Please help me welcome Gemma Juliana to my blog today. Gemma will be giving away a Smashwords coupon for a copy of The Amulet to one lucky commentor so be sure and leave a comment.

Hi Cindy,
Thanks for hosting me as your blog guest today.

How did you get started writing?

I’ve always been a writer, but the first time I wrote a romance novel for publication was during my pregnancy with my first son in 1982. I joined RWA and typed the manuscript on our typewriter. The pages each had a carbon copy attached. I still have the manuscript! It was packed away for over two decades and I haven’t had the courage to actually read it again yet. At that time I submitted it to Silhouette and received a lovely personal rejection letter, filled with insights on how to make the story better – and that I should resubmit it. I was discouraged, and following the birth of my son and our move to Europe, my writing career got shelved for two decades! One of these days I’ll drink some red wine, eat a box of chocolates, and read that old manuscript. Who knows, maybe it can be revamped.

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

My muse is overloaded. I have an overactive imagination and am constantly plotting stories in multiple genres. My focus has been a sheikh romantic suspense series and the fourth title launches in September. Then I will turn my attention to some of the other stories in my head and get them onto the computer to make room for new ones. I love writing magical paranormal stories (fairies, witches, ghosts, magical items) and also intend to write historical gothics, cozy mysteries, and children’s stories. At least one legal suspense/thriller is waiting patiently to be told. It may become a mini-series. I also have a contemporary series about brides and billionaires coming soon. The Bridal Gift launches in October. I’m way behind on launch dates!

Tell us about your current series/WIP.

The series I’m expanding is Sheikhs of the Golden Triangle. The first titles launched earlier this year are The Sheikh’s Spy, followed by The Amulet which is the prequel to the series, and Christmas Spirits, a holiday novella. The Sheikh’s Crowning will launch in September. I’ve always loved being transported on a magic carpet to the exotic and dangerous world of powerful alpha sheikhs and the fiery spirited women who try to tame them. A mysterious amulet provides an endless, timeless chain of magical intervention in this series, which takes place in several kingdoms that surround the famous Golden Triangle. The countries are fictitious and I’m having a blast creating these worlds.

I enjoy shorter reads these days, so all my titles are novellas instead of full length novels. The first longer story will be The Bridal Gift, at over 50,000 words.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

Exciting! I love the freedom self-publishing offers. I was discouraged over the years by the amount of time it took to hear back from publishers. Then it was a form letter – nothing like that first gem of a letter I received back in 1982 – saying ‘not what we are looking for at this time’. Self-publishing allows total control of creativity, content, cover, plotting, and most important – timing! Promotion is time consuming, but is essential.

Where can readers find your books? Print/Ebook?

They can scroll down and find direct links below, or visit my website at http://www.gemmajuliana.com where there are links to them on Amazon, iTunes, Nook Press, Smashwords and Kobo. I plan to make them available in print late this year or early 2014.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

I encourage anyone who dreams of being an author to make it a reality. Don’t fear that indie publishing will be too difficult or that you won’t know what to do. There are many loops filled with generous authors who are very giving of their experience and knowledge. Do your research, keep writing and plunge in! If you prefer to go with a big publishing house, grow a thick skin and be persistent until you succeed. You shouldn’t put it off. I wasted two decades and could have built a thriving career much earlier if I hadn’t given up back in 1982. It wasn’t a conscious decision to give up either, so much as an ‘I’ll get back to this later” attitude, and later didn’t happen for over twenty years!

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

It’s not so much people… snippets of conversations, facial expressions, viewpoints, plot points from real life dramas… those do end up in my books. Many upcoming books include situations my friends and family have experienced or been exposed to… fictionalized, of course!

What are you reading now?

Some old, some new. I’m reading Sea of Secrets by Amanda DeWees which is a fascinating gothic, Whiskey Sour by Liliana Hart and Sea Swept by Nora Roberts. Yes, I love the sea. One of my upcoming novellas is To Kiss A Mermaid, will be the second novella in the To Kiss A… series (first title in the series launched in April, To Kiss A Leprechaun.

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

I write daily but also have many day jobs as a stay-at-home mother, bookkeeper to our small business, homeschooling parent, amongst half a dozen other obligations. I guess above all I’m a juggler. Sometimes my writing goes on the back burner in order to get other things done. Then I remind myself that my writing is equally as important as those other things (most of the time).

If you could go anywhere for a secluded writing intensive week, where would it be?

I’d rent a chalet in the snowy mountains with a scenic view of forests, lofty peaks and a charming ski village with magical town lights at night time. Perhaps even an icy lake complete with ice skaters. It would be a luxurious chalet with soft lighting, music, aromatherapy, catered meals, hot wines, hot chocolate, and a deep bath tub. A state-of-the-art computer set up would be in front of the large picture window with the million dollar view.

Excerpt from The Sheikh’s Spy © 2013 Gemma Juliana
PROLOGUE

“I haven’t got a million dollars handy right now, Sheikh Mahjub.” Rick Green’s mouth twitched. As electrifying as the situation was, he wanted to laugh. It was one of the catchiest phrases he’d ever spoken.

The high stakes private gaming room in the elegant Riviera casino was fraught with tension. Silence hung as heavy as the mega-sized crystal chandeliers overhead.

“A debt is a debt. You play, you pay.” The man’s English was impeccable, though the accent was thick. “Blood, jewels or money. Nothing less. What collateral do you have?” Sheikh Mahjub bin al Burindi’s cold black eyes studied Rick.

A nerve twitched in Rick’s cheek and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed and stared at the bearded figure sitting opposite him.

Rick’s starched white shirt was open at the neck, his silk tie hung loose. His blond-haired, blue-eyed boy-next-door appearance belied the fact he had just gambled hard and lost more money than he could hope to earn in the next thirty years.

“I have no collateral, at least not here. Back home I have a condo and a car. . .”

The sheikh stood abruptly. His long robes brushed the carpet. “I’m not interested in your car or condo. I live in a palace, you fool. I want cold hard cash.”

“I guess you’ll have to contact Uncle Benito and beg him to bail you out,” Rick’s sister Olympia finally spoke. She’d sat and watched their poker game and verbal exchange for the past hour, looking paler with each passing minute. Uncle Benito? They had no uncle.

“Who are you?” Sheikh Mahjub’s gaze shifted to her. “His wife?”

For once, Rick regretted Olympia’s beauty. Alarmed, he swallowed hard as he saw the sheikh’s eyes study her long slender legs before traveling over her black cocktail dress to her fine high cheekbones and long dark hair. Light bounced off her chestnut highlights as she moved her head. She clutched a glittering evening bag with white knuckles.

“She’s a hooker I just picked up for the night,” Rick interjected before the woman could speak. “She’s got nothing to do with me or this situation.” He turned to her, his eyes urgent. “Get lost. Clearly there won’t be any partying tonight.” He flicked his hand in a dismissive gesture.

“Rick, this is no time to crack a bad joke,” she rebuked him, sliding off the barstool and standing on black spiky heels.

She turned to Sheikh Mahjub, intensity blazing in her translucent aquamarine eyes.

“I’m Olympia Green, Rick’s sister. His word is good. He will get the money and pay you.”

“Forgive me if I’m not quite as convinced as you’d like me to be.” The sheikh’s gaze traveled the length of her, and his eyes undressed her as they roamed.

“There’s no other solution,” Olympia replied in a calm tone. She tried to refrain from looking at the man’s four henchmen, standing behind him, ready to spring into action at even a hint of trouble.

“Of course there is,” Sheikh Mahjub declared in a tone that brooked no objection. “Your brother has two weeks to pay his debt. He’s forfeited you as collateral, so you will come and stay in Burindi until he arrives with my money, gold or diamonds.”

GEMMA JULIANA lives in a little cottage deep in the heart of north Texas, where she lives with her very own alpha hero, a charming teenage son, and a magical dog named Rosie. She loves crafting stories of love and intrigue with a touch of magic and mystery. Gemma loves to hear from readers!

Connect with Gemma
GemmaJuliana.com | Twitter | facebook

Buy Gemma’s Books on…
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Apple
SmashWords

Please help me welcome Shar Dimick to my blog today. She’s given me a wonderful interview and is doing a giveaway, too. Shar will give a print set of both her books, autographed by her (print mailed to US addresses only)

Tell us about yourself?

Besides writing, I also love to read. I read all genres of fiction (except horror or I can’t sleep) and non-fiction, but romances are my favorites! In my free time I also enjoy photography, running 5Ks, flower gardening and spending time with my family. I live on a small farm in Northwest Ohio with my husband and daughters ages, 11 and 6.

Have you had other careers before becoming a writer?

I’ve always been a writer. In the past I’ve worked as a reporter for a community newspaper, wrote marketing pieces for a bank and wrote cellular phone user guides! I’ve also published several articles on technical communication. Before I graduated from college, I worked in a frozen yogurt shop, a pizza parlor and in the shoe department of a department store!

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

My day job is writing user guides and training materials for a software company that specializes in software and services that run agencies support individuals with developmental disabilities.

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

I write contemporary romances that are more sweet than steamy. I’m a push-over for a happy ending. Even more than reading them, I like writing them.

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

I have written two novels: Take a Deep Breath and Take Your Time. I have a hard time picking a favorite. Take a Deep Breath is dear to my heart because it’s my first novel and the main character deals with anxiety and panic. This is something I too have dealt with over the years. While, Take Your Time is also special to me as it is the book I just finished and is still fresh in my mind. Currently, I’m working on a third novel, Take My Hand, so I’m sure that will be my next favorite!

Tell us about your current series/WIP.

My current series is called “Lake of the Pines,” because that is where the stories take place. This fictional lake is where four sisters vacation with their grandparents as children. The first book, Take a Deep Breath. is about Liv, the second to youngest sister. She’s recently divorced and reconnects with an old crush. The next book, Take Your Time follows the youngest sister, Maddy. She’s a recent college graduate, who didn’t date much. She shy and unsure of herself. Deciding to take a risk, she goes on a blind date with her old roommate’s older brother. The third book, Take My Hand is the one I’m currently writing and is about Jen, the second to oldest sister. Jen is an interior designer and feng shui expert. She recently bought an old house near Lake of the Pines. The last thing she wants is to fall in love, but the younger landscape architect that lives next door has other ideas. The last book in the series, Take My Home, will be about Lisa, the oldest sister.

What is your favorite part of writing?

My favorite part of writing is when I’m in muse mode. I’m thinking about the characters and plotting out the story in my mind. I also like to revise.

What is your least favorite part of writing?

Writing the first draft is the hardest part for me. I really have to force myself to get on a schedule to get it out!

How does your family feel about your writing career?

While my daughters aren’t old enough to read my novels (while they are sweet, they aren’t entirely chaste), the are very proud of me. My mother and sister read and proof all my drafts. My mother is a former librarian and my sister is an all-around brainiac (merit scholar finalist!). They both read romances too. I couldn’t do what I do without them! While my husband isn’t into romance novels, he too is supportive of my writing career.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

My experience self-publishing has been awesome. I’ve gotten dozens of wonderful, encouraging emails from readers. In addition, I’ve also gotten 74 five and four star reviews on Amazon. I entered my first book in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and it was a quarter-finalist. I’m selling around 40 books a month, so while I’m nowhere near a millionaire, I am satisfied with how my books are doing.

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

My advice is to not give up! If you have a story to tell, do it! Just make sure you have it edited well and a professional looking cover!

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

The hardest part of self-publishing is definitely promotion. I have a really hard time with that. It’s pretty much trial and error. Finding the time to promote is hard too, especially when I’m working on a new novel, want to get in my daily run and spend time with my family after working all day.

Where can readers find you?

Email: shardimick@gmail.com
Twitter: @shardimick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharDimick
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/114161431444218717306/
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/shardimick/
Wordpress: http://justwords41.wordpress.com

Where can readers find your books? Print/Ebook?

Both eBooks and Print books are available from Amazon:
Take Your Time: http://www.amazon.com/Take-Your-Time-Pines-ebook/dp/B00BCBMTGE
Take A Deep Breath: http://www.amazon.com/Take-Deep-Breath-Pines-ebook/dp/B007WN3BSG

Bio:
Shar Dimick started writing stories and poems as a grade-schooler. Her passion for writing continues to grow. Whether writing, a blog entry, a software manual or a chapter in her next novel, not a day goes by where she isn’t writing something. Cousin to her love for writing, Shar’s also an avid reader of romance novels from contemporary to historical. Drawn to the genre from an early age, it seemed natural that her first novel, Take a Deep Breath, be a contemporary romance. Many readers emailed Shar how much they enjoyed Take a Deep Breath and asked for more. Writing in the early mornings and late evenings with a push from the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), she pushed ahead and wrote her next novel, Take Your Time, the second book in what is now the “Lake of the Pines” series. She is currently at work on the third book, Take My Hand. Shar holds a Master of Arts in English from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. Shar, her husband and their daughters live in rural Northwest Ohio.

Excerpt from Take Your Time:

Maddy scanned the horizon and the surrounding boardwalk with her zoom lens. She snapped a photo of a sailboat skimming the water. A few seconds later a pair of seagulls dipping into the water filled her frame. She panned over to the docks and the line of boats tied to it. Sail boats, speed boats, jet skis, row boats, pontoon boats and even a canoe were moored to the three long wooden piers that jetted out into the lake. A small houseboat made its way into one of the open spaces on the pier closest to Maddy. She saw a golden colored dog sitting on the deck of the boat. She zoomed in a little closer. The dog sat perfectly still except for his wagging tail and panting tongue. The dog stared straight ahead as if guiding the boat into place. The boat bumped the edge of the dock and the dog didn’t flinch.

Maddy watched as a man joined the dog in her view finder. She sucked in her breath at the sight of him. He wasn’t wearing a shirt and his well-muscled back glistened with sweat. Unable to turn away, she snapped a photo as he turned toward the dog. The man bent down and reached to pat the dog’s head. He had a broad smile across his tanned face. Just as the man scratched the dog behind his ears, the dog turned and flicked his tongue right into the man’s mouth. Maddy giggled to herself as she continued to snap a series of photos as if on autopilot. The man quickly stepped back and wiped the back of his hand over his mouth on reflex. He wagged his finger at the impish dog and gave him a mock scolding, before scratching his ears again, this time with his mouth closed. Maddy adjusted her camera to see if she could zoom any closer and caught the sun in her lens. She could see the glare as it flashed across the man’s face. Crap. So much for blending in.

The man looked up and out toward the beach and Maddy. She quickly dropped her camera back around her neck as she felt her cheeks grow hot from being caught watching the man and his dog. She’d been so mesmerized by their interaction that she couldn’t help herself. The photos were for her personal collection and wouldn’t be sold, so there was no real harm taking them. With more people now dotting the beach, he probably hadn’t even realized she’d taken his photo. She was worrying for nothing. Maddy waited for her heart to start beating normally before she looked up and glanced over toward the man again. He seemed to be watching her, studying her. He must see someone he knows, she thought as she continued to stare at him. He wore a pair of faded cut-off jeans that hung off his slender hips. His dark eyes caught and held hers a moment as he slowly brought a smile to his lips. Maddy felt her cheeks burning again. He’s not looking at you anyway. So why are you blushing? She chided herself. He raised his hand and waved. Maddy quickly turned to look behind her. He surely wasn’t waving at her. Her imagination must be playing tricks on her again. She swallowed and glanced back to the pier, but both the dog and the man were gone.

Please help me welcome Lauren Baratz-Logsted to my blog today. Lauren is giving away a $10 Amazon gift certificate to one lucky commentor so be sure and leave her a comment.

Have you had other careers before becoming a writer?

I was an independent bookseller for 11 years, before leaving that job to start writing. While trying to get my books published, I worked as a Publishers Weekly reviewer, a freelance editor, a sort-of librarian and a window washer.

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

I’m a full-time writer who still does freelance editing.

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

I’ve had books published for adults, teens and children. Those books have included contemporary, historical, comedy, drama, romance, mystery, suspense, adventure – probably the only things I haven’t done is Westerns and SF/fantasy. I’m an eclectic reader, so I’m an eclectic writer too.

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

I’m not sure how many I’ve written altogether, but 31 have been published. Twenty-three of those have been with traditional publishers; 8 have been self-published. For adults, since it was my first, I have to say The Thin Pink Line is still my favorite. For teens, The Twin’s Daughter, which has been popular with adults too. But I don’t think anything has given me more joy than the nine-book series for young readers, The Sisters 8, because I got to create that with my husband and daughter.

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

It seems to me that the entire world is less well-edited than it used to be. As a habitual New York Times reader, I’ve noticed a sharp increase in typos in recent years, so I think the charge can be made that the printed word all over the place is going south in a grammatically flawed basket. That said, I see a lot of self-pubbed authors taking that matter seriously. If not already possessed of superior spelling/grammar skills themselves, many hire freelance editors who do have those attributes.

What advice can you offer readers of self-pubbed books in making a decision on what to read?

Now that’s an easy question. The search-inside feature at most online e-tail bookstores makes it possible for readers to sample a fair chunk of the book for free while deciding whether or not to purchase. I believe for my own full-length fiction readers can sample the first 30+ pages. I’d say the average reader should be able to tell in 30 pages whether or not I can hold their interest and if I can spell and punctuate satisfactorily.

Do you have critique partners?

For about a dozen years, I had a group that met every Friday evening in my home. It was a marvelous experience. Sadly, last fall, we needed to go on hiatus for a time, but I still have them in my writing corner to tell me what works and what doesn’t.

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

I don’t care for the idea of being sued, so not likely at all. That said, the stray anecdote involving a family member or friend does have a tendency to wander onto the page from time to time.

Give us an elevator pitch for your book.

For the book we’re featuring today, Pursuing the Times: A contemporary romcom with a nod toward Pride and Prejudice in which a successful author of Chick Lit crosses swords and hearts with the Editor-in-Chief of the New York Times Book Review.

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

The only view in the basement cave I call my office is of the television so I can watch General Hospital every afternoon while working.

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

No. My muse thought I was going to write the Great American Novel. Thirty+ books into my writing career, I’m still laughing at her.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Read, read, read everything you can get your hands on, because you can’t be a good writer unless you’re a great reader first. And always remember, the only person who can ever really take you out of the game is you.

EXCERPT

It is a publishing truth, universally acknowledged, that anyone professionally involved in the pursuit of “Lit-e-ra-ture,” must, by definition, despise Chick-Lit.

I first met Frank D’Arcangelo, Editor-in-Chief of the New York Times Book Review, at the annual National Book Awards ceremony and while it was definitely not the best of times for me, it was a close runner-up for the worst.

Of course, being the kind of person I am and writing the kinds of books I do, I didn’t actually receive anything so mundane as a printed invitation to the ceremony. Rather, my agent, perennially dateless, said I could be her guest.

Plus, I begged her.

“Please take me! Please take me! Please take me!” I all but groveled at her feet. I mean, if we weren’t talking on the phone and therefore not in the same room, I definitely would have thrown myself at her ankles and groveled.

“Ohhh…allllllllll right,” Angel graciously conceded.

BIO

Lauren Baratz-Logsted is the author of 30+ book for adults, teens and children. You can read more about her life and work at www.laurenbaratzlogsted.com or follow her on Twitter at @LaurenBaratzL

Buy links for PURSUING THE TIMES:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00925R6M4

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pursuing-the-times-lauren-baratz-logsted/1112679621?ean=2940015253870

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/pursuing-the-times/id556962794?mt=11

Please help me welcome Alicia and Roy Street to my blog today. It’s a great interview and they are also giving a ecopy of Kiss Me, Dancer to one lucky commentor.

Tell us about yourselves.

Alicia: We’re one of those couples straight out of a romance novel. Roy was in a drawing class, and I was a starving dancer who made extra money on the side modeling for art schools. Of course, this was a life drawing class, so I was nude. And of course we managed to have one of those silly rom-com spats—but two months later we were so totally in love there was no going back.

Have you had any other careers before becoming a writer?

Roy: Alicia was a professional dancer. It always killed my how this tiny, quiet person would get onstage and morph onto an explosive powerhouse. I did theater and standup comedy, and as a gallery artist I showed my paintings in New York and London.

What genres do you write in and why?

Alicia: Our Dance ‘n’ Luv series is contemporary romance/romantic comedy. We also wrote two humorous mysteries together, one of which won a Daphne du Maurier Award. I have a YA paranormal short story in an anthology, and I’m currently finishing a novel based on that. Roy has a graphic zombie novel coming out with Escargot Books in the fall.

How do you two manage to write together?

Roy: We usually start with a general outline that is based on ideas for scenes and characters that we work out verbally on white boards. Then we go into a phase I’ve named “the marines and the village maker.” Alicia hates facing a blank page, but I love it, so I go in first and muscle out some material. Then Alicia sees what’s usable in it and begins forming a structure and shaping scenes.

Alicia: It’s really a lot of back and forth. Some scenes do get almost totally written by one or the other of us, and sometimes one of us will have a better feel for a certain character and do most of their dialogue. But no chapter or scene is considered finished until we both approve it. We want it seamless so a reader can’t tell two people wrote the book.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Don’t give up your dream. It’s a rough business, so be flexible. Keep studying your craft and the market. Be prepared to work your tail off, and hang in.

Tell us about your current series.

Roy: It was inspired by Alicia’s background in dance combined with our love for a windswept, rural part of Long Island, NY, where farms, vineyards and fishing villages line the narrow peninsula that stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s not far from Manhattan, so we can feature professional dancers, yet it has small towns with the kind of close-knit community we wanted in this series.

Tell us about your heroine’s strengths and weaknesses.

Casey, the heroine of Kiss Me, Dancer, has had plenty of hard knocks and failure. She is generous to a fault, and ironically, it takes a wealthy womanizer to teach her how to be aggressive enough to claim her rewards. It’s fun to compare her to Tanya, the heroine of Touch Me and Tango. She’s an ambitious and tough-minded mankiller whose armor folds in the face of a gentle, sexy gardener.

Do you have any upcoming Free promotions you would like to tell us about?

Readers can try out our series for Free with our short story – SNOW DANCE It can be read as a stand-alone, but it also introduces the siblings that are featured in our Dance ‘n’ Luv novels. It’s free on –
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JCTY40
Nook – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/snow-dance-alicia-street/1109480509?ean=2940044550506
Apple – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id653306017

Where can readers find your books?

All our novels are in the major online stores. Our Dance ‘n’ Luv Boxed Set is a good bargain with three novels plus a short story.

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AM3C5ZS
Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AM3C5ZS
Nook – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dance-n-luv-contemporary-romance-boxed-set-alicia-street/1046575124?ean=2940016610191
Apple – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id659025265

Website – http://aliciastreet-roystreet.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AliciaRoyStreet
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AliciaStreet1

EXCERPT FROM KISS ME, DANCER

Casey swallowed hard when she saw Drew Byrne’s teal blue eyes studying her. She tried glaring at him, but the way his sculpted torso filled out the sleeveless tee he wore and tapered down to his tiny jeans-clad hips made her pulse race. Ought to be illegal to be this sexy.

She glanced at his perfectly carved delt. Sure enough, there was the tattoo of a blue tractor-trailer. So, he was definitely the womanizing player her brother mentioned. Knowing it spelled bad news, she tore her gaze away from him, forcing back fantasies of licking him from head to toe.

Casey turned to his son and covered her discomfort by saying, “How about a game of ping-pong, Josh?”

He tucked in his chin and shook his head. “I’m terrible at it. You’d only get annoyed with me.”

“No, I wouldn’t.” Poor kid. Was it his father who made him feel that? “In fact, I’ll teach you some slick moves.”

Drew stepped forward, his expression cocky, his eyes doing the elevator dance on her. “Like what?”

A nervous Josh must have feared another run-in between his father and his dance teacher because he said, “My dad is a champ at it. You should play with him.”

Oh, she wanted to play with him, all right, but not ping-pong.

Before Casey had a chance to decline, Drew said, “Think you can handle a grown man?”

She wasn’t sure if that was a sultry double entendre or just a snide challenge. Either way, Casey decided this obnoxious, arrogant butthead who didn’t want his kid in her ballet class could use a good ass kicking. “Try me.”

The game moved quickly into a fierce competition. She had to admit he was good. But cracks began to show in his ego every time Casey delivered one of her trademark smashes, sending the ball like a bullet off the far corner of the table for a point. His grumbling and the tense crease that formed between his brows tickled her predatory instincts. Moving in for the kill, Casey revved up her best backhand spin shot. The same one she’d used to beat all the guys she grew up with, including her super athletic brother Parker.

It hadn’t exactly won her any dates in high school, but that wasn’t an issue here. Mr. Sexy Moneybags was way out of her league. He’d never bother with a plain Jane scrounger like her. And if he did, it would only be for a lark. She’d learned that lesson years ago.

Which made her fight even harder to beat him.

©Alicia Street, Roy Street

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be, and why?

If I could live anywhere, it would be where I am now. I’ve lived in California, Hawaii, and Virginia, but Pennsylvania is by far my fave place. I love it here!

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

Aside from being a stay-at-home mom/wife, I write full time. I don’t get as much done in the summer, or on breaks, but when TG is in school I write four to five hours a day.

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

BROCK’S BUNNY (Chestnut Rock Shifters, Book 3) is my seventh published book. Out of those published so far, CHRISTINA’S BEAR (Chestnut Rock Shifters, Book 2) is my fave.

Tell us about your current series/WIP.

BROCK’S BUNNY is book three of my Chestnut Rock Shifters Series, published by Rebel Ink Press. The series consists of seven books (Book 4 releases in September, Book 5 in October.) Chestnut Rock is a fictional town in the Pacific Northwest, near the National forest of the same name. I wanted to create a shifter series different from others I’d read and Chestnut Rock was born. The shifters are seven different species of forest animals. Instead of living together in packs, or groups, these shifters live lonely lives until they find their mates. Through the course of the books, their friendships bring them together to form their own “pack.” (Though they are enjoyable in order, each book stands alone.)

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

I don’t put specific people in my books, but I do add character traits (good and bad) from people I know or have met. Annoying habits and bad behavior are the most common—they are the stuff of villains!

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

My desk faces a wall, so my view is a cork memo board. I have postcards of all my covers on the board, along with my business cards and various long term notes—mostly stuff about my books. When no one is home, I prefer to write on my kitchen table where my view is of our tiny backyard. From that spot I can see the neighbor’s shed, trees, and several small animals running around. It’s beautiful.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Definitely a pantser, though I will usually make about a half sheet of notes on where I want the story to go. I don’t always use them though, and sometimes I cross them all out and make another half sheet half-way through the story!

What genres are you drawn to as a reader?

I’ll read all romance genres, but my fave is paranormal. I always look for shifters and vamps when looking for something new to read. If nothing sounds good, I’ll look for contemporary romance next!

Do you write under a pen name? Why or why not? How did you choose it?

I do write under a pen name, but the only reason is because I’ve never been a fan of my real name and I wanted something different. I got Wakely from a book I read years ago. As soon as I read it, I knew that would be my author last name. I had another name from a book for my first, but I’ve always liked the name Jane, so I decided to go with it!

Where can readers find you?

Blog: www.janewakely.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JaneWakelyRomanceAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/JaneWakely
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/JaneWakely
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/JaneWakely

Where can readers find your books? Print/Ebook?

All of my books are in Ebook only. They can all be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. All of my books published by Rebel Ink Press can also be found on All Romance Ebooks and BookStrand.

Blurb:
Vegetarian Hollie Dawson owns the only health food store in Chestnut Rock. She’s also a rabbit shifter, but unlike the gray and black jackrabbits that can camouflage themselves easily, Hollie is a pure white bunny. As a shifter, her ultimate dream is to meet the man destined to fill the lonely space in her heart.

Brock Smith owns the most popular steak house in town. When the woman with the platinum hair and violet eyes questions his menu, he’s caught off guard and makes a bad first impression. Unable to explain why their meeting bothers him so much, he’s driven to find her and change all that.

Brock and Hollie acknowledge their intense desire to be together and make future plans, but Hollie hasn’t shared her secret yet. When Brock finds out about her bunny by accident, will his reaction destroy their newfound happiness?

Excerpt

Hollie Dawson looked around the restaurant while her date rambled on the phone to one of his “clients.” The atmosphere was nice if you enjoyed the western thing. Hollie didn’t. Saddles, spurs, horseshoes and cowboy hats decorated the walls. She could appreciate the antler chandeliers if she convinced herself that they were fake, but she couldn’t forgive the skulls. Steer skulls occupied several walls and she couldn’t shake the probability that they were real. Her stomach rolled at the thought.

Hollie eyed her date. Her initial response when he asked her out had been no. He was attractive, but she knew he wasn’t meant for her. She’d only agreed to avoid another Friday night alone. Or working. With nothing else to do, she spent most of her time at her health food store, The Harvest. Her friend, Christina, had expressed her concern and Hollie agreed. She needed to get involved in something else. Have fun again. A thriving business was nice, but life was more than just work. It had to be.

Now that Christina had found her bear, and knew about Hollie, she’d been invited to several weekend get-togethers at Christina’s or Jenn’s. Christina and Jenn were best friends, but they welcomed her into their group, and Hollie was grateful. It was nice to be around shifters again—even if they were predators.

Shifters aren’t natural joiners. They’re used to keeping secrets and spend most of their time alone. With no one to share their lives, many shifters border on depression and some can even die of loneliness if they don’t find a mate. Hollie envied the friendship her four friends shared. Why more shifters didn’t try and stick together, she didn’t know.

Bio
Jane has been creating stories of love and romance for as long as she can remember. She’s a sucker for a happy ending and thinks the best thing about any movie or book is when the characters find someone to love.

Jane’s stories reflect her interest in all romance genres, and all levels of spice, but paranormal romance is her true passion. She loves creating worlds around sexy shifters and vamps—even if the shifter is a smelly skunk!

Jane writes sensual romance that will warm your heart, and a happy ever after is guaranteed!

Author Links
Email: JaneWakelyBooks@gmail.com
Blog: www.janewakely.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JaneWakelyRomanceAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/JaneWakely
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/JaneWakely
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/JaneWakely

Buy Links
BROCK’S BUNNY is available today!!
Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance Ebooks and BookStrand!

Please help me welcome Jessica E. Subject to my blog today. Jessica loves to hear from her fans so be sure and leave lots of comments plus the fact that if you leave a comment you might win an ebook copy of Alien Adoration (gifted from All Romance)

How did you get started writing?

Hi Cindy! Thank you so much for inviting me back to your blog!

I’ve been writing for many years now, but didn’t consider having my stories published for a wider audience until five years ago. My daughter—at the time—hated reading and cried every time she had to read for school. I thought if I wrote her a book about something she was interested in, she might enjoy reading more. Well, it worked. She now reads above her grade level. And I just kept writing, changing my intended audience, of course.

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

In many ways, yes. Even back in grade seven, I was writing romance. But the science fiction came into play with the first story I wrote after the one for my daughter. I had intended the hero to be a superhero. He quickly changed to an alien with no superpowers at all. He just wanted to be accepted and live as normal a life as possible on Earth. No matter where or when my stories are set, acceptance is a very common theme.

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

I’ve written several and have more to rewrite. As of now, I have fourteen stories published with Decadent Publishing, a print and ebook anthology of my stories with them, and one title that I have self-published. Picking a favorite is so hard, but Another Night, Another Planet holds a special place in my heart. There’s just something special about the hero and heroine.

What inspired your latest book?

With Another Night, Another Planet, I was asked by one of the co-owners of Decadent Publishing to write a story that combines both the Elatia line with the 1Night Stand line. I’d written for both of them, and knew the requirements well. But with this story, I wanted to try something different. I brought in two unlikely characters to be set up on a date. Ava is a housekeeper, struggling to support herself and her parents. And Nate is labeled as a space terrorist, though not by any wrongdoing of his own. Along with flying through space, and chase scenes, Another Night, Another Planet is the story of reunited love, but nothing happens as either character expects.

Do you have critique partners
?
Yes!! And I love them to pieces. As much as my editors. My critique partners are Layna Pimentel, Rebecca Royce, DL Jackson, and Zee Monodee. Not only are they great authors, but they are a huge help at finding the places where my stories need work. Without them, I’d be lost.

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

Very! LOL I don’t put very many people I know in my stories, but I may include a line I have heard them say, or an interesting story that they’ve told. If I include actual people in my stories, it’s not someone I know well, and always as a secondary character.

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

I read A LOT of romance, and in multiple sub-genres, including contemporary and science fiction romance. Writing in the genre doesn’t stop me from reading it. I’m not going to copy someone else’s ideas. I have my own voice, and plenty of ideas to go around. Too many, actually. I need more time to write them all. Just like I have a to-read list, I also have a long to-write list. And some to re-write. LOL I also read mysteries, thrillers, new adult, and young adult. And with some of my favorite authors now writing horror, I’m going to be reading in that genre as well.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do to combat it?

Yes and no. I don’t suffer from writer’s block in that I stare at a blank screen for hours, trying to think of something to write. When a story stops flowing, I stop writing. The more I get upset about it, the longer it takes the creative juices to start flowing again. Sometimes I’ll go and work on another story. Other times I’ll sit down to read. But the best way to get the ideas flowing again is to do the housework I’ve been avoiding. LOL

What are you reading now?

Right now I’m reading Fallen, an urban fantasy/PNR by Claire Delacroix. And I’m looking forward to reading the free SFR Brigade anthology that just came out, too.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Keep writing! Don’t ever give up. Find your own voice and write your own story.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on three stories right now, with a fourth at my publisher. The third (and final) book in The Underground series is contracted to Decadent Publishing, though I don’t have a release date yet. I just finished a Christmas story called Hey, Santa. It is with my editor right now, and I will be self-publishing it in the next couple of months. I’m also working on the next Alien Next Door book as well as another 1Night Stand story. After that, I plan to start re-writing my novel-length sci-fi romance series. I’m very excited for the new direction it’s going to take.

Another Night, Another Planet
A 1Night Stand / Elatia story
By Jessica E. Subject
Erotic Sci-Fi Romance
ISBN: 978-1613335413

Limited by status…

Ava is a housekeeper aboard Star Spirit, a luxury cruise ship travelling between the Milky Way and the Belvarian System. Coming from a middle-class family on Earth, she is considered by passengers as nothing more than an object to be tossed away when they’re done with her.

Shunned because of his lineage…

Banned from several planets across the universe, Nate struggles to run his interstellar shipping business. But the DNA of an exterminated race runs through his blood, giving him a diluted form of their powers, and leaving him labeled as a terrorist.

Both searching for the one…

Through her 1Night Stand dating service, Madame Evangeline matches these two together for a celestial escape on the pleasure planet, Elatia.

Will Ava and Nate find what they’re looking for, or will their date be just another night on another planet?

Available from
Decadent Publishing | Amazon US / UK | All Romance | Barnes & Noble | more

Excerpt:
“What are you lookin’ at?” Wyn leaned over the side of his chair. “You? A dating service?”

He chuckled, his cheeks warming. “No. I just heard a woman mention it when I escaped through her room. She’d apparently used this service and was waiting for her date when I barged in.”

His friend stood behind him, clasping his shoulder. “I’m surprised you didn’t take advantage of the situation.”

“Didn’t have a chance.” Yet, he wouldn’t have. He refused to pretend to be someone else. A woman had to want him for him. He would no longer hide what he was.

“You should give it a try.”

The comment came like a kick to the nuts. Spinning around in his chair, he faced Wyn. “You’ve got to be joking. This woman sets people up on a one-night stand, but according to her clients, more often than not, the relationship lasts well beyond one night.”

“Exactly. You’ve spent all this time zooming around space, searching for someone. I think it’s about time you stop to find her.”

He clenched the arms of the chair. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m fully capable of finding my own dates.”

“C’mon. The women you find are willing to do anyone who asks. It’s all a ruse as you search for the one woman you’re pining over.”

“You think I’m looking for love? Yeah, right.” That ship had sailed a long time ago. Best friend or not, Wyn had pushed the boundaries of their camaraderie. Nate rose to his feet and shoved past him. “Stay out of my business.”

“If I did, you’d be dead by now,” Wyn shouted after him.

Nate slammed the door to his cubby behind him and pounded his fist against the wall. The fucker was right, Nate would have been killed numerous times if Wyn hadn’t come to his rescue. And perhaps he was lonely, always yearning to run into his one true love. But she resided on Earth, a place he could never return. He stripped off his pants and slumped onto his cot. The darkness helped to soothe his anger.

He thought of 1Night Stand. Am I ready to settle down? Is there really another woman out there for me? Madame Eve guaranteed one night. He huffed out a breath. No harm in trying. Yes, as soon as Wyn retired to his bunk, Nate would fill out the questionnaire.

What would happen after that? He’d let fate decide.

Bio:
Jessica Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotica. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica isn’t reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and on twitter @jsubject.
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