Meet Clarissa Yip!

Contemporary romance author, Clarissa Yip, leads a life of adventure and mischief. Constantly on the run, she’s always hanging out with her muse, plotting the next best story, and looking for anything that will fuel her imagination. Besides being an avid reader and writer, Clarissa enjoys scrapbooking, video games, immersing herself in addictive TV shows, and engaging in anything that will challenge her mind. A lover of food and languages, she also loves to try new things. Her dreams involve finding the ultimate way of sharing her world with yours. From the Hawaiian island of Oahu to the beautiful season-changing New York, you never know where she’ll be. Find Clarissa on Facebook and Twitter or drop her a note at http://www.clarissayip.com.

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

I don’t like this question. If I’m not old enough to drink, are you going to not let me come in? * glares * Okay, fine. Mimosas!

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

Blurb:

Stubborn and proud cowgirl, Lily McCormick, is finally coming to terms with her quiet life on her parent’s ranch, until her older brother, as payback, signs her up for 1NightStand. Kidnapped and forced onto a plane to a foreign location, she faces the dreaded cold and an unwanted tryst, until her ex-husband appears before her…as her date.

New York City District Attorney, Rafe Martinez, would do anything to get his ex-wife back, even if it meant taking drastic measures to pretend he was there for another woman. When jealousy and rage surfaces and Lily’s tough demeanor wanes, desire and lust sparks their once powerful connection as truths unfold. Will Rafe convince her to return to him or push her further away from giving their love a second chance?

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

What if I don’t want a drink from an elf?

Too bad. What’s your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is actually Christmas! I love the sparkling lights, prettily wrapped presents, and a hot hunk under the tree…Oh wait, that was a dream.

Did you ask Santa for anything good?

I asked Santa for a lot of things, but each year I swear, I get coal….

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

My favorite place to spend holidays would have to be New York. I love white Christmases and the first snow fall. But any snow after that, I think I can do without. Although, I’ve always wanted to be a snow bunny…

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

Hmm…Waking up and believing that I would catch Santa in the act, only to find my sister tearing up my Santa letters. I know. It’s traumatizing, but it shows how much my family loves me and would do anything to make me believe that there was Santa aka my sister. (My parents are old-fashioned and very Buddhist. They never believed in Santa.) Which explained why the wrapping paper was always the same. (I’m going to have to get her new paper!)

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

Oh my! I have so many I don’t think I can list it all here. 1. Write more. 2. Lose 10 pounds. 3. Write more. 4. Lose 15 pounds. 5. Write more. 6. Lose 20 pounds…Get the drift? lol

Why do you write romance?

I love seeing relationships blossom from beginning to end. Love seeing couples find each other and have a happily ever after. But most of all, I find the psychological aspects of relationships interesting since no two stories are the same. I love the whole concept of falling in love. I’m still looking for my Prince Charming. If you find him, please send him my way.

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

I’ve been writing for years. I have a draw full of rejection letters that I can show you…but let’s not. I haven’t had the easiest journey in publication, but I can remember when I got the “email,” it was the most exciting moment of my life. I thought I was seeing things, then I wondered if the publisher was nuts. Lol. Ooops, I think my publisher is actually hanging out here today. Shhhhhhh!

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

I’m a mix of both. I’ll spend three days plotting, then start writing and end up pantsing everything because my muse is mean and she likes to harass my characters into doing something totally uncalled for!

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

My heroes tend to be total alphas, my heroines more spunky. They’re both righteous and charming. But I’m really big on second chance stories, so knowing that they both share past history make me love them more because I have so much fun designing that.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?

Too many to list here! One of my favorite books is James Scott Bell’s The Art of War For Writers. It’s a great book and a great pick-me-upper when I’m having doubts in writing. Also, I can’t live without my dictionary and my Chicago Manual of Style…okay, now I’m just getting into other things. LOL. I love resource books. I love learning and knowing that I’m growing each day I write, and being able to utilize my sources to help cultivate my skills.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Do not give up! Keep writing. Be persistent, have faith, and believe in yourself. Success only comes when you keep momentum and continue to persevere. Rejection letters are badges of honor and there’s no such thing as failure. It’s what you do with that failure that really counts.

What are you working on right now?

Right now I’m working on a million things, but mainly my third book for the 1Night Stand Series called Tempting a Rogue. Tempting a Prince just came out Dec. 23^rd from Decadent Publishing.

What news would you like to share with your readers?

I’m also working on few projects for my loving publisher, Entangled—that, you’re going to have to wait to hear. But I did find out my story, True Connections, will be part of Entangled’s awesome Valentine’s anthology. How exciting is that? I’m still patiently waiting for good news from my editor. *cough * Libby *cough * No pressure. LOL.

Where can readers find you?

1. a.     Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/clarissayip
2. b.     Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ClarissaYipAuthor
3. c.     Website: http://clarissayip.com
4. d.     Others: http://clarissayipblog.com

List other books you have out:

Check it out here:

http://clarissayip.com/my-books/

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

Prize: 1 print copy of Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand Holiday Anthology (for US only), 1 print copy of A Passionate Christmas (for US only) (if non-US commenter is chosen, then they can pick two copies from my backlist at Decadent publishing), one e-book of commenter’s choice from my back list from Decadent Publishing to two other commenters. That’s four chances to win! 

  Meet Clarissa Yip!

Meet Nina Croft! We’re talking Vampires in Space? Got one? Want one? Read on!  

Vampires in Space.

My latest novella, Break Out, is a little hard to define. It’s part space opera, part paranormal, part romance…

I first came upon the term ‘space opera’ a few years ago, when I read a publisher’s submission call. I’d never heard it before and had to look it up, and here’s what Wikipedia says:

Space opera is a subgenre of speculative fiction that emphasizes romantic, often melodramatic adventure, set mainly or entirely in outer space, generally involving conflict between opponents possessing advanced technologies and abilities….

Examples of famous space operas include Star Wars (just about my favorite films when growing up) and more recently, Joss Whedon’s Firefly, which I have watched so many times!  I decided I definitely wanted to write space operas.

But I usually write paranormal romance, so when it came to thinking up suitable hero for my romantic adventure in space, I couldn’t get the idea of a vampire out of my head. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea.

When we write any form of speculative fiction, we are asking readers to suspend their disbelief. So why shouldn’t we ask them to suspend it that little bit more. And after all, if vampires exist today (and I’m pretty sure they do), and they are immortal (and of course they are), then why shouldn’t they exist in the future. And so my favorite hero was born – Ricardo Sanchez – reckless space pirate and red-hot vampire.

I love writing space operas – they’re fast and they’re fun. And I’m hoping, with the added attraction of a very sexy vampire, that a few readers, who’ve never tried them before, will give Break Out a go.

So do you think vampires will still be around in a thousand years? Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of Break Out!

Blurb:

The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they’ve discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they’re called, rule the universe.

Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can’t resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective’s maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous–or so fun!

Excerpt:

“You might want to change your mind about that reward,” Tannis murmured from beside him. “This one looks like she might fight back.”

“I don’t mind a good fight,” Rico drawled. “As long as I win.”

He swung his chair around and followed the line of her sight, his gaze settling on the tall figure in the doorway. He wouldn’t have recognized her if he hadn’t known what to look for.

The silver dress was gone and a black jumpsuit now hugged her tall, toned body. She walked with the lithe grace of a predator, one hand resting on the pistol at her thigh. The long, blond hair, which had done a lot to soften her features, was also gone. In its place was a severely short, almost military cut that emphasized the sharp cheekbones, and the large, almost beaky nose. Her dark blue eyes were the same though, as was the wide, red mouth. He dropped his gaze. There was no disguising the lush curve of those breasts either, and his body tightened at the sight.

She’d come to a halt in front of them, and he raised his eyes from her breasts to her face to find her frowning at him.

“Skylar,” he said, kicking out a chair and patting the seat. “Take a seat.”

She regarded him suspiciously for a moment and then sat.

“Quite a disguise you had there.”

“Part of my training,” she replied.

“Your rebel training?”

She nodded.

“Tell me. Why were you with the rebels? You seem a little too…” He studied her, trying to think of the correct word. Normal maybe, but he had an idea that Skylar was far from normal.

“Human?” She supplied for him.

As we all know, Memorial Day is just around the corner and I’m sure all of you all gearing up for some cool trip, time spent with family and friends, or even just an excuse to party.

Memorial Day is a time packed with memories for all those who have served our nation and those who have died in honor. For the past few years, my life has been thrown into the whole military whirlwind as I’ve moved across the country from New York to Hawaii and back to the mainland. I’ve been introduced to the different branches of military, met wonderful people who have loved ones overseas ensuring that our country’s greatness. I’ve learned a lot about what the men and women who serve our country do for us, how they risk their lives to protect our rights and our lands, and also the sacrifices they’ve made to ensure our safety and freedom. I have to say, it’s awesome to live in this country, and realize how much history we have and what we continue to fight for.

So for this special weekend, I would just like to hang out and talk about whatever your heart desires! Don’t be shy. Grab a drink from the bar, and commemorate with us.

Share your plans for Memorial weekend! What are you doing? How are you celebrating this weekend? BBQ? Fireworks? Give me some ideas!

Two lucky commenter will win a $20 gift certificate from Barnes and Nobles and also a special gift package from ME! (I’m Clarissa, by the way, for you new guests that have accidentally stumbled on my blog.) Winner will be chosen on Wednesday, June 1st.

Also, please be ready to gear up for the summer part soon! Will post more as soon as possible! It’s gonna be huge!

Today, our first guest of honor for 2011 is Kaily Hart. It’s so nice to have you here, and I’m sure you’re ready for a good time! Let the party begin!

It’s awesome to be here and Happy New Year!

Don’t get too excited. We got work to do before I let you loose in this joint. First Questions:

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

I’d have to go with wine! I know this is really un-Australian, but I can’t stand beer. Of course, I haven’t lived there for a long time so perhaps I get an exemption or something.

Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt person?

You know, I only ‘discovered’ chips in 2010. I mean, I’d never think to buy or open a packet for myself to eat. I don’t think it’s an actual real food LOL. I do have a sweet tooth though, but I try to keep the urge locked in an impenetrable cell with an unbreakable lock using an unsolvable code. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Dieting doesn’t sound like a New Year resolution for you, and what do you mean ‘discovered chips in 2010′? Are you old enough to drink? LOL.

I’m old enough for a lot of things *blinks slowly*.

Hmm…you’re not earning any brownie points with me, Missy. What did you bring us?

Blurb:

Neighbor. Friend. Lover.

At least that’s what Carly Wagner wanted Rio Reyes to be. She’d settled for two out of three for almost a year and it just wasn’t enough. Not anymore. When Rio proposes a bet—of the sexual variety—she knows it’s out of character and he’s not really serious, yet she can’t resist. The payoff could mean finally getting her hands on the gorgeous firefighter she’s drooled over since she moved in next door.

The timing had never seemed right for him and Carly, but that hadn’t stopped Rio from imagining wild and wicked things about her. It had been a joke—sort of—but Rio’s shocked when she takes him up on the dumbass bet. Now he’s in a world of hurt, because regardless of who wins, he might be crossing a line he never thought he would, and jeopardizing a friendship that means more to him than anything.

Well there! Rio looks hot! *fanning cheeks with hand* Tell us a little bit about your story.

PAY UP is a friends to lovers story. It’s the first one I’ve ever written and has a favorite Alpha hero type of mine—a hot firefighter. Seriously Reviewed said,

*SIGH* awesome emotion. More than once my tummy dropped and I could “feel” everything that was written on the page before me. I love it when a story is that well written that I experience what the characters do. Makes the story that much more real to me.

**SNAPS** Ms Hart, on a snap-a-licious story that just made my day and then some

Wow. what makes your character and story so special?

I think it’s the heat with emotion that makes my stories stand out. They’re hot yes, but it’s the developing relationship that’s at the core of what I write.

All right, I guess you can come in. I kept you out here long enough. You can have some wine, I suppose…if you bring Rios in with you. Now off to the roast….

So, what do you write? And why?

Well, I write because it would hurt my head, my heart and my soul not to. I write romance because I want to create “feel good” moments. Life is full of enough harsh reality. I believe in the power of love and good triumphing over evil and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that . I write hot romance because I don’t think you can do justice to a story about a relationship with the bedroom door closed. But that’s just me. It’s during these intimate moments when the “big stuff” happens; barriers are breached, trust is given, vulnerabilities are exposed, bonds are formed. It has to move the story along, but these scenes provide a great opportunity to grow and develop characters.

Why did you want to become an author?

You know, I’m not one of those authors who always knew they wanted to be a writer. Perhaps I just suppressed the urge. Now? I couldn’t imagine anything more challenging or more fulfilling and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I love to travel. I love to visit other cultures and immerse myself in the differences. Two of the most fascinating and exotic places I’ve been are India and Indonesia. I still have a lot on my wish list, of course. I’d love to see the pyramids in Egypt, go on safari in Africa, see the Galapagos Islands for real and visit the wilds of Alaska. Just to name a few.

India and Indonesia definitely sound fun. Do you have a favorite of your own books and why?

My favorite book is always the one I’m currently working on. As a writer, I have to totally connect to the heroine and fall completely for the hero. Otherwise, how can I expect my readers to?

Do you like more Alpha or Beta heroes?

Oh, it’s got to be Alpha! I love to write the Alpha hero and I LOVE to write in the male Point of View (POV). I really love to skirt the edge of the “redeemable a-hole”. I think with the popularity of the paranormal sub-genre, the poor Alpha male in contemporary romance began to look a little pallid in comparison. I happen to think there’s still great opportunity to create wonderfully diverse heroes (aka hot, ripped Alpha males J) and I intend to do so, one hot story at a time.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers?

You’ll hear a lot that the most important thing for writers to do is the WRITE. I totally and completely agree with that BUT it’s important to educate yourself on the power of the Internet & social networking. You’re going to need it and it’s never too early to start. Decide on an amount of time that’s manageable. It shouldn’t interfere with your writing. It should be a complement. Discover what you like, what resonates with you, what works for YOU and how you can use it to build a network, develop a brand and market and promote your work when you do get published.

What else are you working on right now?

I’ve got several things going at once, which is pretty typical. I’m finishing off another hot & steamy contemporary and have another couple in varying stages of draft. I’ve also got some bigger length books in the works and plan to turn my attention to paranormal at some point as well. Not vampires or shifters, though. I have something a little different in mind.

Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

I’m all over and I love to hear from people!

Web – www.kailyhart.com

Blog – http://kailyhart.blogspot.com/

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/kaily.hart

Twitter – http://twitter.com/kailyhart

Thank you so much for coming!

Thanks for having me. I love saying that . Sounds so naughty…

*chuckle* Control yourself, woman! Don’t make me take away that wine so early in the party! Comment and win a copy of PICTURE THIS or PAY UP (both ebooks)! Have fun! Drinks all around!

Winners!

List will be updated as winners are drawn.

Thank you all for a great party!

Please wait to be contacted!

Amy S. Wins a Kindle!

Eileen Andrews and Virgina C. 2 Barnes And Nobles card valued at $20 each.

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Donated From Silhouette Desire Author, Catherine Mann:

Sonya Hucks A signed copy of SIlhouette Desire The Maverick Prince by Catherine Mann.

Kim S. A signed copy of Silhouette Desire The Tycoon Takes a Wife By Catherine Mann

Mara A signed copy of Silhouette Desire His Thirty Day Fiancee by Catherine Mann

Jessica B. A signed copy of Silhouette Desire Winning It All by Catherine Mann and Emily McKay

Jean and Drea Becraft 2 signed copies of Silhouette Romantic Suspense Holiday Heroes by Catherine Mann and Rachel Lee

Brenda/Moonsanity and Jolene Allcock 2 signed copies of Harlequin Blaze Under Wraps by Joanne Rock

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Donated from From Marilyn’s Romance Review:

Audra Holtwick A Signed copy of Debbie Macomber’s Christmas in Cedar Cove.

Karin T. A Print copy of Linda Lael Millaer’s The Christmas Brides

Desere A Print copy of Mary Balogh’s A Christmas Promise

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From our special Romance Author Hotspot Guests:

(Click on the name to enter their rooms for the individual contests.)

Ann Mayburn and Anna Shah Hogue won Decadent Publishing‘s contest - A Copy of A Christmas Promise by Amanda McIntyre and one book of the winner’s choice from the A Passionate Christmas anthology.

Brenda, Sonya, Dianne, Jolene, and Kienna won Olivia Gates‘s contest - 3 signed books and handmade and embroidered (by Olivia) make-up bags.

Mara and Karin T. won Jill Marie Landis‘s contest -2 autographed copies of HEART OF STONE Book 1 of the Irish Angels series.

Mara and Estella won Lynn Raye Harris‘s contest - 1 signed copy of Chosen by the Sheikh and 1 signed copy of The Prince’s Royal Concubine

Tessa Radley - The Twelve Nights Of Christmas by Sarah Morgan, His Christmas Virgin by Carole Mortimer, For the Sake of the Secret Child by Yvonne Lindsay, Saved By The Sheikh by ME, AND a BONUS book The Ocean Between Us by Susan Wiggs

Dianne B. won Cindy Spencer Pape‘s contest - A signed print copy of The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride

Angie won Jennifer Shirk‘s contest -Ebook download of The Role of a Lifetime

Joanna B. won Katherine Brandon‘s contest - Free copy of “Kismet’s Angel” Book I of the Kismet Series (e-book or paperback in US or Canada–winner’s choice; e-book only, all other areas)

Debora Dennis-Christmas themed sheet of scrapbook stickers

Desere won Donna Alward‘s contest -Signed advance copy of Proud Rancher, Precious Bundle

Joanna B. and Cindy L. won R.M. Gilbert’s contest - 2 e-copies of Holiday Headlines.

Dianne B. won Nina Croft‘s contest-copy of my first published Novella, Tiger of Talmare, and my latest, Mid-Winter Magic

Robin and Tabitha won Silke Juppenlatz‘s contest -2 e-copies of Smitten.

Colette, Estella, and Brenda Rupp won Clarissa Yip‘s contest -3 e-copies of Snowy Encounters

Welcome to Holiday Bash 2010! First contestant:

Clarissa Yip

BIO:

As an avid reader and contemporary romance author, Clarissa had always been one to hide behind her romance novels so her evil friends and family will never find her.  Child of four, she is known as the mischief maker and the runaway.  Born and raised in New York, she left her mundane life as a manager in the beauty industry and traveled across the country and somehow ended up in Hawaii.  On the beautiful island of Oahu, she has found a home with a foster family (aka. best friend) that took pity on her and her innocent wiles.  Sent to scrub floors and wash dishes.  (Partly true.)

As the author of five different contemporary romances, she continues to strive for success and spin her stories.

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

Barf. Eggnog? I don’t think I’ve ever had eggnog before. It sounds hazardous, but very…proteiny? Mimosas, I like! But can I have it with cranberry juice instead of orange juice? But I swear I’ve been old enough to drink since…forever. Wanna see my I.D? I don’t mind getting carded.

We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? *digging toe into floor, hands clasped behind * Um…I brought him a gift, but does taking a picture mean I have to sit on his lap? I don’t want to hurt him…(Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)

Well since you asked so nicely…

Blurb:

Ever since her divorce, successful Event Planner Maddy Glover dreads visiting her hometown. For the first time in three years, she returns home for the holidays and finds herself caught at the end of an avalanche. Only to be rescued by the one man she’s determined to avoid: her ex-husband.

Ambitious and desirable Cole Harmon lives to rebuild the town and to forget the woman who hadn’t believed he had enough to offer her—until Maddy shows up in her cute city-slicker attire and sexy black boots. In need of a decorator for the holidays, he hires his ex-wife to help, only to be thrown into dark buried memories and snowy encounters that may thaw the ice between them. Will their love rekindle or will Maddy walk away once again?

Excerpt:

“Let me go.”

He paused. Latching onto control and restraint, he dropped his hands with reluctance.

Maddy’s boot pivoted and she fell, landing in the snow. She glared up at him. He blinked then mirth struck him full force. She looked too adorable sitting on the ice, eyes darting fire. He almost doubled over when she cursed out loud.

“It’s not funny.” She huffed as she tried to stand.

Taking pity on her, Cole stifled his laughter and helped her up. Then, turning her around, brushed the snow off her ass. He tugged her skirt back into place, but couldn’t help lingering over the bottom curve of her butt and gave her a light pat.

“Stop that.” She moved away and frowned.

Cole grinned. He knew that look. She had it every time she was irritated over some thing, but couldn’t decide. “Stop what?” he asked, innocently.

Her eyes narrowed. “You know what I’m talking about. Every time you touch me, something happens.”

He crossed his arms and leaned against the door. “Like what?”

Her fingers balled into fists at her sides. “Cole Harmon, don’t you dare mess with me. You know what I’m talking about.”

Cole chuckled and reached into the back seat for the suitcase. “We better get you inside and dry that cute butt of yours before it freezes in the cold. Wouldn’t want you to get frostbite before you go back to the city.”

Maddy growled. She rushed past him to the driveway. He watched as she slowed her steps and carefully trudged to the door in her dangerous heels.

He grinned.

She hasn’t changed all that much.

Hold it! You need to pass our test first before you can enter…

*grumble*

You’re at the Holiday Party, surrounded by movie stars. Given a dare, you have to tell your actor/model/hero that you are a romance writer. Who is this person? How do you approach this conversation and what do you think his reaction would be? Oh by the way, he’s standing under mistletoe.

Well, that’s a little embarrassing. If I had to go up to Ryan Reynolds or Bradley Cooper, I might faint, before I even get a word out. Or maybe he’d faint after I lay one on him. Will I get arrested after? Oh wait, you said mistletoe. Yeah, he’d probably run from me, and I probably wouldn’t get the chance to tell him that I’m a romance writer. I have enough problems telling my family I write romance. I’m still a little shy…

You’re in a Holiday writing contest. You have to plot a book in 30 minutes. You’re given a sleigh, a reindeer and a Santa hat. What do you come up with? How do you go about this?

Plot a book in 30? Hmmm….My hero is dressed in the Santa hat, but no Santa suit or white beard, maybe a business suite or jeans that hug his tush perfectly and muscle shirt, and pulls up in a sleigh, powered by reindeers and he offers to save me from the ex-boyfriend who is chasing after me with a spider the size of a fist. Wow, I don’t know if that was a nightmare or idea for my next story.

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

Yay, Elves!

Why do you write romance?

I write romance because I love it. I love watching relationships blossom, solving the conflicts that characters have to overcome to be together, seeing the characters fall in love and giving them a piece of my heart each time I pen a story. It brings me into another world other than my own. Everything is almost perfect and I have to have a happy ending. It’s a chance for me to hide from reality.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Don’t give up. No matter where you are in your career as a writer, keep writing. Each rejection, any feedback, or comment whether positive or negative will only help you. Continue to persevere and stay motivated.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?

That’s a hard question. I have too many! Well, for editing I stick to CMOS like a bible, I love Dixon’s GMC, James Scott Bell’s The Art of War for Writers, Self-editing for Fiction…there’s a lot more.

What are you working on right now?

Currently, I’m working on a new Valentine’s story, but I’m still playing around with the idea. I have a new release coming out with Lyrical Press in April called Bachelor’s Return, and our A Passionate Christmas Anthology is coming out in print soon through Decadent Publishing.

What news would you like to share with your readers?

I have a new release coming out with Lyrical Press in April called Bachelor’s Return, and our A Passionate Christmas Anthology is coming out in print soon through Decadent Publishing.

Where can readers find you?

a. Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/clarissayip

b. Facebook: Clarissa Yip

c. Website: http://clarissayip.com

List other books you have out:

Love By Auction –Decadent Publishing August 2010

Unforeseen Reunion –Decadent Publishing September 2010

Snowy Encounters –Decadent Publishing November 2010

One Unexpected Night –Cobblestone Press December 2010

Bachelor’s Return –Lyrical Press April 2011

Will you be willing to answer questions in regards to writing and publication today?

Of course! I’ll be around! There’s so many fun people in here today! And the prizes! Can I enter too? No? Darn. But you ALL can!

Author’s Holiday Gift: 2 e-copies of Snowy Encounters and whatever Romance Author Hotspot is forking over.

See Holiday Bash Prize List! Click Here.

Today, our guest of honor is Lynda K. Scott. 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 a club soda, I’ll have to send you to the corner.)

Wine.

Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt person?

If it’s chocolate, then cake. If not, then chips. Have you ever eaten a chip right after a nice piece of cake? Or vice versa? It enhances the flavor no matter which you do first.

Hmm…interesting. I’ll have to try that. Are you old enough to drink? LOL.

Now you ask, after you offer wine?

LOL. That depends on if I’ll let you in. What did you bring us?

Blurb:

Eric d’Ebrur is out of time. He must find the legendary Heartstone and
fulfill the ancient Gar’Ja bond he shares with the Stonebearer. But
when he finds her, he discovers that love can be more dangerous than
the Gawan threat. Eric can defeat the mind-controlling Gawan but will
it cost him the woman he loves?

After terrifying episodes of hypersensitivity, Keriam Norton thinks
she’s losing her mind. When handsome shapeshifter Eric d’Ebrur saves
her from the monstrous Gawan, she’s sure of it. But insane or not,
she’ll find the Heartstone and, if she’s lucky, a love to last a
lifetime.

1. What a pretty cover! What makes your character and story so special?

Eric is a wonderfully male warrior. By that I mean, he’s dedicated to his people and his world. He protects and defends and he’ll do anything to save them, even if it breaks his heart. For me, that’s the hallmark of a hero. And Eric is nothing if not heroic.

All right, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast….

So, what do you write? And why? I write science fantasy romance with strong action-adventure. I’ve always loved the genre but lately I’ve realized that I write Science Fantasy Romance because it gives me and, hopefully, my readers a sense of Hope for the future. Love is the basis for everything we do and we need Hope so that we can get past the hard times to that Happy Ever After.

I love your concepts. It’s true. Love and hope are the basis for a lot of things. Why did you want to become an author? I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil in my chubby little fingers. Then, in high school, I realized people liked to read what I wrote. And that, as they say, was the beginning of my career.

Can I see your chubby fingers? I somehow don’t believe you on that…LOL. What would your characters say about you? Oh, they’d say I was a fiend, that I love to torture them and keep them from easily reaching their goals…They’d be right.

LOL. Torture isn’t a bad thing as long as there’s a reason–a good reason. What do you like doing besides writing and reading? Is it dangerous? It’s perhaps dangerous for your waistline, LOL. I like to cook. I enjoy making pies, cakes, breads. I also enjoy finding or creating new vegetarian recipes (my dh and I have gone to a semi-vegetarian diet) and I can veggies from my garden  to enjoy in the cold winter months.

Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever had a vegetarian on here…sounds…painful? I like my steak. Sorry. Where do you dream of traveling to and why? I would love to go to Scotland. I have a few ancient ancestors who came from the auld sod and I’d love to see what they left behind. My other traveling dream? I’d love to be one of the first people to walk on Mars. Since that isn’t likely to happen, I’ll write about visiting other worlds.

Big dreams! That’s awesome! What is one thing about you that most people don’t know? I like to target practice with my .357 magnum. Most people look at me and say, “What? You? You’re the last person I’d expect to have a gun.” Heheheh, little do they know, huh?

Um…should I go hide now? Hehe. I have wine? Who is your favorite author and why? Do you write what you read? I have two I idolize – the last Grand Dame of fantasy, Andre Norton and the master of suspense, Dean Koontz. Ms Norton was the first fantasy I read that had a touch of romance and she started me down the trail to writing in the Science Fantasy genre. Dean Koontz is just simply – superb. He can craft characters and settings like nobodies business. After a fashion, I do write what I read but keep in mind, I read voraciously and across many, many genres.

Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

Heartstone is currently available from Mundania Press, of course. But readers can always stay in touch in a score of different ways…

To join my newsletter, send a blank email to:
LyndaKScott-Newsgroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Be My Friend http://www.myspace.com/lyndakscott
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lyndakscott

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My Website: http://www.lyndakscott.com
My Blog: http://www.lyndakscott.blogspot.com
Tweet me: http://www.twitter.com/lyndakscott

Email me: Lynda@LyndaKScott.com

Additionally, I have a shared blog at http://www.star-crossedromance.blogspot.com that readers should consider stopping by to read (or even subscribe to). We have author guests every Monday and Friday, plus an assortment of book reviews. Since we specialize in SF/F/F Romance, even I have found new authors to glom, lol.

I will be donating 10% of my royalties for the Oct-Dec period to St. Jude’s For Children, one of my favorite charities (you can see all the charities I donate to on my website). So please consider helping me make their gift a good one by ordering Heartstone for yourself or as a gift. I’ll send out the results to readers of my newsletter group in January.

Wow, you’re a busy woman! Amazing and awesome that you’re helping out St. Jude’s. So glad to have you here! I won’t lie, there’s wine at the bar. I’m sure you’ll need it. * snort* And there’s cakes AND chips! It’s a party!

Today, our guest of honor is LaVerne Thompson. 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 a club soda, I’ll have to send you to the corner.)

White wine.

Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt person?

Cake. I need my sugar.

That’s understandable. Are you old enough to drink?

LOL! I better be or we’re in trouble.

I will reserve judgment, but what did you bring us to show you’re legal?

Blurb:

As one of the few female bounty hunters in the country and with a nickname like Edge, she enjoyed living on the edge and always got her man. One way or another.  As an executioner for her shifter clan she was relentless, but finding a mate was not something on her radar, having to hunt him down and execute him even less so.

But could she trust her instincts?

Ethan Graves was a hunted man, not quite a man but a Leo of his kind.  When he found out he was hunted by a sexy bounty hunter, he let himself be caught.  He just had to convince her of his innocence before she killed him, then confess to wanting her as his mate.

But could he trust his instincts?

Well there…I guess he does make you old enough. LOL. What makes your character and story so special?

It’s one of my favorite genres, paranormal. I’ve created a race of cat shifters, and this type of cat is extinct, like the people are becoming. They’re a race of cave lions. And my heroine is a female bounty hunter who’s a partial shifter. I just loved the concept of a modern day female hunter. Now a woman like that has to have an Alpha mate, just so happens she’s also hunting him. But he doesn’t mind being caught at all.

Cool! Cat shifters! All right, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast….

So, what do you write? And why?

I write what I enjoy reading most, contemporary romance sometimes with suspense thread, as well as fantasy/paranormal stories and sci/fi futuristic romances, because our world can’t hold the boundaries of my imagination so I have to create my own.

That sounds really interesting. And world building is definitely a talent. Why did you want to become an author?

I write because I hear voices in my head. Seriously. And the only way to silence them is to write their stories. I swear at times they just won’t shut up and I hear entire conversations at 2 in the morning. And I see stories in the world around me. Even something as simple as the sun-rising over the mountain can draw a story out of me.

I believe you. Must be an author thing. What would your characters say about you?

Let’s not even go there. LOL!

Ut oh. Okay, I won’t ask again. What was your first sale as an author? Anything special about it?

My first sale was PROMISES it’s a story I first started writing in a creative writing class while in college and was loosely based on my cousin marrying someone we’ve known all our lives.

Awww. That sounds sweet. Do you have a favorite of your own books and why?

I love all my stories for different reasons, but my favorite that’s published is COME TO ME. I just love the way the characters come together and the first time they meet. Frankly, I think it’s the best first meeting I’ve ever read. Even if I do say so myself. LOL!

That’s awesome to love your characters. It’s a necessity. What is the hardest part of writing your books?

For me finding the time to write. I have two teenage girls and even though one’s driving I still seem to be in the car an awful lot driving the youngest around, and there always seems to be something I have to do for one or both of them.

LOL. Life. Do you like more Alpha or Beta heroes?

Oh Alpha’s please. I eat beta males for breakfast. I need someone who can bite back. LOL!

Haha. Hmmm…Like Jimmy Thomas up top? lol. Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

I write for several publishing houses so best place to get info about me is my website http://lavernethompson.com it has excerpts and links to my work. Also I’m pretty much at my limit of friends on Facebook but you can join my fan page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/House-of-Isis-Produced-by-LaVerne-Thomspon/131160533608117

I also have an alter ego, Ursula Sinclair. That work is a little more complicated that website is http://ursulasinclair.webs.com

All my work can be found on Amazon.com or Are (All Romance e-books).

Thanks so much for coming! Hang out, have some white wine and have a good time! Maybe you’ll find a cat shifter at this party!

Today, our guest of honor is Debora Dennis. 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 a club soda, I’ll have to send you to the corner.)

I’m a chocolate martini girl – but I’d never turn down a nice glass of wine.

Yums! Chocolate martinis sound sooo good. Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt person?

Definitely the cake, I love the sugar!

Are you old enough to drink? LOL.

I’ve been old enough to drink for a quite a while, but thanks for asking.

Guess, we’ll wait and see how many chocolate martinis you can inhale. Did you bring us anything fun?

Blurb:

Would you die for love…twice?

William Montgomery, a blacksmith wrongly sentenced to death in 1806 for the murder of the woman he loved, cannot rest. His ghost is bound to Clayton Creek. For over two hundred years he’s been waiting for the soul of his true love to find him and set his soul free.

Rebecca Prescott is tormented by the recurring nightmare of her ancestor’s murder. Drawn to a two-week colonial reenactment at the scene of the ancient crime, she doesn’t count on one charming blacksmith or past life memories of an undying love to shatter her reality.

As Rebecca searches for answers from the past, William needs to win her love and earn her forgiveness to undo the witch’s curse that bound him to Clayton Creek. Can Rebecca’s soul finally reunite with her destined love or will she repeat the past and die once again for the man she loves?

Oooooo, he’s dreamy! And what makes your character and story so special?

My hero Will is near and dear to my heart. He’s a blacksmith from 1806 who has spent the last two hundred years torturing himself over a mistake that took the life of the woman he loved. He’s stubborn and tough, but knows he’s made mistakes. Now take that man who thinks like a 19^th century man and give him a 21^st century woman to deal with, and things don’t go as smoothly as he planned.

All right, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast….

So, What do you write and why?

I write some paranormal and I flip between contemps and historicals – but my theme always stays the same. Second chances and redemption form the core of all my stories.  I think it’s because life can get crazy and people don’t always make the right choices the first time around. Deep in my heart I firmly believe that everyone deserves a second chance to make things right.

I love second chance stories. Why did you want to become an author?

I wouldn’t say I wanted to become an author, I think writing is something that chooses you. I’ve always had stories in my head, writing and getting them out of my head is what keeps me sane!

* nodding head * Totally agree. What do you like doing besides writing and reading? Is it dangerous?

I like to do other creative things, like scrapbooking and crafts. As far as dangerous, shopping with me just might qualify as hazardous to your sanity.

I love scrapbooking! I ddin’t know that about you! And I’ll remember not to cross you at the mall. Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

Two places immediately come to mind. I’d love to go to Egypt and tour the pyramids. I’d also love to get to England and spend some time exploring some medieval castles. I think the only thing better than touring a castle up close and personal would be staying in one overnight!

Oooo, Egypt sounds fun. And England too, but Egypt sounds way cooler. How would you describe your writing style? I’m a linear writer – which means I start at the beginning and go straight through. No writing scenes that belong and fitting them in later for me. That said, I am a combination of pantser and plotter. I have a huge white board sectioned off into equal squares that represent chapters – I have colored post-its for my heroine, hero, villains and conflict points. When I start my novel I know where I’m starting, what the black moment is and the end. As I move through my chapters I plot a chapter ahead and see where it leads. By the time I’m done my white board is covered in a rainbow of colors and I can see at a glance that I’ve balanced my POVs and carried plot points throughout. Hmmm…maybe I am just a little more on the anal side than I thought. LOL

Wow, talk about being organized. You said ‘anal’, I didn’t. LOL. Do you like more Alpha or Beta heroes?

Alpha – hands down.

I agree. Love Alphas. How much do you write in a day? Day or Night? Everyday?

My goal is 1000 words a day but I don’t always make my goal – I do try and I don’t beat myself up if I don’t quite get there. Early morning is my most creative time, I’m usually up everyday around 5:30. Weekends are more editing time for me, since the family expects me to be social when they’re around.

Understandable. Finding time around family is hard. Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? Write everyday (or as often as possible) and don’t pay attention to current trends in the market place – write what you love and what you wish you’d find while browsing the bookstore. Listen to the sage advice of those that have plowed the road ahead of you. And most important of all, put on your alligator suit when reading a critique by your peers!

LOL. Great advice. I wish I had known I could buy alligator suits. What else are you working on right now? Currently I’m working on two books. My Viking romance is in early plotting stages (as in, I haven’t figured out where exactly it starts yet.) And I’m in the middle of a lighthearted contemporary set in the Adirondacks.

Yay! Viking! How fascinating! Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

I love to hear from my readers at my website www.deboradennis.com, where I try to blog a few times a week.

I can also be found on a daily basis at:

www.facebook.com/DeboraDennis.Author

www.twitter.com/DeboraDennis

Thanks so much for coming! One lucky partygoer is going to win a copy of A Fistful of Fate! Yay! Get cracking! Grab a martini, maybe Will (Mr. Dreamy) will be serving those at the bar!