Reviewsletter Interviews

Cathryn Fox

2008-04-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: March 2008

Welcome Cathryn!

Please tell us about yourself and what you have been getting up to of late :)

A: First I’d like to say thank you for having me here, Elizabeth!

A little about me…well, I married to my high school sweetheart, have two teenagers, one rambunctious chocolate Labrador retriever and live in eastern Canada. I write every day in my small but cozy corner office, (usually in my pj’s) and when I’m not working, I’m driving to and from soccer, basketball, dance, volleyball…(the list goes on. LOL) but I do love it!

I recently finished up my second story for NAL Heat. Sun Stroked will be a November 08 release and I’m currently plotting a hot new story. Can’t share the details just yet, but I will soon. I promise!

Did you always plan on becoming a writer or did it just work out that way?

A: No. Unlike most of my colleagues, I never planned on becoming a writer. Although I must say this profession didn’t surprise those I grew up with. I guess it’s because I used to tell big elaborate tales to entertain everyone. I actually went to university and did a business degree. It wasn’t until years later, when I was posted up north (population 800) that I decided to take those stories in my head and put them down on paper.

What do you like about being an author? Is there anything you would cut out if given the choice?

A: I LOVE the writing process. Being able to step into my office every morning, cup of coffee in hand, still in my pj’s, and being able to create worlds and scenarios that will entertain others. If there was anything I would cut, it’d be tight deadlines.

You have 3 wishes. What are they?

A: Okay, I added two more, sorry. Couldn’t help myself.

Someone to clean my house when I’m on a deadline.
Someone to cook my food when I’m on a deadline.
Someone to wash my clothes when I’m on a deadline.
Someone to remind me to comb my hair when I’m on a deadline
To have no tight deadlines! LOL

What is your #1 fantasy?

A: Oooh, but I have so many. It’s just not possible for me to narrow it down to one! But if I had to, it just might involve singer Rob Thomas!

Genres - which do you love to read, which do you write and which would you would consider trying your hand at some time in the future?

A: I love to read Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Horror. I ‘d LOVE to write a horror sometime in the future but I just picture myself sitting in my office all alone looking over my shoulder, waiting for something to jump out at me. I’m sure I’d scare myself half to death if I ever attempted this genre.

Who are your publisher(s)? How did you come to submit your work to them?

A: I’m currently writing for Ellora’s Cave, Avon Red, NAL Heat, and Pocket. Pocket just picked up one of my Ellora’s Cave ebooks for their anthology. YAY! I’m very excited about that.

I submitted my work to Ellora’s cave myself. After that I got an agent and he’s been submitting my work ever since.

What are your publisher(s) like to work with? If you could improve any one of them, or all of them, in any one way, what would it be?

A: It’s a different experience with every publisher, especially the editing process between ebooks and NY print books. I find they’ve all been helpful, pleasant, and very, very good to me.

Many of your books are published as print and eBook. Which came first and is this changing?

A: Ebooks came first for me. Ellora’s cave has helped open doors to for many. They were my first and I’ll always love them. I’m still submitting to EC, because I love my editor and I love writing for them.

Have any of your books received rewards or nominations? How did you feel about them?

A: Yes, I’ve been nominated and I’ve received awards and I’m so very grateful for this. A big thank you to everyone who ever nominated me, or voted for me. Smooches!

Are all/any of your books related or part of a series? If so, how did the premise of the series occur to you? Do you enjoy writing standalones or series books equally or do you have a preference?

A: My Pleasure Games books are a series at Avon. Pleasure Control, Pleasure Prolonged and Pleasure Exchange. A few years back when there was a lot of talk about Viagra, I kept thinking, what about libido suppressant, and voila, Pleasure Control was born. The rest followed from that premise. I really do love writing series because I love revisiting old characters. Do your family and friends know that you are a published author? What has been their response?

A: Yes, my family and friends all know and have been very supportive, especially my husband and two kids. I don’t make it known in my small community though. I prefer to remain anonymous. Most people think I sit at home and eat bon bons and watch Oprah all day. Little do they know I’m tucked away in my corner office penning erotic stories…

Where do you interact with readers on the net?

A: I chat daily at wicked writers:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wicked_writers/

Or you can find me at my blog:
http://cathrynfox.com/blog/

MEA blog:
www.moongladeeliteauthors.com/blog

or the Allure Author blog.
http://www.allureauthors.com/blog/

Where can we find out more about you, your books and anything else you've got going on?

A: You can find out more about me at www.cathrynfox.com.

Please stop by and be sure to sign up for my newsletter. I give away monthly prizes!

Monica Burns

2008-04-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: December 2007

Hi Monica! Welcome to the Christmas Special!

I understand A Bluestocking Christmas was released last year in the anthology Holly, Ivy And Me. What can you tell us about the book’s initial publication?

A: Thanks for having me. I’m delighted to be visiting with you and talking about A Bluestocking Christmas. This novella is story number two in the Holly, Ivy and Me anthology. The anthology contains a ghost character I wrote that runs through all three stories. Ivy’s story, A Bluestocking Christmas was my primary contribution to the anthology.

Your story received a Silver Star Award from JERR. What was your reaction to the news?

A: I was blown away. Gold and Silver Stars from JERR are given out few and far between. To receive one is a real honour because it tells me I wrote a really wonderful book. It also had me bouncing around like a two-year old because I love this story and the word play between the two characters.

What do you think readers will enjoy about A Bluestocking Christmas?

A: I think they’ll love hating Simon in the beginning and then falling in love with him as he grows and is redeemed in the story.

Can you give us a few titbits about the characters and the plot to whet our appetites?

A: Sure, I’d be happy to do so. Miss Ivy Beecham is a bluestocking who has sworn off love, and she’s found the perfect place to hide from love. A library. Simon Carton, Viscount Wycombe, is an intellectual rogue who’s convinced all women can be bought. What neither of them counted on was finding love amid a stack of dusty books. Determined to win the reluctant bluestocking nymph, Simon seduces Ivy with words and other sinful pleasures. But despite the passion between them, Ivy refuses to risk her heart—at least not until the ghost of her ancestor visits her on Christmas Eve and helps Ivy see that her choices will affect the rest of her life. The question is will Ivy make the right choice.

Where did you gain inspiration to write this Christmas themed book?

A: Believe it or not, there’s a small town called Ivy, Virginia that’s just outside of Charlottesville. I loved the name and knew I wanted to write a story about a woman called Ivy. Then when I had the opportunity to do the Christmas anthology with Charlotte Featherstone, I knew Ivy was perfect for the story and the book’s subsequent title.

Is A Bluestocking Christmas unique amongst your publications (i.e. genre, setting, theme etc)?

A: This story is unique in that it’s my first real paranormal work. I’ve always loved paranormal, but up until Ivy’s story I’d always done straight historical romances. This story gave me the opportunity to do a little bit of a Dickens’ twist with the ghost character.

What would you say to convince those who haven’t yet read the book to read it this coming holiday season?

A: This story is one of my best works to date, and I think it’s the word play that makes this story so special. Simon woos Ivy with words. He challenges her intellect. It’s a case of him being forced to acknowledge her intelligence first and her sexual charms second.

Where can readers catch up with you (and your latest releases, Christmas themed or not) on the
net?

A: I’m all over the Internet. My website is at www.monicaburns.com for all the latest news and information. I have an announcement only Yahoo loop with a monthly (or sometimes every other month) newsletter. To join the Yahoo loop visit http://www.monicaburns.com/ContactSubscribe.htm. I’m also on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/monicaburns.

Thanks for having me, and I’d like to wish everyone peace and love throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. Happy Holidays.

Many thanks for participating! Have a Happy New Year!

Sandy Blair

2008-04-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: November 2007

Hi Sandy! Welcome to the Christmas Special!

Please tell us about the conception of your Christmas themed release, A Highlander For Christmas. Are there any familiar characters?

A: When my editor Hilary Sares asked if I’d be interested in writing a Christmas book, the initial setting— an antique shop—and heroine Claire MacGregor had been percolating at the back of my mind for some time.

As Claire came to life on the page, her emotional opposite--hero Sir Cameron MacLeod--quickly took shape. The fun in bouncing one personality off the other then began.

This book isn’t related to my In A Kilt series, (although I am working on book #4, A Warrior In Kilt. )

How long was this story in the pipeline?

A: I was asked to write the book in October 2006 and to deliver it by March 1, 2007. Three hundred and fifty pages, A Highlander For Christmas hit bookstore shelves October 1, 2007.

What do you think readers will enjoy about A Highlander For Christmas?

A: A Highlander is pure fantasy, my Christmas gift to both historical and contemporary Romance fans alike. The hero is a dyed in the wool 1745 Celtic warrior set loose in contemporary Boston. If they enjoyed the movie “Kate and Leopold” they’ll love Claire and Sir Cameron MacLeod.

Please tell us a little something about the hero and heroine. Why are they perfect for each other?

A: They’re experience and emotional opposites. Sir Cameron MacLeod is a man of his time. Testosterone loaded and 6 ft and 5 inches of solid brawn, he plays as hard as he fights, is honor bound by his word and has a deep sense of family/commitment to clan. Handsome as sin and politically favored by birth, the world—and women--have been his for the taking… until he ends up in Claire’s world.

Claire MacGregor, on the other hand, believes she doesn’t have many physical assets and has been forced by circumstances to be totally self-reliant. She trusts very few, and then not totally. Close to bankruptcy this Christmas Eve, she has little to smile about, is still clawing her way through life when the outrageous, seriously alpha man of her fantasies arrives and her world, much to her consternation, is suddenly turn upside down.

What did you enjoy most about writing this Christmas themed book?

A: I had a great deal of fun letting a seriously alpha warrior loose in our politically correct contemporary world.

Would you like to write more Christmas themes books in the future?

A: I’d love to write another. ‘Tis, after all, the time for sharing, of love and promise.

Where can readers catch up with you (and your latest releases, Christmas themed or not) on the net?

A: At www.SandyBlair.net. Readers will find everything from a movie trailer about A Highlander For Christmas and excerpt, to great prizes, a Auld Scot and Gael glossary to a photo gallery where they can see the castles I’ve stayed in and my rabbit in a kilt.

Many thanks for participating! Have a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

Lori Foster

2008-04-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: November 2007

Hi Lori! Welcome to the Christmas Special!

Please tell us about your two current Christmas themed releases and what you hope readers will enjoy about them.

A: “A Very Merry Christmas” - Accused of stealing a donkey from the local nativity scene, pet psychic Marci is being watched by Ozzie, who can’t stop thinking about frisking her. I loved writing a pet psychic, and had a load of fun with Marci.

“I’m Your Santa” - Beth Monroe catches her fiancé cheating and turns to his best friend, Levi, to boost her ego. A one-hour tryst turns into a weekend of realization, and love. But that throws Beth, since she thought she was in love with someone else. She heads home for the holidays, to give herself some time to think, but Levi follows. He’s not about to let her get away now that he finally has her. Loads of fun!

One of the books is a reissue. When was it originally released and why has it gone to print again?

A: “A Very Merry Christmas” is a reissue from trade size to mass market, but with a new cover, so readers beware in case you’ve already read it! It was originally out Oct 06 as a trade release, and has now been reissued in mass market to please a wider audience who might prefer mass market over trade.

Who are your favourite characters in the books and why? Will readers recognize anyone?

A: My story in “A Very Merry Christmas” is about Marci Churchill and Sergeant Osbourne Decker, and the characters are related to the anthology, “Bad Boys of Summer,” as Marci and Bethany are sisters, and Ozzie and Lucius worked together at the police department.

My novella in “I’m Your Santa,” features Beth Monroe, daughter of Kent, who was a secondary hero in “Never Too Much.” In that book, Kent hooked up with the hero’s mother. I think overall readers like that secondary romance between Brooke and Kent as much as they did the lead romance.

Characters from “Too Much Temptation,” and “Never Too Much” all show up in this new novella in the holiday spirit, and readers can catch up with them to “see how they’re doing.”

This is my Christmas present to readers, because I’ve been asked so many times to revisit Ben and Noah and Kent.

Are the heroes bad boys or gentlemen? Is this due to a certain preference on your part?

A: They’re honorable, responsible, mature, sexual, sexy, take-charge Alphas. I’m not sure I could write a true “bad boy,” that is, a man who disregarded the feelings of others, or wallowed in past hurt to the point that he couldn’t get on with his life, or became too self-indulgent. I suppose it all comes down to your definition of gentleman and bad boy.

What about the heroines? Ladies or wild women – or something in-between?

A: Marci is an odd duck because she relates so closely to animals. She’s very misunderstood, but she has a big heart and is very vulnerable. Beth doesn’t know she’s a wild woman until she ends up in bed with Levi, and then it’s an eyeopener to realize just how sexual she can be, and to know everything she’s been missing out on. She had a near miss by almost marrying the wrong guy, but it takes some adjustment to accept how off the mark she’d been in understanding her own feelings.

Do you have any other Christmas releases? Any tips for where your out of print books can be found?

A: I have an urban fantasy/horror book that released in October under the name L. L. Foster. And “Too Much Temptation” is being repackaged and reissued in December 07. I’m sorry I can’t help much with my out of print books. I do have some used booksellers listed on my website who often carry my out of print books, but there’s nothing guaranteed. They’re on my website – www.lorifoster.com – under favorites, then links.

What do you like most about writing Christmas themed tales?

A: I LOVE the whole holiday spirit, the generosity of the heart, how the spirituality of the holiday can be so healing for so many. Christmas is a very misunderstood time of year. Everyone thinks that it depresses people so much, but in actuality, the suicide rate goes DOWN during the holiday season. People want to help others, and Christmas is a good time of year to focus on that need.

These two novellas are part of an anthology. Do they share any connection to the other stories in the anthology? Did you need to work with the other authors on any aspect of the book or were you all entirely independent?

A: We were all entirely independent. I’ve only done one anthology where we tied the stories together, and that was “Star Quality.” It’s tough to do. And I write so fast, and by the seat of my pants, that it’s doubly difficult for me.

How popular are your Christmas themed titles in comparison to your other books?

A: My single titles are by far my biggest sellers. But writing a novella is like a walk in the park, compared to a single title, which is like a jog uphill. It’s refreshing for me, and rejoices my creativity.

Do you have any plans to write more Christmas themes books in the future?

A: Absolutely! Like I said, I love the holiday.

Where can readers catch up with you (and your latest releases, Christmas themed or not) on the net?

A: I’m ALL over the net. Here are my links:

Lori Foster – www.lorifoster.com
L.L. Foster – www.llfoster.com
Lori’s Myspace – www.myspace.com/mostlymam
L.L.’s Myspace – www.myspace.com/llfoster
Ohio Authors – www.myspace.com/romanceauthors
Quill Authors – www.myspace.com/runningwithquills
Dark Muse Society - www.darkmusesociety.com (Virtual housing for L.L. Foster and other cool authors)
Running With Quills – www.runningwithquills.com

Many thanks for participating! Have a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

Larissa Ione

2008-04-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: October 2007

Please tell us about yourself :)

A: First of all, thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to be here. J Let’s see…well, my name is Larissa Ione, and I write steamy contemporary stories for Red Sage and Samhain, and dark, sexy paranormals for Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books). I also write erotic s/f paranormal romance for Bantam Dell with partner Stephanie Tyler. Together, we write under the name of Sydney Croft.

I’m an Air Force veteran, a meteorologist, a professional dog trainer, and have also been certified as an Emergency Medical Technician. I really like to stay busy! Now that I’m published, however, I’ve gone to writing full time, since writing is a great career for someone who moves every two years with my husband’s military career.

Please tell us about your journey to becoming a writer.

A: Well, I started writing when I was very young – I completed my first novel at the age of 12. But I didn’t start getting serious about it until about 5 years ago. I joined a fantastic critique group full of some very talented authors including Lydia Joyce and Alison Kent, and eventually started submitting my work. I got *thisclose* and then went through a devastating event – hurricane Katrina. My family and I lost everything.

We were homeless, and my son and I had to live with my parents while my husband, who is in the U.S. Coast Guard, stayed in Mississippi and lived on his ship while he served out his tour of duty. In the months following Katrina, I had given up on writing. But the writing community came to my aid, and the power behind their support was amazing – enough so that I started writing and submitting again. Within a few weeks of gearing back up, I’d sold to both Red Sage and Bantam Dell.

It’s crazy, but I truly believe that everything happens for a reason – if not for Hurricane Katrina, I honestly don’t know if I’d have gotten published. If I had, I don’t think the direction I’d gone in would be one that would have made me happy in the long run. Katrina gave me a sense of freedom when it came to taking chances with my writing, because my thinking was that I had nothing left to lose.

What is your favorite thing about being an author? Is there anything you absolutely detest?

A: I love, love, love hearing from readers. It’s so awesome to know that you gave someone a few hours of entertainment, and that they enjoyed the story.

I detest editor revisions. Even though they ultimately make the book better, they really stress me out! Each set of revisions makes me strive harder to write a better book the next time, so the revisions will be lighter.

Genres - which do you love to read and which do you write? Are there any you would like to
try in the future that you haven’t yet attempted?

A: I read everything, but my favorite genres are fantasy, historical fiction, erotic romance, and paranormal romance. I write paranormal romance, and the contemporary romance I’ve written always features a medical hero or heroine. I’m fascinated by the medical field and actually became an EMT so I could get my facts straight *g*.

In the future, I want to write a Star Trek novel. That’s been a dream of mine for years!

Who are your publishers? How did you come to submit your work to them?

A: Red Sage – I submitted to them because I had a couple of novellas that needed homes, and ever since Red Sage started up ten years ago, I’ve loved the anthologies. Samhain – Again, I had a story that needed a home, and I’d heard such great things about them. Turns out the great things are true. The company is so well run and so accessible to authors, and they have the BEST covers!

Bantam Dell – After Katrina, Stephanie Tyler and I discussed writing something together (which was something I’d brought up before, but we never followed through on). Basically, I was in an “I’m never writing again” stage, and she was trying to get me out of it. Months earlier, while I was evacuating from the storm, she’d felt helpless, was worrying about me, and she started a story about a Navy SEAL who was also running from a hurricane. But she couldn’t get past the first scene. So she sent it to me and ordered – yes, ordered – me to write the next scene. I did, and Riding The Storm was born. We sent it to her agent (who is also mine as well) and within two weeks Bantam Dell had made an offer. It was amazing!

Warner – After I came out of my Katrina funk and started writing again, one of the stories I’d developed in my head was basically Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets E.R. – remember my love of all things medical? So between writing books with Stephanie for Bantam, I worked on my Demon E.R. series concept. A year ago, my agent sent the proposal out, and Warner snapped it up. We’ve renamed the series “Demonica,” and each book will have a different title following the Demonica part of the title.

Many of your books are published with traditional print publishers. Do you know whether they will become available as eBooks? Would you like them to be?

A: The Sydney Croft titles are definitely available as ebooks, and I believe that the Red Sage titles will also be available soon in e-format.

Recently, you have branched out into the world of e-publishing and now count Samhain Publishing amongst your publishers. What are the differences between the different types of publishers? Is there something in particular that you like and/or dislike about each type?

A: I love how fast e-publishing is. Print publishing can be so sloooow. On the other hand, it’s a great feeling to walk into a book store and see your book on the shelf. What’s so great about Samhain though, is that a few months after releasing in e-format, the books go to print.

Please tell us about your collaborative partnership. How did it come about? Is it difficult to work with someone else on a book?

A: Well, I mention some of how it came about above, but to expand on that, I have to say that we’d talked about collaborating for a long time. Okay, I was the one who kept saying to Steph, “We should write something together!” She thought I was crazy, I think. But we enjoyed each others’ work, we got along really well, and our writing was very similar. So when we tried writing together, it really worked. The funny thing is that our agent says our individual voices are VERY different, but she can’t tell who wrote what in our Sydney Croft titles. For some reason, our voices blend together well – I think it’s because we’ve given Sydney her own style and persona (which kind of makes us feel like we have multiple personalities).

And yes, it can be difficult to work with someone on a book. I know, because I’ve tried with other people. But Stephanie and I work together very well. The Croft books are the easiest and most fun novels I’ve ever written. The energy between us while we’re writing is incredible.

Are all/any of your books related or part of a series? If so, how did the premise of the series occur to you? Do you enjoy writing standalones or series books equally or do you have a preference?

A: All of the Sydney Croft books are related through a secret paranormal agency called ACRO. The first three novels (the Storm books) are a series that wraps up at the end of the third book. The next three will be connected to the ACRO world but won’t be connected by major plotlines like the first three are.

My Warner books (Demonica) are a series as well, connected by an underworld hospital. The first two will share a minor subplot and the third will be a little more standalone. I really do prefer writing series over standalones, because once I develop a world and get deeply into it, I want to stay there. The desire to immerse myself in a world is why I generally prefer series movies over standalones.

Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?

A: There comes a point for many writers where they’ve reached *thisclose,* where they are doing well in contests, where the editor rejections are personal and not form letters, where they might be getting revision requests, and where they feel like all they need is that tiny little push to get over the publishing hump. Here’s that push:

Don’t polish your manuscripts to death. Yes, I realize this goes against everything you’ve heard, everything “The Rules,” say. But trust me, you can edit the life right out of a story. I sold when I finally threw caution to the wind and let my real self come through – without a gob of editing and polishing. What I began to submit was a bit raw, a bit edgy – it was my true voice. Darker than my earlier works, for sure.

Do your family and friends know that you are a published author? What has been their response?

A: My family and friends are thrilled! My mom buys all my books and gives them to all her friends, though she does tell them they aren’t allowed to read the Sydney Croft titles!

Please tell us about your recent and upcoming releases.

A: In September, the first of Sydney Croft’s Storm series, Riding The Storm, released. It’s the story of an ex-Navy SEAL who has the power to control the weather, and the woman who has to help him harness those powers. The story has been described as “erotica meets the XMen.”

Also in September, my Samhain title, Snowbound, released. Here’s the blurb:

Thanks to a devastating medical diagnosis, ski patroller Sean Trenton has endured two years of celibacy. Two long years that have chipped away at his confidence. Now, with the career opportunity of a lifetime on the line, he’s ready to remedy the celibacy situation, and sexy snowbunny Robyn Montgomery is just what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately, the last thing reliable, intense radio station manager Robyn Montgomery wants in her suddenly turbulent professional and personal life is a thrill-seeking former Olympic skier — even if he is a total hottie. She’s had it with guys who hog the spotlight and leave her in the shadows. So why is it that even an icy blizzard can’t temper the combustible heat between them?

In December, my second Red Sage release, Wet Dreams, releases in Secrets Volume 21 – Dark Passions. It’s about a Homeland Security agent who finds himself on the high seas with a woman who knows how to rock the boat *g*.

Where do you interact with readers on the net?

A: At my blog, www.LarissaIone.com/soapbox, and at Writeminded’s blog, www.Writemindedblog.com

Also, readers can join the Writeminded Reader’s group to interact with me and all of the published authors at Writeminded – Stephanie Tyler, Amy Knupp, Maya Banks, and Jan Kenny. (http://groups.yahoo.com/adultconf?dest=%2Fgroup%2Fwriteminded_readers%2F )

What is the reader response to your books?

A: So far, it’s been great! And I love to hear from readers, so please feel free to contact me at Larissa@LarissaIone.com

Where can we find out more about you, your books and anything else you've got going on?

A: My websites are a great place to start!
www.LarissaIone.com
www.SydneyCroft.com

There’s also my Myspace pages:
www.myspace.com/larissaione
www.myspace.com/sydneycroft

Thank you again for having me, Elizabeth!

Melissa Schroeder

2008-04-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: September 2007

Please tell us about yourself :)

A: Hmm, well, I am an Air Force brat who was born in an Army Hospital. I grew up with a really strange and fun family, and spent a huge chunk of my childhood in Europe. I love to read and use writing as a means to feed my addiction (where do you think I spend most my royalty checks?). I am married to an AF major, have two kids, and yes, I am living in an area where they have bugs that could eat your young.

When and how did you become a writer?

A: I’ve always been an avid reader. From early on, it was my escape. I read To Kill a Mockingbird in Jr High School and the first thoughts of writing trickled into my feeble mind. It wasn’t until college that I truly tried to write. I tried my damnedest to write serious, though provoking short stories. They didn’t totally suck, but they weren’t great. I sort of jumped around from genre to genre until I picked up a Linda Howard book and found romance. I read about 300 books in a year to get to know the genre and started to write seriously for publication. That was about 2001 and I got my first contract offer in 2004.

What is your favorite thing about being an author? Is there anything you absolutely detest?

A: I love that I can wear pajamas to work. You don’t have to deal with the office junk, getting dressed up, being NICE to people. That and my readers, I love them.

My least favorite thing is the isolation. While I tend to need time away from people, there is something very solitary about writing. Unless you are with your own “kind,” people don’t understand what you go through as a writer.

Genres - what are your favorites to read and write? Are there any you fancy trying your hand at in the future?

A: Oh, hard one on the reading. I have to say I LOVE to read historicals but my favorite to write is either futuristic or paranormal. Mainly because I can make up the rules and no one can say that I can’t do something. I actually have three books simmering in the background in genres I have never published in. A futuristic vampire ménage (set in a post-apocalyptic world where paranormal creatures rule), a shape shifting wolf book, and the immortals I have been working on in The Cursed Clan. I have done paranormal but all of those are a little different for me.

Who are your publishers? Are they distinct from each other in any way?

A: Gee, let me see. In the past I have written for Liquid Silver Books, Loose Id and Vintage Romance.

I have releases coming from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, Samhain Publishing, and Ellora’s Cave.

Every one of them is different because of what they focus on for publication and a lot of it is their business goals. Some of them are happy with where they are, but some of them are looking into expansion and moving beyond their current level.

This year you have had a few re-releases. Was it difficult to get them re-published? Can you tell us what you had to do to get them ready for their second publication?

A: Actually, it wasn’t that hard. I thought it would be, but many of them are part of a series and when new books are promised that helps. My Harmless Series springs to mind. A Little Harmless Sex was an international best seller in eBooks, but I wanted it longer and in print. They all had to be re-edited and I rewrote many of them extensively. A Little Harmless Sex had been 22K and was released at around 51K. With Grace Under Pressure we cut a lot out and changed the ending a bit. And A Little Harmless Pleasure is probably going to be around 60-70K when it was originally released around 42K. I am working to extend Seducing the Saint from about 30K to 50K right now.

Have you ever collaborated with another author on a story? Would you consider doing so in the future?

A: Kally Jo Surbeck and I have talked about this. Part of our problem is making our schedules work out. We are actually collaborating on separate stories in our upcoming Purgatory series. One long novella will start the story and then the second one will finish it.

What do you love and hate about writing?

A: Let’s go with the negative first, lol. Right now I am trying to catch up from my vacation to Brooks Army Medical Center. No one does my job for me while I am gone, there is a lot of catch up and there are times the damn characters just won’t cooperate. I love to create stories. I still get goose bumps when I am out somewhere and people refer to me as an author because seriously it hard to imagine that I am actually published. And I really love my readers. Romance readers are the most dedicated bunch of people I have yet to come across (and that is after a lifetime in the military).

Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?

A: Never give up. Seriously, don’t. Read everything you can get your hands on (that I stole from my creative writing instructor in college, Jim Hoggard). It might take you 20 rejections or more before you sell, but if you give up, you will never be published. I didn’t write one book and get published, I wrote several, and was rejected A LOT. And try to do something toward your craft every day if your schedule permits. It might mean giving up something. I had to give up TV because I had kids at home and had to write at night. But, I promise, it is worth it in the end.

Where do you interact with readers on the net?

A: I have a chat group and a non chat news only group. I also have a blog and a myspace page.

Do your family and friends know that you are a published author? What has been their response?

A: Most know. I write under my own name because I am too self-centered and wanted everyone to know that I am a writer. I am proud of what I do. I think my husband got a little annoyed at his last job. Some of the civilian ladies who worked in the building would introduce him to people and remark that his wife was a romance writer. He is proud of me, but I am sure it got old that I was attached to the intro every time, lol. My parents have been very supportive and brag about the fact their daughter is a writer. My oldest daughter is in middle school and is embarrassed that I write romance but I think it is more the age than anything else.

What is the reader response to your books?

A: People either love me or hate me, at least that’s the feeling I get. I have a pretty distinctive voice, so I don’t find many people who say they kind of like me.

Where can we find out more about you, your books and anything else you've got going on?

A: My website is www.MelissaSchroeder.net :)

Thanks so much for having me!

Lena Matthews

2008-04-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: July 2007

Welcome! Please introduce yourself to the group :)

A: Hi! I’m Lena Matthews, writer, mother, massive reader.

How long have you been a writer?

A: I’ve been writing since childhood, but I’ve been published since 2004.

Please tell us about your initial publishing experiences. Has anything changed?

A: Rejection, rejection, rejection. Thankfully that has changed along with my writing. I’ve learned how to hone my craft and submit a cleaner, tighter manuscript that has (knock on wood) cured me of my rejection woes.

When was your first collaboration with another author on a book?

A: Logan’s Temptation with Liz Andrews. The story started off as an IM conversation between the two of us and by the time the evening was over we had an outline and a new partnership.

Can you please explain how collaborations work between authors? Are there any particular advantages/disadvantages?

A: I co-write with two different authors, Liz Andrews and Maggie Casper, but I work differently with each one of them. Maggie and I each take a character and we write their point of view. She will do her part and send it to me and I’ll go over it and then write my part. We go back and forth like this until the story is over. Liz and I write while on the phone and IM together. We take turns writing both points of views.

Which of your books is your favorite(s)? Is there any particular reason?

A: It changes as time goes by. Right now, Shadow of Moonlight is my favorite. It’s the second book in the Moonlight series, co-written with Liz Andrews. The reason I enjoy it so much is because of the main characters Remy and Jace. They were a handful and so much fun to write.

What is the reader and reviewer response to your works?

A: So far so good. I honestly have no complaints. Not everyone will like everything, but you have to take it with a grain of salt. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and leave it at that.

Many of your books are part of a series. Do you find that you prefer writing connected books to stand alone tales?

A: I like series books mainly because I like to read them. Also I really hate saying goodbye to a couple, so this way I can check in on them.

Any plans for more Southern Hospitality books?

A: I would like to write Rylee’s story one day. I’m just waiting for her to talk to me again.

Can you provide any advice for aspiring authors or for authors who may be interested in doing collaboration with another author?

A: You have to remember that it’s not just YOUR story. It’s a joint effort and you’re not always going to get your own way.

Do you have any recent releases or contracts that you are excited about?

A: I’m excited about Shadow of Moonlight. Like I said earlier, the couple’s dynamics are just amazing.

With which publishers have you worked? Were/are they supportive and fun to write for?

A: I’ve been published by Liquid Silver Books, Ellora’s Cave, Loose Id and Samhain Publishing. All of my publishers have been very supportive and wonderful to work with...and I’m not just saying that. For me, I’ve found that if you treat it like a job, and not try to make your boss your best friend, things work out a lot better in the long run. I keep things professional and in return I’ve been treated absolutely professionally. I have no complaints.

Is there anywhere you 'hang out' on the net?

A: I have a forum with Maggie Casper that I visit several times daily, and for mind numbing fun I like to visit Dlisted blog and Wikiepdia. I’m a geek, what can I say?

Do you have another job in addition to writing?

A: I’m a mother of two. That’s work enough.

Do your family and friends know that you are a published author? What has been their response?

A: Everyone who knows me knows what I do, and I’ve been very lucky to be blessed with a wonderful supportive group of family and friends.Where can we find out more about you, your books and anything else you've got going on?A: You can visit my website http://www.lenamatthews.com/ for more information about moi.

Adriana Kraft

2008-04-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: April 2007

Please introduce yourself

A: This introduction is a two-for-one special ~ Adriana Kraft is the pen name for a married couple writing erotic romance together!

How did you become a writer?

A: Both of us are college teachers and have done lots of academic writing, but we’ve always dreamed of writing fiction, so we decided to follow our dreams and started writing. We write what we love to read: strong women, men who deserve them, hot sex whether m/f, f/f, ménage or more, and believable characters facing the ups and downs of real life (well, except for our paranormal characters!).

Which genres are your favourites to read and write?

A: To write? Contemporary erotic romance, often with paranormal features, including gods and goddesses, ghosts, time travel and Shamanic journeying. To read? Erotic romance, romantic suspense, historicals, biographies. We both read widely outside the genre we’re writing ~ anything and everything can feed into what we write.

Please tell us about your publisher(s).

A: We have erotic romance e-books out at three publishers and one under contract with a fourth. Silk’s Vault, eXtasy e-books, Twilight Fantasies, and Whiskey Creek Torrid.

What are the accomplishments you are most proud of and why?

A: In our fiction? It’s hard to beat the rush of a perfect review for our very first published erotic romance: Colors of the Night, reviewed at Two Lips Reviews (View)

In our lives? Following our dreams, and never giving up no matter what life throws at us. We need fantasy for escape as much as our readers do!

What is your experience with readers?

A: We love talking with readers in settings where there can be conversation and not just promos. Readers ask great questions that make us think and help us write, and getting a reader response that says they were moved by something we wrote is the ultimate.

What do you love and hate about writing?

A: Love? The freedom! It’s so open ended. We can go explore places we’ve never been (in person or in cyberspace), delve into careers we’d never have pursued, throw our characters into impossible situations and watch how they thread their way out, and on and on. Hate? The very final round of editing. One of us works as a free lance editor and loves editing in general, but crunching up against a deadline and knowing there’s no turning back from what’s finally on the page ~ that part’s not much fun.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

A: Most important: follow your dreams! Make a commitment to your writing ~ devote time to it, invest in learning how to improve it, believe in it. Keep writing and keep sending it out. Either it’ll get picked up and published, or you’ll get feedback that will help you improve it for next time; entering contests can help with this. Develop a tough skin. Hang out with other authors. Join writers groups, especially in your genre, and on the web look for blogs or e-groups where real conversations go on and be a part of them.

Please tell us about any upcoming books.

A: We’re WAY excited for Twilight Fantasies release May 16th of Seducing Cat, the first in a five book series of erotic romance novellas called Meghan’s Playhouse. We wrote it as an erotic romp, but also to explore what happens when characters from two different social classes get together. Here’s the blurb: What could college English professor Caitlin Shanahan ever have in common with the brash carpenter Kurt Davis? Meghan Keenan, that's what. The twenty year old sprite has taken it upon herself to bring the unlikely pair together through sharing her sexual delights with each of them. They never have a chance, and town-gown relationships have never been better…

What we didn’t know when we wrote it was that Meg’s hardly finished! Turns out she has a kind of career in front of her getting other folks together, sort of a present-day Aphrodite, so she earned her very own series, and we’ll have to wait to see if she ever finds a true love of her very own!

Where do you hang out on the net?

A: Bryn’s Book Group, Talking Two Lips, CJ Says Follow your Dreams, Beth Wylde’s Yahoo Group, Twilight Fantasies ~ places where we can really meet readers and other authors for conversation. Links to all are on my website Links page.

Apart from writing, what do you do?

A: We still have day jobs as part time college teachers and freelance consultants, with a long range goal of earning our living from our fiction. For fun? We love to travel, to be outdoors hiking or cross country skiing or just watching a prairie meadow put itself to bed, to play with our four boxers, to join friends for quiet conversations, and to commit time to causes and campaigns that will help the world be a better place.

Do your family and friends know that you are a published author? What has been their response?

A: Selected friends and family! Not everyone is accepting of the explicit sexuality we love to read and write. We respect those differences and don’t flaunt our choices in their faces. Those who know what we do love it and have given us great feedback on some early drafts.

Where can we find out more about you, your books and anything else you've got going on?

A: Three places:
(1) Our website http://www.adrianakraft.com
(2) Our monthly newsletter, where we always have a special contest just for subscribers. To sign up, send us an email at adrianak@adrianakraft.com (without the spaces) and put “newsletter” in the subject line; it’d be nice if you also put in the body that you saw us in Elizabeth ’s Newsletter!
(3) Our MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/adrianakraft

Mary Winter

2008-04-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: April 2007

Please introduce yourself :)

A: Born and raised in the Midwest, I live with my partner, a menagerie of animals, including an opinionated horse and a cat who was a dog in his past life. My parrots constantly give me orders, or laugh at inopportune moments, and I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything. I enjoy writing, creating my podcasts, nature and the outdoors, and if I'm not at my computer writing, I usually can be found out at the barn.

How did you become a writer?

A: I discovered romance novels when I was twelve and suddenly realized that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to bring these wonderful, heart-warming stories to people. I began writing, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Which genres do you write? Are you thinking of braching out?

A: I write erotic contemporaries, including M/M, fantasy, futuristic, and paranormal. I am dabbling with a few historical ideas, but otherwise, I'm quite happy with what I write.

How do you gain inspiration for your writing?

A: Life. I love to people watch. I love to make up stories, and I love a happy ending. Put them all together, and that usually means there's a novel brewing somewhere in my mind.

Please tell us about your publisher(s).

A: I currently write for three publishers, Ellora's Cave, Changeling Press, and Loose-Id. I've been with Ellora's Cave since December of 2002, and my first print book came out last June with the publication of StarMyst 1: Prodigal Son, which is available in both electronic and print forms. I participated in the Dreams of the Oasis III anthology, which also is available in print and electronic format. The rest of my titles are in electronic format only. Changeling Press launched my Elemental Elves series, with Elemental Elves 1: Horse Play, and I've got a couple of very hot stories coming out from them later this summer/early fall. And Loose-Id has agreed to release Sexual Healing, a book previously published with Venus Press.

Have you received any nominations for any award?

A: Two of my titles were nominated for Ecataromance Reviewers Choice awards, and the Dreams of the Oasis III anthology won the 2006 CAPA for best erotic romance anthology.

Do you have any mentors?

A: I do have several writers I find as inspiration, or who I want to be when I "grow up." (grin!). One of the best things about this business is that for the most part everyone is willing to help out everyone else. There's always lost of encouragement, congratulations, and answers when you most need them.

What do you love about being an author? Is there anything you dislike?

A: I love creating stories that take readers away from their ordinary lives for a little while and give them a nice escape. I also like to blend some of my concerns, such as the environment, into my writing to share them with readers. I can't think of anything I dislike, really.

What could you tell aspiring authors?

A: Keep trying and tell the story of your heart, not the story you think will sell.

Please tell us about any upcoming books, events or chats.

A: As part of the Night Whispers Authors group, you'll find me on the 12th of every month on the Ellora's Cave chat loop for our Night Whispers list mom day. I also hold a DeLurk day once a month on my own chat list. I have several titles contracted, and look for new releases around August.

Where do you interact with readers on the net?

A: My chat loop and message boards. As a member of Night Whispers Authors, I also play on their chat loop. And, I also try to play on my publisher's chat lists, my space, and other romance reader loops.

Do you have a 'day' job?

A: Yes. I work from home though which makes it easier to keep up with my ever-growing "to do" list of writing-related things.

Do your family and friends know that you are a published author? What has been their response?

A: Yes, they know. They're very happy I'm working toward achieving my dreams and have been very supportive.

How can we find out more about you?

A: My website is http://www.marywinter.com. I also have a myspace page - http://www.myspace.com/mary_winter you can also visit my series websites - http://www.elementalelves.com and http://www.dangerousspirits.com to learn more about these series.

Where should we go to stay up to date with whats going on in your world?

A: Lots of places.

Newsletter - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marywinternews
Chat list - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marywinterchat
My blog - http://www.marywinter.com/blog.html
My podcasts - http://podcasts.marywinter.com/

Sierra DaFoe

2008-04-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: February 2007

Hi Sierra! Many thanks for agreeing to be this month's featured author:)

Please introduce yourself :)

A: Hi, Elizabeth ! Thanks for having me. And hello, everybody! I'm Sierra Dafoe, a writer of women's erotic romance and adventure. I'm also a mom, with one grown boy (who hasn't brought me home any grandkids yet, darn it!!!) and a very tolerant husband!

How did you become a writer? Was it always been something you wanted to do?

A: Well, it was simply always something I did. I mean, since, oh, second grade or so. But oddly enough, I never thought of myself as a writer. I just did it around everything else in my life. It wasn't until I was in my thirties that I stopped and said, wait, I've been doing this for almost a quarter of a century -- maybe it's time to think about doing it professionally. I never claimed to be particularly quick on the uptake, LOL!

Which genres are your favourites to read? Do you write in these fields yourself?

A: My reading tastes are very eclectic. Or maybe 'omnivorous' would be a better word. Fantasy, sci-fi, romance, humor, horror, suspense, historical fiction... So in fact I think my writing is kind of a distillation of everything I love. And I love exploring new things, as a writer -- in fact, the next series I have coming up, Shifter Sisters, could probably be best described as paranormal chick lit! The title of the first book in the series is Sex and the Single Werewolf -- that'll be out in April. This month, we have Dragon's Desire, which is a fantasy action-adventure about (yup) shape-shifting dragons. I love my dragons!

Please tell us about your publisher(s) and how you came to write for them.

A: When I had first written Devarian Exile, I started looking around at the erotic romance publishers, talked to authors, researched the market... Every author I knew who worked with Changeling was very enthusiastic about their relationship, and I have to admit Changeling is wonderful! They've been very nurturing, incredibly supportive, and I have learned so much working with Sheri, the editor in chief, and Chrissie Henderson, my own editor -- she's the best! It's been a fabulous phase in my growth as a writer.

What are the top 3 things you want to accomplish and why?

A: Solve world hunger, end poverty in our lifetime, kick Congress in the head till it wakes up... Oh wait, wrong list! As a writer? I'm looking to add another publishing house to my roster, and start writing longer books. I love the novella format, I love the flexibility of it, but I also want to write novels. Partly because (goal number three) I want to start looking at the print market. Epublishing is light-years ahead of where it was even four years ago. There are epublishers out there, like Changeling, that are every bit as professional in their approach and in the quality of the books they produce as a traditional publishing house. But the largest audience is still print readers, and I love my stories and want them to have as large an audience as possible! So eventually, that means print.

What has the reader response been to your books? Do many readers tend to get in touch?

A: I have been so fortunate. I have, for a writer whose first book came out less than a year ago, the best fans on the face of the earth! For example, in the Preditors and Editors Reader's Poll, my fans, my readers, catapulted The Dragon's Daughter (the first book in the Dragon's Heir series) to the #2 Romance book of 2006! I mean, that's staggering. That's incredible. They really are the best!

Please tell us about any awards or nominations you have received (I know there are a few! *g*)

A: Well, there, I mentioned one! In addition, The Dragon's Daughter picked up a CAPA nomination from The Romance Studio for best Erotic Fantasy Romance of 2006, and a Reviewer's Choice award from Road to Romance. Devarian Exile (the first book in my sci-fi series) was also a CAPA nominee for best BDSM, a Staff Pick at Love Romance and More, and a Recommended Read from Road to Romance. The other two books in the Devarian Trilogy, Devarian Uprising and Devarian Revolution, are both Ecataromance Reviewer's Choice award nominees, and -- well, enough! :) It looks ostentatious after a bit.

What is your favourite thing about being an author?

A: Getting paid to write! Absolutely. Getting to share these stories and put them out there for people to enjoy.

What could you share, from your experience, with aspiring authors?

A: Do not get into this for the money. It took me two decades of writing to become a very small-scale 'overnight success' -- for God's sake, it only takes twelve to become a doctor! Eight to become a lawyer. And doctors and lawyers make waaaay better money!

If you're serious about writing, join a critique group. I've belonged to seven or eight over the years, moderated two, founded one of my own (which is still going strong, I'm proud to say.) Listen. Learn to evaluate criticism -- if you can't listen gracefully to what your fellow writers have to say, you're going to have a miserable time when you finally start working with an editor!

Read Stephen King's On Writing. Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones is another really good one. I wouldn't bother with the formulaic "How to Write a (fill in the blank)" books unless what you want to write is formula. But that's me. :)

Learn the basics. Conflict, dialogue, stakes, character... and then write. Write a lot. Write five stories, take a look at them, see what the recurring problems are. Write ten more. Repeat the process. Like anything else, the more you write, the better you'll become -- if you stop occasionally and look at what you're doing.

Do you have any upcoming books or chats (etc) you would like to tell us about?

A: Actually, I'd like mention Devarian Pleasure-Slave, which just came out in February. I love the world of the Devarian books; they're set about 700 years in the future, and human society has evolved into a structure where all men are slaves, a real role-reversal. The trilogy (Exile, Uprising, and Revolution) tells the story of how one woman fights to free the pleasure-slave she's fallen in love with. Great stuff! Big, epic, action tale. Devarian Pleasure-Slave is a prequel to the trilogy, so it reads very well on its own. It tells the story of Merkun, a pleasure-slave who longs to be free, and how he captures the heart of the Regent of Porto, the planet where the best pleasure-slaves in the galaxy are sold. I did mention this is erotic romance, right? It's very spicy stuff -- there's some male-male interaction in it, a couple of ménage scenes, an orgy... just so you're warned! But it's a great introduction to the Devarian universe.

Where do you hang out on the net?

A: Well, there's my yahoo group, The Sierra Club (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Sierra_Club ), which is a lot of fun, and my website, http://www.sierradafoe.com (built it myself!). On the second Tuesday of every month, I'm at Coffee Time Romance's exotic loop (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/karendevinkaren/) hosting what I have dubbed Hot Erotic Tuesday, with lots of spicy excerpts! Plus, if you check the calendar at http://www.sierradafoe.com you'll usually find a few other things going on every month.

When you are not writing, what are you likely to be found doing?

A: When I'm not writing? Umm... I just asked my hubby, he answered, "You're always writing!" Hee! Well, I also maintain my website myself, and I love spending time on the yahoo groups when I can. And I love taking my puppy for hikes -- considering the time I spend in front of the computer, I need the exercise desperately!

Do your family and friends know that you are a published author? What has been their response?

A: Oh, yeah! They're very supportive. My son (he's 23) thinks what I write is a riot -- he won't touch it with a ten-foot pole, though! Thank God. That would embarrass me!

Where can we find out more about you, your books and anything else you've got going on?

A: Join the Sierra Club, and my newsletter! Among other things, I give away a free eBook every month to one of my Club members and one of my newsletter subscribers, if you need a bit of incentive! Joining the newsletter is easy: just email newsletter@sierradafoe.com!

Thanks for joining us!

And thank you for inviting me, Elizabeth!

KL Bjork

2008-04-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: January 2007

Hi! Many thanks for agreeing to be this month's featured author :)

Please introduce yourself to our readers :)

A: Hi everyone. I am K.L. Bjork. I've been writing for about 3 years now and have been published since October 2005. I write mainly vampires, demons, witches, and other types of mystical creatures. Lately, however, I've been branching out with sci-fi and futuristic. I am published with Ocean's Mist Press, Silk's Vault and soon to be Mardi Gras Publishing and Twilight Fantasies.

I live in Arkansas with my husband and my two small children who keep me very busy most of the time. Once the sun goes down and the lights go out, that's when I usually get to pull out my laptop and let my characters run the show for a little while.

Could you please tell us about how you became a writer? Has this always been something you wanted to do?

A: Becoming a writer was something always set in the back of my mind. Once I read Christine Feehan's Dark Magic book and then devoured the rest of the Carpathians, I set my pen to paper and started creating my own characters. I can't remember how I stumbled upon writing.com, but that is where I met up with a few other aspiring authors. They introduced me to eBooks and opened up a whole world I had no idea even existed. Those ladies don't realize how much I appreciate their hard work and guidance.

Do you enjoy your work (writing plus any other jobs you may have)?

A: Oh yes. It's funny, because in my day job I am a telecommunications analyst, which requires a lot of technical knowledge. So I always look at my writing as a way of exploring the other side of my brain. LOL. I enjoy both very much and I hope to continue to do them for a long while.

How do you gain inspiration for your writing?

A: I love this question, because I can find inspiration in just about anything. The way the sun peeks through the trees at a certain angle can spark a whole new world, a conversation with a friend can spark a personality for a character. I also use songs, shows (mostly from the science channel LOL) and really draw inspiration from all around me.

Do you have any mentors? If so, who are they and why?

A: Yes, I work with two ladies right now that have just been a fantastic source of help. Together we have created a yahoo group called the Eclectic Erotic Sirens (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eclectic_erotic_sirens). Their names are Melinda Barron and Jade Buchanan. I also get a lot of help from Cassidy McKay and Trista Bane. It's just great having these ladies to talk with. I have been surprised at how well authors work together and I have found nothing but wonderful support.

Which genres are your favourites to read? Have you attempted to write in these fields yourself?

A: Oooo, I love paranormal. Absolutely adore reading about a sexy vamp in a complicated world. I love to read historicals, too. No specific time period, just anything dealing with some sort of myth or truth from the past.

I do write paranormals, but I don't think I would ever attempt a historical. I just don't think I could do the past justice and I love creating my own worlds.

Do you have any writing experiences to share with us that impacted you in some way, or made you laugh or discover something about yourself?

A: I took a class before I got published at http://www.thescriptorium.net/. I learned a lot of helpful information for making the story believable that I hope I've been able to incorporate in my work. I was also part of a workshop group at www.writing.com. I got some very helpful critiques and also enjoyed spending time with the people there. It was fun and entertaining. They would always hold contests and play games. It was great.

Please tell us about your publisher(s) and how you came to write for them.

A: I got an email from one of my friends telling me that Ocean's Mist Press was a new company opening up and looking for submissions. I decided to finally try my hand at getting published and worked up my query and other information and sent it off. I couldn't believe how fast they responded with an acceptance. Then in the last three months of 2005, I had a book released in October, November and December. I enjoy working with OMP very much.

The next publisher was Silk's Vault. And like with Mardi Gras and Twilight Fantasies, I knew someone there that encouraged me to send in a story for them. I feel very lucky to be published at these houses. Each one of my publishers seem a little bit different, but each are run professionally and with a lot of encouragement for their authors.

What are the top 3 things you want to do before you die and why?

A: The first is to go to Ireland or Scotland. I want to be part of all that mysticism over there. I want to see a fairy mound and walk through a cool damp castle corridor. I want to feel the magic that so many books are inspired by.

My next thing would be to get a book published in print. Just once (actually more than once) I would love to see my name on a bookshelf. LOL

And last but not least, I want to learn to play the violin or fiddle. Just something quirky I want to do :)

What has the reader response been to your books? Do many readers tend to get in touch?

A: I was actually really surprised at the turnout of people getting in touch. I am also a reader and have been encouraged to talk to other authors to tell them how much I enjoy their books. I now know how much a quick email can mean to an author. I love receiving them and each email encourages me to write my next book in a series or my next single title. It's great to know people are out there enjoying what you write.

Have you found writing to be a fulfilling and enjoyable endeavor? Please explain.

A: Oh yes. It's very fulfilling when you get to those last few sentences and everything you have dreamed up and created is finally at the end point where it all turns out okay. Nothing is better for me than a happily ever after. There is just too much in life that is sad and disappointing and I would hate to give that to my readers. I want them to smile, laugh or sigh, knowing that the hero and heroine will live together always.

What could you share, from your experience, with wanna-be writers?

A: Well, once being a wanna-be-writer, whenever I come across someone now I just make sure that I'm encouraging. I can't express enough how much it helps to have people out there who want to read your stuff or will look at it to if anything is missing. I just try to be there for them when I can.

If you could do anything over, what would it be?

A: Nothing really. I've always tried to live my life the best I could without making decisions that I would regret. So far so good. LOL

Do you have any upcoming books or chats (etc) you would like to tell us about?

A: I have two, hopefully three, more books coming out this year. Twilight Fantasies picked up my story Finding Her Place. It's about a military woman who no longer has a war to fight and must figure out where in the world (or worlds) she fits in. Never having had a successful relationship, Cameron Cabot has shied away from getting close to men. Then she finds herself and her friend crashing down on an unfamiliar planet. A planet where spirits soar the skies and want to take over the planet for themselves. Cameron doesn't realize that when she gives into her pleasure with both Mars and Noah, she'll be the one to bring their planet peace. Finding Her Place has a tentative release date of July 4th.

My next book coming out this year is Witch at Mardi Gras Publishing. Witch is about Isabella. She has been locked away by her High Priestess to be handed over to an evil demon. But when her friend Peter hands her a slip a paper with the key to escape, she finds herself in another realm and with a devilishly handsome man. This book will be expanded for those readers who might have read it already. The world will be expanded and hopefully we'll know more about the characters.

Maya Banks

2008-04-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: December 2006

Hi Maya! Many thanks for agreeing to be interviewed during this very busy time of the year:)

Please tell us something about yourself and your writing.

I always dread this question the most because basically I'm a dull, boring person, and somewhat of a recluse :) I live in south Texas. Definitely a die hard southerner. Can't imagine living anywhere else. I live close to the beach so we spend a lot of time there swimming and fishing and being all around beach bums. We also have great hunting and spend most of the fall at the deer camp.

My writing, hmm. I started out writing historicals. Definitely my first love. Along the way I decided to merge some of my favorite elements of adventure and lots of action and wrote my first adventure historical. Eventually I wrote some contemporary romantic suspense, but it wasn't until I started infusing my love of the south and southern characters, blending sexy, steamy themes with these settings/characters that I sold and found a readership. I currently write for Samhain Publishing and Berkley. Since selling, I've also found a home for those adventure historicals with Samhain as well :)

How did you become a published author, and was being a published author something you always wanted to do?

Hard work, perserverence, patience (I hate that word) and luck. Oh and I can't forget timing, which for the most part I've always sucked at. But finally I got the timing aspect down and 16 contracts later I'm writing away. While I've always wanted to be an author, it isn't something I ever concentrated on until a few years ago when I decided to become serious and try my hand.

What has the reader response been to your books?

In a word, phenomenal. I've been blown away by all the reader emails and the response to my stories. It's very awe inspiring because I still get a ridiculous thrill every single time I get a reader email. Totally makes my day.

How does an author (and you, yourself) measure their success?

I can't speak for other authors. I do know it's impossible to measure your success by how well *another* author does. I set goals for myself and I consider it a success when I reach them.

Do you have a writing process, whereby each story is developed in the same way?

No two stories are created in the same way for me. Sometimes I write in a notebook because it's the only way I can unlock my brain and let the scenes flow. Other times I'll work on my laptop. Sometimes I zoom through the opening and get bogged down in the middle. Sometimes I have the ending worked out and no clue how to begin. It definitely keeps me on my toes.

Which of your books is your favourite and why?

My favorite is my first adventure historical that I'm publishing in January under my real name Sharon Long. It's called Her Majesty, My Love and it will always have a special place in my heart. It's full of all the things I love about a story. Lots of action, adventure, intrigue and romance. Thus far, most of your books have been stand alone stories.

Do you have any plans to write connected tales in the future? Have readers been clamoring for secondary characters to have their own book written?

I never go into a book thinking series or connected characters. I've had many many readers ask if I planned to write stories for secondary characters from Seducing Simon. When I first started receiving the emails, I was baffled because it honestly never occurred to me. I do have a set of connected novellas, the first of which will be releasing in December (19th) They can definitely stand alone and can be read without having read the others in the series. They merely have characters that carry over from one story to the next.

When your books reach the editing process, what goes through your mind?

At that point, nothing. I make darn sure I turn in a book that is as clean and tight as possible so usually, the editing process is fairly painless. I haven't had any rips and tears and requests to do major rewriting yet. Please tell us about your working relationship with your publisher, Samhain. I love Samhain and I love my editor. She has been fantastic! She gives me a lot of leeway in what I can write. I've gone to her twice after contracting a story because the focus and direction, not to mention the plot, changed drastically in the planning stages, and she was completely open to the new direction in both cases. She's very encouraging, and she's not vetoed an idea of mine yet. That kind of freedom is priceless.

Do you have any plans for the next year or so, life-wise and writing-wise?

I have a very full writing schedule in 2007. Im completely booked under both pen names I write under with Samhain and I also have a two book contract with Berkley with my first book coming out with Berkley in September 07. I have a single title to write, four novellas and another book length story and I'll also have proposals to write in between. So I'll be very busy in 07 :) In addition to what I have to write, I have four Sharon Long novels releasing from Samhain, 5 titles from Samhain under Maya Banks and also my first Berkley release.

What are your favourite genres to write, and which are your favourite to read?

I love writing anything action adventure. Throw in some intrigue and I am happy as a clam. As for reading, my only requirement is a good story. I'm completely open to just about anything. Are there any genres you would love to have a go at in the future that you haven't yet attempted? Hmm no, not at the moment. I'm pretty happy with what I'm writing. But I'm completely idea driven, so if I got hit by a really wonderful idea in a genre I hadn't written in, I'd certainly give it a go.

What can readers look forward to from you in the future?

From Maya Banks, more contemporary erotic romance, particularly southern set romances with the flavor of the south :) From Sharon Long, adventure historicals and I have a contemporary action/adventure novel coming out at the end of 2007.

Is there any advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Not really. I'm not one of these authors that was suddenly gifted with knowledge once I became published. I'm still pretty much as clueless as I was back then. Only difference now is that I'm a published clueless person :) I've still got a lot to learn. Thank God for my agent because I'd be floundering in my ignorance. Ok well, I guess that could be my advice to aspiring authors. Hire an agent!

Beverly Rae

2008-04-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: November 2006

Hi Beverly! Thanks for being this months featured author.

Hi Elizabeth! I'm so happy to be your featured author. Here I am sitting in my home office, bored to the point of contemplating cleaning the house (Now that's BORED!), just wishing for something fun to do. And what happens? I get your interview questions. Yay!

Please tell us a little about yourself.

A: Really? Just a little? I am such a talker, but I'll try to keep it to a minimum. I came to writing via a path of various jobs including teaching, singing professionally, and being a computer salesperson. Finally, I've managed to find the perfect jobs for me: wife, mother, and writer. Along with taking care of my human family, I take care of three lovable dogs, too.

When did you first begin writing? Was writing something you always wanted to do?

A: I started writing late in life, as I said, after many other occupations. But through it all, I always wrote songs and stories for my own enjoyment.

My hubby, who has encouraged me from Day One, talked me into writing my first book in 2001. After I'd finally finished it, I left writing for a little while and didn't return to it until a year later.

Did it take you long to get published? What were your feelings when your first book was contracted?

A: Well, it seemed like a long time to me! But it really wasn't - only about 4 years. In 2005, Triskelion Publishing contracted the second book I'd ever written, Love Times Seven which is a funny twist on the musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, mixed with the television show, Bewitched. I was elated when I received the email saying Triskelion Publishing wanted it. I remember showing the email to my hubby to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

Do you have a writing process or does each book emerge in a different way?

A: An idea for a book just comes to me either from something I hear or see. From there, I start envisioning the whole story in my head, like a movie. Then I write the synopsis which is the hardest part for me. But once I have the synopsis down, I'm ready to rock and roll. Writing is the fun part for me.

Which of your characters are your favourites and why?

A: My favorite characters are always the ones in my current work-in-progress. However, I tend to love quirky, unusual, fun secondary characters. For instance, I adore Blair, the gay shifter in Kissin' in the Moonlight. He's a riot!

Do you prefer to write stand alones or connected tales, and is there a reason for this?

A: I prefer to write stand alones because I like to think a reader can pick up any book and understand what's going on without having to buy the first in the series. However, with that said, I like writing continuing characters or series where each book focuses on a specific character. For instance, Devlin Morgan (shifter) was the primary character in Dancin' in the Moonlight. But his brother, Mickale, was such a great character he had to have his own book, called Kissin' in the Moonlight. A reader can read either book first, but will love following the characters throughout both books.

What do you think of the editing process?

A: Ooh, great question. Editing is a love-hate process. I hate getting my edits back from my editor. However, I love the book more once I've learned from the edits and reworked the book through the editing process to create an even better book.

Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?

A: The ideas for my books just pop into my head. For instance, I may see a commercial on television and think "What if..." and then the idea for the story just takes off for me.

Who is/are your publisher(s), and what are they like to write for? Did you choose them, or did they choose you?

A: My main publisher is Triskelion Publishing. They contracted my first book and have published most of my others in either ebook format, print, or both. Triskelion will always have a special place in my heart. I also write for a few other publishers including Silk's Vault Publishing (novellas) and Twin Souls Publications (Midnight Showcase). I recently signed a contract with Samhain Publishing. Samhain is a great publishing company coming up very fast and strong in both ebook and print. I guess you could say I chose my publishers by submitting to them and they chose me by contracting my books.

If there was just one more thing you could do before you die, what would it be?

A: It's funny you should ask that. That's actually the reason I wrote my first book, Touch Me (Samhain Publishing, Spring 07). I simply wanted to achieve the goal of writing a book before I died. But now that I've accomplished that goal, my only other goal is to see my child all grown up, happy, healthy, and living life to the fullest. If she happens to become a very famous, wealthy doctor who will take care of her poor, aging mom, then that's good, too.

Are you able to read the same genres as you write or do the trials of writing your own books put you off?

A: I love anything paranormal. Unlike most of my books which are funny, light, contemporary paranormals, I'll read almost any kind of paranormal, even the dark and scary ones.

Are there any genres you stay well away from, in either reading or writing?

A: Oh, shoot, Elizabeth, I'm old enough to never say never.

What do readers tend to get in touch with you about?

A: My readers are wonderful! I chat with them on the yahoo loops and in online chats. Plus, they email me from time to time to say how they enjoyed my books. I really appreciate those emails!

Is there any advice you can give to anyone who would like to become a published author?

A: Wow! I'd give them tons of advice. Here's just a few bits of "wisdom" --

1. Never, ever give up. This is a hard one to follow. I know since I've given up once. But I came back and that's what counts.
2. Write. Writing is like exercise. It's harder to get back into it if you stop for a day or two. Having said that, is anyone in the market for a treadmill clothes hanger?
3. Don't worry about the money. If you're writing what you love, then write it. Don't write if you think you're going to make a bunch of money.

Judith Rochelle

2008-04-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEWED: October 2006

1.) Please tell us a little about yourself.

A: I live in the Texas Hill Country between San Antonio and Austin, so far out in the hills our friends think we're in the witness protection program. We're surrounded by a herd of white tail deer, which we feed, and have three adorable cats. Our kids are all out on their own, thank goodness! I've always wanted to write full time and used to make up stories all the time when I was a kid. Like the time when I told everyone I was going to Hollywood to write a movie. I've been a reporter, a fundraiser, a rock band manager and lived in four different states. I love country music, everything from Willie Nelson to Toby Keith. And I’m a chocoholic.

2.) Can you describe your feelings when you received your first contract?

A: Dazed and amazed. I had it sitting on my computer desk and my daughter had come over. I kept looking at it ever two minutes and she finally said, Mom, it isn’t going to change. Honestly. But I kept it in front of me for weeks! I could hardly believe someone actually, finally, wanted to buy something I wrote.

3.) What do you love most about writing - and what do you like least?

A: I love creating the characters and telling their story. They become real people to me and sometimes I can’t write fast enough to get them down on paper. The other thing I love is having someone read the finished manuscript and tell me they love it! What do I like the least? That’s easy. Proofreading!

4.) Which of your books did you find most challenging to write and why?

A: I think they’re all challenging, but my second one, The Hired Wife, was a real challenge because it has a lot of emotion in it and I wanted to be sure it came across to the reader as real, not phoney.

5.) Which of your characters do you like the most and why?

A: I’d have to say two of them: Paige in Love With the Proper Rancher, now available from Triskelion and Kate in Run For Your Life, no release date yet. Both are running from terrible experiences that could defeat them, yet both find the spunk and the guts to throw it back at life and move forward. Especially Kate, who’s running from killers. She finds an inner strength she never knew she had that is what makes her survive. I love women who can handle adversity.

6.) Did you find any characters hard to develop? If so, is there a reason for this?

A: Hmm, let me think. No, I don’t think so. I actually have my character profiles before I flesh out the plot, because the characters speak to me and tell me their stories. Even the villains!

7.) Do any of your books hold a certain fondness in your heart and, if so, why?

A: Run For Your Life. It was the first book I wrote, I finished it in two weeks…and it was awful!!!! I have so many rejections letters in that folder I could make a book of them. But each time the editors were kind enough to send details rejection letters and I soaked everything up. The version I finally sold was #23! I had it with two houses actually, and the one that had it the longest I finally gave a deadline to, because by then I’d signed with Triskelion. The deadline passed, I gave my Triskelion author the okay and not an hour later the other publisher called with an offer. You don’t know how good it felt to say, Sorry! And I’m glad it worked out this way, because Triskelion is very, very good to me.

8.) Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?

A: I have to say – everywhere. Television, books, newspapers, songs, b its and pieces of conversations. They all rattle around in my brain and then. When I’m in the shower, they come racing to the forefront. I tell people I’m the cleanest person in Texas because I take so many showers!

9.) Who is/are your publisher(s), and what are they like to write for?

A: My publishers are Triskelion Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and I just sold my first manuscript to Ellora’s Cave. I’ve just started with EC so I can’t say much except they got back to me right away and sent me a great acceptance letter. But Triskelion and Wild Rose are more than wonderful to work with. They have their act together and take wonderful care of their authors. I would give each of them ten on a scale of one to ten.

10.) If you could be anyone in the world (or universe), who would you be and why?

A: I’d be Kathryn Ross because she’s married to my all-time hottie, Sam Elliott!

11.) What is your favorite genre to write and why?

A: That’s so hard to say. I’d say whatever genre I’m writing at the moment is my favorite, because if I weren‘t in love with it I wouldn’t be writing. And I find I can switch easily from one to the other.

12.) Which genres would you like to try your hand at in the future? Are there any reasons for these choices?

A: Paranormal, just because I haven’t done it and because I’m really getting into shapeshifters

13.) What is your favorite type of story? Any reason for this?

A: Probably romantic suspense, because I grew up reading mysteries. And because four years ago I read Cry No More by Linda Howard and that was the book that really inspired me to write. But I’m pretty eclectic in my tastes. I love Vince Flynn’s political action thrillers, and Shiloh Walker’s hot, hot, hot romances, and Jennifer Crusie’s books crack me up.

14.) Who/What are your favorite:

- authors Lordy, I’m sure to leave someone out. Okay. Linda Howard, Suzanne Brockmann, Joan Johnston, Diana Palmer, Melanie Atkins, Gail Delaney, Linda wisdom, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Robert K. Tananbaum, Karen Rose, Shiloh Walker
- books Watch Over Me by Gail Delaney, Melanie Atkins’ detective series, Mac’s Law by Sarah McCarty, and what I call an adult fairy tale, Trustee From the Tool Room by Nevil Shute. Everyone should read it.
- holiday destinations these days, home. We’ve been every place we want to!
- foods anything chocolate; pizza; Chinese food; steak
- colors blue, any shade
- other? I’m addicted to the television series 24, I’m probably the most fanatical football fan in the country, and I love to read. When I’m not writing, I’m reading.

15.) What advice would you give to anyone who would like to become a published author?

A: Join a writers group and find a critique group. I’m a member of SARA, the San Antonio Romance authors, and they are a wonderfully supportive group. The critique group within SARA has been the most valuable tool for me. I was grass green when I joined, and they showed me how to turn raw material into a saleable manuscript. I owe much of my success to these wonderful women. Talk to other writers and ask what they do and how they do it. But most of all, write!!! Get those ideas on paper and start writing. Enter contests. Keep knocking on doors. Eventually one will open. And never, ever, ever give up.