Romance Author Hotspot

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 Desiree Holt!

 

Desiree Holt’s writing is flavored with the rich experiences of her life, including a long stretch in the music business representing every kind of artist from country singer to heavy metal rock bands. For several years she also ran her own public relations agency handling any client that interested her, many of whom might recognize themselves in the pages of her stories. She is twice a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award, a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award for best BDSM book of the year, winner of two Holt Medallion Awards of Merit, multiple winner of the Whipped Cream Book of the Week Award and is published by five different houses. Romance Junkies said of her work: “Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.”

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

Mimosas. I actually think I’m too old to drink!

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

Beautiful book cover of my upcoming release.

Blurb:

Cody Alvarez needed to find a wife by Christmas or he would lose the ranch his uncle left to him. Libby Morris just needed, for once in her life, to feel desired. Sensual. Appealing. Especially after an intense reshaping at a high-end spa. Invited to Christmas Week at the Castillo Lodge in Alaska by Madame Eve of 1Night Stand, Cody and Libby were not given the names of the partners chosen for them. As they were forced to wait until they learned who their one-night stands were, they discovered an incredible spark of chemistry and a connection stronger than either had experienced before. Would spending a very erotic night together ruin their arrangements or give them another option?

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

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas, because it’s joyful, colorful, musical, all that and more. And a time for love.

Did you ask Santa for anything good?

A ride on a Ducati motorcycle, please. And  on-fattening chocolate.

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

At home with all my kids who are spread far and wide across the country.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

My late husband hanging fake mistletoe fr0m the ceiling fan in our bedroom and telling me kissing was better on Christmas. I still have it hanging there.

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

I have a football series I stated six years ago. I think this is the year I resurrect it. I hope.

Why do you write romance?

Because I love love stories and happy endings. And because nothing transports you out of everyday life like a good romance.

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

Seven years. My journey was kind of like climbing Mount Everest in bare feet.

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

Pantser, although because I now work on multiple projects at once I have bare outlines so I don’t lose my place. Or my characters. Or my plot!

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

Heroes: flawed alpha males. The flaw makes them human and the alpha makes them sexy.

Heroines: sharp, bright and feisty. I hate women who stand around wringing their hands and waiting for someone else to solve their problems/.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?

The Internet for sure. Want to know about Peruvian jungles? The width of the Yucatan peninsula? The name of almost any erotic toy? Just ask me! I probably have it in my notes somewhere.

And people. I have people I can go to who are sheriff’s forensic experts, Delta Force soldiers, SEALs, rancher, horse trainers. The list goes on.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Collect people like I do who can be resources for you. Take a lot of online workshops so you can learn your craft. Join a critique group. Have a very thick skin. And never, ever, ever give up.

What are you working on right now?

I’m multitasking! LOL!

Aftershock, the sequel to Joy Ride

Book 5 in The Phoenix Agency series

Book 4 in Night Seekers

Book 5 in Rawhide

Book 2 in Attack Force

And…oh, wait! I have to stop. I’m scaring myself.

What news would you like to share with your readers?

I was thrilled to be one of the first authors interviewed and reviewed at the new romance blog on USA Today and to be included on the list of authors Joyce Lamb pitches questions to. I have a new series coming out next year, Erector Set, with Ellora’s Cave, a release this month, Stark Naked, with Samhain, and a romantic suspense, Out of Control, with The Wild Rose Press. This is much grittier than I usually write so I hope y’all like it.

Where can readers find you?

1. a.     Twitter: @desireeholt
2. b.     Facebook: /desireeholt
3. c.     Website: www.desireeholt.com
4. d.     Others:
5. e.      www.toys4us.blogspot.com  www.wildandwiskedcoys.blogspot.com www.1800domhelp.com

List other books you have out:

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

Prize: (these are two separate items; names chosen by random.org from those who comment)

Christmas watch; choice of ebook from my backlist. Also each person who emails me their snail mail addy at desireeholt@desireeholt.com will get a set of 8 Romance Trading Cards

 

Meet D.L. Jackson!

D. L. Jackson is a writer of urban fantasy, science fiction, military romance and erotic romance. She loves to incorporate crazy plot twists, comedy and the unexpected into her worlds. As a U.S. Army veteran, she naturally adores men in uniform and feels the world could always use more. She does her part by incorporating as many sexy soldiers in her novels as she can. When she isn’t writing or running the roads, you can often find her online chatting with her peers and readers. Grab a cup of iced coffee, pull up your virtual chair and say hi. She loves emails and blog visits from her readers. http://authordljackson.com

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?  Eggnog. Yes.

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

Blurb:

One party of a lifetime.

One secret a century old which could end it all.

Shiya, a Yupik supermodel, travels to Alaska in pretense of attending a party where she’ll find the man of her dreams, but her real intent is to lure the man of her nightmares to where she can finally end a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Gunnar is on Earth for one reason—to recover the wreckage of a Doppelganger crash, but recovering the ship isn’t easy. The debris is scattered for miles, throughout a resort and human settlements. In order to get closer, he agrees to a date and finds himself face to face with a Terran woman who doesn’t know her genetics are from his world or that she was born to be his. Soon he discovers she’s in grave danger from a Doppelganger hunter.

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

What’s your favorite holiday and why?  Christmas, because I get to see family that don’t live near. It’s cheerful. Pretty lights everywhere and there’s a festive spirit everywhere.

Did you ask Santa for anything good? A new laptop. I’ve worn my other out.

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays? Home.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?  Making a snow woman with my grandmother. We dressed her with a fancy hat and scarf and she had more than the basic snowman curves when we were done with her

Do you have personal resolutions for the New Years? Anything interesting? Nah, my goals are an ongoing thing I tweak all year long, adjusting as I reach them, setting new ones.

Why do you write romance? I love to read it. I like the escape and I enjoy bringing my worlds to life with words and sharing them.

How long have you been writing for? 7 years. And how would you describe your publication journey? Up and down. An ongoing journey.

Are you a plotter or pantser? What is your routine? I’ve never used an outline. I’m a complete pantser.

What characteristics do all your heroes/heroines have in all your stories? Honesty, integrity. I want my readers to like them and I think they need to be trustworthy. Do they have problems, yes, but it’s the way they resolve them that are important to me.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?  Strunk and White is a must. I have so many resources, but the local library and the lady that works there is one of my favorites.

What advice would you give aspiring authors? Learn your craft. Read everything you can. When you’re ready to give up, tell yourself, I’m going to try this one more time. You will get rejections, it’s part of becoming and author and staying an author. Even published authors get them.

What are you working on right now? Twenty different stories. My science fiction story for the Elatian line at Decadent publishing is the primary focus though.

 

What news would you like to share with your readers?  Well, I’ve got two Edge series stories I recently contracted with Decadent. No release date, but I’m guessing the beginning of next year some time.

Where can readers find you?

1. Twitter: @dlaree
2. Facebook: D L Jackson
3. Website: http://authordljackson.com        
4. Others: http://backwardmomentum.blogspot.com

http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com (Saturdays)

List other books you have out: 

Decadent Publishing:  Cinderella Wore Combat Boots, Seducing Liberty, This Endris Night.

Liquid Silver Books:  Slipping the Past, Last Flight of the Ark

Passion in Print:  Blown Away

Ravenous Romance: Why did it have to be shorts? (Men in Shorts antho) Cloaks, Daggers and Diapers (Hot Dads antho) Sex, Shoes & Combat Boots (Sex and Shoes Antho) Speakeasy (short)

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

Prize: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

Meet Liia Ann White!

Liia Ann White is an Australian author, hailing from Perth, WA.

She spent her childhood daydreaming about far off lands, creating her own unique characters. She read books about witches, faeries, demons, ghosts and a host of supernatural creatures and eventually gained the courage to put her imagination to work.

A self-proclaimed geek, Liia collects Disney and Star Wars memorabilia, loves animals and wishes to be the female Cesar Millan.

When not writing, she can be found reading, playing video games or spending time with her two dogs.

She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, Romance Writers of Australia, Passionate Ink, Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal Chapter of RWA and Young Adult Chapter of Romance Writers of America.

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

I’ve never tried eggnog – I don’t think we have it in Australia, so I’m going to say Mimosas.. Because who can say no to a Mimosa?

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

I brought him a copy of Her First White Christmas, it comes free with a hug and a kiss!

Blurb:

Remy Sommers has grown weary of his playboy lifestyle. He’s ready to fall in love and settle down. Problem is, he doesn’t know where to start. After attending his sister’s wedding, he takes her advice and contacts the 1 Night Stand dating agency – the same agency she used to find her new husband.

Bella Donna has had enough of blind dates. She’s always left bitterly disappointed. On the advice of a friend, she contacts Madame Evangeline, hoping her reputation precedes her and she can find Bella Donna her perfect man.

A mysterious invitation from Madame Evangeline leads them both to the secluded and exclusive Castillo Lodge in Alaska for a holiday event.

Will they get their happily ever after? Or will their first white Christmas end in disaster and disappointment?

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

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

I love Christmas because it’s a time of giving, when family gets together and it’s now the only time of year that my whole family – parents and siblings – are all together for a whole week, with no work.

Did you ask Santa for anything good?

I asked for him to make a donation to the RSPCA WA instead of a present J

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

My house. Every Christmas night, our house is an open house. All our friends and family friends come over, hang out on the patio, drink by the bar, pig out on food and relax in the spa. There’s a lot of laughter, excited yelling, games being played, drinks being spilled and running around with the dogs. It’s a lot of fun at our house!

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

I think I was about ten when Santa left some treasure hunt notes on mine and my brother’s beds. We were led out to the letterbox, to the bathroom, all around the house before finally being led to the back yard. There we found a play climbing frame covered in shade cloth, obviously hiding something. It was hiding two brilliant brand new bikes for us! It was so much fun.

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

I have a very personal one that I won’t share and a writing one – I want to get at least one more 1Night Stand story written and published, as well as two other shorts. AND, my biggest, to get my Young Adult Urban Fantasy novel finished and submitted.

Why do you write romance?

Because everybody deserves a happily ever after. I love reading a good romance filled with hot sex and a lovey dovey ending, so writing it is just as much fun.

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

I’ve been writing on and off since I was twelve, but writing seriously for just over a year. My publishing journey has been an absolute dream. I worked incredibly hard on my first novel, revising, rewriting and polishing it for submission but the work was definitely worth it. I received five contract offers for that first novel and the two shorts I’ve finished since then have both been published.

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

I’m what I call a plonster. I’ll start out with a basic outline, plot and know where the story is going – but then my characters take over and change things around as they please. Not that I’m complaining.

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

At least one of my leads is Australian and vegan or vegetarian. Those are the two characteristics I will always include in my hero or heroine, because I feel as an animal activist, I can promote my feelings through my characters. And I write Aussies because, as an Aussie, it’s what I know best.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Take all the advice you can get. Some you’ll take on board, some won’t apply to you, but all of it will be helpful in some way. If I hadn’t taken the advice of author friends I have, I never would have gotten published.

What are you working on right now?

I’m currently working on a follow up to my 1NS story One Hot Australian Night, as well as another 1NS that involves Bella Donna’s (from Her First White Christmas) best friend.

I’m also working on the follow up to my debut urban fantasy romance Elora’s Match and my Young Adult Urban Fantasy, that will one day get finished *fingers crossed*

Where can readers find you?

1. a.     Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LiiaAnn
2. b.     Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LiiaAnnWhite
3. c.     Website: http://www.liia-ann.com
4. d.     Others:

List other books you have out:

Elora’s Match: The Different Saga Book One – Buy Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/index/book_authors_id/77/typefilter/book_authors

One Hot Australian Night – Buy Link: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=306&osCsid=123s1gk0qjh61kijiu540qooj6

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

Prize: an e-copy of Her First White Christmas.

 

Meet Rebecca Royce!

BIO: As a teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was well worth it.

Rebecca is the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly during the winter months.

She’s in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use all of these elements in her writing. She’s been told she’s a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you’ll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In Rebecca Royce’s world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

First question:

Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?

Mimosas and, yes, well above the age of legal drinking. LOL

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

I have brought my book cover for I’ll Be Mated For Christmas as well as a giveaway of one of my backlist Decadent Publishing books to a lucky commentator.

Blurb:

Bethany Johnson grew up one of the only humans in a pack of werewolves. She didn’t have an easy time and her self-confidence was almost non-existent. Finally, after some serious psychotherapy and the help of weight-loss surgery, she is feeling like the Bethany she has always wanted to be. But now she has to say goodbye to the werewolves in her life. Out with the old and in with the new this year…

Luke Denarius is the new Alpha of the Delta pack. He’s never met Bethany but the second he scents her he knows she is his. No way is she going off to Italy for adventure and hot sex with other men.

With the help of Madame Eve these two will find that a mating is in the works for Christmas.

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

Ooh, Elves. Hello over there!

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Halloween. I love the possibilities of things that can happen that night in the paranormal world.

Did you ask Santa for anything good?

I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you. I joke. I don’t want to say it aloud because I’m afraid my special request won’t come true. But, its electronic and the husband knows what it is.

What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?

St. Croix in the Caribbean, where we went every year when I was growing up. But if I can’t be there—then home.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

Waking up to a Caribbean beach, sunshine, tropical beverages, and the sound of Christmas music on steel drums.

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

This year I have got to lose some weight. Like everyone else, I suppose. LOL

Why do you write romance?

Because I believe in it and I love happy ever afters.  Its really what I want to read so its what I write.

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

I was first published August 3^rd, 2009, my oldest son’s fourth birthday. I’ve been very lucky to have a lot of books published since then. It took me about a year to get published once I started trying.

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

A pantser. I just write as much as I can in between everything I have to do for the kids.

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

I don’t know if they all have one character that is the same. But, they’re all looking for love.

What writing resources do you abide by as a writer?

Other writers. I’ve been lucky to find a good group of writers that I can call upon when I’m losing my mind.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Write every day. If you want it to be your job, make it a job.

What are you working on right now?

I have a Young Adult series called The Warrior and right now I’m working on that.

What news would you like to share with your readers?

Love Beyond Loyalty, the third book in my Outsider series, is coming out January 20^th!

Where can readers find you?

1. Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/rebeccaroyce
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Royce/172551376131638?sk=wall
3. Website: www.rebeccaroyce.com
4. Others:

List other books you have out:

Current and Upcoming Works

The Outsiders

Love Beyond Time

Love Beyond Sanity

Love Beyond Loyalty

Love Beyond Sight (TBA)

 

Westervelt Wolves

Her Wolf

Summer’s Wolf

Wolf Reborn

Wolf’s Valentine

Wolf’s Magic

Alpha Wolf

Angel’s Wolf

Darkest Wolf (coming soon.)

 

The Warrior

Initiation

Driven

 

The Conditioned

Eye Contact

Embraced

 

Sexy Superheroes

Screwing the Superhero

Banging the Superhero

 

Other Works

Behind The Scenes

First Dimension

Yes, Captain

Return to the Sea

One Night With A Wolf

Another Chance

Light Me Up

I’ll Be Mated For Christmas

 

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

Thank you for having me!

PRIZE: One of my Decadent Publishing Backlist, their choice