Book Birthday and Interview with Carrie Butler

Today, we have Carrie Butler here to talk about her New Adult Paranormal Romance, STRENGTH, which releases today! 

Happy release day, Carrie! 

Thank you, Elizabeth and Dorothy! I'm so happy to be here. :)

We're happy to have you. Tell us a little about yourself.

Right now, I'm focusing on my writing career and doing freelance graphic design on the side. It's a little scary, but the job market has been less-than-stellar for daydreaming marketers in Appalachia. Go figure. *Grins* At least I'm doing what I love!

You're right about that! It makes things much easier when you're doing something you love! 

How long have you been writing?

STRENGTH is my debut novel, but I've been writing "seriously" for a few years now. Before that, my stories went on and on, defying all word count ranges... *shudder*

Ha! I think the ability to "kill your darlings" is one of the last things to develop, as a writer. But, it's such an important step. 

What’s STRENGTH about?

Category: New Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing

When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, she’s stunned. Wallace Blake is everything she’s ever wanted in a man—except he can’t touch her. His uncontrollable strength, a so-called gift from his bloodline, makes every interaction dangerous. And with a secret, supernatural war brewing among his kind, there’s no time to work it out. To keep Wallace in her life, Rena will have to risk a whole lot more than her heart.

Interesting premise, and Wallace Blake sounds absolutely swoon-worthy! How did you come up with the idea for this story?

For years, I'd been toying with the idea of a unique, supernatural race. (Okay, three races.) One night, for whatever reason, I couldn't stop thinking about the concept of balance. I started jotting down notes while listening to music, and "All I Know" (the 2005 Five for Fighting cover) came on. The lyrics sparked something, and the next thing I knew, the romance element had fallen into place.

*Sigh* I love that song...

Okay, now you have to scoop me up off the floor. I love that song, too. And I can see how it was an inspiration.

STRENGTH is considered New Adult. The genre has been getting a lot of press lately. What are your thoughts on the New Adult genre in today's market?

In September, Publishers Weekly reported that over half of young adult sales were coming from adults. Even more surprising, 78% of those adults were buying for themselves! Since new adult (NA) is a category that bridges the gap between YA and adult fiction, it's starting to tap into that lucrative market.

Dozens of publishers—from small presses to the Big 6—have opened their doors to new adult submissions. Some have even launched lines dedicated to the category. I think we're witnessing a period of tremendous growth for NA.

I think you're right! It's an exciting time for NA and NA writers. 

Tell us a bit about your writing process. Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit? 

I had seven critique partners and four beta readers for STRENGTH. Whew! It was a lot of feedback to take on, but it really helped me grow as a writer.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

These days, I'm more of a plotter. I started with Post-It notes and copier paper, moved on to Excel spreadsheets, and then finally found my stride in Scrivener. Now I can't start a book without it!

I hear Scrivener rocks, but I'm still stuck in my pantser ways. Call me stubborn. What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Waiting to get to the "good parts". I never write scenes in order.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

H2O. Gotta keep the ol' brain going.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

"I belieeeeve I can fly!" Seriously, I can't imagine how liberating that must feel.

(Plus, I'm terrified of airplanes.)

Flying would be pretty cool! What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Oh my goodness. I’m probably on so many “watch lists” I remember Googling how to remove bloodstains from sidewalks. That was awkward...

Hehehe! Well, there are LOTS of reasons why you might google that, right? ... Right?

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: anniversary, jumping jacks, and hallucinating.

“Was I hallucinating, or were my parents doing jumping jacks on their anniversary?”

(Because we all know that’s what parents do behind closed doors on their anniversary—jumping jacks.)

I know that's what I'd do on my anniversary,  if I were married. 

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably... 

...thinking about writing. Sad, isn't it? ;)

It doesn't matter what I'm doing—sketching, designing a book cover, doing target practice, etc. My characters refuse to shut up! Thankfully, that seems to be a good thing in this industry.

Yes, it's a very good thing. Who would you like to thank for supporting you and your writing. Let's hear your shout outs.

Oh, what a cool idea! So many people have helped me get to this point, and I would have never made it without them. Let's see...

*Takes a deep breath* Shout-outs to: God, my folks, my sister, my brother-in-law, my nephew, my niece, other family, friends, my publishers (Amy & Katie), my editors, my SSP family, my critique partners, my beta readers, the blogging community, the Twitterverse, my Facebook fans, #NALitChat regulars, book reviewers, and the ever-popular Dorothy Dreyer and Elizabeth Holloway!

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

In March, they'll be able to find STRENGTH on Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Nook, iBooks, Sony Reader Store, Kobo, Diesel, and Baker & Taylor.

Where to find Carrie:

WEBSITE  |  BLOG  |  SSP  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  GOODREADS  |  GOOGLE+ 

Where to find Strength:

BOOK PAGE  |  GOODREADS  |  SSP  |  FACEBOOK  |  PINTEREST  |  BOOK TRAILER

Thank you for joining us today, Carrie! And congratulations!

Today we're chatting with author Elizabeth Arroyo about her novel, THE SECOND SIGN, released by Sapphire Star Publishing. Let's get to know her and her book.

Welcome to We Do Write, Elizabeth.

Thanks for having me!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I've worked in the community for the bulk of my professional career. I write Young Adult novels, enjoy quiet moments, action flicks, and dancing with my four-year-old.

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing since I was fourteen. I've been learning how to write for publication since 2008.

Tell us about THE SECOND SIGN. What’s the story about?

When a demon guardian comes to collect seventeen-year-old Gabby's soul, she refuses to give it up. She’s not a demon. She can’t be. Her father and twin brother are angels. The demon gives Gabby twenty-four hours to decide her allegiance, and then starts killing her short list of friends, leaving a message behind: She is the Second Sign.

As Gabby and Jake--her almost boyfriend-- begin to unravel the mystery behind the Second Sign, she learns Jake may be the key to saving her soul. But it means a sacrifice has to be made that will change their lives forever.


How did the idea of the story come to you?

It actually came to me in a dream. Lame, I know. But that one scene led to the next and on it went.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have found some awesome critique partners and beta readers. For The Second Sign I had two adult readers and one teen reader. I couldn't have done it without them.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I'm a bit of both. I usually write the inciting incident blindly. I usually see a scene in my head and write it as it comes to me. Then, I usually begin plotting major plot points and how I'm going to get my characters there. I've become more of a plotter.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part for me is finding that right word. Sometimes a scene is incomplete because I'm not happy with the visual or mood because I'm missing that word. It's there on the tip of my tongue, but it takes me a few revisions to find it.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

A notebook...and lots of coffee.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Teleporting. That would be fun.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Hm...the physical symptoms of drowning.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: signature, tremendous, and disassemble.

I've disassembled my signature with tremendous effort.

Does that count?

Sure! Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... dancing with my daughter.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

I would like to thank my sisters Edith and Judy and my brother-in-law Enrique for being my first cheerleaders.

I'd like to thank my awesome critique partner, Anita Saxena, for telling me this is the one.
She was right. And to my awesome beta readers, Christine Rains, for braving an early draft and my teen reader, Andrea, for providing great feedback. I couldn’t have done this without them.

I'd like to thank my kids for sharing me with a computer every night. My two oldest--Angel and Jaycee--for giving me some morbid ideas on how to scare folks. I'm burning SAW from our collection of movies.

Thanks to the team at Sapphire Star Publishing for their awesome support and to the wonderful writing community who have inspired me to keep moving forward. Thanks!

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

I can be found at:
Website: http://www.elizabetharroyo.com
Blog: http://chandarawrites.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabetharroyo.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EArroyo5

Watch Trailer at http://youtu.be/omcmt6q8PIw

The Second Sign is available to purchase from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Amazon http://amzn.com/1938404300

B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-second-sign-elizabeth-arroyo/1114135496?ean=9781938404306

Book Launch: Sophie's Run by Nicky Wells PLUS Giveaway

Today marks the launch of SOPHIE'S RUN by author Nicky Wells, released by Sapphire Star Publishing. Let's catch up with Nicky and find out about her new book.

Welcome back, Nicky! Tell us about what's been going on with your series since we last spoke.

Ah, Dorothy, the series is positively blooming! Sophie's Turn has been out since last September, when we last connected, and has received some fabulous reviews, some of which completely bowled me over. I get quite tearful when I get a fabulous review! Since then, I have been busy editing and polishing the second book, Sophie's Run, whose launch we're celebrating today. And I am also eighty percent through writing the final and concluding part of the Rock Star Romance Trilogy. Titled Sophie's Encore, the third book will be with you in September 2013.

As if that weren't enough, I have also been germinating ideas for book four, which will be a new start but still involve plenty of rock and roll, as you would expect from a 'rock lit' author.

Wow, sounds like an amazing series. How have the stakes been raised in the new book?

Sophie's Run has everything you want from a rocking romance, and I mean everything. Glamour, glitz, intrigue, romance, rock music, a couple of weddings, betrayal, travel, a fire, an exploding cake, a gorgeous rock star and a dashing male nurse. Have I captured your imagination yet? Brilliant! :-)

So, then. Sophie's Run continues the story of the romance between girl-next-door Sophie and rock star Dan. However, the path towards true love is never straight and even, as Sophie is about to discover. Luckily, Dan remains her rock while life takes her on... shall we say, a little detour?

Here's the blurb:

So she has finally found the man of her dreams! Well… she knows who he is, even though she hasn’t actually quite met him yet. But she misses her opportunity, and then her life goes crazy. Rock star and ex-fiancé, Dan, keeps getting in the way of her new romance—even if he is just trying to be helpful. A fire, an impromptu mini-trip with Dan, and a dreaded wedding later, Sophie is still struggling to meet the love of her life. Then, just as she is getting it together with her perfect man, best friend Rachel commits an act of unspeakable betrayal.

Sophie has had enough. Confused and distraught, she decides that it is time for radical change. Surprising herself and shocking her friends, she embarks on a secret journey and eventually gets her life back on track.

Do you read the same genre you write, or do you read other genres?

I'm a voracios reader, and always have been. I read almost everything, apart from Horror and Sci-Fi. Romance and chick lit are firm favourites, but I also read contemporary fiction, crime and historical fiction.

Right now, I'm also rediscovering the un-guilty pleasure of reading The Famous Five with my children. I love watching their faces when the story develops and the gold/treasure/papers/secret passageway is about to be discovered. Speaking also from an adult's and an author's perspective, I have a totally new-found respect for how Enid Blyton manages to develop plots so quickly with foreshadowing and a fair bit of dramatic irony at a level that is accessible to children and still interesting to adults. I'm fairly certain a modern editor would accuse her of head-hopping (Insights into Timmy-the-dog's head ~ yes, they happen!) but I am loving every minute of it. I am thrilled and grateful how these books are introducing my boys to the real, intense pleasure of reading. Writing a children's book with the same impact continues to be on my bucket list!

Remind our readers where we can find you and your books.

Visit me on my blog where you can find articles, interviews, radio interviews and, of course, an ongoing update on my work in progress. You can also follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook. I am a featured author on the innovative reader/author project, loveahappyending.com and have joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association. I also have author pages at Sapphire Star Publishing, Amazon and, of course, Goodreads.

Sophie’s Run is now available in Kindle edition from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk, and in Paperbackedition from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. You can also get the paperback at Barnes & Noble, or downloadSophie’s Run onto your Nook (coming soon).

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us, Nicky. Best of luck with your awesome series!

Nicky Wells is giving away one delicious chocolate gift to a lucky winner in the UK or North America!

The small print: This Gift prize is a product of Unique Chocolate. The Gift prize is subject to availability in your country. If the Gift prize is not available in your country, Nicky Wells reserves the right to offer a substitute gift prize of a similar nature at her discretion. Nicky Wells will require the winner’s postal address for shipping purposes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OTI2ZmY2ZjlkMzQ0YzMxZGFhOTJkMzFjZjBhY2Q2OjA=/

Bonus Giveaway

Nicky Wells offers a giveaway of one Amazon gift voucher worth $20/£15 for one lucky winner. To enter, simply share your thoughts on Sophie’s Run with Nicky. Email your comment to nickywells@sapphirestarpublishing.com and your name will be entered into the draw. Competition closes 1 May 2013.

Book Launch: Jesse's Soul by Amy Gregory

Racing to Love – Jesse’s Soul (Book #2)

Jesse Frost lived the life most men would kill for.  Fast bikes, fame, money and good looks.  However, he wasn’t a man that gave as much thought to that as most.  Jesse was just an easy-going guy from a small speck of a town in Texas, a guy that worked hard for everything he had achieved in life.  When everything else seemed to go his way, it was women that left him disheartened, and finding the right one always seemed to be just out of his grasp.  After a run-in with his high-school crush left him even more confused and emptier than ever before, he had decided he would never find the type of love his best friend Carter had with Molly.

Emery Kincaid had a last name that was revered in their world.  Born into a world of gas, grease and speed, she was a woman in a man’s world, but she grew up more comfortable with a wrench in her hand than a doll.  Irish through and through, she has the temper and sass to boot, and a reputation that precedes her.  Determined to carry-on her family’s legacy, despite the chromosomes she was born with, she works harder than any man she’s come across and never backs down.  However, things aren’t always what they seem.  Emery had remained strong because she’s had no other choice, but the pain she masks runs deep and hiding it is the only way she can survive.

Thrown together by circumstance, and forced to be in each other’s space day in and day out, sparks start to fly—from chemistry and the brakes Emery desperately tries to throw on.  Without a doubt in his mind, Jesse knows he has finally found her, but the girl that stole his heart has a stubborn streak a country mile wide.  

What Emery doesn’t realize about Jesse is that he’s a competitive guy, by nature and by profession, and he has no intentions of letting her slip through his fingers.  Not when she is the first woman to understand him, to appreciate his dedication to his career and well, the fact that she’s beautiful is just the icing on the cake in his mind.  It is what Jesse doesn’t know that could break his gentle heart.  Hiding her true feelings for him is the only way for Emery to protect him, and in turn—herself.  She barely made it out the first time.  If she lets Jesse in and he walked away well, that’s a risk her heart can’t take.

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/UkMsdo

Barnes & Noble:  http://bit.ly/12YHKIV

Website:  http://www.amygregory548.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AmyGregory548

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/amygregoryauthor548?ref=hl

Interview with Gary Kassay

Today marks the release of Gary Kassay's new novel, MURDER BY PROPHECY. Let's welcome Gary to the blog to talk about his book.

Happy release day, Gary! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in New York City and have had several careers. I’ve been a baker, X-Ray Tech, K-9 cop for NY, professional photographer, business owner and a Detective, whew! I was married to my H.S. sweetheart who passed away and am currently lucky enough to have found love a second time and I am married again. I have four children, four grandchildren and two grandchildren on the way. Oh, and five four legged children in the house as well.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing the first book in the Duke Becker Series in my head back in 1982. I put pen to paper, literally, in 2004.

Tell us about MURDER BY PROPHECY. What’s the story about?

Murder by Prophecy is a story of both revenge and redemption, on closing a door on a life behind and opening the door on a new one. And of course about Duke Becker, his wife Liz and the squad that make up Special Investigations Homicide.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

After many people read Murder in Silence, I suddenly had a demand for a sequel. One day I was walking in the city and came upon a sight that inspired me for this second in the series.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I try to self edit..ha, ha..but I owe all the editing to Amy at Sapphire Star Publishing and her fellow editors, Katie and Devyn.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I plot my books with a general idea of where I want it to go and then I turn into a pantser and write each chapter, well, by the seat of my pants.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Finding the time to do it.

I hear ya! What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

A distraction when I want it…like my dogs to play with when I need a break. I tend to get into the writing and may not stop for several hours.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Invisibility…I think with that you could almost do anything.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Myself.

LOL. Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: prophecy, penguins, and peculiar.

He had to figure out what was meant by the prophecy as soon as possible or the peculiar penguins would be destroyed.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ..

Enjoying my time with my wife and animals..

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

I have to thank my wife, Raella, first and foremost for understanding the time it takes to make a novel happen. Of course a huge shoutout to my publishers, Amy, Katie and Devyn who have given me tremendous support. Next all of the authors who have given me support and tweeted me along the way and finally to my fans who write to me and tell me about their reading experience with Duke Becker. And last, to you for allowing me to answer these questions. Thanks!

My pleasure! And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

 The books are available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and several other sites.

Thanks for chatting with us today, Gary. I wish you the best of luck with your new release!

Cover Reveal: The Second Sign by Elizabeth Arroyo

I'm happy to take part in Elizabeth Arroyo's cover reveal tour of THE SECOND SIGN from Sapphire Star Publishing. What a stunning cover!

Bred to believe in the war between angels and demons, Gabby has come to the conclusion that love is responsible for war, jealousy, and all the other deadly sins she can think of. So when she’s exiled to the middle of nowhere for getting kicked out of her fifth school for fighting, she doesn't expect to meet Jake. Much less fall in love. But Jake is quickly drawn to the eerie beauty of her violet eyes while Gabby is unsettled by their undeniable connection.

When a demon guardian comes to collect her soul, she refuses to give it up. She’s not a demon. She can’t be. Her father and twin brother are angels. The demon gives Gabby twenty-four hours to decide her allegiance, and then starts killing her short list of friends, leaving a message behind: She is the Second Sign.

As Gabby and Jake begin to unravel the mystery behind the Second Sign, she learns Jake may be the key to saving her soul. But it means a sacrifice has to be made that will change their lives forever.

Check out Elizabeth:

Website: www.elizabetharroyo.com
Blog: http://chandarawrites.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EArroyo5
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/elizabetharroyo.author

Interview with Nancy S Thompson

Today we're talking with author Nancy S. Thompson about her new release, THE MISTAKEN.

Hi, Nancy, welcome to We Do Write! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Well, I lived most of my life in the San Francisco Bay Area, but eight years ago, my family moved to the Seattle Puget Sound Area. I’m married to my “high school sweetheart” though we didn’t actually meet in high school. We have one son, age 17, who is just starting his freshman year at Arizona State University. And although I am an interior/architectural designer and have run my own business since 1997, my new passion and focus is writing.

How long have you been writing?

Unlike most writers I know, I never had that lifelong passion to write, though I’ve always loved to do it. I was bitten by the bug in March 2010, in one moment of divine inspiration.

Tell us about THE MISTAKEN. What's the story about?

It’s basically a story of revenge gone horribly wrong, but it’s also about a man who desperately wants to free his brother from the muck and mire of San Francisco’s Russian Mafia.

Here’s the short synopsis:

All Tyler Karras wants is to enjoy life with his expectant bride; what he gets instead is a graveside seat at her funeral. With the woman who killed her uncharged and still free, all Ty wants now is revenge.

His brother, Nick, has dangerous connections and suggests a sadistic plan: grab the woman responsible and hand her over to his associates—sex-traffickers in San Francisco’s Russian Mafia. They offer Ty more than he dreamed possible. In exchange for the woman, they’ll finally let his brother leave the business for good—with his debt wiped clean and his heart still beating.

There’s just one problem: Ty kidnaps the wrong woman.

Now he must protect Hannah Maguire from the very enemy he's unleashed, but the Russians are holding Nick as leverage to force Ty to complete their deal. Caught in a no-win situation, Ty must find a way to save himself, his brother, and the woman, but with the Russian Mafia, even two out of three makes for very long odds.

Sounds like an exciting read! How did the idea of the story come to you?

It came to me while driving around in my convertible on a rare sunny Seattle afternoon. A new song I had recently downloaded onto my iPod, Hurricane by 30 Seconds To Mars, began to play, and I was struck by the lyrics: “Tell me, would you kill to save a life, would you kill to prove you’re right?” When I heard that, I wondered, what could make a good man do something truly awful, and could he ever find his way back to the man he use to be? From there, a story was borne. I used elements and experiences from my past to mold the story, but it’s all fiction.

Great inspiration! Are you a planner or a pantser?

This is a difficult question. I used to think I was a hardcore plotter because I wrote an extensive outline before I ever sat down at my computer and started typing. But now I’m thinking I’m actually a pantser because that outline was really more of a first draft, albeit handwritten and incomplete without dialogue, setting, or detail, but still, a first draft. So while I did constantly jot down notes, my story—which came to me whole—was first written in a stream-of-consciousness format, so I think that actually makes me a pantser.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Hm, well, I don’t think there is a hard part for me really, at least not for The Mistaken. The story poured out of me in a few short weeks. Now that I’m writing my second book, I find that while the story came to me nearly whole, it’s not quite as fleshed out as The Mistaken was, so I would say, at this point, just completing the story concept and plot. But for the most part, writing comes to me pretty easily. I even love revising. It’s everything else that I find difficult, like blogging, building a platform, and all the publishing stuff. It kind of gets in the way of the writing.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

I need my notes, what I’ve always called my outline, but what is really that handwritten first draft. It’s my roadmap. Second to that, I need the TV on, but turned down low so I can hear it, but not quite understand what is being said. I can’t stand a quiet house.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to fly, but that’s not very practical and I am a practical girl, so I’d have to go with invisibility. That would enable me to insert myself into any situation and just soak in the intrigue and drama of all that is going on around me. I could go anywhere and learn anything and no one would be any wiser. How cool is that?

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Of all time? Geez, that’s hard to say, but recently I Googled whether or not the hotel room doors at the Four Seasons San Francisco have peep holes. (They do.) Not too exciting, I know.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: Oreos, competition, and deflated.

With the competition over, and her shoulders deflated in loss, Marie stepped off the stage risers and trudged away, her only consolation, the lone Oreo left in her hand.

LOL, well at least she's got that. ;) Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Of course, my greatest thanks go out to my husband and son who allowed me this crazy obsession of writing this book. I also need to thank Katie Henson and Amy Lichtenhan at Sapphire Star Publishing for believing in me and my story, and for giving me such an awesome opportunity. But more than anyone, I want to thank author Lisa Regan. She started off as a critique partner and turned into my closest friend and ally. More than that, she taught me almost everything I know about writing, and whipped my book into publishable shape. Without her, I’d be nowhere.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

The Mistaken will be released via Amazon on October 18, 2012, where you can get either the trade paperback or the e-book version. As for me, you can find and follow me on my blog, on Twitter and Facebook, or on Goodreads where my book, The Mistaken, also has its own page. I’m also on the Sapphire Star Publishing website.

Interview with Blue Remy

Today we welcome author Blue Remy to chat about her book FROM HEL, WITH LOVE, published by Sapphire Star Publishing.

Hello, Blue! Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I don't like talking about myself at all. I'm not even sure where to start really. I'm Aquarius, I am the GM of a movie theatre, married for seven years. I happen to be a total WonderWoman geek and comic book nerd. I'm addicted to coffee and cupcakes.

Coffee and Cupcakes, I'm with you there! How long have you been writing?

Since I can remember. I really started focusing on my writing in high school, then I found AOL and Rhy'Din. I started writing there and have been hooked since.

Tell us about FROM HEL, WITH LOVE. What's the story about?

From Hel is really a stepping stone to The XIII Hour series. It is about a character named Raven Aquilus, who is a fallen Valkyrie, or a High Daemon, who runs the Nine Gates of Hell. The guardians that watch the Gates are being killed and she must figure out why. It introduces a plethora of characters and preternatural beings that other books in the series will focus on, though the series still revolves around Raven and her crew. Most of the books are based on faery tales, from the "evil" characters point of view. There is Queen Grimmhilde from Snow White, the big bad wolf from Red Riding Hood, Sheriff of Nottingham and Little John, even Guinevere. Here is the synopsis of From Hel, With Love:

Hel hath no fury like her Raven scorned…

All hell is breaking loose. High Daemon, Raven Aquilus, and her motley crew find out that the guardians of the Nine Gates of Hell are being murdered one by one, landing them in the middle of an ancient war between the Daemons and the Fae.

FBI Paranormal Agent Duncan O’Brien is brought in to investigate the brutal murders, but he is completely blind to the fact that he has landed in a High Daemon’s domain. Time is running out and Raven must enlist Duncan and his team to help discover the killer before she loses another one of her precious Guardians.

Duncan is the epitome of control, but even he is not immune to Raven’s beauty and magnetism. Raven is an enigma wrapped up in the body of lust, and attracted to a human. Both must fight their emotions to work together.

Raven faces losing everything from her life to a new found love in order to save the Underworld from being ruled by a jealous half breed.

Welcome the XIII Hour series. Betrayal, Lust, Love, Murder, Jealousy and Revenge. The faery-tales that your mother never told you about just came true.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I have been interested in theology since I was in High School, especially myths and legends. My grandmother introduced me to The Brothers Grimm and their faery tales, and I was hooked. My twisted brain came up with the idea of mixing it all and coming up with Raven, then with her back ground, adding history and other goodies... BAM! The XIII Hour was born.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

Yikes, both? Raven is hard to plan. I pen out everything first, then I start transposing it to the computer. Raven is so bipolar and psychotic, it never turns out how I had it planned.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you? 

Honestly? -laughs- Sex scenes. I don't do sexy. I'm a total TomBoy. You should have seen me freaking out when I wrote the scene in From Hell. I sent it to a good friend of mine who writes erotica and when she told me I made her tingle, I know my jaw dropped to the floor. It's the hardest thing ever for me to write.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Coffee.

*craves coffee* *and cupcakes* If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Oh wow, there's totally too many to even contemplate having... Comic book geek, remember?

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Uhm, uhh ... You got me there. Everything I google seems normal to me. I google WonderWoman stuff, Living Dead Dolls, I googled tiara's before, since I wanted one. Which I own now, since I'm Sapphire Star's Dark Princess ;-)

Awesome! Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: exhausted, flippant, and flip chart.

Raven is always flippant when she gets exhausted, to the point of taking a flip chart to prop her up on the bar.

LOL! Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Sapphire Star, of course. With out them, I wouldn't be here. They saw something in Raven (I think they're scared of her lol) and Amy & Katie for putting up with my kazillion phone calls, Amy Gregory - Because she has put up with so much of my venting with the book, and the fact she actually critiqued some of it and she doesn't read my genre. Charity Parkerson - if it wasn't for her pushing me to get From Hel out there, I never would have approached SSP, she is a huge reason why I'm even exposed. My hubby - He pushes me when I need it, he listens to my ideas and lets me know if they suck or to roll with it, and he tells me all the law enforcement info that I need to cover characters and things I need to research.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

sblueremy.com
facebook.com/theblueremy
facebook.com/blues13thhour
facebook.com/quothetheraven
twitter: @blue_remy
blue-remy.blogspot.com
http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/fromhelwithlove

Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Blue. Your book sounds amazing, I can't wait to read it!

Interview with Dana Mason

Today we're chatting with author Dana Mason about her book DANGEROUS EMBRACE.

Welcome, Dana. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi Dorothy, and thank you for inviting me to your blog. As a new author, the idea of doing interviews is a little intimidating, but I’ll do my best to keep it interesting. My personal tag line is “Mother-Writer-Person in training.” I guess you could say, expert at nothing, experienced at everything.
Let’s start with the mother side of me. I have two beautiful daughters and a beautiful little boy who isn’t so little anymore. They keep me grounded and remind me regularly that there is more to life than work.

Writer: I’m a debut author who still has a lot to learn, but I learn something new every day. Today I learned that it’s harder to talk about yourself than you might think.


Person: Like I said, I’m an expert at nothing but experienced at . . . well I’ve done a lot and seen a lot, yet life still manages to surprise me regularly. I’m a planner who tends to toss the plan out of the window and fly by the seat of my pants.

I spend my days at a large University managing a small continuing education department. I spend my nights between laughing at the dinner table with my family and at my laptop, running wild with my favorite fictional people. I’m also on the board for the local Art’s Council. That’s been an interesting experience, talk about a variety of different people. Maybe I’ll write a book about it one day.

You lead a busy life. How long have you been writing?

I started writing seriously about three years ago. I’ve always been an avid reader but never really put pen to paper until the two main characters for my novel popped into my head. I spent the next few months mulling over the two of them until the story idea eventually came to me in a morning news story.

Tell us about DANGEROUS EMBRACE. What's the story about?

Dangerous Embrace is about second chances and not taking life or people for granted. The story begins with Sarah getting attacked when leaving work one evening. She escapes the attacker and runs away . . . directly into Mark. Needless to say, Mark is happy she got away, but a little disappointed he didn’t get to nab the guy that attacked her.

Here’s a synopsis:

Sarah Jennings wants nothing more than a quiet life—alone.

Raised by an eccentric mother, their life on the road only taught her how to run away from hard times. But when she finds herself in an abusive relationship, this lesson serves her well.  

Now, back in her hometown, she's found a place she loves. She’s a first grade teacher, and with few friends and less family around, she has what she wants, a quiet life under the radar where she can be free of her past and live quietly. Finally comfortable in her own skin, she’s settled, and less fearful than she’s ever been in her life.

But it only took one night and one act of violence for everything to change. Injured and afraid, Sarah wants to run again, but Mark Summors refuses to let her go.

Just when Sarah thinks she can have Mark and the life he promises, her past comes back to haunt her.

***

Mark Summors was born and raised in Santa Rosa. He married his high school sweetheart and never questioned his life, until he found his wife with another man.

Now divorced, he wants something more. He’s passionate about his job, he wants to protect people, and he devotes his life to it.

This time he’s protecting more than just another client, he’s protecting his future; at least, Sarah Jennings will be his future, when he convinces her she loves him.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I already had character outlines, I just needed a hook and little help with the plot. I was drinking my coffee, watching the morning news and there is was, ‘woman fights off attacker after being thrown into the bushes and assaulted’. Aha! I immediately grabbed my notebook and started taking notes. What’s better than a woman fighting off an attacker and ultimately getting the best of him? It was the perfect story to fit my characters. I loved it right away. Sarah is strong and she’s a fighter, refusing to let a man take from her again. She needed to save herself. Of course I let Mark do a little saving in the story too, but I wanted Sarah to be a strong woman, yet vulnerable enough to need Mark’s help. The plot blossomed from there.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

A little of both. When it comes to characters, I’m a planner. I spend weeks working on characters, getting everything right, from the way they look to their favorite catch phrases. When it comes to plot, I’m a pantser. I just need a vague idea and I can go from there. As long as I have a solid character to work with, I can write for days without ever looking up from the laptop. They take over the story, and if I try to harness that or control it, my creativity is smothered. I’ve tried to outline and I’ve tried to make lists, charts, you name it and I’ve tried it. They don’t work for me.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Time. There isn’t enough hours in the day. I have a full time day job with an 80 mile roundtrip commute and three kids. Writing time is limited. Fortunately I have a very considerate family and a very helpful husband. He does all the laundry. ☺ Yes, I’m bragging. My teenage girls also do a lot of the house work. It’s difficult to juggle writing and family, but I love both so I manage.

I hear ya. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing? 

Music. I must have music to concentrate. I know it’s odd, but true. Not loud music, I keep the volume down, but I need to have it on. A dictionary is always within reach as well as a book called ‘100 Words for Lovers’ by American Heritage Dictionaries. I also have a little alabaster owl that sits on my desk, I’ve named him Piccolo. He makes me smile.

How cute! If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Super human strength. One of my pet peeves in not being able to open a jar or lift a box. If I have to ask my husband to open a jar, it’s usually after I’ve tried for 10 minutes and I’m near tears. Which makes him laugh and makes me angrier, but I have to ask the question, what if he wasn’t here. I don’t like asking for help, my own weakness bothers me. I wouldn’t mind being able to fly either, since I’m short and always need him to reach things for me.


What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Ahh, hum . . . good question. Let’s just say, I’m surprised the FBI hasn’t shown up on my doorstep yet. Okay, serious answer. This week I googled ‘how to fire your hair stylist’. I’ve googled a lot about missing kids, kidnapping, rape, and abandoned babies. Also current laws regarding rape convictions and punishments. All for my current novel or other works in progress.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: depository, dishwasher, and embargo.

I put an embargo on the depository of dirty dishes because this dishwasher is on vacation.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.


Oh where to start…?
Amy and Katie at Sapphire Star Publishing have made my dreams come true. They really are the greatest. I hate to gush, and I know that all the Sapphire Star authors praise them a lot too, but it’s all true. They’re patient, caring, thoughtful, and they’re always available. Most important, they listen.

I’d also like to thank my family for sharing me with my characters. They are more understanding than they have to be, and I love them for it. My extended family have been very supportive too, Facebooking and Tweeting news about my book. It’s been heartwarming to see them all come together for me and my romance novel.

I’d like the thank you, Dorothy, for inviting me to be here today. Also the writing community in general, writers are truly generous. It’s been a great surprise to see everyone so supportive and helpful. 

You're very welcome. And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danamasonromance?ref=hl
Twitter: @danamason06
Website: http://danamasonromance.com/
Sapphire Star Publishing Author page: http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/danamason/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440793.Dana_Mason 

Dangerous Embrace will be release October 4, 2012. You can find it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Interview with Nicky Wells

Today we're chatting with author Nicky Wells about her new book, SOPHIE'S TURN, published by Sapphire Star Publishing.

Welcome, Nicky! Tell us a bit about yourself.

(Nicky laughs uncertainly: where to start?) I’m a writer, as well as a mother and wife. I love rock music, as you probably guessed, and have been known, in a previous life, to carry a torch for the odd rock singer or three. Luckily, none of these crushes ever came to anything or I wouldn’t have met my lovely husband! That said, he does sing and he does play the guitar… so the music theme is there. People say I am funny with a wicked sense of humour. I wouldn’t know about that, of course. I’m German by birth and not supposed to have a sense of humour, wicked or otherwise.

How long have you been writing?

That’s not an easy question to answer. In some capacity, I have been writing all my life. Yes, I know, everybody says that, but it’s true! I wrote Sophie’s Turn when I was pregnant with my first child almost eight years ago. That was my first serious incident of novel writing, and it took about four months. Then, baby boy came along and turned my world upside down, so writing took a backseat (to put it mildly). I picked the thread up again last year after I decided to launch Sophie’s Turn upon the world and realised that the story was far from over.

Tell us about SOPHIE'S TURN. What's the story about?

Sophie’s Turn is the story of one young woman’s inadvertent entanglement with a rock star. Sophie’s dream of marrying lead singer Dan could be within reach… if she could just figure out what to do about her engagement to boyfriend Tim. Glamorous, funny, charming and honest, this contemporary fairy tale traces how Sophie gets into her predicament and how she turns it around.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I blame my husband. He knows I have this weak spot for rock stars, and he can never resist a little dig. One night, when we were watching telly, a clip came on featuring either a rock star or one of my favourite movie stars, I can’t recall now who. It doesn’t matter, anyway; what matters is that I said something along the lines of, “wow, how could a girl ever resist if he proposed?” And my husband replied drily, “well, good job you’re already married to me.” We both laughed but that night, when I couldn’t sleep (remember, I was quite highly pregnant), the idea ricocheted round my head: what if…? I started planning the very next day!

Are you a planner or a pantser?

A planner, definitely. My first ever secret and deeply embarrassing attempt at writing was an off-the-cuff, barely planned, rushed and frantic affair produced over ten days. It was… alright, but it made me cringe when I read it again. The plot was inconsistent, full of holes, and occasionally even contradicted itself. I buried that attempt in the attic (I might have burned it since… the manuscript, not the attic) and learnt my lesson. Now, I plan.

I plan in several stages. First comes the concept or main idea. I develop a flowchart of key events around that, the kind of ‘red thread.’ From there, I develop outlines for scenes and character profiles. The last stage of planning for me is producing a one-page outline of each chapter or major part of the plot, and it’s from those ‘crib’ sheets (usually about 20) that I eventually write.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Now, the hardest part is remembering to use American spellings!! Ok, seriously, the hardest part of writing is the editing and polishing. It’s fun, but it’s stretching. When you’ve read and dissected your manuscript for the 15th time, you eventually reach the point when words lose their meaning, sentences don’t make sense, and the whole story seems to disintegrate in front of you. Incidentally, that’s usually the point at which you’ve done enough!

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

A cup of tea. And chocolate!

Oh yes, amen to the chocolate! If you could have any super power, what would it be?

If I could have any super power, I would get by without any sleep. My goodness, my life would be transformed. Think of all the novels I could write in the dead of night while everyone else was sleeping?

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

The weirdest thing I’ve googled… well, let me tell you about the thing with the weirdest and most unexpected results. It flagged me up on the company firewall, no doubt (I was working for a research consultancy at that point) and it made me cringe.

You see, my then manager was leaving the company to go to law school. I was in charge of finding a jokey leaving present to lighten the mood at her official departure ceremony. I thought it would be a great idea to give her a huge, inflatable plastic gavel. So I googled… large, inflatable plastic gavel.

I leave it to your imagination what kind of results I got. I’d had no idea I’d stumbled into kinky-land!

LOL, that's hysterical! Okay, quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: envelope, tree tops, and marmalade.

A confused and disconcerted Tarzan sitting high amongst the tree tops turned the brown enveloped marked ‘final demand’ over and over in his hands, his sticky marmalade fingers making a pretty pattern on the recycled paper.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

YAY! A huge big Thank You shout out goes to the following people:
~My husband, of course, for his unfaltering belief and unwavering support. Thank you for cooking dinner yet again while I work!
~everyone at Sapphire Star Publishing, especially Amy and Katie: you guys rock
~Linn B. Halton, for all her support and advice
~All the amazing authors and associate readers over at Loveahappyending.com: you are my writing family, and your good humour and never ending cheer keep me going!
~Shaz Goodwin, for showing me the ropes on the blogging front
~Sue Fortin for being the best writing buddy one could ever imagine

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

You can find me on my blog where I post articles, interviews, radio interviews and, of course, an ongoing update on my work in progress, the second and third parts of the Rock Star Romance Trilogy. You can also follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook. I’m a featured author with the innovative reader/author project, loveahappyending.com and have joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Oh, and I have author pages with Sapphire Star Publishing and on Goodreads, of course! ☺

Sophie’s Turn is available in Kindle edition from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk and many other Amazon sites. The paperback edition is also available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. In addition, you can obtainSophie’s Turn from Barnes & Noble.