Jen: This weekend we welcome Shelley Munro to Book Talk. Shelley, will you please share a short bio with us?
Shelley: I live in New Zealand with my husband and a small, bossy dog. I write mostly erotic romance for Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing and dabble in many genres, but my favorites are contemporary and paranormal. Apart from reading, my greatest love is travel and exploring the world. Luckily travel is a passion shared by my husband and we spend many hours planning our trips and considering places, both far and near, to place on our wish list.
Jen: Tell us about Leticia’s Lovers and where it's available.
Shelley: Leticia’s Lovers is book seven in my Middlemarch Mates series, which are stories about feline shapeshifters who live and work in Middlemarch, a small New Zealand town. Leticia’s Lovers is a threesome romance featuring Leticia, Gavin and Charlie. Leticia was a secondary character in an earlier book called Stray Cat Strut. She is a lion shifter and was infected with FIV, the feline version of AIDs by a former boyfriend. She and her brother, Lucas were shunned by family and ended up in New Zealand. At the start of the book, Leticia realizes the FIV that was in remission has returned. She doesn’t think she has any chance of love and has pushed the one man she could love away. After months of rejection, he has turned to another. Leticia tries to be happy for him but jealousy rises and there’s a lovers’ triangle. I think of Leticia’s Lovers as a real love story. It’s a character driven story, and I cried during the writing and editing process.
Readers can purchase Leticia’s Lovers at Ellora’s Cave. http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-6902-127-leticias-lovers.aspx
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Shelley: I’ve always enjoyed reading, and I think writing is a natural progression. I started thinking about writing during my early twenties, but my social life, and one man in particular, interrupted my early writing. After our marriage, my husband and I traveled for six years before returning to New Zealand. I still wanted to write but kept putting it off until I woke up one morning and realized if I didn’t start writing now, I’d never start. That week I noticed an advertisement about a romance writing course at our local university and discovered a magazine article about Romance Writers of New Zealand. I enrolled for the writing course, sent off my fee for the RWNZ and started on my writing path. It took me six years before I sold my first story.
I sold my first story to New Concepts Publishing on 2 Jan 2004. I received an email and shrieked so loudly both my husband and the dog came running. I think I checked that email about twenty times, positive I’d imagined the contents offering me a contract. I sold fairly quickly after that to Ellora’s Cave and also Medallion Press. It was a very exciting time.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Shelley: Adventure. Spicy. Humorous.
Jen: Have you noticed your writer's voice has changed over the years due to your experience? If so, how?
Shelley: I think I’ve remained true to my voice. I tend to write romances with humorous overtones, alpha heroes and slightly quirky heroines. I’ve always enjoyed learning about the writing process and improving my craft, and I like to think my writing is stronger and improving all the time with each successive book. I definitely try different things with each book and experiment a little.
Jen: Do you have a writing routine?
Shelley: I write everyday. I don’t do a huge word count by some standards but I am consistent and I think this is good training when it comes to deadlines. I’m more of a morning person and tend to write more productively during the early part of the day. That said I keep working until I’ve done a set number of words. If I don’t finish in the morning, I continue writing through the afternoon and sometimes into the evening.
Jen: How do you shut out disruptions?
Shelley: They don’t bother me. I can write through just about anything – music, television, lawn mowers, kids and people talking. When I’m writing I tend to block everything else out, which is why a special soundtrack for each book is wasted on me!
Jen: How do you pick the character’s names?
Shelley: I usually start each book with an idea for a scene and this is my starting point for choosing names. I look at the type of story I’m telling, flick through my baby naming book and sometimes the telephone book. If I’m watching TV, I always check out the names on the closing credits.
I have this weird thing where I need the perfect character name before I can start writing. The name has to sound pleasing to my ear when I say it out loud. Once I start writing, I never change my character’s names. They’re stuck with them.
Jen: What is it about the romance genre that appeals to you?
Shelley: I like escaping into books and enjoy romance because of the happy endings. There are so many horrid things that happen in the world, and the knowledge that there will be a happy ending, despite the bumpy road, is comforting.
Jen: What did you do to celebrate the sale of your first book?
Shelley: My husband and I shared a bottle of nice wine and had a special dinner. From memory there was chocolate involved. Every good celebration needs chocolate.
Jen: Is there a genre that you’d like to write? Is there a genre you’ll probably stay away from and why?
Shelley: I’ve dabbled in most genres already. Although I write mostly contemporary and paranormal these days I still write the odd historical or sci-fi romance. It all depends on my story idea. Once I have a story idea I work out the genre that will work best and go from there.
Jen: If you could date any male character from any of your books, who would it be and why?
Shelley: This is a really difficult question, but if I had to choose, I think I’d pick Saber Mitchell from Scarlet Woman, the very first Middlemarch Mates book. He’s alpha and very determined but he has a tender side as well. He cares deeply for his family and friends and would do anything for them. He’s solid and dependable but has an element of danger in him as well.
Jen: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Shelley: I have so many favorites. I like Lora Leigh, Robyn Carr, Jory Strong, Samantha Kane, Lorelei James. The list goes on… I’m about to start reading Along Came Trouble by Sherryl Woods. She’s a new-to-me writer. I’ve just finished reading Lifelines by CJ Lyons and Branded as Trouble by Lorelei James, both really great reads.
Jen: What do you do in your free time?
Shelley: As I mentioned above, I love to travel, either in New Zealand or farther afield. I read a lot and enjoy walking and cycling. Since much of my time is spent sitting I try to exercise often and find walking and cycling perfect. I also enjoy listening to music. I have no talent in that area, but since I don’t have to listen to myself I don’t consider that a problem!
Jen: What's next for you?
Shelley: In my writing I’m working on book nine in my Middlemarch Mates series and also working on a contemporary story that I hope to submit to Samhain Publishing. In my personal life, hubby and I are looking forward to our upcoming holiday to Western Samoa. With our approaching winter down this end of the world, the idea of sun, sand, and fruity cocktails is a very enticing one.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Shelley: My webpage is http://www.shelleymunro.com I blog most days so there’s always something new. http://www.shelleymunro.com/blog
I also have a MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/shelleymunro
And for those who would like to sample some of my writing, I have several free reads available at my website. http://www.shelleymunro.com/free-reads/
My book pages are http://www.jasminejade.com/m-127-shelley-munro.aspx and http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/shelley-munro
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Shelley: Oh, yes! I have a couple of questions for you. Do you read romances in public places i.e. read on buses, in doctor’s offices, airports etc. And the second question—what makes you return to an author’s blog? What keeps you coming back?
Thank you very much for having me at your blog today, Jen. I’ve enjoyed answering your questions.
Jen: And many thanks to you Shelley for being with us on this Easter holiday weekend. Readers, Shelley is giving away to a random commenter their choice of download of any of her Ellora's Cave backlist. So, ask a question or leave a comment and you'll be entered in the drawing. I'll pick a winner sometime in the late afternoon on Easter Sunday, April 12.
Jen: Tell us about Leticia’s Lovers and where it's available.
Shelley: Leticia’s Lovers is book seven in my Middlemarch Mates series, which are stories about feline shapeshifters who live and work in Middlemarch, a small New Zealand town. Leticia’s Lovers is a threesome romance featuring Leticia, Gavin and Charlie. Leticia was a secondary character in an earlier book called Stray Cat Strut. She is a lion shifter and was infected with FIV, the feline version of AIDs by a former boyfriend. She and her brother, Lucas were shunned by family and ended up in New Zealand. At the start of the book, Leticia realizes the FIV that was in remission has returned. She doesn’t think she has any chance of love and has pushed the one man she could love away. After months of rejection, he has turned to another. Leticia tries to be happy for him but jealousy rises and there’s a lovers’ triangle. I think of Leticia’s Lovers as a real love story. It’s a character driven story, and I cried during the writing and editing process.
Readers can purchase Leticia’s Lovers at Ellora’s Cave. http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-6902-127-leticias-lovers.aspx
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Shelley: I’ve always enjoyed reading, and I think writing is a natural progression. I started thinking about writing during my early twenties, but my social life, and one man in particular, interrupted my early writing. After our marriage, my husband and I traveled for six years before returning to New Zealand. I still wanted to write but kept putting it off until I woke up one morning and realized if I didn’t start writing now, I’d never start. That week I noticed an advertisement about a romance writing course at our local university and discovered a magazine article about Romance Writers of New Zealand. I enrolled for the writing course, sent off my fee for the RWNZ and started on my writing path. It took me six years before I sold my first story.
I sold my first story to New Concepts Publishing on 2 Jan 2004. I received an email and shrieked so loudly both my husband and the dog came running. I think I checked that email about twenty times, positive I’d imagined the contents offering me a contract. I sold fairly quickly after that to Ellora’s Cave and also Medallion Press. It was a very exciting time.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Shelley: Adventure. Spicy. Humorous.
Jen: Have you noticed your writer's voice has changed over the years due to your experience? If so, how?
Shelley: I think I’ve remained true to my voice. I tend to write romances with humorous overtones, alpha heroes and slightly quirky heroines. I’ve always enjoyed learning about the writing process and improving my craft, and I like to think my writing is stronger and improving all the time with each successive book. I definitely try different things with each book and experiment a little.
Jen: Do you have a writing routine?
Shelley: I write everyday. I don’t do a huge word count by some standards but I am consistent and I think this is good training when it comes to deadlines. I’m more of a morning person and tend to write more productively during the early part of the day. That said I keep working until I’ve done a set number of words. If I don’t finish in the morning, I continue writing through the afternoon and sometimes into the evening.
Jen: How do you shut out disruptions?
Shelley: They don’t bother me. I can write through just about anything – music, television, lawn mowers, kids and people talking. When I’m writing I tend to block everything else out, which is why a special soundtrack for each book is wasted on me!
Jen: How do you pick the character’s names?
Shelley: I usually start each book with an idea for a scene and this is my starting point for choosing names. I look at the type of story I’m telling, flick through my baby naming book and sometimes the telephone book. If I’m watching TV, I always check out the names on the closing credits.
I have this weird thing where I need the perfect character name before I can start writing. The name has to sound pleasing to my ear when I say it out loud. Once I start writing, I never change my character’s names. They’re stuck with them.
Jen: What is it about the romance genre that appeals to you?
Shelley: I like escaping into books and enjoy romance because of the happy endings. There are so many horrid things that happen in the world, and the knowledge that there will be a happy ending, despite the bumpy road, is comforting.
Jen: What did you do to celebrate the sale of your first book?
Shelley: My husband and I shared a bottle of nice wine and had a special dinner. From memory there was chocolate involved. Every good celebration needs chocolate.
Jen: Is there a genre that you’d like to write? Is there a genre you’ll probably stay away from and why?
Shelley: I’ve dabbled in most genres already. Although I write mostly contemporary and paranormal these days I still write the odd historical or sci-fi romance. It all depends on my story idea. Once I have a story idea I work out the genre that will work best and go from there.
Jen: If you could date any male character from any of your books, who would it be and why?
Shelley: This is a really difficult question, but if I had to choose, I think I’d pick Saber Mitchell from Scarlet Woman, the very first Middlemarch Mates book. He’s alpha and very determined but he has a tender side as well. He cares deeply for his family and friends and would do anything for them. He’s solid and dependable but has an element of danger in him as well.
Jen: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Shelley: I have so many favorites. I like Lora Leigh, Robyn Carr, Jory Strong, Samantha Kane, Lorelei James. The list goes on… I’m about to start reading Along Came Trouble by Sherryl Woods. She’s a new-to-me writer. I’ve just finished reading Lifelines by CJ Lyons and Branded as Trouble by Lorelei James, both really great reads.
Jen: What do you do in your free time?
Shelley: As I mentioned above, I love to travel, either in New Zealand or farther afield. I read a lot and enjoy walking and cycling. Since much of my time is spent sitting I try to exercise often and find walking and cycling perfect. I also enjoy listening to music. I have no talent in that area, but since I don’t have to listen to myself I don’t consider that a problem!
Jen: What's next for you?
Shelley: In my writing I’m working on book nine in my Middlemarch Mates series and also working on a contemporary story that I hope to submit to Samhain Publishing. In my personal life, hubby and I are looking forward to our upcoming holiday to Western Samoa. With our approaching winter down this end of the world, the idea of sun, sand, and fruity cocktails is a very enticing one.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Shelley: My webpage is http://www.shelleymunro.com I blog most days so there’s always something new. http://www.shelleymunro.com/blog
I also have a MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/shelleymunro
And for those who would like to sample some of my writing, I have several free reads available at my website. http://www.shelleymunro.com/free-reads/
My book pages are http://www.jasminejade.com/m-127-shelley-munro.aspx and http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/shelley-munro
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Shelley: Oh, yes! I have a couple of questions for you. Do you read romances in public places i.e. read on buses, in doctor’s offices, airports etc. And the second question—what makes you return to an author’s blog? What keeps you coming back?
Thank you very much for having me at your blog today, Jen. I’ve enjoyed answering your questions.
Jen: And many thanks to you Shelley for being with us on this Easter holiday weekend. Readers, Shelley is giving away to a random commenter their choice of download of any of her Ellora's Cave backlist. So, ask a question or leave a comment and you'll be entered in the drawing. I'll pick a winner sometime in the late afternoon on Easter Sunday, April 12.
Hi Shelley, I enjoyed your interview. Did you get some nice charms for your Pandora bracelet? I have always wnated to visit New Zealand. It looks so beautiful
Shelley, I love your work. The first thing I ever read was Snapped! and that hooked me. I am so envious of your trip to Western Samoa. Take lots of pictures and post them at your web site, please? I can live vicariously! Seriously, have a great, great time.
Hello Shelley,
You wanted to know why readers keep coming back to a blog. For me sometimes it's a contest. I keep coming back to your blog because of the topics and the pictures. Nothing about your blog is the same old thing. I really enjoy your blog.
The other question is yes. I don't care where I am I read my books. If the person doesn't like the cover, they can turn their head.
Have a great day. Happy Easter!!!!
I just love getting to know a fellow author a little better. I envy your freedom to travel so extensively. I wish you much success in all that you do.
Great interview, ladies.
Hi Shelley-- nice interview and interesting questions from Jen.
To answer yours, yes I read romance in public. I keep coming to a blog because of interesting posts and information like yours! I sometimes think-- I wonder what Shelley has on her blog today? I so admire you for your unique topics and of course because you do post about everyday!
Hi, Shelley, and it's nice to meet another Shelley who spells their name as I do. It's not too common...
Anyway, to answer your question, I read romance books anywhere! Especially if I get hooked into a good one and cant put it down. It becomes an attachment to me when I leave the house, just like my purse or cell phone. I even think ahead of when I can find time to read it, like while waiting in the car for the girls to get out of school, waiting in a doctor's office, etc. A good book is a great thing and I get so hooked up in them that I feel I am the heroine.
And what is even better, is when your freinds and family also read it so you can discuss it fully. It drives me crazy when I have read a good book and no one else has...I love to talk about books and pick them apart!
Good question, Shelley.
Good luck to you and best wishes!
I am a man, but I want to try one of your books for fun and adventure into a new world. And Book Talk invited me. Very good interview. It is nice you live in New Zealand.
Best Regards.
Actually my name is Ron Wise. Same thought as above.
Hi Shelley, Great interview! I read erotica so I use book covers, but I usually have a book everywhere I go. What makes me come back to a blog: an interview like yours. It's always interesting to learn a little about the person behind the words.
Hi Shelley, I take my Ebookwise Reader where ever I go, and its always loaded with the latest romance stories, so no more cover questions from strangers, lol.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Shelley,
Great interview! I write for Medallion Press, too, and your versatility as a writer and ability to write across genres is inspiring!
What keeps me coming back to an author's blog is new and fresh content. I get very frustrated when I visit any blog (not just an author's) and the last post was months ago. I've even found some that haven't had a new post in over a year!
Debby - yes, I've received some lovely charms. Hubby and I were just discussing a sale where there is 10% off so it looks as if there will be more charms in my future. ;)
Hi Roberta,
Thanks so much. I enjoy blogging and all my wonderful visitors. I have to agree about people turning their heads. I tend to read my books on an ereader these days. I still get the looks, and I always think to myself - If only you knew.
I think I've become much naughtier as I've aged. :)
Desiree - thank you so much. I've had a bad few days and your comment really boosted me. :)
This is my second visit to Samoa, and I'm really looking forward to the break. It's beautiful and the people are lovely. I thought I'd program photos to appear while I'm away so you'll get your wish.
Kaye - thank you! I'm glad you enjoy my blog. I have some good (or at least I think they are) random topics for next week.
Adelle - thanks. I know I'm very lucky having the freedom to travel quite a bit and a husband who enjoys exploring the world as much as me.
Shelley - you're right. There aren't many of us spelling our name this way. You know those little signs you can buy with your name in novelty stores. They never have our name, although I did find one in California. It's a faux number plate with my name on it and I display it proudly in my office. :)
I hear you about discussing books. There's nothing better than discussing romance with a fellow fan. It's my idea of heaven.
Hi Ron - it's great to meet you. As much as I enjoy traveling, I love living in New Zealand. It's home. :)
J Hali - it's lovely to meet you. I'll admit that I hate interruptions when I'm reading a good book. A risque cover in public definitely brings reactions, which is why I like my ereader.
Cathy - hi! I'm a huge fan of the ereader. I have my books already loaded ready for my holiday. I've been hiding in my writing cave recently, and I can't wait to relax with some good books.
Lisa - I've always enjoyed reading different romance genres and this sort of translated to my writing. All the best with your recent release. I love the time period you've chosen.
LuAnn - I have to agree about content that isn't updated on a regular basis. There's nothing more frustrating. I try to update my blog most days no matter how busy I am. I blog at least five times a week.
Hi Shelley, Can you read Leticia's Lovers without reading the other Mates books?
To answer your question. What type of book I take with me depends where I'm going. To the doctor's office, I'll probably take something a little mainstream looking. To pick up the kids, anything. I really need to get a reader!
Hi Kytaira,
I've tried to write all the latest editions to the series as stand alones. While it will probably increase your enjoyment knowing about the other stories, I think you can read Leticia's Lovers without any problems.
A reader definitely helps when there are kids around, especially if you read the hotter stuff. ;)
Hi Shelley, i always read just about anything anywhere i went, but now i have a reader i do read anything anywhere. they realy are a brillient invention
Hugs
Hollie
xxx
Hi, Shelley! Nice to see you here :) I do sometimes read romances in public places, but depending on who else might be around, I tend to save the hotter covers for more private reading--I prefer not to get into certain discussions yet with my kids or their friends :)
As for what keeps me coming back to an author's blog, mostly it's if I enjoy her voice, and the kinds of conversations she starts using her posts. I also like little updates on her work, and hearing about upcoming stories and that sort of thing.
Western Samoa sounds so beautiful! Is it a long journey for you?
--Fedora
Hi Shelley, feline shapeshifters sound most intriguing! Good luck with your books.
~Tanya
www.tanyahanson.com
Hey Shelley!
I read where ever I go. I have a book with me at all times since I never know when or where I'll have to wait on something to be done.
I love when authors have variety in their blogs, updates on their books, fun stories, pictures and things like that. What keeps me coming back is seeing the new posts. One author sends out an email every time she updates her blog which is really great. I never miss an entry that way.
Hi Shelley! This was my first event I attended and I really enjoyed the content of the interview. I always have a book with me. And they all require a bookcover. I like the way the covers protect my books. I love reading authors blogs for updates and points of view on whatever topic is discussed that day. It also gives me insite into the author thoughts when writing a book. While reading one of the authors books I will think/relate to what the author was feeling in any given situation. Its facinating to me to learn about the author behind the words. Thanks you for sharing your thoughs and have a happy weekend. :D cheers,sue-ellen
Opps,forgot to leave my mail address with my comment above.
Tedebears5@comcast.netsothe
Hi Hollie - I'm very thankful to the person who invented readers. There are so very clever people around, don't you think?
Hugs,
Shell
Hi Fedora,
Western Samoa is beautiful. It's a holiday, yet familiar at the same time because a lot of people from Western Samoa live in NZ, especially in the area I come from. It's about a four-hour flight from memory. It's starting to get cooler here, and I'm looking forward to a dose of extra sunshine. :)
Tanya - it's great to meet you. Thanks so much. I enjoy writing feline shifters. I keep telling my husband it's his fault because he won't let me have a cat. We do have an adorable wee dog instead though. :)
Dani - I carry a book where ever I go as well. I can't imagine a world without books!
Sue-Ellen, thanks so much for visiting. Jen asks some great questions in her interviews. I don't always get time to visit but I do read the posts on my feed and enjoy them very much.
I like to get a glimpse of the author's personality as well. There are some excellent author blogs around.
Great interview, and also interesting discussion on what people like on blogs - I've learned a lot today!
Oh and I agree, Saber Mitchell is gorgeous!
I read romance everywhere! Great interview, Shelley. I wish I could write through destractions... but mine are 10 and 13 and they don't allow me a free thought when they're home!
Christina - thank you. I enjoy blog hopping myself and thought it was a great question to ask. I definitely like updated content. Photos are great too.
Catherine - LOL I'm betting distractions of that age are fairly hard to work through. Can anyone say persistant?
Thanks to everyone who stopped by this weekend. Sorry I wasn't more present, but I seem to have been running around like crazy (and getting ready to head out the door to a hockey game).
I need to announce a winner. So names went in a hat and our winner is Ron Wise. Ron, please email me at admin.bookblog@gmail.com with your email address and your choice of ebook from Shelley's Ellora's Cave backlist (http://www.ellorascave.com/AuthorsBooks.asp?AuthorCode=SMu). I need to hear from you by next Sunday, April 19 or a new winner will be chosen.