Thank you, thank you to Cindy for including me, once again, in your wonderful blog! I am deeply grateful for being a part of this community! For this post, I decided to highlight Rose’s Choice, the fourth book in my Morgan’s Run Romances, which will come out on October 11, 2016, but is available on pre-order now!

Do you have a view in your writing space?  What does your space look like?  When I write, I sit on my sun porch (April-November) or a comfy chair looking out at a beautiful tidal river that constantly moves and changes. It’s a miracle which I try never to take for granted.

Tell us about your hero.  Sam is the third in the vibrant, sprawling Morgan clan. A handsome, successful architect, he has had a relatively carefree life until it all comes crashing down on him. This forces him to reexamine everything, including his love ‘em and leave ‘em relationships with women. Underneath his rakish façade there is a sensitive, loving man waiting to find the right woman.

Tell us about your heroine. Rose Dillon is a successful, well-respected pediatric neurosurgeon. A slender, ash blonde, she dresses in classic styles that sometimes obscure her underlying sexiness and heat. She has had her heart broken by two Morgan men, including the aforementioned Sam.

What genres are you drawn to as a reader? Mysteries, romances and books with strong vibrant women!

Do you write under a pen name?   Yes, I do this to distinguish my fiction work from my work in my “other life” as a researcher and college professor.

What are you currently working on? The final draft of Rose’s Choice, and first drafts of the fourth books in the Ricky Steele and Roger and Bess mystery series.

What do you have planned for the future? More books in all three series (Morgan’s Run, Ricky Steele and Roger and Bess). I also have some stand-alone novels I’d love to publish “someday.” Readers have asked for another Juls and Tuck mystery so that’s on my mind too!

How far do you plan ahead? At least a year, sometimes 2-3 years.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors? Keep writing and polishing! You will succeed!

Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  His career as successful architect in shambles when he finds himself in the midst of a sexual harassment suit, Sam Morgan returns to his family’s ranch a broken man. There he finds comfort in the arms of Rose Dillon, a gifted pediatric neurosurgeon and dear family friend. In true Morgan fashion, he wooed Rose a year earlier, then left town breaking her heart. While Rose vows to stay away, she finds herself once again head over heels in love with the dark haired Morgan son. Has he been falsely accused or is he the sexual predator his senior colleague claims he is?

When Rose is viciously assaulted, Sam puts his own problems aside to comfort and support her. A white hot romance develops between them only to be threatened by her job offer three thousand miles away and the possibility that this young couple will be torn apart once again.

Author Bio: I have written dozens of novels, of which Rose’s Choice will be the fourteenth published (10/11/16). I write in several genres of fiction—Mystery, Historical, Western Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romance Suspense, and books for children and young adults. Among my titles are Prepped to Kill, Gadfly and Lost in Spindle City (Ricky Steele Mysteries), Jigsaw, A Friend of Silence, Widow’s Island, and Song of the Spirit. Song of the Spirit was a finalist The 2014 International Digital Awards for Historical Fiction for Young Adults. I published five new titles in 2015, Hestor’s Way, a contemporary romance and In the Name of Silence and The Silence of Memory books two and three in the Roger and Bess Mysteries. The Morgan’s Run Romances series debuted in August 2015 with Emma’s Dream (a finalist in the 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards), followed by books two and three, Lang’s Return and Jeb’s Promise. Rose’s Choice is book four. I am halfway drafts of book four in the Ricky Steele mysteries and the Roger and Bess mysteries.
My “day job” is as professor at a small New England liberal arts college. My scholarly work centers on social contexts within which children learn and I am the author of three works of nonfiction. My current research examines the impact of mindfulness on readers and writers, work that brings her tremendous joy and satisfaction.

I live in southeastern Massachusetts on a beautiful river. I am the mother of two sons and spends lots of time with them, their beautiful wives, and my four beloved grandchildren. When not teaching or writing (both of which I adore), my passions revolve around family, yoga, swimming, teaching mindfulness to children and adults, and walking.

Author website : http://www.mleeprescott.com

Buy Links:

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Excerpt: Rose’s Choice

Chapter 1           

Face down, forehead on Gracie’s cool, granite counter, Sam Morgan groaned. My life, or at least my career, is over and there isn’t a God damn thing I can do about it. The café owner emerged from the kitchen with his burger, curly fries and iced tea. She set the food in front of him. “What’s this? The Valley’s famous architect havin’ a bad day?”

He gave the tall, thin cook a crooked smile. As usual, there were flecks of food sprinkled in her frizzy salt and pepper hair. “Something like that. Thanks, Gracie, this looks great.”

“What’re you doin’ in town, anyway? Your dad’s always claiming you can’t get outta Flagstaff or you’re traveling to who knows where.”

“I’m out at Spark Foster’s. My team’s called so many times since construction began, I decided to come down for a few days.”

“I hear it’s a doozy.”

“Gonna be cool. Spark’s got great taste.”

“And, deep pockets.”

Sam groaned as he bit into his burger. “God, this is good. Nothing like this in Flagstaff.”

“Baloney,” she said, a pleased grin on her face. “So, Foster’s house is a castle, I hear.”

He raised one eyebrow. “Would I design a castle and spoil the valley? It’ll fit right in with the landscape, promise.”

“Got it hugging a mountain, do ya?” Her gray eyes looked up as the café door swung open and Rose Dillon walked in. “Gotta get back to work, but here’s someone to cheer you up.” With a nod to the young woman, Gracie disappeared through swinging doors.

Sam turned and waved as Rose Dillon approached. Lovely as always, he thought, a pang of guilt washing over him as the lithe, ash blonde neared the counter, her soft hazel eyes full of warmth. It had been almost a year since he’d seen her. In true Morgan style, he had flirted shamelessly with her at his sister’s wedding. In fact, they had danced nearly every dance together. He knew she was interested, very interested, so what did he do? Hightailed it back to Flagstaff right after the wedding and hadn’t called or written since. What a shit you are, Sam Morgan.

“Hi, Sam, this is a surprise.” The Morgan boys were all gorgeous – God’s gift to women, or so their reputation went — and Sam was no exception. His longish, dark brown hair fell over one eye and his soft chestnut brown eyes held a mischievous light, even today when he looked a little down in the dumps.

                Warning bells clanged as Rose slipped onto a stool beside him. Poor guy looks like he’s lost his best friend, but it’s his problem, not yours. Stay away, don’t get involved! This is the second Morgan brother to break your heart.

“You’ve got a bit of sauce on your face,” she said.

He flushed crimson and grabbed a napkin, dabbing his cheek. “Better?”

“Yes.” Rose smiled, unable to look away from the dark eyes.

How did you get started writing? 

I always wanted to write, but didn’t believe in myself enough to take that step.

Then, last year, actually almost exactly a year ago, my daughter told me about something going on at school, and I said to her, “let’s write a story about it.” So, we sat down together and wrote a story. Then, I thought, it would be fun to publish it, so I found an illustrator and we went from there. I wrote three more children’s books under my own name, Bron Whitley, before I decided to start writing sweet historical romance under the name Vivi Holt.

It’s so much fun, I haven’t looked back.

What is your favorite part of writing?

My favorite part of writing is the actual writing. I love writing the story. All of the other things about writing and self-publishing can weigh you down, and get a bit stressful at times, but the writing part is what I enjoy. I also love that reading is now part of my job. I can legitimately say I’m working as I lay in bed with a good book. That’s pretty great.

What is your least favorite part of writing?

I really can’t stand editing. Once the story is finished, I’d love to just hand it to someone who would magically transform it into a complete masterpiece without me having to do anything! That would be amazing. Instead, I have to go back and forth with my beta readers, and my editor, and fix everything, make changes, and make sure it all flows. It’s very painful. Although I’m extremely grateful for all of them, and I end up with a better story for it, I just hate making the changes to the manuscript. Augh!

Tell us about your current series

Of Peaks and Prairies is the first book in a new series called Paradise Valley. There is actually a real valley in Montana, called Paradise Valley, and when you look at pictures from the area, it’s just spectacular. I can only imagine what it would have been like for early settlers to arrive there, in covered wagons, and make it their home. As beautiful as it is, I’m sure it would also have been a hard journey for them.

I recently released the second book in the bestselling Cutter’s Creek series. Cutter’s Creek is an ongoing series set in an idyllic town in historic Montana Territory, written by four different authors. I liked the idea of starting a series of my own that was set in one location, with characters that appear consistently throughout the series as well.

So, I decided that I would take the main characters from my first Cutter’s Creek book, and create a spinoff series around them – after their wedding. Of Peaks and Prairies follows Sarah Songan and Bill Hanover, as they establish their new life together. It also introduces a host of new characters, including two new main characters, who I’m sure you’ll grow to love, and all of them will together be a part of the Paradise Valley series.

It’s a sweet, historical romance series. Not only will there be romance, there will be plenty of action, adventure, intrigue and drama as well. So far, I’m having a great time writing it.

EXCERPT

Of Peaks and Prairies

Chapter One

Fort Worth, Texas

1867

Genevieve Waters-Ewing walked from the church with her hand resting lightly on Quincey Ewing’s raised arm. He’d shaved for the first time in months, and she glanced with distaste at a scratch on his cheek where the blade had nicked his weathered skin. Her whole body trembled, and she fought hard to push down the sobs that threatened to escape her aching throat at any moment. He turned to face her with a grin, his ten gallon hat perched unevenly on his square head.

The minister who’d married them was so old and frail, and his hearing so bad, each time she shook her head and shouted ‘no’ during their vows, he simply nodded with a toothless grin and continued on with the ceremony. If she tried to run, Quincey held her close and pinched her arm. In the end she stood her ground, confident that the law would never uphold such a marriage — until, that is, her new husband forged her signature on the certificate of marriage. Now she wasn’t so sure.

She glared at him as her stepfather came up alongside her.

“Congratulations Genny, you’re a married woman now. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?” He chuckled, she caught him winking behind her back at his childhood friend – the man who’d just been pronounced her husband.

“Well, at least it’ll get you out from under my feet,” he continued. “I can’t be payin’ for yer upkeep forever. Your Ma done died on me, leavin’ me with a rug-rat I never wanted, and now it’s time for you to find yer own place in life. Can’t say as I’ll miss ya much, ‘part from the cookin’ an sech of course, but I’ll find a missus to do that soon enough, with you out of the house. ‘Course, you’re not goin’ far — just across the way. I’m sure you could find it in yer heart to help me out a time or two.”

They’d stepped out into the bright Texas morning, and Genevieve squinted her eyes against the sunlight that streamed down through a faint fuzz of thin clouds above. She cast her gaze about – they were on the outskirts of Fort Worth, Texas, and she could see the plains stretched out before them. The town pushed toward the openness, threatening to civilize its bluffs, rises and hollows. Chaparral tufts littered the landscape, sheltering hare and various rodents, and giving the plains an unkempt look. She smoothed the skirts of her burgundy plaid dress. It was the nicest dress she owned, even so it was well worn, and pulled tightly across her chest and hips where she’d grown in recent years. A long line of small buttons ran up the front of the bodice. The sleeves no longer reached her wrists even when she tugged at them, and her stays pinched her tiny waist. She sighed.

“If Ma knew what you had planned for me, Fred, she’d roll over in her grave.” Genevieve caught a sob, and pushed it back down with a grimace.

Bio:

 Vivi Holt writes inspirational, historical romances with a western flavour. Of her books, readers say:

“The plot kept me enthralled and the pages turning”
“I cried and laughed”
“What an awesome ending. Can’t wait for more!!”

Vivi lives in beautiful Brisbane, Australia with her husband and three young children. Growing up on a farm she learned to love the country life and now she writes about it in her books. History has always fascinated her as well, so writing historical romance seemed a natural progression. She loves horse-riding, hiking, and reading.

Her goal is to write touching, emotional and sweet romance stories that captivate the reader and transport them back in time.

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How did you get started writing?

Although I began writing stories almost as soon as I learnt the alphabet and always wanted to be an author, it wasn’t until I went to live in Greece for a few years that I had the time (and literally nothing but the time) to write.  I’d read and re-read everything I owned and there seemed nothing left to do but write my own stories.  I was lucky enough to find a literary agent almost at once, but didn’t have anything published until several years later.

What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I started writing romance, and all my stories contain some element of romance, but I’m one of those authors who can’t seem to work in the confines of a single genre.  I love to bring humor, mystery, suspense, even supernatural elements into my stories, because I like to surprise readers and think they always deserve a little more than they expect.

Tell us about your current series.

All my stories are stand-alones and my latest is my first foray into the cozy mystery genre.  Hannah was fortunate enough to inherit a sweet Victorian cottage from her grandmother, but her life is turned upside-down when this is burgled.  She discovers some hidden love letters to her grandmother that send her on a quest of discovery, but she also meets two very different men, who both seem interested in her and life suddenly becomes quite complicated.

What is your favorite part of writing?

I think it’s that moment when a story seems to take on a reality of its own.  Ideas you’d never considered crowd your head and you become as engrossed in your fictional world as you want your readers to be.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

I love self-publishing and am a firm advocate of this method.  Authors are on their own when they’re writing their stories and these become very personal to them; so why hand them over to someone else to ‘bring up’ after the hard work is done?  Self-publishing allows the author to retain complete control and nurture their ‘babies’ in the way they want.

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

They come from the most humdrum situations.  One was a mere snippet from a dream and when I woke up the whole story seemed to play out in my head (In Loving Hate).  Another happened when I was shopping for an elderly neighbor and exchanged no more than a sentence with an elderly gentleman buying tomatoes (Shopping for Love).  Of course I changed the characters involved!  Another came from an actual incident when my tyre blew on the motorway and I imagined a much more romantic scenario from this rather horrible experience (Wishful Thinking).  My latest story (Cocktails and Lies) rushed into my head while chatting to an author friend over lunch about ideas for her story.

What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?

I think we’re all aware of the negative connotations surrounding self-publishing.  These relate almost entirely to lack of attention to detail on the part of the author.  The best advice I can give is don’t rush to publish.  Make sure you invest time and perhaps money in professional editing services for proofing and content.  Acquire some reliable critique partners and be prepared to listen to their criticisms about your characters and plot—and act on them.  Take pride in your work and make sure your final version is as perfect as you can make it.

Has your muse always known what genre you would write and be published in?

Not at all.  Sadly my muse is a contrary little madam who runs rings around me.  She likes an element of romance but that’s not nearly enough for her.  There has to be conflict, adventure, suspense, or even hints of the supernatural.  I try to rein her in, because it’s difficult to market cross-genre books, but so far it’s a losing battle.  All my books seems to cross genres.

What did you want to be when you were a child?  Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

I always knew I wanted to invent stories because of the enormous pleasure reading always gave me.  I used to invent worlds and adventures almost before I could write, and from an early age, I planned to be journalist.  That never happened, of course.  I became a teacher instead and tried to instil a passion for reading in my students.  When circumstances allowed me to give up teaching and take up writing, I felt my childhood dreams were on the brink of fulfilment at last.

Do you or have you belonged to a writing organization?  Which one?  Have they helped you with your writing?  How?

Yes!  Before the internet grew up into what it is today, and while I was still teaching, I belonged to a group called Brutal Writers.  It was an amazing critique group (brutally honest, too) run by someone called Lori and I learned so much from it.  We communicated via email (and internet connection was dial-up in those days)—and I felt the same thrill Meg Ryan felt every time I heard ‘You’ve got mail’!  I doubt there are many writing organizations like that nowadays, but there are plenty of helpful groups around and I do belong to a few of them and recommend them to other authors.

Excerpt from Cocktails and Lies:

The shock when I arrived home to find my front door kicked in left me reeling, too stunned to move.  Before I found the courage to enter the house, Jan appeared at my side, his face a picture of concern and sympathy.

“I’ve been watching for you.  I spotted the damage from my balcony when I came home from work and called the police.  They only left ten minutes ago.  Let’s go inside and see what has happened.”

I began to shake violently.  I’ve never been burgled before, but seen the effect on so many people in the course of my work.  It leaves you feeling violated and scared.  I doubted I could even cross my own threshold unaided.  What would I find inside—or not find?  I was still too shocked for tears, just cold, dumb incomprehension.  Me… burgled!  This is such a safe house, tucked away behind the big apartment block, minding its own little business, not encouraging anyone to trespass and break in.  It’s not visible from the road and even sat navs can’t find it—I suffered endless difficulties with deliveries and have fallen out with several courier firms.  I’ve stopped ordering from most online stores, because nothing ever arrives without endless emails or phone calls.

Who would rob me anyway, and why?  Had I been targeted or did someone just happen upon the house?  The questions rampaged my stunned brain as I peered into the house, reluctant to enter.

 Author Bio:

A former teacher, Lynette gave up her career in education a few years ago in order to focus on her writing and thus fulfil her childhood dream.  She writes contemporary women’s fiction, usually involving romance, and often with suspense or a supernatural twist.  She claims ‘Killing Jenna Crane’, a romantic thriller is her personal favorite to date.

Lynette currently lives in an early Victorian cottage (which inspired her latest story: ‘Cocktails and Lies’) in a picturesque Surrey village. When she’s not reading or writing, she loves exploring new recipe ideas from all over the globe.  She also enjoys catching up with friends, visiting the theatre or cinema, and occasionally trying to tame her out-of-control garden and the family’s eccentric cat.

You can find more details of her novels on her website or Amazon author page

Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Website

Blog

Twitter

Amazon Author Page

Tell us about your current series.

No Greater Hell is book four in my Lost and Found, Inc series. Jake Donovan’s Army helicopter crash and loss of memory sent him down a path of crime. His inability to forgive himself and rejoin life is put to the test when the one woman who should never forgive him, places her life in his hands.

What inspired your latest book?

Floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, or any national disaster brings out the very best in humanity. Everyday people volunteer; sacrifice their own comfort to step up and help others. At the same time, there’s always someone who thinks these disasters mean they can commit horrible crimes and get away with it. A news story about looting started me doing the old what if…what if a volunteer became the target of a heinous killer?

What is your next project and when will it be released?

I’m currently working on book two of the Killer Affections series. Samantha Anderson inherited her grandfather’s estate in California. There’s just one problem with that. She didn’t know he existed. Samantha will journey to the land of movie stars on a mission to uncover the truth. As she digs into Charles Pearson’s past, she’ll uncover long buried family secrets, meet a wounded/recovering FBI agent, and discover her grandfather was murdered. She unwittingly finds herself in a killer’s crosshairs. There’s no official title or release date, but for now, I’m calling it…Till the Dead Speak.

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

They often come from real life. A news story will catch my attention, triggering ‘what if’ questions. I’ll start researching the topic, which often winds up a hundred pages of information before I start writing the story. For example the idea for book one in the Lost and Found, Inc. series came from an article during the super bowl. Human trafficking skyrockets in cities hosting large events such as the super bowl. My curiosity as to how law enforcement combated these crimes took off.

Do you have a view in your writing space?  What does your space look like? 

Did you see the movie UP? Remember the dog who was distracted every time he saw a squirrel? That’s me. I love people, researching, reading…shoot, life in general. So I write in total silence with my back to the windows, immersing myself in the work in progress.

Has your muse always known what genre you would write and be published in?

She was one confused girl in the beginning. I have a couple of contemporary romance novels tucked away (never to see the light of day) to remind me that I need suspense in my stories. Once my muse figured out I loved blending mystery into my romance story, we became fast friends.

Please tell my readers a little bit about your book. 

No Greater Hell released May 17^th, 2016

 His past is better left forgotten…

Former Army helicopter pilot Jake Donovan is lucky to be alive. At least that’s what his team of neurosurgeons said. But he knows differently. Jake’s crimes almost cost Holly Hoffman her life, and even though he can’t remember, the pain in her eyes is something he’ll never forget.

Holly’s done being a victim. As a trauma nurse her skills are needed by a humanitarian group providing medical aid after a killer storm ravages the Gulf Coast of Texas. Saving lives however, won’t be an option when a madman wants her dead.

Can Jake and Holly shed the weight of his dark past, or will their happily-ever-after have a fatal ending?

Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in?

The Romance Writers of America (I am a member) defines Romantic Suspense as: Romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.

I completely agree and it’s the only genre I write. I enjoy the extensive research involved in making my work as realistic as possible.

What sort of promo do you do? Do you have help?

I am active on Facebook and Twitter. Occasionally, I’ll turn up on Google +. I do not have help…with the exception of a few of my awesome readers who support me by sharing and promoting my work.

Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?

I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied as a published author. I want to continue to learn, grow and get better as a writer. The most rewarding this is hearing from a reader who connected with your characters. They give me suggestions and requests for the next book. If a reader escaped into a story I’ve written, if she becomes part of that world for a few minutes…well, how could I ask for anything more?

Jerrie Alexander Bio

A student of creative writing in her youth, Jerrie set aside her passion when life presented her with a John Wayne husband and two wonderful children. Her love for romantic suspense inspires her to write alpha males and kick-ass women. Her characters weave their way through death and danger to emerge stronger, because of, and on occasion, in spite of, their love for each other.  If they’re tough enough, they live happily everafter.

Jerrie lives in Texas, thrives on sunshine, children’s laughter, sugar (human and granulated), and researching for her heroes and heroines.

No Greater Hell, book four in the Lost & Found, Inc. series released 5/17/16. Find a complete list of her books at  jerriealexander.com

Buy Links

US – http://amzn.to/23PWt5x

UK – http://amzn.to/227G50Q

CA – http://amzn.to/24Zitkd

AU – http://bit.ly/1R1PLlq

Kobo – http://bit.ly/2254jss

Google Play http://bit.ly/1Tllx1v

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Print – http://amzn.to/1sykanE

Social Media links

Twitter – twitter.com/jerriealexander

FaceBook – facebook.com/JerrieAlexanderAuthor

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GoodReads – https:// goodreads.com/jerriealexander

Two adirondack chairs on a deck at sunset

How did you get started writing?

I was a young mother with three kids and one summer, while at the lake, I must have read ten romantic suspense novels less than a month. One book in particular hooked me into the idea of writing. That was Hello Darkness by Sandra Brown. So, while sitting in the front yard, while my children played and fished, I took pen and paper and wrote my first novel, which is titled: In Two Weeks and is currently, free on all platforms. Just saying.

What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I love the mix of romance and suspense. I’m fascinated by the darker side of human nature so I enjoy exploring that with my antagonists. But I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

Tell us about your current series.

The third book in the NY State Trooper Series titled Deadly Secrets is being released 18 July 2016. This is Reese’s story. He was a secondary character in Dark Water. A lot of readers wanted to know more about him, and the hinted suspense behind his backstory along with a developing relationship between him another secondary character, Patty. Deadly Secrets is all about lies and betrayal of the past, and how they can haunt or present and future unless dealt with head on. It’s a story about letting go of the pains of the past and opening your heart to the future.

What move best describes your life?  Why?

You mean movie? I’m going to stick with that because I haven’t moved in 30 years. Geez, this is a hard one since I watch a ton of movies and in general my life has been pretty mundane. But as I sit here I can’t think of a single one. I suppose an comedy about family life or hockey since I spent 20 something years raising hockey players and traveling with them between 2 counties and five states.

What inspired your latest book?

Deadly Secrets, book two in the NY State Trooper Series (18 July release), was actually birthed from Dark Water, the second book in the same series. I had two secondary characters and thought, what if they got together? It was interesting because while writing Dark Water, I had no clue as to anything about the backstory of Reese McGinn, other than he was not the kind of guy to stay in any one place for more than three years. I thought, what would happen if a baby were involved? Would he stay?

What is your favorite part of writing?

Rewriting. I’m not a fan of draft writing and I tend to write in dialogue first, so there is no descriptions, or sense of where my characters are or what they are doing. I always try to put that in as I go, but it doesn’t work out. So I puke out the dialogue and then go back and layer in and for that’s where the magic happens because that’s where every one comes alive.

What is your least favorite part of writing?

Draft writing and then final copy edits.

What is your next project and when will it be released?

Next Project is tentatively titled The Accused, book 4 in the NY State Trooper series and it will be released this fall.

What is your typical day like?

Since I also am the technical person for Cool Gus Publishing, I often wake up early, write for a couple of hours, then get what I need to for my authors at Cool Gus and then go back to the writing. Actually, there is no typical day. But I do try to write every day.

How much time do you spend promoting your books?  What works best for you?

Not enough. I promote my authors more than I promote myself. I’m working reader engagement.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

Excellent, but that’s two fold. A few years back, when I first co-created Cool Gus Publishing with Bob Mayer, not only did we find huge success with his back list, but Dark Water hit #10 on Nook and the other books were selling really well. But I was going through some personal changes and didn’t write for about four years, so things slowed down for me personally, but my authors at Cool Gus are doing very well. Now that I’m back in the saddle, so to speak, things personally are starting to pick up.

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

Life. Television. Other books. Movies. In the shower…

What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?

Its hard work, and it takes building a readership. There are very few overnight successes, even with Traditional publishing. Perseverance often trumps talent. There is no one magic bullet. What works for me, or for Bob Mayer, might not work for someone else.

Do you have critique partners?

I used to. Now I use beta readers once the draft is done. Other authors and a few fans. I’m always open to feed back.

What is your favorite dessert/food?

My favorite food is Salmon. Dessert? Wine!

How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?

No one person ends up in my book. But I do take attributes from people I meet. I see someone with a certain, habit I think is interesting, it might show up. Like my husband cracks his knuckles and it drives me nuts. Travis in Jane Doe’s Return cracks his knuckles. Doug from my current work in progress tentatively titled The Accused is based on a book from a Historical Romance I read. Just his looks. His personality is a meld of people along with being true to his characters motivations, goals, and conflicts. So, essentially not really.

What is most difficult for you to write?  Characters, conflict or emotions?  Why?

Women. And I have no idea, why.

Was your road to publication fraught with peril or a walk in the park?

Both. I’ve had two agents. I’ve been with a publisher that went bankrupt. But over all, I wouldn’t change anything.

Give us an elevator pitch for your book.

What if a secret about your past came back and tried to kill you.

Do you have a view in your writing space?  What does your space look like?

I have an office in my home. I’d send a picture, but its currently under remodel. Getting new carpet and painting the walls. It’s a first floor office with a nice window over looking the street. A big u-shaped deks and I work on two 27 inch monitors. I’m tech nut.

Tell us about your hero.  Give us one of his strengths and one of his weaknesses.

From Deadly Secrets: Reese McGinn. His strength is he’s honorable. Which is also his weakness. This is part of his character growth. He learns that being honorable isn’t always the right thing to do for all parties involved. He learns that he hid behind being noble and honorable, instead of being true and loyal.

Tell us about your heroine.  Give us one of her strengths and one of her weaknesses.

From Deadly Secrets: Patty Harmon. She was hard to write. Probably because she’s so different from myself. I’d say her strongest attribute is her ability to bounce back from diversity. But that closed her off from seeing other people as who they really are.

What genres are you drawn to as a reader?

I love Romantic Suspense. But also have a fascination for Science Fiction, particularly aliens. I also like fantasy. Loved the Divergent series and currently hooked on the Wave series.

Do you prefer to read in the same genres you write in or do you avoid reading that genre? Why?

I don’t have a preference, but I think it’s important to read in your own genre.

Has your muse always known what genre you would write and be published in?

Nope. I love the darker side of human nature and tried to write it because I’m often so fascinated by my antagonists that I wrote a couple of horror/thriller books, but I don’t think they are publishable, yet. Working on that.

What do you have planned for the future?

I have five more books planned in the NY State Trooper Series, which will take me to a series based on correctional officers…maybe.

How far do you plan ahead?

I always have a 1 year, 3 year, and 5 year business plan and adjust accordingly.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Never quit.

What did you want to be when you were a child?  Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

I had a million different dreams. An actress. A dancer. Choreographer. Hairdresser. Business Owner. Hacker. Teacher. Cop. Lawyer. Politician. Never a writer, but its fitting I became one since I was interested in everything!

Do you or have you belonged to a writing organization?  Which one?  Have the helped you with your writing?  How?

RWA and ITW. RWA helped with learning the business and Craft. So did ITW. They both helped to meet other authors and network. I met Bob Mayer at a conference and we then created Cool Gus Publishing. I think conferences are very important.

Please tell my readers a little bit about your book. 

 Deadly Secrets is all about keeping secrets and how even when we think we are protecting the ones we love, they can rise up and cause havoc in our lives. Its all about learning to forgive, and move forward with the here and now. Its about a woman learning to open her heart and risk being hurt and a man learning that his life doesn’t have to be ruled by the past.

Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract? 

Never quit! Keep honing your craft. Set you goals, and work toward them. This isn’t an easy business and not everyone will succeed. But you don’t know if can if you don’t work for it.

A Bit about Jen

Jen Talty is an award-winning author of Romantic Suspense. Dark Water hit #10 in Barnes and Noble and her books have been in the top 50 on Amazon. Jennifer grew up in Rochester, New York. She recently retired from being a full-time hockey mom as her children hung up their skates. She and her husband still live in Rochester while her children travel globe. Jen is the co-founder of Cool Gus Publishing with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer. Jen does all the cover art, book trailers, eBook Conversions, and also works as a developmental editor.

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How did you get started writing?

My sister and I slept in the same room as kids and she used to beg me to tell her stories after we were tucked into bed, promising me she would return the favor. Of course, she would fall asleep before that happened. But that pretty much sums up my childhood, always dreaming up stories. My teachers used to write on my report cards that I was a day dreamer. Little did they know I was working on my novels!

 What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I started in historical romance after dreaming up the story behind a beloved Cajun song, “Jolie Blonde,” nicknamed the “Cajun National Anthem.” I love history and dig research so writing the Cajun Series of six books for Kensington was a natural, absolutely loved it. When I lost my editor at Kensington, I veered into a series of contemporary romances called “The Cajun Embassy.” Later on this year I’m debuting my paranormal mystery series. Yes, I love variety. One thread that runs through them all, however, is the Louisiana setting or characters — or both. I live in Cajun Country and dearly love my home state so I love sharing it with readers.

Tell us about your current series.

Three Columbia journalism students homesick for Louisiana meet over a bowl of gumbo at school and become lifelong friends. They nickname themselves “The Cajun Embassy” since every time they cook up a Louisiana dish, everyone comes running, wanting to know more about their unique, colorful state.

Each book in “The Cajun Embassy” contemporary romance series focuses on each journalism graduate and where they are now, and the men they fall in love with. “Ticket to Paradise” is a romantic comedy that centers around a California Lottery ticket. “Damn Yankees” concerns a Deep South journalist who inherits part of “Yankee Living” magazine, falling in love with its New England publisher. The differences between the two make for a fun romantic comedy. “Gone Pecan” (pronounced gone pe-cawn) is an expression we use in South Louisiana when someone splits, and for Caroline Hennessey who went gone pecan 14 years ago, it’s about returning home to face old pains and a love that cannot be denied.

Naturally, there’s a gumbo recipe in each one. Because love — and a good gumbo — can cure everything.

What inspired your latest book?

The first book in my new “Cajun Embassy” series is “Ticket to Paradise.” I love Frank Capra movies (think “It’s a Wonderful Life”) and I thought a romantic comedy revolving around a Lottery ticket would be fun to write. I was living in Santa Clarita, California, at the time, struggling to make ends meet and missing home in Louisiana.

My main character, transplanted Cajun Lizzy Guidry, is having the worst day of her life, thanks to newspaperman Martin Taylor, whose editorial has raised the ire of Lizzy’s boss, the mayor of Santa Helena, California. Martin is on the verge of losing his newspaper, which is why he’s buying yet another lottery ticket the night he runs into Lizzy. Still fuming, Lizzy beats him to it, nabbing the last ticket before the machines close. Topping off Martin’s worst day, Lizzy’s ticket wins. Only she doesn’t know it. As Martin attempts to romance his way to five million dollars, will he lose his heart in the process? Will they both realize that love, more than money, is the ticket to paradise?

What is your next project and when will it be released?

I’m a New Orleans native so naturally Hurricane Katrina broke my heart in a million places. I quit my newspaper job, took a massive pay cut and worked two years in hurricane recovery. I stopped writing fiction; my heart wasn’t in it. But one blessing that came out of the storm was me following my true passion, that of being a travel writer. It was something I had done on the side but not full-time. Traveling the South (my personal niche), meeting other writers and experiencing press trips was a new and wonderful experience and I kept thinking how it would make a great mystery series, with the main character doing the same and solving mysteries everywhere she traveled. I began writing again, with my main character, Viola Valentine, a New Orleans native who survives Katrina on her rooftop. Because of the trauma, Viola now experiences ghosts who have died by water. But the one person she really wants to contact — her daughter who died young of cancer — eludes her.

“Ghost of a Chance” is part chic lit, part romance, part paranormal mystery. It’s humorous, it’s sexy, it’s heartwarming but most of all, it helps me write down the feelings of grief I carried from the storm.

Do you have a view in your writing space?  What does your space look like? 

I freelance write for a living, so I have a designated office space in my home (was the dining room once). I work on my dad’s massive old desk, which is filled with items from my travels and artwork, old photos and unusual rocks that make me happy. I have one window and just outside is a bird feeder so I can watch the cardinals and wrens who live in my yard come visit. I adore my writing room, think every woman should have one for their creative endeavors.

Do you write under a pen name?   Why or why not?

Yes, Cherie Claire. My real name is Cheré Dastugue Coen, which my first editor explained had too much punctuation (Cheré – you can’t have accents in publishing), was too French (Dastugue) and was too ethnic (Coen). My pen name is pronounced the same as my real name but spelled correctly. Cherie in French should be Chèrie. Claire was a beloved family member.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

I teach creative writing at the local university and there are three things I try to impress upon aspiring writers.

1. I hear all the time students saying they aren’t writers, as if you get the designation when you publish a book or someone hands you an award. If you write, you are a writer. So stand tall, head high and proclaim it to the world. You are in marvelous company but you absolutely belong here.
2. Don’t compare. This is hard to do if you write genre fiction because some people don’t respect books such as romances. Don’t let anyone intimidate you or make you feel less worthy because you’re not writing what the New York Times puts on the cover of their book section. It’s like the Oscars. We honor the complex, serious films and ignore the equally elaborate comedies. But the world needs both.
3. Last, don’t give up. Writing should be a labor of love. Period. Write because you have to. Write because you love it. When those rejections come in, have a cry if you need one but get right back to that keyboard and keep going. Keep learning. Keep growing. Listen to others. But never, ever give up. And if you need an extra boost on this subject, put J.K. Rowling’s picture on your computer.

What did you want to be when you were a child?  Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Yes, but I fought it for years. I tried several subjects before coming back to journalism as a major. Even after I got the degree I kept thinking I should do something else, something that pays better. LOL

And always I wrote fiction on the side. My first short story was at age 12, my first novel in eighth grade (which was never finished) and I tried screenwriting after college before settling into historical romance and popular fiction.

Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract? 

Please, please never give up. Follow your bliss.

Buy Links for TICKET TO PARADISE (FREE)

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ticket-Paradise-Cajun-Embassy-Book-ebook/dp/B01I0OBN6M

iBooks – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ticket-to-paradise/id1131416489?mt=11

B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ticket-to-paradise-cherie-claire/1124070621?ean=2940153404783

Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/ticket-to-paradise-8

BIO

Cherie Claire is the award-winning author of several Louisiana romances and a paranormal mystery series.

Originally published with Kensington, the “Cajun Series” of historical romance follows a family of Acadians (Cajuns) who travel to South Louisiana and start anew after being exiled from their Nova Scotia home. The first three books (“Emilie,” “Rose,” “Gabrielle,”) follow the Gallant sisters as they attempt to reunite with their father (and find love) in the wilds of Louisiana and “Delphine” (Book Four) takes place during Louisiana’s role in the American Revolution. The Dugas family saga continues into the 19th century with “A Cajun Dream” (Book Five) and “The Letter” (Book Six).

Cherie is also the author of “The Cajun Embassy” series of contemporary romances – “Ticket to Paradise,” “Damn Yankees” and “Gone Pecan.” What happens when several Columbia journalism coeds homesick for Louisiana find comfort in a bowl of Cajun gumbo? They become lifelong friends. Because love — and a good gumbo — changes everything.

Cherie’s upcoming novel, “A Ghost of a Chance,” begins a paranormal mystery series featuring New Orleans travel writer and ghost sleuth Viola Valentine.

Cherie lives in South Louisiana where she works as a travel and food writer when not indulging in Cajun culture. Visit her website at www.cherieclaire.net and write to her at CajunRomances@gmail.com.

Website: www.CherieClaire.net

What inspired your latest book? 

Actually, it might surprise you. I always had a bit of a crush on Paul Walker. I will never forget the first time I saw him step onto the big screen in Varsity Blues and thought there is a god and it is he. His untimely and tragic death a few years ago hit me hard. I’m not sure if it’s because we are contemporaries in age or what not, but his passing is one of the few celebrity deaths that really hit home for me. When I was developing this series, and this current release, His Driven Domme, I made it my ode to Paul Walker.

What is your next project and when will it be released?

My next release in the Dungeon Fantasy Club Series is Her Country Master, which is slated for an August 17^th, 2016 release date.

How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?

Usually they don’t, it’s more that there might be a certain personality trait or quirk that an individual possesses which could be added to a character to give them depth.

 Do you prefer to read in the same genres you write in or do you avoid reading that genre? Why? 

I read everything. I don’t necessarily avoid reading the genre I’m currently writing in. I prefer to go with what I’m in the mood for. Here lately, I’ve been reading Ruby Dixon’s Ice Planet Barbarian series and am really enjoying it.

What did you want to be when you were a child?  

When I was in grade school, I wanted to be an astronaut. I wanted like crazy to have the chance to go to the moon or on a mission to Mars. That little dream bubble burst by the time I hit middle school and discovered how much math was involved.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? 

No, I didn’t. Growing up, I followed another one of my passions, music, and went to college on a music scholarship. I wanted to be or thought I wanted to be a business manager for a band. I had always written though, starting in junior high and high school. Getting my start by writing really horrible, soul-sucking, poetry. It wasn’t until the year after I graduated from college that I tried my hand at writing a novel. And from there I was hooked.

When did you start writing toward publication? 

I wrote my first book with an eye toward publication in 2001. I indie published in 2014 and then received my first book contract in 2016. There is no such thing in this business as overnight success.

Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in?  

His Driven Domme is the fourth book in my erotic romance Dungeon Fantasy Club Series. It is a stand-alone title and does not need to be read in order. I also write Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Contemporary under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher.

His Driven Domme (The Dungeon Fantasy Club Series, Book 4)

Jesse Noble loves fast cars and even faster women. A professional race car driver, he’s used to being in the driver’s seat, until a devastating loss on the track forces him to walk away from the only life he’s ever known. After months of rehab and soul-sucking depression, Jesse heads to his friend’s place in Scotland, thinking a month or two of indulging in the fleshy delights of the Dungeon Fantasy Club will help him maneuver the road to recovery more than any painkillers.

Lucy Martin is the mistress and commander of her world. Labeled an ‘Ice Queen’ by her co-workers, she hides her tender and passionate heart from the world, even as she hopes to one day find a man who will help soothe her shattered heart. Now her best friend Zoey, the only person on the planet Lucy can confide in, has gone AWOL and left the country for some Scottish laird. On a mission to rescue her BFF, Lucy travels to Mulladoch Manor and has her world turned on its axis; finding herself in an exclusive BDSM club where she feels right at home.

When the dominant Jesse spies the luscious Lucy sporting four-inch stilettos and leather in the Dungeon Fantasy Club, he surrenders to a night of mind-blowing ecstasy, her caresses somehow driving away every one of his inner demons with supreme skill. In the race of his life, Jesse moves out of the driver’s seat and willingly becomes her passenger – if only she’ll continue tying him up and paddling his bare ass into the most erotically charged, world altering orgasms he’s ever experienced.

When their past secrets are revealed, Jesse will have to convince Lucy to enter the fast lane with him – and prove that he’s willing to submit to all of his Domme’s utmost desires. Can he make the ultimate sacrifice and give up control – for love?

Publisher’s Note: While this is the fourth installment of Anya Summer’s Dungeon Fantasy Club series, like all the books in the series, it can be read as a standalone. It contains explicit sexual themes including anal play and BDSM elements, as well as femdom scenes. If such material offends you, please do not purchase.

Buy Link: http://www.blushingbooks.com/

BIO

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a M.A. in History.

Anya is a #1 Amazon Bestselling and Award-Winning Author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance under the name, Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the midwest with her two furry felines.

Visit her website here:

www.anyasummers.com

Amazon Author Page:

www.amazon.com/author/anyasummers

Visit her on social media here:

http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor

Twitter: @AnyaBSummers

Don’t miss these exciting titles by Anya Summers and Blushing Books!

Dungeon Fantasy Club Series

Her Highland Master, April 15, 2016

To Master & Defend, May 15, 2016

Two Doms for Kara, June 12, 2016

His Driven Domme, July 15, 2016

Her Country Master, August 17, 2016

Love Me, Master Me, September 16, 2016

Submit To Me, October 15, 2016

Her Wired Dom, November 14, 2016

Rafflecopter Giveaway – 5 ebook copies of His Driven Domme

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Have you always had a passion for writing?

                My passion for writing began many years ago.  As a young divorcee completely disillusioned by romance, I sought enjoyment in reading. Then, finally, on a lonely New Year’s Eve, I tucked my two young son’s into bed, poured myself a glass of wine, then pulled out my old Tower typewriter. With a strong belief in a ‘happily-ever-after’ I began to craft a love story which would contain all the elements I felt a true hero should possess. THAT was the night I gave birth to a Civil War love story, NO GREATER GLORY, which ultimately became a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist, which landed me my fabulous agent. Lo and behold, my journey toward publication began.

Does what you read influence what you write and what are some of your favorite authors/books?

I love historical romance.  The elements I look for in a novel that I read for pleasure are a captivating love story, characters who I can fall in love with, and detailing that sweeps me right straight back into the time period.  I have many romance novels on my keeper shelf, but as I glance at them several stand out to me, and are as timely & moving as they were when I first them:  THE OUTSIDER by Penelope Williamson.  GONE WITH THE WIND by Margaret Mitchell.  LOVE & WAR by Patricia Hagan. Good heavens, the list goes on and on.

What are your biggest inspirations?

PEOPLE…So many wonderful people motivate me to do better, strive harder, and reach farther.  Their successes are what inspires me to continue in my quest every single day. And HISTORY…I truly enjoy the research side of writing in my chosen genre.

Do you have a technique in how you choose characters and/or locational settings?

Some of my characters have been born in my mind before I even start writing a book.  And others only after I’m in the process of creating.  They literally ‘talk to me’…lol. For example, Dillon [the hero of my third novel & sidekick of Jackson Neale] just would not take a back seat in my second novel [With Open Arms…the love story of Callie Cutteridge and Jackson Neale] until I promised him he could have his own dang book!! And I always place my characters in settings that I love myself. ♥

Do you listen to music while you are creating your masterpieces?

Absolutely…especially when crafting a love scene or writing involved conflict. And my music choices vary so greatly from Enya to Garth Brooks to The Eagles to Beethoven.  See? I’m a writer, so my mood changes with the wind.  

What do you do to stay motivated and avoid writer’s block?

I always run things past my husband and we’ll sit down & discuss upcoming scenes and potential plot twists.  Oh, and bottles of wine….lots and lots of organic Pinot Noir…lol. ♥

How has becoming a published author changed your perspective on life and is it everything you expected it to be?

I didn’t realize how extremely busy my life would become upon being published.  I find myself with less time to actually write, so I must be even more focused than ever before and follow guidelines that I have set for myself.  I love the opportunities and ‘opened doors’ that being a historical romance writer has presented to me. From interacting with so many amazingly wonderful authors that I have admired for years, to meeting incredibly supportive bloggers, readers, and leaders in the publishing industry, I cannot ask for a better ‘career’ than this one.  

What are your biggest challenges as an author?

Balancing my time and attention between writing, social media, my family and my friends…and, of course, finding just that perfect word to use in a sentence…after all, it’s all about the emotions.  

Do you have any pets?

Two spoiled-rotten Shetland Sheepdogs….Shelties, of course.  Our oldest boy’s AKC name is Charleston’s Own Captain Rhett Butler Nord, but we just call him Buddy.  And our little girl is Atlanta’s Own Katy Scarlett O’Hara Nord, otherwise affectionately called Katy. 

What hobbies do you have outside of reading and writing?

Gardening. RV camping and traveling. Hiking. Bicycling. And going on luxurious cruises with the hubster. ♥

Where is the most exciting/memorable place you have been in the world?

Too numerous to pick just one…from the Mayan Ruins deep in Mexico’s core to the beauty and splendor of the Grand Canyon to the hauntingly poignant monuments of the bloodstained Civil War battlefields across this nation, each and every place has burned a spot inside our heart. ♥

Tell us about your latest work in progress or most recent published work…

                I am currently writing BY ANY MEANS, book four of my bestselling The Cutteridge Family series…debuting the winter of 2017. ♥

 AN UNLIKELY HERO [Book Three just debuted!!!]

He’s a hard man with a broken past…and she reminds him of everything he’s lost…

Rugged army scout Dillon Reed has met his match in spoiled Boston debutante Alma Talmadge, but an unwanted assignment escorting the beauty across the wilds of America soon evolves into a journey of monumental change for them both. With killers hot on their trail, the odds of staying alive are stacked against them…and yet, falling in love was nowhere in their plans for survival.

ZIP OVER HERE TO READ THE OPENING:  https://amzn.com/B01HMVIAYW

NO GREATER GLORY [Book One & a USA Today Lifeblog ‘Recommended Read’, as well as the #1 Civil War Romance at Amazon for over one full year]

Amid the carnage of war, he commandeers far more than just her home…

Widowed plantation owner Emaline McDaniels has struggled to hold on to her late husband’s dreams. Despite the responsibilities resting on her slender shoulders, she’ll not let anyone wrest away what’s left of her way of life—particularly a Yankee officer who wants to set up winter camp on her land. With a defiance born of desperation, she defends her home as though it were the child she never had…and no mother gives up her child without a fight.

Despite the brazen wisp of a woman pointing a gun at his head, Colonel Reece Cutteridge has his orders. Requisition Shapinsay—and its valuable livestock—for his regiment’s use, and pay her with Union vouchers. He never expected her fierce determination, then her concern for his wounded, to upend his heart—and possibly his career. As the armies go dormant for the winter, battle lines are drawn inside the mansion. Yet just as their clash of wills shifts to forbidden passion, the tides of war sweep Reece away. And now their most desperate battle is to survive the war with their lives—and their love—intact.

ZIP OVER HERE TO READ THE OPENING:  https://amzn.com/B008GWOI9S

WITH OPEN ARMS [Book Two, as well as a #1 bestselling western historical romance]

A war-weary ex-soldier.  An untamable hellion.  Love doesn’t stand a chance in hell…

Hardened in childhood by the death of her parents, then left to run the family’s southwestern territory ranch when her brother rode off to fight for the Union years before, Callie Cutteridge hides her heartbreak behind a mask of self-sufficiency. Breaking horses for the army proves she’s neither delicate nor helpless. When a former cavalry officer shows up claiming to own her brother’s half of the Arizona ranch, she steels herself to resist the handsome stranger’s intention to govern even one single aspect of her life. After all, loving means losing…to her it always has.

For months, Jackson Neale has looked forward to putting the bloodstained battlefields back east behind him. Callie isn’t the agreeable angel her brother led him to believe, but he’s damned well not the useless rake this foul-mouthed hellion thinks he is, either. His quest for calm stability contradicts sharply with her need for control, yet still their heartstrings tangle. But how can these mistrusting partners transform their fiery passion into a happily- ever-after when all Callie knows how to do is fight…and all Jackson wants is peace?

ZIP OVER HERE TO READ THE OPENING:  https://amzn.com/B00KT23WO0

Cindy’s bio:  Say hello to Bestselling Historical Romance writer, CINDY NORD…the USA Today Lifeblog ‘Recommended Read’ author of NO GREATER GLORY, a #1 Civil War Romance at Amazon for nearly a year, and book one in her four-book ‘The Cutteridge Series’. WITH OPEN ARMS, book two, is a #1 bestselling western historical romance.  AN UNLIKELY HERO, book three, just debuted last week and has zoomed to a Top 100 Romance spot at Amazon.  Also, Cindy is pleased to be a contributing author in the delightful SCRIBBLING WOMEN & THE REAL-LIFE ROMANCE HEROES WHO LOVE THEM [all proceeds of this book go directly to the Women In Need shelter in NYC]. She is a member of numerous writers groups, and her work has finaled or won countless times in competitions — including the prestigious Romance Writers of America National Golden Heart Contest. A luscious blend of history and romance, her stories meld both genres around fast-paced action and emotionally driven characters.

Please join Cindy at her Facebook page for her Monday-thru-Friday morning “Coffee Klatch” — as well as on Twitter at @cnord2.  Indeed, true love awaits you in the writings of Cindy Nord.

MY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

My webpage:  https://www.cindynord.com

My Amazon Author page:  https://amazon.com/author/www.cindynord.com

Barnes & Noble NOOK Author link:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Cindy+Nord?_requestid=853257

Cindy’s Facebook ‘Coffee Klatch’:  https://www.facebook.com/cindy.nord.9 

Cindy’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnord2

Thank you, Cindy, for hosting me today!

My name is Leslie Langtry and I write 3 different mystery series, including The Aloha Lagoon Mysteries, The Merry Wrath Mysteries, and The Greatest Hits Mysteries.

Tell us about your current series.

I’m very excited about the new Aloha Lagoon Mysteries. My first book in the series, UKULELE MURDER, came out on July 6. It’s the first in a continuity series – all taking place in the fictional Aloha Lagoon, Kauai, Hawaii. There are several authors writing their own series within the Aloha Lagoon series – and our characters will interact throughout the books, which is pretty interesting. It’s a bit tricky to manage, but I think fans will love it. At least, I hope they do.  There’s a website where you can check out the whole series including characters and locations: www.alohalagoonmysteries.com

My series features Nani Johnson – a Julliard Trained musician and ukulele virtuoso who moves from Kansas to Kauai with her crazy mother in tow. Nani wants to perform professionally, but when she arrives in Aloha Lagoon, she finds there are already 3 ukulele artists who get all the good gigs. So, Nani is reduced to playing at the Blue Hawaii Wedding Chapel (complete with Elvis impersonating minister) and various gigs when she can get them. Unfortunately, one of the other ukulele musicians turns up dead and Nani is the main suspect.

What inspired your latest book?

I jumped at the chance to be part of this series because I’m a huge fan of the ukulele. I’m a hobbyist – I do play – but I’m nowhere near as good as my main character. This book was so much fun to write – mostly because I got to pretend to be a virtuoso. I’d love to have Nani in future books meet some of my favorite artists like Jake Shimabukuro or Victoria Vox or the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. But what I’d really love is for me to actually meet these people. In person. Where I can embarrass myself by becoming a squealing fan girl begging for autographs. Of course, now that I say that, it seems like a bad idea…

What is your next project and when will it be released?

I’m working on the 2^nd book now – UKULELE DEADLY – which will come out in March. I do have a new release for my Merry Wrath Mysteries – MOVIE NIGHT MURDER coming out in September.

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

It’s really hard to say. I wish I had a lock on that. I kind of stumble upon them reading the newspaper, when doing the dishes or even just before I fall asleep. I learned a long time ago to keep a notepad by the bed, just in case. I’ve lost a lot of ideas by thinking I’d remember them when I wake up.

Give us an elevator pitch for your book.

UKULELE MURDER is like MURDER SHE WROTE, but funny. Also like MAGNUM P.I., but with a ukulele as the main prop, instead of a mustache.

Tell us about your heroine.  Give us one of her strengths and one of her weaknesses.

Nani Johnson is in her twenties and single, living in Aloha Lagoon, Kauai. She grew up on a farm in Kansas and studied classical guitar at Julliard before falling in love with the diminutive ukulele. When her father dies, she takes her Hawaii-obsessed mother and moves to the islands. She has a dream to be a real artist, that is rudely interrupted by reality when she finds a lot of competition for a few gigs. Meanwhile her mother has dyed her hair black and calls herself Haliaka, driving the mahjong set crazy with her belief she’s the descendant of Hawaiian royalty.

Nani’s strength is that she can keep it together when things go wrong – like when her mother decorates the living room with dozens of coconuts in grass skirts, or when she’s the main suspect when her competition starts dying off.

Her weakness is her struggle to fit in. Things are a lot different in Kauai than they were in Kansas. Nani tries to figure out how to blend in – but it doesn’t always work out the way she wants it to.

Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in? 

UKULELE MURDER is a comic cozy mystery. As a reader, I’m a huge fan of the genre. My Merry Wrath Mysteries are the same, featuring outed CIA agent Merry Wrath, who goes home to small town Iowa and leads a Girl Scout troop. My Greatest Hits Series is more mystery/comedy/romance/adventure about a family of assassins – so it’s a little different. I really like writing cozies though, and I imagine I will always write them

EXCERPT:

CHAPTER ONE

If anyone requests “Ukulele Lady,” I’m out of here. I’m not going to do it. Not again. Not for the millionth time. Is that the only song tourists know? Yeesh. Please, tiki god of the Ukulele, don’t let me kill a tourist today.

“‘Ukulele Lady!'” a dumpy, middle-aged man in a Frankie Goes to Hollywood T-shirt screams. He gives me a knowing nod with his balding head to indicate he’s the only one in the room who knows true Hawaiian culture.

I hate him. I imagine bludgeoning him with my koa wood uke.

But I don’t. Do you know how hard it is to get blood out of koa wood? Well…I don’t know either, but I’d guess it isn’t easy.

Instead, I play the damn song—smiling as I imagine shoving his pineapple drink up his…

The crowd cheers as I perform. I know—it’s not so bad having an adoring audience. But this isn’t the audience I want. This is Judah Horowitz’s bar mitzvah. One of the few gigs I could get in Aloha Lagoon.

My name is Hoalohanani Johnson. My mother, Harriet Jones Johnson, is a bit of a Hawaiian-obsessed nut. It’s so bad that it’s to the point where she believes she is the reincarnation of a Hawaiian princess and says that my name came from a dream from an ancestor god. In reality, it probably came from the bottom of a rum bottle.

To her endless annoyance, my redheaded, green-eyed mom comes from a long line of English ancestors and grew up in Kansas. Dad was a third-generation blond, brown-eyed German whose name was shortened to Johnson due to the inability to pronounce whatever the name really was. Neither of my parents had ever been to Hawaii until Mom and I moved here after Dad died.

I go by Nani. And I now live in Aloha Lagoon on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, with my mother, who now calls herself Haliaka and dyes her hair and eyebrows a ridiculous shade of black that does not look natural. I’ve never understood where my dark-brown hair comes from, but I look more native than she does. Always dressed in a muumuu, Mom wears hibiscus flowers in her hair and hangs out on my lanai, singing island songs all day and night, much to my neighbors’ dismay. Sigh.

I finish my set, tell the crowd “aloha,” and am cut off by the DJ who decides suddenly to play a gangsta rap song.

“Thank you!” Gladys Horowitz of Trenton, New Jersey, and Judah’s mother, slips an envelope into my hands before running to the dance floor to shimmy disturbingly. Thirteen-year-old Judah hangs his head in shame.

I make my way through the crowd to the bar and order a decidedly un-Hawaiian vodka tonic.

“Here’s the ten bucks I owe you.” The bartender smiles, handing me money.

I gulp my drink, slapping an empty glass on the bar. “I told you, someone requests it every time.” I take his money and head to my car. My shift in hell is over.

BIO:

Leslie Langtry is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of the Merry Wrath Mysteries, the Greatest Hits Series, and Sex, Lies & Family vacations.

She is not, nor ever has been a former CIA agent or an assassin (a question that surprisingly comes up more than you’d think). She has been a Girl Scout Volunteer for 15 years and was a troop leader for 10 years – which gave her a wealth of material that she uses in her books.

Leslie lives in the Midwest with her family and assorted animals and has an unnatural obsession with cake. You can find out more about her and her books at http://www.leslielangtry.com.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon:  https://amzn.com/B01HU7401A

Nook: http://bit.ly/1TlQ0MC

iBook:  http://apple.co/1Vo1WRB

Kobo:  http://apple.co/1Vo1WRB

Smashwords:  http://bit.ly/1Sx66mq

Print:  will send next week

WEBSITES:

Leslie Langtry: www.leslielangtry.com

Aloha Lagoon: www.alohalagoonmysteries.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LeslieLangtry

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeslieLangtry

How did you get started writing?

When I was in junior high, I wrote my first story for an English assignment. It was entered in a contest and I won second place. When I was in high school, I wrote skits for my community, and I had so much fun doing that, I continued even after I was married. These skits were performed and judged, and I won awards like Funniest and Best Written. It wasn’t until after reading my very first romance novel, A Rose in Winter, by Kathleen E Woodiwiss, when I fell in love with romance novels. For the next few years, I devoured them—mainly historical. It wasn’t until I had watched a romance movie that didn’t have a happy ending, when I decided to try to write my own happily-ever-after. Although the first book sucked, at least it had awakened my muse…and my muse hasn’t stopped talking to me, yet—even after 37 published stories.

What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I love to write historicals, but…I write whatever my muse tells me to write. I’ve written Colonial, Regency, Victorian, American Western, Titanic era (1912), Roaring Twenties (1920), romantic comedy, mystery/suspense, time-travel, paranormal, and last but certainly not least – fairy tales/fantasy! All of my stories have a little suspense or mystery to them, and all of them have a touch of humor, most of them have twists and turns, and of course, they are all romances with happy endings. The reason I write a lot of genres is because I strive to make all readers happy.

Tell us about your current series.

I’ll be working on two different series in 2016. I started out with my fairy tale series, “Where Dreams Come True”, and a month or so ago, I decided to take a break from that and add a few more books to my Regency series, “Sons of Worthington”. But the first part of June, I was slapped with another story idea—a murder mystery with a touch of humor, and a bunch of romance. That will also be in a series titled, “Your Every Day Heroes”.

The series I’m going to talk about today is my fairy tale series. Although we have read several fairy tale versions over the years, I’ve always wondered what if. (Must be the writer in me…) When I started book one of this series, I imagined what it would be like to be literally sucked into a book. Well, that’s exactly what my young adult characters experienced in “The Witch Hunt”. Book two, “Champion”, is about Robin Hood who is whisked from history to our time because a woman made a wish for a fairy tale hero. Book three, “Her Own Fairy Godmother” is a modern-day Cinderella story / romantic comedy. My heroine tries to follow an internet article’s steps on how to catch a man…and she ultimately fails. Or does she? Book four, “Keep on Believing” is my historical Cinderella story. What if Cinderella didn’t stick around to allow her stepmother to turn her into a slave, and she decided to take control of her own life? This story still has her hero, and somewhat of a fairy godmother…  Book five, “Once Enchanted” is about Rapunzel, but instead of being thrown into a tower, she is placed under a spell, and she throws the hero in the tower. Can true love’s kiss break the spell?

So far, these are the only fairy tale stories that have been published, but many more are waiting their turn this year!

The Witch Hunt – https://amzn.com/B01B13G9XQ

Champion – https://amzn.com/B01BKSC6BQ

Her Own Fairy Godmother – https://amzn.com/B00TVF12NE

Keep on Believing – https://amzn.com/B01D96YWGE

Once Enchanted – https://amzn.com/B01ES21P4A

What inspired your latest fairy tale book?

By the time I started writing “Once Enchanted”, I knew I wanted a different twist for my story. I knew these things: 1) There needed to be a tower. 2) The heroine must have long hair. 3) There needed to be some kind of curse. 4) The Rapunzel flower was important to the story. Then I started thinking of different twists in the story. One idea led to another, which led to another, which started me on the road to writing, “Once Enchanted”.

What is your next project and when will it be released?

Because I had been so busy with my fairy tale series, and adding a few more books to my Regency series, I was surprised when I was hit with a new story idea. I was watching a crime show on tv, and one of the characters said, “Prince Charming is a Liar.” Of course, I laughed, and within seconds, the story idea popped into my head. A few hours later, my characters forced me up out of the La-Z-Boy recliner, and into the computer room. I haven’t stopped typing since. This book will be finished and released by the end of June! AND…a second book will come from this story, as well. It’ll be titled “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Altar”. I love it when story ideas push me to get them written.

What is your favorite part of writing?

I love writing twists and turns. I love it when my characters flow the way I imagined they would, but then all of a sudden, they take me in a different direction and surprise me.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

Self-publishing has given me the freedom I haven’t received with the other publishers I’ve been with over the years. I get to keep my own story lines. I get to choose my own book covers. I get to pick my own release date, plus I get to choose my own book price. What could be better than that?

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

Most of my story ideas have come from my dreams. When I dream, it’s like I’m watching a movie. There is always a heroine, a hero, and sometimes a bad guy. Thankfully, I remember my dreams when I’m awake. I don’t dream the whole story, only a scene, but from that one scene, I can write the story anyway I want…usually. My characters like to guide me a lot.

What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?

If you’re a brand new author, please study the genre of books that you write to see how the authors have written their books.  A lot of times you think your story will be a romance, but it might fit better with the Young Adult genre. Self-publishing isn’t easy, and as every author knows, we have to promote a lot. If you don’t have time for promoting, your story won’t get seen by others. But don’t give up. If writing is what you love, then DO IT!

Excerpt for “Once Enchanted”:

One of the girls in the children’s hospital ward giggled. “They named the girl after the flower?”

Clarissa shook her head. “No, but this was what the witch called her, because the little girl reminded the witch of the lovely Rapunzel flower.”

The children nodded and the little boy asked, “Then what happened?”

“Just as the little girl lowered the rope out the window for the witch to climb,” Clarissa continued, “the man jumped out from his hiding spot and knocked the witch unconscious. He then climbed the rope and rescued his daughter.”

The children clapped and cheered, but Clarissa motioned her hand to calm them. “The story isn’t over yet.”

“It’s not?” one asked.

“No. You see, just as the man had left the tower with his daughter, the witch became alert and attacked the man. She hit him with a large stick. Thankfully, the king was strong, so he fought her, and of course, he eventually killed the witch.”

The children stood and cheered. Clarissa laughed. She loved their reaction. They always responded this way with her stories. Perhaps that was why she loved coming to the children’s ward so much. Their infectious laugh was the best kind of medicine.

“Princess?” one of the children asked. “What was the witch’s name?”

Clarissa shook her head. “I’ll have to save that question for another time. Perhaps we can make a game of it.”

Once again, the children shouted with excitement. Clarissa looked at Ryder. His smile stretched from ear to ear as he applauded. Her heart warmed to see the enjoyment etched in his expression. Just as she remembered, his eyes gleamed with happiness. She realized how hard it was to look at anything else when he was in the room. He was such a handsome man—one she would love to get to know a little better now that they were grown.

As many times as she’d told that story over the years, she thought her memories would bring back the fear she once had of strangers. But the fear was no longer with her. Perhaps she hadn’t recalled how it had really happened word for word, but she’d only been six years old when the witch had kidnapped her, so she didn’t remember a lot. Had these reoccurring dreams opened up her memory in some way?

Her father hated this story, and scolded her for telling it to the children. But she was happy to know he loved her enough to rescue her and destroy the witch, which of course was the moral of the story, anyway.

Of course, she couldn’t help but sigh knowing her father loved her mother so much that he risked his life by climbing the rock wall to get her the Rapunzel flower.

She leaned back in her chair. Perhaps that was the very reason she hadn’t found a man she’d consider marrying. She wanted a love like her parents had. She wanted a man who would risk his life to prove his love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Since Marie Higgins was a little girl playing Barbies with her sister, Stacey, she has loved the adventure of making up romantic stories. Marie was only eighteen years old when she wrote her first skit, which won an award for Funniest. A little later in life, after she’d married and had children, Marie wrote Church roadshows that were judged as Funniest and Best Written. From there, she branched out to write full-length novels based on her dreams. (Yes, she says, her dreams really are that silly)

Marie has been married for several years to a wonderful man. Together, they have three loving daughters and several beautiful grandchildren. Marie works full time for the state of Utah, and she’s lived in that state her entire life. Marie plans to keep writing, because the characters in her head won’t shut up. But her husband smiles and pretends this is normal.

Marie Higgins is a multi-published author of romance; from refined bad-boy heroes who makes your heart melt to the feisty heroines who somehow manage to love them regardless of their faults. Visit her website / blog to discover more about her – http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com

Twitter: @mariehigginsxox

Facebook: https://facebook.com/marie.higgins.7543