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#AADSAV spotlight interview: Joy Daniels
Today, MamaKitty Reviews welcomes the fabulous Joy Daniels to sit down for a chat. MamaKitty had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Daniels at Authors After Dark 2012 in New Orleans and is looking forward to seeing her again at Authors After Dark in Savannah, where Ms. Daniels will be a Featured Author.
Before becoming an author, Joy Daniels studied oceanography and spent her days trying to save the world one fish at a time. While the environment is still one of her passions, these days her focus is on writing and growing veggies in the Washington, D.C. area with her scientist husband and two curious kids.
Originally from New York City, she’s still a loyal Yankees fan. Since moving south of the Mason-Dixon line, she has developed passions for NASCAR and country music and both feature prominently in her stories. Her debut novella, Revving Her Up, is the first story in the Full Throttle series, which focuses on the bad boys – and girls! – of stockcar racing. It will be released by Samhain Publishing on January 15, 2013. Her follow up will be a novel set in the capital of country: Nashville, TN. Music City, USA.
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a reader, writer, passionate environmentalist, and mother of two living in the DC Beltway. I love to read, dance, and do yoga, and I regularly rip up sections of my lawn to grow vegetables. I’m seriously considering setting up a beehive this spring.
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 a marine biologist. Seriously! In second grade I read books about Marie Curie and Eugenie Clark (“the “Shark Lady”) and I was hooked. I did in fact study biology & oceanography and worked in marine policy for 15 years. I still do some consulting on climate change issues.
I think the desire to write was always there but was for some reason suppressed until recently. Science writing was always a big part of my career and in college I loved taking English classes “on the side”, but it wasn’t until four years ago that I decided to write fiction. My husband kept saying “you can do better” when I criticized a book I was reading until I finally believed him and set out to try.
3. Were you always interested in writing fairly erotic romance or did you start out interested in something else?
Yes, but I didn’t know it! I just started writing what made sense without realizing that my sex scenes were really hot. When I showed them to a friend (now my agent), she told me that they were far too steamy for mainstream romance. So, I decided to try writing explicitly “erotic” romance and my steamy stuff found a home.
4. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you? Why did it make such an impact?
See #2 –”Lady With A Spear” by Scholastic. Never doubt how important it is for girls to have female role models. It never occurred to me that I could be a scientist until I read about other women who were.
5. What is your writing process?
Evolving. Seriously I just stated writing four years ago so my process is still in progress. The formula I’ve come up with so far is this: (1) brainstorm with my husband or a friend (fellow author Denny S. Bryce is one of the best sounding boards), (2) Fast Draft the first round (write 5k words/day for as many days as it takes to get to the end), (3) reread, (4) analyze, and (5) revise. It worked well with my latest novella, which took two months from step 1 to submission.
6. How do you approach revising?
With dread. Seriously I love first drafts, I’m great at spitting words onto the page but the revisions kill me.
7. What authors inspire you?
Megan Hart, Susan Lyons/Fox, Erin McCarthy, Karen Marie Moning. I have a stack of their books sitting next to my desk and whenever I need inspiration, or to laugh I re-read a favorite sex scene or some witty dialogue and I’m right back on track.
8. What are your top 5 comfort reads?
Elegance by Katherine Tessaro, The Immortal Highlander and The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes.
9. How much of what you do in your day-to-day life goes into your writing?
More than I ever realized. Not the specific details – I’m not a lawyer, a country singer or a museum intern (the heroines of my latest works) and while my sex life is great it’s not quite as wild as the stuff I write 
but there is something of me and/or my life in everything I write. I don’t set out deliberately to put it there – I’m usually at least halfway through the writing and revising process before I realize what I’m really trying to say and why it matters to me. For example, the heroine in Revving Her Up is a strong woman who discovers that she needs an equally strong man as a partner. That is totally my husband and me.
11. Describe (your latest book) in 140 characters or less.
A New York lawyer takes an erotic detour with a sexy stockcar mechanic when her car breaks down in a small Virginia town.
12. What do you love most about writing?
The freedom to let my imagination run wild. Whenever I feel down or overwhelmed by the mundane BS that life throws at me, I sit down with a notebook or in front of my computer and dive into another world.
13. What do you hate most about writing?
Revisions and the pressure I put on myself to be perfect.
14. What are you reading right now?
I’ve been on a huge epic fantasy kick for the past 6 months or so. Focusing almost exclusively on female authors (because they have the best female characters and always throw in some romance J). I’ve read a lot of Juliett Marilier, Jules Watson, C. S. Friedman, Laura Resnick (also LOVE her urban fantasy series), and I’ve recently finished Robin Hobb’s stuff.
15. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
My latest novella Unmasked, will be released in the Spring of 2013 as part of Entwined, a brand-new “chose-your-own” erotic adventure line published by Colioquy and the L. Perkins Agency. After that, Nashville Threesome and then story #2 in the Full Throttle series. On the non-fiction side, I contributed an essay titled “The Story is in the Sex” to the fabulous, Publisher’s-Weekly-starred book, Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey.
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly?
Definitely peanut butter. Mix it with chocolate and I will follow you anywhere.
2. Chips or cookies?
Cookies but I haven’t been able to eat “normal” ones since I was diagnosed with gluten intolerance in 2007. So I’ve had to learn to make my own treats.
3. Best talent: music or art?
Music. I don’t play an instrument but I enjoy the occasional drum circle and I love to dance. I’ve been taking bellydance lessons for 4 years now and performed in a holiday show in December.
4. Print or eBook?
I mostly read print books but that’s b/c I’m a library addict – if I had to buy all the books I read my kids would go barefoot. I also read a lot of used books for the same reason. On the other hand I LOVE having dozens of books at my fingertips and the Kindle for Android app means I’m never without a book!
5. Pen or pencil?
I need a pen for creative stuff. I used to take all my class notes in pencil during college and grad school and now I associate it with science/left-brained kind of stuff.
6. Best friends: as many as possible or only need one?
A few. My husband is #1 and then I have a few fab girlfriends (one of whom is my agent J).
7. Notebook or computer?
Computer for sure. I type much faster than I write even though I only us three to four fingers (never leaned to touch type).
8. Print or cursive?
Cursive – if you can call my chicken scratch “cursive.”
9. Zombies or vampires?
Vampires. Who needs body parts falling off when you can get it on with an immortal, eternally hot vamp?
10. Angel or Spike?
Confession – I’m not a Buffy fan. Just couldn’t get into it, although I tried. Maybe it’s a genetic defect? I do LOVE Firefly and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog so that’s got to count for something, right?
#AADSAV spotlight: Excerpt from “The Good Fight” by Andrew Grey
Jerry Lincoln has a problem: his Sioux Falls IT consulting business has more work than one man can handle. Luckily, that means he can hire some help. Jerry just hopes his new employee, John Black Raven, ends up being more helpful than distracting—but John’s deep eyes and long hair are very distracting.
John came to town for an education and a chance at a life he couldn’t have on the reservation, but what’s important to him now is getting a job and keeping it. Six months ago, his sister died, and now her children are in foster care. Despite having the law on his side, John can’t get custody—can’t even see his niece and nephew.
As Jerry and John grow closer, John discovers he doesn’t have to struggle alone. Jerry helps him win visitation rights and provides much-needed support. Yet their victories aren’t without setbacks. Child Services is tangled up with money, politics, and red tape, and Native American children are their bread and butter. But John and Jerry are determined to fight the good fight and to win—in more ways than one.
- Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 2, 2012)
- Language: English
- ASIN: B0095HIWNQ
- Purchase links:
- Dreamspinner
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
“Yes. He’s shutting down his computer,” John said, and I was about to get up when I heard what sounded like sniffles. Cracking my eyes open, I saw a kid in shorts and a T-shirt shuffling down the sidewalk, looking all around, sniffing.
“Mama,” he called, and I watched as he continued walking closer to the house. “Mama,” he called again. The sniffles got louder, and as he came closer I could see tears running down his cheeks. I stood up, walked down the steps, and went slowly out toward the sidewalk, where I knelt down in front of him as I heard thunder sound in the distance. I saw him jump. “Mama!” he yelled, and I touched his arm to calm him.
“What’s wrong?” I asked him, looking into huge dark eyes and a dark, round face framed by jet-black hair. I heard the door of one of the neighbors’ houses snap closed.
“That’s one of them injun kids. Just leave him alone.” I turned and glared at old Mr. Hooper, anger boiling inside me. He’d been a grouch and a certified pain in the ass for as long as I could remember, but this was the first time in my life that I contemplated hitting the old bastard. Instead I ignored him.
“Are you lost?” I asked him, and the kid sniffled and nodded. “What’s your name?”
“Keyan,” he answered, and I looked at John and then back at the boy.
“It’s going to be all right. I’m Jerry and this is—” I was about to say “John” when he interrupted me.
“Akecheta,” John said, and the boy sniffed once, and his eyes widened as if he were seeing John for the first time. Thunder sounded again, and the breeze, which had been blowing softly, picked up, whistling through the trees and around the house.
“Why don’t you sit with us on the porch,” I told Keyan. “Your mother is probably trying to find you.” I figured she was probably looking frantically, and Keyan’s wandering wasn’t helping. If she didn’t show up soon, I’d call the police. He nodded as lightning flashed, followed by more thunder. Keyan jumped and squeaked before hurrying up onto the porch. He stood near one of the front railings looking up and down the street, eyes scanning for his mother. Bryce came out, and I saw him and John talking before both of them sat down.
“You two can head home. I’ll take care of things,” I told them. Bryce peered toward the west, and I knew he was wondering whether he was going to get home before the storm hit. “Go on, Bryce. We’ll review things in the morning.” He nodded and said good night to both of us before hurrying to the driveway and into his car.
The first drops of rain hit the sidewalk as Bryce’s taillights faded from view. The wind picked up, and I gently moved Keyan further back on the porch as the sky opened up. “I’d better call the police,” I told John, and he placed his hand on my arm to stop me from going inside, shaking his head.
“Don’t,” John said. “She’ll be here soon.”
I was beginning to have doubts about that, but agreed to wait a few more minutes. As I was digging into my pocket for the phone, I heard a cry from the street, and the boy raced toward the edge of the porch. John stopped him, and a few seconds later a woman had the boy in her arms. He was crying, and she looked soaked to the skin as she rocked her son back and forth. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” she scolded nervously before crushing him into a hug once more.
The rain came down harder, pounding the ground and pavement. “Please have a seat until the rain stops,” I told her, and she nodded, sitting on one of the wooden chairs with her son close by.
“He wandered off and I’ve been looking for him all over,” she explained, and I wanted to ask what had happened, but like any mother, she just seemed relieved to have found him. I turned to John and then went inside and returned with a towel that I handed to her. She dried her face and hands before handing the towel back.
“Thank you for the towel, and for helping Keyan,” she said, and I took a minute to really look at her. She was a striking woman with pronounced cheekbones and huge eyes, with black hair pulled back into braids that hung down her back. She could have been a movie star, she was so striking.
“You’re welcome. We found him fifteen minutes ago, and he’d just had a bit of a fright,” I said, and she smiled, staring out into the rain. We didn’t talk much, and when the rain let up, she lifted Keyan into her arms, and after saying thank you once again, she hurried off down the street.
“That was a nice thing you did. Thank you,” John told me, and I turned to look at him, confused. “You helped her.” John looked toward the neighboring porch where old man Hooper looked back at us. “Too many people are like him.” John inclined his head, and I felt my righteous indignation rising.
“Dumb old fuck,” I muttered. I usually don’t swear, but I couldn’t stop it this time. “John, do you mind if I ask a few questions? I don’t mean anything by them, but they may not sound politically correct.”
“You may ask anything,” John said a bit warily. The rain picked up a bit, and the sky darkened once more. It was early evening, but it seemed later in the darkness.
“Is everyone from your tribe beautiful?” I realized how that sounded and shook my head. “Not that I’ve met many Native Americans, but the lady, her son… you.” I knew I sounded like an idiot and wished I’d simply kept my mouth shut.
“You think I’m beautiful?” John asked, and I saw him move closer, a smile on his face, as I nodded. My heart beat a staccato rhythm in my chest, and John’s rich scent mixed with the fresh smell of the rain. John moved still closer. “I think you’re very handsome,” John told me, our gazes meeting. I could have lost myself in the soul-deep eyes that stared back at me.
I shook my head slowly. “I’m pale and scrawny,” I whispered, not wanting to break the spell his eyes held me under. “You’re dark and strong.” I wanted to touch and find out if his cheek was as soft and smooth as it looked and if his lips tasted as rich and earthy as the scent on his breath and the muskiness that flowed off him like the rainwater. I could feel my body being pulled toward him, my fantasies and longing overriding my brain. John drew closer, and I knew I shouldn’t be doing this, but I wanted to kiss him more than anything.
“Did that injun kid find its mother?”
I backed away from John with a stifled groan and glared across at the other front porch. I could feel John tense next to me, like he was getting ready to launch himself at my neighbor. “You know, Mr. Hooper,” I began calmly, “it’s better to remain quiet and appear stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!” By the end, my words snapped out of my mouth, and I think the old fart got the message, because he stood up, shaking, his eyes trying to burn a hole through me. With a grunt, he pulled open his front door and went inside, the screen slapping closed behind him. When I turned back to John, I caught a glimpse of a shocked look that quickly morphed into a smile.
#AAD spotlight excerpt: Virna de Paul – Shades of Temptation
Carrie Ward understands dangerous men, and she’s got the scars to prove it. These days, the Special Investigations Group detective saves her risk taking for the job. But when she’s asked to pursue a high-profile serial killer, she’ll have to join forces with the last man she wants to depend on—Jase Tyler, an ace senior detective who’s as reckless as she is cautious. And despite her best intentions, the sparks begin to fly.
As Carrie and Jase race to try to save the next victim, the passion that simmers between them ignites. But a cunning killer at the top of his game is challenging carrie to play to the very end. Now all she can count on are her instincts—and Jase, the one man daring enough to keep her safe?.
- Publisher: Harlequin HQN (September 18, 2012)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0373776748
- ISBN-13: 978-0373776740
- Available for preorder: Amazon // Barnes & Noble
She pushed a wayward strand of hair back over one ear and licked her lips. “Careful, Tyler. Your date might not like it if you stand so close to me. I mean, not that she’d view me as a threat or anything, but you know how silly most women can be.”
Jase’s fingers flexed. Absently, she noted he’d removed them from his pockets. He had big hands. Long, elegant fingers that belonged on some kind of artist rather than a cop. He had big feet, too. Although he had more than his fair share of height, he lacked the sheer bulk of some of their teammates, especially Liam “Mac” McKenzie and Simon Granger. And while he was handsome, Jase was more pretty boy than ruthless masculinity. It often made people underestimate him, shocking them when he transformed from dazzling charmer to dangerous bad ass right in front of their eyes. Sometimes even Carrie forgot how ruthless he could be. When that happened, he’d inevitably remind her by apprehending a dangerous suspect or responding to one of her snarky comments with a scathing retort. Tensing, she waited for such a retort now.
It didn’t come. Instead, he lifted one of those big hands of his and lightly brushed her cheek with his fingertips. Her heart beat wildly. Immediately, she was tempted to close her eyes and lean into him. As it was, she recalled the first and only time he’d kissed her, just a week ago, when Mac’s girlfriend, Natalie Jones, had been assaulted and ended up in the hospital. Jase’s kiss had been one of comfort, a light, brief touching of lips, over too soon. But its affect on her had been as forceful as a blow. Just as his touch was now. She couldn’t help it. She trembled, and from the way his eyes heated and narrowed, he didn’t miss her reaction.
“Regina should definitely view you as a threat,” he said softly.
#AADNOLA Author Spotlight: Virna de Paul
Today, I’m sitting down to chat with AADNOLA author Virna de Paul, who is the author of last month’s #twitbooks pick, Chosen by Blood (I will post the transcript of the chat soon – I was unable to participate because of finals — BOO SCHOOL! Interfering with my reading time!) Virna was a pleasure to interact with via email, and I can’t wait to meet her IRL at AAD!!
- Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a mother of three young boys, a former criminal prosecutor, and a long-time romance reader who loves to travel, see Broadway shows, and is always struggling with balancing all the important aspects of my life. I want to write incredible books, keep a beautiful house, raise smart, kind, happy kids, keep the romance alive in my marriage, and hang out with my good friends.
2. Did you dream of writing when you were a little girl or did you dream of other things like being a ballerina (or world domination, like me)?
LOL on world domination. No, I had a pretty turbulent childhood. What I craved more was peace and a good book. But I always had a yearning for adventure, too. I think that comes hand in hand with being a voracious reader. I was an English major and loved books, but I never thought I could actually write one.
3. Were you always interested in Contemporary & Paranormal or did you start out interested in something else?
I started off wanting to write romantic suspense, and when I read Larissa Ione, Lora Leigh, Christine Feehan, and JR Ward, I got hooked on sexy paranormals and wanted to write a blend of romantic suspense and paranormal.
4. Do you prefer Alpha males or do you like the Betas you can push around?
I’m a big Alpha lover so long as I get an immediate sense that the one thing that can melt him into a gooey mess is the right woman! J
5. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you and why did it make such an impact?
A book called Lover From The Sea by Bonnie Drake. It was a revelation that books—even life—could offer deep emotion and adventure and desire and redemption. In my small world, that was like opening a whole set of doors and enabling me to see a bright future, one I never thought I could have.
6. What is your writing process?
It’s not pretty. I’m a “binge” writer. I’m either writing when I can find the time or when I’m overcome by inspiration. I would love to be able to write a little every day because I think that would make for a healthier family-friendly schedule, but I haven’t found a way to make it work…yet.
7. How do you approach revising?
I revised as a I write. Basically, before I write something new, I go over what I’ve already written and tweak it. By the time I’m done with a draft, it’s pretty clean and ready to go.
8. What authors inspire you?
So, so many. I just met Karen Robards at RWA in Anaheim. I’ve been a fan of hers for years, and my favorite book by her is One Summer. I love it when I’ve been a fan of an author’s work and then meet them and become a fan of them personally. I love writers who can create characters that are strong yet kind, and often this reflects who they are, as well. Since I’ve started writing, I’ve met Lori Foster, Larissa Ione, Rhyannon Byrd, Carly Phillips, Susan Anderson to name just a few. And they live up to the characters they write.
9. What are your top 5 comfort reads?
I’ll just list the first five that come to mind, though there are so many!
One Summer
Dream Man
Anything by Shannon McKenna
Conquer The Night by Karen Keast
Present Danger by Susan Anderson
10. Are you part of a group of writers/Do you have 1 trusted reader or CP?
I have so many lovely writer friends and belong to several local RWA chapters. I also have my core critique partners who keep me going when doing so seems impossible.
11. Do you have a day job? If so, do you see yourself being able to (or even wanting to) leave it any time in the future to pursue writing full time?
I was an attorney when I started writing. Right before I sold (I’d come close several times) I decided to take a leap of faith and give up my law job. I now write full time. But I have to admit, I wrote MORE before I quit my day job. Go figure.
12. What is your goal as a writer?
I would love to be a New York Times Bestseller for my print publishers, Harlequin and Random House
13. What do you *love* most about writing?
Hearing from readers who feel joyful and inspired after reading my work.
14. What do you *hate* most about writing?
Hearing from readers who felt disappointed by my work.
15. What are you reading right now?
I just finished “About Last Night” by Ruthie Knox, a Loveswept author. I met Ruthie at RWA Nationals in Anaheim. She writes sexy and sassy contemporaries. I’ve been having trouble finishing books lately, but hers kept me glued to the pages. I finished it in one sitting!
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Just that I’m still growing as a writer. My greatest hope is to stick with writing and improve with every story that I write. One reviewer has commented that while my writing might not be for everyone, readers won’t be bored. I take that as a great compliment and hope to only go up from there.
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly?
That’s like asking me paranormal romance or romantic suspense. I can’t choose!
2. Chips or cookies?
A little easier to answer, but not by much. I’ll go with cookies.
3. Bacon or sausage? Bacon!
4. Print or eBook? I’ll read eBooks but I much prefer print. I lugged a bunch of books to Ireland with me and don’t regret it.
5. Pen or pencil? Pen. Gotta commit to something!
6. Print or cursive? Cursive. It’s prettier!
7. Notebook or computer? Computer. Can’t live without it.
8. Kleenex or handkerchief? Kleenex. Hate laundry.
9. Zombies or vampires? Vampires. So, so primal and forbidden and hot!
10. Angel or Spike? Horror of horrors, I never watched Buffy. My friends are determined to remedy this with a Buffy-fest. I look forward to it!
Virna DePaul was a criminal appellate prosecutor with the state of California for over ten years. Before that, she spent a year in the trenches handling misdemeanor trials as a Deputy District Attorney.
Virna teaches online craft chats and workshops at www.savvyauthors.com.
FIND VIRNA
#AADNOLA Spotlight video interview with @Shayla_Black
This is my second ever video interview with the fabulous Shayla Black. If you remember my first video interview (with TJ Michaels), it was all edited and pretty, but that was due to the fact that TJ is amazing and knows how to do that kind of stuff. I, however, am new to the video interviewing and editing thing. So, this is the interview in all it’s unedited glory. Luckily, Shayla and I managed to keep it interesting!
I can’t wait to meet Shayla in NOLA! Just a few more days!! Are y’all excited yet? I KNOW I AM!!!!
About Shayla Black:
Shayla Black (aka Shelley Bradley) is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 30 sizzling contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances for multiple print and electronic publishers. She lives in Texas with her husband, munchkin, and one very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
Shayla has won or placed in over a dozen writing contests, including Passionate Ink’s Passionate Plume, The Holt Medallion, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and the National Reader’s Choice Awards. Romantic Times has awarded her Top Picks, a KISS Hero Award, and a nomination for Best Erotic Romance. Her books have translated into nearly a dozen languages and have begun to release on audio.
A writing risk-taker, Shayla enjoys tackling writing challenges with every book.
Have something to say? Contact Shayla or visit her on her Facebook page.
#AADNOLA Spotlight excerpt: Yasmine Galenorn
Book 3 of the Indigo Court Series
Berkley Mass-Market, July 3, 2012
Urban Fantasy ISBN: 978-0425250327
Available from: Amazon.com, BN.com
Blurb:
Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the dark Fae to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Now, the Vampiric Fae are on the move, hunting anyone in their path. As the war with the vampires ratchets up, Myst, Queen of the Indigo Court, enshrouds New Forest in her chilling grasp.
Cicely Waters, owl shifter and Wind Witch, has rescued the Fae Prince Grieve at a great cost. Their reunion has lost them the allegiance of the Summer Queen-and the tolerance of the vampires. In desperation they turn to the Consortium for help. Now, to regain the good will of Lainule, they must dare to enter the heart of Myst’s realm. But as Cicely and Grieve embark on their search for the heartstone of Summer, Winter is already wreaking her terrifying revenge.
Excerpt:
Grieve nodded, leaning in to plant a light kiss on my lips. His razor sharp fangs glistened in the light of day. He sniffed my neck. “I’m so thirsty for you,” he whispered, the light in his eyes flickering a dangerous shade of desire.
Stepping back, I put my hand on his chest and he caught it, bringing it to his lips. He turned it palm up, and exposed my wrist free from the glove and jacket. Slowly, his dark, starry, gaze never leaving mine, he leaned down and lightly nipped the skin. As a thin line of blood welled up, my body responded and I wanted to strip, to pull him to me, to fuck in the snow and ice. But I forced myself to stand still as he slowly began to lick the droplets off my skin.
“We are in Myst’s realm. The feral side of your nature is coming out to play.” I wasn’t trying to stop him— I knew by now that wasn’t a safe thing to do, but I was trying to bring him back to himself.
He paused, his long lashes flickering. After a moment, he drew back with a shudder. “I am not safe here. But there is no turning back. Watch me, Cicely. Chatter— I am relying on your common sense. If you see me slipping too far, get them out of here, away from me.”
Grieve looked so stricken I wanted to go to him, to kiss him, to reassure him that I would never leave him again, no matter what, but I knew now that promises were like burning paper in this world of snow and ice: Quick to make but easy to vanish into smoke and ashes. Instead, I pressed my fingers to my lips and held them out toward him. He nodded, understanding.
New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy forBerkley: both the Otherworld Series and the Indigo Court Series. In the past, she wrote mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and nonfiction metaphysical books.
Yasmine has been in the Craft for over 32 years, is a shamanic witch, and describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland WA with her husband Samwise and their cats. Yasmine can be reached via her website at www.galenorn.com
#AADNOLA Spotlight Interview: @TeresaDAmario
Today, we’re proud to welcome MamaKitty’s fellow RomVet, Teresa D’Amario! MamaMoon & I are psyched to meet her in NOLA!!
1. Tell us a little about yourself. – Not much to say – I’m retired Air Force, and hang out here in NC with my dogs and hubby. We keep busy with occasionally going for motorcycle rides and having a good time.
2. Did you dream of writing when you were a little girl or did you dream of other things like being a ballerina (or world domination, like me)? I actually did dream of writing. I even wrote some short stories in school which ended up with some nice “grades” from elementary to high school.
3. Were you always interested in paranormal romance or did you start out interested in something else? I’ve been a
paranormal fan since the days of the first Dark Shadows, and I was only 6 then. I didn’t understand the “Romance” of the show at the time, but loved all the spooky and wonderful characters.
4. Do you prefer Alpha males or do you like the Betas you can push around? Beta’s have their place, but I much prefer the Alphas. They send such wonderful little rumbles thru you.
5. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you and why did it make such an impact? The earliest book that I remember reading that really stayed with me is “Secret Garden”.
6. What is your writing process? Mostly I just park in front of the computer, close my eyes, and daydream. I slide right into the scene the more I work on it. I have to really delve deep though, so I have to make sure there’s no verbal sounds (TV or music) in order to write well. I can listen to classical and such.
7. How do you approach revising? Revising/editing for me is “magic” time. It’s when the basic words become something other than they started out to be. For me it’s one of the greatest parts of writing, second only to the initial inspiration. Weird, I know.
8. What authors inspire you? So many it’s not even possible to list them all. Recently I’ve been reading a lot of Jim Butcher’s book, loving the male POV. Part of this year’s goals is to do better at that male POV, make it more natural, so that’s why I’m studying his work. He writes in first person, which is not what I do, but his writing gave me insight that I might not have picked up on otherwise. Though he’s a firm believer that men think of sex every 60 seconds. Ok, not really. Only when he sees something female. LOL
9. What are your top 5 comfort reads? Wow, you really went there, didn’t you? Seriously I can’t list 5. I can tell you that if I want a quick, clear the brain read I’ll pick up a Nora Roberts book, but if I want to hide from the world, I want something much deeper, and more dark, like maybe JR Ward, or Larissa Ione.
10. Are you part of a group of writers/Do you have 1 trusted reader or CP? Right now I work primarily with one trusted CP. I’ve found I work better in smaller groups or with one person, then get the occasional second opinion. If I get too many opinions on my work it seems to make things get confusing.
11. Do you have a day job? If so, do you see yourself being able to (or even wanting to) leave it any time in the future to pursue writing full time? I currently have a “day Job” which is usually at night, thus the reason people aren’t seeing me online as much. I’m usually working when everyone else is online playing. I hope to one day give up the day job, but who knows.
12. What is your goal as a writer? My goal is to continue telling the best stories I can. Some say they want to hit the NY Times bestseller list, others want to win all kinds of prizes. I write for my readers, and I just want them to enjoy the best story possible, and to feel a sense of peace and joy by the end of the book, regardless of the other emotions I’ve sent them through prior to that.
13. What do you *love* most about writing? I LOVE coming up with the stories, getting ot know the characters and feeling their emotions.
14. What do you *hate* most about writing? I hate that I type slower than my brain works, and that means I can totally have that
book plotted and stories filled out in my head and not typed in yet. I wish I could just think, and the words be typed in. But that would be cheating, wouldn’t it?
15. What are you reading right now? I just finished Ghost Story, the most recent book in Jim Butcher’s Dresden series and am heading into the newest Nalini Singh book, Tangle of Need.
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Yes! I can’t wait to go to meet everyone at Author’s After Dark! And watch out for my basket in the basket auction. It’s gonna be very original and kewl. In fact, it might not even be in a basket!
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly? Peanut Butter
2. Chips or cookies? Chips
3. Bacon or sausage? Sausage
4. Print or eBook? eBook
5. Pen or pencil? Pen
6. Print or cursive? Cursive
7. Notebook or computer? Computer – it’s easier to type on.
8. Kleenex or handkerchief? kleenex
9. Zombies or vampires? Hmm Vampires. Zombies are just,,, uhm, gross.
10. Angel or Spike? Angel all the way.
Born in Atlanta, the daughter of an Army Soldier during the early stages of the Viet Nam war, Teresa spent her childhood traveling from state to state, finally ending up overseas in Germany where she graduated high school six months early.
Her 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 she increased in rank, her 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 her early writing wasn’t limited only to the technological side. She’s 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 her labrador retriever, then a young pup.
She is married to a wonderful man named Doug, who is also retired Air Force, and just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. They live in North Carolina with their two dogs.
#AADNOLA Spotlight Interview with Melanie Card
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
Thank you MamaKitty for inviting me here today. I’m a coffee, chocolate, and theatre addict who writes YA Fantasy under the supervision of one crazy cat (who still thinks she’s a kitten). I grew up in the smallest city that could satisfy any theatre addict,Stratford,Ontariowith it’s world renowned theatre company… although what came first? The theatre or my love of it? They also have an amazing chocolate company, so that’s probably where I got two of my three vices.
2. Did you dream of writing when you were a little girl or did you dream of other things like being a ballerina (or world domination, like me)?
After the initial desire to be a babysitter when I was in grade 2 (I had the coolest babysitter in the world), my next career dream was to be a writer. Throughout high school and university my dreams were in flux as I explored music and theatre, but I always came back to writing. Eventually I decided to stop fighting it and completely embrace being a writer.
3. Were you always interested in YA/fantasy or did you start out interested in something else?
I’ve always been drawn to fairy tales and myths and fantasy stories. The first stories I wrote were about fairies and dragons and princesses, and while I often added in adventure and mystery if the stories weren’t set in a historical, fantastical world, there were always magical elements to them.
4. Do you prefer Alpha males or do you like the Betas you can push around?
I think it all depends on the story. For me it’s all about the character and everyone of us has elements of alpha and beta in us. What comes out depends on the situation. The hero in my debut novel, Ward Against Death, is essentially a beta, but that doesn’t mean you can push him around. He’s a normal guy thrust into a situation he has no experience with. He’s a scholar and a physician and has no desire to hurt anyone. But when push comes to shove he’ll stand his ground and do whatever it takes to do the right thing even if that puts him in danger.
5. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you and why did it make such an impact?
This is a tough one. I read lot a books as a kid and there were so many I loved. I think they made a collective impact on me. I remember a great series on world mythology (three books, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian) that I kept getting out of the library over and over again. I have wonderful memories of sitting in my parent’s backyard in the early summer evening with my mom and my brother readingAlicein Wonderland. And I remember hanging out at the science fiction / fantasy / mystery specialty bookstore, browsing through all the books, trying to figure out which ones I really wanted to buy because I couldn’t afford to get ALL of them.
6. What is your writing process?
My process changes from story to story. Some books just flow and I can’t seem to write fast enough to keep up with the ideas and words. Others are like stop and go traffic, where I write something then realize I need to answer an important question before I can move on and can spend a couple of days trying to figure it out. I often do a partial, point from, plot outline, and usually know the big scenes I want to hit, but sometimes the characters do something or say something that changes the outline and I’ll follow that and change the plot.
7. How do you approach revising?
I revise on a variety of levels and it can take me a while to get a manuscript to a place where I’m happy with it. I start with the big stuff, character, plot, etc and work my way through. I often have a list of things I want to looked at from when I’m writing the first draft. Sometimes I think of something that I want to fix earlier in the book. I make the list so I don’t go back and rewriting during that initial drafting period. Once the big stuff is done, I look at words, structure, pacing, flow, and the little details within each scene. Then, I turn to even smaller technical stuff looking at repetitive words, misused homonyms, etc.
8. What authors inspire you?
I’m always inspired by the writers who juggle all the complications of everyday life (be it day-job, family, etc), and maintain their determination and positive attitudes in the face of what can be an emotionally challenging career.
9. What are your top 5 comfort reads?
This is going to sound strange but I’m not much of a re-reader (I don’t tend to watch movies over again either). There are writers who I know will give me a good read, Deborah Cooke, Maria V. Snyder, Barbara Hambly, and Mercedes Lackey, so when I need a “comfort read” I usually turn to them.
10. Are you part of a group of writers/Do you have 1 trusted reader or CP?
I belong to Romance Writers of America and their Toronto Chapter, as well as I’m a Seton Hill University MA Popular Fiction alumni and they have an excellent online writing community. I also have a handful of writer friends who live nearby who I hangout with on a regular basis to talk shop. As for someone who readers my writing, I have one amazing critique partner (who I met while attending Seton Hill). We clicked early on in the program and have been working together ever since.
11. Do you have a day job? If so, do you see yourself being able to (or even wanting to) leave it any time in the future to pursue writing full time?
I’m extremely fortunate to not have a day job at the moment and have been pursing my writing full time. I couldn’t have done this without the understanding and unconditional support of my husband.
12. What is your goal as a writer?
To tell stories and help others have that same joy and excitement I feel when I’m immersed in a great tale.
13. What do you *love* most about writing?
The characters. There are always moments when I’m drafting a story when the character stand up and do or say something that surprises me and changes things about the book. I know, the words are coming from my head, how can I be surprised? I don’t know how it happens but it does. And to me those moments are pure gold.
14. What do you *hate* most about writing?
There’s nothing I hate about writing. I was surprised to find out how much non-writing stuff (like promotions) is a part of the “writing job” and I’m trying my best to learn about all that. But I’m kind of shy and it isn’t nearly as natural to me as just telling stories.
15. What are you reading right now?
I’m just about to start reading Steel by Carrie Vaughn
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I’m looking forward to meeting everyone at the Author’s After Dark Conference, but again, I’m a little shy, I’ll probably be the one hanging out in the corners.
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly? Both
2. Chips or cookies? Both!
3. Bacon or sausage? Bacon
4. Print or eBook? eBook
5. Pen or pencil? Pen
6. Print or cursive? A strange combination of both.
7. Notebook or computer? Both (depends on the situation)
8. Kleenex or handkerchief? Kleenex
9. Zombies or vampires? Vampires
10. Angel or Spike? Angel
About Melanie Card:
Melanie has always been drawn to storytelling and can’t remember a time when she wasn’t creating a story in her head. Her early stories were adventures with fairies and dragons and sword swinging princesses.
Today she continues to spin tales of magic in lands near and far, while her cat sits on the edge of her desk and supervises. When she’s not writing, you can find her pretending to be other people with her local community theatre groups.
Connect with Melanie:
Facebook / Twitter @melaniecard / Goodreads / MelanieCard.com
#AADNOLA Author Spotlight – Lissa Matthews guest post
Today, we have the pleasure of Lissa Matthews joining us. She has been a joy to converse with and I truly can’t wait to meet her at AAD!
It’s less than a month away. I know so many people are looking forward to it, to visiting New Orleans, to seeing friends they’ve made over the years going to conferences, to seeing familiar faces and meeting new readers.
But me? Well, I’m gonna be honest here. I can do that, right? Be honest? Good. 
I’m nervous as sh*t. There I said it. I’m nervous. Why? Well, a couple of reasons really…
For one thing, I’m an introvert. I think the term was invented for me. I don’t do large crowds for extended periods of time very well. Or constant activity. Drains me of any kind of energy. The heat and humidity are going to be bad enough for that, but add in the crowd and noise and I start twitching, looking for an escape route.
For another thing, I’m on panels. I don’t speak well in front of others. I’m the one who hangs out in the back, in the corner and watches, taking it all in. I observe. I’m not a snob. I simply would rather watch and listen. I don’t talk about myself well, so panels are going to be interesting. It’s amazing I passed speech class in college and that I was in the band and could get up on stage to perform.
Incidentally, if you’re curious, I’m on the Male/Male Panel (which is cool since I have a new M/M series coming out with Samhain Publishing starting in
January), the Contemporary Panel (which I write contemporary erotic so, makes some sense), and the Keeper Shelf Panel (which is taking some serious thought on my part). These should be interesting. There were several other panels I’d have loved to have a chance at being on, despite my nervousness in talking in front of people, however I was a late addition to the panels and AAD in general. Maybe next year… 
What I am looking forward to is seeing fellow author friends and meeting new ones, getting away from home for a few days, hopefully meeting readers, getting some New Orleans Iced Coffee, delighting in a few beignets, and showing off the hot men in my promo designs…lol. There will be fangirl moments, as well.
So, if you see me, feel free to say hi. I’d like to meet you…
Thank you MK for having me and letting me ramble a bit. If any of you wish to find out more about me, please visit me in one or all of the following places: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
Living in North Carolina, talented, multi-published author, Lissa Matthews, has many loves in her life: Family, friends, NASCAR, football, music of all kinds, cooking, BDSM, and last, but not least, coffee. She loves it so much, in fact, she and those who know her are surprised she hasn’t floated away on a caffeine-induced cloud while giving life to feisty heroines and hunky heroes.
#AADNOLA author spotlight & giveaway: Melissa Schroeder
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a military wife with two kids on our last assignment with the man. I have a twitter addiction that sometimes causes interruptions in my work. Over the last seven years, I have had almost 50 books published under two different names in a variety of genres, the most well known being the Harmless series.
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)?
Ohh, good one. World domination was one dream and writing another
3. Do you prefer Alpha males or do you like the Betas you can push around?
Personally? Depends on what you are talking about. In real life…I like to run everything. But, that changes in the bedroom lol.
4. What is the first book (doesn’t have to be romance) that you can remember making an impact on you and why did it make such an impact?
To Kill a Mockingbird. I had to read it for a 7th grade report. I think it was just the timing of it. I lived a sheltered life as a military brat, and I didn’t know a lot of the ugliness in the world. Remember, I lived in a community where it was completely acceptable for interracial marriages in the 70’s: the military. So, I didn’t see a lot of that. It was a world that completely existed within the US but not in my realm at the time.
5. What is your writing process?
I will be honest, it changes with each book. Some books I edit as I write, just having to go over one time before sending off to the editor. Others I just write like crazy and finish in record time, then spend days editing it because it is such a mess. I have learned to just let the book take over and it is much easier than trying to force it.
6. How do you approach revising?
As I said before, each book is a little different. I tend to go over a book several times before sending it in, including reading the entire book out loud.
7. What authors inspire you?
This is hard because it is a long list. First romance I picked up was a Linda Howard, but then I found so many others. Julia Quinn, Nora Roberts, Jenny Crusie, Liz Carlyle, Lora Leigh, Joey Hill…that crazy eclectic list could go on and on for ever.
8. What are your top 5 comfort reads?
In no particular order:
- Carnal Innocence – Nora Roberts
- Ice Queen – Joey Hill
- Mirror of my Soul – Joey Hill
- Romancing Mr Bridgerton – Julia Quinn
- Ransom – Julie Garwood
[Note from MamaKitty: I LOVED Carnal Innocence and Ransom!!]
9. What is your goal as a writer?
To keep writing stories people love.
10. What do you love most about writing?
Readers. Romance readers are the best. And, well, I am a control freak so I get to create an entire world of my own and tell people what to do.
11. What do you hate most about writing?
Life gets in the way. There are times I have to spend weekends on edits or nights writing blogs. It does infiltrate your personal life at times.
12. What are you reading right now?
Always a Marine (series) by Heather Long – LOVING IT
13. Describe your latest book in 140 characters or less.
Navy Seal Dom who is about to fall.
14. What is your current work in progress?
Desire by Blood-should be out in July. It is my first book in a Victorian vampire series.
15. Out of everything that you’ve written, what has been your favorite?
Oh, hard, but A Little Harmless Obsession and Possession: A Little Harmless Military Romance are tied.
16. Have you published anything that you wish you could go back and re-write?
I am sure there are, but I don’t believe in regrets or looking back. Of course, I will be editing a lot of my older releases when I gain the rights to them and rereleasing, so I guess I will get that chance lol.
17. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Yes, if you are going to AAD NOLA, be sure to stop by my Cursed n Blood Affair and my open bar with Kris Cook for lots of goodies and fun!
[Note from MamaKitty: I’ll be there!!!]
Want to win a book from Melissa’s backlist? Enter on the Rafflecopter below!
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly?
PB
2. Chips or cookies?
Chips
3. Bacon or sausage?
Bacon
4. Print or eBook?
ebook
5. Pen or pencil?
pen
6. Print or cursive?
cursive
7. Notebook or computer?
computer
8. Kleenex or handkerchief?
Kleenex
9. Zombies or vampires?
Vamps
10. Angel or Spike?
Angel
Born to an Air Force family at an Army hospital Melissa has always been a little bit screwy. She was further warped by her years of watching Monty Python and her strange family. Her love of romance novels developed after accidentally picking up a Linda Howard book. After becoming hooked, she read close to 300 novels in one year, deciding that romance was her true calling instead of the literary short stories and suspenses she had been writing. After many attempts, she realized that romantic comedy, or at least romance with a comedic edge, was where she was destined to be. Influences in her writing come from Nora Roberts, Jenny Cruise, Susan Andersen, Amanda Quick, Jayne Anne Krentz, Julia Quinn, Christina Dodd, and Lori Foster. Since her first release in 2004, Melissa has had close to 20 short stories, novellas and novels released with seven different publishers in a variety of genres and time periods. Those releases included, The Hired Hand, a 2005 Eppie Finalist for Contemporary Romance and Tempting Prudence, a 2005 CAPA finalist for short erotic romance. Her contemporary, A Little Harmless Sex became an international best seller in June of 2005.
- Website
- Melissa’s newsletter
- Melissa’s blog
- Melissa on Facebook
- Melissa on Twitter
- Melissa’s Harmless group on FB
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
