m also a very light sleeper. I literally can’t sleep without it. Junk Food: Reese’s peanut butter cups.
6. Do you prefer to wear dresses or slacks?
If I went by percentages I’d have to say slacks. But I actually do like wearing skirts for the ‘day job’ occasionally and also for going out.
7. How do you come your with your characters and/or plot? Are any of them based loosely on real people in your life?
It depends. Sometimes the characters come to me before the plot unfolds. Sometimes the plot fuels character development, even if it’s just a ‘flash’ of an intriguing scene. For my second Berkley book (tentatively titled CAPTIVE SECRETS), for instance, my inspiration was just this vivid fantasy of a man in a darkened room holding up a real, rare emerald and a fake facsimile. He takes the woman’s fake and leaves the genuine emerald in her jewelry box…and exits her house and life. Why would he do that? I thought. That was the birth of a story and a fairly well fleshed out hero and heroine.
I have to say none of my characters are really based on people in my life. They’re all pretty much plucked out of my fantasy world. As to whether they are hard or easy to work with…well, once again it depends. Sometimes the ones that I struggle with a bit are the most interesting. Notable struggles were Jax from the Subtle Lovers series, Megan from GATEWAY TO HEAVEN and Trick from TRICKED TRUTHS.
8. What is your favorite season or time of day? Where is your favorite place to visit?
I love the morning, the fall and Lake Tahoe. As a matter of fact, all those things together would be just about perfect.
9. Bubble bath or shower? Satin or lace? Chocolate or vanilla? Wine or beer? Pillows or blankets? Pen or Pencil? Blue ink or black?
Bubble bath all the way. No comparison.
Satin.
CHOCOLATE, are you kidding?
Wine, red, full-bodied, peppery.
Pillows or Blankets? You mean I have to choose? They go together.
Pen.
Black ink.
10. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
I just finished a time travel tentatively called DARING TIME for Berkley Heat. It was really fun for me both to research and write this one as my beloved city (Chicago) plays a big part, both in the present and in the year 1906. Now I’m in my ‘steeping’ phase for my second Heat novel-which means the period where I brainstorm, research and generally torture myself as I come up with characters, plot, etc. *grin* To be honest with you, I’m tormenting myself a bit more than usual, because I’ve decided to do a vampire. I always told myself I wouldn’t, because it’s been done so much, how can I ever do an original angle? But I don’t know, for some reason, the muse kept telling me I was a coward for not trying. Might be a particularly challenging ‘delivery’ for this baby.
Beth, thank you so much for your time and for answering my questions. We can't wait to review more work from you in the near future!
It was my pleasure, Desiree.
Interviewed by Desiree de Cleves
May 2008
Thanks for asking me. I’m glad to be here.
1. Which of your male characters would you be the most attracted to in real life?
Oh, Jeez. A toss up. Christian Lasher from GATEWAY TO HEAVEN-I have an adolescent thing for rock stars *rolling eyes*--and Vic Savian from WICKED BURN, my New York publishing debut book which comes out December 2008 from Berkley Sensation. Vic’s a cowboy playwright, a little moody, probably more than a little imperfect…and so damn sexy.
2. If you had to describe your writing to someone using only 3 words, what would they be? What do you like least about writing?
“Pulls at heartstrings.” The thing I like least about writing is agonizing before I get started on a book. I’m actually much happier when I’m ‘under way” on the journey of writing something. Preparing for the trip, so to speak, is hard for me. I’m always itching to get going when I haven’t planned things out sufficiently, which is a great way to end up in the Siberia of novel writing.
3. How long did it take you to get your first book published? How did you go about picking an agent and/or publisher?
I believe it took about a year from send-off to acceptance, and then it took another seven months until actual publication. The initial wait was excruciating because I never knew if it was lost, long ago tossed in the garbage…or what? Like many writers, I hate waiting. Unfortunately it’s as integral to this business as putting words on a page. I have several wonderful publishers so I’ll comment on why I chose my agent. I chose Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency because she not only said she loved my writing, she told me WHY she loved it. She sounded confident that she could sell it-and she did in two weeks. *grin* But seriously, your agent has to really feel good about trying to sell your stuff. Laura was able to convey her enthusiasm to me. I figured she’d also be able to convey that to editors.
4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I like spending time with my wonderful husband, reading, listening to live music and traveling. I also love going to art galleries and art museums. I am such a non-artist, but I have a huge admiration and appreciation for it. Writing is art, of course, but I’m referring to painting, sculpture, etc. Several of my heroes and heroines are artists, probably as a wish fulfillment on my part.
5. What is one item that you could not live without? What is your favorite junk food?
It’s a toss up between my tiny little Sharp two pound laptop and my sound machine. I live in the city, but I’m also a very light sleeper. I literally can’t sleep without it. Junk Food: Reese’s peanut butter cups.
6. Do you prefer to wear dresses or slacks?
If I went by percentages I’d have to say slacks. But I actually do like wearing skirts for the ‘day job’ occasionally and also for going out.
7. How do you come your with your characters and/or plot? Are any of them based loosely on real people in your life?
It depends. Sometimes the characters come to me before the plot unfolds. Sometimes the plot fuels character development, even if it’s just a ‘flash’ of an intriguing scene. For my second Berkley book (tentatively titled CAPTIVE SECRETS), for instance, my inspiration was just this vivid fantasy of a man in a darkened room holding up a real, rare emerald and a fake facsimile. He takes the woman’s fake and leaves the genuine emerald in her jewelry box…and exits her house and life. Why would he do that? I thought. That was the birth of a story and a fairly well fleshed out hero and heroine.
I have to say none of my characters are really based on people in my life. They’re all pretty much plucked out of my fantasy world. As to whether they are hard or easy to work with…well, once again it depends. Sometimes the ones that I struggle with a bit are the most interesting. Notable struggles were Jax from the Subtle Lovers series, Megan from GATEWAY TO HEAVEN and Trick from TRICKED TRUTHS.
8. What is your favorite season or time of day? Where is your favorite place to visit?
I love the morning, the fall and Lake Tahoe. As a matter of fact, all those things together would be just about perfect.
9. Bubble bath or shower? Satin or lace? Chocolate or vanilla? Wine or beer? Pillows or blankets? Pen or Pencil? Blue ink or black?
Bubble bath all the way. No comparison.
Satin.
CHOCOLATE, are you kidding?
Wine, red, full-bodied, peppery.
Pillows or Blankets? You mean I have to choose? They go together.
Pen.
Black ink.
10. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
I just finished a time travel tentatively called DARING TIME for Berkley Heat. It was really fun for me both to research and write this one as my beloved city (Chicago) plays a big part, both in the present and in the year 1906. Now I’m in my ‘steeping’ phase for my second Heat novel-which means the period where I brainstorm, research and generally torture myself as I come up with characters, plot, etc. *grin* To be honest with you, I’m tormenting myself a bit more than usual, because I’ve decided to do a vampire. I always told myself I wouldn’t, because it’s been done so much, how can I ever do an original angle? But I don’t know, for some reason, the muse kept telling me I was a coward for not trying. Might be a particularly challenging ‘delivery’ for this baby.
Beth, thank you so much for your time and for answering my questions. We can't wait to review more work from you in the near future!
It was my pleasure, Desiree.
Interviewed by Desiree de Cleves
May 2008
Adelle Laudan
Adelle, we appreciate you taking the time to chat with Enchanting Reviews about your books. I have fallen in love with your books.
Thanks for the opportunity.
1.When did you decide to become an author and why?
Writing has always been a release of sorts for me. I only shared my stories with a few select friends. It was the beginning of 2006 I completed my story, Juliana, and a good friend talked me into submitting it to be published. I decided to give myself one year to see if I had what it took to become a published author.
2.Who is a writer that inspires you? Who is a writer that you admire and would like to get to know better?
VC Andrews is the first author I actively sought out her books after reading the trilogy, Flowers in the Attic, If there be Thorns, and Petals in the Wind. I’d love to meet Jean M Auel, author of Clan of the Cave Bear, as this is where my love affair with the native culture began.
3.What award that you have won are you most proud of? What award would you like to win?
Placing 1st in the contemporary romance category of the Predator and Editor Polls of 2007. This award meant a lot to me because it was the votes of my readers that determined my win. If I could win any other award, I guess I’d love to win, the Golden Heart, an Eppie, or Rita award.
4.Do you have a set schedule for when you write?
I try to do most of my writing while my girls are at school, but sometimes my muse has other plans. Often times waking me up at 2 a.m. with a story that must be told. Sometimes, if I’m looking for a new story idea I will visit the travels sites. All it takes is finding the perfect location and I am off and running.
5.How long did it take you to get your first book published?
I remember submitting my first book, JULIANA, and within a week’s time, I was signing my first contract. Since then I’ve learned this is not the norm. I really got lucky with my first publisher. It was a positive experience considering how green I was about the publishing industry.
6.What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice?
I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to remain teachable. There’s always something new to learn about the craft of writing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, most authors are more than happy to help.
7.Where did you work when you were in high school? What jobs did you have before becoming a writer?
I left home at the tender age of fifteen and worked three jobs to survive. My first job was at McDonald’s, and I worked at a Pizza Place and I was a sewing machine operator at Levis Strauss. I went back to school in my early twenties to get my diploma. Most of my jobs have been in the textile industry, from sewing to cutting, to pattern design. I can create a garment from the pattern all the way through to the finished product.
8.Please tell us about your favorite book that you have published, and what makes it special to you?
I think JULIANA will always be special to me as it was my first. It was a very emotional journey writing it. I hope at least one person living in an abusive situation can draw strength from my words and begin their own healing journey.
9.How do you come your with your characters and/or plot?
I usually write by the seat of my pants, why no rhyme or reason. I wrote IRON HORSE RIDER with an outline for the first time. I entered NaNoWriMo and finished the rough draft in one month’s time. The following year I wrote IRON HORSE RIDER 2 and I hope to write IRON HORSE RIDER 3 this year.
10.Which of your male characters would you be the most attracted to in real life?
Well, at this time in my life, I am officially allergic to men. Lol. But if I had to pick one, I’d say Taylor from my next release, CRUCIFIED.
11.What would be your first rule if you held ultimate power over the male gender?
Hmm, I think rule number one would be, NO man will ever lay a hand on a woman in anger…for any reason…no exceptions.
12.What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I always have, and always will love being in the wind. There’s something magical about being on a motorcycle that you really have to experience to understand.
13. Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers?
I’d like to invite you all to visit my website (www.adellelaudan.com). Sign up for my newsletter and sign my guestbook while you’re there. I’m always giving away things to my subscribers.
We can't wait to review more work from you in the near future! Thanks again for choosing to talk with Enchanting Reviews.
Thank you, Desiree. I am thrilled that you have liked my books so much so far. I look forward to many more reviews by Enchanting Reviews. Until next time.
Wishing you Miles of Smiles
Adelle
Interviewed by Desiree de Cleves
May 2008
Thanks for the opportunity.
1.When did you decide to become an author and why?
Writing has always been a release of sorts for me. I only shared my stories with a few select friends. It was the beginning of 2006 I completed my story, Juliana, and a good friend talked me into submitting it to be published. I decided to give myself one year to see if I had what it took to become a published author.
2.Who is a writer that inspires you? Who is a writer that you admire and would like to get to know better?
VC Andrews is the first author I actively sought out her books after reading the trilogy, Flowers in the Attic, If there be Thorns, and Petals in the Wind. I’d love to meet Jean M Auel, author of Clan of the Cave Bear, as this is where my love affair with the native culture began.
3.What award that you have won are you most proud of? What award would you like to win?
Placing 1st in the contemporary romance category of the Predator and Editor Polls of 2007. This award meant a lot to me because it was the votes of my readers that determined my win. If I could win any other award, I guess I’d love to win, the Golden Heart, an Eppie, or Rita award.
4.Do you have a set schedule for when you write?
I try to do most of my writing while my girls are at school, but sometimes my muse has other plans. Often times waking me up at 2 a.m. with a story that must be told. Sometimes, if I’m looking for a new story idea I will visit the travels sites. All it takes is finding the perfect location and I am off and running.
5.How long did it take you to get your first book published?
I remember submitting my first book, JULIANA, and within a week’s time, I was signing my first contract. Since then I’ve learned this is not the norm. I really got lucky with my first publisher. It was a positive experience considering how green I was about the publishing industry.
6.What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice?
I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to remain teachable. There’s always something new to learn about the craft of writing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, most authors are more than happy to help.
7.Where did you work when you were in high school? What jobs did you have before becoming a writer?
I left home at the tender age of fifteen and worked three jobs to survive. My first job was at McDonald’s, and I worked at a Pizza Place and I was a sewing machine operator at Levis Strauss. I went back to school in my early twenties to get my diploma. Most of my jobs have been in the textile industry, from sewing to cutting, to pattern design. I can create a garment from the pattern all the way through to the finished product.
8.Please tell us about your favorite book that you have published, and what makes it special to you?
I think JULIANA will always be special to me as it was my first. It was a very emotional journey writing it. I hope at least one person living in an abusive situation can draw strength from my words and begin their own healing journey.
9.How do you come your with your characters and/or plot?
I usually write by the seat of my pants, why no rhyme or reason. I wrote IRON HORSE RIDER with an outline for the first time. I entered NaNoWriMo and finished the rough draft in one month’s time. The following year I wrote IRON HORSE RIDER 2 and I hope to write IRON HORSE RIDER 3 this year.
10.Which of your male characters would you be the most attracted to in real life?
Well, at this time in my life, I am officially allergic to men. Lol. But if I had to pick one, I’d say Taylor from my next release, CRUCIFIED.
11.What would be your first rule if you held ultimate power over the male gender?
Hmm, I think rule number one would be, NO man will ever lay a hand on a woman in anger…for any reason…no exceptions.
12.What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I always have, and always will love being in the wind. There’s something magical about being on a motorcycle that you really have to experience to understand.
13. Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers?
I’d like to invite you all to visit my website (www.adellelaudan.com). Sign up for my newsletter and sign my guestbook while you’re there. I’m always giving away things to my subscribers.
We can't wait to review more work from you in the near future! Thanks again for choosing to talk with Enchanting Reviews.
Thank you, Desiree. I am thrilled that you have liked my books so much so far. I look forward to many more reviews by Enchanting Reviews. Until next time.
Wishing you Miles of Smiles
Adelle
Interviewed by Desiree de Cleves
May 2008
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Treva Hart
Treva, we are so excited about getting to know you better. Thanks for taking some time to spend with Enchanting Reviews. To get this going, let's just jump right into it...
Hi. Thanks for asking me!
1. When did you decide to become an author and why?
I’m not absolutely sure when I became an author. I guess I have three answers.
I started illustrating my kiddie books with side stories before I could write. I wrote like a mad thing all through my teens.
But I decided to become an author again, after an almost twenty year hiatus, one summer when this almost forgotten urge to write returned. I decided my family was going to be able to do without me more (ha) and that if I wanted to join RWA - an organization I had heard of a few years before - I needed to write a romance first.
I was first published in 2001 (almost seven years ago exactly) when Tina Engler asked me if I had a spicy story I could give her. I said, um, how spicy? She gave me a Jaid Black story and my jaw dropped. I thought about it and said I can’t write that but maybe I can write this instead…and my erotic romance career was born.
2. Who is a writer that inspires you and why?
I have a lot of authors that I’ve loved - Roberta Gellis, Linda Howard, Nora Roberts, to name a few. I’ve read far too many wonderful authors over the years to list all of them. But many authors can inspire me after I read them - I may not write the same thing afterward but I do get the need to write after they fire me up with the possibilities.
3. What award that you have won are you most proud of (doesn't have to be about writing)? What award would you like to win?
I don’t get a lot of awards because - well, I hate competing with other people. The only award I ever recall winning was my CAPA for erotic romance fantasy. I’m very proud of that one. I don’t really write for awards, so I don’t really know of an award I’d like to win.
4. With so many writers doing more than just writing, do you have a set schedule for when you write or are you able to do this full time? Do you have any superstitions or rituals when writing?
I try to write in the morning but it depends entirely on how much Loose Id requires of me (I am Editor-in-Chief and a co-owner of LI for those who don’t know) or how many family emergencies I have. But when I have a book going, I try to write at least something each day. Thursday is the official “day off” at LI for management, although that’s sometimes more of a goal than a real day off. But I often can get a good chunk of writing done then. Or weekends if everyone else wants to sleep in.
5. Most of your storylines seem to have a dark depth to them, but underneath there is a core story that permeates, draws your readers to a wholly different level - drawing them deeper. How much time do you take to plot out your stories? Or do your characters sort of take over once you sit down to write?
As you can see, most of my stories are short. I’m a pantser so I sort of start and then aim my story in the general direction I want it to go. Usually the characters tell me what to do next. I do realize I have certain themes that mean something to me and somehow worm their way into the story.
6. Have you always intended to write stories with m/m and ménage elements or are you following the current trends? And do you like the current trends?
Depends on how far back you want to go with my intentions. Until I got published in erotic romance, I didn’t know enough about it to know I’d be interested in writing it-although I always liked reading my romances as hot as I could find them. Ditto m/m and ménage. For a writer, I may lack some imagination. I’m very happy to have discovered the current trends.
7. How long did it take you to get your first book published? How did you go about picking an agent and/or publisher?
Um, well, see the second answer as to when I became a writer. It took me about a month maybe to write the book and a few weeks to get it published. The publisher asked me to cough one up. The other answer (I have so many answers) was that for over a year I had plenty of stories that I tried to get published before then and couldn’t. That doesn’t sound very long but I soon realized mainstream publishing was going to so not be interested in what I wanted to do back then. They’re all in e-book or print now, though.
8. What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice you can offer someone who is considering their first submission to a publishing house?
I tried a number of different routes before I got published. If you enjoy writing and are willing to research and work, it can happen.
9. I really liked the depth of the storyline of HUNTED DOWN - when can your readers expect Dunne and Hunt's saga to continue?
Well, I’m thinking about what I’m going to write next now that I finished my latest, NEVER NEVER LAND. I needed to get away from my weres for a while because I was getting too down from writing them. It was a bit too intense, I guess. I may test the waters again soon, though.
10. Which couple that you have written is your favorite and why? Can you describe them using only 3 words? Is there a hero and/or heroine that you would like to revisit or rewrite in a few years?
Eeeek. I love all my babies. At least while I’m writing them. Then I kick them out of the nest and don’t think about them again for a long time. So, for right now my favorite couple is Adam and Chris because they are recent. Three words: Opposites attract --explosively. I’m thinking of revisiting and rewriting my ménage hero, hero and heroine in CARRY ON sometime.
11. If you had to describe your writing to someone using only 3 words, what would they be?
Who knows why?
12. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I edit and troubleshoot for Loose Id in my spare time. Lately I’ve taken up walking for my health but I’ve discovered I’m really getting into it. Sleep is good, too. Really good.
13. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
I can’t tell you because I’m taking a brief rest from my writing and trying to figure out what next. Currently the head is empty. Yes, you can quote me on that. I do pause nowadays when I’ve just finished a story although I’m testing some ideas. Possibly a m/m historical. Possibly a sequel to NEVER NEVER LAND. Maybe a side trip to the Alpha series. Nothing is nagging at me enough yet.
14. Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers?
I have a list and blogs and website if you want to know what I’m thinking and doing-or at least be warned about what it is.
www.trevaharte.com
newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TrevaHarte
blog: http://trevaharte.blogspot.com
And an e-publishing info blog I share with Margaret Riley at Changeling Press called Loose Change: http://treva2007.livejournal.com/
Treva, thank you so much for time. We hope you get back to writing soon, and look forward to seeing what Loose Id comes out with!
Interview by K.A
June 2008
Hi. Thanks for asking me!
1. When did you decide to become an author and why?
I’m not absolutely sure when I became an author. I guess I have three answers.
I started illustrating my kiddie books with side stories before I could write. I wrote like a mad thing all through my teens.
But I decided to become an author again, after an almost twenty year hiatus, one summer when this almost forgotten urge to write returned. I decided my family was going to be able to do without me more (ha) and that if I wanted to join RWA - an organization I had heard of a few years before - I needed to write a romance first.
I was first published in 2001 (almost seven years ago exactly) when Tina Engler asked me if I had a spicy story I could give her. I said, um, how spicy? She gave me a Jaid Black story and my jaw dropped. I thought about it and said I can’t write that but maybe I can write this instead…and my erotic romance career was born.
2. Who is a writer that inspires you and why?
I have a lot of authors that I’ve loved - Roberta Gellis, Linda Howard, Nora Roberts, to name a few. I’ve read far too many wonderful authors over the years to list all of them. But many authors can inspire me after I read them - I may not write the same thing afterward but I do get the need to write after they fire me up with the possibilities.
3. What award that you have won are you most proud of (doesn't have to be about writing)? What award would you like to win?
I don’t get a lot of awards because - well, I hate competing with other people. The only award I ever recall winning was my CAPA for erotic romance fantasy. I’m very proud of that one. I don’t really write for awards, so I don’t really know of an award I’d like to win.
4. With so many writers doing more than just writing, do you have a set schedule for when you write or are you able to do this full time? Do you have any superstitions or rituals when writing?
I try to write in the morning but it depends entirely on how much Loose Id requires of me (I am Editor-in-Chief and a co-owner of LI for those who don’t know) or how many family emergencies I have. But when I have a book going, I try to write at least something each day. Thursday is the official “day off” at LI for management, although that’s sometimes more of a goal than a real day off. But I often can get a good chunk of writing done then. Or weekends if everyone else wants to sleep in.
5. Most of your storylines seem to have a dark depth to them, but underneath there is a core story that permeates, draws your readers to a wholly different level - drawing them deeper. How much time do you take to plot out your stories? Or do your characters sort of take over once you sit down to write?
As you can see, most of my stories are short. I’m a pantser so I sort of start and then aim my story in the general direction I want it to go. Usually the characters tell me what to do next. I do realize I have certain themes that mean something to me and somehow worm their way into the story.
6. Have you always intended to write stories with m/m and ménage elements or are you following the current trends? And do you like the current trends?
Depends on how far back you want to go with my intentions. Until I got published in erotic romance, I didn’t know enough about it to know I’d be interested in writing it-although I always liked reading my romances as hot as I could find them. Ditto m/m and ménage. For a writer, I may lack some imagination. I’m very happy to have discovered the current trends.
7. How long did it take you to get your first book published? How did you go about picking an agent and/or publisher?
Um, well, see the second answer as to when I became a writer. It took me about a month maybe to write the book and a few weeks to get it published. The publisher asked me to cough one up. The other answer (I have so many answers) was that for over a year I had plenty of stories that I tried to get published before then and couldn’t. That doesn’t sound very long but I soon realized mainstream publishing was going to so not be interested in what I wanted to do back then. They’re all in e-book or print now, though.
8. What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice you can offer someone who is considering their first submission to a publishing house?
I tried a number of different routes before I got published. If you enjoy writing and are willing to research and work, it can happen.
9. I really liked the depth of the storyline of HUNTED DOWN - when can your readers expect Dunne and Hunt's saga to continue?
Well, I’m thinking about what I’m going to write next now that I finished my latest, NEVER NEVER LAND. I needed to get away from my weres for a while because I was getting too down from writing them. It was a bit too intense, I guess. I may test the waters again soon, though.
10. Which couple that you have written is your favorite and why? Can you describe them using only 3 words? Is there a hero and/or heroine that you would like to revisit or rewrite in a few years?
Eeeek. I love all my babies. At least while I’m writing them. Then I kick them out of the nest and don’t think about them again for a long time. So, for right now my favorite couple is Adam and Chris because they are recent. Three words: Opposites attract --explosively. I’m thinking of revisiting and rewriting my ménage hero, hero and heroine in CARRY ON sometime.
11. If you had to describe your writing to someone using only 3 words, what would they be?
Who knows why?
12. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I edit and troubleshoot for Loose Id in my spare time. Lately I’ve taken up walking for my health but I’ve discovered I’m really getting into it. Sleep is good, too. Really good.
13. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
I can’t tell you because I’m taking a brief rest from my writing and trying to figure out what next. Currently the head is empty. Yes, you can quote me on that. I do pause nowadays when I’ve just finished a story although I’m testing some ideas. Possibly a m/m historical. Possibly a sequel to NEVER NEVER LAND. Maybe a side trip to the Alpha series. Nothing is nagging at me enough yet.
14. Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers?
I have a list and blogs and website if you want to know what I’m thinking and doing-or at least be warned about what it is.
www.trevaharte.com
newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TrevaHarte
blog: http://trevaharte.blogspot.com
And an e-publishing info blog I share with Margaret Riley at Changeling Press called Loose Change: http://treva2007.livejournal.com/
Treva, thank you so much for time. We hope you get back to writing soon, and look forward to seeing what Loose Id comes out with!
Interview by K.A
June 2008
Gemma Halliday
Gemma, thanks for agreeing to chat with Enchanting Reviews. Your books are so fun.
1. How did you go from writer to published author?
I spent about three years writing with publication in mind before I sold my first book. During that time I wrote seven full novels. Yeah, I had a big learning curve. But, for me, it really took that much trial and error for me to find my voice and the niche I belonged in as a writer. I met my current editor when I attended a writing conference in 2005. I gave her a quick 2 minute elevator pitch, she requested the manuscript, and a month later I was offered my first book contract.
2. Why mystery?
Growing up, mysteries were always my favorite thing to read. I devoured Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie books. At the time, I never dreamed I'd be able to come up with those kinds of plot twists and turns, but I've really enjoyed the challenge and couldn't imagine writing anything else now.
3. Did you know when you were working on the first book, it would develop into a series?
Yes, I had always envisioned it as a series. When I first pitched it to my editor I had the first book written and the next two plotted out. So, I was really happy when she was as gung-ho about doing a series as I was.
4. What inspired ALIBI IN HIGH HEELS?
I was really hoping to write off a trip to Paris. Lol! Okay, not really, but one of the things I love about writing is the ability to live vicariously through my characters. So, I decided to send Maddie on the European vacation I'd love to go on. Well, minus the dead bodies of course.
5. Describe Maddie in three words.
Blonde. Fashionable. Tenacious.
6. What do you love most about Maddie?
Her flaws. When I wrote the first book, I was at a point where I was tired of writing about "perfect" characters - heroes and heroines whose morals and choices are above reproach. Maddie makes mistakes. A lot of them. She's basically a good person, but, like most people, she falls down a lot in life and has to pick herself back up.
7. What's the toughest thing about writing a mystery series? What's the best?
Hands down the hardest thing about writing this series has been to keep the character and storylines fresh. There's a fine line between being repetitive and staying true to the characters, so straddling that line has been my biggest challenge with this series. Hopefully I've pulled it off!The best part is when readers come up to me and start talking about Maddie as if she's a real person. I love that! I think the great thing about a continuing series is that readers really get to know the characters as well as I do, which is totally fun for me.
8. What was your favorite scene to write in ALIBI IN HIGH HEELS?
In ALIBI IN HIGH HEELS, Maddie and her boyfriend are at a bit of a relationship crossroads, so I really enjoyed writing the heated scenes between the two of them. I got to get into some deeper issues of their relationship with this book, so that was fun. But my absolute favorite scene is the last one in the book. No, I won't tell you what happens - you have to read it! :)
9. What would readers be surprised to know about you?
That I'm actually more like Dana than Maddie. I'm a total health nut when it comes to food, and can be found at the gym at least 5 times a week. All my junk food consumption is done through my characters.
10. What's next for you?
I just finished up the next book in the High Heels series, MAYHEM IN HIGH HEELS. This will be the final book in the series, and I've cooked up a real bang-up ending. The story centers around a murdered wedding planner, so I had a blast delving into the world of Hollywood weddings. I think I had more fun with this one than any book so far. It will be out in Jan. '09, so let me know what you think!
Gemma, thank you so much for answering our questions. We can't wait to review MAYHEM IN HIGH HEELS! We'll be looking for it to hit the New York Times Bestseller List. :)
Interviewed by Lisa
May 2008
1. How did you go from writer to published author?
I spent about three years writing with publication in mind before I sold my first book. During that time I wrote seven full novels. Yeah, I had a big learning curve. But, for me, it really took that much trial and error for me to find my voice and the niche I belonged in as a writer. I met my current editor when I attended a writing conference in 2005. I gave her a quick 2 minute elevator pitch, she requested the manuscript, and a month later I was offered my first book contract.
2. Why mystery?
Growing up, mysteries were always my favorite thing to read. I devoured Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie books. At the time, I never dreamed I'd be able to come up with those kinds of plot twists and turns, but I've really enjoyed the challenge and couldn't imagine writing anything else now.
3. Did you know when you were working on the first book, it would develop into a series?
Yes, I had always envisioned it as a series. When I first pitched it to my editor I had the first book written and the next two plotted out. So, I was really happy when she was as gung-ho about doing a series as I was.
4. What inspired ALIBI IN HIGH HEELS?
I was really hoping to write off a trip to Paris. Lol! Okay, not really, but one of the things I love about writing is the ability to live vicariously through my characters. So, I decided to send Maddie on the European vacation I'd love to go on. Well, minus the dead bodies of course.
5. Describe Maddie in three words.
Blonde. Fashionable. Tenacious.
6. What do you love most about Maddie?
Her flaws. When I wrote the first book, I was at a point where I was tired of writing about "perfect" characters - heroes and heroines whose morals and choices are above reproach. Maddie makes mistakes. A lot of them. She's basically a good person, but, like most people, she falls down a lot in life and has to pick herself back up.
7. What's the toughest thing about writing a mystery series? What's the best?
Hands down the hardest thing about writing this series has been to keep the character and storylines fresh. There's a fine line between being repetitive and staying true to the characters, so straddling that line has been my biggest challenge with this series. Hopefully I've pulled it off!The best part is when readers come up to me and start talking about Maddie as if she's a real person. I love that! I think the great thing about a continuing series is that readers really get to know the characters as well as I do, which is totally fun for me.
8. What was your favorite scene to write in ALIBI IN HIGH HEELS?
In ALIBI IN HIGH HEELS, Maddie and her boyfriend are at a bit of a relationship crossroads, so I really enjoyed writing the heated scenes between the two of them. I got to get into some deeper issues of their relationship with this book, so that was fun. But my absolute favorite scene is the last one in the book. No, I won't tell you what happens - you have to read it! :)
9. What would readers be surprised to know about you?
That I'm actually more like Dana than Maddie. I'm a total health nut when it comes to food, and can be found at the gym at least 5 times a week. All my junk food consumption is done through my characters.
10. What's next for you?
I just finished up the next book in the High Heels series, MAYHEM IN HIGH HEELS. This will be the final book in the series, and I've cooked up a real bang-up ending. The story centers around a murdered wedding planner, so I had a blast delving into the world of Hollywood weddings. I think I had more fun with this one than any book so far. It will be out in Jan. '09, so let me know what you think!
Gemma, thank you so much for answering our questions. We can't wait to review MAYHEM IN HIGH HEELS! We'll be looking for it to hit the New York Times Bestseller List. :)
Interviewed by Lisa
May 2008
Christy Poff
Hi, Christy. Thanks for agreeing to chat with Enchanting Reviews about your books. We are so excited about getting to know you better.
1. When did you decide to become an author and why? Do you have an author that mentors you?
Over the years I tried to write but nothing really worked. One day, we took a family trip to Gettysburg, an idea took hold and out came CHASE FOR AN ANGEL, the first in the Hastings Saga series. As to a mentor, I've had help from other authors but we all differ in style so much that I've been able to go my way and create my style.
2. Please tell us about your favorite book that you have published and what makes it special to you?
That's a very hard question to answer because all the characters are a part of me. They have one thing in common which makes them special to me and that's their drive and desire to make their relationships work no matter what obstacles they face.
3. How do you come your with your characters and/or plot? Are any of them based loosely on real people in your life?
The plots come to me in the strangest places and times, then the characters evolve. They are all loosely based on real people in my life and in the world because I have something to picture while I write the book.
4. Do you have any superstitions or rituals when writing?
I'm really not all that superstitious though I don't trust having everything solely on the computer - I have back-ups on top of back-ups so I don't lose anything. I don't have a set writing schedule - things happening in my life won't allow that. My ritual is that I write everything out longhand on a steno pad before I enter it into the computer. Inspiration comes from where I am, something that happens, a song - I'm spur of the moment.
5. How long did it take you to get your first book published?
It took me about two years to get my first book published and even then, it wasn't the one I had been submitting. I tried going through a friend's publisher then several others until I signed with one who took my first half dozen, then closed. I contacted Whiskey Creek Press, they saved my “orphans” and the rest is history, so to speak.
6. The 'Internet Bonds' series has a great following; how did you research the BDSM in this series? Is there anything you write about that you would not try?
I've done some reading on BDSM after my interest was born years ago thanks to HBO and a series they had on called REAL SEX. I do a lot of research on the internet and as to trying - that's my little secret. <>
7. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I read and love to go to Civil War battlefields or historical sites.
8. If you were stranded on a deserted island with only 3 books, what would they be?
One would be a dictionary as long as I had something to write on but if I didn't - one would have to be by Jackie Collins (title doesn't matter), a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories and GUILTY PLEASURES by Laurell K. Hamilton.
9. Which couple that you have written is your favorite and why? Can you describe them using only 3 words?
Andrew and Jessie because they are always with me. They came to me first and I've been able to add to their story and their descendants. In three words - loving, strong, perfect.
10. What is your favorite season or time of day?
It's a toss up between spring and fall and I love sunset to twilight or midnight with a harvest moon.
11. What do you like least about writing?
At this point, absolutely nothing. I love what I do - plain and simple.
12. Can you give us a sneak peak into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is upcoming?
I'm working on a historical which, of course, takes place during the Civil War and a vampire tale.
13. Is there anything else you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers?
I really appreciate this chance to share a little about myself and my writing. The success of 'The Internet Bonds' series and the 'Eyes of Darkness's series never ceases to amaze me and I appreciate everyone's support.
Thank you so much for your candor in answering our questions. We can't wait to review more work from you in the near future! Thanks again for choosing Enchanting Reviews.
Thank you Dawn.
Interviewed by dawn
August 2007
1. When did you decide to become an author and why? Do you have an author that mentors you?
Over the years I tried to write but nothing really worked. One day, we took a family trip to Gettysburg, an idea took hold and out came CHASE FOR AN ANGEL, the first in the Hastings Saga series. As to a mentor, I've had help from other authors but we all differ in style so much that I've been able to go my way and create my style.
2. Please tell us about your favorite book that you have published and what makes it special to you?
That's a very hard question to answer because all the characters are a part of me. They have one thing in common which makes them special to me and that's their drive and desire to make their relationships work no matter what obstacles they face.
3. How do you come your with your characters and/or plot? Are any of them based loosely on real people in your life?
The plots come to me in the strangest places and times, then the characters evolve. They are all loosely based on real people in my life and in the world because I have something to picture while I write the book.
4. Do you have any superstitions or rituals when writing?
I'm really not all that superstitious though I don't trust having everything solely on the computer - I have back-ups on top of back-ups so I don't lose anything. I don't have a set writing schedule - things happening in my life won't allow that. My ritual is that I write everything out longhand on a steno pad before I enter it into the computer. Inspiration comes from where I am, something that happens, a song - I'm spur of the moment.
5. How long did it take you to get your first book published?
It took me about two years to get my first book published and even then, it wasn't the one I had been submitting. I tried going through a friend's publisher then several others until I signed with one who took my first half dozen, then closed. I contacted Whiskey Creek Press, they saved my “orphans” and the rest is history, so to speak.
6. The 'Internet Bonds' series has a great following; how did you research the BDSM in this series? Is there anything you write about that you would not try?
I've done some reading on BDSM after my interest was born years ago thanks to HBO and a series they had on called REAL SEX. I do a lot of research on the internet and as to trying - that's my little secret. <
7. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I read and love to go to Civil War battlefields or historical sites.
8. If you were stranded on a deserted island with only 3 books, what would they be?
One would be a dictionary as long as I had something to write on but if I didn't - one would have to be by Jackie Collins (title doesn't matter), a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories and GUILTY PLEASURES by Laurell K. Hamilton.
9. Which couple that you have written is your favorite and why? Can you describe them using only 3 words?
Andrew and Jessie because they are always with me. They came to me first and I've been able to add to their story and their descendants. In three words - loving, strong, perfect.
10. What is your favorite season or time of day?
It's a toss up between spring and fall and I love sunset to twilight or midnight with a harvest moon.
11. What do you like least about writing?
At this point, absolutely nothing. I love what I do - plain and simple.
12. Can you give us a sneak peak into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is upcoming?
I'm working on a historical which, of course, takes place during the Civil War and a vampire tale.
13. Is there anything else you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers?
I really appreciate this chance to share a little about myself and my writing. The success of 'The Internet Bonds' series and the 'Eyes of Darkness's series never ceases to amaze me and I appreciate everyone's support.
Thank you so much for your candor in answering our questions. We can't wait to review more work from you in the near future! Thanks again for choosing Enchanting Reviews.
Thank you Dawn.
Interviewed by dawn
August 2007
Sue Perkins
Thank you for agreeing to an interview with Enchanting Reviews. We look forward to getting to know you better Sue.
1. When did you decide to become an author and why?
I’ve always written, but in 1990 I decided to take it to the next step and try to be published. Luckily I had the encouragement of my family and a very good creative writing teacher.
2. Who is a writer that inspires you? Who is a writer that you admire and would like to get to know better? Do you have an author that mentors you?
I love Anne McCaffrey, David Eddings, Jasper Fforde and Isobelle Carmody. I would love to meet Jasper Fforde to find out if his sense of humour in his books comes across when you meet him in person. My mentor in all things is Joan Rosier-Jones, a New Zealand author who has been there for me from day one.
3. What award that you have won are you most proud of? What award would you like to win?
In 2006 I was the Australasian/Pacific winner of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Short Story Award. The stories were recorded and sent out to all the Commonwealth countries (British) so my story was heard all over the world. I’d love to win one of the big awards for novels but unfortunately I don’t think I write the right type of story, plus they don’t always recognise e-books.
4. Do you have a set schedule for when you write? Do you have any superstitions or rituals when writing? Anything in particular that inspires you?
I don’t have a set schedule, although I do tend to write on days when I don’t work (to earn the daily crust). The only ritual I have is to make sure there is a cup of coffee at hand when I start writing. No superstitions that I can think of, except of course for thinking positive at all times. Anything inspires me, literally anything I see or hear, sometimes even a particular smell sets of a train of thought for another storyline.
5. How long did it take you to get your first book published? How did you go about picking an agent and/or publisher?
It took 16 years of trying from 1990 to 2006, that’s why I jokingly call myself an instant success. I kept sending off several different manuscripts while I worked on creating new ones, until at last Whiskey Creek picked me. They were recommended to me by a friend who also has books published with them.
6. What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice?
Ask yourself if writing is truly what you want to do. If the answer is yes, then never give up. Try to find like-minded people to encourage you and keep you focused and if a story seems to be getting stale, put it aside for a few weeks, then go back. It’s amazing how different it looks after a break.
7. Please tell us about your favorite book that you have published and what makes it special to you?
This has to be BLUE & SILVER: SKY CASTLES BOOK 1. This was released in January 2008 and is the first book of a fantasy trilogy with a hint of romance. I first started writing this book about ten years ago, and over the years it evolved so much I found other stories developing from it, hence the trilogy. I really loved giving my imagination full rein when it came to creating a new world.
9. How do you come up your with your characters and/or plot? Are your characters usually hard or easy to work with? Are any of them based loosely on real people in your life?
My storyline comes to mind first, and the characters evolve from that. I find I can’t write about them until I find just the right name for them. As mentioned before, a word, or scene can bring forth a book. Real life people probably creep into my characters, but not consciously, although friends say I tend to put a bit of myself into each book. Characters can be both hard and easy to work with. If they become too hard I take a break. Coming back to the scene fresh tends to sort out any problems.
10. Which couple that you have written is your favourite and why? Can you describe them using only 3 words?
Oh definitely Caishel and Ailan from BLUE & SILVER. Caishel is such a lively person, perfectly complimenting the more sober Ailan. They were made for each other. I’d like to revisit Caishel and discover how her life evolved after having a family and helping to save the planet. Caishel - vibrant, funny, impulsive. Ailan - thoughtful, sensuous, gorgeous.
11. If you had to describe your writing to someone using only 3 words, what would they be?
Fantasy, sensual, fun. Not being able to find time when a good idea comes to mind.
12. What do you like least about writing?
Although sometimes this works in my favour as the scene often evolves more the longer I wait before I write it down.
13. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
My latest romance RECIPE FOR LOVE has just been released by Whiskey Creek Press. The second novel of the trilogy RUSSET & GOLD will be released in August and I’m working on the third book EBONY & IVORY. The second and third books of the trilogy tell the story of minor characters from BLUE & SILVER and how the world of Hejmen deals with a major crisis.
14. Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers?
I’d like to thank all my readers for buying my books and hope they enjoyed reading them. Also thanks to Enchanting Reviews for their review and for sharing their review with everyone. I intend to write for many years to come and hope Enchanting Reviews will want to review other books.
Sue, thank you so much for your candour in answering our questions. We can't wait to review more work from you in the near future!
Interviewed by Desiree de Cleves
May 2008
1. When did you decide to become an author and why?
I’ve always written, but in 1990 I decided to take it to the next step and try to be published. Luckily I had the encouragement of my family and a very good creative writing teacher.
2. Who is a writer that inspires you? Who is a writer that you admire and would like to get to know better? Do you have an author that mentors you?
I love Anne McCaffrey, David Eddings, Jasper Fforde and Isobelle Carmody. I would love to meet Jasper Fforde to find out if his sense of humour in his books comes across when you meet him in person. My mentor in all things is Joan Rosier-Jones, a New Zealand author who has been there for me from day one.
3. What award that you have won are you most proud of? What award would you like to win?
In 2006 I was the Australasian/Pacific winner of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Short Story Award. The stories were recorded and sent out to all the Commonwealth countries (British) so my story was heard all over the world. I’d love to win one of the big awards for novels but unfortunately I don’t think I write the right type of story, plus they don’t always recognise e-books.
4. Do you have a set schedule for when you write? Do you have any superstitions or rituals when writing? Anything in particular that inspires you?
I don’t have a set schedule, although I do tend to write on days when I don’t work (to earn the daily crust). The only ritual I have is to make sure there is a cup of coffee at hand when I start writing. No superstitions that I can think of, except of course for thinking positive at all times. Anything inspires me, literally anything I see or hear, sometimes even a particular smell sets of a train of thought for another storyline.
5. How long did it take you to get your first book published? How did you go about picking an agent and/or publisher?
It took 16 years of trying from 1990 to 2006, that’s why I jokingly call myself an instant success. I kept sending off several different manuscripts while I worked on creating new ones, until at last Whiskey Creek picked me. They were recommended to me by a friend who also has books published with them.
6. What encouragements would you give other writers? Any advice?
Ask yourself if writing is truly what you want to do. If the answer is yes, then never give up. Try to find like-minded people to encourage you and keep you focused and if a story seems to be getting stale, put it aside for a few weeks, then go back. It’s amazing how different it looks after a break.
7. Please tell us about your favorite book that you have published and what makes it special to you?
This has to be BLUE & SILVER: SKY CASTLES BOOK 1. This was released in January 2008 and is the first book of a fantasy trilogy with a hint of romance. I first started writing this book about ten years ago, and over the years it evolved so much I found other stories developing from it, hence the trilogy. I really loved giving my imagination full rein when it came to creating a new world.
9. How do you come up your with your characters and/or plot? Are your characters usually hard or easy to work with? Are any of them based loosely on real people in your life?
My storyline comes to mind first, and the characters evolve from that. I find I can’t write about them until I find just the right name for them. As mentioned before, a word, or scene can bring forth a book. Real life people probably creep into my characters, but not consciously, although friends say I tend to put a bit of myself into each book. Characters can be both hard and easy to work with. If they become too hard I take a break. Coming back to the scene fresh tends to sort out any problems.
10. Which couple that you have written is your favourite and why? Can you describe them using only 3 words?
Oh definitely Caishel and Ailan from BLUE & SILVER. Caishel is such a lively person, perfectly complimenting the more sober Ailan. They were made for each other. I’d like to revisit Caishel and discover how her life evolved after having a family and helping to save the planet. Caishel - vibrant, funny, impulsive. Ailan - thoughtful, sensuous, gorgeous.
11. If you had to describe your writing to someone using only 3 words, what would they be?
Fantasy, sensual, fun. Not being able to find time when a good idea comes to mind.
12. What do you like least about writing?
Although sometimes this works in my favour as the scene often evolves more the longer I wait before I write it down.
13. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is up-coming?
My latest romance RECIPE FOR LOVE has just been released by Whiskey Creek Press. The second novel of the trilogy RUSSET & GOLD will be released in August and I’m working on the third book EBONY & IVORY. The second and third books of the trilogy tell the story of minor characters from BLUE & SILVER and how the world of Hejmen deals with a major crisis.
14. Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers?
I’d like to thank all my readers for buying my books and hope they enjoyed reading them. Also thanks to Enchanting Reviews for their review and for sharing their review with everyone. I intend to write for many years to come and hope Enchanting Reviews will want to review other books.
Sue, thank you so much for your candour in answering our questions. We can't wait to review more work from you in the near future!
Interviewed by Desiree de Cleves
May 2008
Cheyenne McCray
Hi, Cheyenne. Thanks for agreeing to chat with Enchanting Reviews about your books. We love your books! I personally am addicted to your writing, and can’t wait to know more about the person writing them!
1. If we were having this interview in person, what restaurant would we be at and what would you order?
Thai food—I’d order chicken panang, medium spicy. Oh, and Thai iced tea to go along with it. :-)
2. Is there anything about you that you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers before we get started?
My readers are extremely important to me. You are the reason I write and work as hard as possible to make every book equal to or better than the last. I never want to disappoint you. I want you to get lost in my worlds, feel like you’ve been transported to another place and time where you forget about day to day reality and feel like you’re living in the moment, in a world that’s exciting, that grabs you and holds on to you.
3. When did you decide to become an author and why?
Back in kindergarten I told my parents I wanted to be an author someday. I loved what I talked about above. Getting lost in the worlds the author created and enjoying their fascinating imaginations. I wanted to do that, too. Every school writing project was long—I’d create stories for the class to listen to.
4. Please tell us about your favorite book that you have published and what makes it special to you?
St. Martin’s Press recently purchased the print rights to my novel, currently titled WILD BORDERS. It was my first novel, but I think one of my best. The hero, Rick, is my favorite out of about 30 books and novellas I’ve written. And the heroine, Lani, is special to me and has pieces of me in her. I did a lot of research with this book in regards to illegal immigration, or undocumented aliens as the Border Patrol refers to them. I went on “ride alongs” with the Border Patrol, interviewed ranchers, and did research on my home city of Bisbee, Arizona. The hero, Rick, even lives on a ranch modeled after my parents’ ranch, where I grew up. WILD BORDERS is available in ebook from Ellora’s Cave, but will be in print with St. Martin’s Press, re-titled, in the next year or so.
Of my other books, I’d have to say WICKED MAGIC, my novel that comes out August 28th. I love the dynamics between Keir and Rhiannon. They are fire and fire. Not afraid to do or say what they want. Loyal and will fight for what they believe in. Both are wounded characters, but they heal each other along the way without even realizing it.
5. Is there a hero and heroine whose story you would like to revisit or rewrite?
Interestingly enough, I’ll be doing that with 8 books and 3 novellas that St. Martin’s Press purchased the print rights for, formerly Ellora’s Cave novels. Of the 11 books and novellas, WILD BORDERS is one, and I’d have to say Alexi from Wonderland: KING OF SPADES because she is so kickass. She takes no prisoners.
6. Do you have a set schedule for when you write? Do you have any superstitions or rituals when writing?
When my three sons are in school, I go to the bookstore café, and sit down with iced tea or coffee and write for about six hours. In the summer I do pretty much the same thing. I treat it like a job, because it is, albeit one I LOVE. But I have to write every day that I’m not out of town to feel complete and to reach my deadlines. I like finishing my books early and I’ve never been late on a deadline.
7. How long did it take you to get your first book published? How did you go about picking an agent and/or publisher?
I started writing in 2000 and my first book was published summer of 2002. It’s a young adult, YA, series. Out of the 30 plus books I’ve written, counting my four young adult novels, I’ve had every novel published except for my very first book, a YA. And that one I pulled so that I could rewrite it, and have never had the time.
8. What award that you have won are you most proud of? What award would you like to win?
Winning the Romantic Times BOOK reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance or Erotica for Wonderland: KING OF HEARTS.
Also finagling in the Romantic Times BOOK reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance for SEDUCED BY MAGIC.
9. Do you prefer to write short stories like the 'Taboo' series or longer books like your 'Magic' series?
Longer books. I have a greater opportunity to develop the worlds and the characters and can go in depth in the story.
10. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Er, write some more? I like traveling with my husband and mom and dad. We usually don’t do just the touristy things, but explore life the locals live. I don’t travel for enjoyment as much as I’d like. Anymore I travel for business—conferences and research. But we are going to Hawaii in January, one place I’ve never been.
11. Who is a writer that you admire and would like to get to know better?
I’ve never met Elizabeth Lowell, who is one of the reasons I started writing romance. I used to write only young adult novels, but found myself wanting to explore adult relationships. I read her novel THE DIAMOND TIGER which she wrote as Ann Maxwell, and I was so hooked. I read everything I could get my hands on by her.
12. If you were stranded on a deserted island with only 3 books, what would they be?
Ack! Tough call, but I’d have to say Harry Potter, Harry Potter, Harry Potter. Why? Because J. K. Rowling has created the most fascinating world that I fall in love with every time I read them again or listen to them on DVD when I’m driving in my car.
13. What is one item that you could not live without?
Not talking family, food, and water… Jeez, that’s a hard one. No, it’s easy. My laptop. As long as I have a power supply and can write, write, write, I’m happy.
14. Can you give us a sneak peak into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is upcoming?
I’m currently writing DARK MAGIC, the fifth and final book in the “Magic” series. I just finished the 4th, SHADOW MAGIC. Both will be out in 2008. The third book, WICKED MAGIC, comes out August 28th.
As far as upcoming, I have two brand-new series that I’m starting with St. Martin’s Press, which will be a little of a departure from what I’m doing now. The first is a suspense continuity series set in Boston with a heroine named Lexi. (Did you know Bostonians have their own language? Even found an online dictionary and a couple of books on Bostonian English. :-) Lexi is totally kickass. It’s a suspense series that’s erotic and has elements of romance. The other upcoming series is urban fantasy about a heroine who is Drow, who are Dark Elves. Nyx is beyond kickass. She’s deadly and has more attitude than is good for her. That is also a continuity series with romantic elements.
With the 11 books St. Martin’s Press purchased the print right to, I’ll still have romance novels coming out. They will be extensively rewritten and expanded. They’re currently thirty thousand words short each of what they need to be, so you can imagine the kind of changes and world building I’ll be doing. What an opportunity—to revisit all of my Wonderland series, my Wild Cowboy series, and my “Erotic” novellas. (They’re titled with Erotic at the beginning—Like Erotic Invitation, etc.). All of these books will be re-titled.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions. It sounds like it is going to get even busier, and we wish you well with all those editions and revision. In fact, we can't wait to review more work from you in the near future!
Thanks again for choosing Enchanting Reviews.Thanks so much for having me, dawn!
Chey
chey@cheyennemccray.com
http://cheyennemccray.com
http://www.myspace.com/cheyennemccray
Interviewed by dawn
August 2007
1. If we were having this interview in person, what restaurant would we be at and what would you order?
Thai food—I’d order chicken panang, medium spicy. Oh, and Thai iced tea to go along with it. :-)
2. Is there anything about you that you would like to share with Enchanting Reviews and your readers before we get started?
My readers are extremely important to me. You are the reason I write and work as hard as possible to make every book equal to or better than the last. I never want to disappoint you. I want you to get lost in my worlds, feel like you’ve been transported to another place and time where you forget about day to day reality and feel like you’re living in the moment, in a world that’s exciting, that grabs you and holds on to you.
3. When did you decide to become an author and why?
Back in kindergarten I told my parents I wanted to be an author someday. I loved what I talked about above. Getting lost in the worlds the author created and enjoying their fascinating imaginations. I wanted to do that, too. Every school writing project was long—I’d create stories for the class to listen to.
4. Please tell us about your favorite book that you have published and what makes it special to you?
St. Martin’s Press recently purchased the print rights to my novel, currently titled WILD BORDERS. It was my first novel, but I think one of my best. The hero, Rick, is my favorite out of about 30 books and novellas I’ve written. And the heroine, Lani, is special to me and has pieces of me in her. I did a lot of research with this book in regards to illegal immigration, or undocumented aliens as the Border Patrol refers to them. I went on “ride alongs” with the Border Patrol, interviewed ranchers, and did research on my home city of Bisbee, Arizona. The hero, Rick, even lives on a ranch modeled after my parents’ ranch, where I grew up. WILD BORDERS is available in ebook from Ellora’s Cave, but will be in print with St. Martin’s Press, re-titled, in the next year or so.
Of my other books, I’d have to say WICKED MAGIC, my novel that comes out August 28th. I love the dynamics between Keir and Rhiannon. They are fire and fire. Not afraid to do or say what they want. Loyal and will fight for what they believe in. Both are wounded characters, but they heal each other along the way without even realizing it.
5. Is there a hero and heroine whose story you would like to revisit or rewrite?
Interestingly enough, I’ll be doing that with 8 books and 3 novellas that St. Martin’s Press purchased the print rights for, formerly Ellora’s Cave novels. Of the 11 books and novellas, WILD BORDERS is one, and I’d have to say Alexi from Wonderland: KING OF SPADES because she is so kickass. She takes no prisoners.
6. Do you have a set schedule for when you write? Do you have any superstitions or rituals when writing?
When my three sons are in school, I go to the bookstore café, and sit down with iced tea or coffee and write for about six hours. In the summer I do pretty much the same thing. I treat it like a job, because it is, albeit one I LOVE. But I have to write every day that I’m not out of town to feel complete and to reach my deadlines. I like finishing my books early and I’ve never been late on a deadline.
7. How long did it take you to get your first book published? How did you go about picking an agent and/or publisher?
I started writing in 2000 and my first book was published summer of 2002. It’s a young adult, YA, series. Out of the 30 plus books I’ve written, counting my four young adult novels, I’ve had every novel published except for my very first book, a YA. And that one I pulled so that I could rewrite it, and have never had the time.
8. What award that you have won are you most proud of? What award would you like to win?
Winning the Romantic Times BOOK reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance or Erotica for Wonderland: KING OF HEARTS.
Also finagling in the Romantic Times BOOK reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance for SEDUCED BY MAGIC.
9. Do you prefer to write short stories like the 'Taboo' series or longer books like your 'Magic' series?
Longer books. I have a greater opportunity to develop the worlds and the characters and can go in depth in the story.
10. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Er, write some more? I like traveling with my husband and mom and dad. We usually don’t do just the touristy things, but explore life the locals live. I don’t travel for enjoyment as much as I’d like. Anymore I travel for business—conferences and research. But we are going to Hawaii in January, one place I’ve never been.
11. Who is a writer that you admire and would like to get to know better?
I’ve never met Elizabeth Lowell, who is one of the reasons I started writing romance. I used to write only young adult novels, but found myself wanting to explore adult relationships. I read her novel THE DIAMOND TIGER which she wrote as Ann Maxwell, and I was so hooked. I read everything I could get my hands on by her.
12. If you were stranded on a deserted island with only 3 books, what would they be?
Ack! Tough call, but I’d have to say Harry Potter, Harry Potter, Harry Potter. Why? Because J. K. Rowling has created the most fascinating world that I fall in love with every time I read them again or listen to them on DVD when I’m driving in my car.
13. What is one item that you could not live without?
Not talking family, food, and water… Jeez, that’s a hard one. No, it’s easy. My laptop. As long as I have a power supply and can write, write, write, I’m happy.
14. Can you give us a sneak peak into what you are writing now? Or a hint of what is upcoming?
I’m currently writing DARK MAGIC, the fifth and final book in the “Magic” series. I just finished the 4th, SHADOW MAGIC. Both will be out in 2008. The third book, WICKED MAGIC, comes out August 28th.
As far as upcoming, I have two brand-new series that I’m starting with St. Martin’s Press, which will be a little of a departure from what I’m doing now. The first is a suspense continuity series set in Boston with a heroine named Lexi. (Did you know Bostonians have their own language? Even found an online dictionary and a couple of books on Bostonian English. :-) Lexi is totally kickass. It’s a suspense series that’s erotic and has elements of romance. The other upcoming series is urban fantasy about a heroine who is Drow, who are Dark Elves. Nyx is beyond kickass. She’s deadly and has more attitude than is good for her. That is also a continuity series with romantic elements.
With the 11 books St. Martin’s Press purchased the print right to, I’ll still have romance novels coming out. They will be extensively rewritten and expanded. They’re currently thirty thousand words short each of what they need to be, so you can imagine the kind of changes and world building I’ll be doing. What an opportunity—to revisit all of my Wonderland series, my Wild Cowboy series, and my “Erotic” novellas. (They’re titled with Erotic at the beginning—Like Erotic Invitation, etc.). All of these books will be re-titled.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions. It sounds like it is going to get even busier, and we wish you well with all those editions and revision. In fact, we can't wait to review more work from you in the near future!
Thanks again for choosing Enchanting Reviews.Thanks so much for having me, dawn!
Chey
chey@cheyennemccray.com
http://cheyennemccray.com
http://www.myspace.com/cheyennemccray
Interviewed by dawn
August 2007
Jasmine Haynes
Hi Jasmine! Thanks for agreeing to chat with us at Enchanting Reviews.
1. What made you want to be a writer?
It might sound disingenuous, but I think I was born a writer, or at least a story-teller. I’ve always made up stories, for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first story when I was six. I wrote my first novel when I was in high school. My junior English class was creative writing class, and the semester assignment was to write two short stories. I asked the teacher if it would be all right if I wrote a book instead. It was a Gothic romance because my favorite authors were Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. So I’ve always been a writer.
2. How long did it take you to become published?
Being a published writer took a bit longer. Like 25 years! After taking several writing courses, I finally joined the Romance Writers of America. There, I really learned my craft plus got to know industry professionals. I learned that a synopsis was NOT 60 pages long! Yep, I did that in my ignorance. That’s why every romance writer needs the RWA! I began submitting seriously to agents and publishers. From joining RWA to my first sale took 8 years. It was a Jasmine Haynes erotic romance sold to www.LiquidSilverBooks.com. I was a very late bloomer!
3. What’s your favorite thing about being a published author?
It’s when I get an e-mail from someone thanking me for touching his or her life. I had many readers e-mail me about my Max Starr series, which I write as JB Skully for Liquid Silver. People really believed in my characters and their real-life emotions, that they could relate, that in small ways it helped them view things differently in their own lives. I think that’s the best thing a writer can hear.
4. What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were first published?
When I first got published, I wish I’d known how much promotion was going to suck up my life. I would have hired a publicist right then and had them do all the work!
5. What sparked the idea for THE FORTUNE HUNTER?
The idea came to me first, then the characters. Turner Classic Movies played “The Heiress.” It’s a civil war period piece in which Olivia DeHavilland plays a rich plain Jane (I’m still not sure how they made HER look plain). Montgomery Clift wants to marry her for her money. I started watching and suddenly thought wow, wouldn’t it be fun to do this as a contemporary, but instead of having the man court her and profess false love, he strikes a bargain with her. He’ll give her what she wants, and she’ll give him what he wants. I didn’t watch the rest of the movie because I didn’t want to be influenced by what happened. A reviewer once said THE FORTUNE HUNTER has a bit of a historical feel to it, and he was right on.
6. Describe the story in three words.
Lusty marriage of convenience (please forgive me the preposition).
7. What do you like best about Faith and Connor?
It’s all in their names! I love that Faith refuses to lose faith in Connor. He made a bargain with her and no matter what anyone else does to try to come between them, she believes he’ll stand by his word. With Connor, I love that he’s forthright, telling her what he wants and how he’s going to make it worth her while, that he’ll never violate their agreement. In his case, his name, short for con, is actually the opposite of his character.
8. What was your favorite scene to write in THE FORTUNE HUNTER?
My favorite was the piano bar scene. I shall say no more, you’ll have to read the book!
9. What do you like best about writing a series?
I like being able to revisit characters I loved writing. I also like the fact that the background is already there. I don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Available July 1, SHOW AND TELL is the sequel to THE FORTUNE HUNTER. Readers meet my heroine Trinity Green in THE FORTUNE HUNTER. She’s Faith best friend. In SHOW AND TELL, she falls on hard times. When I started writing Trinity’s story, I had all the basics, her characterization, back story, even the catalyst for her story. All I had to do was figure out what terrible things my writer’s mind could subject her to so that she could grow as a character. Hopefully I put her in some very interesting situations! You can read an excerpt on my website at http://www.skullybuzz.com/.
10. What are you working on next?
I’m currently working on the third book in the trilogy, FAIR GAME, which will be out in April 2009. It’s Josie’s story, Faith’s cousin. This is a very fun story to write because Josie is much wilder than Faith and Trinity. She keeps it tamped down in the two previous books, but her true nature comes out in FAIR GAME. I’ve also got UNLACED coming out Dec 2008, an anthology with stories by Jaci Burton, Joey Hill, and Denise Rossetti. In addition, as Jennifer Skully, I’m working on a women’s fiction book. I have multiple personalities!
11. Any last words for your readers?
I hope readers will visit my site http://www.skullybuzz.com/ to learn more. And don't miss my contest with lots of free books and lots of winners, going on now at http://www.skullybuzz.com/contest.html.
Jasmine, again I wish to thank you for your time today. Congrats on your next releases. We at Enchanting Reviews look forward to seeing more work from you in the near future.
Thanks so much for having me!
Interviewed by Lisa
July 2008
1. What made you want to be a writer?
It might sound disingenuous, but I think I was born a writer, or at least a story-teller. I’ve always made up stories, for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first story when I was six. I wrote my first novel when I was in high school. My junior English class was creative writing class, and the semester assignment was to write two short stories. I asked the teacher if it would be all right if I wrote a book instead. It was a Gothic romance because my favorite authors were Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. So I’ve always been a writer.
2. How long did it take you to become published?
Being a published writer took a bit longer. Like 25 years! After taking several writing courses, I finally joined the Romance Writers of America. There, I really learned my craft plus got to know industry professionals. I learned that a synopsis was NOT 60 pages long! Yep, I did that in my ignorance. That’s why every romance writer needs the RWA! I began submitting seriously to agents and publishers. From joining RWA to my first sale took 8 years. It was a Jasmine Haynes erotic romance sold to www.LiquidSilverBooks.com. I was a very late bloomer!
3. What’s your favorite thing about being a published author?
It’s when I get an e-mail from someone thanking me for touching his or her life. I had many readers e-mail me about my Max Starr series, which I write as JB Skully for Liquid Silver. People really believed in my characters and their real-life emotions, that they could relate, that in small ways it helped them view things differently in their own lives. I think that’s the best thing a writer can hear.
4. What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were first published?
When I first got published, I wish I’d known how much promotion was going to suck up my life. I would have hired a publicist right then and had them do all the work!
5. What sparked the idea for THE FORTUNE HUNTER?
The idea came to me first, then the characters. Turner Classic Movies played “The Heiress.” It’s a civil war period piece in which Olivia DeHavilland plays a rich plain Jane (I’m still not sure how they made HER look plain). Montgomery Clift wants to marry her for her money. I started watching and suddenly thought wow, wouldn’t it be fun to do this as a contemporary, but instead of having the man court her and profess false love, he strikes a bargain with her. He’ll give her what she wants, and she’ll give him what he wants. I didn’t watch the rest of the movie because I didn’t want to be influenced by what happened. A reviewer once said THE FORTUNE HUNTER has a bit of a historical feel to it, and he was right on.
6. Describe the story in three words.
Lusty marriage of convenience (please forgive me the preposition).
7. What do you like best about Faith and Connor?
It’s all in their names! I love that Faith refuses to lose faith in Connor. He made a bargain with her and no matter what anyone else does to try to come between them, she believes he’ll stand by his word. With Connor, I love that he’s forthright, telling her what he wants and how he’s going to make it worth her while, that he’ll never violate their agreement. In his case, his name, short for con, is actually the opposite of his character.
8. What was your favorite scene to write in THE FORTUNE HUNTER?
My favorite was the piano bar scene. I shall say no more, you’ll have to read the book!
9. What do you like best about writing a series?
I like being able to revisit characters I loved writing. I also like the fact that the background is already there. I don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Available July 1, SHOW AND TELL is the sequel to THE FORTUNE HUNTER. Readers meet my heroine Trinity Green in THE FORTUNE HUNTER. She’s Faith best friend. In SHOW AND TELL, she falls on hard times. When I started writing Trinity’s story, I had all the basics, her characterization, back story, even the catalyst for her story. All I had to do was figure out what terrible things my writer’s mind could subject her to so that she could grow as a character. Hopefully I put her in some very interesting situations! You can read an excerpt on my website at http://www.skullybuzz.com/.
10. What are you working on next?
I’m currently working on the third book in the trilogy, FAIR GAME, which will be out in April 2009. It’s Josie’s story, Faith’s cousin. This is a very fun story to write because Josie is much wilder than Faith and Trinity. She keeps it tamped down in the two previous books, but her true nature comes out in FAIR GAME. I’ve also got UNLACED coming out Dec 2008, an anthology with stories by Jaci Burton, Joey Hill, and Denise Rossetti. In addition, as Jennifer Skully, I’m working on a women’s fiction book. I have multiple personalities!
11. Any last words for your readers?
I hope readers will visit my site http://www.skullybuzz.com/ to learn more. And don't miss my contest with lots of free books and lots of winners, going on now at http://www.skullybuzz.com/contest.html.
Jasmine, again I wish to thank you for your time today. Congrats on your next releases. We at Enchanting Reviews look forward to seeing more work from you in the near future.
Thanks so much for having me!
Interviewed by Lisa
July 2008
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