HUGE thanks to Cynthia for letting me hang out on her blog today! You gave me some tough questions. (grrr ) Hope I did them – and you – justice…

Oh! And Happy-almost-Thanksgiving to everyone! Here’s to a safe and joyous Turkey Day – without a bellyache! LOL. And to kick start the holiday season, I’m giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter.

Okay, enough stalling. On to the questions…

Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in the Midwest (Iowa to be specific) and moved to the high, dry desert a year after graduating college. (I have a Liberal Arts degree in technical theatre.)
I now live in Reno with my awesomely supportive husband of thirty years. We’re “empty nesters” as our one and only “Man Child” moved to the L.A. area with his fiancée almost two years ago.

Have you had other careers before becoming a writer?

I’ve been a stagehand (see tech theatre above), welder, mom, janitor, substitute teacher and fitness instructor.

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

Right now all my eggs are in the author basket.

What genre(s) do you write and why?

I write mostly contemporary, erotic romance. I have one book, Wildflower, a western historical romance that’s also erotic. I write erotic romance because I like to READ erotic romance, and I stick with contemporary because I truly don’t like to do the research that goes into writing historical…I’m actually quite the lazy author…

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

I just uploaded my twelfth title to Amazon.com and B&N.com!
As far as a favorite…hmmm…that’s like asking which of your children is your fave – good thing I’ve only got one human kiddo! Guess it’s safe to say my “favorite” story is the one I’m presently working on.

What’s your current project and/or series?

I just released Xmas Unwrapped, the first in my *Holiday Hunks* anthology. I think Xmas is a fun, sexy romp. The next story in the series will be released around Valentine’s Day and will the epilogue to Erotic Escapades of a Married Couple. It’ll tied up the Deana, Grif, Vance story with a nice, neat bow – or at least I hope it will!

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

Over-all, being an indie author is great, when you’re not stressing over your sales or banging your head against the monitor because your characters are being stubborn sh*ts or spending the bulk of your day promoting only to not have your sales numbers remain frozen…
Honestly, I love my job. Yes, it’s frustrating and time-consuming and I thank the stars everyday that my hubby is as wonderful as he is – and he’s pretty darn fantastic! Being an indie author allows me to get my books out to readers and not have them collecting dust bunnies under my bed while waiting for an agent/editor’s approval…

All self-pubbed books are rumored to be shoddily edited. What do you say to that?

I’d say that rumor can also true for traditionally published books. I’ve read books by “Big 6” publishers that are not only badly edited, but the books also have plot holes, tell verses show, head hopping – the works. It isn’t fair to lump all indie authors into the category of “shoddy editing” or “shoddy writing.” Yes, some don’t do their due diligence with their craft, but most are conscientious writers who put out some damn fine books.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Total, complete, unabashed plotter.

What do you have planned for the future?

As I said, around Valentine’s Day, 2014 I’ll release Erotic Escapades Continues… Then in June, I hope to release Shattered Trust, the first in my *Trustworthy Texas Trilogy.* This’ll be a BDSM cougar story set in Texas – a tri-vector in romance. 

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Don’t stop – don’t ever stop. Learn your craft and don’t allow anyone to stand in the way of your dream of being published.

Where can readers find you? Your books? Print/Ebook?

Readers can stop by my website, www.lyndabailey.net, check out my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/LyndaBaileyRomanceAuthor or follow me on Twitter, https://twitter.com/authorlyndab. I also recently just set up a Pinterest account: http://www.pinterest.com/baileylynda.
All my titles are available digitally through both Amazon ( author page: http://www.amazon.com/Lynda-Bailey/e/B007UQHW9E ) and B&N. I also have five print books available through Create Space – see my Amazon page for those.

Thanks again to Cynthia for hosting me today! Remember to leave your email in your response for the chance to win the $10 gift card. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!

EXCERPT from XMAX UNWRAPPED

In a daze, Allegra watched him go.

Aftershocks buzzed her body, making her lethargic. It wasn’t until the bright hallway light slashed across her body that she realized anyone in the hall would see her sprawled on the bed. She jerk to a sitting position, crossed her arms to hold her blouse shut and stood in the attempt to look unruffled—which was the very last thing she felt at the moment. Murmured, incoherent words met her ears as she looked around the room.

There was a dresser across from the bed with a large flat screen TV on the wall above it. A table and chairs sat next to a mini-bar. On legs that were the consistency of mashed potatoes, she walked to the enormous window and looked at the city lights of downtown.

The door closed with a quiet snick. Mace placed a wine bottle on the bar, opened the mini-fridge underneath, slipping their boxed dessert inside.

He stepped toward her. “Now, where were we?”

Where indeed? She stared at the floor as warmth infused her cheeks.

“Ah…” He tucked his finger under her chin and gently tipped up her head. “We’ll have none of that.”

“None of what?”

“Of you thinking too much.” His hand dropped to his side. “Unless, of course, you’ve changed your mind.”

“You’d still be willing to let me walk away? Even now?”

“Even now.”

This man was a complete bafflement. She uncrossed her arms and took hold of his hands. The strong, comforting feel of his fingers expunged any lingering doubt. “I haven’t changed my mind.”

“Thank God.” He leaned close. His musky scent filled her senses. “I’d hate to think I ordered a box of Trojans for no reason.”

BIO

I’ve always loved stories, especially romances. For me the only thing better than reading a romance is writing one. That and drinking red wine while eating dark chocolate. My manuscripts have been finalists in major writing contests, including the 2010 RWA Golden Heart®.

Becoming independently published in March of 2012 was probably the single best decision I could have made regarding to my career. While my sales aren’t as fantastic as a lot of other writers, the saying is true: This is a marathon and not a sprint.