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Blog Tour & Interview with J.K. Hogan and Review of Blood in the Valley
Today we have the lovely and very talented J.K. Hogan, author of the Vigilati Series with us! She is celebrating the release of the second installment of the Vigilati Series: Blood in the Valley:
The daughter of a Las Vegas hustler, Raven Sabatier grew up trusting nothing and no one—she doesn’t even trust herself to stay in one place for longer than a minute. When her quest to find out the secrets of her past leads her to the mountains of North Carolina, she’s set on a collision course with the one man she thought she’d never see again.
In Appalachia consulting on an archeological dig, Anthropologist Dr. Drew Deveraux comes face to face with the indomitable beauty who broke into his apartment a year ago, tilting his carefully cultivated world on its axis.
Engaged in a fight with their demons, both imagined and real, the last thing either of them expected to find was love. Together, they must unravel the mystery of Raven’s past and her connection with an ancient race of witches, in order to save their future—and all of the souls hanging in the balance.
I was fortunate enough to be able to interview J.K. and am sharing with you!!!
- What song makes you happy every time you hear it?
Wow, that’s so hard because I am such a music collector. The first one that comes to mind right now is Gold on the Ceiling by The Black Keys (and I also have a cover by Tab Benoit). Ask me again tomorrow and I may have a different answer.
- What movie can you see over and over again without getting sick of it?
Another tough one, because I’m not one to watch movies over and over again. I’d probably have to stick with a classic and say The Princess Bride. Or anything with Robert Downey Jr. in it.
- What is the worst fashion trend you ever bought into?
Poofy bangs. Platform shoes. Satin. Patent leather. You name the badness, I tried it.
- Did you dream of writing when you were a little or did you dream of other thing like being a ballerina (or Wonder Woman, like me)?
When I was a kid, I don’t think I thought too much about the future. I spent most of my time in my imaginary worlds, so I guess it wasn’t too much of a stretch that I became a novelist. The only other thing I can think of was that I wanted to be a cowgirl. I did that for a while before I got married. 
- Do you have any comfort reads?
I’m such a speed reader, I don’t know if I could put it down to particular books. Anything romance, really. Reading in general comforts me. I remember reading Wake Me Up Inside, an m/m paranormal by Cardeno C. while I had really bad morning sickness. That was kind of comforting. J
- What is your writing process?
It starts with an idea, or a character, and then I just sit down and write chronologically. I stop when the story goes cold so it doesn’t feel forced, and once it picks up again in my head, I get back to writing. I write straight through usually, and then I go back to fine tune.
- Revisions: love them or hate them?
Hate, hate, hate. I understand the need for them, and that they make the book better, but they’re so hard. It’s like someone criticizing your children (either yourself or someone else). It can be hard to take.
- Who/what inspires you?
Anyone who’s been able to make a career and support themselves by writing. Oh, an anyone who’s successfully raised a child. Now that I’m a mom, I’m realizing what a difficult and important task that is.
- How much of your day-to-day life goes into your writing?
Not nearly as much as I’d like. That number is ever-changing with the whims of my infant son. I get “mommy time” at night between the time I go to bed and when I actually fall asleep, so that gives me an hour or two.
- Kids in books: yes or no?
Hmm. Good question. Yes, as long as they work in the story and aren’t too much of a distraction from the plot. However, I’m definitely not into the whole heroine gets pregnant angle. It only really works for me in historicals, and I don’t read those much anymore.
- Pets in books: cheesy or sweet?
Pets make everything better! I think they make the characters more real. But again, it has to work with the story rather than distract from it.
- What’s your favorite thing to eat? (recipes welcome!)
Sushi. I love sushi.
- What is the scariest thing about being an author?
The first thing that comes to mind is the inevitable bad review. It has or will happen to everyone. So I guess, critique in general…worrying that your book will flop. I think any creative avenue comes with the same fear.
- What is the most exciting thing about being an author?
Creating something from nothing and having it entertain people. It’s amazing—there’s nothing like it.
- Do you have anything to share with us?
I absolutely love chatting with people about books (mine, or anyone else’s), hot guys, movies, music, whatever. So find me on twitter, FB, tumblr…pretty much all social media. I’m pretty active in social media, so I’ll most likely respond.
THIS OR THAT
- Peanut butter or jelly?
Peanut butter
- Chips or cookies?
Cookies. Can you tell I have a sweet tooth?
- Best talent: dancing or singing?
Singing. I definitely can’t dance.
- Print or eBook?
I’m an ebook convert. I thought I’d never switch, but the fact that I can carry SO many books with me and never worry about finishing a book and not having another with me…that totally convinced me.
- Pen or pencil?
In general, pen. For writing, laptop.
- Best friends: as many as possible or only need one?
That’s tough for me. I have rather antisocial tendencies, and I don’t really have a best friend…But I think you can never have too many friends as long as you can count on them.
- Notebook or computer?
Computer or iphone.
- Print or cursive?
Cursive. Not that you’d be able to read it, of course.
- Zombies or vampires?
Hmm… For sexy? Vampires. For action, zombies. Love The Walking Dead.
- Angel or Spike?
Well, I was never into Buffy, but I was into Bones, so I have to go with Angel because of David Boreanaz hotness.
**Note from MamaJo – Isn’t she AMAZING? Not only has she given me a new book boyfriend, but she is a woman after my own heart! Do you want to learn even more about her, do you want to know why I have a new book boyfriend? KEEP READING :
J.K. Hogan has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, beginning with writing cast lists and storylines for her toys growing up. When she finally decided to put pen to paper, magic happened. She is greatly inspired by all kinds of music and often creates a “soundtrack” for her stories as she writes them.
J.K. resides in North Carolina, where she was born and raised. A true southern girl at heart, she lives on a farm with her husband and their three horses, one miniature donkey, one cat, and two champion agility dogs.
In addition to writing, she enjoys training and competing in dog sports, spending time with her large southern family, camping, boating and, of course, reading! For more information, please visit www.jkhogan.com.
Where to find J.K Hogan on the web:
Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook / Amazon / Pinterest / Tumblr / Linkedin / Google Plus
Where to buy the books you
wantneed to read now:Fire on the Island (Book 1) :
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Island-J-K-Hogan/dp/1938404173
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RO8BZM
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-on-the-island-jk-hogan/1112102519
MamaJo’s Review: http://mamakittyreviews.com/?p=518
Blood in the Valley (Book 2):
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Valley-J-K-Hogan/dp/1938404475/
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Valley-Vigilati-Series-ebook/dp/B00CLENQO0/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-in-the-valley-jk-hogan/1115206625?ean=9781938404474
My Review of Blood in the Valley:
What I liked loved:
The expansion of the wonderful world J.K Hogan has created, the characters, the action, and the romance .
I have adopted Drew as one of my book boyfriends, he is caring, sweet, vulnerable, damaged, HOT, and most of all: he handled the changes to the world around him (and happening in his life) the way my dream man would.
I have also decided that in my next life, I want to be Raven, she has her own moral code – that you after her upbringing only adds to her charm, she kicks major butt, and she has an amazing capacity for love (even if she won’t admit it to herself!).
We also get to peek in on Isla and Jere, Jere’s mysterious brother, and even his mom (who helped to raise Drew)! (I also really liked Ray)
The romance was wonderful, showing that two flawed, yet strong characters can overcome their fears and strengthen their weaknesses together.
This series features truly strong women who don’t sit back and wait for their men to fix things for them – for me, this is imperative in a Paranormal Romance series that has a female protagonist . You won’t find whiny chits who either want someone to fight their battles or who want to know “why me” with the Vigilati Series. These heroines roll with the punches, get back up, acknowledge their weaknesses, kick some major butt , and love their men.
It is no secret that I love PNR, that being said – I have standards and I tend to set the bar rather high. Blood in the Valley not only reached the bar, but bounded right over it! Nothing is better as a reader of PNR than when the author expands the boundaries and rules of that world and makes it believable. And I have to say that by bringing us into her world as the characters learn the rules, Ms Hogan has made every single broken rule and shattered boundary flow naturally with the story.
*FTC Disclosure – I received an ARC of this book for review.
A Full 5 Meows
#AADSAV interview with Lissa Matthews
I met Lissa last year before AAD NOLA. She was kind enough to do a guest post for us, and ever since then we’ve had a great friendship. We got to hang out in NOLA and eat some delicious Cajun food while chatting. Today. I’m sitting down with Lissa so that you can get to know her a little better and see why I love her as much as I do. She’ll be at AAD in Savannah, so if you want to chat with her IRL, I suggest you register while you still can!
1. Tell us a little about yourself. Well, ummm… Can you be a little more specific? I don’t answer this kind of question well because I never know what anyone is going to want to know or not know. The most important thing is my coffee addiction. It’s serious and you’d do well NOT to suggest I give it up in favor of things more healthy. <g> Let’s see… NASCAR, College/NFL football, Golf fan. Deep thinker. People watcher. Home schooler. Foodie. Student of BDSM, fetishes, and kinks… Always learning, always asking questions. Lover of the printed word. Road trips. Southern girl (or, a G.R.I.T.S.). I’m 42, live in North Carolina with my family and a crapton of cats.
2. Did you dream of writing when you were a little girl or did you dream of other thing like being a ballerina (or world domination, like me)? I dreamed in fairy tales and a different life when I was growing up. Where I wasn’t left behind, or hurt.
3. You originally started out writing m/f. What made you decide to take the leap and start writing m/m? I’ve loved the genre since being introduced to it several years ago. I’ve tried writing it as you said, but it doesn’t seem to be translating as well from my head to the page. Hopefully, I’ll get better at it and knock one out of the park soon…
4. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you? Why did it make such an impact? The first book ever that I read that kept me coming back for more was called Good Queen Bess about Elizabeth I. I was in 3rd grade when I first checked it out of the library and was fascinated that she was a real life princess turned queen. I was enthralled with her story and still am. I still read almost everything I can get my hands on about her.
From there I read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. These kids had guts, far more than I did, and I loved immersing myself in their worlds.
My first romance was The Bride by Julie Garwood. I read everything she had out at the time in a very short span of…a couple of weeks. I didn’t put the books down. I’d read one every night. She and an earlier college professor are where the seeds for writing began…
5. What is your writing process? Grab coffee, turn on computer, add in music, grab more coffee, tweet, Facebook, goof off, grab more coffee, and then stay at computer and write for several hours. Once I walk away, I have a hard time walking back so I try to get the majority of my words down in that first few hours.
6. How do you approach revising? With a lot of tears, grumbling, griping, and alcohol infused coffee, and junk food.
7. What authors inspire you? Vivian Arend, completely. Her work ethic is awesome. Delilah Devlin.
8. What are your top 5 comfort reads? After the Night, Linda Howard; Suddenly You, Lisa Kleypas; Dancing at Midnight, Julia Quinn; My Fair Captain, J.L. Langely; Love the Sinner (Brooklyn Sinners #1), Avril Ashton
9. How much of what you do in your day-to-day life goes into your writing? Day to day, not much at all. But life in general…cars breaking down, household repairs, people in the coffee shop, cars on the road, etc… That has about a 90% chance of making its way into a book somewhere down the line.
10. Do you write to music? If so, what’s your favorite music to write to? Yes, I always write to music. It’s a necessity. But it also has to be something I can sing along to without even realizing it. It can’t be new or I have to spend time listening for hours until it’s so deeply ingrained in my head that it’s just…there. What I write to depends on the story. Currently, I have one book I’m writing to country music in my ears, and another book I’m writing to some classic 80’s glam rock…
11. Describe your latest book. It’s a sexy romp about two long-time friends taking the leap into becoming lovers. It’s personal. It’s a fantasy. It’s called Trouble In The Making.
Johnny Trouble. He’s a commanding presence in leather and tattoos, both on stage and off. He’s had more than his fair share of groupies and lovers, but it’s time for a change and he reconnects with the one woman whose memory has driven him crazy since high school. Liz.
She’s a quiet, shy romance author who likes her comfort zones. But when Johnny comes back into her life after years of living in the spotlight, Liz’s private fantasies shift into overdrive and she nervously asks him to fulfill them.
Just one weekend is all she proposes, but the sparks flying between them when Johnny touches her aren’t temporary. She’s the particular brand of trouble he wants in his bed, bent over, or crawling all over him. Forever.
He just has to convince her by any means necessary…
Buy Links: Ellora’s Cave, Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Barnes and Noble
12. What do you love most about writing? When I get into the zone and the words flow.
13. What do you hate most about writing? When I can’t get into the zone and the words hurt worse than having teeth pulled.
14. What are you reading right now? Non-fiction: I’m reading Different and Talent is Overrated. Fiction: I’m inbetween books and haven’t decided what I’m going to pull from the TBR pile next.
15. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Website |Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
(I’d love for you to click that Facebook link and Like my fan page! Please…)
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly? Both. Together. On a spoon.
2. Chips or cookies? Depends on the mood. Right now? Cookies.
3. Best talent: music or art? Music. Played flute and piccolo for 12+ years. I can’t draw a straight line to save my life.
4. Print or eBook? eBook
5. Pen or pencil? Pencil
6. Best friends: as many as possible or only need one? Very few.
7. Notebook or computer? Hard to say. Evernote or notebook for notes and outlines and fixing plots and immediate after shower revelations. Computer for everything else.
8. Print or cursive? Mish-mash of both.
9. Zombies or vampires? Vamps.
10. Angel or Spike? Never watched Buffy.
Interview with Lacie Nation + Excerpt of Gravity Beach!
Today we’re joined by the fabulously awesome Lacie Nation, whose book Gravity Beach (the sequel to Courageous Dares) hits the shelves this month through Secret Cravings Publishing.
- What song makes you happy every time you hear it? The Adele version of Make You Feel My Love
- What movie can you see over and over again without getting sick of it? HAHA…there are many, but Hope Floats or PS I Love You are the two I can watch constantly.
- What is the worst fashion trend you ever bought into? *Cringes* Teasing my bangs. I’m talking major teasing with a toothbrush to get those bad boys to stand almost straight up! Ugh, it was awful!
- Coffee or tea? (Bonus: what flavor?) Cappuccino actually…Folgers French Vanilla.
- What book makes you sob like an infant (but you love it anyway)? Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
- What is your writing process? Depends on what kind of scene I’m writing. If it’s not particularly emotional then I’m good to just dive into it. If it is emotional then I have to have a favorite movie playing in the background, a hot cup of cappuccino, and a box of tissues. It’s comical actually because I’ve sat here and just sobbed through a scene before.
- Revisions: love them or hate them? Most of the time I love them. There is the occasion where I want a scene a certain way and won’t change it.
- Who/what inspired you to become an author? My life. LOL…I’ve been through so much that I just wrote it all down. Long story short those ramblings turned into a story which got published.
- How much of your day-to-day life goes into your writing? Not so much my day to day life, but certain things that my family does or says might make it in.
- Kids in books: yes or no? Yes…they make great secondary characters.
- Pets in books: cheesy or sweet? Sweet
- What’s your favorite thing to eat? (recipes welcome!) Popcorn! With nacho cheese powder.
- What is the scariest thing about being an author? Negative reviews. I understand I can’t please everyone, but there are some people out there who thrive off being hateful! It stings.
- What is the most exciting thing about being an author? Positive feedback. To hear a reader say they loved my work is the absolute best thing in the world.
- Do you have anything to share with us? Not really…I pretty much laid it all out there!
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly? Peanut butter. SO good if you put it on apples.
2. Chips or cookies? Umm…cookies. Like that’s even a question. LOL
3. Best talent: music or art? Art
4. Print or eBook? E-book, but it is nice to hold a print book sometimes.
5. Pen or pencil? Pen because the sound a pencil makes on paper give me a shiver.
6. Best friends: as many as possible or only need one? As many as possible. You can never have enough friends.
7. Notebook or computer? Computer. I will lose a notebook in a heartbeat.
8. Print or cursive? Print, if you can call my hand writing that.
9. Zombies or vampires? Zombies! I love zombies…unless they try to eat my face, then I have to kill them.
10. Angel or Spike? Spike all the way! Love that vamper.
Jolie Baker had it all, amazing friends, a college degree, and a man she planned to spend the rest of her life with. When her love is killed in action, Jolie has to learn to live again. Three years after Ethan’s death, she moves to Gravity Beach to start a new life. At her new teaching job, one of her students is surprised when her father returns home from war. Jolie never imagined how important the returning solider and his daughter would become.
David Stokes wants nothing more than to raise his daughter, Madison, and give her the best life he can. Because Madison’s mother abandoned them, David is all she has. When he meets his little girl’s teacher on the beach, he is surprised by how much he wants to know her. David sees the pain in Jolie’s eyes, but will his love be enough to ease her tattered soul?
Excerpt:
Jolie wanted to say something profound to him. She wanted to tell him how much she loved him. How important he was to her very being. But, when she pressed her hand against his chest every single word left her brain. There was not a single trace of his normal warmth. His chest, normally firm, because he was a muscular man, now was hard to the touch and she could feel the coldness radiating through the thick layers of his uniform. Jolie jerked her hand away and stumbled back. She couldn’t catch her breath. Her heart beat so fast it was painful. She needed air, so she rushed back through the mourning people and crashed through the front doors of the funeral home. The fingers she’s pressed to his chest still felt cold and the chill seemed to be spreading throughout her entire body. Jolie wanted her love back. She wanted her life back. She wanted Ethan.
Bio:
I live in Columbus, Ga with my fiancée and our dog, Libby. I spend most of my time reading and writing. I write from a very personal place and find that creating a story based off of things I have been through is very cleansing. I am extremely close to my family so I tend to use little quirks that I love from my family members to create characters that are realistic.
Interview with #AADSAV author Teresa D’Amario
Today I’m excited to sit down for a chat with AADSAV featured author and fellow RomVet Teresa D’Amario! She’s one of the sweetest, most genuine people I’ve ever met who happens to write some pretty awesome books. Grab a chair and get comfy – you’re definitely gonna want to get to know this wonderful lady!
Can you tell us a little about yourself? No! I’m boring! Nobody wants to know about me! Ok. I guess I’ll be nice. I’m way too old to share the birth date, but let’s just say I really love a good read. I started writing because I ran out of good reads one time when I was out of work for a while, and I thought “I could do this myself, then I can have those good stories I really want.” I’ve always wanted to write since I was a kid. I remember writing my first story when I was 12, and entering a writing contest. Alas, my entry never made it to the contest, so we shall never know if I would have won. I’m retired US Air Force, from the weather career field. Since I left the Air Force, I’ve been working at a day job from home, and writing. It’s been so much fun! I am married, and have two dogs – one of which is a very old man and hobbles around a lot.
What you are working on currently or have coming out soon?
I have two very exciting things going on right now. I have first, the book, Shewolf, is coming out in Audio! How awesome is that? Ever go on a long drive, like to a conference *like Authors After Dark* and had a long, boring ride in the car? That’s when audio books are the best thing in the world, and why I’m so excited for SheWolf to be available on audible.com, the best source for audio books on the web. Either get a membership or download individual books when needed, and have an mp3 player, and you are ready to rock! I might even listen to SheWolf on my way to AAD, just to once again enjoy the sexy voice of Thomas Miller, who is our reader. After we get Shewolf out – we’ll be working on Dark Succession next, and if you think that won’t be hot… ~ fans self~ you are missing out!
The second thing is a new release! Welcome to my world, people! I’m so happy to announce the coming release of Visions of Fire & Ice, a Petiri novel. No, I haven’t forgotten about my shifters at all, but the Petiri are demanding their story be told before I move another step!
The Petiri welcome you …
To their life, to the magic of the desert.
A people from another world, who have powers alien to ours.
Caught on a planet not their own, stranded and forced to hide who and what they are, they survived midst the deserts for millions of years.
When the world of Gods meets the world of Man, will Man survive?
Or is death the only option for those who challenge ?
Yes, Welcome to the world of the Petiri.
Blurb for Visions of Fire & Ice, a Petiri novel.
Trapped on a planet not their own, the Petiri spend their lives hiding the natural gifts that set them apart from the world. They live long and unfulfilled lives, unable to find their soul mates on this backward planet known as Earth. That is until the night Ramose comes face to face with Tamara, a woman whose gifts rival his own. Determined to find why this human is in possession of an ancient magical Petiri relic, he arranges a meeting.
But Tamara, embittered from past events, is wary despite lifelong dreams of Ramose and a sure knowledge he is her soul mate. Before long the couple find themselves ensnared in a battle that has raged for millennia in Egypt’s desert. Set, Egyptian God of Chaos, is determined to take his just due: the throne of Osiris.
The only way to stop him is for Ramose to put his trust in Tamara, but first must gain the same from her. The ensuing sensual relationship is filled with romance, lust and love. Their relationship is tested by an unnatural evil, culminating in a fierce battle within the recesses of an Ancient Egyptian tomb. Will her powers over fire, combined with his invisibility be enough to win the day? Or will the ancient gods and goddesses of Egypt take control?
How much of your day-to-day life goes into your writing?
This is a difficult question for me due to health issues, but it does vary from day to day. Some days it’s all I do, other days, it’s just a few paragraphs just to remind myself I’m a writer, and to get these voices out of my head.
Did you dream of writing when you were a little or did you dream of other thing like being a ballerina (or world domination, like me)? World domination! Oh wait, that came later. Actually I did dream of writing. I wrote my first story by the age I was 12. Most of my early work was plain science fiction, or futuristic, where our world went backwards (kind of like the Mad Maxx series back in the 70’s). But there was always that one person who could do something special, who had paranormal skills.
Do you have a book that was easiest to write or one that was the hardest?
The hardest book so far for me was Blood Moon Betrayed. Sean is an unusual hero, in the fact he likes to escape when things get difficult. While this is a normal “wolf” behavior, it makes writing his story very difficult.
Do you have any comfort reads? What are your top 5?
My top comfort read is Lover Unleashed. Every time I start looking at it, I have to read the entire novel before I can do anything else. Otherwise I don’t have “Comfort” reads. Everything else is to make me think. Make me stretch my imagination. I have, on rare occasions, turned to Nora Roberts when I wasn’t feeling well and just wanted to read. Her books are softer than anything else I read.
Is music a factor for you while you are writing? Do certain songs put you in the right frame of mind to write certain stories?
Oh absolutely!! I listen to movie themes when I write. I have a list of “edgy” movie themes, and “romantic” movie themes to help me in moods. With Fire & Ice I actually had another one which included Arabic music for the dance. Yes, there IS Belly Dancing in this book! And it’s SOOO hot!
If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Good question. And a difficult one. Since I love genealogy as well, I would probably have to say one of my ancestors. Maybe,,,, The Italian side, since I need to know desperately why they came to the US.
What is the strangest source of writing inspiration you’ve ever had?
Actually, the strangest source of writing inspiration for me was when someone taught me about Press Gangs, and I realized one of my ancestors was pressed into service in the 1600’s, so I wrote his entire life story based on the press gang system.
If your muse were to talk behind your back, what secrets would they tell?
That I’m lazy. He has to prod me sometimes to get out of my head and onto the computer to write. I LOVE the stories in my head, and think of them constantly, but sometimes I need the prompting to go that extra step to type them out. 
What do you love most about writing?
The Characters. OMG, in my head the hero’s are soooo sexy and the heroines are so strong.
What do you hate most about writing?
The first draft. I have no problems with editing, like most authors, because that’s when I work my magic. I just hate the first draft, getting the basic plot out.
Other than writing, what are some of your passions in life?
Animals – as if you couldn’t tell, I love anything that’s an animal. My dogs are a part of my heart, and always have been. The more I stretch my knowledge for the books, the more my love of animals grow. You can always see me sharing heartwarming stories of animals, both domestic and wild, from around the world. I also love Genealogy research and have a huge genealogy database. Many of my characters have names from that database.
What books are currently on your nightstand?
My kindle is there, completely full. But I just finished 4 short stories by Robin D. Owens. Awesome books, her celtic series.
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly? Peanut butter
2. Chips or cookies? Chips
3. Best talent: music or art? I wish it was music, but mostly art.
4. Print or eBook? Ebook
5. Pen or pencil? Pen.
6. Best friends: as many as possible or only need one? One close, best friend, then lots of lots of other best friends.
7. Notebook or computer? Tablet.
8. Print or cursive? Cursive
9. Zombies or vampires? Good Lord, Vampires! Zombies creep me out.
10. Angel or Spike? Angel. Oh yeah. LOL
About the author
Born in Atlanta, the daughter of an Army Soldier during the early stages of the Viet Nam war, I spent my childhood traveling from state to state, finally ending up overseas in Germany where I graduated high school six months early.
My writing career however began as a young Airman in the Air Force, writing monthly articles for the weekly base paper. The articles ranged from climatological data to full center fold articles on the destructive forces of hurricanes. As I increased in rank, my writing changed to more technological instruction, including such works as WSR-88D Doppler Radar Data Interpretation Guide for North Carolina Stations, and Station Operating Procedures.
But my early writing wasn’t limited only to the technological side. I’ve written multiple dog training and behavior articles for canine websites such as Sonora Canine Freestyle, and also the Ask Blackjack column, a fun training column in the voice of my labrador retriever, then a young pup.
I’m married to a wonderful man named Doug, who is also retired Air Force, and just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. We live in North Carolina with our two dogs.
Interview with author Shelli Stevens
Today we’re joined by the fabulous Shelli Stevens, who MamaKitty and MamaMoon had the pleasure of meeting while at Authors After Dark in New Orleans. Besides being awesome to hang out with, Shelli is also the Author Your Mother Warned You About, writing steamy romance that’s sure to keep you awake at night.
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
Hmmm. I’m a thirty something, single mom of a fantastic tween girl. Have somehow managed to make a career of writing love stories, while being optimistic that there’s still a Mr. Right on my horizon. I love wearing cute dresses, being outdoors, traveling, being active, and enjoying life with my friends and family.
2. Did you dream of writing when you were a little girl or did you dream of other thing like being a ballerina (or world domination, like me)?
Actually, I really did kind of dream of writing. As a kid I’d write on these old school computers that crashed all the time. I think I was writing Sweet Valley High Fan Fiction basically. Only I was reading Harlequins too, so my characters were sexually active—back when it was scandalous! So in my 20s I decided to start writing again and ultimately with the intent to publish.
3. Describe your latest book in 140 characters or less.
My latest print release is Savage Hunger, an action packed, sexy love story that explores a paranormal world with hot government agents.
4. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you? Why did it make such an impact?
I think it was probably the first romance I read. No idea of the title. It was a Harlequin Presents that I’d swiped off my mom’s bookshelf at a tween. I remember it suddenly put into context all the ‘sex’ stuff my mom had tried to explain to me. I was absolutely scandalized and completely hooked. Never looked back and devoured every romance novel I came into contact from there on out.
5. What is your writing process?
I try and set a daily word count goal, usually depending on whether I have a deadline or not. I definitely work better under contract/deadline. I don’t have an office, but usually write in bed, or the recliner, or my fitdesk (bike desk, I got it on Amazon and I love it!)
6. How do you approach revising?
Hmm. I usually read through my book after a few weeks to let it marinate (if I have the time) and change the font so it’s visually different in my head. Then I look for things that jar me out of it or don’t flow. I also use beta readers whose opinions I trust.
7. What authors inspire you?
Karen Erickson is my writing idol at right now. She’s a writing fool. I need to find her groove train and jump on board. Also Jane Porter has always been amazing to me, just because she’s so real, heartfelt, and amazing. But honestly, anyone who is writing with the goal to be published or have a career in publishing, they inspire me. Because it really, really isn’t easy and you need to have thick skin.
8. What are your top 5 comfort reads?
I don’t really re-read books. I know some people do, but not me. At least not on purpose. There’s only been one book that I’ve deliberately read twice, and that’s Wild Card by Lora Leigh. Loved how raw and hot that book was. So that would be one of my comfort reads…other than that, any book I’m into at the moment is a comfort and a distraction. I love historical romances, even though I don’t write them.
9. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I recently discovered Addison Fox and have enjoyed the first two books in her Alaskan Nights series.
10. How much of what you do in your day-to-day life goes into your writing?
Actually, it happens quite a bit. I take inspiration from life and the world around me. There’s so much to draw from. So much reality that can be worked into a love story. Only sometimes I can give it the fairy tale ending you may not see in real life.
11. Do you write to music? If so, what’s your favorite music to write to?
It varies. Sometimes I just write to meditative things like a rainfall sound bite. Other times I hand pick a playlist or certain songs that fit the book or scene. Right now I’m writing my third paranormal book in my Savage Series, so my music tends to be harder, darker, and alternative. The last book I worked on was an emotional, yet light contemporary, and I stumbled on the song Strawberry Wine, and it was perfect since I was writing reunited lovers. So I listened to that on repeat most of the time, along with some fun Scottish/Celtic music (since this series has my Scottish McLaughlin brothers).
12. What do you love most about writing?
Being behind the wheel of peoples’ (fictional) lives. I can make sure everyone has a happily ever after, and has some fun/danger/challenges along the way. I love being able to create something that can give a person a break from reality. An escape. Every time I finish a book I’m optimistic and a little sappy about love. And I hope my readers take that feeling with them too. I love to write books that leave people happy, not crapped out.
13. What do you hate most about writing?
The fear of writing a full book without knowing quite sure where it’s going. I’ve tried to be a plotter, and I can to some extent, but my mind doesn’t really work that way. I kind of think of it like walking out on a tight rope. You’re all confident with those first few steps, but then you realize you’ve got a long way to go and you can’t screw up. You’re plagued with doubts. The what ifs. But you just take it a step at a time knowing each step is taking you closer to the end. Then you get there and you have a bit of a, “I’m a freaking rock star!” moment. And then you realize you need to start all over again with another books. Lather, rinse, repeat.
14. What are you reading right now?
Ha ha. I’m actually re-reading my own book Savage Betrayal to remember my world/where I left off because I’m writing the third, and final, book in the series. And I took a break from that world to write a contemporary, so I need to get my mind back there.
15. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Hmm. Maybe a favorite quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ~Mae West
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly?
Peanut Butter for the protein.
2. Chips or cookies?
Hmm. I try for neither, but more likely chips.
3. Best talent: music or art?
For myself? Music. I was a music major for awhile and immersed in jazz and classical choirs for years.
4. Print or eBook?
Ebooks. I still like a print, but I hate all the space print books take up. And my hand starts to hurt holding them now 
5. Pen or pencil?
Pen. Pencils make that scratchy noise and can make me cringe.
6. Best friends: as many as possible or only need one?
I love meeting new people and making friends. Some are naturally just closer and have been around longer. I think the term ‘best friend’ has really relaxed over the years, but I know who’s there for me when times get hard.
7. Notebook or computer?
Computer. Hate writing by hand.
8. Print or cursive?
Cursive? What? LOL. Print. I don’t think I remember cursive besides how to sign my name. We just don’t use it enough in life.
9. Werewolves or vampires?
Werewolves. Not good with blood or puncture wounds.
10. Angel or Spike?
Never seen the show. I know, I know.
Savage Hunger
Being the daughter of a world-renowned scientist, Sienna Peters has struggled to carve out her own career in the field. But her world is sent spinning when she discovers a secret species being held in the lab where she works, and the horrible things being done to them. Compelled to do more than hand off an information-packed jump drive to her father, she sets out to free the creatures.
The minute his team enters the compound, federal agent Warrick Donovan knows their mission will have more trouble than they bargained on. Unfortunately, trouble comes in the form of Sienna Peters, the younger sister of his close friend. Now not only does he need to save her pretty ass, he needs to discover just how involved she is with the imprisonment of the shifters.
Sienna knows she should trust no one—not even the man she might still love. But as the danger escalates and past passion ignites, her heart has other ideas. Even when the shroud of mystery is ripped off more than one stunning truth
Website |Blog|Twitter|Good Reads|Facebook
Savage Betrayal, now available
#AADSAV Spotlight interview with Cat Grant
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born a poor black child… LOL! (Bonus points if you recognize the quote!)
(note from MK: I totally recognize the quote!! But I’ll let the readers try to guess)
2. Did you dream of writing when you were a little girl or did you dream of other thing like being a ballerina (or world domination, like me)?
I wanted to be an actress until I was, like, fourteen. Then I realized I had stage fright.
3. Were you always interested in m/m or did you start out writing something else?
Tried writing traditional m/f romance back in the 90s. Finished one really awful manuscript, which was roundly rejected, then I quit writing for about ten years, except for fan fiction. Then the e-book markets opened up, and BAM! I realized I could get paid for writing the same kind of stuff I’d been writing for free most of my adult life.
4. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you? Why did it make such an impact?
There was a book my teacher read to us when I was in fifth or sixth grade, titled The Good Master. I have no memory of what it was actually about, but considering the kinds of books I’ve ended up writing, it obviously made a lasting impression on me. J
5. What is your writing process?
Climb out of bed. Eat breakfast. Check email. Waste as much time as possible on the intarwebs before opening my WIP. Start typing. Glance out the window. Pet my cat. Type some more. Look out the window again. Have lunch. Type another line. Go back and revise everything I’ve written. Look out the window again.
Eat dinner. Watch TV. Go to bed. Lather, rinse, repeat.
6. How do you approach revising?
With the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch. Or, failing that, a meat cleaver.
7. What authors inspire you?
Honestly, just about every author writing in my genre inspires me – and makes me feel like a slacker.
8. What are your top 5 comfort reads?
I try to reread Lord of the Rings and Steinbeck’s East of Eden every couple of years or so.
9. How much of what you do in your day-to-day life goes into your writing?
NOTHING, I hope! I have the world’s most boring life. In fact, if I could be reincarnated, I’d want to come back as my cat. There are babies who aren’t pampered and cosseted as much as he is.
10. Do you write to music? If so, what’s your favorite music to write to?
I’m fond of opera and symphonic music – it’s so dramatic and emotional – but when I was revising Complications, I listened to nothing but breakup songs, mostly country/western. AKA, the music of pain.
11. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
The first line. The last line. All the lines in between.
12. What do you love most about writing?
What other job can you do in your pajamas with a cat curled up at your side?
13. What do you hate most about writing?
Those days when I have to pull every word out of my brain with pliers.
14. What are you reading right now?
I’ve been re-reading Sylvia Plath’s Collected Poems and a wonderful book on the craft of writing by Holly Lisle, Mugging the Muse.
15. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
If any of my characters ever show up on your doorstep, don’t tell them where I live. They’ll probably want to kill me for all the crap I’ve put them through.
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly?
Peanut butter! Preferably Lindor peanut butter truffles!
2. Chips or cookies?
Pretzels!
3. Best talent: music or art?
Oh, gawd, I wish I could play an instrument. I took piano and guitar lessons when I was a kid, but I hated practicing.
4. Print or eBook?
Ebook, definitely.
5. Pen or pencil?
Laptop!
6. Best friends: as many as possible or only need one?
One’s good.
7. Notebook or computer?
MacBook Air!
8. Print or cursive?
Neither. Nobody can read my writing.
9. Zombies or vampires?
Vampires are sexy. Zombies scare the crap out of me.
10. Angel or Spike?
Angelus! :)
Catch Cat at any of her other blog tour spots:
March 4th – Tara Lain - http://www.taralain.com/
March 5th – Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess - http://
March 7th – Cup O’ Porn - http://cupoporn.net/
March 11th – Mrs. Condit Reads Books - http://www.
March 13th – MamaKitty Reviews - http://mamakittyreviews.com/
AUTHOR BIO:
Cat Grant lives by the ocean in beautiful Monterey, California with one persnickety feline and way too many books and DVDs. When she’s not writing, you’ll probably catch her singing along to whatever’s on her iTunes, or fantasizing about kinky sex with Michael Fassbender.
WHERE TO FIND CAT:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Cat’s latest release, The Arrangement, is now available at: All Romance ebooks, Smashwords and Kindle.
BLURB:
Most people are lucky to find one love – Eric Courtland has two. But when Allison, his new wife, discovers his secret affair with Nick, his on-again, off-again lover of over a decade, Eric can’t bring himself to choose between them. Instead, he stuns them with a bold proposition neither can refuse.
Jealousy mars the early days of their relationship, but trust and growing intimacy lead to a deeper and more satisfying arrangement—as long as they keep their non-traditional partnership under wraps for the sake of Eric’s budding political career.
Blackmailing political rivals, the pressures of living in the public eye, and a serious illness all threaten their relationship—and force Eric to decide what he’s willing to sacrifice to keep the only two people he’s ever loved.
#AADSAV Spotlight Interview with Jade Lee
I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely and talented Jade Lee at AAD in NOLA. Today, I’m sitting down for a chat with Jade and can’t wait to hang out with her again in Savannah!
1. Tell us a little about yourself. – I’m just a writer who can’t say no. I’m in a terrible fix! (Okay, so Oklahoma! was my mother’s favorite movie. I grew up listening to it and can sing all the songs—badly.) Anyway, I have two pennames – Jade Lee is my regency-era historical name. She writes textured, sexy, big books. That’s where I go when I’m feeling the need for deep emotions, lots of layers, ballrooms and handsome Earls! Plus lots of hot sex! Kathy Lyons is my fun contemporary side. She’s sexy (very), has a ton of fun, and writes short books set in a very special B&B where hero and heroine share erotic dreams. As I said…sexy and fun!
2. Did you dream of writing when you were a little girl or did you dream of other thing like being a ballerina (or world domination, like me)? I dreamed of being Luke Skywalker’s girlfriend. Or a Narnia Daughter of Eve. Or a really hot elven girl in Lord of the Rings. I put myself in everything I read or saw on tv, and boy was I kick ass and sexy! I never dreamed of being a writer, but honestly, I’ve been a storyteller since I was born. (Mom called them lies…)
3. Were you always interested in writing romance or did you start out interested in something else? I wanted to write fantasy. Yes, I’m a sf/f geek. But I always put in a love story. And then, I just made the switch to romance. Plus, I’d always read regency romances, so it was a natural fit.
4. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you? Why did it make such an impact? C S Lewis’ Narnia books. Everyone talks about The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, but my favorite was The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Must have read that a zillion times. I understood the structure of a travel adventure book, and really resonated with Lucy’s growth arc.
5. What is your writing process? Coffee. More coffee. Gossip—er, networking with my friends. More coffee, then I write. All day. Or all afternoon if I’ve had a really…um…networking kind of morning.
6. How do you approach revising? With alcohol. No actually, revising is about supporting the structure of the story. It’s about details and making sure that reference at the end of the book is in the beginning too.
7. What authors inspire you? Joss Whedon, Jim Butcher, Steven Moffett. In that order.
[note from MK: I now love you forever. Joss is my idol.]
8. What are your top 5 comfort reads? Changes daily. It just has to be engrossing. Right now I’m deep in Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series.
9. How much of what you do in your day-to-day life goes into your writing? Everything goes into my writing. My cats, my husband, what I heard on the radio. EVERYTHING.
11. Describe your latest book in 140 characters or less. Shared Erotic Dreams in a very special (haunted) B&B. Dream Nights with the CEO by Kathy Lyons Comes out May 2013. Oops…you asked for my latest book. That would be Jade Lee’s Wedded in Sin. OMG, I love this book. I basically wrote Sherlock Holmes (thank you Steven Moffett who wrote the BBC version) getting knocked on his ass by love. He can handle everything else, but damn, falling in love just confuses him. If you’re looking for a good mystery, don’t get this book. I couldn’t have cared less. I wanted to see Samuel (aka Sherlock) getting completely flummoxed as he fell in love. Here’s a link: http://jadeleeauthor.com/books/bridal-favors-series/wedded-in-sin Excerpts and links there!
12. What do you love most about writing? Discovering something in my story that I hadn’t expected. If the writing is going right—if the structure and the characters are there—there’s lots of room for discovery if one’s open to it. My goodness, I didn’t know he had a best friend who got him into bug collecting. I didn’t know she was very ill as a child. She’s over it now, but it l lingers in her fear for her own children. That type of stuff. I just love it when it happens.
13. What do you hate most about writing? Getting started every day. Once I’m in the flow, everything’s fine. But starting every morning with a blank page…UGH. Sucks every time.
14. What are you reading right now? I’m halfway through judging RITA books right now, so I’ve got 3 brand new paranormal romances to check out! And sorry, I can’t say which ones!
15. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Check out my latest books at my website. For Jade Lee: www.JadeLeeAuthor.com for Kathy Lyons: www.KathyLyons.com Or join me on facebook where I frequently post funnies or man candy. http://www.facebook.com/JadeLeeBooks
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly? PB with lots of nuts!
2. Chips or cookies? Chips. Love the crunch
3. Best talent: music or art? Music, but not because it was really a talent. My mother forced me to play piano for eons as a child
4. Print or eBook? eBook
5. Pen or pencil? Felt tip markers… or pen
6. Best friends: as many as possible or only need one? As many as possible!
7. Notebook or computer? First draft on an iPad. Revisions on a computer
8. Print or cursive? Legible. Either one so long as I can read it.
9. Zombies or vampires? I play Plants vs. Zombies obsessively. So…gotta say killing zombies is a joy.
10. Angel or Spike? Brooding vs. potential villain. Can’t choose. I‘ll go with Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly/Serenity.
[note from MK: Yup, it’s official – I love you FOR LIFE]
#AADSAV Spotlight Interview & GIVEAWAY with Stacey Kennedy
Where are you from?
I’m about an hour outside of Toronto, Ontario!
How did you come up with the title for The Cat’s Meow?
This was one of those titles that just popped into my head and stuck. Not every title is that easy. Trust me, sometimes it takes weeks to find that perfect title for a story. Luckily, this one was easy peasy.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Truthfully, I hope people have fun when reading my stories. I know more than anyone how necessary it is to escape from real life—just to get a much needed break—so I hope my books give that for people.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Keri Arthurs, Riley Jenson Guardian series. It was that series that introduced me to the urban fantasy genre and why I love it as much as I do. Also, it’s why I write in this genre, too.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Keri Arthur, of course.
What book are you reading now?
Sadly, nothing. I’m too dang busy. But I have about ten books sitting on my e-reader waiting for me to read them. Keri Arthur’s newest, Darkness Hunts is one of them.
What are your current projects?
The Frostbite series will be completed with two more books coming out very soon. After that, I have a steamy BDSM series called, Club Sin that will be releasing in the Summer with Loveswept. I’m trying to finish up the Pact of Seduction series, too. And keep an eye out for Werewolves Be Damned that shouldn’t be too far off either.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in The Cat’s Meow?
Not a darn thing!
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Edits. I loathe them. Okay, I should say, edits on the first round. That’s when you get the big rewrites…and those are always painful. I’m very happy when edits are finished!
Who designed the cover for The Cat’s Meow?
I picked all the images and my design gal, PJ Edwards put it all together for me. She is incredible. I adore her work!
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Yes, I learned all about nifty magical spells and about rune magic. Researching for this book was fun!
The Cat’s Meow
Witch’s Brew Book One
A good witch always has a kick-ass back-up plan.
Libby is an Enchantress—a witch gifted by the Goddess to conjure spells. When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby takes the case to uncover the reasons behind the odd deaths. Much to her displeasure, the coven also sends a sexy warlock, Kale, to assist her.
While having the muscle around proves to be useful, fighting the attraction between them is worse than a hex, especially considering Kale is keeping secrets. But soon, Libby has bigger problems than the elusive warlock when her spells turn up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats.
Now Libby has landed herself in the midst of an uprising. She trusts no one and isn’t safe—not from the warlocks stirring up trouble. Not from the worrisome rebellion she can’t escape. And certainly not from Kale, who is weaving a very dangerous spell over her heart.
Urban Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
ISBN: 9781622668571
Release date: December 13, 2012
BUY LINKS:
EXCERPT LINK: http://www.staceykennedy.com/the-cats-meow/
Author Bio:
Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments, and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her husband and two children. If she’s not plugging away at a new story—which is rare because her muse is annoying—you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy, Games of Thrones, Supernatural and Dexter.
Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at:
- Website – http://www.staceykennedy.com/
- Blog – http://www.staceykennedy.com/blog
- Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/AuthorStaceyKennedy
- Facebook Fan Page – www.facebook.com/StaceyKennedyFanPage
- Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/Stacey_Kennedy
- Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy
- Amazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Kennedy/e/B004G9KR9A/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Storm Moon Press 3 Year Anniversary: Interview with SL Armstrong & K Piet and GIVEAWAY!!
1. Tell us a little about yourselves.
[S.L.] I’m a thirty-three year old bisexual woman in a polyamorous marriage. I have nine cats (yep, nine!) and two dogs. I live in hellishly hot Florida, but hope to move to Maine in the next two or three years. I live with my husband and heterolifemate (aka, K. Piet). I’ve been reading and writing for as long as I can remember, and have always been lost in my own worlds. It brings me great pleasure now to share those worlds with other who become just as enamored of them as I am.
[K.] I’m a twenty-six year old genderqueer (female presenting) individual who has been caught up in this whirlwind of writing and publishing thanks to S.L. Armstrong, whom I befriended during my college years. I have a degree in Kinesiological Sciences, which makes me look impressive as a massage therapist (hello, day job!) and serves to balance my artistic side with a bit of human body worship. I, too, am looking forward to moving back to the chilly weather, and I hope to someday add a few cats and a romantic interest (or two?) into my balancing act of art and science!
2. How easy/difficult is it to write as a team?
[S.L.] I find it as natural as breathing with K., actually. I just finished co-authoring with Erik Moore, and that was a little harder, but in the end, I really enjoyed the sharing of the story. I find the stories flow faster and better with an additional mind to bounce ideas off of and take some of the writing responsibility on. It’s fun and interactive.
[K.] It was much more difficult when we lived three timezones apart, but now that we’re physically closer to one another, the co-authoring comes very naturally. Inspiration is always flowing, and we can chat about the lyrics of a song we both like and end up with a handful of book ideas in one go. Our idea list is much longer than I think we’ll ever manage to get through, but I know we’ll keep trying, since everything clicks so well between the two of us.
3. How do you balance ideas between the two of you?
[S.L.] Usually, I have an idea and thrust it upon K., and then we bounce it back for a couple of weeks. Sometimes, there’s roleplaying in an IM to get a feel for characters and voice and setting, and then we dive into outlining the story. If there is a disagreement in how something should go, we tend to talk it out, and one of us sees that the other one is right. We don’t fight over it or anything, so it’s pretty easy and quick to resolve issues. (Though, honestly, we share a brain, so we’re almost always on the same page even before one of us opens out mouths to share an idea.)
[K.] We do have those “Hey, I was thinking this would happen next,” moments where the other one of us just sort of looks up and chuckles, “I’m already writing that exact thing.” S.L. is definitely the neverending fount of ideas. I blame it on her being the Pisces with her head constantly in that cloudy, artistic haze that I sometimes find so difficult to immerse myself in. Once I get that initial push, though, I’m pretty good at tossing the ideas back and forth to develop them fully.
4. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you? Why did it make such an impact?
[S.L.] I would have to say The Wrong Number by R.L. Stine. This was before Stine began writing more children’s books than young adult. Fear Street books began when I was in the fifth grade, and I devoured every one that came out, but the first one I read was The Wrong Number. It was the book that started me down my path of loving the literary horror genre. Once I’d outgrown Fear Street books, I moved onto adult books (about seventh grade, I think) by authors like Stephen King, John Saul, Dean Koontz, Robin Cook, H.P. Lovecraft, and Edgar Allen Poe.
[K.] Tough question for me, since I was never a voracious reader. I’d say Memoirs of a Geisha, which was truly the first adult book I remember reading (and *gasp* choosing to read on my own). I just remember being transported into a completely different time and place when I read about Chiyo/Sayuri as she becomes a geisha and is caught in the various dynamics of a world unfamiliar to her. It’s that very same theme of being taken out of one’s element and awed (both in terrible and fantastic ways) that drew me later to J.R.R. Tolkien’s world of Arda as well as Mercedes Lackey’s Last Herald Mage trilogy of books.
5. How do you lay a book out before actually writing it?
[S.L.] We outline our books from start to finish. We begin with our beginning, 1/4, 1/2, and end scenes, and then fill out all the scenes between each so we can make sure the plot flows as it should from one major event to the next. This ensures the pacing stays right on track.
[K.] Writing from the seat of our pants just doesn’t come naturally to either of us. Without an outline, we stray all over the place and lose focus. We have, on occasion, written something on the fly together, but it’s definitely more of a struggle, so we happily stick with our detailed outline approach most times.
6. How do you approach revising? Do you do it together or separately?
[S.L.] I tend to receive the edits back from our editor, and the make all the edits myself. I’m a control freak over it. XD
[K.] I only look at the book again if S.L. gets frustrated with the edits or demands I do something for her. Because she has the need for control, I tend to detach and let her work her magic. Sometimes, I do a final read through to catch the tiny typos that may have been missed, but I’m such a dismally slow reader that it doesn’t always happen before publication.
7. What inspires you?
[S.L.] Mainly music. I hear a song and a whole story can pop into my head.
[K.] Same here. Or, as stated above, I just listen to S.L. for, you know… five minutes. XD
8. If one of you writes something the other doesn’t like, how do you approach that?
[S.L.] I think this has happened only rarely, and happened mostly in the early works we did together. The only scene I can recall vividly was during the Rachmaninoff book, and I didn’t understand the direction K. took a scene. So, I simply asked why she’d written as she had, we discussed how I’d seen the scene, and then the scene was rewritten. And, I think, that’s what made us begin to heavily write out outlines so everyone knew where a scene was supposed to go. It’s all about communication, really.
[K.] While we do typically share a brain, it’s never good when we have to try to read one another’s minds on the plot twists and such. It usually happens relatively effortlessly when we’re in the development stages, but if there’s a question while we’re actually writing, we’ve learned to just ask. I tend to do a lot of asking/checking-in with S.L. just to ensure I’m on the same path she took in her mind.
9. What’s the most frustrating thing that’s ever happened when writing as a team?
[S.L.] When one of us lapses in the writing. Sometimes, one of us is not in the mood to write and we have a deadline looming. It can be incredibly frustrating for the one who is trying to get the manuscript done while the other one just doesn’t want to write at that time.
[K.] Completely agreed. Other than that, things aren’t typically frustrating for the two of us, but we both have our cycles of creativity. When they align, it’s magic in the making, but sometimes they don’t, and that’s when we’ll have our frustrations, though they always end up resolving as we swing back into the work again.
10. How much of what you do in your day-to-day life goes into your writing?
[S.L.] Almost nothing. Making Ends Meet was the exception since it’s set in our current city, in the current area we live, and was 
drawn from my real life experiences with teen moms (just applied to our teen dad in the story). But, for the most part, I don’t draw from my real life to flesh out my fictional storylines.
[K.] I’ve occasionally thought to write a massage therapist character, but the trope that instantly comes to mind is the one overused in porn (the ‘ooo sexy massage, inappropriate touching, sex on table’ progression), and my need to subvert that trope is so very strong that I don’t think I would actually end up enjoying writing it. XD
11. Do you write to music? If so, what’s your favorite music to write to?
[S.L.] Usually. I love music. I have playlists for many of our books. XD I have such eclectic tastes that the lists are populated by many artists. Adam Lambert, Heather Dale, Little Big Town, Christina Perri, 30 Seconds to Mars, Three Days Grace, Slipknot, Nine Inch Nails, Lords of Acid, Lady GaGa, Kate Miller-Heidke… so many!
[K.] I steal music from S.L. *laughs* When I write, though, I actually tend to get distracted easily, so I prefer it quiet. This rarely happens, however, so I’ve gotten used to music or television playing in the background.
12. Describe your latest book in 140 characters or less.
[S.L.] In the modern world, psychic Gabriel Lawrence is drawn into the decadent & debauched magical world of Dorian Gray & learns the truth of who he is. (146, sorry! Immortal Symphony)
[K.] When Chloe becomes a werewolf, she falls for the pack’s lesbian alpha, causing tension between alpha & alpha-mate until all 3 make peace. (137, woot! Under the Strawberry Moon)
13. What do you love most about writing?
[S.L.] Playing my imaginary sandbox with my best friend. It’s a great joy for me to share these worlds and builds these characters’ lives with K., and then share them with our audience. I love it.
[K.] Expressing and exploring parts of myself that I probably never would have discovered if S.L. hadn’t drawn me into the world of writing. She brings out so much creativity that I don’t believe I would have tapped otherwise!
14. What do you hate most about writing?
[S.L.] Editing. I hate it. When I finish writing a book, I just want it to be done and out. I understand the need for editing, and I make sure all my stories are subjected to it, but I hate the editing process.
[K.] When I can’t find the words I’m looking for or feel like I’m settling for a different description than the perfect one in my head that can’t be put into words. This is where S.L. and our editors tend to help me out.
15. What are you reading right now?
[S.L.] Nothing. 
This is sad.
[K.] Love You Two, a polyamory YA book by Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli, which I got for Christmas. Also, Task Force: Gaea by the wonderful David Berger, whom we met at NecronomiCon last October. And I’m still about 50 pages into Stephen King’s The Shining. I start a lot of books that I rarely finish. Next on my list is Off Balance, an autobiographical memoir by Dominique Monceanu.
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
[K.] Storm Moon Press, the independent publisher S.L. and I founded together, is currently celebrating its 3rd Anniversary! We’re really excited about this milestone, and we hope everyone will check out the big sale we have going on at our press! While we’re primarily a QUILTBAG press, we’ve expanded with a few imprints, one of which focuses on heterosexual/’mainstream’ erotica and erotic romance. Wild Moon is one area of our publishing that we’re looking to explore with fantastic stories from new and established authors alike. In honor of our anniversary, we’re holding both a big sale on all our titles and a giveaway on this blog tour! Anyone who comments with their email address is entered to win the grand prize of a free ebook each month for all of 2013! Runners-up will get gift certificates for $25, so we encourage everyone to comment on this or any other post in our blog tour to enter! For more info on our blog tour and the giveaway, head over to the official Storm Moon Press blog.
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly?
[S.L.] Peanut butter.
[K.] Peanut butter. OMG Peanut butter!
2. Chips or cookies?
[S.L.] Chips.
[K.] Cookies.
3. Best talent: music or art?
[S.L.] Art.
[K.] Art. (So long as it counts performance art, since I can then count hoopdancing and circus stuff)
4. Print or eBook?
[S.L.] Both? I like both. I have a huge eBook library and a huge print library. I love ‘em both.
[K.] I’d also say both, if allowed. Print feels nice in my hands, but ebooks are convenient for work/travel.
5. Pen or pencil?
[S.L.] Pen. Fountain pen, preferably.
[K.] Pencil. I hate not being able to erase. XD
6. Best friends: as many as possible or only need one?
[S.L.] Only need one.
[K.] Only need one.
7. Notebook or computer?
[S.L.] Computer.
[K.] Computer.
8. Print or cursive?
[S.L.] Print.
[K.] Print. And boy, I was expecting cursive from S.L. there! She’s the one with beautiful handwriting. Mine is pathetic, thanks to college courses making me take notes at lightning speeds.
9. Zombies or vampires?
[S.L.] Vampires.
[K.] Vamps!
10. Angel or Spike?
[S.L.] Spike. XD Mainly ’cause he had all the great, sarcastic lines.
[K.] Spike. Loved the contradiction of him: “I’m free if that bitch dies… I’d better help her out.”
Giveaway Opportunity!
This guest post is part of Storm Moon Press’ 3rd Anniversary Blog Tour! Comment on this post or any other post on the blog tour with your e-mail address, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win the Grand Prize of receiving 1 FREE e-book each month of 2013 from that month’s new releases for a total of 12 free e-books! Runners up will receive a $25 gift certificate to their choice of Amazon or All Romance eBooks. For more details and to find out about our 3rd Anniversary, head over to Storm Moon Press’ Official Blog. Thanks for joining us!
Interview and Giveaway: Lynne Silver and her latest release, Conquered Match!
It’s release day for Lynne Silver! In honor of this, Lynne has stopped by MKR for a little interview time and to giveaway a digital copy of book two of the Coded for Love series, Conquered Match! In case you missed it, I’ve been waiting anxiously for book two since I went to bibliomaniac heaven read Heated Match (click the hyperlink to check out the 5-star review), and I’m so excited to have Lynne with us. Read through and don’t forget to comment for a chance to win a free copy of Lynne’s latest release, Conquered Match!
Book two in the Coded for Love Series.
When genetically enhanced soldier Ryan Lopez learns his beloved wife Thea has betrayed his team by going to the news media and spilling Program secrets, he takes responsibility for her punishment the only way he knows how—seducing her until she’s begging for release. But the more he takes control of her body, the more he tests both their limits, and realizes he’s never fully understood his wife’s dark desires. It will take every bit of Ryan’s enhanced strength to prove to them both that the woman he loves is also his conquered match.
Conquered Match: January 11, 2013 from Ellora’s Cave
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
By day, Lynne Silver lives the suburban soccer mom life; volunteering with the PTA, doing laundry and working. By night she enters the sensuous world of alpha males and passionate heroines.
She calls the nation’s capital home and lives in an old fixer-upper with her husband and their two sons. When not writing romance, she reads it. Lots of it. Over and over and over again, preferably with a bag of M&Ms in hand. She is represented by literary agent, Jessica Alvarez of Bookends LLC http://bookends-inc.com/index.htm
Sorry for using the generic bio, but I suck at talking about myself. If I didn’t use the bio my critique partners wrote for me, I would say something like this:
I am female. I have 2 kids and a husband. I write books. They have sex. Well, the books don’t have sex, that would be weird. The characters have sex.
See what I mean?
2. Did you dream of writing when you were a little girl or did you dream of other things like being a ballerina (or an astronaut, like I did)?
I wanted to be Aileen Quinn, the actress who played Annie in the movie. I went around belting out Tomorrow, convinced someone would hear my talent, slap a red curly wig on my head and ship me off to Hollywood. I didn’t want to be an actress, only Annie.
3. Were you always interested in writing romance or did you start out interested in something else?
When I decided to write with the intent of getting published, it was all about romance. Before that, I wrote press releases for a technology company. (Fiction of a different sort)
4. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you? Why did it make such an impact?
In kindergarten, my teacher gave a star sticker on a sentence strip each time you read a book. My stars left the strip and went all the way around the room. Obviously books influenced me hugely. But the first romance book was Judy Blume’s Forever. It was the first book I ever read with sex in it. And I. Was. Hooked. I’d had NO idea an author could do that. I was 13.
5. What is your writing process?
I put my kids on the school bus at 7:50, grab a bite of breakfast, and am at my computer by 8:30 with my fingerless gloves and Snuggie on. Before starting any book, I do serious character outlines. We’re talking pages. I want to know everything about them so I can make sure they react in character. I don’t do extensive plotting, but I do have a bare bones outline, hitting the major turning points.
6. How do you approach revising?
With lots of valium and Advil. No seriously, I usually have to sit on a book for a little while if I know it needs extensive revisions. Then I read it out loud marking notes in a notebook.
7. What authors inspire you?
Judy Blume, Kresley Cole, JR Ward, Kristan Higgins
8. What are your top 5 comfort reads?
Catch of the Day (Kristan Higgins), Kiss of a Demon King (Kresley Cole) and anything by Maud Hart Lovelace in the Betsy Tacy series.
9. How much of what you do in your day-to-day life goes into your writing?
Hmmm.. Nada. Sorry.
10. Much of the plot of Heated Match is tied into the science of this world that you’ve created, but the romance is just as prominent. How do you balance the romance of the story with the science?
This one’s easy. The last science class I took was nearly 20 years ago. Romance is easier to write about! Plus, I write what I like to read. I love sci-fi, but I want a heavy dose of romance. I know some readers have asked some science questions about the features and logistics behind my soldiers. I’m thinking of adding some fun stuff to my website answering a lot of these questions. I don’t want my books getting weighted down with genetics lessons. (I was an American Lit major, I’m NOT the one to teach them)
11. What was the first scene that you wrote in Heated Match?
Heated Match started as a futuristic sci fi erotica. It was the first thing I wrote. Ever. And it sucked. I mean it sucked donkey balls. So I rewrote it as a contemporary romantic suspense. Paulson the geneticist wasn’t in it. A fifteen year old terrorist bent on revenge was. It still sucked. So I rewrote it again and again. I couldn’t begin to tell you which scene was first. Luckily, Books 2, 3, & 4 (yes, 4. Xander’s book) came much more easily. (well, I’m only on 11K into Xander’s but it’s going ok so far)
12. Describe your latest book in 140 characters or less.
Wife betrays her genetically enhanced soldier of a husband. He retaliates the only way he can…in the bedroom.
13. What do you love most about writing?
I love the freedom of setting my own schedule, and since I have attention issues, I love that I always have a new project. If I get bored of one thing, I can revise another or brainstorm a new thing.
14. What do you hate most about writing?
Typing- my hands hurt at the end of the day. Apparently I have a speech impediment, because Dragon Dictation did not work for me. At. All.
15. What are you reading right now?
I’m on vacay right now, so here’s what I downloaded onto my Kindle:
At Last comes Love, Mary Balogh
A Lady by Midnight, Tessa Dare
Breathe, Kristen Ashley,
Leave me Breathless, Cherrie Lynn
Tart, Lauren Dane
Zone One, Colson Whitehead
Cosmic, Frank Cottrell Bryce (This is the middle grade bedtime reading for my sons, but we’re all loving it)
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Thank you so much for having me on Mama Kitty! Oh, and everyone should sign up for my quarterly newsletter at www.lynnesilver.com There be prizes!
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly? Nutella
2. Chips or cookies? Sour cream & onion potato chips.
3. Best talent: music or art? Art
4. Print or eBook? Both
5. Pen or pencil? Extra fine tip gel pen
6. Best friends: as many as possible or only need one? One or two besties
7. Notebook or computer? computer
8. Print or cursive? Typed
9. Zombies or vampires? I’m so over both. But Colson Whitehead’s Zone One about Zombies, was really good.
10. Angel or Spike? Spike!
About the Author:
By day, Lynne Silver lives the suburban soccer mom life; volunteering with the PTA, doing laundry and working. By night she enters the sensuous world of alpha males and passionate heroines.
She calls the nation’s capital home and lives in an old fixer-upper with her husband and their two sons. When not writing romance, she reads it. Lots of it. Over and over and over again, preferably with a bag of M&Ms in hand. She is represented by literary agent, Jessica Alvarez of Bookends LLC http://bookends-inc.com/index.htm
Fun Facts about Lynne:
- She has no sense of direction and could get lost on her way from the kitchen to the bathroom.
- She grew up in Miami and is a huge Hurricanes fan. (The football team, not the natural disaster.)
- Speaking of natural disasters…she lived through Hurricane Andrew, though her car and much of her house did not. To this day she is scared of storms and windy days.
- Lynne eats a lot of sushi and considers herself a bit of a connoisseur. She and her husband considered writing a sushi guide at one time.
Question to win a free download of Conquered Match:
Create your physical dream of a genetically enhanced soldier! Is he tall? Blond? Muscular, Sinewy?
