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
Monday, July 20, 2009
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
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