Romance Author Hotspot

Boo!  Trick or Treat?  What costume are you wearing?

 PJs, flip-flops, ratty T-shirt. I am going as “an author.”

What age did you Trick-or-Treat to and what was your favorite candy?

 Probably around 15, when I could no longer get by as a princess and had to start contemplating whether I could walk the streets in Barbie heels. Favorite candy? Tried to get to the lady across the street early enough for her coveted candy apples. (She only gave out a few, to selected neighbor kids.) If didn’t manage that (‘cause mom sometimes took hours working on the face make-up) chocolate. The bigger and gooier the better. Snickers! Baby Ruths! (Mom would always toss out the candy corn and loose licorice in the little paper bags.) Gum was also a major coup. Blow Pops? Bingo!

How do you feel about “fun-sized?”

  Yeah, you know. Whoever first said “size doesn’t matter” wasn’t talking about Halloween.

Wait! You can’t come in yet! What did you bring us?

   Blurb:

 Lonely young witch, Veronica Hardwicke, has struggled to get on with her life after the death of the elderly husband who’d left her a fortune and a sprawling estate in mystical Sleepy Hollow. When frightening things go bump in the night on a stormy Fourth of July, who better to call than the sexy developer and contractor, Sean Jones, who’s been renovating her mansion for months?

Sean may grace the tabloid pages with a different supermodel on his arm every night, but it’s Veronica who drives him nuts. Ignoring his instinct to stay away, he answers her summons.

Will the thundering passion of their 1Night Stand tear down the barriers between them?

How much do you write at night?

Pretty much nothing.

I have a demanding day job and when I get home, I just want to do the couch potato thing.

Do you have any creepy rituals?

I like to visit Sleepy Hollow (where Thunder and Lighting both are set) this time of year and pick up T-shirts and other Sleepy Hollow souvenirs and swag. When my first erotic paranormal, Sleepy Hollow Dreams, came out (also around Halloween!) I went to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and took some pictures there. (There is a major HOT love scene set in the cemetery!) Bought a great T-shirt (I’m wearing it now, as a matter of fact: I Lost My Head in Sleepy Hollow, with a picture of the Headless Horseman holding his pumpkin head. This year’s T-shirt: Midnight in Sleepy Hollow.

What is your favorite thing about Halloween?

Everything! There is nothing I don’t like about Halloween. Oh. Wait. One thing: Not crazy about when teenagers come to your door to trick or treat and they haven’t even bothered with a costume at all. Not even a scrap of make-up. I mean, really, how hard is it to put a hat on or paint a black eye or some whiskers on your face? You can take a lipstick and draw some squiggles of blood on your cheeks for heaven’s sake! Seems to send the message, “I’m above dressing up, and I know I’m too old to still be doing this, but I want free candy!”

Do you like ghost stories? (What’s your fav?)

 Not so much. Not the campfire scary kind. The Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore Ghost kind. The Ghostbusters kind. You know, funny or romantic. Not horrifying!

What is your favorite Holiday and why? Do you have any books about that Holiday?

 Halloween, of course! Yes, and thanks for asking: Sleepy Hollow Dreams, my erotic paranormal from The Wild Rose Press. Available wherever e-books are sold!

Do you have a favorite of your own books and why?

My favorite is always the one I’m writing. (Although I have one that I love that is completely finished but has never been published. It is the book of my heart and its hero is the hero of my heart.) Although I do love Adam from Healing Hearts, Ryck from Sleepy Hollow Dreams,  Campbell Jones from Lightning and Sean Jones from Thunder. It’s always about how much I love the hero!

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

 Plotting. Keeping on keeping on. Developing a heroine who can hold her own.

How would you describe your writing style?

 Metaphors ‘r’ us!

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

 Pantser

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers?

 Read everything you can, especially in the genre you want to write and learn your craft, including basic grammar. It may not be enough to have a great story, if you cannot string a sentence together. An editor or agent won’t struggle through the quagmire to find that great plot you’ve got buried. Stay at it and listen to suggestions from writers above your pay grade. If several readers tell you the same thing, you may want to pay attention!

Is there anything you’d want your readers and friends to know about you?

 Of course. But then I’d have to kill them.

What else are you working on right now?

I’m working on a new 1Night Stand story for Decadent Publishing. I’m calling this one FROST!

Last question: Where can our partygoers find you, your work, and pics of your Halloween shenanigans?

Website: http://tarynkincaid.com

Twitter: @tarynkincaid–>  https://twitter.com/TarynKincaid

Facebook: http://facebook.com/tarynkincaid1  and

http://www.facebook.com/TarynKincaidAuthorPage

Other: Goodreads : http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4414704.Taryn_Kincaid

Amazon Author Page :  http://www.amazon.com/Taryn-Kincaid/e/B0051R2YEW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Buylink:    Decadent Publishing | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | All Romance | Smashwords | Book Strand

Prize~?

Will give away ebook of reader’s choice from my backlist and swag

 Back to the Bash!

Boo!  Trick or Treat?

Totally a treat, preferably a cocktail!

What costume are you wearing?

Nothing this year….I have to work at my evil day job this year!!!

What age did you Trick-or-Treat to and what was your favorite candy?

I love candy corns! I know they are so sugary but I loved them. And Smarties! Yum!

How do you feel about “fun-sized?”

Well that depends on what is being fun-sized….he he he….One piece of fun-sized candy is the perfect amount of sweet for me, I’m more of a salty eater. And then if you’re talking about….um, well, maybe I better keep that to myself LOL

Wait! You can’t come in yet! What did you bring us?

   -Blurb:

Ichabod Crane, town schoolmaster and self-proclaimed supernatural expert, wants to better his situation by marrying the wealthy Katrina Van Tassel. But, there is a rival for her attentions.

Local hero, Brom Bones.

Brom lives to torment and tease Ichabod, leaving the schoolmaster wondering if he is more interested in besting his rival than winning Katrina’s hand. Especially when each time Ichabod goes into the backroom of his favorite tavern – a place men can be men –his imagination conjures Brom’s face on every lover.

Late one night, Ichabod is chased by the legendary Headless Horseman. Terrified the ghost wants his head, he tries to outrun the specter. To his horror, he is taken captive by the evil spirit.

Ichabod awakens, naked and tied to a bed, only to discover the Headless Horseman is none other than his rival Brom Bones! Brom confesses that Ichabod has been haunting his own fantasies and he vows to make Ichabod Crane his in every way.

Ichabod wants to believe the pleasure Brom offers comes from his heart, but he is afraid it is another one of Brom’s tricks.

Though surely an enemy’s touch has never felt like this…

How much do you write at night?

I rarely write at night, I mostly am a morning and afternoon writer

Do you have any creepy rituals?

LOL, not really

What is your favorite thing about Halloween?

The clearance candy on November first! LOL

Do you like ghost stories? (What’s your fav?)

Sometimes. I’ve always been partial to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, which is why I decided to rewrite it as a gay erotic romance. I just love what a pompous scaredy cat Ichabod Crane is!

What is your favorite Holiday and why? Do you have any books about that Holiday?

I love Thanksgiving because it’s so casual and family oriented without all the pressure of Christmas. Plus I get to cook! I love preparing a big turkey dinner. But I don’t have a book about it …..yet! I probably will one day.

So, what do you write? And why?

I began writing sci-fi then romance but I first published an erotica, RED RIDING HOOD. Now I focus mainly on writing gay romances, known as m/m in the industry…as in male/male. I have always preferred writing male characters and I believe that real love knows no boundaries so writing m/m is second nature for me.

Why did you want to become an author?

I have always written stories, from a very young age. It wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I actually believed it was possible and I began to actively pursue publication

Do you have a favorite of your own books and why?

Every time I release a new book, it becomes my favorite, LOL. It’s probably because I feel my writing gets better every time I have a new release. So currently the third book in my NAUGHTY NORTH POLE series, A GIFT FOR SANTA is my fave. It’s a sexy love story between Santa Claus and Jack Frost. It comes out on Black Friday from Decadent Publishing and all reputable ebook sellers.

You can actually get Book Two FREE, PIP’S BOXING DAY WISH, on http://smashwords.com right now with the code: AQ98N.

Last year, that was my favorite book, LOL

How would you describe your writing style?

Funny and sexy. I enjoy writing in a very conversational style with heavy dialog. But some of my stuff is sort of old fashioned with heavier prose. Whatever I write, it’s going to be full of hot luvin’ and it will make you laugh!

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Total plotter. I usually come up with my book ideas as one whole concept. Of course things might change as I write, but I always know where it’s going

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers?                     

Join a writing group! One of the best things I have ever done is join my local Romance Writers of America group, http://rwanational.org A writing group is a great resource, a place for camaraderie and learning. Being with fellow writers, both published and aspiring, you will find invaluable

Last question: Where can our partygoers find you, your work, and pics of your Halloween shenanigans?

Website:    http://deannawadsworth.blogspot.com

Twitter:    https://twitter.com/DeannaWadsworth

Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/deannawadsworthauthor

Buylink:   http://www.decadentpublishing.com/advanced_search_result.php?sCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414&categories_id=&inc_subcat=1&pfrom=0&pto=999999&dfrom=&dto=&manufacturers_id=19

Thanks for coming!

Thanks for having me! I would love to hear from our visitors!

 -  What is your favorite scary story or movie?

Post a comment and include your email. One lucky commenter will receive a copy of THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, an erotic m/m retelling of the classic tale

Back to the Bash!

Boo!  Trick or Treat?

Treat. Chocolate. Duh.

What costume are you wearing?

I’m a witch, of course.

What age did you Trick-or-Treat to and what was your favorite candy?

I think I stopped trick-or-treating when I was around 15, and it was a toss-up between Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Snickers.

How do you feel about “fun-sized?”

I am fun sized.

Wait! You can’t come in yet! What did you bring us?

I brought you Shadow of the Wolf, book 1 of the Heart’s Desire series…

http://store.samhainpublishing.com/product_images/ShadowoftheWolf72lg.jpg

   Blurb:

 Strike a match, light the candle…and fall into the spell.

Heart’s Desire, Book 1

Christopher Beckett is from an ancient line of wizards, but with one aspect that sets him apart. His wolf. Right now that wolf is howling for a mate. Knowing it’s only a matter of time before the wolf’s needs override everything else in his life, Chris casts the spell all the Becketts have used to call their mates to them.

His wish list is short: She must be of a lineage at least as old as his own. And she must accept his wolf. When his mate appears, he realizes his list should have been one item longer.

Alannah Evans, a powerful witch of the Evans Coven, has no problem with Chris’s wolf. It’s the wizard part that sticks in her magical craw. Witches and wizards have always been at odds, so by rights, she and Chris shouldn’t be striking sparks of attraction this bright. But Chris will not be denied, and gradually she finds herself trusting him—then falling into the fire of desire.

When it becomes clear an old enemy has targeted them both for death, Chris charges into a duel that could cost him his life. Or worse: Lana.

How much do you write at night? Do you have any creepy rituals?

I write roughly 1500 to 2000 words a day, depending on how my hands feel. Some days it’s more, some days less. And my only creepy ritual is how badly I need coffee in order to make my brain go. Now that’s a magic elixir.

What is your favorite thing about Halloween?

The costumes, and watching the kids enjoy themselves trick-or-treating.

Do you like ghost stories? (What’s your fav?)

I love ghost stories, as long as they aren’t of the gory variety. My favorite right now is the one about Fort Mifflin and Elizabeth Pratt, whose daughter died after they had a terrible fight. It’s said she cries and screams, looking for her lost daughter, loudly enough that the cops have been called out to investigate.

What is your favorite Holiday and why? Do you have any books about that Holiday?

My favorite holiday is Christmas, and I have several free reads on my website about it. In fact, I do a holiday free read every year as a thank you to my readers. Last year’s was based in the True Destiny series. This year, I’ll be doing the Halle Shifters.

So, what do you write? And why?

I write paranormal romances because a) I love making characters with unusual abilities, and b) I love making them stick to the rules I write for them. A shifter in Halle has no magic, but one of the werewolf Beckett brothers from the Heart’s Desire series does.

Why did you want to become an author?

I’ve loved telling stories since I was a child. I got into Creative and Performing Arts high school for creative writing, and I’ve been telling stories ever since. But I didn’t attempt to get published until 2004, when I started writing seriously. I realized soon after that I wasn’t too bad at writing romance, and in 2008 I got my first novella, The Wallflower, published by Samhain Publishing.

What is one thing about you that most people don’t know?

Hmm. I’m a video game nut who loves RPG style games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age. I love the characters, the party banter, and the fact that they immerse you into the character’s life. And (with BioWare, at least) they let you have a love interest! (I have a thing for their elves and assassins.)

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I’m a goalie. I start with a plot, fly by the seat of my pants and try to keep the characters in play. If I don’t, they run off and try to play water polo instead of hockey.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers?

Butt in chair, hands on keyboard, and write! Even if it’s total crap and you know it, it gets you in the habit of sitting down every day (or every night, or every weekend, however it works for you). It gets you in the mindset of “It’s time to write”.

What else are you working on right now?

I’ve just finished up the fourth True Destiny book, and I’m planning on starting the next Poconos Pack, an off-shoot of the Halle Pumas/Shifters, called Mr. Red Riding Hoode.

Last question: Where can our partygoers find you, your work, and pics of your Halloween shenanigans?

Website:   http://www.danamariebell.com

Twitter: @danamariebell

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dana-Marie-Bells-Fan-Page/185916691436341

Other:   http://danamariebell.blogspot.com

Buylink:   http://www.danamariebell.com/ShadowoftheWolf.html

Thanks for coming! (Please post giveaway and prize here if available.)

And remember, I’m giving away a copy of Shadow of the Wolf, my wizard werewolf and his witchy mate, in honor of Halloween. The giveaway is for a .pdf!

Back to the bash!

Today, our guest of honor is J.A. Garland who has a new release out this Tuesday the 4th!  Hope you’re ready for a release party!!

First Questions:

Wine or beer? (If you say club soda, we’ll have to send you to the corner…)

Well, I’m more a coffee or water type of gal.

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

Chips…the Cheese Puff variety.

*squints eyes * Are you old enough to drink?

Wait! You can’t come in yet! What did you bring us?

Blurb:

Lone wolf, Rory Archer, never failed a single mission. Now the hunted instead of the hunter, Rory unwinds a twisted trail leading back to Amber Arlington, a spirited Halfling tied to a world of Shadows. Bound to vows initially forged out of necessity, Rory and Amber’s relationship surges into more than either of them bargained on. Scrambling to identify their attacker before joining the casualty list, Rory is faced with doing the unthinkable, or watching Amber become a slave for his species.

What makes your characters so special?

Rory is a good guy, but he’s had a tough time of things. All he wants is to do his job and forget about his childhood. The object of a botched assassination attempt, he’s launched into a complicated world where the one person who holds the answers, will only share them at a heavy price…his complete trust.

Amber is a feisty woman who holds the key to Rory’s problems. But her secrets are just as dark and deep, and she won’t talk until he tells her about his past.

Alright, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast!

So, what do you write? And why?

I write urban fantasy. The world is an exciting place, but it wouldn’t it be even more exciting if ‘Otherkind’ creatures existed? Like demons, werewolves, vampires, shapeshifters, etc? Instinct is book one in a series where Shadow creatures–paranormal beings refuse to fly under the humans radar–come out to play. The National Otherkind Administration (NOA) is responsible for overseeing human/Otherkind interactions. Utilizing Analysts, they collect information on the Shadows. If they believe an infraction of the Otherkind Agreements exists, they send in the Trackers. At the top of the food chain is the Otherkind Council. They act as judge and jury, and have become celebrities of sorts in the eyes of the Otherkind. My series follows several key players on both sides of the table. My books all share this common theme, or ‘world.’

Why did you want to become an author?

Well, initially I wanted to become a jet fighter pilot, doesn’t everyone? Okay, so that was just a phase…following the movie Top Gun. I wanted to be a writer from early on, but as life has a way of doing, it moved me in a different direction. Sure, becoming and being a firefighter is full of rewards. I love serving the public. But writing is a release–an addictive freedom. I am very lucky to enjoy two such different, and spectacular careers in one lifetime.

What would your characters say about you?

They would say I am the epitome of the type ‘A’ personality. I am hard headed, inflexible…yeah, when they try to run away with my carefully constructed plot, I always rope them back in. Sometimes it chaffs them a bit. (I think one or two might be type A’s as well).

What do you like doing besides writing and reading? Is it dangerous?

If you know anything about me, you know that I am a self professed cheese puff connoisseur. I spend a lot of time researching and sampling different types of cheesy goodness. Which leads me to my next favorite thing to do…running. Thank goodness, right, or else I would be a tank! I’m also very ‘into’ the P90X workout videos. I tried ‘Insanity’, but wasn’t all that thrilled. It was all indoor cardio, and besides missing my trail runs, I lost a lot of strength from not lifting weights. So, I went back to running and P90X. It is the perfect balance!

Who is your favorite author and why? Do you write what you read?

I read what I write. And I think I’ve read just about every one of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s books. Which is quite an accomplishment since she is quite the prolific writer! No, I have never stalked, er, met her. I would love to talk to her, but not at a stuffy, automated book signing. I’m thinking it would be fun to chat about life and writing over coffee and beignets in a New Orleans cafe. What do you think, Sherrilyn? Are you up for it?

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

The plot is both the easiest and the hardest for me to write. Being type ‘A’, I sketch everything out to make sure I intertwine scenes and get that big black moment just right. The characters that carry the storyline come secondary. Sometimes, though, they don’t like to play nice. They take that ‘breath of life’ and try to run amuck with my plot!

Is there anything you’d want your readers and friends to know about you?

I hope when you put down a J.A. Garland book you say, “That was one hell of a ride! Where’s the next one?”

What else are you working on right now?

I am currently working on book two of the Halfling Chronicles. Without giving anything away, this novel pursues the origins of the Halflings and the Shadow creatures who wish to control them. Oh, and Slade, there’s lots of Slade!

Last question: Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

Website:    http://www.jagarland.com/

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

  Twitter:    https://twitter.com/J_A_Garland

***Buylink***     http://www.amazon.com/Instinct-ebook/dp/B0095YE94K/

Thank you so much for coming!  (and for the epic release party giveaway!)

Leave a comment for a chance to win this bag of goodies (winner decided on the 12th)!  Includes: Instinct ebook coupon, monogrammed coffee mug, tote bag, keychain flashlight, magnetic “chip clip,” jelly belly tins, fridge magnet, pen, Lula’s chocolates, zombie soap and more!

Contest runs till the 12th!  The more discussion/comments the better your shot at winning so don’t be afraid to say hi to JA every day 

Today, our guest of honor is Silke Juppenlatz. It’s so nice to have you here! Hope you’re ready to party!
I was born ready!

First Questions:

Wine or beer? (If you say club soda, we’ll have to send you to the corner…)

Depends on which wine, and which beer. I’m German, I’m partial to both.

Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt kind of person?
Depends on my mood. Sometimes I go for sugar, sometimes for salt. Sometimes for both! And if there is chocolate involved, all bets are off.

*squints eyes * Are you old enough to drink?

Just barely. *cough* Can’t you tell?

Wait! You can’t come in yet! What did you bring us?
I brought a dish to the party. See? (And Tiffy said she’ll skin anyone who offers to “do the dish”. You’ve been warned.)

Blurb:   Keep your enemies close…

Poor little Tiffy — that’s how her pack members and the Alpha view her after the brutal murder of her father, and Tiffy is sick of it. She wants independence, not pity or protection. Then handsome Lycan Keric O’Neill shows up and Tiffy wouldn’t mind some protection — and other things — from him.

When Keric finds himself the target of Tiffy’s misguided seduction, his mission to track down his brother takes a violent turn at the hands of the Alpha — but yields some devastating revelations.

Two years later he is back. This time he will stop at nothing to avenge his brother, and even falling for Tiffy won’t sway him from his goal. Unaware of her past and the links to his brother, he doesn’t know his actions and heritage will crush Tiffy’s fragile trust.

But danger comes in many forms, and when Keric’s secrets and betrayal come to light, will revenge and vindictive pack members destroy the delicate bond between them?

What makes your characters so special?

My wolves are genetic wolves, not bitten or created. They aren’t out to “make more”, and they aren’t particularly tormented by their abilities. Sure, they’re not going out of their way to announce their existence to the world, but they aren’t hiding either. However, because of pack politics they have to contend with a bit more baggage than the average human. I do like tormented heroes, but mine aren’t at odds with what they are. Their torment usually has other reasons, but tends to be compounded by what — or who!– they are…

Alright, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast!

So, what do you write? And why?

I write paranormal romance. Shapeshifters, vampires, angels, fae…you name it. As to why… I write to entertain myself. (Oh, you thought I write so people can read it? Ha!) If it doesn’t entertain me, then it will never see the light of day.

What would your characters say about you?

My characters would likely have me arrested and stuffed into a padded cell. Anything, just as long as it would stop me torturing them. Ask Keric. I nearly killed him. Twice.
Oops.

What do you like doing besides writing and reading? Is it dangerous?

When I’m not writing, I can be found (not that anyone is looking) romping through the woods with the “other man” in my life. Paul knows about him and doesn’t mind. Says he keeps me out of trouble–and away from the computer. Plus, he makes sure I don’t get too fat.

Okay, maybe I should clarify that the “other man” is a 10 year old Paso Fino gelding who is part mudpig, part puppy, part energizer bunny. I don’t think he knows he’s a horse.
As for dangerous…yeah. I guess it can be. I always have bruises, squished toes, and get an occasional headbutt. Plus…he’s fast. And coming off at 30mph in the middle of the woods isn’t something I want to repeat in a hurry. I can fly, but it doesn’t work so well without a plane… But you know what they say: Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I want to cross the USA East to West on horseback. Because I’ve always wanted to do it, because it’s there, because I prefer to see a country (or continent) other than from the window of a car or train.
When I win the lottery (or sell many, many books–hint hint!) I’ll do it.

What do you think makes a good story?

Good characterization and conflict. Romance is (mostly) character driven, and if you don’t have characters people can identify with and care about, then they won’t care about the conflict either. Conflict is essential, or there is nothing to drive the story forward and keep it interesting, but if you have great conflict and lame characterization…it’s not going to work. So yeah, I think getting those two right is what makes a good story.

Tell us about one of your favorite characters from your books.

Tiffy. She was introduced as a side character in Howl, but I really liked her. She was quirky and cute, just a kid then. I never intended to give her a starring role, but then one late night, after edits on Howl were done, I was chatting with my editor on Skype…and spun out an idea I had. Next thing I knew, “Watch Me” was born.

What else are you working on right now?
Caedir is in edits right now, scheduled for release in March 2013.
And…hmm…there might be a third “Pack Justice” book following on from “Watch Me” in the works…

Last question: Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

Website:   http://www.evilauthor.com

    Twitter:    http://twitter.com/Evil_Author

    Facebook:    http://www.facebook.com/silke.juppenlatz1

    G+:   https://plus.google.com/106116011046480009163
    Goodreads:    http://www.goodreads.com/SilkeJuppenlatz

Thank you so much for coming, you had a giveaway you wanted to tell readers about?

To coincide with the release of “Watch Me” on the 3^rd September, I’m giving away a copy of Howl to one commenter on RAH!

Hi folks!  Thanks for your patience – happy to bring us back to a regular schedule with a GiveAway from Avril Ashton!

Today, our guest of honor is Avril Ashton. It’s so nice to have you here! Hope you’re ready to party! Thanks for hosting me today!

First Questions: Wine or beer? (If you say club soda, we’ll have to send you to the corner…)

Beer. I like a nice, cold Corona.

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

Cake. I like it sweet.

*squints eyes * Are you old enough to drink? LOL I am. Barely

Wait! You can’t come in yet! What did you bring us?

Blurb: He’s her ex’s brother, yet Arden Windham aches to be in Cam Mercer’s arms. The man is rude and obnoxious, his blue eyes cold and unfeeling, but he makes her body melt. Being with ex-con Cam is nowhere in her plans, not if she wants the affection she’s worked so hard to gain from her overbearing father. Still, Cam’s touch is unlike anything she’s ever felt and Arden finds herself having to choose between her wants and her needs.

Cameron Mercer is his family’s black sheep, a man apart. For six months he watched Arden waste her time with his twin and now she’s free, he’s not waiting another minute. He’s on a campaign to get her off the tight rope she’s been walking. There’s a rebel behind that smooth façade and he’s on a mission to set Arden free. Too bad she insists on putting up a fight.

What makes your characters so special?

Aside from the fact that I say they are? I like my women strong, vulgar and take charge, and I only deal with the men who can keep up with them.

Alright, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast!

So, what do you write? And why?

I write romance. In all its shades and many of its genres. Because there are people in my head who won’t shut up? Because it’s the only thing I do well.

Why did you want to become an author?

I like stories. Reading and telling. I love the emotion and the journey and that oh-so-satisfying ending. It was a natural progression. I also revere the author who can make me cry. My goal is to make the reader tear up, one at a time.

What would your characters say about you?

They’d probably say I read way too much. And I’m always crying and cursing at them.

What do you like doing besides writing and reading? Is it dangerous?

I eat cake. It can be dangerous, yes. LOL

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story is one that grabs the reader from the first paragraph of the first page and never lets up. It’s one that makes you feel, makes you care, and gets you emotional. Be it angry, sad, or happy. Any story that elicits a visceral reaction is a good story.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about books, about love and about life. I’m passionate about equality, responsibility and accountability.

Do you like more Alpha or Beta heroes?

Gimme Alphas any day.

Last question: Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

Website:    http://www.avrilashton.webs.com

Twitter:    @AvrilAsh – http://www.twitter.com/AvrilAsh

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

Thank you so much for coming!

Thanks again for having me. One lucky commenter will get the chance to win a pdf of their choice of one of my backlist titles. Please include your email address with your comments.

Our party-guest of honor today is Cynthia Woolf, please join me in welcoming her!

How did you get started writing?

I wrote my first story when I was about ten.  It was a romance about me and a little boy I liked.  I also wrote some very depressing poetry.  I decided that poetry was not for me and stuck to romance.

What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I have a historical western romance and a sci-fi romance out now.  The sci-fi is the first in a series.  I write in these genre’s because they are the ones whose stories reached out to me.  The western was the first book I wrote and was inspired by my parents love story.  It’s set on the same ranch that they met on in 1941.  My book is set in 1885, so it’s not their love story.  My dad was a cowboy and trapper but to the best of my knowledge was never a bounty hunter.

The sci-fi series was done because of dreams I had when I was a teenager.  I knew I was a princess from Alpha Centauri.  There was no way I could belong to the crazy family I had.  Of course, I adore that crazy family now.

What is your favorite part of writing?

My favorite part is what I call the ‘puking’ phase.  Just getting it all down on paper for the first time.  You just let if flow out of you, not caring, for the moment, if it is good or bad.

What is your favorite dessert or food?

Carrot cake with cream cheese icing.  My mother made the best.  Since she passed away in 2008 I haven’t been able to find any that are as good.  And believe me I’ve looked.

What is most difficult for you to write?  Characters, conflict or emotions?  Why?

The hardest for me to write is conflict.  I avoid conflict in my real like as though it was the plague.  So I tend to try and do that with my characters as well.  Thank goodness for my critique group who are like an enforcer and make me put in the conflict the story needs.

What is your next project and when will it be released?

My current book is called TAME A WILD WIND.  It is the second book in the western series and was released on March 9, 2012.

Now I’m working on the second sci-fi series called the Swords of Gregara.  The first book in the series is JENALA, the second is RIZA and the third is TALA.

Who does your covers?  They are fantastic. 

One of my dear friends, critique partner and fellow author, Jennifer Zane does my covers.  She is multi talented.  Her current release is Gnome on the Range.  It’s a hysterically funny book about what can happen when a woman buys a couple of garden gnomes at a garage sale for her sons.  Try the book you’ll love it.

All of my books are available on Amazon.

Tame A Wild Wind, http://amzn.to/ySbtTv

Tame A Wild Heart, http://amzn.to/vu62X7

Centauri Dawn, http://amzn.to/uDMkCY

Centauri Twilight, http://amzn.to/s30WPD

Centauri Midnight, http://amzn.to/wdADsZ

BLURB:

Former Texas Ranger Sam Colter isn’t looking for love.  Neither is pretty widow Cassie O’Malley.  But when a man stalking Sam for killing his brother kidnaps Cassie, Sam discovers it’s more than duty that sends him racing to her rescue.  Will Cassie realize the truth about her own feelings before it’s too late?

Thankyou to Cynthia for stopping by!  Cynthia is quite awesomely hosting a double giveaway that will end Friday night.  She is offering: 2 ebook copies of her book “Tame A Wild Wind” to a randomly selected commenter below!  If youlike what you’ve read you can find Cynthia:

       Twitter:    http://www.Twitter.com/CynthiaWoolf

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

Website:    http://www.cynthiawoolf.com

Today our party-hearty lady-friend is Donna Del Oro.  Please welcome her and Athena!

THE DELPHI BLOODLINE:

A smart, romantic thriller about an ancient bloodline of psychic women, the ruthless tycoon who wants to enslave them, the mysterious man who wants to protect them, and the modern-day descendant who must fight to stay alive and free!

Interviewer: You’re twenty-six, a lovely young woman and an acclaimed artist. Has it been difficult to maintain a low profile as a gifted psychic and heir of the Delphi Bloodline?

Athena: Oh yes! After I was attacked by the brother of a rapist I helped the San Francisco Police Department put away, I left the city and fled to the high desert of Nevada.

Interviewer: Is that where your brother, Chris, and Kas Skoros found you?

Athena: Much to my surprise, Chris shows up with this stranger, this Greek-American whose mother is a distant cousin to my own mother. After Mama disappears, they feel I am now at risk. At first, I don’t trust him—he’s too handsome, too slick, too…well, aggressive.

Interviewer: You’re an acclaimed artist who used to run an art gallery in San Francisco. Do you miss that part of your life, isolated up here in the mountains of Nevada?

Athena: Very much so! I want my life to return to normal as soon as possible. Here in Reno, I’m staying in practice by painting dead celebrities at a gallery inside a hotel-casino. Kas Skoros wants to be my Guardian, but I don’t need his help.

Interviewer: Dead celebrities?

 Athena: Yeah, like Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe. Because they’ve passed on, I don’t receive messages from their spirits. You see, whenever I touch someone, I get information about that person from The Flow.  I can’t touch dead celebrities, so I can concentrate on my painting and not on their inner souls and life experiences.

 Interviewer: You seem very independent and said you don’t need help from one of the Bloodline’s Guardians. Isn’t Kas Skoros there to help you? Save you from being kidnapped or worse?

 Athena: So he says. When he proves himself, I’ll start trusting him. I can’t touch him, for then I can read his mind. And what he has on his mind—regarding me—is X-rated!

 Interviewer: Huh, I wonder why. Well, good luck with that.

If you like what you’ve read you can find more from Donna Del Oro on her website: www.donnadeloro.com!

Our guest of honor is Aleah Barley! It’s so nice to have you here! Hope you’re ready to party!

First Questions:

Wine or beer? (If you say club soda, we’ll have to send you to the corner…)

Uh oh, I think I’m in the corner. I’m a hardcore seltzer drinker, I even own a seltzer maker.

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

I knew I was going to be bad at these questions. I’m a sugar person, but not necessarily a cake person… I don’t like frosting.

*squints eyes * Are you old enough to drink?

Sure, though I’m still young enough to get carded.

Wait! You can’t come in yet! What did you bring us?

She was playing with fire…
Honey Moore has made her pledge: no more stealing cars and no more lusting after Jack Ogden. But when an arsonist torches her house and chases her all over Los Angeles, she’s forced to throw herself on Jack’s mercy. No one will look for a convicted felon in an LAPD detective’s apartment, right?

…and he didn’t want to get burned.
Jack doesn’t need a woman like Honey in his life. She might be sexy, but trouble follows her everywhere. But it’s hard to walk away from someone who lives at full throttle—and even harder to keep her safe. Now he’ll have to sacrifice everything to protect Honey from the arsonist determined to kill her.

What makes your characters so special?

Jack Ogden’s a super studly LAPD detective and Honey Moore’s the spunky ex-car thief who turns to him. Between the arsonist who burned down her house and their own personal history, the sparks are explosive.

 I really think the tagline says it all: ‘He stole her heart, she stole his car.’

Alright, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast!

What would your characters say about you?

Jack would say all the right things. He’s very polite (if you’re not breaking into his house in the middle of the night). Honey would tell me I have a boring car. She’s got a need for speed, and my seven year old station wagon just wouldn’t cut it.

What do you like doing besides writing and reading? Is it dangerous?

I ride my bike, go to the farmer’s market, and work in an office. The most dangerous part of my day is when I come home, sit on my couch, and get attacked by my cat. He’s large, fluffy, and in charge of the cushions.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

The beach. I dream in full blown Technicolor about the beach, which is sad since I live in the Midwest. I actually just moved to Michigan and I hear there are (lake) beaches here. I haven’t seen any yet, but I’m open to suggestions.

Do you have a favorite part of your own books and why?

Anything funny. I crack myself up.

How would you describe your writing style?

Quick paced, funny, and super spicy.

What is one thing about you that most people don’t know?

I just got my driver’s license when I moved to Detroit, so this whole ‘driving thing’ is still a new experience for me.

Who is your favorite author and why? Do you write what you read?

I like everything. I’m a total book slut. My favorite authors are broken down by category: romance (Jennifer Crusie, Victoria Dahl), mystery (Robert B Parker, Lawrence Block), fantasy (Terry Pratchett), I could go on… but I won’t. I can already see you starting to get bored.

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I carefully plot out most of my book on yellow legal pads, which I promptly lose. I wing it from there.

What else are you working on right now?

I’m thinking about billionaires. Las Vegas billionaires. Uptight investment banker billionaires. Maybe even supernatural billionaires. Men who’ve put all their energy and drive into conquering the world, and the women who couldn’t care less.

Last question: Where can our partygoers find you and your work?

 Twitter:   https://twitter.com/AleahBarley

 Facebook:   www.facebook.com/aleahrbarley

 Website:   www.aleahbarley.blogspot.com

 Other: I can also be reached by sky writing or singing telegram.

Thank you so much for coming!

Today, our guest of honor is Jordan K. Rose. It’s so nice to have you here! Hope you’re ready to party!

First Questions:

Wine or beer? (If you say club soda, we’ll have to send you to the corner…) Wine, though I do like a good ice-cold beer from time to time.

Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt kind of person? Typically I’d say cake, preferably chocolate, but lately I’ve been enjoying chips. Is both an option? I’m going with both.

*squints eyes * Are you old enough to drink?  YES!!!

Wait! You can’t come in yet! What did you bring us?

Blurb:

Fate is cruel. Especially when the one you’ve sworn to love for all eternity, the very soul who changed your destiny is the last person you should trust.

After more than three hundred years of running, Lucia Dicomano must make a choice.

Forced to take her place as a Pharo of Redemption, the divine slayer needs to master her forgotten powers. Lucia turns to Vittorio, the one vampire she’s failed to deliver from eternal damnation. But overcoming smoldering remnants of love, lust and anger aren’t their only obstacles.

Samuel, who may know Lucia better than she knows herself, hunts her with a fervor stoked by a thousand years of vengeful hatred. His plan—capture and enslave the weakened Pharo then take control of her elusive power.

Can Lucia trust Vittorio long enough to reclaim her powers? Or will she have no choice but to kill him and battle Samuel alone?

 What makes your characters so special?

The bonds they have with each other and the level of devotion they display. My hero and heroine, Vittorio and Lucia, would both die for each other, and that depth of love comes through in all they do.

Alright, I guess you can come in. Now off to the roast!

So, what do you write? And why?

I write paranormal romance, primarily vampire romance. I write what I love to read and I do read in my subgenre even when I write. I find reading non-paranormal romances when I’m writing takes me out of “the zone.”

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

Italy, though we just got back from a 10 day trip to Rome and Colonnella. My mother’s family and my mother-in-law’s family are both Italian. We had always wanted to go and finally made it happen. Now we’re beginning the process for planning our next trip back to Italy.

What was your first sale as an author? Was it special?

Perpetual Light was my first sale and it was very special. I sold at the New England Chapter of RWA conference in April 2011. The day I sent back the signed contract my husband was just as excited as I was. I came home to find him waiting with a bottle of champagne.

Do you like more Alpha or Beta heroes?

I love Alpha heroes. The stronger, the better. The “Super Alpha” is my favorite, which is really funny because in real life there’d be no chance in hell I’d ever have the patience for that type of man! My husband is a very strong, alpha, but then so am I so we partner well. If he was a caveman, we’d never work.

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

 I’m a pantser. No plotting for me. I tried it once and never wrote the story because it felt like it was done. I like getting to know my characters first and then experiencing the story with them.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers?

Just keep going. Keep writing and growing and networking. Keep submitting. If you truly want to be published, you’ll keep at it and make that dream happen.

What else are you working on right now?

I’m working on a book for my Eva Prim character. She has her own website where she doles out advice and tips for vampires and wannabe vampires. She busts a few myths, too. Find her at www.evaprim.com.

Last question: Where can our partygoers find you and your work? Perpetual Light is available in print at Amazon and Barnes and Noble and in ebook on Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble.

 Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Perpetual-Light-Jordan-K-Rose/dp/1937254062/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339670549&sr=8-1&keywords=perpetual+light

 Kobo:   http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Perpetual-Light/book-ZD3EhHtssUK3eBDHMS7pnw/page1.html?s=zYAwsUGtoEOXhv7apMlqAA&r=2

 Barnes and Noble:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/perpetual-light-jordan-k-rose/1109252447

Website:   www.jordankrose.com

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/JordanKRose

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/jordankrose

Goodreads:   http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5751865.Jordan_K_Rose

Thank you so much for coming!

Thanks for having me! It’s been fun and I’m looking forward to getting know some of your readers. I’d be happy to give away a $5 Amazon gift card to one of your readers who stops by to tell me what type of romance s/he prefers and why. They can even earn more chances to win by following me on twitter or friending me on facebook or goodreads.

<a id=”rc-c111933″ href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com“>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

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