Romance Author Hotspot

Today, our star of honor is the lady with one of the best websites we’ve seen in a while!  Its: Camryn Rhys. It’s so nice to have you here and shining! I’m sure you’re ready to share with us your success and many fun endeavors. So, let’s get on with the party!

BIO:

Camryn Rhys grew up on the border of Canada and the US, and still hasn’t decided which country to call home. She splits her time between the Alberta and Montana Rocky Mountains, with friends and family in both beautiful locations. After running her own restaurant for several years and acquiring advanced degrees in writing, foodie romance seemed the only logical option. When she’s not watching the Food Network, she’s reading a romance novel, or if absolutely necessary, working as a consultant. Someone has to put really excellent food on the table.

Let’s get to know you a little better. Why don’t you step over here under the spotlight and shine a little.

Romance So Good You Can Taste It

First questions: (I’ll go easy on you.)

What made you decide to become a writer? I’ve been telling stories my whole life. Some of them, I pretended were true, and some I knew were lies. But the story was the thing. I love stories.

What inspires you? Where do you get your ideas? I think everything inspires me. I’ve gotten ideas from someone speaking another language, and from recipes, and from knowing certain people. It just depends on the moment and what will spark my mind to think… hmmm, I wonder…

Do you beat your muse? I mean…Wait! Do you have a muse? Does he/she have a name? I do have a muse. His name is Ian and he wears a kilt. Nothing but a kilt. As far as whether or not I beat him, I may have to plead the 5^th.

Let’s talk about your writing process. Are you a plotter or pantser? Are there any weird things that you do before you start to sit down to write? (Like stretch those fingers…? Scream at the computer…?) I used to be a pantser, and I can’t even say I really had a “process.” But I took this fantastic class about the “W” plot and now I am a faithful plotter. It’s not as fast a process as it used to be, but I think my books are a ton better because of it.

What is your call story? Actually, it depends. I have a novella call story and a novel call story. My novella call story begins with an editor approaching me… why I always encourage people to write wherever they can write. If you have a compelling voice, you can’t hide it.

Have you always envisioned yourself a writer? What were you doing before you started writing? Has your earlier career influence your current one? I definitely always assumed I’d be a writer someday. I based my whole expectation of the future upon it. I would love to think that I would be able to make a living as a writer. Then I would leave the mundane world behind. LOL!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now with your writing career? Still writing books I love to read, I hope. Maybe even getting paid for it. J

What is the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome in your writing career so far? Definitely my time constraints. I have a very demanding day job and I spend most of my spare time writing or promoting. It’s a lot of work. If I had more time, I would definitely utilize it.

Now let’s talk more about you. If you could pick to live the life of a movie star, who would it be and why? Does this person show up in your stories? Hmmmm… I wouldn’t like the life of a movie star. I value my privacy way too much.

Through research, what is the most silly thing you’ve ever done? Wow, I’ve done a lot of weird stuff. Let’s just say that because I write romance, research is lots of fun, and I’m always interested in making a fool of myself… haha!

What genres do you read? Do you read what you write? Honestly, I don’t read as much as I used to. But when I do get a chance to read, I’ve been moving through fantasy books at a pretty good clip. Really fun. My head is full of fairies.

What’s the last book you’ve read for fun? Did you read it on an e-Reader or are you still a paperback-kind-of-person? Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning. Actually, I listened to it on my iPhone. Loved it!

What did you wish you had known back then when you began writing? That your career can take off fast, so be ready to commit to a genre and make your writing happen!

Is there anything else you’d want your readers and friends to know about you? Umm… I’m really boring. My website is lots of fun, though! There’s tons of stuff about my characters and little hidden eggs all over the place!

And lastly, where can we find you?

Email: author@camrynrhys.com

Twitter: @camrynrhys

Facebook: @CamrynRhys

Website: http://camrynrhys.com

I’m giving away a copy of both my Big Muddy Westerns: BARN-DANCE and BARN-RAISING.

Thank you so much for being a star Camryn!

Guess who? It’s Camryn Rhys with us today! Yay! And she’s talking about what Cowboys and Chefs have in common! 

For the last year, I’ve been writing what I call “Western Foodie Romances”. I’m not sure anyone else writes them, but I certainly haven’t seen any. I’ve had several people ask me: what exactly do cowboys and chefs have in common?

As heroes, cowboys and chefs are so similar. Both tend to be independent and self-motivated. They are the ultimate alpha males. They like order, they want things done a certain way, and they’re often nomadic—going where the best work is.

But in a lot of ways they’re very different. Chefs tend to be innovative and forward-thinking. Cowboys tend to be tied to history and don’t dig change too much.

Writing Western Foodie romance, I have to find the intersection between these two. How does food interact with the cowboy culture? Do cowboys care what they eat? Are all cowboys/girls the same? How does the West tolerate and/or embrace new trends? These are things that Western Foodie Romance naturally tends toward.

And, of course, the hotness quotient. Because let’s face it, whether it’s a chef’s hat or a cowboy hat, it’s just covering up the hottie underneath.

In honor of the hot cowboys in my Freewill series, I’m having a Cowboys & Cocktails release party on my blog and giving away a lot of great prizes. Every comment on every blog tour post counts. So if you want to comment here, I’ve got a question for you: What makes a chef hot to you? What makes a cowboy hot? Which do you prefer?

BLURB:

Kyle Harris lands a job as the new chef at the Misbegotten Gaines Ranch just in time for the launch of their new Singles’ Trail Ride. When his new boss, the alluring Jamie Gaines, mistakenly believes him to be married, he goes along with the ruse to keep his job. But things start to heat up between them and Kyle has to choose between losing his job and letting Jamie get away.

Excerpt:

When a guy says he’s gonna work on a dude ranch, he kinda expects it to be run by…well, dudes. Instead, the only two people Kyle Harris could see when he pulled up to the Misbegotten Gaines Dude Ranch were women. And they were hot with a capital H-O-T.

Hot enough that it got a little toastier in his car, and in his formerly roomy boxers under his jeans. Kyle had big plans for spending long days at his new job out on the dusty trail with men he could consider his brothers. Guys always looked tight in those John Wayne movies his mom used to watch. He had a feeling the wild would do that to a guy.

But being in the Wyoming wilderness with two gorgeous women would not lead to any camaraderie among the men. Nor would it lead to silent nights around the campfire eating beans from a can and drinking coffee from a tin cup while the coyotes yowled against the midnight sky.

Okay, so maybe he paid a little more attention during those movies than he’d like to admit. But still. The kind of backside(s) he could see promised a lot of things, and none of them peaceful. Maybe he wouldn’t have to extend his sex hiatus after all.

Check Out Camryn’s other new release! 

Blurb:

Sacha Camomescro, an Empath demon with an airship, is rescuing refugees from Victorian Europe’s war on magic when she meets a man unlike any other. Javier Vargas is a lone alpha werewolf, his pack nearly decimated by assassins, his appetite for justice superseded only by his desire for her.

But Sacha’s gift is also her curse. While reading minds is helpful in eluding the assassins sent by Europe for Progress, it cripples her ability to trust men, and enjoy sex, for she can always see the fantasies men have when they’re with her. But Javier has a single-minded focus when it comes to his pursuit, and he wants her.

Just when it seems she can trust him, Sacha’s crew starts getting picked off mid-flight, and it seems there’s a rabid animal at fault. Javier and his lone remaining pack member fall under suspicion, and in the hysteria, Sacha begins to lose control of her mission. Blindsided by passion, she must decide if she can trust the one man who wants her just as she is.

Meet Camryn Rhys!

Camryn Rhys grew up on the border of Canada and the US, and still hasn’t decided which country to call home. She splits her time between the Alberta and Montana Rocky Mountains, with friends and family in both beautiful locations. After running her own restaurant for several years and acquiring advanced degrees in writing, foodie romance seemed the only logical option. When she’s not watching the Food Network, she’s reading a romance novel, or if absolutely necessary, working as a consultant. Someone has to put really excellent food on the table.

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

Eggnog, hands down. I’m a sucker for those spicy, more complex tastes, so I’ll always pick something like eggnog over a one-note mimosa. Now, if we’re going to get creative with our drink mixing, I’d be up for a mimosa, too…

We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)

I brought a pretty book cover… :pets: I hope Santa is… open-minded.

Blurb:

Mindy Edwards can’t bake to save her life, but with no where else to go, she returns to the one place she’d avoided for six years. Her boss’s son, Leo—still strictly off-limits—doesn’t help her starved libido, and what’s a girl to do when she could barely keep her job as the cook?

Leo Fortiss has never quite gotten over his first love nor did he expect her to return and pretend they didn’t have a heartbreaking past, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t save her from all the other cowboys–who definitely weren’t after her burnt buns and horrid cooking. He proposes a trade: he’ll teach her to bake bread if she’ll come to the big Barn Dance with him.

Mindy accepts, but when things heat up in the kitchen, she finds history repeating itself. Will she run or risk her heart a second time?

Please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.

:runs for the bar:

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving, easily. Because of my job, Christmas tends to be a little bit of a production every year, but Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to just be with family and have some good food and watch sports. I’m definitely a sportaholic, so anytime there’s basketball or football on, I’ll take that.

Did you ask Santa for anything good?

I think I have just about everything I want this year. If Santa has a good weight loss program he can recommend, though, I’m gonna need that. I am way out of control this holiday season…

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

Disneyland. There is nothing better than Christmas at Disney. Granted, it can be a bit crowded, but it really is the happiest place on earth and to be there with my family, it’s going to be amazing. Oh, did I mention I’m going to Disneyland this year for Christmas? :cheers: Can’t wait.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

It’s not actually a memory of mine. But my grandpa used to tell this story all the time about the first time I ever saw a Christmas tree. Since my birthday is in February, I was already walking (or toddling), and I came around the corner in my grandparents’ house and saw this huge, lit and decorated Christmas tree and I stopped dead in my tracks and stared at it with wide eyes. Then my face broke into this huge smile and I started bobbing up and down and hyperventilating and laughing all at the same time. To see my grandpa impersonate me is almost as entertaining as anything I’ve ever seen. But I’ve loved Christmas ever since.

Do you have personal resolutions for the New Years? Anything interesting?

I’m going to resolve to write every single day of 2012. Some kind of writing on a book. I’m not going to set limits, because I want it to be a resolution I can keep. But I definitely want to write *something* every day.

Why do you write romance?

Because I think love is the one thing we all wait and search for, at our deepest core. And while there’s only one place we can find the truest love, we’ll take whatever love comes at us. I am a hopeful romantic. I always believe that love will win out in the end, whatever end we come to. So it’s a natural fit for me.

How long have you been writing for? And how would you describe your publication journey?

My publication journey was… strange. I always knew I wanted to write romance, but I had no idea what kind. I tried historical (of all shapes and sizes) and then tried contemporary. And I could never finish anything. (Well, I finished a historical or two, but lordy, they sucked.) But then I started to write what I knew (which was food and cooking and restaurants) and it just clicked for me. I’ve been writing foodie romance ever since. And then, I started writing historicals again and just sold my first of a Steampunk series to Ellora’s Cave. So I guess I’m still growing into my full capability, but it’s been quite a ride so far.

Are you a plotter or pantser? What is your routine?

I used to be a major pantser. In fact, I was trained to write short fiction and flash fiction, and had published several shorts (under 2K) as an MFA student. And it’s really hard to hit the right note for how to tell those shorts. In fact, one of my MFA profs said that it’s harder to write flash fiction than to write novels, and in some ways, I think I agree. It’s hard to write really well in such a short space. There is no room for failure. But you really have to learn to trust your gut to write that short. And in a lot of ways, it hamstringed me as a novelist. I had to unlearn all my pansty ways in order to write novels (and I’m sure my editors would still like to unteach me a few things I learned doing that, haha). Now, I’m more of a plot-ser. I plot all the major plot points ahead of time and do the minor ones as I go. It works better, but it’s also a new muscle for me, so it takes longer. But I think it makes my books better.

What characteristics do all your heroes/heroines have in all your stories?

A love of food. Both of them aren’t always nuts about it. In fact, in my first book (The Barn Dance), my heroine was a horrifying cook, and my hero saved the kitchen. But since I write foodie romance, one of them is typically a foodie or chef or cook of some sort.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?

A lot of people poo-poo this, but I use Wikipedia a lot. I always check the resources, and if I have time, I often read or research from those resources (especially for my historicals). And I always try to verify the information I get on Wikipedia. But I use it a lot, and by and large, it’s incredibly helpful as a jumping-off-point. As a trained academic, I have a tiny bit of shame for admitting that, but it’s true.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Two things.

First. Write. There is no substitute for experience, and the more you write, the better you’ll get. You can have 10,000 followers on Twitter, and if you don’t get a book out, it won’t matter. You can have 1000 blog hits a day and a super huge platform, but if people don’t want to read your books, you might as well pick your toenails. Don’t neglect social media. But it’s not going to make you a better writer.

Second. Listen. You’re surrounded by people who know a lot about the industry. Listen to them. Don’t ever value your work so highly that you can’t take criticism. Despite what everyone says about listening to your gut and it’s your book, you’ll not last long if you can’t take criticism and don’t listen. Especially to your editor. Sometimes, you are not the best judge of what your book does and doesn’t need. Your gut might lead you astray, so make sure you’re always listening.

What are you working on right now?

I’m writing a series of Western foodie romances for Decadent Publishing in a super secret project, which I guess I just outed. But there will be more information coming soon (keep an eye on my blog for more info). This is the most fun I’ve had writing, maybe ever. I adore collaboration. And I was lucky enough to get to collaborate with writers I admire and editors I respect and adore. We’re going to be open for submissions soon.

I’m also writing sequels to this book (Off the Record) and the book I’m releasing with Liquid Silver in 2012, in addition to the final book in The Barn Dance series. And I’m plotting (or plot-sing) my second and third Steampunk books. It’s a fun place to be right now.

What news would you like to share with your readers?

I have several books coming out in 2012 and I hope you’ll enjoy them all! I have a sports-themed erotic novella (Every Time I Think of You) coming out from Liquid Silver and the foodie Western coming out in February from Decadent. Then, my Steampunk Erotic novel (my first full-length novel!!) coming out from Ellora’s Cave in 2012. So, lots coming from me. I hope you love them all as much as I do.

Where can readers find you?

1. Twitter: @camrynrhys
2. Facebook: @Camryn Rhys
3. Website: http://camrynrhys.com
4. Others: http://dirtybirdiesauthors.com

List other books you have out:

The Barn Dance and Off the Record

Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot!

Prize: As part of my release party, I’m giving away one $50 Amazon Gift Card to one commenter on my blog or any of my guest posts, and a copy of Off the Record to two other commenters, randomly selected.

Today, our guest of honor is Camryn Rhys. It’s so nice to have you here, and I’m sure you’re ready for a good time! Let the party begin!

First Questions:

Wine or beer? (If you want club soda, I’ll have to send you to the corner.)

Definitely wine. I had a bad experience with beer in college and I’ve never really been able to stomach it since then. But I do love a good gewurtztraminer. J

Ohhhhh, that sounds good! Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt person?

Depends on the day. Most of the time, I have a horrible sweet tooth. But I definitely have my days where I crave chips in a major way.

I hope I don’t have to fight over chocolate cake with you. Are you old enough to drink? LOL.

Legally, I can order a drink in any country in the world. Emotionally, I’m not often post-pubescent (as evidenced by extreme sarcasm that on occasion includes fart jokes).

LOL. Okay, tell us about your new release.

Blurb: Lust strikes as their eyes meet over a basket of overpriced Roquefort. 

Surprised to meet chef Kit Parker at the grocery store, Emily goes undercover to Kit’s restaurant that very night, only to crave more than her cooking. As a food critic, Emily finds it hard to resist the delectable cuisine or the busty, punky chef who created it.

Kit believes she’s met the woman of her dreams, but her new lover is hiding something. When a scathing review hits right before grand opening, all blame points to Emily. Will their relationship fizzle before it sizzles?

What makes your character and story so special?

I did love Kit’s character, but actually, it was Emily who drew me in and made me love this story. Emily has gotten a really raw draw in her previous relationship, and her manipulative ex-husband doesn’t want her to be happy, or to find new love with Kit. In short, he’s a jackass, and he makes Emily an underdog that I love to root for. Kit is an incredible woman for rescuing Emily from that life.

I love Kit and Emily too! All right, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast….

So, what do you write? And why?

I always say that I write foodie romance because I have two writing degrees and spent years as a head chef, so what else would I do? J But the truth is, I write foodie romance because I love food, and I love the way food can bring people together. Food is experiential in a way that nothing else is, and its similarity to sexual experience is unparalleled. It seems a natural way to bring people together, through eating.

Food and romance! Who can resist! What would your characters say about you?

I’m sure Emily would be wary of me. She’s wary of everyone at first. She has sort of a paranoid nature, because of her past, and she doesn’t trust easily. But Kit is a free spirit, and she’s never met a stranger. I would get along with Kit pretty quickly, and Emily would warm up to me eventually.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland. My family is Scottish, and I grew up with Scottish culture all around me, but I’ve never been to the actual country itself. Someday. ::sigh::

Ohhh, Scotland. Do you have a favorite of your own books and why?

Oddly, my favorite book of mine hasn’t been published, and likely won’t see the light of day. It was horrifying, really. But the characters are still some of my absolute favorites. It was a Scottish historical romance, and appropriately bodice-rippery. Still…. ::sigh::

LOL. Bodice-rippery? I’m so curious. Who is your favorite author and why? Do you write what you read?

I have a few. I really love erotic romance, and some of my favorite authors are Jaci Burton, Beth Kery, and Joey Hill. Of course, I love foodie romance, as well, and Eden Bradley wrote this incredible food fetish book that I would love to emulate someday.

How much do you write in a day? Day or Night? Everyday?

I try to write every day. You can usually find me on Twitter, daily, doing a #1k1hr sprint, or something of the like. I tend to enjoy writing with other people more than I want to write completely by myself, so Twitter is great for me.

That’s wonderful. You’re so disciplined! What else are you working on right now?

I am working on a “soopersekrit” project for Decadent Press right now, and I’m really excited about it. It’s another foodie erotic romance, and I’ll be able to talk more about it very soon, I promise.

Soopersekrit…interesting! Lol. Last Question: Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

http://camrynrhys.com

Or find me on Twitter: @camrynrhys. I’d love to chat with you.

Thank you so much for coming!

Comment and win a copy of Off The Record! And this party doesn’t end here! Stop by Camryn’s site and enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Have fun!

Meet Camryn Rhys!

It’s Wednesday! I’m sure everyone is trying to recover from Memorial Day! So I have Camryn Rhys here today! And she’s gonna talk about reviews! Curious? Then read on!

HOW TO GET A FIVE-STAR REVIEW

Everyone wants a five-star review. Or five roses or chef’s hats or kisses or whatever it is that signifies a book is awesomesauce. Even as you’re reading this, you’re thinking, ohmygosh she’s right! I want a five-star review, too. Pick me! Love. Me! Well, I’m here to tell you how to get one.

My name is Camryn and I’m a reviewer. I review for several book blogs, including The Pen & Muse blog and The Season reviews. Over the last couple of years, I’ve reviewed over 500 books. Some novellas, some novels, some under this name, some under another.

In all this time, I’ve given out my share of 5-star reviews (or, if you read my blog, 99/100 point reviews—although, to be fair, there have only been two of those), and my share of 1-star reviews. There were even a couple of books I would have given no stars to if I could have. And I’m here to share with you, from a reviewer’s perspective, what exactly is the 411.

First, I feel obligated to let you in on something: Reviews are subjective. You might think, duh, Cam, I already knew that, but stick with me here. Let’s say your editor has told you that you write just like Eloisa James. First of all, score for you! Second, you probably don’t want to target your review campaign to people who prefer J.R. Ward. Not that reviewers don’t/can’t like multiple styles. But more that if I like Eloisa James, I’m probably going to like people who write similar styles and/or themes. So because reviews are so subjective, do yourself a favor and do some research about who you’re requesting reviews from. Don’t be afraid to ask for a specific reviewer, either, because you think they’ll like what you’re layin’ down.

Second, and this one will be less obvious: Reviews are SUBJECTIVE. So while five-star reviews feel good and are fun to read, they don’t last forever. And neither do one-star reviews. Reviewers also have good days and bad days. If you get a bad review, remember. Cam says, reviews are subjective.

I promise not to say “reviews are subjective” again (although they are). Because I want to tell you how to actually get a five-star review. Or, rather, how not to get a one-star review.

*Don’t start with the dumb stuff. This includes waking up, traveling, a character saying one or another of their friends should get laid, and wild misunderstandings that are quickly resolved. Just to name a few. If I have to roll my eyes just to get through your first page, you’ll never get a five-star review. (And, by the way, ask someone objective to read your writing… someone objective, and not stupid. Every writer needs to know how they sound.)

*Don’t start with backstory. No matter how important you think it is, resist the urge to start off with history. Of any kind. Seriously. Don’t try to get around it by pretending it’s not backstory. Start your book where the story starts. Period.

*Don’t write flat characters. Your characters should be deep and interesting. I know you love them, that’s why you’re writing about them. But I’m not going to love them just by virtue of the fact that you do. You need to show me how awesome they are. Show.

*Don’t write bad sex scenes. Sex is more than physics. It’s more than flowery descriptions of body parts and orgasms or funny ways to describe an erection/clitoris/orgasm. It’s a deep connection, and it’s always about way more than a chemical process inside someone’s brain/groin.

*Don’t include excessive descriptions of bodily fluids. This one may seem like common sense, but I’ve given out an F review for precisely this reason and am seeing a disturbing trend in this direction. No one wants to hear about characters dribbling spit into each other’s mouths. Or the precise color and opacity of your heroine’s lubricating liquid. Trust me. It’s gross.

*Don’t try too hard. Generally, we reviewers and readers can tell when you’re being “that girl”—you know the one. The girl guys want to shake off because she’s too clingy/talky/whiny. You want too badly to write like someone else, or to write a genre that’s not natural for you. Give yourself some space to figure out what your style and voice are really like before you rush into publishing. Make sure you’re putting out your absolute best. Because it really sucks to read something that’s not.

And finally, I hate to parrot Donald Maas (mostly because everyone else is doing it, and I hate to be a sheep—or, apparently, a parrot), but the most important thing is to tell a good story. Bottom line, I’m reading your book, I want to be engaged. Backstory? Not engaging. Conflict-less meandering prose? Not engaging. You need to make me turn every single page. Because as soon as I can stop turning, I will.

What do you think?

Check out Camryn’s coming release from Breathless Press!

Blurb:

Mindy Edwards can’t bake to save her life, but with no where else to go, she returns to the one place she’d avoided for six years. Her boss’s son, Leo—still strictly off-limits—doesn’t help her starved libido, and what’s a girl to do when she could barely keep her job as the cook?

Leo Fortiss has never quite gotten over his first love nor did he expect her to return and pretend they didn’t have a heartbreaking past, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t save her from all the other cowboys–who definitely weren’t after her burnt buns and horrid cooking. He proposes a trade: he’ll teach her to bake bread if she’ll come to the big Barn Dance with him.

Mindy accepts, but when things heat up in the kitchen, she finds history repeating itself. Will she run or risk her heart a second time?