Please help me welcome Pamela Aares to my blog today. She’s given me a wonderful interview and it giving one commentor a dopy of her book Fielders Choice.

Can you please share with us a little about yourself?

I write contemporary and historic romance. I live in the coastal wine country just north of San Francisco with my husband and two rascal cats. Most of my life I lived in cities so the organic garden feels like a small farm on most days and country life is still very new to me.

How did you get started writing?

I’m lucky to have had a family that loves stories. My great-great uncle James was a famous American poet and the love of language and storytelling stayed in the family. I wrote my first play in grade school and fell into the power of story. I went on to write and produce documentaries for PBS and National Public Radio. I also wrote grants and ran national and international campaigns to improve the lives of wild animal and their habitats–story is at the heart of any good grant proposal–it’s the stories of the animals and their lives that grab people’s hearts and create change for the better. I moved away from writing documentaries and started writing romance in 2004. In some ways romance picked me–I’m convinced that love powers everything in the universe!

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I love heroes and heroines that walk off with the story and who challenge each other so strongly that by the end of the book nothing can pull them apart. As far as personal, writing craft quirks? I make story maps. My walls look like something out of the film “A Beautiful Mind– papers taped to the walls, yellow and pink and green stickies all over the room. Sometimes guests walk in and their jaws drop. They’d never imagined the craft that lives behind a good book.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

I’ve written seven books. My favorite is always the one I am writing at the time. Well, except I have a Victorian saga, it crosses two continents and is set in 1851– that story is always lurking, waiting to be revised. It placed in the Heart-to-Heart Award at SFARWA last year and readers who know about it keep asking for it! I want to finish the first six books in the Heart of the Game series first, though before I go back to revise it.

Tell us about your current series/WIP.

I’m putting the finishing touches on Love on the Line, the fourth book in the Heart of the Game series and I’m in the second draft of middle of Aim for Love, book five in the series. The Heart of the Game series features All-Star, alpha male athletes and the strong and fascinating women they come to love. It’s based around the All-Star heroes, their Major League Baseball teammates and one family, the Tavonesi’s. I love that readers appreciate the heroines and their strengths.

In the first book, Love Bats Last, the heroine, Jackie Brandon, is a world-class marine mammal vet. She takes enormous risks, rappelling down cliffs to rescue whales, jumping out of boats to free sea lions caught in nets. She’s amazing. And very, very allergic to athletes due to a bad experience in her past.

Chloe McNalley, he heroine in the second book, Thrown by Love, inherits a baseball team when her father dies and she finds herself smack in the middle of the tough, male-focused world of Major League Baseball.

In the third book, Fielder’s Choice, Alana Tavonesi, a young and carefree heiress, inherits her grandmother’s internationally famous organic olive ranch. Think Green Acres with a twist!

What inspired your latest book?

In the 5th book, Aim for Love, I was gripped by the excellence of Japanese athletes. A teammate of my husband managed the team that won the World Series in Japan. Then one thing led to another and I found myself fascinated by the Samurai masters who can draw a sword and slice a 2mm ceramic BB shot at them from 72 feet before it hits them. If I hadn’t seen it in slow motion, I might not have believed it possible. So the hero in book five is a sixteenth generation trained Samurai, but he’s also an American, a peach farmer, and one of the hottest young pitchers to ever throw from the baseball mound.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Write. Don’t get pulled off course by social media. Stay focused on your manuscript. (Advice I need to heed during these hectic pre-release and launch months!)

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

Characters show up and won’t go away. I do use very careful outlines, I have enormous respect for story structure, but the characters rule. I believe that a writer’s life influences the trove of creative possibilities that can show up. It’s one reason that having a full life experience can make for great books.

What was the deciding factor in self-publishing your book(s)? Did you decide on ebook or print only or both?

I had interest from New York agents and publishers. I was tempted. At a crucial moment, one of the authors in my writing group, a writer who has had great success with self-publishing, told me to resist the temptation to go with New York to start out. She advised me to self-publish my books and then if I wanted to do print deals down the road, that option would be open. I’ll always be grateful to her for her timely advice.

What advice can you offer to anyone deciding to self-publish?

Be ready to work very, very hard. And for those just starting out, enjoy the time while you are writing your first book– that’s the honeymoon. After that you’ll have all the production and marketing competing with your time and energy and unless you’re disciplined, those activities can eat into your writing time. And make sure to join a couple of the excellent self-published author loops, those are extremely helpful.

What’s your favorite part of writing? Least favorite?

I love the process of revising the fourth draft after my professional editor had read it and given me revision notes. My least favorite? The second draft; I find that’s the hardest for me. But really digging in to the motivations, conflict and the deeply held beliefs of the character is crucial to having a great book in the end, so it’s worth the hard work!

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

When I first started out, ten years ago, I had been in a writing group. Most of the other writers were non-fiction writers and I was producing The Earth’s Imagination at the time. I learned so much from their dedication and seeing their work evolve, but because of the film works, I wasn’t actively writing.

When I began drafting my first romance novel, I was going it alone. Then I spoke with Catherine Coulter. Hers was the first romance I ever read (Midsummer Magic). She told me about RWA. And I will be forever grateful. The workshops, magazine, on-line loops and face-to-face get meetings with other authors made such a difference as I worked to improve my craft. Film writing is very different from novel writing. The structure is similar but the craft of writing is very different. I’m also fortunate that my local chapter of RWA, the San Francisco Bay Area chapter, has many experienced authors who are generous and share their experiences and wisdom.

Where can readers find your books? Print/Ebook?

All of the books in the Heart of the Game series and also my historical, Jane Austen and the Archangel, are available at the on-line stores in both print and ebook. And my website, http://www.PamelaAares.com has a complete listing of my books.

And I’m giving away a gift copy of Love Bats Last, the first book in the Heart of the Game series to one of your readers who comment on your blog today.

Thanks for having me, Cindy!

Blurb: Fielder’s Choice

When love’s the game, you can’t play it safe…

All-Star shortstop Matt Darrington has more than a problem. His wife died, and now he’s juggling a too-smart-for-her-britches six-year-old and the grueling pace of professional baseball. Worse, his daughter is mom shopping. When they explore a local ranch, she decides the beautiful, free-spirited tour guide is premium mom material. Matt thinks the sexy guide looks like Grade-A trouble.

Alana Tavonesi loves her cosmopolitan life in Paris. But when she inherits the renowned Tavonesi Olive Ranch, she has to return to California and face obligations she never wanted. Selling the place is her first instinct, but life at the ranch begins to crack her open, exposing the dreams hidden inside her heart.

On a lark she leads a ranch tour, where she meets Matt Darrington. His physical power and a captivating sensual appeal fire her in a way no man ever has, but he has a kid—and being a stepmom is a responsibility Alana will never be ready for. Still…she can’t keep her mind or her hands off him.

When Matt’s daughter goes missing from a kid’s camp at the ranch, Alana organizes the search effort, knowing from experience the areas a bright child would be drawn to explore. As she and Matt work together to search for the little girl, Alana discovers that father and daughter have won her heart. Yet it may be too late for love…

About the Author

Pamela Aares is an award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance novels and also writes about fictional romance in sports with her new baseball romance book series titled Heart of the Game.
Her first book, Jane Austen and the Archangel (Angels Come to Earth, #1) was released in 2012. Midnight Becomes You, the second in the series will release this year as will the celebrated historical romance novel, The Lady and the Patriot.
Her popularity as a romance writer continues to grow with each new book release, so much so, that the Bay area author has drawn comparisons by reviewers to Nora Roberts.
Pamela Aares writes romance books that she loves reading, particularly those that entertain, transport and inspire dreams while captivating and tugging at the heart. She takes her readers on a journey with complex characters in both contemporary and historical settings who are thrown in situations that tempt love, adventure and self-discovery.
Before becoming a romance author, Aares wrote and produced award-winning films including Your Water, Your Life, featuring actress Susan Sarandon and NPR series New Voices, The Powers of the Universe and The Earth’s Imagination. She holds a Master’s degree from Harvard and currently resides in the wine country of Northern California with her husband, a former MLB All-Star and two curious cats.
If not behind her computer, you can probably find her reading a romance novel, hiking the beach or savoring life with friends. You can visit Pamela on the web at http://www.PamelaAares.com.

Fielder’s Choice
amazon: http://amzn.to/1hUV3no

Please help me welcome CJ Burright to my blog today. CJ is going to give one lucky commenter a $5 Starbucks card, so be sure to leave her a comment.

Are you a full time writer or do you have a “day job”?

I’d love to write FT, but there are those pesky bills that need to be paid. And food is nice to have around.  My goal is to eventually write full-time. My day job is working for an attorney. I actually enjoy my job most of the time, and helping people is a bonus. There’s not an abundance of happy circumstances that bring people into a lawyer’s office, so it’s a good feeling to be a bright spot in a dark place for people who really need a smile or a kind word.

How did you get started writing?

Originally, my story-writing stemmed from boredom. I grew up in the boonies in a time when kids were expected to entertain themselves. No video games for me! I read. A lot. And I dreamed even more. An overactive imagination plus a love of reading led to fantastical tales of my own.

Tell us about your current series/WIP.

The Wicked Series is urban fantasy with a paranormal romance edge, focusing on brooding, damaged heroes and the women who they can’t live without. Wonderfully Wicked is the first novel in the series, scheduled for release on May 13. There are the V’alkara – men who invade dreams and feed on nightmares. Their counterparts are the dreamcasters – women whose nightmares leak and come to life. The V’alkara hunt dreamcasters, which becomes a bit of a problem when the V’alkara falls for his target, but romance demands a HEA, right?

What is your favorite part of writing?

Definitely when the story unfolds like a movie in my head. It’s so exciting to see it in action play by play in my mind! Writing it down takes a lot longer, but it’s very satisfying to see the visions in my mind’s eye described how I want on paper—and sharing it with other people.

Do you have critique partners?

Oh, yes! I’d be nothing without my CPs! When I joined the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal chapter of RWA, I was very involved with the MudPuddle (their critique group). I met lots of fabulous writers, many who are now friends, and I eventually splintered off with my current critique partners into our own little group. It’s so important to have like-minded people to support and encourage each other, not to mention kick your hiney when it needs to be kicked!

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

Kalila Montgomery is used to being on her own and mopping up her messes. She longs for nothing more than to be rid of her nightmares and lead a normal life—to be accepted instead of a freak enduring a lifetime of self-imposed solitude. She’s compassionate, especially for the broken, and fights for what she loves. But Kalila is also stubborn and distrustful. What she wants—to be accepted—is also what she’s too skeptical to believe when it comes around.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Keep writing in the face of rejection. Write for yourself. Write what you love. Never stop learning the craft. When you least expect it, everything will click together, and you’ll snag that agent or editor. Don’t ever give up on your dream!

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

I mentioned RWA and the FF&P chapter earlier. The great support and learning experience in the MudPuddle was phenomenal—interacting with other aspiring and published authors, having the opportunity for guidance, and a sounding board for ideas. And did I mention the fabulous classes offered through RWA? Not only are they taught by experts in the field, they’re freakin’ cheap! I aim to take several classes a year. There are always new things to learn. The community RWA offers, especially the chapters, is something all writers should seek out—meeting other people who truly understand the ups and downs of the writer’s life. It’s nice to share victories and find encouragement when you need it from others who can empathize because they’ve been through it too.

What’s next for you?

I’m only a few chapters away from completing the rough draft of Beautifully Burned, the next book in The Wicked Series, and I’ve got the hero from the third book already demanding to have his story written. I also have a fantasy romance out on submission and hope to find a home for it soon. It happens to be my favorite. 

BIO

C. J. Burright was born and raised in Oregon and loved it so much she never left. While she has worked for years in a law office, she chooses to avoid writing legal thrillers and instead leans toward urban fantasy, paranormal romance, or—since all things medieval and magic fascinate her—fantasy romance. A member of Romance Writers of America and Secretary for the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal special interest chapter, C. J. also has her 4th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and believes stories should always include a gratuitous fight scene. In what spare time she has, she enjoys working out, reading, gardening, and rooting on the Seattle Mariners with a nice glass of wine. She shares a house with her husband, daughter, and a devoted herd of cats.

Amazon pre-order link: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=wonderfully%20wicked&sprefix=wonderfully+w%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Awonderfully%20wicked

Website: http://cjburright.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CJ-Burright/362988090450604?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CJBurright

Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7824091.C_J_Burright

Add Wonderfully Wicked to your Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18685379-wonderfully-wicked

Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/C.-J.-Burright/e/B00IRT3972/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1398486199&sr=8-1

From his post at the door, he smoothed one errant lock of hair back into place. Powerful arms folded over his chest. If the knife wound bothered him, he hid it well.

“You,”—he breathed—“are magnificent.”

The soft sincerity in his voice shoved her right back into the seductive arms of her dream. A lightning bolt of heat struck her gut, igniting wildfire in her veins and a rolling thunder in her chest. She doused the flames with a cold scowl. How dare he distract her by saying such things before he attempted to kill her.

“Kalila.” Lydon took a step forward.

Her gaze darted to the dangerous beauty of his face, drawn by the choked, reverent way he spoke her name. A strange need tugged within her, soul-deep and insistent. He lifted a hand out to her. She took a step.

Run, idiot!

Her inner voice of survival broke free from the daze Lydon created. She blinked. He stood so close his body heat licked the bare skin of her shoulders. With a gasp, she stumbled backward until her calves hit the coffee table.

“Don’t run from me.”

“Make it nice and easy for you, huh?” She skirted the coffee table. “Want me to slice my own throat too? Save you the time and effort?”

Swathed in shadow, Lydon resembled a dark angel, exquisite and lethal. “I—”

For a moment, he seemed so lost she had an inane urge to wrap her arms around him and hold him tight. A night-vision memory tickled at her mind, of affection and laughter and home. Her stomach twisted. Stupid dream. Score one for unfulfilled visions.

“I don’t want to hurt you.” Lydon’s jaw clenched.

“Ha ha. Which is why you broke into my house, lurked around in my bedroom, and are now preventing me from leaving. Makes total sense.
Psycho.”

He blurred. Faster than she could blink, he loomed across the table, his breath in her face. Murderers should not have clean, minty breath.

“Don’t make me change my mind.” His expression banked no mercy, a dark promise the price for disobedience.

Time for drastic action. Kalila lowered her head and slumped in feigned surrender. She riffled through the compartments of her mind until she found what she wanted. Dirtbag, meet Secret Weapon.

“Um, Lydon?” She lifted her gaze to his and batted her eyelashes slow, the mark of utter innocence.

His attention dropped to her mouth, lingered.

Her pulse quickened. Was he seriously considering kissing her? She’d prefer a punch in the face.

“Yes, Kalila?” His voice flowed over her skin with smooth heat, the slow burn of cinnamon whisky.

She shook off a shiver and jerked her chin at what now seethed in the shadows by the front door, partially hidden by his broad form. “There’s something behind you.”

Hi Cindy –

Thanks for letting me tell you a little about myself!

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be, and why?
I think I would live on the beach, in a glorious mansion. Well, that is, if I had enough money.  There’s just something about the ocean. It calms me and relaxes me. But it’s turbulent and powerful. I imagine myself sitting on a chair in the sand, writing. I grew up in Illinois, far away from the ocean. So, I’ve always enjoyed visiting.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?
To date, I have 6 medieval romances written, 1 paranormal and 4 novellas in a series. I also have 1 free medieval novella. My favorite is always my latest one. Right now, that would be Angel’s Assassin. It’s a tale of redemption, of good and bad, of love overcoming all. My favorite!

What is your next project and when will it be released?
I just finished up a medieval novella. For this novella, I revisited the characters in Angel’s Assassin. It should be released with other novellas from other authors in LoveHistoricals in October or November. Right, Cindy? 

I’m also working on another medieval romance that centers around jousting.

What is your favorite part of writing?
My favorite part of writing is when the story flows. When the characters take over and move the scene. When I can feel the emotions and translate them to the paper. It’s amazing. Just amazing.

What is your least favorite part of writing?
When the characters don’t do what I want them to do. It’s like pulling teeth. I can’t get into the scene, they won’t cooperate. It usually has to do with the direction of the book. It’s not moving in the right direction. I have to stop, reread what I’ve written, figure out what’s wrong with it and then start. It could take days.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?
Wonderful. I love self publishing. I love that I can get the book I want out. Like Angel’s Assassin. It was rejected over and over by the NY publishing houses. Yet, now, it’s winning award after award. It won the 2013 Heart of Excellence award for Historical Romance, it won the International Digital award. And yet, I never would have been able to get it to readers if it weren’t for self publishing.

What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?
Do it. Polish that book. Proof it. Make it perfect. Get a good cover artist to design the cover for you and get it out.

What was the deciding factor in self-publishing your book(s)? Did you decide on ebook or print only or both?
It was timing. I had gotten the rights back to my books from Kensington and the self publishing boom was just starting. So, my husband and I decided to give it a shot. We did ebook only for some and for Angel’s Assassin and The Angel and the Prince, we decided to do print also. Ebook is doing much better.

What went into the process? Writing, editing, cover design, formatting, etc. Share your ups and downs and how you went about it. If you used a service, can you share?
Five of my novels had already been out from Kensington, so they were already written and edited. For those novels, we had Kim Killion design the covers. She is amazing! Luckily for me, my husband is a techie geek. He formatted the books and set them up on the various ereader platforms. If he hadn’t been here, I don’t think I would have self published. The entire thing is daunting to me. I probably would have hired someone to do it for me.

Where can readers find you?
Check out my webpage – www.laurel-odonnell.com

Where can readers find your books? Print/Ebook?
All of my novels are on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Ibooks.

Laurel is giving away an ebook copy of Angel’s Assassin to one lucky commenter, so be sure and leave her a comment

Angel’s Assassin Excerpt –

Aurora climbed to her feet.

“Where is my sword?” Damien demanded, searching the forest floor. He could not look at her.

“Here.” It had been hidden beneath the flare of her dress when she was lying down.

Damien nodded in satisfaction. He picked it up, pausing as he looked into her eyes. They sparkled a pale blue in the moonlight.

Aurora stared at him for a long, pensive moment. Then, she dipped her head in thought. The furrows of her brow deepened as her gaze stopped at his thigh, lingering on his wound. “How do you feel?” she asked.

“Well enough to see you back to your castle.” He sheathed his weapon and took a step toward Acquitaine.

“Damien,” she called.

He hesitated. He didn’t want her to fear him. Would she condemn him now for his violence? The silence stretched. Finally, he turned to her and his breath caught in his throat.

She stood in middle of the forest, bathed in a pool of moonlight. Her blonde hair, loose from any constraints, fell to her waist in thick waves. Her back was straight, her tiny body alluring and curvy and delectable. But it was her eyes that captured his attention. He saw no fear in her eyes. It was concern. Had he mistaken fear for concern?

Damien had never felt such an overwhelming need for anything in his life. He trembled with his want of her.

A swirl of emotions played over her face. Concern, regret, helplessness.

It took all Damien’s willpower not to go to her and sweep her into his embrace. He didn’t want to scare her. He didn’t want to harm her. He didn’t want to taint her.

“I will never leave you,” she finally confessed and tears entered her eyes.

Damien came toward her then, like a tumultuous storm cloud. “You don’t know what you are saying,” he warned in a savage whisper.

Aurora did not run for cover; she did not shrink from his approach. She stared up into his face with those damned clear orbs. And for the briefest of moments, Damien saw himself reflected as she saw him. A hero, a good man. A man worthy of all he could attain.

He stood before her, stunned.

The sound of horses thundering through the clearing pounded a warning through the ground.

Damien grabbed Aurora’s hand in one hand, and drew his sword in the other. He watched the group of men approach through the forest, clumsily maneuvering their steeds through the tight trees. He pulled Aurora behind him.

These men were no brigands. They wore heraldry, and while Damien couldn’t be sure, he suspected they were from Acquitaine.

As they drew closer, his suspicions were confirmed. One of them called out, “Lady Aurora!”

Damien refused to relinquish her. For just one moment, she had been his. And it had been the most glorious moment of his life.

“Lady Aurora!” another called.

His time alone with her was over.

“I am here,” Aurora called out, a reluctance in her tone.

Four men came forward, three of whom wore red tunics with a white dove embroidered onto it, the symbol of Acquitaine. But the leader wore a different crest. A black lion on a white background.

He reached them first, reining his horse to a stop before them. His blonde hair waved gently in the breeze. His dark eyes swept them. “Lady Aurora,” he gasped, dismounting. He brushed his blonde hair aside and knelt before her. Practiced, polished. Fake.

Damien hated him on sight.

Aurora stiffened. She released Damien’s hand and stepped toward the knight. “Count Ormand,” she greeted.

Ormand stood and his gaze shifted to Damien with just the right disdainful curl of his lip, then back to Aurora. “I came to rescue you as soon as I heard an attempt was made on your life.

Imagine my surprise at finding you gone.”

“We were attacked by an assassin. Damien was struck by a poison arrow.”

One of Ormand’s eyebrows rose. “Another assassin?” He looked at Damien, then back at Aurora. “Were you hurt, m’lady?”

“No,” she said. “Damien saved me. Again.”

Ormand looked at Damien. “This must be the amazing Damien.”

Aurora nodded. “Ormand, this is Damien. Damien, this is Count Ormand.”

“I am Aurora’s betrothed,” Ormand stated with a slight lifting of his chin so he could stare down at Damien.

Betrothed. The word rang in Damien’s head like a thunderous bell and his teeth clenched. Betrothed. Betrothed. What did it matter? But the word did not stop clanging in his thoughts.

Betrothed.

Ormand’s pompous stare swept Damien suspiciously from head to foot. “Why is he half naked? And what in heaven’s name were you doing out in the forest knowing that your life is in danger?”

BIO

Laurel O’Donnell lives in Illinois with her husband, four children and five cats. She has always enjoyed escaping into the medieval era, including spending a summer interning at the renaissance faire in Wisconsin where she learned to sword fight and recite Shakespeare. Now, she spends her time reading a good book, swimming or, of course, writing.

Thank you Cynthia for having me as a guest today.

Tell us about yourself:

I have been writing for many years, and have five print books from small publishers, and 29 indie ebooks. I took a break from writing for many years, working a job to pay the bills. Then last year I lost my job. That was the universe giving me a kick in the butt to start my own business working for myself as an indie author. Now, I have to only answer to myself, but I’m actually the most demanding boss I’ve ever worked for.

How many books have you written, and in what genres?

In the past year I have self-published 29 ebooks and have my 30th coming out this April/May. Granted about a third of these books were already written, but I am a fast writer, and it really only takes me a few weeks to write a book. I’ve also, through determination, designed my own website, created all my own covers, and even my booktrailers that I think are more like movie trailers. I was motivated to do all this from the fact my two sons were laughing at me and telling me I could never do it, since I barely knew how to shut off my computer. Well, it may have been true, but don’t ever give an Aries woman a challenge and think she won’t take it. (Grin).

Daughters of the Dagger Prequel: FREE BOOK. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EAMJHOE

What genres do you write and why?

I write all kinds of romance. So far, my books have been mostly medieval, since I love anything to do with castles and swords. I have a FREE prequel book to my Daughters of the Dagger Series out now. Characters from my Legacy of the Blade series make guest appearances, and my Dagger Series runs right into my Scottish MadMan MacKeefe Series. I have just published Ian, Book 3, the last book of the crazy Scottish Highlanders of the series. I also love the paranormal and have many books with paranormal aspects, my favorite being my Elemental Series where four women are part fae and control the elements of nature. I have a few short stories as well, and contemporary books too.

Tell us about your current series/WIP.

I am now switching it up a bit and getting back to my Tarnished Saints series. This is a contemporary series. The Taylor Twelve are twelve brothers of a preacher, but far from saints. Matter of fact, they are nothing but trouble. I am currently working on Judging Judas, Book 3 of the series and it should be released sometime around the end of April or the beginning of May.

Judas is the sheriff of the small town of Sweet Water, Michigan. The series is set around Thunder Lake. Each of the twelve brothers has been named after an apostle. And Judas has some real issues with his brother, Matthew Levi, in Luring Levi, Book 2, since he’s turned Levi in for tax evasion and his brother spent 7 years in prison. They are all bad boys and that’s what makes the series so fun to write. I love writing strong heroes who are usually struggling with inner demons, as well as feisty heroines who can keep them on their feet. (Or off.)

What inspired your latest book?

My parents live on a lake in Michigan, and I spent a lot of time there with my boys when they were growing up. This series, though fictional names of places and characters, is based on a lot on my own experiences. Such as the setting, the surroundings, and things I used to do there, such as playing Canasta – the way the old couple who own the Bed and Breakfast does in my first book – Doubting Thomas. A lot of my secondary characters are based on people I know, but I’ll never reveal those secrets!

What is the hardest and easiest thing you’ve found in the process of self-publishing?

This experience has been exciting, yet at times frustrating too. I still haven’t found the secret of how to get all those reviews I see so prevalent on other authors’ books. I think a lot of people just don’t understand how important it is for authors to have reviews. I also find writing the book the easiest part, but it is time consuming to crank out as many series as I have lately, and that takes time away from marketing the book. It is hard to be author, cover designer, editor, marketer, and doing book trailers on top of that and still have to try to get noticed to sell the books as well. If I could only clone myself a couple times, I could really use the extra help.

Ian – Book 3, MadMan MacKeefe Series: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IO0GDM2

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I pretty much fly by the seat of my pants I’d say. I don’t like to plan too much because my characters are only going to change it anyway. I run with an idea and start writing and let my characters do whatever they want. Most the time, I’m surprised by what happens just as much as my readers are. I kind of let the characters dictate to me and I just type it on the page. However, since I am in the process of writing a twelve book series, I decided I’d better start a Bible for my Tarnished Saints boys. I deal with a lot of intermingling characters. For example, Thomas in Doubting Thomas has six young sons just to start out the story. It is sort of a family saga that I can see ending up as a mini-series someday.

While I don’t really plot, I do go for walks and my characters talk to me in my head. Sometimes I actually have to tell them to calm down and shut up and that I’ll get to their story as soon as I’m able. Poor Judas has been pestering me for a while now, so I’m glad to finally get back to this series. I have all twelve covers done and they look great and I can’t wait to share them. Watch my website at http://elizabethrosenovels.com for occasional sneak peeks at the covers.

Do you write under a pen name and how did you choose it?
I guess the answer is yes and no. My middle name is Rose, so I chose for my writer name to be Elizabeth Rose, since no one can pronounce remember, or spell my last name. The only problem with this is that there are many other authors named Elizabeth Rose. So I’ve come up with a trademark, since I do my own covers. Every one of my books has a rose on the cover by my name. I also have the quirky habit of putting the title of the book as the last words of the novel. It comes full circle I guess you could say.

I’d like to share an excerpt now of Luring Levi, Book 2 from my Tarnished Saints Series. And thank you everyone for stopping by today.

Elizabeth Rose

Luring Levi – Book 2, Tarnished Saints Series: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DV3GY2G

EXCERPT from LURING LEVI

Levi shut off the motor and jumped over the side of the convertible, and Candace hurriedly made her way to the car. She wore a sundress with heels, trying to look professional since she was a TV personality and had to keep up appearances at all times.

“Ready to go?” he asked in a low voice.

“Where were you?” She glanced once more at her watch. “The meeting started twenty minutes ago.”

“Don’t worry,” he said. “The town council will chew the fat til I get there. No one knows how to stop the chitter-chatter but me. Believe me, the meeting won’t start until I say so.”

“Excuse me for saying, but you sound a little pompous. And I still can’t believe they let a jailbird be mayor.”

She stepped on a stone with her heels and stumbled. He was there instantly with one arm around her waist and his other hand under her armpit to steady her.

“Even jailbirds deserve a second chance, Candy.”

She was pressed up against his broad chest. His hair was wet and he smelled like soap. But his clothes were wrinkled and she realized he still wore what he had on yesterday.

His blue eyes bore into her and she felt her heart skip a beat. By the heat from his hands on her skin, she realized how close his fingers were to the side of her breast. Thoughts flitted through her mind of the last time she’d seen him. Of the torrid love they’d made that night and the undying passion he’d displayed in bed. He may seem like a cool, careless, no-good womanizer, but the feelings he’d brought out in her had her squirming now at just remembering what he’d done to lure those emotions from her.

He’d brought her to her peak and screaming for more, and more than once that night. Oh, yes, he’d said it was a night he’d never forget, and neither would she. And she’d never been able to look at whipped cream, honey and an assortment of other food items in the same way again after that glorious, sizzling night.

“I thought about you every day while I was in prison,” he said so softly it was almost a whisper. He pulled her body closer to him and before she knew it she was wrapped in his arms.

“I’m sure you thought about a lot of girls while you were there,” she said, making the mistake of looking up when she spoke, only to realize his face was now inches from hers.

“No, just you,” he said, sounding sincere but she knew she couldn’t believe him. He obviously had only thought about her because their night together was probably the last time he’d had sex since spending seven years behind bars. His mouth was so close to her that she could feel his breath on her face. She made the mistake of looking at his lips and when she looked back up to his eyes she noticed he was looking at hers as well.

“That was a long time ago, Levi, and maybe we should just forget all about it.”

“I could never forget,” he said. “Nor do I want to.” And with that he lowered his mouth to hers in a kiss.

Author Bio:
Elizabeth Rose loves anything medieval, paranormal or remotely mystical. She lives in the suburbs of Chicago and is a wife and mother of two boys. She has been a freelance artist and photographer, and creates her own book covers and trailers. She is currently working on her 30th book. She loves to hear from her readers, and would love to know which of her books you enjoyed the most. You can contact her at elizabethrosenovels@gmail.com. Or stop by her website and subscribe to her newsletter, watch her book trailers, or read excerpts of any of her books at http://elizabethrosenovels.com.

Daughters of the Dagger booktrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssDA4LGsqH0

Links:
Website: http://elizabethrosenovels.com
Email: elizabethrosenovels@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elizabeth-Rose-Author/515495781845391?ref=hl

Books available at:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001K7X946
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/elizrose
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THE BULL RIDER AND THE BABY
By Jeanine McAdam

Can a concussion prone bull rider find love with a pregnant neuroscientist? Maybe, but it would be much easier if she wasn’t pregnant with someone else’s baby!

Character Interview:

My name is Caleb Cooper. I’m from THE BULL RIDER AND THE BARE BOYCOTTER where I consider myself a villain but others would probably call me a pain in the ass. But in my own quirky and loveable way I redeem myself in THE BULL RIDER AND THE BABY because I’m the hero of that book. Not a knight in shining armor sort of hero but a good guy nonetheless.

How did you come to your author’s attention?
My brother Logan Cooper is the hero in THE BULL RIDER AND THE BARE BOYCOTTER. Many, many times in that book I told my brother he was an asshole, idiot plus all sorts of other rude stuff. I think the brutal honesty of my words caught Jeanine’s attention. I don’t think she completely agrees with how I treated my brother but it does create one hell of a story with interesting characters.

Did you give your author a hard time when she was writing your story?
No, not at all. I’m not that type of guy. Unlike my brother Logan, I have lots of potential as a human being. It just took a little bit of finessing on Jeanine’s part to turn me from a loudmouth idiot into a sensitive man. But I’m here to tell you, it happened in THE BULL RIDER AND THE BABY.

What do you do for a living?
Next question. Holy hell, did you read the title of the book?

Who is the love of your life?
If I told you that THE BULL RIDER AND THE BABY would be ruined. It’s called a spoiler. Look it up.

If there is a ‘love of your life’, what was the first thing you noticed about her?
She was pregnant. Hugely pregnant.

What’s your greatest fear?
Falling off a bull, hitting my head and turning into an imbecilic. Then again maybe that’s an old fear. If I were to update my fears, it would be Carrie Wang leaving me. Jesus H. Christ, I can’t believe I just said that. I hope Carrie doesn’t read this interview, she’ll think I’m a wimp.

How do the other characters in your book view you?
Carrie thinks I’m (coughs into his hand) HOT. Then again, she probably wouldn’t admit that because I don’t wear a helmet when I climb onto a bull. You see she’s a concussion researcher and she’s studying me. Carrie’s traditional Chinese mother (in some circles knows as a tiger Mom) thinks I’m not educated enough to marry her daughter but I’m up for the challenge of proving her wrong.

What do you think the reader will find interesting about you?
My good looks, award-winning personality and ability to get along with people. Ha, ha you almost fell for that I could tell. You know these questions are unfair. It’s tough for a guy to talk about himself.

What is the kinkiest thing you’ve ever done?
Now, you’re really pushing it (rolls shoulders). Have sex with a woman that I didn’t impregnate. By the way, Carrie was seven months along at the time we got together but I was gentle. That’s all I’m saying about her, don’t ask me anymore.

Will we be seeing you in future books?
You betcha. There’s THE BULL RIDER WEARS PINK. It’s about my sister Cassidy. She wants to compete against the men. You didn’t hear this from me but she’s probably a better rider than Logan and I combined. Her problem is, she’s a lousy Mom. Then again, she’s planning to work on that and I guess she gets involved with Pastor John. Talk about opposites attracting, I don’t know what Jeanine was thinking bringing those two together.

THE BULL RIDER AND THE BABY has an average Goodreads rating of 4.62. Find it at
http://jeaninemcadam.com/booklist/the-bull-rider-and-the-baby/

Find Jeanine McAdam at:
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