Today, our guest of honor is Jennifer Shirk. 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.)

Beer.  My new favorite for summertime is Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy. It has a little lemon taste to it that is so refershing!

That sounds yummy! Cake or chips? Are you a sugar or salt person?

Chips. I used to a sugar person, but as I’m getting older it’s more and more SALT.

Are you old enough to drink? LOL.

Really? Am I being carded? Woo-hoo!

Don’t get too excited! First, tell us about your new release.

Blurb:

Sunniva (Sunny) Fletcher is a firm believer in fairy tales.  With the recent debt she’s acquired, the hope of something magical happening in her life is the only thing keeping her going.  She needs a job fast.  So when Sunny learns the sexy new vacationer in town is looking for a nanny, she starts to believe she just may have a fairy godmother after all!

Internet guru Sam Calloway is only in town for the summer and needs a nanny for his two small children.  However, the beautiful and inexperienced Sunny is not exactly the kind of caregiver Sam has in mind.  It doesn’t take long for Sunny’s tenderhearted and bubble blowing ways to soon have the children—and especially Sam—enamored with her.  She’s a dream come true.  But after what Sam’s been through, he’s stopped believing in fairy tales long ago.

Sunny manages to work her way into Sam’s closed-off heart, but at the end of the summer, is the workaholic dad going to go back to his life in New York City, or will he decide his days are “sunnier” here with Sunny?

Available April, 1, 2012!

I’m feeling sunny now! What makes your character and story so special?

It’s kind of a Mary Poppins (Sunny) meets Mr. Rochester (Sam) kind of story. LOL And there’s a really cute Golden Retriever named Oats in it too. J

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

What would your characters say about you?

That I have issues. LOL There’s always something of me in my heroines. In my first book, it was by orderly-neat-freakish behavior. In my second book, it was my childishness dealing with my brothers, and in this book I think it’s Sunny’s nurturing behavior.

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

I love to cook. It CAN be dangerous–I guess I could burn myself. LOL I love trying new recipes! I subscribe to the Food Network magazine and Cooking Light. Right now, I’m trying to cook a little healthier so I try 3 vegetarian meals a week.

Wow. You so put me to shame. Lol. Do you have a favorite of your own books and why? I think Sunny Days for Sam is my favorite right now. My hero is a little different from the lighthearted ones I usually write. He was a little scary to write. I had to go back often to try and lighten him up a bit. But I think this book is a little meatier as a result.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

Just sitting down and starting. Once my hands are on the keyboard and those first few sentences flow then I’m good. It’s just starting out that is the major hurtle.

What else are you working on right now?

Ooh, so glad you asked that!! I’m finishing up the “sequel” to Georgie on His Mind. Brad and Kendall are finally going to have their story told and I’m very pleased with how it’s coming about.

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

My website www.jennifershirk.com or my blog www.jennifershirk.blogspot.com

Thank you so much for coming!

One lucky winner will win a Hardcover Copy of Sunny Days for Sam before it comes out! How cool is that!

Meet Jennifer Shirk!

Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy-which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet romantic comedies and won third place in the RWA 2006 NYC’s Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter Contest with her first book, The Role of a Lifetime.

Guess who? We have Jennifer Shirk here today! Yay! Let’s talk character naming!

Beyond Jack and Jake: What to Name Your Hero

I talked about this subject this time last year, and I thought it was so interesting, I figured I bring it here for cool discussion.

A few things struck me as I picked up yet another romance novel that had Jack as the hero’s name.

1) It’s a GREAT name for a hero. (I confess I used the name, too, in a story) and
2) Romance writers don’t really like to mess with what is already deemed a good, strong hero’s name.

It’s kind of funny how we romance writers have no problem seeking out extraordinary heroine’s names, though. I’ve seen Wanda, Sierra, Prudence, and even Tandy. But when it comes to male hero names, we tend to stick with old standbys like Jake, Sam, Keith, Mike, Matt, and Nate. And of course, Jack.

(I’m over generalizing a bit here, but stay with me anyway)

Why do we contemporary romance writers linger around these names so much? I think it’s because a name carries an IMAGE. And we all want our hero to have the image of being strong and masculine. We don’t want our heroine to fall in love with a wienie. So we don’t want a wienie name for our hero.

But what about the in-between names? The names that go beyond Jake but don’t quite reach the Roark, Tyler, or even Brent Alpha-unique level. I’m talking about names that according to one baby name book are in “fashion limbo”.

• Bruce
• Clark
• Dean
• Dennis
• Don
• Grant
• Glenn
• Lance
• Neil
• Jay
• Todd
• Vince
• Walt

Why don’t we see these names more in books? I have to say I’ve met some REALLY hot, fun (and young) Vince, Walt, Len, Jay, Grant, and Glenns in my life. But can an author convince a reader of that? Is it possible to break the image barrier with these names? Well…I don’t know.

(I am trying, though) My hero in GEORGIE ON HIS MIND is named Walt.

I write more lighthearted reads, so I think if a writer writes romantic comedy she might have a little more reader forgiveness if she uses a borderline name, but of course I could be wrong. The point is I love a good challenge!

Have you or would you use any of those fashion limbo names for your hero? What names have you liked for heroes that you’ve read?

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Jennifer Shirk fancies herself a more prolific writer than she really is and has an unnatural tendency to use words like “fancies” and “prolific” when describing herself.  Please feel free to check out her recent romantic comedy, THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME and GEORGIE ON HIS MIND—where she promises she didn’t use either of those words anywhere in her story.
Also, check out her BLOG anywhere blogs are available.

Blurb:

Georgie Mayer has no boyfriend and rarely goes out. In short, she needs a life. Since she’s graduated college and returned back home, her brother’s protectiveness has been in overdrive, and she hasn’t been able to have any fun, never mind get a date.

So what’s a poor particularly attractive girl to do in a situation like this? The only thing she can do: find him a woman!

He’ll thank her for it in the end. That is, if his best friend Walt Somers would stop interfering with her plans. The handsome pharmacist has made no secret that he doesn’t approve of what she’s up to. Unfortunately, having Walt hanging around does strange things to her mind, and suddenly she can’t help but take a healthy interest in him. But how can Georgie entertain thoughts of the two of them together when Walt still treats her like his best friend’s little sister?

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! Contestant #9:

Jennifer Shirk

BIO:

Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy-which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet romantic comedies and won third place in the RWA 2006 NYC’s Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter Contest with her book, The Role of a Lifetime.

She’s also a board member for Straight Ahead Ministries, an organization involved in helping spread the gospel  and aiding medical and pharmacy students in Russia. She resides in a beach resort in NJ, and when she’s not involved in all the above, she’s taking care of her most treasured possessions: her husband, daughter, and four hermit crabs.

Preliminary Questions:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Mimosas (less fattening)

Are you old enough to drink? Is this question a joke? LOL

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

Blurb:

There’s more to life than playing make believe.

Sandra Moyer has a good reason to distrust actors. She was once married to one who left her and her child. However, she’s desperate for publicity to help her struggling preschool. Hollywood playboy Ben Capshaw’s request to access her classes to prepare for a role is an offer she can’t refuse.

Sandra second guesses herself on that decision until she sees Ben in action with the children. Her apprehension turns to wonder, and then to feelings she’d thought were closed off forever. Yet how can she trust that what she’s seeing is real?

As a boy, Ben learned that acting was the answer to everything. The role he’s up for now will enhance his career and, he’s sure, secure his happiness. But spending time with Sandra and her daughter stirs up emotions that-for once-aren’t pretend.

Ben’s ready for a lifetime role as husband and father-if he can convince Sandra not to typecast him.

Excerpt: Click here

Ready for more fun questions? *grins*

Which actor/model does your hero in most of your stories resemble? Why?

**Definitely Patrick Dempsey. (my hubby knows I have a slight crush on him)

If this actor/model showed up at your party, dressed in a Santa suit, how would you approach him? I would NOT approach him! I am painfully shy. PAINFULLY SHY! On my first date with my hubby there was an awkward silence because I was so quiet and just stared into my salad. He finally had to say, “So…how about those croutons?”  LOL

You’re stuck at a ski lodge. There’s a blizzard outdoors and all your fans are hanging out in front of the fireplace. You’ve been asked to read out loud one of your books. Which one do you pick and why?

I would pick my most recent one…GEORGIE ON HIS MIND. Not because it’s a steamy book but because it’s the only one I haven’t read since it was published.

Okay, please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

PLOTTER. What is your routine? Usually I begin with characters and names then give them each a GOAL, MOTIVATION, CONFLICT and then decide how those things will change by the end of the story.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Keep writing! Ugh, I hated it when I heard other writers say this to me, but I can see now that it’s so true. The more you write, the more your style changes and your voice really begins to develop.

What characteristics do all your heroes/heroines have in all your stories? All my heroes are usually funny—or at least can laugh at themselves. My heroines all seem to be…quirky in some way.

What are you working on right now? A spinoff book of GEORGIE ON HIS MIND. This book will center on Georgie’s brother Brad.

What news would you like to share with your readers? My latest release GEORGIE ON HIS MIND recently got a glowing review from Booklist magazine!

Where can readers find you?

Web site: http://www.jennifershirk.com/

Blogs: http://www.jennifershirk.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Jennifer-Shirk/100000745044647

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jennifershirk

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/jennifershirk

List other books you have out:

GEORGIE ON HIS MIND from Avalon Books

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

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

Author’s Holiday Gift: Ebook download of The Role of a Lifetime

Remember to enter to win! Check out the other party rooms! See Holiday Bash Prize List! Click Here