Wednesday Wisdom with Jennifer Wright

Today we welcome the lovely and talented Jennifer Wright.  Her books are sexy, hot and pretty darn awesome so I'm so pleased she's my guest today :-)

I've asked her the tough questions so lets see how she answered them...

Tell us about your new release.

Airos (which is currently up for pre-order at 15% off at Total-E-Bound) is the 3rd book in my Finding Home series. In the first two books there has been an ongoing ‘thing’ between Larken and Zane, and in Airos, that ‘thing’ is finally progressing. This is Zane’s story, and he has a big decision to make – who’s he gonna love, Larken his long-time best friend that could be perfect for him, or a new character that’s been thrown into the mix that he can’t seem to get out of his head?
Well, he can’t really seem to get either out of his head, actually. Decisions, decisions….

Why not both? Hehehehe

How about telling us a little about your road to publication.

I’ve always had stories floating around in my head, conjuring up new ones every other day, and a few years back I was reading the ‘About the Author’ in the back of a book and saw that this author was an insurance agent by day – writer by night. I thought to myself, if they can do it, maybe I can too. So, I sat down and started writing one of the most recent stories in my head at the time, and ten months later I was sending out submissions. That book didn’t take (and I understand why – definitely needs some rewriting before I send it out again), but I kept writing despite the turn-downs. I got lucky when TEB accepted Pavarus, and it’s all been crazy writing since.

Where did you come up with the idea for this book?

I’ve been asked this before, and again I feel stupid for saying I honestly can’t remember. Like I mentioned before, I’m constantly creating new stories in my head – whether or not they make it to paper is another thing – but they’re still always coming in. Music, country scenery, a story my step-dad tells me…practically everything gives me ideas. I really wish I could remember what caught my eye (or ear) that gave me the idea for the Finding Home series.

How did you research for your story? Was it fun?

I didn’t really do research since the stories take place in another dimension, I had to make everything up. The only thing I really researched was names. I have a lot of unique names for people, places, languages, etc., and I wanted to see if any of them were actually real. One name for a country I made up actually ended up being a real word but in a different language, so I nix that and thought of something else. I wanted my ‘made-up’ words to be as original as possible.

You write both fantasy and romantic suspense.  Do you find it hard to switch between genres?  What are the bonuses of writing two ways?

Not really. The only thing I somewhat struggle with is making an action/tragic story a romance. There have been books that I’ve read that I thought, ‘There is no way those two would be getting it on at a time like this!’ So how do you blend murder, kidnapping, evil guys and people falling in love? Very carefully.

Is this part of a series?  Any plans for other stories based on these characters?
Yes and yes. There are 2 books to follow Airos – Athis Dey and TorDrega. They are the last in the series. I won’t go into detail about them yet because I don’t want to give away anything for the 3rd book. A lot of new things and people come-about in Airos, and they definitely send new twists into the series.

Yes!

What was the hardest part about writing this book?

The fact that I had to rewrite half of it.

I was questioning and struggling with Airos once I got about halfway through it, so I passed it on to my beta reader to see what she thought so far. I basically got an F – and she was right to give it. I had almost every character doing things and acting completely, well, out of character. The storyline basis was good, but I needed to change the attitudes and actions of everyone. It took me months to rewrite what I had, but after that was finished the words flowed from there on out.

What was the easiest part?

The sex scenes. *blushes* They’re always the easiest. ;)

Hahahaha...

Favorite Scene?

A new character, Bo, finds out some big news pertaining to him and his brother, and there’s a scene right after between him and Zane that just ate at my heart. But again, I won’t say too much – don’t want to give anything away just yet.

Where can readers find out more about your new release?

You can find all my book and the latest updates on my blog, http://authorjenwright.wordpress.com/, or at Total-E-Bound’s site

What are you working on now?

Too many books to mention, lol! But my main goal is to finish the last 2 books in the Finding Home series.

And now for the personal questions-

Favourite food?

Pasta!

Favourite author?

It’s a tie between J.R. Ward and J.L. Langley.

Favourite season?

Summer.

If you could invite any five people, famous or not – who would you invite to dinner?
My mom, step-dad, sister, niece, and dad. Family is everything to me and I have the best times when I’m with them.


BIO:

I was born in Arizona, but have spent the better part of my life in Wisconsin. If I’m not typing away on my laptop, you’ll find me with my nose buried in a book, or with my loving boyfriend debating on what movie to watch and the never ending back and forth decision of what we should have for dinner.  I love spending time with my family and boyfriend, cuddling with my two cats, and laughing as much as possible (cuz I like to think I'm funny :-D).

BLURB: AIROS

Zane has everything in his life under control and in order, but can he keep it that way when a young dragon is thrown into his life?

Zane was meant to be a warrior—end of story. Though he may not have had the most pleasant life living at the coven, he still loved being there. But the steadiness of his world came to a halt all within one day’s events. A man he never saw coming has pushed the boundaries of what little normalcy he has, and learning of a secret love is just confusing him even more. Zane has never felt more torn on what he should be feeling…and for whom. Though, if he assumed having two men plaguing his every waking thought was hard enough, learning of the danger his mother is in nearly has his head spinning off into another dimension.

The leader of the Dráguns is threatening to take everything away from him, his best friend is slipping further and further away from him, and a little dragon is managing to get under his skin in more ways than one. Sorting out what he has to do, what he wants, and what’s right for him will be the biggest challenge he’s ever been faced with. Will he follow his heart or will he take the easy path…or is the easy path the right path to begin with?

Links to where the book can be bought
Total-E-Bound: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2397

Where you can find Jen
Total-E-Bound: http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=253
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferWright
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JenWright
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6573914.Jennifer_Wright
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Wright/e/B00A2I2F80/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Thanks so much for dropping by today Jen!  I love the sound of this new series :-)  Wishing you many sales and lots of lovely reviews!

New Release: The Wolf on the Run - Jorja Lovett

Thanks for having me today to share my new release, The Wolf on the Run, book two in my series, The Wild Irish Wolves. This book is special to me for so many different reasons, not least my love of a certain Alpha police officer. My book boyfriend aside, this release is a big deal to me. This is my first publication as a full time writer *gulps*

Yes, I've made that huge leap from steady income to monthly nail-biting unpredictability. But, you know what? I'm doing what I love - creating characters, imagining worlds, and writing romance. I appreciate I'm probably not going to make millions, but being happy in what I do means far more to me. Life's too short to give up on our dreams and I've spent so long working towards mine I've got to grab it now when I have the chance.

When we make these big decisions in life, we know we'll work our asses off to make it work. I intend to do just that. So, be warned, I have a lot of wolves howling in my ear to have their stories told! I love my Olcan Hills pack and hopefully my readers will have the same passion for Rory and co too.

The Wolf on the Run – Jorja Lovett

Alpha Rory is determined to protect his pack, including feisty Naomi. How can he get close when she's intent on facing her demons alone?

Blurb:
As a police officer and Alpha of the Olcan Hills' pack, being a protector is in Rory Blake's DNA.
When Naomi Duffy turned up heavily pregnant and alone, Rory's natural instinct was to look after her. However, her fierce need for independence over the years has ensured they've never been anything more than friends.

Naomi has spent too long trying to keep her daughter safe to jeopardise everything for a fling. But, when her past threatens to catch up with her, Rory is the only person she trusts with her life.
Thrown together, the couple finally succumb to their passion and it's all too easy to forget the danger lurking in the hills.

Do Rory and Naomi have a future together, or will secrets from the past tear them apart?
Excerpt:

Naomi came after Rory, pitting her stealthy grace against his sheer power. In his peripheral vision, he could see the wisps of her breath spiralling into the cold air as she forged ahead, determined to catch him. Rory snorted, sending his own white breath curling up into the atmosphere.
He led her over the hills, their claws making short work of carving up the cold, hard terrain. Naomi never lost ground. Even when he made a turn towards the woods on the boundary, she kept pace.
The chase awakened something deep inside him—that animal freedom with no responsibilities except the survival of himself and his pack. The spiky silhouettes of barren trees lined his path, like broad strokes of a black marker pen scratched against the silver sky.

He dodged in and out, never slowing, with Naomi always in pursuit. Occasionally, a pair of woodland eyes blinked at him from the darkness—a rabbit, a fox, observing their bizarre courtship.
Rory had no doubt the exhilaration of their illicit run would end in wild sex between him and Naomi. It was like a very enthusiastic bout of foreplay without actual touching.
They crunched through the leaf-littered forest floor until he tired of being the hunted. He looped back the way they came and stopped in a clearing. In all aspects of life he preferred to be the one doing the chasing, but at this moment in time he wanted nothing more than to be caught.

He shifted back into his naked, horny self. Naomi came to a skidding halt seconds later, scooting a bundle of leaves over his bare feet. “You can run, wolf lady, I'll give you that. Now can we go back to bed?”

She shifted back to stand beautifully naked before him. “Not until you say it.”

“Say what?” He was hard as hell and ready for round two.

“That I’m as good as you.” She gave him a flirty smile. One which said she was looking forward to the future rather than staring back at the past. The run had obviously done wonders for her too.
“That was probably a fluke. I don’t think you could keep up with me on a normal day. You know, one where you haven’t seduced me on top of a car boot and made me carry you home first.” The play fighting wasn’t limited to their animal personas. Not when it proved such a turn on. Human or wolf, the scent of Naomi’s arousal would always draw him to her.

“I didn’t hear you complaining at the time. But, if you’re tired, just say and we’ll call it a night.” She shrugged her shoulders, making her boobs jiggle enough to bring his erection to full strength once more.

He stepped forward and brushed her wild hair from her face. “I’ll never be too tired for you, Naomi. I’ll race you back. This time the winner stays on top.”

She grinned, eyes twinkling as bright as the stars. “You’re on.”

This was one race he intended to lose.

Available from Total-E-Bound 4th October
On general release from 1st November

Author Bio:

Jorja Lovett is a British author with both Irish and Scottish roots, which makes for a very dry sense of humour. Writing since she was old enough to wield a pen, it wasn't until she joined her crit group, UCW, that she pursued her passion seriously.

Now, with Joe Manganiello as her permanent muse, if she can leave the pause button on her Magic Mike dvd long enough, she hopes to spend the rest of her days writing steamy romances.

Author Links: Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Website

Character Interview: Galen from Hesparia's Tears by Imogene Nix

Hi Maggie,

Thanks for having both of Galan and I over to visit today.  Now, I'll just go sit over there and drink my champagne while you chat with Galan, okay?

• I know your name is Galan, but do you have a nickname?

Not really. In Hesparia most people are busy from a young age, particularly as we are all working to achieve a common goal. Nicknames really aren't a part of our culture.

• Tell me about your friends and family? Who do you surround yourself with?

My father and I have a very close relationship. It's not just a... a ruler and his heir. I am the only child, my mother dying when I was young. I have cousins and uncles I am close to. But my father has been a huge influence.
Among my friends are those who serve on the Princess Gospah. And of course, since my time here, there is now Jessa, Seth and Danni.

• Where were you born?

I was born in the palace in the town of Griffen on Orsar, our main continent. It is also the home of our diplomatic and senatorial chambers. I also grew up there. It's not big, not like a lot of the palaces and houses of power here on Earth. It is well fortified though. *Galan laughs*

• In the past you have described Hesparia as agrarian and pacific, but as the heir of the ruling house, how does that affect you?

On Hesparia, we really don't consider ourselves to be any different from the rest of the populace. Along with everyone else, we harvest and plant, gather and store. We eat in the communal dining areas regularly as well.

• Galan, if you had to describe you biggest fear, what would it look like?

It would be hundreds and thousands of men, alone on a dying planet.
Galan looks away for a moment. When he turns back, his eyes shine with tears.
It's a sight I've seen before. The graves of the women as their DNA slowly degenerates and man after man watching his wife birth dead children. Desolation.

• Do you think you will ever find love again?

Ah... a gentleman never tells, but there is one woman...

• The Hesparian delegation is here to find woman, willing to relocate to Hesparia. Why? Make a case as to why the woman would wish to go there.

I can't offer a miracle. But I can offer a fresh start. An opportunity to make decisions about your future and to learn new skills. To be important to someone and hopefully to find the one person who will complete you.
You will have the freedom to live you life the way it is important to you. Free of religious persecution.
Our planet does not suffer from the levels of pollution Earth does, so health wise it's an added factor. Though we have fine healers and physicians.
And a chance to be one of the first humans to travel and settle on another planet.

• When you are home, what is the normal routine for a no-work day?

Most days require some kind of daily labour. Whether it's the feeding and tending of animals, or checking the fields. But on quiet days, we might visit the ocean, read or play and compose music.
There are many artisans on Hesparia and we are very proud of our musical traditions.


• What is one strong memory that has stuck with you since childhood?

I remember my grandmother. She was a strong woman and very artistic. She potted and wove up until her passing.  I remember the last time I travelled with her to a funeral of a woman. The men wailing at the door. She put her hand in theirs, knew their names. Spoke to them like real people. Treated them with the ultimate respect before taking me within the house to help with the laying out of the body.
It was a powerful moment in my life, reminding me that above all, no matter who we are, we all live and are loved equally.

Thanks for having us Maggie. It's been both a pleasure and an honour to be here.

Don't forget to pop in and visit my latest party, the Not A Release Day Party on 9 September!  Click HERE for the link

Bio

Imogene is the author of many books, including Hesparia's Tears, Tomorrow's Promise, A Sapphire for Karina and the Edible Delights Anthology Vol 2.

Wife, mother and nutty bookstore owner all describe Imogene Nix, but the real secret is Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance with a hefty dose of Romantic Suspense is what she adores.

She is dedicated to high quality romance, with a dollop of erotic interactions, and has dipped her toes into Science Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance featuring feisty headstrong female leads and the odd   Romantic Suspense.

She lives in Rural Queensland where she happily raises 2 daughters, lots of chickens a couple of cats and her super pup Teddy. When she isn’t writing or reading, she’s hanging out with her husband, acting like a techno-geek or cooking and making wine.

Links—where to find Imogene Nix:
Facebook    Twitter    Goodreads    Google+    Blog   Hotter Than Hades   Website

HESPARIA'S TEARS: Blurb

What will happen when the past catches up?

Galan is from Hesparia, where the females are dying out on his pacific agrarian planet.
Jessa has a past, one she hasn’t earned but cannot escape from.

What will happen when opportunity knocks?

Galan travels to earth, hoping to plead the case for Hesparia. He doesn’t expect Jessa or The Quickening.

Can he make the case for women to migrate to Hesparia and arrange a Diplomatic Alliance? Can they trust one another with their hearts. And can Jessa really escape her past?


Excerpt

The spaceship entered orbit and Jessa watched the tracking on the television. Since learning of the existence of extraterrestrials, it was about all she wanted to do. See where they were and where they planned to land.

The reporter came back on the screen. “We believe they will make their landing somewhere on the continent of Australia. There have been no further radio communications from the craft, however. So it is, at best, an educated guess right now.”

Jessa giggled at the sober face of the young, twenty-something reporter standing outside the Parkes Observatory and the inane follow up comment made by the thirtyish female news anchor.

“Jessa, it’s time for bed!” her mother yelled again.

She sighed dramatically. At twenty-four she was no longer a child, even though her parents seemed to struggle with that small fact.

Maybe it’s time to move out. As quickly as the thought had crossed her mind, she dismissed it. Leaving home meant more expense than she could possibly afford. The thing that really irked her was paying an outstanding legal bill for something she hadn’t even done. It was a refrain that had played through her mind over and over again since the event had taken place. It may have happened years ago, but she continued to pay for her youthful indiscretion. One she had long regretted.

Jessa stood, before heading down the old hallway to the bathroom. Living at home meant sharing a bathroom with her little brother, Ben. Of course, being a boy of sixteen, he was disgusting. There were used razor blades, splashes of water, foam from his recent shaving experience and hairs in the sink. Knowing it would make no difference complaining about it she carefully picked up the discarded detritus and placed it in the bin beside the vanity unit, wiped away the mess and began her own night-time ritual.

Emerging from the bathroom, she spied her mother, standing at the end of the hall in her fluffy blue dressing gown with matching slippers, and her blonde hair sitting high on her head in soft curlers. It was the same scene every night. “Night, Jessa.”

“Night, Mum.” What else was there to say? In a funk, Jessa entered her room, before closing the door then sat down on her single bed. She breathed deeply, letting the oxygen flow through her system, before slowly levering herself down across the mattress. Her blinds were open so she had an excellent view of the star-studded sky. It was a major positive to living on the edge of town, the absence of bright lights.

“Whoever you are, I certainly hope you’re friendly,” Jessa muttered, before closing her eyes, rolling onto her side and willing herself to sleep. For some reason, an excited thrill ran through her system.
Finally, visitors from the stars. No longer was it a figment of someone’s imagination or something from a science fiction novel. The time had come for them to have contact with another species. That was a sobering thought. The Prime Minister had sent a radio message to the ship. God, I hope the Prime Minister didn’t act like a pompous dick. Jessa snuggled down under the covers, waiting for the touch of sleep. Her mind wandered and she drowsed.

Her mobile, sitting on the bedside table buzzed and vibrated. Jessa muttered in the dark, groping for the device. She reached out and found the red leather covered item and dragged it to her ears.

“’lo?”

“Jessa, it’s me. Seth. Can you come to the office at the telescope? I need you.” His voice was excited.
She squinted. “I was asleep, Seth. Besides which, I’m off duty until Saturday.” The room was gloomy and she screwed her face up into a scowl, knowing sleep would probably elude her now. “What could be so important that I need to come in right now?” Jessa pushed back the covers, swung her legs over the side then slipped her feet into her old grey slippers beside the bed.

“I can’t tell you over the phone.”

“What?” Something was happening. An agitated thrill filled her chest and for an instant her mind warred with the interest that spiked.

“Jessa…”

He didn’t need to plead. Jessa was already getting up to hunt out clothes. “Sure. Yeah, I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Thanks. You really won’t regret it.” The delight in his voice was contagious.

Jessa hurriedly tapped the end call button.

Buy Links
Amazon  Barnes and Noble All Romance EBooks (ARe) Total-e-bound

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DARKENING - with new author ASHE BARKER

I have the great pleasure of welcoming Ashe Barker to my blog today. Her first book DARKENING is available for preorder now!  And OMG there is a very HOT excerpt!

Take it away Ashe!

***

DARKENING, first book in The Dark Side trilogy, available for pre-order from 28 June 2013, and available to buy pre-release from 12 July 2013, from Total-e-Bound.

Blurb:

Who knows where pain ends and pleasure begins?

The chance of a new life out in the wilds of the Yorkshire moors sounds too good to be true to shy musician Eva Byrne. Stifled and smothered within the cocoon of her brilliant academic career, Eva yearns for something different. Something real and exciting. Something she can feel.

Excitement. Passion. Pleasure. She finds that sexy, enigmatic Nathan Darke can provide all these and more when she moves into his home as violin tutor to his young daughter. But Eva’s sensual encounters with her demanding, domineering new employer quickly evoke her deepest fears, as he introduces her to the trauma of submission and marks her with his particularly dark brand of love.

But will Eva’s natural curiosity and thirst for new experiences be enough to withstand the sting of Nathan Darke’s exquisite touch? Will simple surrender be enough as he challenges her every inhibition, taking her on an erotic journey of self-discovery and liberation?

Excerpt:

   I feel the hard table beneath my shoulder blades as I writhe under his skilled lips, his expert tongue and teeth, desperate for more. And he knows what he is about—he knows what I need and he has more for me. Opening his mouth wider, he takes more of my breast in and sucks hard, first one side then the other. He slides his free hand, palm up, between my shoulders and the table to raise me up, giving him easier access with his mouth, his tongue, his teeth. Gently grazing my now helplessly sensitised nipples with his teeth, he suckles me relentlessly, nipping slightly harder, just enough to hurt, maybe—I’m not sure where pain ends and pleasure begins now. What does it matter, anyway?    He can do whatever he wants to me as long as he doesn’t stop.
   He is no longer holding my wrists—he has no need to because I’m lying boneless under him, spread across his kitchen table, pleading wordlessly for…for what? More? Less? The ecstatic pleasure tinged with a hint of pain is so intense now that I can only moan, ride the waves of sensation pulsing from my breasts out through my fingers and toes, each wave bigger, heavier, more compelling than the one before until I am writhing with need.
   “I can’t. Please, it’s too much…” Is that me? Or someone else whimpering nearby?
   “Yes, you can, you are. Don’t fight it, sweetheart, come for me. Now. Come now.” His words—insistent, soft and low, seductive—are breathed into my ear before he returns to my breasts, nibbling and sucking mercilessly, building the tension, increasing the sensations coursing through every part of me, winding me tighter and tighter until I burst, screaming out loud as fireworks explode in my head, my groin, everywhere as the earth shifts beneath me. My inner core clenches violently, the wetness surely flooding across the table. I feel I am falling, floating as the tension is released and I hear myself moan in delighted satisfaction, drifting back down towards reality.
   Me, the girl who can’t bear to be touched. Somehow—God only knows how it happened—I have just spent the last ten minutes spread out half naked on Nathan Darke’s kitchen table, his hands and mouth all over me until I totally lost control, and he watched me thrashing about in the throes of my very first orgasm, right in front of him. Christ! How wonderful, how intimate. How unlike me. And he’s achieved all this without so much as a button of his coming undone.
Raising his head to look into my eyes, which I’m sure must be still glazed from the enormity of what has just happened to me, he smiles tenderly, if that’s possible. He drops a light kiss on my lips, then stands and, still holding my gaze, he lifts the hem of my miniskirt to slide his left hand underneath, bracing his right hand flat on the table beside my head as he leans over me, his face inches from mine. He might be intending to kiss me again. Please.
   Instead, after tugging down my opaque tights and briefs, he slides his fingers between my dripping folds to touch me, gently parting my lips and running his fingertips around the entrance to my vagina. It never occurs to me to protest. I think I might melt.
   “Ah, honey, you are so wet, so ready for me,” he whispers, his eyes never leaving mine as he slips first one finger, then two inside me. I gasp and tilt my hips forward, parting my thighs instinctively to let him in. I can’t believe I’m doing this, that I’m letting him touch me like this.
   “I want to fuck you. You know that, don’t you?” I can’t think of any sensible response to that apart from spreading my legs farther, but he apparently, incredibly, wants to talk! “Don’t you?” he repeats, sliding his fingers inside me to stretch and stroke the walls of my vagina. “Answer me, Miss Byrne.”
   “Yes,” I manage to whisper, closing my eyes to savour the intense pleasure he is rekindling, the delicious helplessness as my body responds again, more powerfully still, to this even more intense stimulation.
   “Look at me when I’m talking to you, Miss Byrne.” His voice is still quiet, but an edge of firmness has crept in too. He slides his wonderful, clever fingers out of my vagina, right out until only the tips are still there, gently circling my entrance, so lightly that I can hardly feel him anymore, before he plunges them back inside me, hard and fast. “Do I have your attention, Miss Byrne?” he asks softly as I jerk under him.
   “Yes,” I whisper again, opening my eyes obediently. “What are you doing?”
   “Am I hurting you?” His tone is low, gentle, the words whispered into my ear.
   “No. No, that feels fabulous…”
   “Mmmm, I think so too, Miss Byrne. You’re so hot and wet and tight, and I want to put my cock inside you, here…” A further deep and fast thrust with his fingers, to make sure I get his point. I do. I definitely do. “Deep and hard and fast, until you scream. I like it that you scream when I make you come. I want to fuck you until you can’t stand. With your permission, of course. Is that okay with you, Miss Byrne?”
   God, yes, absolutely…

Buy Link :
http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2236

Author bio:

I’m one of the lucky few who do what they love doing, for a living.

I like to write about people, and relationships and often write about places I’ve known, particularly the north of England where I live. But my tales of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of my own imagination. With a hefty dose of kink to keep it interesting. And the hotter the better.

I love reading erotic fiction – historical, contemporary, fantasy, romance. Now I can realize my dreams of writing my own stories. I hope others enjoy them as much as I do.

Links—

You can find me on http://ashebarker.com/

And on Total-e-Bound’s website
http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=302

And on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/ashe.barker.9

And on twitter  https://twitter.com/ashebarker

Special interview with C. A Szarek. Writing multiple genres...

Hi everyone.  Today I welcome a good friend and awesome author Chrissy Szarek. I've asked her the tough questions, and here's her answers....pretty cool huh?

Maggie: Tell us about your new release.

My debut novel, Sword’s Call (King’s Riders Book One) was released at the end of Feb. It’s high fantasy, a classic quest story!

For generations, the Ryhans, ruling family of the Province of Greenwald have been keepers of a sword rumored to possess enough magic to defeat kings. Lord Varthan, a former archduke and betrayer of the king, covets the sword and invades Greenwald.
Lady Ceralda Ryhan, daughter of the murdered duke, gains the sword and flees, trusting only her white wolf, Trikser—magically bonded to her. Cera needs nothing more to aid in her fight.
Jorrin Aldern, half elfin and half human, left his home in the mountains of Aramour to find his human father who disappeared twenty turns before, but finds Cera with Varthan and his shades on her tail instead. His dual heritage and empathic magic will tempt Cera in ways she never thought she’d desire. But can he convince her trust and love can pave the path to redemption or will the epic battle end in tragedy and evil conquer them all?

WHERE YOU CAN FIND IT?
 

Gypsy Shadow | Barnes and Noble | Amazon |Amazon UK | ARe|Smashwords

Maggie: How about telling us a little about your road to publication.

It was certainly arduous at times. I have always been a writer, but I wasn’t sure how to approach publication. But then a few years ago, I joined a group of writers, NTRWA (the North Texas Chapter of Romance Writers of America) and also a critique focused group, GFTWW (Greater Ft. Worth Writers). These two groups of AWESOME writers gave me the direction I needed to get published. These days, there are so many options out there. Agent, going directly to a publisher, self-pub…the avenues are endless.

I decided I wanted to submit to publishers who didn’t necessarily require agents.

I went through more publishers than I can count, and rejections get you down.

But I am a firm believer that when you write a book, or books, publication is a matter of getting your work in front of the right person.

So I kept at it, until I have my right fit. And I did, with Gypsy Shadow Publishing. They’re great, and I am so happy they signed my series. It’s a great home for me and my books.

Maggie: Where did you come up with the idea for this book?

A dream, actually. A very long time ago, I dreamt of a girl with a white wolf, and I worked on this book off and on for about twelve years. Then I finished it in about 6 months when I got serious about wanting to get published, a few years ago.

How did you research for your story? Was it fun?

This is fantasy, so I didn’t research much. I made it all up! LOL!

Maggie: You write both fantasy and romantic suspense.  Do you find it hard to switch between genres?  What are the bonuses of writing two ways?

I actually write more than these two genres. I have a paranormal (wolf shifters) and a contemporary YA, as well as a paranormal YA in the works. I kinda just write what occurs to me.

I do love fantasy! Always have, and always will. I love romantic suspense and I am glad I have these two series going.

Switching back and forth isn’t a problem. It’s just that I struggle to write in the real world (not always in a bad way). When you write contemporary and police related, everything has to be credible, logical. I have a background in law enforcement, but I still need help sometimes, which I’m lucky. I work for a court, and our police dept is available and helpful for my questions.

I guess it’s just easier for me to make up my own world and rules than follow the real ones! Hehehe.

Wow... that's a lot of juggling!

Is this part of a series?  Any plans for other stories based on these characters?
Yes, this is a series. Book 2, Love’s Call, will be out in late 2013 or early 2014.

Here’s the blurb:
Senior King’s Rider Ansley Fraser has been in love with Leargan Tegran for turns, but he’s never noticed her. When she sets out for Greenwald to deliver a message to the duke, she has no idea its contents contain an order that will change her life. Instead, she is focused on visiting dear friends.
Leargan, captain of the Greenwald personal guard, is an honorable knight, so when the king commands him to wed Ansley, he intends to follow orders, even as he knows nothing of the girl.
Ansley ignores her instinct to question Leargan’s sudden interest in her. She wants to fall into his arms—and his bed—even as Ali, her wolf bondmate, growls her reticence.
Her extended visit allows Leargan time to win her affection, but when he falls for Ansley, it takes him by surprise. Will she be willing to give herself to him if she learns their marriage has been commanded by the king? What will it take to convince her he’s not simply following orders?


What was the hardest part about writing this book?

Editing it! Wow. It changed so much over the years. I am happy with the final product, but it is DEFINITELY not anything like what it was when I started it.

What was the easiest part?

Seeing thing through my characters eyes. They told me where the story was headed.

Favorite Scene?

Hmmm…I don’t know that I can pick just one. The spicy scenes, of course. ;)

Where can readers find out more about your new release?

On my website www.caszarek.com or my blog www.caszarekwriter.blogspot.com


What are you working on now?

I am working on Chance Collision, which is the 2nd book in my Crossing Forces romantic suspense series. It a fun book so far! I was a bit blocked but had a FANTASTIC brainstorming session with a few friends last weekend and now I am on a roll!

Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book One) will be released from Total-E-Bound Publishing! I am so excited for this book, I ADORE this couple!

Here’s the blurb:

Badboy, married to his job FBI agent Cole Lucas always gets his man. So when the unthinkable happens and one gets away, Cole grits his teeth and hunts human trafficker Carlo Maldonado all the way to Antioch, Texas, where he collides with Detective Andi MacLaren.
Cole doesn’t do small towns and he doesn’t get involved with women he works with, but Andi tempts him in ways he doesn’t want to acknowledge.

Two murders, her partner shot and leading the investigation on her own, the last thing Andi needs is a cocky FBI agent that sees her as no more than a tagalong.
Widow and single mother Andi is used to being on her own. When Cole gets stuck without a place to stay, crashing on her couch puts them in dangerous territory.

Attraction and passion bring Andi to a place she left behind when her husband died.
Her three-year-old son quickly wiggles his way into Cole’s heart, and he starts contemplating things—family, love—that he’d never planned for himself.

Can being forced to work together make them stronger or will their differences jeopardize their case and their hearts?


And now for the personal questions-

Favourite food?

I love food, I couldn’t possibly narrow it down. How about: Chocolate? Heheh. BIG fan of anything chocolate.

Favourite author?

Anne McCaffrey and JR Ward, but I love so many authors. SO many AWESOME books out there.

Favourite season?

Spring. Not too hot, not too cold.

BIO

C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She is married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. She works with kids when she’s not writing. She’s always wanted to be a writer and is overjoyed to share her stories with the world.

Blog: www.caszarekwriter.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caszarek
Twitter: @caszarek
I LOVE to hear from readers: caszarekauthor@gmail.com

Morticia Knight is Caught in the Act!

Oops – Caught in the Act!

Thanks Maggie for hosting me at your blog today! I’m stopping in for a quick hello, as I’m supposed to be in the writing dungeon finishing up Book Two in the Uniform Encounters series (shhh…don’t tell anyone I’ve escaped – might as well grab some chocolate as well while I’m here.) But as long as I’ve come up for air, I thought I’d talk about something that pops up (literally) in Book One, Set Ablaze.

Ever have one of those “oops” moments? I’m talking about when you either walk in on someone – or gasp – they walk in on you in the middle of some hanky and panky. Yowza. I had a situation one time where I was dating this very hot young guy, but he had just moved to the area, so he was crashing at his sister’s place. It was a one bedroom apartment, so he had the couch. We came back from dinner and a movie one night, and it was the first time I was there with him when we were alone. Or so I thought.

He neglected to mention that his sister was asleep in the bedroom; I just assumed he wouldn’t be crawling all over me if she were home. So there I was, naked and grinding away on top of Mr. Luscious (oh yes – he was quite delectable), and the bedroom door bursts open. Without even acknowledging our existence, she goes into the kitchen, pops the light on, and opens the refrigerator door, where she proceeds to survey the contents, trying to decide which midnight snack she prefers.

I had immediately frozen on top of my own midnight snack, and was watching this, completely flabbergasted. My oblivious date shook me and goes, “Why did you stop?” Hot or not, I decided this whole family arrangement was a little too creepy for me, so I quickly jumped off of him and grabbed my dress. Suddenly his sister seems to notice us. She takes in the situation, and says , “Oh, don’t worry about me, I’ll be out of here in a sec.”

I suddenly remembered that I had to get up early in the morning for something, I really should go, etc., etc., and I grabbed my stuff and bolted. Yikes. Hey – for some people, that might not have been a big deal, but I prefer not to share my carnal behavior with other members of my partner’s family – sort of a personal boundary, you know? Have any of you ever either walked in on, or had someone walk in on you when you were doing the nasty? Comment below, and I will randomly pick someone to receive an ecopy of my new release “Set Ablaze”. In the following excerpt, Tom drops in on Fire Chief Eric – at a rather inopportune time.

From “Set Ablaze”, available now from Total E Bound Publishing

It was ten p.m. when he arrived at the station, and his pulse quickened a little when he saw the light still on in the chief’s office as he pulled in the driveway. If he kept driving past the garage where the engines were kept and parked by the sleeping quarters, the office would be completely obscured from any of the guys on shift—even if they went outside for a smoke. Tom noticed a tan Ford Bronco parked at the end where the office was. That must be the chief’s ride. Exactly what he would have pictured him in.

Tom was about to continue pulling all the way in, when he thought of something. Maybe he could just drop in and thank Eric again for the opportunity. Who knew when else he might be able to see him without anyone else around?

Stupid. It’s late at night, I’m sure he doesn’t want to be bothered.

Tom sat there letting the car idle while he wrestled with his gut instinct—the one that was telling him it was a bad idea. Then a wonderful realisation hit him—he’d promised the chief he would drop off a copy of his most recent physical as he was stuttering and bumbling out of his office earlier. Tom put the car in park, and jumped out. He opened the back lift gate, and rummaged around for the paper he’d brought with him.

Yeah, it was still a little weird, but he could at least say that he’d seen the light on, and thought it would be easiest for him to drop it off on his way in to his shift. His heart thumping in his chest, Tom grabbed the document, parked his car properly, and started to walk towards the office door, surprised to note that his legs actually felt a little shaky.

I must be more tired than I realised, that’s all.

He reached the door to the building, and it was unlocked, so he went ahead and pulled it open. The waiting area and Keri’s office were completely dark, but there was a sliver of light coming from the partially opened door to the chief’s office. He heard a groan.

Oh shit, is he okay?

Tom ran forward and was about to burst into the office when he heard another voice, a younger male one.

“Oh yeah, you like that, don’t you, Mr Anderson? You like it when I squeeze your cock and play with the tip like that, don’t you? You see—you need me. I’m going to show you how much more you need me when I lick your balls and then suck the juice right out of your fucking huge cock. Here I come, baby…”

Tom heard an even louder groan, and Chief Anderson’s voice, “Oh God, Brad, I can’t believe how good that feels. But I…”

“You want me to stop? Is that it? Okay, if you don’t need my tongue doing this to you…”

Tom heard a whimper.

“Or this…”

What is he doing? What is he doing?

Tom was bombarded with a flurry of emotions—surprise, lust, jealousy, curiosity. He didn’t know what to do. God, the chief wasn’t straight after all. But if Tom got caught… He was so curious, but he didn’t dare creep any farther. He should just leave that very second.

The chief moaned some more, and Tom could tell the man was nearing climax. Christ, if he didn’t get out of there soon, he would be too. He’d need to get his boner to go down before he could even head over to start work. What a night! Tom turned around to leave, and bumped his leg against the magazine table. Without thinking, he cried out.

“Who’s there?”

Available for a limited time for only .99 cents:

All Romance eBooks   Amazon    Total E Bound



Morticia Knight Author Bio

Erotic Romance author Morticia Knight enjoys a good saucy tale, whether it is contemporary, paranormal, historical, ménage, M/M or BDSM - she loves it all! One of her passions is bringing people's fantasies to life on the page, because life is too short for even one boring moment. Her stories are volcanic in heat, deep in emotion, and sprinkled with doses of humor. When not indulging in her passion for books, she loves the outdoors, film and music. Once upon a time she was the singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She is currently working on a Three-Book series called Uniform Encounters set in the Southwest that features those yummy men in uniform, and a steampunk horror ménage.

Catch up with Morticia at:www.morticiaknight.blogspot.com  or follow her on Twitter @morticiaknight and Facebook: 

It's my birthday and I'll pimp if I want to...

Yes, it's my birthday!

And I'm pimping my next release :-)

KINKY BET is available for PREORDER!


Blurb: Who knew losing a bet could be this much fun?

Erica Nielsen agreed to a bet with her best friend, but she never imagined losing would involve a weekend of punishment at Dangerous Liaison, a BSDM retreat. But was it really punishment being trained by a sexy Irishman who takes her on a sexual journey of a lifetime?
Conal Brennan agrees to help a young woman find her submissive nature. He always enjoys being the one in control, but one look at the Nordic blonde he calls 'Fire girl' and he’s not sure who’s controlling whom.

Excerpt:

The man knocked twice on the intricately carved wood with the ornate brass knocker. It opened as he stepped back, ushering her inside. The hallway was narrow but a door appeared immediately on her right.

“Go inside the first room. There you will be given instructions for the beginning of your training.”

She turned, wanting to thank the man for his direction, but he’d already left. She knocked lightly, and the door opened under the pressure of her hand. The room was warm and inviting with a cast iron fireplace blazing with flames. She walked farther inside, spying a wide partners’ desk and several chairs. All class, taste and decorum. No kink to be seen.

From where she stood the area appeared unoccupied. Not sure of what was expected of her she made a beeline for the comfortable looking couch and sat down.

“Did I say you could sit down?”

Shit, where did he come from? Erica struggled to stand back up, almost slipping to the floor as her dress slid on the buttery soft leather cushion. Way to make an impression, girl. “I’m sorry,” she said before she managed to scramble to her feet. “I didn’t realise there was anyone h—” Oh my God it’s him. The guy from the bar. The one who was so much like Colin Farrell he could be his twin brother. Her knees faltered as she tried to stand up straight. It was then that the penny dropped.  

The bar had been a set-up.

 CLICK HERE to Pre-order!  It's 15% off! 

It's very convenient! It will arrive in your account or be sent to your Kindle when it's released on April 29 or sooner if you have a VIP account!

Enjoy!

Wednesday Wisdom with debut author Celeste Rupert!

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming debut author Celeste Rupert to my blog. I've asked her the tough questions and boy did she follow through!

The first book is always the most special...so congratulations Celeste!

Take it away...

Tell us about your new release.

Rose is definitely NOT a damsel in distress. She may be in a tough spot, but she’ll do whatever it takes to get what she wants, and what she wants is the gold. 

Tucker wants the gold too, but it isn’t long before he decides he wants Rose too. Rose isn’t usually one to share, but maybe these two lawbreakers can work together. 

Where did you come up with the idea for this book?

I love a bad boy – and I thought, why not a bad girl too! Rose is great fun to write. 

How do you research your stories?  

I am a western history buff, especially local, Alberta history. I have shelves of history books – but to be honest, when a question comes up that I’m not sure of, I likely turn to Google first of all!

Is this book part of a series?  Any plans for other stories based on these characters?

It wasn’t planned as part of a series, but I’m currently working on a (free!) short story featuring Rose and Tucker called THE DIAMOND HEIST.

What was the hardest part about writing this book?

Getting brave enough to send it out in the world – OUTLAW ROSE is my first foray into erotic romance. 

What was the easiest part?

Rose was one of those rare characters that walks in fully realized and takes over the story.

Favorite Scene?

Definitely the one where Rose has Tucker tied to the tree. ;-)  I hope readers enjoy it too!

Where can readers find out more about your new release?

The Total-E-Bound link is: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2010

And my website is: http://www.celesterupert.wordpress.com 

What are you working on now?

My second story, COLD COCKED, is due for release from Total-E-Bound this summer. I’ve just (today!) submitted another, working titled HOLDING COURT and I’ve got my fingers crossed!  I’m working on writing a companion story for OUTLAW ROSE, and I’m enjoying spending time with Rose again – she’s a lot of fun. 

And now for the very very personal questions- 

Favourite toy?

My little netbook computer. Or did you mean something else … ?

Snort!

Favourite food?

Fresh baked bread. 

Favourite position? 

Forward. In the slot area. 

We’re talking about hockey, right?

Hahahaha...if you say so!

If you could have anyone, famous or not - who do you want to get hot and heavy with in a ménage?

Ryan Gosling and Nathan Fillion. Two very hot Canadians! 

Oh yeah...with you there!

Bio:

Celeste Rupert lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains and (other than the lack of indoor plumbing) would love to live in the Old West. As time travel hasn’t yet been invented, she lives in the era through her characters.

Blurb:

Rose would do whatever was necessary to get the gold back from the bank robbers. Enjoying it was an unexpected bonus.

Rose had a plan.

After all her planning and hard work, she was about to hit the payoff—until the bank was robbed, the gold stolen right out from under her nose. Rose wasn’t about to give up without a fight, but catching up with the outlaws was the easy part.

When Tucker finds the little bank teller tailing them, he needs to keep her from running to the posse, and her proposal sounds like way more fun than what he had in mind. But in this band of outlaws, they split everything three ways—he’s going to have to learn to share.

What Rose had thought was a straightforward plan quickly becomes more complicated. Maybe these law breakers can work together…in more ways than one.

Buy Links:

Total-E-Bound: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2010

Amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/Outlaw-Rose-ebook/dp/B00BOST1CK/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1_TE7F

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Outlaw-Rose/book-NuaaA4RmjUuj3HkD5FWhPw/page1.html

Personal Links:

http://www.celesterupert.wordpress.com

http://www.twitter.com/CelesteRupert

http://www.goodreads.com/celesterupert

Wednesday Wisdom with Donna Gallagher - a footy fan!

Today I have fellow Aussie, and Total-e-bound author Donna Gallagher visiting...and I ask the tough questions!

Take it away Donna!

Tell us about your new release.

All my releases are quite new. Laura’s Light is book three in my league of Love series. It is the story of single mother Laura who, now that her son is grown, decides to start dating again. She accepts an invitation to dinner from ex rugby league player now commentator Trevor Hughes, a sexy younger man that has a few of his own demons to deal with.

How about telling us a little about your road to publication.

I wrote the first two books a few years ago but submitted Mandy’s He-man, the second book, to Total E Bound publishers last year. I was completely taken by surprise when my book was offered a contract. I really was expecting a rejection letter, but hoped that I would get some advice along the way. My editor, the wonderful Amy, requested I send her Caitlin’s Hero, which was also contracted and it went from there.
I love that there is a reader advisory warning for Caitlin’s book from my UK based publisher.

“Please note ‘footy’ in Australia refers to rugby league, not soccer.”


Where did you come up with the idea for this book? This book is part of a series. Have you always been interested in Rugby League?

It really was a case of waking up one morning and Brodie was in my head telling me his and Caitlin’s story. Half way through JT started on about Mandy. Laura’s Light is a little different because it was from Laura’s voice.

As for, how long have I been interested in rugby league? – Well my answer would have to be from my very first breath. I have many memories of accompanying my family to The Sydney Cricket Ground to watch the game of the day. The men in my family were members of the SCG - women were not allowed. My aunt would buy me cartons of flavoured milk and we would share vegemite sandwiches, crusts cut off, made by my grandfather - Pa captained Western Suburbs in 1928. 

How many more stories in the League of Love series?

That’s hard to answer Maggie, I’ve started book seven and book eight is also waiting to be told. I guess I will have to see what the voices have to say about it all.

How did you research for your story? Was it fun?

No research, I just wrote what I was told ;)

What was the hardest part about writing this book?

The writing part! Leaving school early may not have been the best idea, my grammar and punctuation skills are atrocious.

What was the easiest part?

Listening to the voices. I loved what was unfolding before me and fell in love with each new character.

Favorite Scene?

Hard question, I love so many. Obviously the sexy ones are great but maybe the scene where Laura’s grown son, Rookie the new star of the Jets rugby league team, realises that his mother is dating an ex footballer.  

Where can readers find out more about your new release?

Well, my website would be a good place to start all the information, release dates, buy links and blurbs are there.
http://www.donnagallagherromance.com

What are you working on now?

Riley’s story, Caitlin’s brother all grown up.

And now for the personal questions-

Favourite toy? Umm! *blushes*

Favourite food? Champagne…Oh wait! That’s not a food, Pasta.

Favourite author/s?  N.j Walters hands down.

Favourite season?  Winter of course, footy season.

If you could invite any two people, famous or not – who would you invite to menage with you?
David Boreanaz (Angel) and Steve Price (retired player)


---------------------------------------------------------------

Bio:

Sydney-born Donna Gallagher decided at age 15 that life needed to be tackled head on and left home.
In her twenties she married a professional sportsman, her love of sport -especially rugby league - probably overriding her good sense. The seven-year marriage was an adventure filled with the emotional ups and downs of having a husband with a public profile in a sometimes glamorous but always high-pressure field.
In what could be called a mid-life crisis, Donna woke one morning to the sound of voices in her head - and her League of Love series was born.

Blurb: Laura’s Light

Forty-two- year- old single mother Laura Harris devoted more than half her life to raising her son. She remembered the concept of having sex but it had been aeons since she’s actually been a participant - especially with a real flesh-and-blood partner. But it’s time to reclaim her life. Her son is a man now. And the rising star of the Jets rugby league team. Their future is brighter than ever and, for the first time, financially secure. But Laura is starting to think agreeing to have dinner with Trevor Hughes could be biting off more than she can chew. Not that she can’t see herself taking a nice big chunk from the absolutely gorgeous thirty-four-year-old sports commentator’s rump, he’s one prime piece of masculinity! She just isn’t sure how or when the whole sex thing will become an issue. She can’t even get past the what-to-wear step. Let alone the when-to-take-it-off stage…

Trevor Hughes usually avoids the woman with substance - he has enough of his own demons to deal without trying to care for anyone else. But there’s something about the upbeat, sexy, one-woman-dynamo Laura Harris. The woman is pure sunshine and happiness. And that’s surprising when you look at what life has handed her. Nothing seemed to dampen Laura’s spirits and she quickly becomes someone Trevor needs in his life…Until misunderstandings come between them. Can Trevor put things right?


Buy link:
http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2001
http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=251

Personal links:

http://www.donnagallagherromance.com 
http://facebook.com/donnagallagher63 
https://twitter.com/donnag63  
http://donnagallagherromance.wordpress.com/

Wednesday Wisdom with Suz De Mello

AUTHOR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

How long have you been writing? Tell us a little about your writing journey.

I had always sensed a creative wellspring inside me but didn’t know how to express myself, even though I’d majored in art and sung in concert choirs and rock bands. Then in 1996 I started writing with the encouragement of a friend, who taught a class at a local college called “Writing for Publication.” I learned about the business of writing, including about “writer’s guidelines.” Until then, I had thought that people simply wrote a manuscript and sent off their work, or perhaps magazine writers went to work, sat in  cubicles and turned out articles. I hadn’t known that each book and magazine publisher puts out a list of exactly what they want, and freelancers read those lists and write to suit the publisher.

Moreover, I learned that romance novels were (and are) the largest fiction genre. At that point romance publishers put out nearly 2000 books annually, and though I hadn’t read much romance, I found myself saying, “Hey, I bet I can write a romance and get it published.”

It turned out that I was right. I was inspired enough to write four complete manuscripts by early 1999, and sold one by the middle of that year, a historical to Zebra Books. After selling two more books to Silhouette, I quit practicing law and started to write full-time.

I’ve had my ups and downs. After churning out six manuscripts in a few months while my father was dying, I hit a wall built out of writers’ block pretty hard. It’s been a struggle ever since, but I’ve sold sixteen complete novels, plus a number of short stories and articles on writing.

In an effort to inject some life into the writing, I started writing erotica about eight years ago. It’s gone well, but not as well as I’d hoped. These days I feel lucky if I manage to put out one novel and one short story annually, which is a pretty pathetic output compared to a lot of authors. But I struggle on.

You write under two author names with different sub genres. That sounds tricky. What are the benefits of going this way? Do you ever get them mixed up?  (I’m starting to do this now, so I’m curious!)

I never get the Sue Swift and Suz deMello personae mixed up, though since my line at Silhouette folded, Sue Swift has become much more racy. The dubious benefit is that readers know to expect a very explicit story with a Suz deMello book.

If I had it to do over again I would not use a pen name. It’s double the promotional annoyance. I have mitigated it somewhat by being pretty open about the fact that Sue=Suz, so I cross-promote most of the time.

However, if I lived in a conservative community I’d have to use a pen name, so i certainly understand why others need one. As it is, I live in California, where most of us don’t judge others on superficial stuff.

Tell us about your latest release.

At the time of this writing, I anticipate the release of the second novel in my “Clan Kilburn’s Vampires” series for Ellora’s Cave—these books are historical vampire erotica set in the eighteenth century. I don’t yet have a pub date for Desire in Tartan, which is the story of an innocent English governess who takes a job tutoring the four children of a Highland laird in a remote castle. She finds herself in a nest of vampires, in love with one of them.

Where did you come up with the idea for this book?

It’s a sequel, so I simply thought a lot about what would happen after Temptation in Tartan ended. I surmised that after Kieran and Lydia, the H&H in Temptation, settle their differences and got their HEA, they’d start having children—and that someone would need to educate them.

How did you research for your story? Was it fun?

OMG I love historical research! It’s one of the main reasons why I prefer to write historicals. I’m fascinated by the way people used to live, when they ate, how they dressed...everything.

I often set my books in Britain, and have traveled there a number of times. Not merely to do research, but to visit family and “refill the well.” I have amassed a lot of material over the years, but still do some online research when I get stuck. I also know a few experts on the place and time in which I generally write.

Is this part of a series? Any plans for other stories based on these characters?

Yes, as I stated, it’s the second novel in what will be a four-book series. I also have written and put out a couple of short stories, and plan at least one more.

What was the hardest part about writing this book?

Dealing with my persistent writers’ block, and if anyone has any hints on how to deal with that, do please send them along.

What was the easiest part?

...sigh...right now I feel as though nothing is easy about writing! Here’s one of my fave quotes about writing from Paul Gallico: "It is only when you open your veins and bleed onto the page a little that you establish contact with your reader."

Favorite Scene?

There’s a fantastic scene in which the formerly shy heroine. Alice, rescues the hero and his compadres from a bloodthirsty band of baobhan-sith.

I especially enjoy stories in which a shy, weak heroine finds her female power and strength. I write them a lot.

Where can readers find out more about you?

I’m highly accessible. Find my books at http://www.suzdemello.com

     For editing services, email me at suzswift@yahoo.com

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

Twitter feed for fave reading: @ReadThis4fun

My blog is at http://www.fearlessfastpacedfiction.com

What are you working on now?

The next book in the series, Two Rakes in Tartan, set in Regency-era London.  It’s a kick! I’m already loving it.

And now for the very very personal questions-

Favourite toy?

My lover’s cock. No, take it back. His mind. No, take it back. His flogger. No, take it back...

Favourite food?

Now , this is a really hard question. I could be up all night thinking about this. I’m a vegetarian, but my favorite food is probably corned beef on rye with cole slaw. No, take it back. Szechwan eggplant. No, take it back. Broiled halibut. No, take it back...

Aha! This is it: dark chocolate and good red wine—an unbeatable combo, especially with a few nuts and a little cheese. This is my midnight snack practically every night, and I love it.

Favourite position?

Woof. hahaha! Love it!

If you could have anyone, famous or not - who do you want to get hot and heavy with in a ménage?

Hm. Well, one of my ex-Doms is pretty great sexually, but he’s such a crap human being that I hesitate to allow him anywhere near my life. My current lover is wonderful. I’ll do anything with him, anytime.

Of celebrities—well, my interests aren’t much different than anyone else’s. Viggo Mortensen is a special favorite, as is Johnny Depp. (Duh. Who doesn’t lust after Johnny Depp?) The vamps in True Blood, but especially Alex Skarsgard. David Beckham. The star of Grimm, David Giuntoli. Major eye candy!

BIO:

Best-selling, award-winning author Suz deMello, a.k.a Sue Swift, has written over sixteen romance novels in several subgenres, including erotica, comedy, historical, paranormal, mystery and suspense, plus a number of short stories and non-fiction articles on writing. A freelance editor, she’s worked for Total-E-Bound, Ai Press, Liquid Silver Books and Etopia Press. She also takes private clients.

Her books have been favorably reviewed in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and Booklist, attained the finals of the RITA, won a contest here and there, and hit several bestseller lists.

A former trial attorney, her passion is world travel. She’s left the US over a dozen times, including lengthy stints working overseas. She’s now writing a vampire tale and planning her next trip.

Here’s where readers can find the latest Clan Kilburn Vampires tale:

http://www.ellorascave.com/temptation-in-tartan.html

Here’s the blurb to Temptation in Tartan

She had to marry a monster…

Rumors had followed the chieftains of Clan Kilborn for centuries. Said to be descended from the Viking Berserkers, they were ferocious in battle, known for tearing off the heads of their enemies and drinking their blood.

But English noblewoman Lydia Swann Williston would marry Kieran, Laird Kilborn, to bring peace to the Kilborn lands after the horror of Culloden and the brutal pacification. A widow, she also brought needed wealth to Clan Kilborn. For her part, eighteen-year-old Lydia wanted children. With her husband killed at Culloden, she would make a new life in the Highlands.

The old chieftain of Clan Kilborn also died in battle, and she hoped that the new young Laird would lack his ancestors' ferocity.

She was wrong.

****

Published by Ellora’s Cave in June 2012, Temptation in Tartan reached #1 on the All Romance Ebooks bestseller list for historical (other) romance and spent a full week in the top five. Its sequel, Desire in Tartan, will be released early in 2013.