Tell us about your current series. Three ancient Celtic families. A magical Bloodstone that enables the wearers to shape shift. A charge to use the stone’s power to benefit mankind, and a battle, that is going on even today, to control the world. Can the Secret Society of shape shifters called the Turning Stone Society heal itself and bring peace to our world? Find out in The Series The Turning Stone Chronicles.

The Promised One, book one:

When homicide detective Alexi Jordan is forced to use her shape shifting powers to catch a paranormal killer, she risks the two most important things in her life—her badge and the man she loves.

Blood Brothers, book two:

Shape shifter Delaney Ramsey’s daughter is missing, and she is bound by honor to protect the man she suspects of the deed. To bring him to justice, she must go against her code, the leader of the secret shifter society, and the police captain she is falling for.

Son of the Moonless Night, book three:

Thrust back into the world of paranormal huntress, Deputy Coroner Katrina Romanovski must unravel a string of murders she believes are vampire attacks. When she discovers the shape shifter she’s in love with is the murderer, she must reconcile her feelings for him, examine her life of violence against paranormals, and justify deceiving him in order to bring him to justice.

How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book? They might not end up but some characteristic might. Catherine has a list of interesting physical characteristics of people that she likes to work into a characters profile. If you have an interesting name we might use that, too.

Give us an elevator pitch for your book. Thrust back into the world of paranormal huntress, Deputy Coroner Katrina Romanovski must unravel a string of murders she believes are vampire attacks. When she discovers the shape shifter she’s in love with is the murderer, she must reconcile her feelings for him, examine her life of violence against paranormals, and justify deceiving him in order to bring him to justice.

Do you have a view in your writing space? What does your space look like? We both have views. Catherine’s office overlooks the front flower garden and Donald’s the back garden. Our spaces are full of books, very cluttered, and Donald’s desk has two computer monitors for when we do editing and revisions.

Has your muse always known what genre you would write and be published in? Our muse in confused as we have numerous story ideas that we’d like to work on after our urban fantasy/paranormal romance series is finished. The one thing the muse is certain of is that there will always be a hint of romance. Hence our brand line “Two Hearts Creating Everlasting Love Stories.”

Tell us a little about yourself and your latest book. We’re high school sweethearts and husband and wife writing team. We’ve written separately since we were teenagers and discovered our unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s after writing drama for our church. Our latest book is the third installment in The Turning Stone Chronicle Series, Son of the Moonless Night.

Do you write under a pen name? Why or why not? Yes we do. Hersh is an abbreviated form of our real name. The C stands for Catherine and the D stands for Donald. We use the abbreviation because it fits on the book cover better.

Do you have any rejection stories to share? Catherine got a rejection letter that said “We’re sending this back to you with out thanks.” She’s glad they rejected it since they couldn’t even catch their own typo.

What is your writing routine like? As co-authors we talk about an idea until we both have a good grasp of what is happening. Then Donald puts it in scene format with any research notes. Then Catherine begins the first draft which is edited by Donald at the end of the day. When the first draft is complete we go back over again using the double monitors in Donald’s office, adding missing elements, and taking out all the bad stuff. When that’s done we read it out loud.

Excerpt:

A crash in the alley stopped Katrina Romanovski mid-stride. Like the October mist swirling in off the lake, her gypsy blood stirred sending her intuition into high gear. Something unnatural was happening.

Go see what’s wrong. She heard her father’s voice as clearly as if he stood next to her.

On the heels of his words came her mother’s pragmatic warning in clipped British tones. You know what curiosity killed. Katrina pushed the ever-present warning aside. Mom never approved of Dad’s supernatural hunts and even less of his drawing her into them.

Pulling the oversized cross she always wore out from under her shirt, Kat looked around for a weapon. Please, not a vampire. I hate vampires! A piece of wood sticking out of the trashcan at the front of the alley caught her eye.

Grabbing it, she broke the end off into a sharp point. The mist-filled air filtered the light from the single bulb over one of the alley doorways. The wind swirled the loose trash around making a quiet approach difficult. Sidestepping the paper, with the stake in one hand and holding the gun she took from her purse in the other hand, she crept into the alley.

A roar echoed against the buildings, the sound nearly sending her running. That roar wasn’t a vampire. It sounded more like an animal. Kat inched closer. In the yellow pool of light from the back door of the building, a black bear, over seven feet tall, reared on its back legs and swung its paw at the man standing at the edge of the light. He crashed to the ground, shirt torn open from the slashing claws. Blood covered the fabric, and he clasped his left hand over his shoulder to stem the flow. The bear bent toward him, teeth bared in a smile. A wicked smile.

Kat aimed her gun, but before she could pull the trigger, a shot rang out. The flash of gunpowder lit the face of the injured man. The blast reverberated against the buildings. With an enraged bellow, the bear staggered backward against the wall. Shaking his head, the animal dropped to all four paws. Weaving like a drunk, he lumbered toward his attacker. The man took aim again, shooting the animal between the eyes. Animal and human collapsed on the dirty, littered pavement.

As she started to move forward, Kat’s gypsy senses crawled over her skin like angry red ants. As she slipped back into the shadows, the bear shed fur. Changing size. Then, finally, turning into a man.

Shape shifters. Her stake wasn’t any good against them, and her bullets weren’t silver. This one appeared dead anyway. Had the wounded man seen the shift? Tossing the stake aside, she paused by the shifter and quickly moved to the wounded man. Out cold. Still human.

When she touched him, his eyelids fluttered open. “Did I get it?”

“What?”

“The bear.”

Amazon buy links:

The Promised One (The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 1):

eBook: http://amzn.com/B00DUMODKI

paperback: http://amzn.com/1619353504

Blood Brothers (The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 2):

eBook: http://amzn.com/B00OVNFC8W

paperback: http://amzn.com/1619358271

Son of the Moonless Night (The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 3):

eBook: http://amzn.com/B00XK3E172

Bio:

Putting words and stories on paper is second nature to co-authors C.D. Hersh. They’ve written separately since they were teenagers and discovered their unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s. As high school sweethearts and husband and wife, Catherine and Donald believe in true love and happily ever after.

Together they have co-authored a number of dramas, six which have been produced in Ohio, where they live. Their interactive Christmas production had five seasonal runs in their hometown and has been sold in Virginia, California, and Ohio. Their most recent collaborative writing efforts have been focused on romance. The first three books of their paranormal romance series entitled The Turning Stone Chronicles are available on Amazon.

Where you can find CD:

Website: http://cdhersh.wordpress.com/

Blog: http://cdhersh.wordpress.com/blog-2/

Soul Mate Publishing: http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/

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

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/C.-D.-Hersh/e/B00DV5L7ZI

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCDHersh

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/CDHersh

What inspired your latest book?

Donna: I love the time I’ve spent on the coast of Maine, especially in the more sparsely populated areas downeast, so it’s been a personal joy to get to write about a place that’s so dear to me.  In SNOWFLAKE BAY, I got to bring another part of my life into the books, too, which was an extra treat.  The hero in this book, Ben Campbell, runs his family-owned Christmas tree farm.  I know a little something about that as my family had a Christmas tree farm when I was younger.  It was great fun getting to think back on those family memories and blend that part of my past with the present storyline of the book.

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

Donna: There is one McCrae sister left in the fold!  Kerry McCrae gets her happily ever after in STARFISH MOON, which comes out spring of 2016.  It was fun getting to not only tell her story, but to wrap up the Blueberry Cove series and give readers one last update on their favorite characters.

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

Donna: Not likely at all.  I don’t write about any one real person, or even parts of real people.  It’s true that the cumulative knowledge gained from meeting all kinds of people, of all ages, from all walks of life, helps to inform me about what makes a person tick, or what inspires someone to do what they do, but all that is funneled into the big pool of knowledge I draw from when creating characters.  They are simply more people I come to know and love, just like meeting new people in real life.  The real people in our lives are each unique and unlike anyone else we already know.  My characters are the same.  So, you’re safe with me!  I promise! J

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

Donna: I was very fortunate.  I joined a great local writer’s group – the Washington Romance Writers, my local RWA chapter – and jumped right in and got involved with them as I was writing my first book.  I made a lot of industry contacts, and learned a little bit on how to polish my work.  I was lucky in that the group had a lot of published authors who shared not only their invaluable insight, but also helped guide me on where to pitch my work.  I did a lot of networking and through that found my agent, and pitched the first book I finished – and it sold!  That was more than twenty years ago now (my how time flies!) and I’ve been under contract ever since.

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

Donna:  I live in the Blue Ridge mountains in the western part of Virginia, between the Shenandoah National Park and the Shenandoah River, just a hop and skip from West Virginia.  It’s beautiful up here in all seasons, peaceful, lots of wild birds, deer, and yes, bears.  The view is always inspiring.  I moved here for exactly that reason and it hasn’t disappointed me yet!

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

Donna: Always.  I read all kinds of fiction, but my favorites always have a satisfying relationship in them.  I’m a happily ever after kind of girl, no matter if it’s solving the crime or saving the world, but it’s so much more fun when there’s romance involved!  So, there was never any doubt about what kinds of stories I would tell.  Fortunately, that muse is still just as strong today as it ever was.  And, even better, I’ve been able to tell stories that incorporate mystery, suspense, paranormal elements, all under the bigger umbrella of romance.  Win-win, really!

What do you have planned for the future?

Donna:  With STARFISH MOON, the last Brides of Blueberry Cove novel, completed and coming out next spring, I am now getting started on a book set here in the Blue Ridge mountains.  BLUE HOLLOW FALLS is a story I’ve been waiting to tell and I’m beyond excited to finally get to sink into it and get to know a new town, new people, new friends.

How far do you plan ahead?

Donna:  I have been writing small town mini-series for some time now, and usually have an idea for each group as I start planning each trilogy.  Beyond that, I have more future ideas than I can count, all of which I’m excited to tell.  Usually it’s the one that is making the most noise while I’m trying to focus on the current works in progress, that eventually wins out and becomes the new series or stand alone book.

Excerpt…Snowflake Bay by Donna Kauffman

“Did you sign the papers?  Dot every i, cross every t?”  Kerry asked the moment Fiona entered the Rusty Puffin, not pausing as she continued to wipe down the bar.

“I did,” Fiona told her.  “As of this morning at about ten, Beanie’s Fat Quarters is all mine.” She hiked herself up on a stool and leaned her elbows on the freshly gleaming cypress bar.  “I even had the chance to go by and talk to Eula.”

And, actually, her visit to Eula’s was every bit as much the reason for her giddy mood, thanks to the moment she’d had in Eula’s shop with Ben Campbell.  Specifically the moment she’d taken off her coat and glanced at him in time to catch that rather pole-axed look on his face.  It was quite possible it hadn’t meant that he’d just looked at her as a woman for the very first time, rather than a short, plump annoying kid sister, but she was going to choose to believe that’s exactly what had happened.  And she was going to wrap up that moment in a shiny gold bow, and pull it out and open it up every time she needed a little boost.  Because that look on his handsome face had made it almost worth—almost—every single moment of adolescent torment he’d put her through.

“You’re looking rather cat and canary,” Kerry said.  “More cat, less canary.” She pulled two wine glasses out from under the bar and filled them with champagne.  “So, what’s going on with you and Ben Campbell?”

Fiona wanted to rush in and deny, deny, deny, but she’d watched their older sister Hannah handle Kerry over the years and was proud of herself for taking a page from the lawyer’s handbook.  “What makes you think there’s anything going on between me and Ben?”

Kerry waggled a finger.  “Don’t play cross examiner with me.  You’re no good at it.”

Fiona did the only mature thing possible, she stuck her tongue out.

“Careful where you stick that,” Kerry said, pretending to swipe and snag it. “All I know is Hannah was in here earlier and she might have said something about you being all pissy with Ben over him calling you Fireplug.  You know he doesn’t mean the nickname in a bad way.”

“Yes, yes, he’s St. Ben the Benevolent. Christmas tree farmer, rescuer of parents, all around fabulous human being, Ben Campbell.”

“Here,” Kerry said, handing her a glass.  “Drink”  She raised her own glass in salute, then tossed back the entire glass of champagne in one easy slide.

“I don’t even want to know how you can deep throat an entire glass of champagne.  It’s supposed to be sipped.”

“It’s supposed to be enjoyed,” Kerry said.  “Bottoms up, shopkeeper.”

Fiona made her way to the bottom of her glass, too, albeit in several gulps.

“Okay, so what happened at Eula’s?  Did you tell Ben what you thought of his pet name for you and chop his Campbell Christmas tree down to size?”  She poured more champagne.  “And have you ever spent any time wondering just how, um, stout and tall his pine might be?”

Fiona all but sprayed the sip of bubbly she’d just taken.  “What?”  She folded her arms on the bar, mostly so she stayed steady on the stool.  “No, I did not chop down his tree.  Also?  Ew.  Shame on you.  He’s like your brother.”

“He’s not our brother.  Not even our cousin.  And if you never looked at Ben Campbell and wondered…”  Her eyes widened with glee. “You’ve wondered about his pine.  I think you want his pine.  In fact, I think you want to—“

“Stop it,” Fiona hissed.  She’d just wanted to hold on to her Ben moment and savor it in the privacy of her rejected schoolgirl mind.  Was that too much to ask?  Her pleasant fizziness abruptly dissolved.  “I don’t want anything from Ben, least of all his—“  She broke off, refusing to take that nickname a syllable further.  “It’s true.  I didn’t like hearing that nickname again.  I hated it then, and no matter what the intent behind it, I’m not a big fan of it now.  But then anything designed to belittle someone and make them feel badly about themselves is never going to get a rousing cheer from me.”

Kerry reached her hand out toward her sister.  “Fi, don’t, he’s—“

Fiona pulled her arm out of reach.  “He’s family, I know.  And we’re all grown ups now, so you’re right, it shouldn’t matter.  It was all a long, long time ago.  We were all kids.  Blah, blah, blah.  But some things don’t have an expiration date.  And how that nickname made me feel is apparently one of them.  Especially coming from the one guy who, at the time, I wanted to see me as anything but.”  There, she’d said it.  All but shouted it, actually.  “So you’ll have to forgive me if I still don’t find being called short, fat, and red all that sweet or amusing.”

“No, Fi—wait!”  Kerry made a grab for her arm. “He’s—“

Standing right behind her.  Of course he was.

“Fiona,” was all he said, but the look on his face said a million things more.  All of them awful, because each one of them started with pity and ended with embarrassment.

She’d gotten her moment.  That victorious, full circle moment every kid who’s ever been made to feel bad wanted.  And she’d been good with that.

Unfortunately, the look she’d remember forever, was the one on his face right now.  This was to be her moment.  Why had she ever assumed it would be any different?  The joke, it seemed, was always going to be on her.

Bio:

USA Today bestselling author of the Bachelors of Blueberry Cove series, DONNA KAUFFMAN has been gratified to see her books get rave reviews in venues ranging from Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal to Entertainment Weekly and Cosmopolitan. She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in western Virginia, where she is presently applying her crafty DIY skills to decorating her new mountainside abode. Well, when she isn’t busy trying to keep the bears from hanging out in her flower and vegetable garden all day and night!  With her new Brides of Blueberry Cove series, Donna’s been having a blast applying those same restoration and design skills to doing some fictional wedding planning. Of course, if that means haunting all those lovely antique shops and flea markets that are so plentiful in her new neck of the woods, well, it’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make. When she’s not finding ways to take her love of all things rustic and vintage and give them a fabulous seaside, coastal Maine wedding party twist, she loves to hear from readers!  You can contact her through her website at www.donnakauffman.com.

Links:

Website: www.donnakauffman.com

Blog: www.donnakauffman.com/blog

Buy: www.donnakauffman.com/snowflake-bay

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

Two years ago, I started writing the Rodeo Romance series with The Christmas Cowboy. In November, the third book in the series will release during a weeklong event I’m putting together to promote the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.  November 1 through December 24, ten percent of the net proceeds from all my book sales are donated to the JCCF. It’s the third year I’ve done the donation and I like being able to give something back to the sport that provides the backdrop for this series. Pre-orders are available now for Capturing Christmas . The book releases November 12.

Please tell my readers a little bit about the new release. 

Capturing Christmas was an incredibly fun story for me to write. I’m just loopy over the two main characters. Both of them are stubborn, determined, and completely unprepared when love catches them by surprise. Here’s the official blurb:

Life is hectic on a good day for rodeo stock contractor Kash Kressley. Between dodging flying hooves and babying cranky bulls, he barely has time to sleep. The last thing Kash needs is the entanglement of a sweet romance, especially with a woman as full of fire and sass as the redheaded photographer he rescues at a rodeo.

Determined to capture the best images possible, rodeo photographer Celia McGraw is fearless and feisty. Not one to back down from a challenge, her biggest risk isn’t in her work. Danger lurks in the way her heart responds to one incredibly handsome stock contractor.

Any other new projects?

I’m also working on the fourth book in the Hardman Holidays series. It will also release in November.  When I embarked on the adventure of writing my first sweet Victorian holiday romance, I debated using a real town for the setting or making one up. I wanted the story to take place in Eastern Oregon, but where? I came across information about a ghost town named Hardman that had once been a stop along the stage route.

My curiosity led me to discover that Hardman, Oregon, once boasted several churches, a newspaper office, and skating rink, along with a variety of other businesses. Today, there are a handful of dilapidated old buildings in Hardman, but the bones of those old structures help me picture what the town once looked like, back when it was a bustling town.

As my imagination created the town in my head, my fingers began typing out the first story in the Hardman Holidays series – The Christmas Bargain.

Luke Granger is about to get more than he bargained for…
As owner and manager of the Hardman bank, Luke Granger is a man of responsibility and integrity in the small 1890s Eastern Oregon town. When he calls in a long overdue loan, Luke reluctantly accepts a bargain in lieu of payment from the shiftless farmer who barters his daughter to settle his debt.

Here’s a little excerpt:

~*~

“Aren’t you observant, Mrs. Granger?”

“I try.” She hid her smile behind the mug of chocolate.

“I happen to know a thing or two about you.” He shot her a sideways glance.

“Do tell, kind sir.” Filly batted her eyelashes at him. If Luke didn’t know better, he would think she was being downright flirtatious.

“I have observed, dear woman, that you put others before yourself, you are a dedicated and caring friend and that you have a keen mind with a quick wit. You are clever, smart, and not afraid of hard work. You are very talented with domestic skills and are inspiring as a cook. Your chocolate pudding could make grown men weep.”

Filly offered him a perturbed glare. “So, Mr. Granger, I have missed my calling as a school teacher or perhaps a cook at the restaurant. If my chocolate pudding makes grown men weep, what will my peach pie do to the male population? Bring them to their knees? Make them beg for mercy?”

Luke laughed aloud, causing Filly to grin.

“Filly, my girl, you are something else.” Luke reached across the table and captured her hand in his. “You might not think I notice you, wife of mine, but I know you…”

~*~

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

Everywhere! I’m a big people watcher (and daydreamer) so I can be standing in line at the grocery store and have an idea for a story slap me upside the head. Time spent locked in the car with Captain Cavedweller (my husband) always generates some story ideas. We’ve yet to return from a trip that I didn’t come home with at least a few good story ideas.

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

Do your homework, write the best book you can, get it professionally edited, invest in a great cover and don’t give up. I think too many people give up too soon. Believe in yourself and your dreams!

What is your favorite part of writing?

Writing! I love creating the characters, getting the words in my head down in print, coming up with the plots. I love all of it!

What is your least favorite part of writing?

Editing.  I’d much rather move on to the next story.

What is your favorite dessert/food?

Chocolate. I still say it should have its own food group categorization. I won’t waste my time on mediocre chocolate, though. It has to be the “good stuff.” And dark chocolate Dove squares are always on hand in my office.

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

It is entirely possible they could become part of a character. I blend many different aspects into the characters. I always tell people to behave or they might end up as the next villain in one of my stories.

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

I have two windows in my office. One looks out over the back yard. Beyond it, there is a pasture where the neighbor sometimes has horses grazing and other times goats. Once, there were even chickens back there. My view out the other window is the pasture of another neighbor. They have an adorable baby girl and a puppy that tend to play out there just in my line of sight and provide any number of distractions with their cuteness. My office space is my writing haven and as such, I try to keep it neat and organized (at least most of the time!).

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

 When a reader reaches out to me to say one of my stories made them laugh or cry – evoked some sort of emotion… that’s what makes it all worthwhile. I can’t think of a single thing more wonderful than knowing I’ve touched someone’s heart or brought them a smile.

~*~

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield is out to make it happen, one story at a time. Her bestselling sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with characters that seem incredibly real.

When she isn’t writing or consuming copious amounts of chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Find Shanna’s books at:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter

What genres do you write in and why?

Although I’ve written in several contemporary genres, my favorite is western historical romance. I love history between the Civil War’s end and the turn of the century. Most of my books are set from 1870 to 1886.

What started me in this genre, I believe, is that my dad was a great storyteller and used to related tales of when his family came to Texas from Georgia in the 1870s and their misadventures in Texas. I loved those stories and have written down as many as I can remember for a book on his family. After you’ve grown up hearing tales like those, history comes alive and you can’t help loving the past.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

I was first with a major NY publisher, then a lovely small press, and now I self-publish. I must say that self-publishing is by far the most rewarding both financially and emotionally. I can write what I want when I wish with no one trying to fit me into a mold or force me to write what they want. Plus, I make more royalties than I ever did with a publisher. For me, this is the perfect solution to publishing.

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

I was lucky enough to have a backlist when I started self-publishing. If an author wants to self-publish, don’t expect to see large sales on one book. Usually three are necessary to start seeing sales. The more titles you have and the more clever your marketing, of course, the more you’ll benefit.

Do you have critique partners?

I have wonderful critique partners and great plotting partners. Geri Foster and Brenda Chitwood are my main critique partners. Brenda isn’t published but she comes up with the exact perfect word when I’ve used a weak one and spots other inconsistencies. Geri holds my feet to the fire if my writing lacks emotion or conflict. My plotting partners are Geri Foster, Sylvia McDaniel, and Kathy Shaw. We each attended Robin Perini and Laura Baker’s “Story Magic” workshop at the same time and so we plot in the same way.  We need others with whom we can bounce ideas and those who will tell us if our story has missed the mark or we have weaknesses. Good beta readers also help.

How far do you plan ahead?

I used to plan one or two books ahead in the same series. Now I’ve learned to view the larger picture and I have ten to twelve books planned ahead. Having this schedule helps me focus and stay on track rather than goofing off when I finish one book. There’s always another waiting for me to write. I still manage to goof off occasionally.

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

I wish I had joined RWA sooner and hooked up with a local chapter.  I learned so much from the speakers at my local RWA Chapter. I came from a newspaper background, which is very different from fiction writing.  We can read craft books, but hearing personal experiences and instruction from successful authors is immeasurably valuable. The only reason I still belong to the national RWA is so I can be a member of my local chapter.

Another value of writer groups is networking. For example: This worked for me, have you tried this, I don’t know what to do about this. At my current chapter, we have a program and brief meeting then all go to lunch together and talk and talk and talk writing and marketing.  If an author doesn’t have access to a local group, there are online chapters and workshops.

A third value to a writer group is human contact. Writing is a solitary profession. While sitting alone at a computer or laptop, a person becomes isolated. Being around like-minded people is energizing. My family is extremely supportive, but other fiction writers understand that there are people in my head talking to me and that doesn’t make me crazy. ☺ Other things may make me nutty, but not the people in my head.

Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so, did you send them out yourself?

Yes, the first book I wrote was so bad I’m embarrassed to think about it. The second, BE MY GUEST, sold thanks to friends in my RWA writer chapter (see question above). They shared their editor’s name and that she was looking for a particular type and length book for a new imprint. Current plotting pals Sylvia McDaniel and Kathy Shaw were two of those who shared and the other two were Carol Rose and Shayla Black.  Mine was too long and had crime in it, so I cut the crime, shortened it, and sold it. The result was really choppy in my opinion, but the result was I then a published author. When I recovered the rights, I added back the full story and like it a little better (but not much).  My third book, THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE, is the first one of mine I really liked—and still do even though I would reword a lot of the sentences now.

Let me say I sold without an agent. I have only briefly had one agent, who was approved by RWA at the time I signed with her. She was so bad she about killed my career and is no longer in business. A bad agent is far worse than no agent!

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

Oh, yes, I have a lot of advice for struggling authors. If you would write even if you never made a dime, then don’t give up—that burning desire is the fuel you need to succeed. Hone your craft but don’t edit a book to death striving for perfection. We all should want our work to be perfect but the writer’s job is to get the words down, edit as best you can, and then send it to a professional editor. Don’t stop writing when the book gets hard—keep going to the end and you’ll be glad you did. Remember how important marketing is and work on your website, Facebook, and Twitter before you’re published. Always remember: don’t let anyone steal your dream!

What does the future hold for you?

 Cynthia and I are in a box set titled COURTING THE WEST with eight other authors: Debra Holland, Kirsten Osbourne, Lily Graison, Jacquie Rogers, Sylvia McDaniel, Paty Jager, Merry Farmer, and Keta Diablo. The box set will be released October 15 with preorders beginning September 24. These are not new books, but we are boxing them together to get cross-over readers. All authors want more readers and more readers… ☺

In addition, I’m working on a new series, THE BRIDE BRIGADE, which has seven books about a group of women brought to Tarnation, Texas by a wealthy young widow so there will be other young families in the town.  I’m currently three-fourths of the way through the first, titled JOSEPHINE. I can’t help it, I just love the name Tarnation, Texas and smile each time I type it. You can’t see, but I’m smiling now.

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

I was very fortunate that Cynthia invited me to be in a project about four brothers in Colorado whose mom writes away for mail order brides for her sons. This has been fun though difficult to coordinate between us yet should be fun for readers. The four books will release simultaneously September 22. The project is called THE SURPRISE BRIDES and the books are (in order of brothers’ ages) JAMIE by Caroline Clemmons (me), CALEB by Callie Hutton, GIDEON by Cynthia, and ETHAN by Sylvia McDaniel. The books are filled with romance, humor, and adventure. Angel Springs, Colorado is an inspiring place where dreams come true, at least or these four couples.

Here’s the blurb from THE SURPRISE BRIDES: JAMIE

Olivia Stewart risks everything to accomplish her dreams. She’s tired of being pitied because she’s been jilted, tired of teaching other people’s children without any of her own. When she signs with a matrimonial agency, a letter from Jamie Fraser sounds perfect. A widower with two young children will give her a head start on the family she’s determined to have. But Colorado holds surprises for Olivia that endanger her goals and even her life.

Rancher Jamie Fraser is shocked to learn his mother has written for a mail-order bride for him! He has two children and no plan to marry again. Ever! His late wife taught him women can’t be trusted. Even his beloved mother isn’t above tricking her sons to achieve her heartfelt ambitions. Now he’s stuck with a wife he didn’t want—a stubborn woman bent on changing his home and his life.

Can two strong people at odds achieve happiness? Angel Springs, Colorado is a small town that inspires big dreams. Olivia and Jamie just might find their dreams meld to form a powerful and enduring love.

Here’s an excerpt from THE SURPRISE BRIDES: JAMIE

That night when Olivia and Jamie were in their room, she slowly undressed. All day she’d thought about what she would say. How naïve to think she could trust this man so easily. How stupid she’d been not to ask more questions before surrendering to him.

Somehow, she had the sense of having been cheated in the marriage bed. She had no real experience to go on because she had no one in whom she could confide. Judging by the novels she’d read, though, there should have been talk after their coming together.

She faced him. “Jamie, why did you go through with the wedding?”

He sat on the bed holding the boot he’d just removed then set it on the floor. “No choice.”

What a maddening answer. She wanted to plant her fist on his handsome chin. Instead, she took a deep breath before speaking and exhaled slowly.

“Of course you had a choice. You’re the head of the family and could have refused and sent me back where I came from or set me up in town so I could meet someone else. Barring that, you could have paid me off and sent me to Denver. There’s always a choice.”

He shook his head as he started on his shirt buttons. “Not in this case. Any of those options would have caused talk. After you’d been here several nights, your reputation would have been compromised.”

“If I weren’t here, why would that matter to you?”

His hands stilled. “Ah, well, because Mama’s reputation would also have been damaged, as she pointed out to us boys.” He removed his shirt and hung it on the bedpost.

As she unfastened the ties of her petticoats, a horrible thought occurred to her and she froze. “Do you mean you don’t want more children?”

His powerful chest muscles rolled with a shrug. “Wouldn’t mind, now that we’re wed, but I was content with Jake and Cat. Matter of fact, earlier today I mentioned how nice life would be with us brothers taking our kids to visit with their cousins.” He stood and unbuttoned his pants.

She turned her back and slid off her clothes then quickly pulled on her gown. “Weren’t you lonely?”

Her back was to him and she couldn’t see his expression, but his voice sounded hard, “Look, Olivia, you seem like a nice enough woman, attractive, and intelligent. Sorry as I am you were brought here under false pretences, I don’t know what you expected to find.”

Again, she froze for a moment. He thought she was attractive? When she turned around, he was sitting up in bed with the sheet at his hips. How could she concentrate on the conversation with all those rippling muscles and skin in sight?

THE SURPRISE BRIDES: JAMIE will be available in print from Amazon and Create Space and in e-book from most online vendors September 22.

Tell us about your current series.

I’m so excited about this series! It’s called the Accidental Heirs and involves heroes who unexpectedly inherit titles and/or wealth in Victorian England. I say unexpectedly because these men were not the first born son, nor the first in line to inherit. Essentially, they’re all men who’d made their own way in the world and then found their best laid plans upset by a change in fortune. I suspect all of us have imagined what it might be like to inherit wealth, and these stories allowed me to explore the consequences for three interesting men.

What is your favorite part of writing?

Oh, wow. I love so many aspects of the writing process, from conceiving and developing characters, to working out plot points, to drafting in a mad rush of inspiration, and, yes, I even enjoy editing. Especially after I’ve done it. J

The very best part is hearing that a reader enjoyed one of my books. Stories and characters really come alive in the hearts and minds of readers.

And I also enjoy that moment, months and months after I’ve worked on a book, when I pick it up, read a few lines, and think, “Maybe it’s not so bad after all!”

What is your least favorite part of writing?

There’s nothing I truly loathe about writing, but not having enough time to write all the stories that pop into my head is a definite challenge. Those other stories can be so alluring and actually be a distraction to the novel I’m busy writing. Thank goodness for composition notebooks! I take a few minutes, jot down random story ideas, and get back to the book I’m working on.

The internal editor is honestly my least favorite part of the writing process. I wish I could have back all the moments I spent hesitating and curbing my creativity because of that inner voice. Though all writers need to learn how to control the various aspects of writing craft, too much control can really hamper creativity and productivity.

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

The second book in the Accidental Heirs series, One Tempting Proposal, comes out November 17^th. Readers will get too see Lady Katherine “Kitty” Adderly from One Scandalous Kiss meet her match in Sebastian Fennick, a mathematician who’s become the new Duke of Wrexford.

What is your typical day like?

I’ve just started working from home full-time on writing this year, and I find structure and organization are the most important part of making it work. I have a schedule I try to stick to that involves attacking emails early, getting in a few minutes on social media, and then doing writing sprints in the morning, when my brain seems to work the best. Of course, life intervenes and sometimes my schedule has to be fluid, but I keep To Do lists and a calendar to help me get back on track.

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

Lucius is a man who’s learned to take care of himself and keep his emotions in check. He lost his mother at a young age and his relationship with his father isn’t a good one. When his older brother dies, and he suddenly becomes his father’s heir, he must find a way to repair their crumbling estate and care for his ailing father.

His strength is that he’s honest with himself and judges others for their merits, rather than their title or status. His weakness is that he initially doesn’t trust himself and has a hard time trusting others.

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

Jessamin “Jess” Wright is smart, strong, and determined to make the world a better place, especially for women. She’s practical and spends years attempting to save the failing bookshop her father left her.

Her strengths are her loyalty and her desire to help others. Her weakness is that she’s so worried about fulfilling others’ needs and expectations that she sometimes forfeits her own goals and desires.

What genres are you drawn to as a reader?

Romance and mystery, and if a story includes both, I’m over the moon. When I’m writing romance, I tend to read more mystery or history research books, just to have some variety. But I truly do love reading romance, especially historicals. I love being transported to the past via a good story.

 What are you currently working on?

I’m working now on the third book in the Accidental Heirs series. It’s called One Dangerous Desire and features May Sedgwick from One Scandalous Kiss and an irresistible gentleman from her past.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Just write! Find the time, create the time, and nurture your creative spirit. I’m not a patient person, especially with myself, but I’ve finally accepted that writing is a craft and like any other, the more we practice, the better we become.

Excerpt

Marcus stood close to Lucius and leaned in to speak confidentially. “There are some lovely young women in attendance tonight. Don’t you agree, Grimsby? Surely one of them must strike your fancy.”

His sister and her husband were unaware of Aunt Augusta’s matchmaking efforts.

“Yes and no.” Lucius lifted the flute of champagne to his mouth and sipped.

Marcus quirked a brow at him, begging explanation.

“Yes, there are lovely women in attendance. No, none of them strikes my fancy.”

The women in the crush of attendees were stunning in their finery. Every color and shape one could desire. But none of them stirred him.

Marcus wouldn’t be deterred. “Are you never lonely, old chap?” His brother-in-law turned his eyes to Julia as he spoke.

Lucius caught the look, and an ember of loneliness kindled in his chest. He didn’t desire any of the women before him, yet he did envy the easy companionship that his sister and brother-in-law shared. He could envy it but never imagine it for himself. Even if Aunt Augusta’s scheme was successful, it wouldn’t be a love match. He’d seen the results of what such an attachment had done to his father, a man whose adoration for his wife became a destructive obsession, sparking jealous rages that drove her—and Lucius—from their home.

He wouldn’t lose himself in that kind of passion. Now, with the responsibility of Hartwell laid on his shoulders, he couldn’t spare the time for it. Let his father indulge in maudlin sentimentality; Lucius had an estate to run.

“I haven’t the time for loneliness.” He lied easily and ignored the look Marcus shot him, fearing he’d read pity there.

A fracas near the gallery’s entrance offered a welcome distraction. Turning away from Marcus, Lucius craned his neck to spot the cause of the ruckus. The room was so full of bodies it was difficult to see the front of the building, despite his height. But whatever the commotion, it caused a few shouts mingled with cries of outrage.

Then he saw the trouble. A woman. A bluestocking, more precisely, wearing a prim black skirt and plain white shirtwaist, spectacles perched high on her nose, pushed her way through the throng of ladies in colorful evening gowns and men in black tails. She looked like a magpie wreaking havoc among the canaries, though her hair was as striking a shade as any of the finery around her. The rich auburn hue shone in the gaslight, and though she’d pinned her hair back in a severe style, several rebellious curls had escaped and hung down around her shoulders.

As he watched the woman’s progress, a gentleman grasped her arm roughly, and an uncommon surge of chivalry made Lucius consider interceding. But in the next moment the woman proved she needed no rescuer. Stomping on the man’s foot, she moved easily out of his grasp and continued on her path—a path that led directly to Lucius.

BIO:

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there’s nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.

LINKS:

Website: http://www.christycarlyle.com

Blog: http://romancingthegenres.blogspot.com

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/christycarlylenewsletter

Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/ccamazonpg

Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/ccauthorFBPage

Twitter: http://bit.ly/ChristyCTwitter

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/OSKAmazon

Nook: http://bit.ly/OSKNook

ITunes: http://bit.ly/OSKiTunes

Kobo: http://bit.ly/OSKKobo

BLURB:

Can one kiss change everything?

When a scheming marquess’s daughter offers her one hundred pounds to publicly kiss a nobleman, a desperate Jessamin Wright agrees. She believes the money will save her failing bookstore and finally free her from her father’s debts. But when Jess bursts into an aristocratic party and shocks the entire ton, she never expects to enjoy the outrageous embrace she shares with a grim viscount.

Lucius Crawford, Viscount Grimsby, has never met, or kissed, anyone like the beautiful suffragette who unsettles him with a single touch. He has always strived for control and avoided passion at all costs. Lucius is determined to protect his title and restore the estate he’s unexpectedly inherited, but Jess’s appearance in his life poses a threat to his plans and his heart. After a country house party brings them together once more, neither can resist temptation, and both find that one scandalous kiss just isn’t enough.