Cindy, thanks so much for having me here today.

1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m not a Michigander by birth, but I’ve lived here most of my life. I’m a wife, mom, and nana, and a movie-holic. Since I love action adventure, scifi, and romantic comedy, that’s what I incorporate in my books. Reading, quilting, and gardening are my favorite hobbies. I never seem to find time to quilt and bad knees hinder my gardening, but I always make time to read.

2. Have you had other careers before becoming a writer?
Oh my, yes. I was an elementary teacher for several years before being a stay-at-home mom (best job ever). Later, I was an inventory clerk for a flute store with an international mail order service (I once talked to James Galway); data entry clerk for a Girl Scout Council (during cookie order time); did temp office work; and worked in the land department of an oil and gas exploration company where I discovered the cure for insomnia—reading oil and gas leases. Now that I’m retired from all that I write full time.

3. How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?
Written—maybe 30, some of which will never see the light of day. They were “practice”. Published—3 scifi romances in the Switched series; 1 sfr in the Outer Rim series; and 1 romantic suspense. My favorite? Always the one I’m working on, which is the 2nd book in the Outer Rim series.

4. Tell us about your current book.
ONE RED SHOE is my first published romantic suspense. Daria’s life is too predictable. Nothing ever happens in her small Iowa town. But when she travels to NYC looking for a little excitement, she never expects to find a wounded spy. For Sam, nothing is worse than getting shot in the butt—except accepting help from a tourist. As they flee cross country with assassins right behind them, she wants to believe they belong together while he’s convinced she’s better off without him.

5. What inspired your latest book?
ONE RED SHOE started as a writing assignment at a Mid-Michigan RWA chapter meeting. The facilitator set the scene (you’re in a train station and someone is running toward you) and we had 30 minutes to write. The first thought that came to me was: The man running toward her wore one red shoe. The story ran from there. Along the way toward publication (over 15 years), the story changed a lot. I’m so glad it found a home at The Wild Rose Press.

6. What is your next project and when will it be released?
I’m writing the next book in The Outer Rim series, which is about strong women on the frontier of space. The series started with THE PILOT about a free-spirited cargo hauler and an uptight administrator. My WIP is THE CHAMELEON about a woman whose fluff-brain façade masks a hard-driving worker bent on success. THE CHAMELEON will be released this spring.

7. How does your family feel about your writing career?
My family is very supportive, even the grandkiddies (ages 4 & 6) who write their own stories with me. My husband is great. When he sees I’m “buried” in a story, he’ll prepare dinner or do the laundry and when the dust bunnies threaten to take over, he vacuums. Although he doesn’t read much fiction, he reads mine and says they’re great. Now that’s support.

8. How has your experience with self-publishing been?
Very rewarding. Not necessarily in a monetary sense (although that has been better than I expected), but in self-esteem. It was a little scary taking that path when I published my first book. I’d gotten the rights back from the publisher of SWITCHED and since it was out of print, I had nothing to lose. I like the control I have with self-publishing. Along the way, I’ve met a lot of great authors who’ve also taken that road. My science fiction romances are all self-published. SFRs have a growing audience, which traditional publishers haven’t capitalized on. Yet.

9. What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?
Do your homework. Check out all the venues available (Amazon’s KDP, Nook, Kobo, iTunes, Smashwords, etc.). Know what the royalties are and the conditions under which you’ll be paid. Before even thinking about uploading your story, hire a good editor and, unless you’re very artistic, hire a good cover designer. Yes, they cost money but, in the long run, they’ll enhance your book. Editing mistakes or a cheap-looking cover can harm not just that book but your image as an author.

10. Was your road to publication difficult or a walk in the park?
I wish it had been a walk in the park. I wrote for ten years (lots of rejections) before my first book was accepted for publication. After a number of “life” challenges, it was another nine years before I took the plunge into self-publishing. Then another three years before contracting with a traditional publisher.

11. Where can readers find you?

Website: www.dianeburton.com
Blog: http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dmburton72
Facebook: http://facebook.com/dianeburtonauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2902110.Diane_Burton
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dmburton72/
Amazon author page: http://amzn.com/e/B00683MH5E
Smashwords author page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/dianeburton

12. Where can readers find your books? Print/Ebook?
Myy books are listed on my author page at Amazon or Smashwords. (above)

Excerpt from ONE RED SHOE:

For the second time in her life, Daria Mason came face-to-face with a man pointing a weapon at her. A pervert, with unzipped jeans, wielded a green box knife. Because she’d raced into the restroom without checking out the situation, he now stood between her and the exit.

She was at the end of the proverbial rope. After walking in circles, she finally found a restroom and nobody was stopping her from using it. Especially not someone playing copycat with that guy in the movie who wore one red shoe.

“I am having a really bad day,” she declared in the don’t cross me voice she used on her brothers. As soon as her words echoed off the hideous pink and black tiled walls and floor, she lowered her voice. “You are in the wrong place, mister. Now zip up and get out.” She pointed straight-armed toward the door.

The man shook his head and set the flimsy knife on the counter. “Lady, you have more guts than sense. You are in the wrong place, at the wrong time.” His voice was even softer as hers. He eyed her with a look so dark and intense it paralyzed her like a hawk froze its prey.

ONE RED SHOE is available as an ebook and in print at:
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00FDXRHZA
and at The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1082

About the Author:

Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. Besides the science fiction romance Switched series, she is the author of The Pilot, the first book in a series about strong women on the frontier of space. One Red Shoe is her first romantic suspense. She is also a contributor to the anthology How I Met My Husband. Diane and her husband live in Michigan. They have two children and two grandchildren.
For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com

What genres do you write in and why?

I write romantic mystery, humorous mystery, and mystery with romantic elements. These are the genres I enjoy reading.

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

I’ve written loads, but I’ve only published 7 with an eighth one coming out this year. Losing David is a vintage mystery with a love story, set in 1962 and taking place on the southeastern coast. I think anyone who enjoyed the film To Catch a Thief will enjoy it. I’ve worked on this one for years and it’s by far my favorite.

What is your favorite part of writing?

Telling the story. It’s therapeutic to get the scenes I see in my head out on paper.

What is your least favorite part of writing?

Marketing. I’m a shy, introverted wallflower who jumps when anyone says “Boo!”

What was the deciding factor in self-publishing your book?

I’d been reading self-published books on my Kindle and realized many of them were as good as the books from well-known publishers. After joining a self-publishing loop where authors were talking frankly about the differences in self-publishing and large publishing companies, I decided to test the waters. I first issued a romantic suspense Harlequin had published and reverted the rights to, and it did okay. Then I put out a new romantic mystery, and it did okay. Now I’m putting out a light mystery, the sequel to a hardcover book that came out a year ago.

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

Make sure your writing is professional. Lots of people write one novel and think they’re through. Usually, that first book is not very good. Usually, it takes two (or ten in my case) to learn the craft. Then, once you’ve learned how to write professionally, you still need to hire a good editor and cover artist.

Do you write under a pen name?

My first book was published under the name Cheryl Emerson. I didn’t particularly want to use a pen name but the publisher, Silhouette, insisted. I’ve since updated and reissued it under my own name.

What’s next for you?

As I said, a vintage mystery will be coming out soon. Right now I’m concentrating on my sequel to my light mystery. Overtaxed and Underappreciated is available from Amazon for Kindle, soon to be available in paper.

Excerpt from Overtaxed and Underappreciated:

(after a bunch of heavy boxes fall over on the heroine and the EMTs are called)

“No! Not the ER.” I tried to sit up.

The EMT kneeling beside me pressed me back. “Look, ma’am, with your history–”

“But I’m all right. What history? I’ve never hit my head on the sidewalk before. This does not call for the ER.”

Sexy Dr. Bennigan who usually manned the emergency room had regrettably seen me under similar conditions too many times, due to circumstances that were not my fault. Okay, maybe one or two episodes were my fault, kind of, but…

I refused to face him again.

“I told you how many fingers you were holding up and everything. I want to go home. I’ve got to go home.” I might have sounded a little hysterical, but I so did not want to meet Dr. Bennigan.

The second EMT was already pulling out a stretcher and rolling it over.

“Hey, I said I’m fine!”

Plaid Shorts, who had been following the proceedings with interest, butted in. “Don’t you remember that actress who got that head injury while she was snow-skiing? She didn’t want to go to the hospital either. You know what happened to her?”

Who the heck was this nosy parker? He looked familiar but I couldn’t place him. My head hurt too much and his loud shorts didn’t help. He was darned meddling, whoever he was.

“That’s right, hon,” Sam chimed in. “I remember reading about her.”

Plaid Shorts ignored Sam and intoned, “She died.”

Died? Oh. Still…

“I don’t think it’s that serious. I feel pretty good except—”

Plaid Shorts pressed his case. “Do you want to die?”

I must have been disoriented or I would never have allowed the paramedics to lift me onto the gurney and strap me to it.

The crowd that had assembled around the ambulance gawked.

A boring day in Medder Rose makes me the star attraction.

Somewhere in the rear I saw a flash. Lightning. Is it about to rain? Another flash came, and a third as they put me inside.

Great. I’d hit my head and now a thunderstorm was coming. All I needed since I didn’t have an umbrella.

The vehicle doors slammed shut.

Not that I needed an umbrella inside here.

Why do these things always happen to me? What have I done to deserve this?

Turned out the worst part of my day hadn’t yet begun.

Overtaxed and Underappreciated is available at:

www.amazon.com/Overtaxed-Underappreciated-Cheryl-B-Dale-ebook/dp/B00I25JU9C/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1391565804&sr=1-1&keywords=overtaxed+and+underappreciated

Other links:
Cherylbdale.blogspot.com
www.cherylbdale.com
cherylbdale@hotmail.com

Bio:

Cheryl B. Dale lives with her guy and two cats, one who reads on her lap and the other who watches TV with the guy. She writes to avoid cooking, cleaning, gardening, and other time-consuming chores.

Please help me welcome Lynn Crain to my blog today. She’s given me a great interview and a lovely excerpt from her book. Be sure and leave a comment to be in the running for her giveaway, listed later in the blog.

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

This is a tough one. I currently live in Vienna, Austria right now and many people would say this is a great place and it is. The place where I want to live most is Scotland. I’ve been there twice and each time I fall in love with it a little more.

2. Have you had other careers before becoming a writer?

Yes, lots of them. I was in nursing. I worked with databases. I worked in publishing. But each and every time I came back to writing.

3. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

Inspiration is everywhere. Living in Vienna, I get a lot of ideas from just walking around the city. I have an idea book that is filled with more than I’ll ever get to complete.

4. What is your typical day like?

Well, it’s hard to say. First, when I get up depends upon how late I’ve written the night before. Some nights, I get the writing bug and just can’t turn it off. Others, I’m in bed before 11. What I call a normal day is where I get up between 7 and 8. I’ll go to the computer and look at email, Facebook and Twitter. I’ll schedule a few promotional things then I go get breakfast for me and pup Harry. While, I’m eating, I’ll watch some sort of documentary probably about Scotland. Once breakfast is over, I delve right into my daily task list and try to cross off as many of them before dinner. All my writing tasks are in the list and I try to follow it as closely as possible. However, it’s not a rigid list and I find myself deviating from it occasionally.

5. 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 for me is the actual selling. The rest is easy because it is very task oriented. I have a list and follow it.

6. Can you list some Pros/Cons of self-publishing?

This is going to sound weird but they are basically the same thing: you’re in charge of everything. You can leave nothing to chance. If you aren’t a detail oriented person, then this may not be for you. Read some of the latest books like Write.Publish.Repeat. for a hard look at the self-publishing world. It is hard work but some of the most satisfying work you’ll ever do.

7. Do you have critique partners?

Absolutely. I belong to the fabulous Passionate Critters. We are a very work oriented group and regularly critique. We also talk every day about the writing life and life in general. There isn’t a better set of women out there.

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

Hardly ever. Sure, I’ve used some as a template for a character but I learned a long time ago, people rarely want to see themselves in a book.

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

I have a wonderful view from our flat. We overlook the Belvedere Gardens. My desk is quite different from the one I normally have at home. It’s smaller for one thing and there really aren’t any drawers but I love the top. It’s a heavy piece of glass that has the word love in many different languages. I will never forget what I’m writing about! LOL!

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

I try not to because I don’t want it to influence my own writing. Right now, I’m finishing up a contemporary erotic romance that is in its final editing stages. I’m reading non-fiction about writing and some hardcore science fiction.

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

My name is part of my legal name. I choose it because I wanted something easy to remember for both me and the readers. I choose it in particular because a friend mentioned to me that the easiest remembered names are one to two syllables. My name is actually a 2,1,1,2 combination. I just used the two one syllable parts.

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

I just got over the worst case of writer’s block and lack of inspiration I’ve had in my forty years of writing. It was the combination of a move from all I’ve ever known and an illness.

13. What are you reading now?

Right now, I am finishing up Write.Publish.Repeat by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant with David Wright. It’s a very interesting book and depicts the self-publishing world in vivid color. If you haven’t read it you should because there are tips inside for every author, traditionally or self published.I’ve really enjoyed it so far.

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

This is where my geek girl stands out. I’m going back to words from the movie Galaxy Quest: Never give up, never surrender. This is more true if you self publish because it does take quite a while to pull in the readers. If you keep at it, slow and steady will win the race too.

15. What’s next for you?

I have high hopes for the contemporary book I mentioned previously. I’m finishing up some final editing bits for my agent and she’ll be shopping it around hopefully next month. After that is off my plate, I have a book to finish for one of my other publishers and I’ll be publishing the second book in my A Taste of Vienna series, Night Train.

Giveaway:

Lynn will be giving away an ebook copy of A Viennese Christmas and one other ebook from her extensive backlist to one lucky commenter.

The heart knows the language of love.

Blurb:
Sign language interpreter, Amanda Kranz, wants to find her soul mate but fears her chance has past due to the death of her childhood sweetheart. Finding sexy historian Henry Jager during an outing in her new home of Vienna, Austria, may have been a stroke of luck. When his ex-fiancée shows up just as their relationship starts to sizzle, Amanda must decide if standing up for what she really wants will give her lifetime happiness. Or will she be destined to spend her life alone?

Excerpt:
Her disappointment must have been plain on her face as she found herself suddenly gazing into the greenest eyes in a very handsome male face. A question in German followed as she tried to ascertain just what he said.

“I’m sorry,” she stated, her confusion obvious. “I’ve only picked up a word or two since I’ve been here. Do you speak English?”

“You’re American?” he questioned without the accent most Austrians possessed.

“Don’t make it sound like such a curse. There are a lot of us, you know.” Her indignation evident in her tone.

His rich laughter filled the space, warming her to her bones in ways she hadn’t expected. “Sorry. I guess one does pick up the attitudes of where they live.”

She looked at him puzzled. “That’s that supposed to mean?”

“Henry Jager, American, at your service ma’am.” His sweeping bow brought a smile to her lips.

“Amanda Kranz and I hardly think I qualify as a ma’am.” She stuck her hand toward him. His firm grasp sent an electric sensation as she felt the spark deep within her. She swore he felt it too as his eyes darkened.

“Do you prefer Amanda or Mandi? I know there’s not much of a choice with Henry.” His serious gaze spot of his interest.

Laughter bubbled up in her, the first such emotion in weeks. “Henry is a fine, strong name. And it doesn’t matter much with mine.” His hot look made her want to shiver in anticipation of what she could only speculate.

“Really? I would have thought your business associates would call you Amanda. Now your intimate contacts I expect call you Mandi.”

She gazed at him. Intimate contacts, now there was a misnomer. It had been years since she’d had any intimate contacts of the male persuasion. “Sounds good to me.”

“You gave in too easy.” He reluctantly let go of her hand as his look took on a more serious aspect. “Are you meeting someone?”

She shook her head. “No one to meet.”

“Good.” He grabbed her hand again, placing it in the crook of his arm. “Have you ever been to one of these before?” Henry expertly meandered around people, baby carriages and more as he led her to the next booth.

“Not really. I saw them last year but being so new to the city, I couldn’t bring myself to go to one alone.” She gazed at the Rathaus beyond them, remembering how intimidated she’d been by building even though it had a Christmas tree in front.

His eyes narrowed. “Sounds like you’re still a relative newcomer.”

“I suppose so. I got here in November of last year.”

“Ah – your impression?” His brows lifted when he drew back as if to study her face.

“Very commercialized. I expected something more – ” she struggled to find the right word. “– more homey, more authentic – more Austrian.”

Henry gazed around a moment before looking back at her. “I see your point. This is probably the one Christkindlemarkt that’s got the least to offer in specialized, authentic goods in my opinion except it does have a certain ambiance. And of course, there’s the skating rink as well as the park decorations.”

Her brow arched in amazement. She really hadn’t expected anyone to agree with her. All the women she knew gushed over every one of them. “You agree with me?”

His naughty smile was breathtaking. “Most definitely. This is the one where most of the tourists come. While there are some very Austrian things here hidden amongst the drivel, most are not unique or special in any way.”

“My thoughts exactly. Where exactly does one find more traditional items?” Astonishment spread through her. She had not once heard anyone say a negative comment about Vienna. All her colleagues gushed over the city but as far as she was concerned, it was just another place to live.

They stopped in front of a food booth, the aroma tantalizing. “Would you like something hot to drink?”

The brisk breeze nipped at her cheeks and she felt the cold through her coat. She definitely could use something to warm her up. “Sure.”

strong>BIO:
Award winning author, Lynn Crain realized at an early age she wanted to write. She took the long road with many careers, all of which have added to her detail-oriented stories. Today, she’s a full time storyteller and weaves fantasy, futuristic and paranormal tales as well as erotic stories for various publishers. She normally lives in the very hot southwest with her family and fur babies. Currently, her kids have the house because she’s run away from home. Her latest adventure has taken her to Vienna, Austria with her husband as he works at his dream job. You can find her hanging out at A Writer In Vienna Blog and various other places on the net like My Sexy Saturday, Twitter and her blog, XtraOrdinary Romance. Still, the thing she loves most of all is hearing from her readers at lynncrain@cox.net.

PURCHASE Links:

All Romance eBooks ~ https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aviennesechristmas-1031953-149.html
Amazon US ~ http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBFDLOK
Barnes and Noble ~ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-viennese-christmas-lynn-crain/1114313180?ean=2940016221441
Kobo ~ http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/A-Viennese-Christmas/book-KLxTdvUwEkukzOyG93F9yA/page1.html
Smashwords ~ https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/282513

Where Lynn Is:
http://www.lynncrain.com
http://www.lynncrain.blogspot.com
http://www.awriterinvienna.blogspot.com
http://throughheartshapedglasses.com/
http://www.twitter.com/oddlynn3
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLynnCrain
http://www.youtube.com/lynncrain
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/684863.Lynn_Crain
https://www.amazon.com/author/lynncrain

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a reformed tech geek living in Northeast, PA. I transplanted here about twelve years ago when I became a mom. 😉 When I’m not writing I’m killing plants in our vegetable garden. I’m a total brown thumb!

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

I’d love to relocate one day to Houston so I could be closer to my dad.

Have you had other careers before becoming a writer?

I used to beta test video games. Yes, it’s actually a real job. I got paid to play video games.

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

I write what I love to read and that happens to be paranormal romance. L.J. Smith was my favorite author long before Vampire Diaries was made into a TV series.

Tell us about your current series/WIP.

I’m about half-way done writing book two in the Ever After series, Fallen Ever After. It’s due to my editor in late March and should be out in e-book in April.

How does your family feel about your writing career?

I discovered when I went to visit my dad around Thanksgiving that he’s been reading my paranormal erotica anthology out loud to my step-mom. LOL…it was one of those awkward moments where you politely retreat to get more cranberry sauce. Honestly, he’s very proud of me. My husband is a huge supporter too.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

Amazing. Just amazing.

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

Worry about the writing first. Hire out for editing and cover art. Learn how to format.

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

I do e-book, print, audio, and recently expanded into German with my first foreign translation.

What’s next for you?

I’m pleased to announce that I’m launching a Lady Jane’s Salon in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton as a satellite to the popular NYC romance reading series. You can learn more here: http://ladyjanessalonwbs.blogspot.com

Book Description:

His past holds a secret…

Arie Cush has a secret that he thought he’d left behind. When his past follows him to Chicago he must protect someone that reminds him of all the painful memories he’s tried so hard to forget. But when every touch from her sets his heart and body on fire—he finds it hard to maintain his aloof façade.

That becomes her nightmare.

Holly Ellis has secrets of her own. An encounter with the handsome stranger who frequents her coffee shop reveals a vampire with baggage. Even though it might be more than she bargained for, she can’t resist the one person who understands her. But her life is in danger and a supernatural threat could reveal the underground world of vampires to humankind in this Gothic Cinderella re-telling.

Excerpt:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”
–Holy Bible: King James Version

PREFACE

I never guessed that I could die with a sea of faces surrounding me, all cheering for my death. A woman wearing a jacket dress made of brocade only laughed louder when blood splattered the low square neckline. Where is Arie? I scanned the crowded club but all I could see were pale faces, some half covered by masks.

My time had come and I prayed she would finish me off quickly. The warm trickle of blood ran down my neck and chest, saturating the corset bustier of my gown. It seemed like a shame to ruin such a pretty dress. Strangely, I felt relieved the bodice was black and not a light color that would show a stain.

The fear of dying or more accurately, the fear of not existing, scared me stiff. Perhaps if I had satisfied this existential anxiety with faith I wouldn’t jump from panic to ambivalence. I should be angry at everyone who simply watched. They must think the gruesome display is part of the entertainment for tonight. After the bloody burlesque show I could hardly blame them.

Holly, I gave you the chance to leave. The telepathic transference hardly seemed relevant at this point. I knew if I’d never gone to the Hellfire Club, I wouldn’t be facing death now. Still, if my death meant the killings would stop it seemed justifiable.

“No!” I could barely hear Arie scream above the cheering voices clamoring for attention. The constant drone defies my effort to form coherent thoughts. I looked up and could see him on the balcony. When I blinked he had disappeared into the throng. I could feel the blood continue to trickle down my neck as she drained me. Dizziness threatened to pull me under. The audience applauded her brutality. I crumpled at her feet, looking up at her smile as thin as paper.

Blood. So much blood. My blood.

I didn’t want this to be the story of my death but this part is only a fragment of a narrative as old as time. Its voices fill the shadows with whispers of legend. We are told that the damned cease to exist and those absolved from sin are given eternal life. The damned can never be saved. They walk the earth in an eternal hell. I fear it will be my curse if death doesn’t claim me instead.

Please help me welcome Rita Award Winning Author Nicole Burnham to my blog today.

Tell us about yourself.

Hi Cynthia! Thanks so much for inviting me to the blog. The nutshell answer: I live in Boston, though I’m originally from Colorado. When I’m not writing, I walk (a lot!), watch baseball, take yoga classes, and travel whenever I can. I’m the master of finding good travel deals.

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

I was lucky enough to live in Germany for six years while my father was serving with the military. I would go back in a heartbeat. The public transportation in Europe is outstanding and Germany is a good central location from which to visit all of Europe. I wouldn’t say no to living in Italy, either. I could explore Italy’s villages for years. In the last few years I’ve also been fortunate enough to visit Turkey and Malta. I don’t feel like I’ve seen enough of those two countries yet, so living closer would give me that opportunity.

Have you had other careers before becoming a writer?

I graduated with a master’s in political science and a law degree, then practiced law for about a year before turning to writing. I figured out during my law school summer jobs that being a lawyer wasn’t going to be a satisfying lifelong choice for me, so I looked elsewhere. I took a graduate course at NYU in publishing, and then went to work for a magazine. I then started freelancing for bridal magazines and worked on my first novel on the side. Once it was published and others followed, I let the freelancing taper off.

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

I’m now a full time writer and I love it…though I’d say in some ways it’s more than full time. I write whenever I can catch free time on evenings and weekends, too. I’m not a fast writer, so I need those hours in the chair if I’m going to steadily produce good books.

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

I’m currently working on my fifteenth book. I don’t have a favorite, though for sentimental reasons I adore The Knight’s Kiss. It was a paranormal romance I tucked into the middle of a series of contemporary royal romances, which was a big risk…and it ended up winning a Rita Award and helping a lot of readers find my books.

Tell us about your current series/WIP.

I’m in the midst of writing book three of my Royal Scandals series, which is about the Barrali royal family. The first book is Scandal With a Prince and the second is Honeymoon With a Prince. Both were released in late 2013, along with a prequel novella titled Christmas With a Prince. (Do you sense a theme here?)

The next book in the series, Slow Tango With a Prince, is largely set in Argentina and features the crown prince, Vittorio Barrali. At the end of Honeymoon, we know that he was deceived by his girlfriend and is keeping a stiff upper lip through a bad breakup, but we don’t know the details. I’m having a wonderful time writing his story. Slow Tango will be out by mid-2014. As soon as I have a firm date I will post it on my website, announce it to my e-mail newsletter list, and post to my Facebook page.

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

I love writing about royalty. Royal Scandals is my third series centered around a royal family. The first was written for Silhouette Romance (the San Rimini series) and the second was a young adult series I wrote under the name Niki Burnham. I’m endlessly fascinated by what it’s like to live with that kind of pressure from the time one is born, always knowing that your life is not your own. How does that affect a person’s relationships? How much freedom does a royal really have to pursue their own interests? How does the constant spotlight affect a person’s psyche? How would different personalities deal with life in a fishbowl? How hard is it to trust those around you? The story possibilities are infinite.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

So far, the self-publishing experience has been wonderful. I wouldn’t say no to writing for a traditional publishing house again, but for the Royal Scandals books, self-publishing was the way to go. It offers me the control I need to ensure the stories find the right audience through a combination of good covers, the timing of releases, and—most important of all—strong content that speaks to readers who love royal romances. I’ve been working with a fabulous editor who understands my vision for the series and helps me make the stories as rich as possible. It’s been great for me and great for my readers.

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

Don’t be in a hurry. Write the very best book you can, then hire the best editor you can. Don’t get feedback from your spouse or friends. Hire a pro. Take those editorial comments seriously. If you need to, hire a second editor. Then, think carefully about your cover and your back cover copy. Your self-publishing goal shouldn’t be to produce a story as good as one from the publishing houses in New York…it needs to be better. Readers aren’t simply buying your book, they are giving you their time. Make those hours they spend reading your book rewarding, entertaining, and memorable.

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

I belong to the Romance Writers of America. I learned a great deal about both the craft and the business of writing from attending their workshops and reading their monthly magazine, the Romance Writers’ Report. If you plan to write romance, I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Where can readers find you?

I’m online at www.nicoleburnham.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NicoleBurnhamBooks, on Twitter at @nicoleburnham, on Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/775856.Nicole_Burnham, and on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/nikiburnham/ My Pinterest page has some of the inspiration behind the books, as well as a lot of home design and landscape design pins. I’m obsessed.

Where can readers find your books? Print/Ebook?

My books are available in ebook from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kobo, and Apple. They’re available in print at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Excerpt:

Mahmoud cleared his throat. “Prince Stefano, may I present Megan Hallberg, the Grandspire’s director of business development? Megan, this is Prince Stefano Barrali of Sarcaccia. His father and I frequently host charity events together, so I wanted Stefano to see the Grandspire’s new facilities. I’m certain he’ll give King Carlo a favorable report on the hotel’s suitability for future events.”

Megan’s mouth went dry as sand as he rose. She’d forgotten how tall he was, how fluidly he moved. As Stefano stepped toward her, the memory of their first meeting returned in a rush that threatened to flatten her. He’d moved in that same easy manner when he’d approached her a decade ago, offering to carry a length of pipe for her as she struggled to maneuver it through an alley in the congested Venezuelan village where they both worked as volunteers. She’d joked that he was her hero when he’d hefted it onto one shoulder as if it were no heavier than a loaf of bread.
But there were changes in him, too. While the celebrity gossips frequently commented on Stefano’s athleticism, his playful nature, and even his dimples, no report could accurately convey the ways he’d matured in the years since Megan had last seen him. Television and magazines couldn’t capture the masculine line of his shoulders as they filled his tuxedo jacket, the texture of his sunkissed cheekbones, or the utter charisma he exuded.

Megan forced herself not to flinch as he came within arm’s reach. She hadn’t thought it possible his appearance could improve over the years, but it had. He’d become broader, stronger, more confident…more him.

Of course, his most distinctive physical characteristic could never change. His eyes were a clear sea green with a distinct ring around each iris, as if Picasso himself had taken up a narrow paintbrush to edge the green in black. She remembered all too well the last time she’d looked into those eyes. She’d been twenty-two, as had Stefano. They each sported grubby clothes, having worked the entire day to finish installing a water system, but they’d been unwilling to use a single precious moment to change, knowing it was their final night together before returning to their separate lives. Their real lives.

He’d threaded his long fingers through her hair as they stood on a secluded beach not far from the village. Even in the waning light of the setting sun, she’d seen the deep passion in those green eyes. “I will never, ever forget you,” he’d whispered before pulling her into a heart-stopping, explosive kiss. “These have been the best days of my life.”

It felt surreal to look into those same eyes now, knowing she’d been forgotten within days, relegated to what would become a long line of disposable women, starting with the one to whom he’d become engaged less than a month after leaving Venezuela. The one to whom he’d run, barefoot, across the palace courtyard in a photo that appeared around the world.

BIO

Nicole Burnham is the RITA-Award winning author of over a dozen romance novels, most featuring modern-day royalty. She has lived and traveled all over the world, absorbing different cultures and visiting the opulent palaces and lush gardens that inspired the Royal Scandals series. All About Romance declares, “Nicole Burnham gives life to a fictional kingdom and monarchy that feel as though they could be real” and “gosh darn it, Nicole Burnham is good…readers should definitely check her out.”

Nicole currently lives in Boston. She enjoys yoga, games at Fenway Park, taking her dog for long walks, and reading the many romance novels on her bookshelves. Most of all, she loves writing stories about far-off countries, deliciously powerful heroes, and passionate heroines for her readers.

The buy links are:

Christmas With a Prince:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GPROMVA
Apple:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/christmas-with-a-prince/id752482425?ls=1&mt=11
BN.com:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-with-a-prince-nicole-burnham/1117433978?ean=2940149082896
Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/christmas-with-a-prince-1

Scandal With a Prince:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Scandal-With-Prince-Royal-Scandals-ebook/dp/B00GIZYMVY
Apple:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/scandal-with-a-prince/id739544198?ls=1&mt=11
BN.com:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scandal-with-a-prince-nicole-burnham/1117342839?ean=2940149028979
Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/scandal-with-a-prince

Honeymoon With a Prince:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Honeymoon-With-Prince-Royal-Scandals-ebook/dp/B00H2VQ860
Apple:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/honeymoon-with-a-prince/id762718003?ls=1&mt=11
BN.com:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/honeymoon-with-a-prince-nicole-burnham/1117539046?ean=2940149005765
Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/honeymoon-with-a-prince

And my website is http://www.nicoleburnham.com