Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Interview with Roxanne Rhoads

For my first book release, I turned to Bewitching Book Tours to get some help with promotions, and I've stuck with the company since; they do a fantastic job. I soon discovered that talented publicist Roxanne Rhoads has more than marketing on her plate; she is also a great writer taking readers into sizzling journeys into the supernatural. Today, it is my pleasure to welcome her to my blog! Oooh, by the way, her book Hex and the Single Witch is available free on Amazon February 13 and 14, so if you haven't grabbed it yet, now's a good time.

Welcome Roxanne Rhoads!

 Roxanne, I am happy to have you here today. Please tell us your latest news.

Thank you for having me.

I have a few things in the works for 2013 (if I can manage to finish them). I have a series of erotic poetry eBooks I plan to publish along with book two in the Vehicle City Vampires series.

I have read your book Hex and the Single Witch – and have a bad conscience for not writing a review yet. How did you decide to write about witches, vampires, and other supernatural occurrences?

They’ve always been a part of me. Even when I was a kid I gravitated towards anything that had ghosts, witches and whatnot in them (The Munsters, The Addams Family, Scooby Doo, and any book that was spooky or otherworldly). Then when I was 10 or 11 I found Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire at a garage sale, and that made vampires my number one obsession.

Besides authoring, you also run your own company and have a family. Do you have any tips to share for combining these different roles? 

Organization and time management. I have to-do lists and files that keep me on track and I try to stick to a schedule and routine every day. Of course with kids I have to be flexible because there are always doctor appointments, parent teacher conferences, and snow days but luckily my husband’s job is also very flexible so we can trade off on appointments and kid duties. It’s nice that neither of us have a 9-5pm stuck in a building job. It makes having a life and family time a lot easier to fit in with work schedules and responsibilities.

Please tell us about your latest book. I love that cover, by the way!

 Hex and the Single Witch
Vehicle City Vampires Book One
By Roxanne Rhoads

Publisher: Bewitching Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Urban Fantasy
Word Count: 83,000

Anwyn Rose is descended from a long line of powerful witches yet she can barely cast spells young witchlings have mastered. She has one functioning witch gift, the power of knowing, which she puts to good use as a Detective on Flint’s Preternatural Investigation Team.
It’s a new era in Vehicle City, supernaturals are running the town.

The P.I.T has their hands full with paranormal crimes. Top priority is a serial killer, who appears to be a vampire, draining young women in the city.

Anwyn is on the case with her sexy partner Detective Mike Malone. Complicating things is her relationship Galen, a vampire who looks more guilty than innocent, although Anwyn trusts her instincts even if her power is on the fritz.

Mysterious spells, compromising situations, and a possible demon on the loose make it hard to focus on the case, but Anwyn has to make things right before the human police execute the wrong vampire.

 Hex and the Single Witch contains magick, a little bit of mystery, a lot of supernatural mayhem, and a sexy love triangle that will leave you wanting more.

Check it out for Amazon Kindle 

Who is your favorite author, and what really strikes you about their work?

Oh man that’s hard. I have a huge list of favorites- Kim Harrison, Jeaniene Frost, Darynda Jones, Juliet Blackwell, Annette Blair, Chloe Neill….I am an eclectic reader and all of these authors have grabbed my attention and kept it for various reasons. Kim Harrison’s books are character and plot driven and keep me wanting more; Jeaniene Frost… the relationship between Cat and Bones is swoon worthy; Darynda Jones has a wacky sense of humor that had me laughing out loud within two pages of her first Grave book; being an antique buff I love Juliet Blackwell’s weaving of historical homes and vintage clothing in her mysteries; Annette Blair also weaves magic and vintage clothing in her vintage magic series plus Annette’s humor had me hooked with the first book I read of hers, The Kitchen Witch.

Is there a single book or author that made you want to write?

No, I think I was born with a pen in my hand. Books have always been a part of my life, so has writing. Growing up I wrote for all the school publications and I won numerous essay contests. I even won a scholarship to college from a local newspaper. Ink runs through my veins.

I read a funny story on your Facebook wall one day about your husband trying to explain a book he read, and it turned out to be one of yours. That had me chuckling for a long time. Does your family generally read your books?

My husband does. Since many of my books have erotic content the kids don’t get to read those (obviously) yet though my daughter is waiting impatiently (she’s almost 14). I have other non-fiction and poetry that they do read though. I’m happy to share that with the family. My mom has taken my non-fiction and magazines to the senior center with her to show them off to her friends. ;-)

Do you have a favorite object pertinent to your writing? (Pen, coffee cup, pet, blanket, chair…?)

My comfy corner and my office chair- that’s my work zone. It has a great view of the woods behind my house. I can watch squirrels and birds play all day long.

Do your fictional characters develop on their own, or do you have their lives planned out in advance?

They develop on their own, sometimes in ways I am totally against. In Hex and the Single Witch Mike Malone totally high jacked the story. He was never supposed to be a love interest for Anwyn. Apparently he had other ideas.

Do you base any of your characters personalities off people you know, and if so, do you tell them?

Most of my characters are a mixed up mash of many people I know tossed in with some fiction. Many of my heroines display some of my traits mixed with traits I wish I had ;-), some of the villians are based on an ex or two, and then there’s my mother…yeah some of her traits get thrown into the mother roles. But for the most part I’d say the characters are 85% percent complete fiction.

Hahaha, creating villains out of exes, that's hilarious and a great idea. Tell us about your all-time favorite character (of your creating.) Is he/she modeled after a real person?

Mike Malone has to be my favorite because he has layers. And there’s no angst or drama like with the vampires. Plus he developed on his own. He was a side character that popped up and said “hey here I am, I’m not staying on the sidelines.” And he hasn’t. Much to my surprise he turned out to be a real hero and an awesome guy. I’m looking forward to more of Mike in the upcoming Vehicle City Vampires books.

 Of all the wonderful pieces you’ve written (Please list them all so I don’t miss one or worse, misspell one), which is your favorite?

That’s hard. I think A Halloween to Remember may be my favorite because it was so much fun to write. I went a little wild on that one. It can be purchased as en book by itself and it appears in my anthology Paranormal Pleasures.

Book List with publisher:

Hex and the Single Witch, Bewitching Books
Paranormal Pleasures Ten Tales of Supernatural Seduction, Bewitching Books
Sinister Seductions, Crushing Hearts Black Butterfly
Complete Circle, Noble Romance
An Unexpected Evening, Noble Romance
No Place I'd Rather Be, Noble Romance
Naughty Little Forest Nymph, Xcite Books
Eternal Desire, Eternal Press
Insatiable, Eternal Press
Tasty Christmas Treats, Eternal Press
Erotic Dreamspell, L&L Dreamspell
A Halloween To Remember, Excessica
Lust Bites, Xcite Books
Daily Flashes of Erotica Quarterly 2, Pill Hill Press
Spirit Lovers 2, Xcite Books
Candy Cane Thrills, Xcite Books
Seriously Sexy Stocking Filler, Xcite Books
Red Hot Reads 3, Xcite Books
Like That Spark, Circlet Press
Lasting Lust, Ravenous Romance
Dark Pleasures, Mélange Books
Torrid Teasers Volume 59, Whiskey Creek Press-Torrid
Alfresco Loving, Xcite Books
Of Leather & Lace, Firefly and Wisp
Everything Erotic: The Best of Short Fiction 2011, Red Hot Publishing
Bella Morte: A Beautiful Death Anthology, Hot Ink Press

Wow, that's an impressive list. Thank you so much for stopping by today! :-)

About Roxanne:

Story strumpet, tome loving tart, eccentric night owl...these words describe book publicist and erotic romance author Roxanne Rhoads.

When not fulfilling one the many roles being a wife and mother of three require, Roxanne's world revolves around words...reading them, writing them, editing them, and talking about them. In addition to writing her own stories she loves to read, promote and review what others write.

Roxanne is the owner of Bewitching Book Tours and operates Fang-tastic Books, a book blog dedicated to paranormal and urban fantasy books.

When not reading, writing, or promoting Roxanne loves to hang out with her family, craft, garden and search for unique vintage finds.

See more of Roxanne:

Author blog: www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
Book Blog: www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
Bewitching Book Tours: www.bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RoxanneRhoads  
http://www.facebook.com/BewitchingBooktours  
http://www.facebook.com/RoxanneRhoadsAuthor
http://www.facebook.com/FangtasticBooks
Twitter: @RoxanneRhoads
Roxanne can also be found on Linked In, Goodreads and Google+


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Friday, January 25, 2013

Interview with Diane Burton, science fiction romance novelist!

I met Diane Burton at the SFR Brigade. I haven't read her books yet, but they're definitely on my pile!  I'm delighted to welcome this talented author to my blog. :-)

 Welcome Diane Burton, scifi romance writer extraordinaire!

Please tell us your latest news!

The Pilot is my latest book. (blurb and excerpt below) It’s the start of a new science fiction romance series about strong women on the frontier of space. Think the wild west of the 1800’s.

If you were to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Not a thing. It went through many changes, revisions, edits until it reached the present state. I’m very happy with the final result.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

When I was in high school, my girlfriend and I would write stories based on our favorite TV shows, inserting our fictional selves into the stories. We were writing fan fiction and didn’t know it. LOL

Do you have a favorite object pertinent to your writing?

My laptop, a cup of (Keurig) coffee and my comfortable chair with a footrest. When I’m in the “zone” I could write for hours.

What do you love about your latest book?

I love Celara’s spunk. She’s small but doesn’t let others ride roughshod over her. She’s brought herself up by her bootstraps, so to speak. Everything she’s accomplished she’s done on her own.

Do your fictional characters develop on their own, or do you have their lives planned out in advance?

They develop on their own. I’ll have a sense of who they are at the beginning, but then they surprise me with details from their past.

What type of scene do you enjoy writing the most?

First meeting between the hero and heroine. I love the “dance” as each realizes the other is someone special.

When did you discover you are a writer? Was there a specific catalyst?

When I decided to start writing. My kids were nearing college age and my involvement in their school activities was winding down. It was time to do something I wanted to do for myself. I’d been reading romances for years and thought I would write one. It was much harder than I expected. LOL

How does it feel when you write?

Like I’m in another world. I zone out as the action and dialogue take place in my head then are transferred to the computer screen. Hubs will ask me questions, I’ll answer and not remember what either of us said. He’s gotten used to me being off in another galaxy.

Of all the wonderful pieces you’ve written, which is your favorite?

Switched was my first published book. So it holds a special place in my heart. I loved Switched, Too because of the hero. I’d written the book before the TV show “Castle” came on. In many ways, Scott is like Castle. He appears to be a big goofy kid that drives the heroine crazy. Yet he has a depth to him not readily seen.

I love The Pilot because it’s a new world, different from the Switched world. But I think my favorite is always the book I’m currently writing. Right now, it’s the third book in the Switched series.

What’s your favorite place you’ve visited? Do you have a “must see” destination on your bucket list?

My favorite place is Colorado. I love Rocky Mountain National Park. When I was in my 20s, my sister, girlfriend and I hiked up to the Arapaho Glacier (near Boulder). Very strenuous so we rested often then were embarrassed when older people passed us on the trail. LOL The fabulous view was definitely worth it. Bucket list? An Alaskan cruise.

Is there something funny about you people don’t know?

A long time ago, friends hosted a 1930s era “gangster” party. While the other women dressed up as glamorous “dolls”, I went as an Italian mama. I bought a dress at Goodwill that was about three sizes too big and lace-up granny shoes. I stuffed a pillow up top and skinned my hair back into a bun. I got a lot of laughs.

Thanks so much for having me here, Maria.

Thank you for being here! I love the story of that gangster party!


Blurb (scroll down for an excerpt): 

Forced to use her starship as collateral to replace stolen cargo, pilot Celara d’Enfaden risks losing everything if she fails to deliver the goods. Her ship is the home she never had as a child.

Determined to bring order to the frontier, rule-bound official Trevarr Jovano refuses to tolerate those who disrespect the law. So when an indie pilot refuses to obey, he seizes her ship and cargo.

The only thing Celara cares about more than her ship is her brother. To rescue him from the clutches of a galactic gangster, she’ll even join forces with Trevarr who is bent on avenging his wife’s murder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pilot is available:




About Diane Burton:

 

Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America® as well as the Mid-Michigan, Young Adult and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal RWA chapters as well as the SFR Brigade. She is the author of the Switched series, about twins exchanging places — from Earth to a starship and the reverse. With The Pilot, she begins a new series about strong women on the frontier of space. She is also a contributor to the anthology How I Met My Husband. Diane and her husband live in Michigan. They have two children and two grandchildren.

See more of Diane here:


Excerpt from The Pilot



“Go ahead and eat, Administrator. Your food will get cold.”
With suspicion, he eyed the plate of scrambled spherix eggs and side of fried plantens. “I am debating whether you could have slipped poison into my food as your friend brought it to the table. Or maybe some neelonga leaves in my tea while I was looking at your leg.”
“You mean when you were ogling under my skirt?” Then she appeared to collect herself. She laughed, a quiet, deliberately delicate laugh—so different from the others he had heard. The genuine ones. “Silly boy.” She flopped her wrist in a playful gesture. “I have come to apologize for my unseemly behavior yesterday.” She smiled sweetly.
“Of course. I should have guessed.” Giving her a wry look, he picked up the crockery mug of aromatic tea. Staring into the depths, he made a show of inspecting it for foreign substances. “Are you apologizing for attempting to inflict bruises or for insulting my heritage?” He snapped his fingers. “I have it. You are apologizing for contributing to the hearing loss in my right ear.”
Her knuckles shone white before she dropped her hands into her lap.
“Administrator Jovano.” Her voice contained a good mix of apology and pleading. “Please forgive me. I should not have interrupted your First Meal. When I came in and saw you here, I knew I couldn’t eat until I settled the matter between us. I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night, so torn was I with remorse. Why, I wanted to rush to your residence last night and offer amends, but Arjay convinced me to wait until morning.”
“How? Did your AI tie you to the bed?”
“Of course not.” She took a deep breath as if steeling herself for an unpleasant task. Eating one’s words was never pleasant. What had she asked him? Boiled, broiled or fried?
“Yesterday, I was a trifle upset.” She sniffed delicately.
Trifle? In the ensuing pause, while he waited to see how deep a hole she could dig for herself, utensils clattered on crockery and voices murmured.
“I am certain a man as perceptive as you understands how distressing it was.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. When she looked up, her eyes shimmered with tears.
While she heaved a sigh, he took a bite of the spherix eggs. They were delicious, as always. Baro was a chef worthy of the finest eating establishments in the capital city. His talents were wasted out here.
Trevarr looked at d’Enfaden thoughtfully. “Those Terrans—the ones whose entertainment you record—have an aphorism that is appropriate for this occasion.” He paused to sip his tea. “If I believe your performance, you have a . . . bridge to sell?” At her astonished look, he blinked twice as if perplexed. “Did I not get the expression right?”
She jumped up, all trace of tears—and smiles—gone. He thought he heard a small popping sound that increased when she planted her palms on the table and leaned in. What he saw next completely distracted him from the soft noises. The scoop neck of the overlarge dress gaped.
Well now, Trevarr smiled. He had been fairly certain her breasts were not confined by a supportive undergarment—not that he recalled seeing supportive undergarments in the drawers she had emptied yesterday. Her bright green undertunic also gaped.
Heat jolted through him. A heat he hadn’t experienced since—
“Oh, you got it right, buddy.” Her voice, as strident as it had been yesterday in the repair bay, attracted attention from the diners. “Here’s another saying from Earth. ‘There’s no place like home.’ You stole mine, and I want it back.” She flipped the contents of his plate into his lap.
On her way past the astonished newcomers, she called through the open window to the kitchen. “Baro, Admin Man needs a new meal.”
During the silence that hung in the wake of Celara d’Enfaden’s exit, he was more aware of the fine way her gauzy skirt displayed the twitch of her hips than he was of the blue spherix eggs and pink plantens in his lap.
Sweet Divinity, he thought with a smile. What a fem.
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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Today, it is my pleasure to welcome another scifi romance writer to the blog. Jessica E. Subject is an extremely productive author who released nine books last year, and she has two new releases today! I'm impressed.

 A big welcome to scifi romance writer Jessica E. Subject!


Welcome Jessica! Please tell us your latest news! 

Hey, Maria! Thank you so much for having me on your blog! Today is a double release day for me. One of the stories is a contemporary new adult romance, and the other, Made For Her, is a military sci-fi romance. Busy, but very exciting.

If you were to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Not at all. With both of the stories, I learned so much, both in the research I had to do, and in my edits. In Made For Her, I had to learn how to get a plane off the ground (at least some of the theory), and basic military protocol. It’s all information I keep for future reference as well.

Who is your favorite author, and what really strikes you about their work?


Oh my gosh, this is such a hard question since there are so many authors I love. I guess I’ll just mention that last three authors whose books I read and loved: Pippa Jay, Laura Kaye, and Jennifer L. Armentrout. Two of them were science fiction romance, and the other was a military romance.

Is there a single book or author that made you want to write?


I don’t think there was a particular book or author. I started writing because my daughter was in kindergarten at the time, and she absolutely hated reading. I thought if I could write a book that was personal for her, and something she was interested in, she might enjoy reading more. I wrote that story, but preferred writing adult stories, and I never stopped. I’m happy to say that my daughter now reads above her grade level, and enjoys it. 

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Oh, I’ve always been interested, taking writing enrichment programs in school, and writing newsletters for my youth group and the store I used to work at. It wasn’t until writing for my daughter that I considered it as more than a hobby.

Do you have a favorite object pertinent to your writing? (Pen, coffee cup, pet, blanket, chair…?

If I’m writing in a notebook, as I usually do, I have to have a comfortable pen. There are many that work, but more that don’t. I have to have a soft grip. And I usually use black ink, though sometimes blue. If I’m editing or critiquing, I always use a red pen. And when I write, I need to have background noise. I can’t write in complete silence

Can you tell us something behind-the-scenes about this book that the readers would love to hear - something not easily found on your website?

 With the airplane simulator scene, I had a lot of help from pilot and author, Karlene Petitt. I honestly know nothing about airplanes, especially since I’ve never been in one. Karlene was a HUGE help in writing that particular scene, plus she beta read the story for me as well.

Do your fictional characters develop on their own, or do you have their lives planned out in advance?

I know some basic things about my characters before I start writing their story, but just like when I meet a new person, I learn new things about them all the time. Sometimes, they reveal something that comes as a complete surprise.

Do you base any of your characters personalities off people you know, and if so, do you tell them?


Sometimes. LOL And I have been known to base aspects of a character’s life on people I know. As to whether I tell them, well, that depends on the character and the person they’re based on. I think my story, The Power of Three, is the only one where all the people know the characters are based on them.


Tell us about your all-time favorite character (of your creating.) Is he/she modeled after a real person?


Oh gosh! To pick just one? I can’t do that. In Made For Her, Mikayla and Dare are not modeled after anyone, though, as with all of my heroes and heroines, they do share personality traits of my husband and I. Mrs. Madison is based on many of the older women I’ve met in my life, those older than my mom, but younger than my grandmothers. They were always so sweet and had the most interesting things to say to those willing to listen. And Thompson, well, he’s a guy who thinks he’s God’s gift to women. I’m sure we’ve all met guys like that sometime in our lives.

Would you share with us what inspired you to write a story about clones?

In my previous science fiction romances, I write about aliens, and visiting new planets. With this one, I wanted to try something different. Finding acceptance is a common theme to all of my stories, but in this one, more so. Not only do the clones face rejection from the average person, but they also have to deal with society accepting the science of cloning as a whole. With two strikes against them, their lives are a constant struggle.

What type of scene do you enjoy writing the most?

I enjoy scenes of conflict, whether it is internal, or between characters. That type of dialogue seems to come easiest to me. Though in real life, I tend to avoid conflict, keeping everything internal.

How does it feel when you write? 

I feel free, lost in my own world. And it’s an escape for me as well. I get to take out my stress on my characters rather than real people.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in writing?

Finding readers would have to be the hardest. There are so many wonderful authors and books out there. To get my name and books out there among them can be tough, especially since science fiction romance is such a niche genre. I can’t tell you how many readers have said they can’t find a lot of science fiction romance, and yet I know of hundreds of titles by fellow Science Fiction Romance Brigadiers. But participating in multi-author events really helps.

You have an impressive list of published material. Which is your favorite?

 Celestial Seduction – 2011
Beneath the Starry Sky – 2011
Unknown Futures – 2012
Never Gonna Let You Go – 2012
Satin Sheets in Space – 2012
An Unexpected Return – 2012
The Power of Three – 2012
Sudden Breakaway – 2012
Crash Landing – 2012
Intergalactic Heat – 2012
Alien Lover – 2012
Accidental Romance – 2013
Made For Her – 2013

Once again, choosing my favorite story is like choosing my favorite character. I can’t do it. But, if I have to, I’d chose Intergalactic Heat, since it’s actually a collection of my 1Night Stand stories already published.

What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?  Do you have a “must see” destination on your bucket list?

My favorite place to visit would have to be Duchesnay Falls in North Bay, Ontario. There is something about that waterfalls that is so relaxing. “Must see” destinations on my bucket list would be Hawaii, Alaska, and SO many places in Europe. 

Is there something funny about you people don’t know?

I’m not really a funny person. I’m really klutzy though. When I was in grade four, I started having fainting spells, and the first time, I had just handed in a math test when I turned around to return to my desk and passed out. I fell backward, and a small chalkboard fell on my head. I’ve broken my toes many times, walking into corners when I’ve been in a rush, and sure the wall jumped out in front of me. Also broke one when I kicked my husband (boyfriend at the time) in the shin because he said something to bug me. Yeah, I don’t even remember what he said.

Anything else you want to share?

Thanks again, Maria, for hosting me today!

Anyone who leaves a comment will be entered to WIN a swag package from my new releases. Contest is international. Winner will be chosen January 19, 2013 and notified by email. Good luck!

 Thank you so much for being here, I appreciate the visit! C'mon people, comment and win some goodies! 
Made For Her Blurb:


After terrorists murder the love of her life, Colonel Mikayla Jones trains squadron after squadron of the clones he brought to life, to take to the skies. When she discovers a young clone of her husband in her newest class, her world spins out of control. How can she command the look-a-like when she can’t help but yearn for him to fill an ache in her heart?

Dare was created to be the best. As the first Daniel clone to leave Onatria labs, he needs to prove he is more than just a DNA copy. To do that, he must rely on the wife of the man who donated his genes. But when she refuses to train him, Dare faces discharge and returning to the labs. Can he convince Colonel Jones to finish his training and find a way into her bed? Or will long kept secrets unhinge the entire clone project?

Now available from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers.  More information and Buy Links

Author Bio and more information:

 Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from her readers.
To learn more about Jessica, and to contact her, check out these links:



Don't forget to comment to enter Jessica's giveaway!



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Saturday, December 15, 2012

Scheduling interviews for 2013!

If you are a writer and would like to appear on this blog along with www.scifiromance.info, comment on this post.

The main blog - www.scifiromance.info - also welcomes guest blog spots, book spotlights, and more. All categories of writers are welcome, no discrimination. :-)
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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Interview with Patty Froese

One of the biggest perks of being a writer is all the interesting people you meet both in cyberspace and in real life. Some pass by quickly, others become friends who share both joy and tears. For me, Patty Froese belongs to the latter category. She's a wonderful person with a great sense of humour, and I start most days with having a cup of coffee and reading her blog. Today is the release day of Patty's new novel, Legally Wed, and I have the pleasure of welcoming this brilliant Canadian writer to my blog!

Welcome Patty Froese!

It's great to see you here! How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?

Having a writer in the family is different from having a romance writer in the family... They were always very supportive of my writing, but when I turned to romance, they mocked me heartlessly! LOL They still call me up with "genius plot lines" for me to consider and grossly inappropriate titles.(I write Christian romance, so you can see how naughty titles would give them the giggles...) Gotta love family! They keep me entertained!

Too funny! Do you have a favorite object pertinent to your writing? (Pen, coffee cup, pet, blanket, chair…?

My computer, I would say. As long as I have my computer, I'm a happy camper. My husband is a techy guy, so he's always wanting to get me a Mac or something. But I don't like my skill set messed with. Besides, I have everything saved where I want it, and I hate starting new with a new computer.

I can relate to that. I love technology, but changing computers always freaks me out. What do you love about your latest book?
This one was just fun to write. I loved following two couples, especially Mildred, the scorned wife whose husband leaves her for the secretary. I felt like I could really crawl into her skin. She's plus-sized, she's gray, she thought she was secure, and then her husband left her. She really kept things interesting for me!
Can you tell us something behind-the-scenes about this book that the readers would love to hear - something not easily found on your website?

Mildred is based on an ex-boyfriend's mother. Oh, it's true! (Now, every guy I ever dated is going say, "You calling my mama fat?") LOL! But real people worm their way into my books on a regular basis. I can't help it... Especially women! Women intrigue me, and when I find a woman I admire or just find infinitely interesting, aspects of her will show up all over the place.

Ahaha, I bet you'll get a few phone calls now with people trying to find out who she is. Anything else you want to share?

Yes! Come by my blog and share the quirky life of a Christian romance writer. http://pattyfroese.com
Or Facebook--I'm there a LOT. http://www.facebook.com/pattyfroese
I love to connect with readers and other writers. Keeps my feet on the ground. ;)


You have an amazing blog. I love it! Thank you so much for coming over!


Legally Wed Blurb:

When Rich McConaughey comes back to town, divorce papers in hand, he's in for more than he bargained for. Lisa Young, the woman he was married to for six months, hasn't changed a bit. His mother has though... she's gone from matronly to meow, and his father has taken off with the secretary. Does anything last anymore?

Lisa Young feels chained to the hardware store her family has run for generations. How can she tell her father that she hates the family business? When Rich walks back into her store asking her to finalize a divorce she thought was behind her, she thinks that the answer is to sign on the dotted line and move on. Except, Rich isn't making it so easy... and God has other plans.

For better or for worse, when you're legally wed, things can get complicated.



For more information:

My review of Legally Wed

Legally Wed by Patty Froese follows Lisa, single woman and owner of a hardware store in Charlbrook, a small town where everyone knows everyone. Her life seems planned and straightforward. Not necessarily exciting, but safe. That is, until her ex-husband walks in and claims they're not really divorced.

This is a Christian romance, and Christian readers will not be disappointed; Lisa and several other characters go to church and talk to God. It is also humorous, endearing, and entertaining. The fate and happiness of several people are at stake, and Froese makes you care about the characters.

I read through the book in two sittings; I HAD to see what would happen to everyone. I give Legally Wed five stars out of five, and warmly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, humorous, and entertaining read.



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Monday, November 12, 2012

Welcome Tiffinie Helmer!

Today is a treat for me. I met Tiffinie Helmer in an author's group on Facebook. We tweeted each other's books for a while, and she fascinated me with saying she would be off line over summer because she was going fishing in Alaska. I'm sure I answered something eloquent along the lines of, "You're going to what and the what? Wow!" After a few months of chatting (yes, I'm slow, lol) I decided to try one of her books, and ended up reading nonstop for three days until I had plowed through all of them. I a delighted to introduce her here on my blog!

Tiffinie Helmer, Romancing Exotic Alaska!

Welcome Tiffinie, please tell us your latest news!

Maria, thanks for the invite.  It has been great getting to know you! 
BEARING ALL, the 4th book in the Wild Men of Alaska Series was just released.  I love this book.  Love, love the characters.  In one word, BEARING ALL is untamed.  Here’s the blurb:

All he wants for Christmas is her…
Former Russian spy, Sergei Lavinsky, code name The Bear, is hibernating on the edge of Alaska.  He lures the woman he loves to the Edge of Reason Lodge, hoping enough time has passed that her heart has softened and her knives have dulled.

All she wants is revenge…
Kate “No Mercy” Mercer is a CIA Agent sent to assassinate him.  Again.  This time she intends to succeed without ending up in his bed.  She has a dozen reasons to kill him, and one of them is personal.
They’ll be completely unwrapped before the holiday is over…

I love how the characters in your books intertwine; it's like revisiting old friends. Do you have all that planned out in advance, or does it just happen? 

It kind of just happens.  Character is the first thing that comes to me.  I am fascinated by people and why they do what they do.  As a writer, it’s fun playing God and doing things to my characters and seeing how they react.

Are any of your characters based on real people? 

I wish.  I’d like to meet them.  Talk about hanging with your peeps.  Plus, the men are HOT.  

Your books make me want to visit Alaska, and it's clear you know what you're talking about. Was it difficult to move away? Do you miss it? 

I miss it a lot.  Luckily, I do get to return for the summers, though commercial fishing is no vacation.  I love that “wildness” that living “Outside” in the lower 48 doesn’t allow me.  I need to be a little more civilized when I’m in Utah, where we live for the rest of the year.  Both my husband and I are from Fairbanks, Alaska and have lots of family all over the state of Alaska. So its home.  This time of year it’s killing me not seeing the Northern Lights. 

The fishing-in-Alaska part fascinates me. Is it something you've always done? A family business, maybe?

My immediate family started commercial fishing in 1977.  My grandparents and my uncle started in 1967.  So, yeah, we know what we’re doing.  When my kids were little my husband went fishing.  Now I take the kids (he has to stay because of his job) and they fish with me.  They are teenagers now.  Nothing like having teenagers work and earn money while all their friends are getting into trouble or wasting their summers.  I have great kids who know how to work and have serious skills in knowing how to survive. 

When did you discover you are a writer? Was there a specific catalyst? 

I always had a great imagination.  I used to get called out for “making up stories” when I was little.  That sounds so much better than lying. But in junior high writing saved me.  It was the best escape…and revenge.  You can do things to people with a pen and paper that you don’t get punished for.  Just change the names to protect the innocent and you are good to go.

Hahaha, I can relate. What type of scene do you enjoy writing the most? 

Well, with what I just revealed above you might be able to guess.  Killing scenes are my favorite.  Those and when the characters are rapidly firing with dialogue.  Love dialogue.  Believe it or not, the love scenes are the hardest (no pun intended, well, maybe a little).  For a love scene there has to be a reason for me.  It has to move the story and reveal more than what’s under the clothes.  They are difficult and time consuming.  I’d rather kill people. 

What's the biggest challenge you've faced in writing?

Time.  There is not enough time to do all that I want to.

Do you have a favorite object you need when you write?  

Music.  It helps me set the mood.  Most of BEARING ALL was written to tango music.  I hope, when readers read it, the music comes through with the action and the dialogue. 

What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?  Do you have a “must see” destination on your bucket list? 

FINLAND!  I was a foreign exchange student to Finland in high school.  The people in Finland and Sweden (I was so lucky to have spent a few days) were the nicest people.  Loved the place, the people, and the cheese!  I can’t wait to return and visit all of Scandinavia.

Yay! Finland is beautiful, but I'm patriotic, so I'll say Sweden is the best. LOL. Is there something funny about you people don’t know? 

I love onion rings but hate onions.  Go figure.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Check out the webpages below for more information on Tiffinie and her books!

Webpage: http://www.tiffiniehelmer.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffiniehelmerauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TiffinieHelmer

See "Bearing All" on Amazon
Check out "Bearing All" at Barnes and Noble 



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Monday, October 1, 2012

Welcome Stephanie Burkhart!

It is my absolute pleasure to introduce a very talented author, and fascinating person. Welcome Stephanie Burkhart!

Stephanie Burkhart, writing Romance under the Moonlight

STEPH: Maria, thanks so much for having me here today.

MARIA: It's a pleasure to have you here. Let's get to know you a bit – who is your favorite author and what really strikes you about their work?

STEPH: It's a toss up between Victoria Holt and JK Rowling. I love Holt's gothic romance, the dark, dangerous hero and the heroine in distress. She had a strong understanding of historical elements. While her writing is more "telling" in nature, (than showing) as a teenager in the 80's, I found myself just losing myself in her stories.

I love Rowling's imagination and creativity. The world of Harry Potter is so unique.  Her writing engages me as a reader and keeps me flipping the pages. Her characters are interesting, and her writing style is easy to read. If you read too fast though, you'll miss something that turns up in a future plot point. Her writing voice reads very naturally and I think that's what allows her to connect with young adults and readers.

My goal as a writer is to make my readers lose themselves in the story by using a natural voice and an easy writing style.

MARIA: What do you love about your latest book?

STEPH: My latest book with Desert Breeze Publishing is "The Green Rose," a fantasy romance, and I love the journey that Sonia, the heroine, takes in the book. She's determined to find her kidnapped father, but after Gabriel's betrayal, trust is an issue with her. It's up to Ivánstan to earn her trust. 

MARIA: What is your favorite review of one of your books?

STEPH: My favorite review was given by Long and Short Reviews for my paranormal romance, "Twilight Over Moldavia." The adventure Stefan and Caroline take was one that really resonated with me. They hardly know each other, but come together over a shared problem. It's a very suspenseful story.

Here's a snippet: "Twilight Over Moldavia is even better than the first book in the series. It is an excellent story filled with just the right balance of romance, magic, and danger. Stefan and Caroline’s story certainly has a happy and satisfying ending, but the epilogue opens up a whole new story line. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this exciting series." – Poinsetta, 5 Stars, Long & Short, Nominated for Book of the Month, FEB 2012.

MARIA: Do your fictional characters develop on their own or do you have their lives planned out in advance?

STEPH: Well I plan, but only a little. I plan out their physical traits, their strengths and weaknesses, and I give them a job. After that, they're on their own. 

MARIA: What type of scene do you enjoy writing the most?

STEPH: The love scene! What I love about writing romance is that when you start the story you meet the hero and heroine at certain points in their lives. They come together over a common problem and struggle against their internal conflicts until they reach that moment where they want to take on hope and love. As a reader, (and writer) I've gone on this amazing journey with them and I want the reward of a love scene.

MARIA: Would you share with us what inspired you to write "The Green Rose?"

STEPH: I'm on Writing.com and I came across a writing prompt: Write a fantasy with a spoon, honey, and a flower, no more than 4,000 words. I wrote a scene where Ivánstan meets the 3 witches and figures out their riddle so they have to give him the green rose. I really wanted to expand on this scene, thus the novel was born. 

MARIA: What's your favorite place you visited? Do you have a must see destination on your bucket list?

STEPH: My favorite destination had to be Berlin. While I was in the US Army I visited Berlin in 1988 before the fall of the wall, in 1990-2 and in 1996. The city changed so much during those years and I was thrilled to have a front row seat.

I would love to visit England since I've never been.

MARIA: Oooh, I love England. Is there something about you that isn't well known that you'd like to share?

STEPH: I was married in Nykobig, Denmark in 1991.

MARIA: That's cool, I had no idea! Thank you for visiting me. I loved having you here!

Enjoy this Excerpt from "The Green Rose"

Sonia gazed at the brick house on the opposite shore, cupping her chin in her hand. Draco sat next to the shore, his wings resting over his back and his tail dipped into the water. Hiro perched on a branch overhead. 

"I wonder how Ivánstan fares?" 

Draco snorted. Sonia wasn't sure if that was an "I-don't-know" or a response to something else. 

"I wish I was there with him." 

Draco flicked his tail against the water, spraying mist into the air. Sonia found the light drizzling of water refreshing. 

"He's a good man -- and handsome. I enjoy his company." 

Draco snapped his forked tongue, catching a fly. Sonia tamped down the urge to roll her eyes. And here she thought they were having a conversation. 

"He understands you better than you think." 

"I'm not so sure, Hiro." Sonia walked up to Draco and placed a hand on his relaxed wing. "I care for Ivánstan very much." 

The dragon swung his head in her direction, the slits in his eyes widening and softening. The prick of a blade pierced her back. She froze. Draco's eyes peered past her to the man holding the blade, but he remained still. 

"You care for dragons, Sonia?"

"Gabriel."

"Aye, it's me. What a fool you are to let down your guard and confess your heart to a beast that doesn't understand a word you say."

"You're a coward and a traitor."

"Oh, don't try to goad me. I have the advantage."



The Green Rose is available as an ebook only.


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