Jen: Today we welcome Nolwynn Ardennes to Book Talk. Nolwynn, will you please share a short bio with us?
Nolwynn: Hey Jen, hello everyone! It’s really awesome to be here with you all today – thanks for this opportunity.
So about me – I’m married and a stay-at-home mom, clocking close to the big 3-0, though I gotta say that on most days this teeny little fact doesn’t really faze me. The reason, which most moms will understand, is that kids really make you feel old, and they do not hesitate to let you know quite forcefully that you’re, well, old. This comes from the mouth of a precocious six-year old boy (aren’t they all precocious today?). My buffer and anchor then comes through said six-year-old’s father, my wonderful husband of eight years. I know I define myself a lot through the relationships I uphold in my life, but that’s something I strongly believe in – relationships. They’re our glue and our strength.
Other than that, well, I’m a writer (I’m trying hard to forget the laundry-cleaning-cooking-housekeeping part of me I should be better acquainted with!)
Jen: Tell us about Storms in a Shot Glass and where it's available.
Nolwynn: Storms in a shot Glass is a contemporary romance set in the quirky world of the London rich and famous. It’s a story that strongly features everything that could go wrong in two people’s lives when they meet and this meeting happens to take place before the eyes of rabid paparazzi and tabloid reporters.
The heroine, Jane Smithers, is a personal assistant who is single and quite lonely. Imagine her surprise then when she finds out through a random doctor’s appointment that she is pregnant! A baby fits nowhere into her plans— wait, what plans? Jane has no plan, except to get on with every day as it comes. The reason behind this sad fact – an immature boss who thinks Jane should be his therapist, lunatic Russian twins and models who think Jane is their makeover/good deed permanent project, and a mother who would make the biggest villain of a soap opera appear like a saint.
Enter the hero – Michael Rinaldi. Michael, a corporate lawyer, has a plan – get his estranged father out of his mother’s life when it looks like the old cad is trying towards reconciliation. How to do this – enlist the help (through blackmail, coercion, whatever hostile tactic) of said cad’s PA, who happens to be Jane Smithers. Tunnel vision has never more applied to a man than to Michael!
But what happens when it turns out that the Rinaldi heir is in fact one of the most eligible and rich bachelors in all of England? And what happens when the tabloids get a whiff that he is ‘seeing’ a woman on the sly? And then too, what happens when these reporters find out that the woman in question is… pregnant?
A lot of trouble, and lives turned upside down!
Here’s the blurb for the story:
Storms in a Shot Glass
A little bump is about to cause a lot of ripples...
Personal Assistant Jane Smithers needs a baby as much as she needs the immature boss, bitchy mother and lunatic Russian models who cohabit peacelessly around her. What she also doesn’t need is a man who pops out of nowhere and wants to take over her unexpected pregnancy.
Cold logic and hard facts rule the world of millionaire corporate lawyer Michael Rinaldi. Until he meets Jane, and the insignificant-looking woman plunges him head first into the churning waters of tempestuous emotion and hot-blooded impulse.
Unlikely feelings crop up at the same time relentless gossip escalates. Both realize their respective world has irredeemably changed. The question is - will they be able to live with this reality?
The book, which released on Friday January 8, is available at the following link:
http://www.eirelander-publishing.com/stormsinashotglass.htm
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Nolwynn: I had always been fascinated by the power of words. When I was little, too young to still be able to read, I listened to audio tapes of the Ladybird Classics books, and the words always captivated me. When I learned how to read, I fell even harder in love.
From then on I dabbled in story-writing. But then too, it didn’t make me a writer. It’s like cooking doesn’t make you a chef, nor does knowing how to sew make you a dressmaker or a designer. I never really thought I’d write for a career one day, and it all really happened without me realizing actually. At a crossroads in my life, the dream of writing a full novel just reaffirmed itself and I grabbed it and plunged head first into the word pool. It was like, what have I got to lose? Nothing actually (except some time, during which I welcomed a family of dust bunnies into my home!).
The call actually came from that first story I penned, which came out under a different name. Storms in a Shot Glass is my first published book as Nolwynn Ardennes.
Jen: How does your family feel about your career?
Nolwynn: I’m not sure they totally ‘get’ it. I think my husband tunes out whenever I start talking of books and stories and this idea and that one. I don’t mind really – poor bloke would go mad if he really listened to my incessant ramblings actually. My son, being a total lad who’s into action, car and motorbike racing and extreme sports (yes, at six! Told you he was precocious!) just pulls a face when he talks about how Mom writes ‘sweet’ stuff (he makes a very good imitation of going out of air when he says that, go figure).
But yet I know they’re a hundred and fifty percent behind me. When I’m on a deadline or bitten by the writing bug, they won’t question and will quietly order take-away (biggest gift hubby can give me – no need to cook!). Kiddo for all of the fact that he takes the mickey out of me, when asked what his mom does will clearly and proudly say, she writes books.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Nolwynn: Vibrant. All-encompassing. Intense.
Jen: Do you have a writing routine?
Nolwynn: Not really, no. I work in writing bursts actually. Most of my ‘writing’ work goes into preparing and laying down a full and detailed outline of the story. Before I even write it I will have seen pretty much all the scenes of the story from start to end run through my head. I’m a very visual writer in that sense that I conceptualize the location, set and cast in my mind and then just unleash the characters to perform when the time comes. I do try to write a little every week, even if that may not be possible all the time. My writing is more about taking out blocks of weeks from a year and assigning them to actually sitting with the laptop and typing. The rest of the time is dedicated to ‘day-dreaming’ the story into place, with all its intricacies and twists. My mind is always ‘writing’ thus, even if my fingers may not actually be typing anything for a while.
Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Nolwynn: The most challenging is to keep it fresh. It is so easy to fall into cliché or overdone plot lines. Needing to keep the reader on her toes works the same for me too – I need to keep myself on my toes with what happens in the story and how it takes place. There always needs to be something different, totally unexpected, in stories, and that’s what I find is the biggest and most fulfilling challenge of writing – to break through these done-to-death aspects.
The easiest? I swear I don’t have a sadistic streak in me but my writing flows best in that black moment scene when the hero and heroine will fight and break up and all looks lost. I don’t know why but this is the scene when I feel most alive in the book, like I too have reached a culmination along with the characters and it’s insane how this gets translated to paper (or screen actually!)
Jen: What’s the most rewarding aspect?
Nolwynn: Someone else reads your story and either goes, I loved it, or telling you that they started reading and couldn’t put it down and just had to know what happened to the protagonists. It feels like this to me when I’m writing two people’s story – to have someone else experience this feeling through what I have written is just the biggest boost a writer could get.
Jen: Do you become attached to your characters and have a hard time letting them go, or are you happy that their story is told and you can move on?
Nolwynn: I’m happy their story is told, and that they’re together, finally. I tend to have really twisted roads for them to get to that happy ending and I don’t want to be a biatch to them and put them through the wringer yet again! I like moving on, because there are usually other people who are waiting to have their stories told, and yes, waiting to be thrown through that wringer of mine! I do become attached to them, in the sense that you’ve met someone and just know that you’ve made a life-long friend. But life goes on, for me and for them too, and we all gotta look forward.
Jen: Is there a genre that you’d like to write? Is there a genre you’ll probably stay away from and why?
Nolwynn: I would love to write sci-fi, ashamedly admitting it’s because I was a complete zero at science in school and it’s only now when my neurons are starting to die that I’m suddenly ‘getting’ some scientific concepts (thanks Internet and complete idiot’s blog posts to scientific topics). I’d like to try my hand at this, see if I’ve really been able to master some principles of physics and other such laws, and then weave them with a romance and see if what comes out is a tapestry or a totally knotted yarn.
A genre I’ll stay away from? I’m not sure I could do noir well. Writing is about fulfillment to me, both as a writer and in what I deliver to the world. I don’t think I could write something that doesn’t have a happy ending, and some genres, like noir, cannot have a happy ending however much you’d want to slap one on. So I’d stay clear of that one.
Jen: Most people only dream of becoming a published writer. Now that you’ve accomplished that goal, is there anything else you dream of doing?
Nolwynn: Yes – I dream of becoming a domestic goddess. Naught but a dream though. I don’t exactly burn water but I’m no fantastic cook or homemaker either. But seriously though, I dream of becoming a writer the kind people immediately think of when they turn to look for a good story. That’s my goal, and I hope I am on the way there, even if I’ve just started taking stumbling steps in that direction.
Jen: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Nolwynn: Judith McNaught, Sidney Sheldon, Martina Cole, Jill Mansell, Sophie Kinsella, Philippa Gregory, among many others. I’m a total bookaholic and would split my time equally between family, writing and reading if I could (bye bye laundry and cooking!). I have too many favourite books to mention here, though let’s follow the theme and go with The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. Could so totally relate with the heroine in that one! Bridget Jones's Diary is also a rainy day’s pick.
I am currently reading Slow Burn by Julie Garwood, an author I’d heard tons about and which I’m discovering right now.
Jen: What's next for you?
Nolwynn: More books written and hopefully, accepted for publication! I’m on that road with a new release set for June, a suspense/mystery thriller with romantic threads titled Walking on the Edge. And I am writing that sci-fi, all while trying to make sense of some laws of quantum physics (really good blog posts on the Net explaining these in a way a total science idiot like me can understand). I’ll keep on indulging my muse as long as she deems she’ll stick around!
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Nolwynn: website, blog, email, Facebook Here’s the links:
Website: http://www.aasiyah-nolwynn.webs.com/
Blog: http://aasiyah-nolwynn.blogspot.com/
Email: aasiyah.nolwynn@gmail.com
Facebook: Aasiyah Qamar Nolwynn Ardennes – Authors is the name of my group there.
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Nolwynn: Yes – do get in touch with us writers. We’re people just like you and we definitely do not bite. Even though it may take us a few days to reply you, we love it when you contact us.
So if ever you wanna friend up, ask a question, talk about one of my books, do not hesitate – an email is so easy to type and send today!
Thanks Jen for this opportunity to be here today on your blog to present my latest release. Really a pleasure and an honour!
Jen: And many thanks to you Nolwynn! Readers, we have an ebook copy of Storms in a Shot Glass up for grabs this week. To enter the drawing, you first need to leave a comment or question for Nolwynn. Then to finish your entry, you need to leave your email address in your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com. The contests ends on Sunday, January 17.
Jen: This weekend we welcome Mark Freeman to Book Talk. Mark, will you please share a short bio with us?
Mark: Sure. Well, I have my Bachelors and Masters in Wildlife Biology and have studied grizzles in Alberta, bobcats in Vermont, black bears in Connecticut, tracked cougars in Arizona, and most recently reintroduced an endangered species of grouse here in Vermont. However, I’ve also been writing since early high school. I’ve always been a big reader and a wonderful English teacher my sophomore year of high school really got me hooked on writing. I could sooner stop breathing than writing now. Now a days I find myself a stay at home dad taking care of my two daughters and write whenever they allow me a chance!
Jen: Tell us about The Kindling of GreenFyr and where it's available.
Mark: The Kindling of GreenFyr is a YA fantasy novel in the vein of the Narnia books or Gregor the Overlander
The Kindling of GreenFyr is the story of Owen McInish, an awkward fourteen year old, bullied at school, and friendless except for his pet cat, Piper. That is, until a snow leopard is chased through the woods behind his house by three huge gray dogs with glowing green eyes.
Owen saves the leopard from her pursuers, but the animal escapes him as well, only to return later. The cat’s behavior is peculiar, nothing like a wild animal, making Owen even more curious as to its origin. But only when the animal finally allows Owen to touch it, does Owen’s adventure truly begin.
Owen finds himself experiencing friendships as he has never before, adventures as he has never imagined, and political intrigue as two worlds, long separated, begin to collide.
The Kindling of GreenFyr is available from all the major distributors, so it’s available online from Amazon or BN.com and also available through Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores. Local independent shops can order it as well.
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Mark: As I said before, I was in high school when I first started writing. I have published articles and papers in regional magazines and professional journals, but The Kindling of GreenFyr was my first fiction work to be published. It was released August 2008.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Mark: Awe So Me. Just kidding, you got me there, I don’t know if I could classify how or what I write in three words. Any of my readers will tell you, I tend to be verbose!
Jen: How do you approach your writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?
Mark: Plot. I’m a pretty methodical outliner, but I will occasionally give way to persuasive characters wanting to stray from the plan.
Jen: What kind of research did you do for this book?
Mark: Well, there are a few different languages that occur throughout The Kindling of GreenFyr, so I spent quite a bit of time working and researching languages. There is also an underlying theme in the book connecting mythology, theology, folklore, and fantasy fiction, so I did spend a fair amount of time reviewing many different stories in these areas.
Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Mark: Time. It’s a limited resource around my house and not always easy to come by. Ideas and stories come pretty easily to me. I’m continuously jotting down ideas, characters, and plots to write later when I have time.
Jen: What’s the most rewarding aspect?
Mark: When I get a letter or email from a teacher or parent telling me their student or child picked up The Kindling of GreenFyr and couldn’t put it down, or the classes I’ve visited and listened as the students interpreted and dissected my own work. It’s a tremendous privilege to be allowed in the classroom like that.
Jen: How do you pick the character’s names?
Mark: I keep a file of names I like, especially odd or unique names I come across. It’s come in handy many times. I’ve also flipped through baby name books when my file has let me down.
Jen: Is there a genre that you’d like to write? Is there a genre you’ll probably stay away from and why?
Mark: I honestly can’t see myself ever writing romance. Not to say that I haven’t written romance into my stories, but I don’t think I’d ever write for a romance novel.
Jen: If you could travel back in time for one year, what time and place would you choose? And if you could only take 3 things with you, what would they be?
Mark: Yeah, sorry, but I always cheat on this one. I think going back in time would be a total let down. I think the real thing would be a complete let down from the idealized and romanticized versions we hold dear. Instead, I’d much rather go into the future! And what 3 things would I take? That’s easy, my wife and two daughters. Done.
Jen: If The Kindling of GreenFyr was made into a movie, which actors would you choose to play the hero and heroine?
Mark: I think Michael Angarano (Will Stronghold in Skyhigh) or Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson) in the forthcoming Lightning Thief would each make a good Owen. I think either Kathryn Newton (Louise on CBS’s Gary Unmarried) or Molly Quinn (Alexis on ABC’s Castle) would make a great Orla.
Jen: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Mark: Well, in general, the comparisons to other authors, I guess. It always blows me away when someone compares The Kindling of GreenFyr to classics in the Fantasy genre, books I’ve long adored. It’s surreal, really.
Jen: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Mark: I’m currently reading Paper Towns by John Green and think he’s phenomenal. I’m always willing to pick up a new author and try something new. I think Suzanne Collins is fantastic and can’t wait to the follow up to Catching Fire. Some of my favs are The Once and Future King, The Lord of the Rings (particularly Fellowship), Looking for Alaska, The Catcher in the Rye, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape.
Jen: What's next for you?
Mark: Working on Book 2 of the ReUnification Conspiracy and putting the final touches on another project, an urban fantasy loose retelling of Beowulf.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Mark: You can follow me on twitter @GreenFyr, follow my blog at my website www.greenfyr.com, or on Facebook.
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Mark: You bet! Enough of this Team Jacob, Team Edward stuff, let’s talk about something important. Tootsie Pops or Blow Pops? That’s the real question.
Jen: Readers, Mark is giving away a copy of The Kindling of GreenFyr to a random commenter. This contest is open to US and Canadian residents only. To enter, you first need to leave a comment or question for Mark. Then to finish your entry, you must either leave your email address in your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com. The winner will be chosen on Friday, January 15.
Jen: For the next couple days, Sheila Boneham will be our guest at Book Talk. Sheila, will you please share a short bio with us?
Sheila: I have many interests, and have tried to follow a number of them throughout my life. In my teens and early 20s I competed in equestrian events. When I finished college, I went on for my master’s in linguistics, and was fortunate to be able to study, work, and travel in the Middle East and Europe in the 70’s and 80’s. I went back to school for my doctorate in folklore with lots of supporting work in cultural anthropology and linguistics, and then taught writing at several universities. I have also worked as an editor, both salaried and freelance, and I still enjoy editing on a freelance basis. I enjoy teaching writing workshops and classes from time to time, and I speak on writing and on pets to a variety of groups. (I’m always open to possibilities -- sheilaboneham@gmail.com )
Jen: Tell us about Rescue Matters: How to Find, Foster, and Rehome Companion Animals: A Guide for Volunteers and Organizers and where it's available.
Sheila: My most recent release – my 17th book – is Rescue Matters: How to Find, Foster, and Rehome Companion Animals: A Guide for Volunteers and Organizers, published by Alpine Publications and released in August 2009. It’s available from all the usual places – Barnes & Noble stores, Borders, and independent booksellers. Remember that booksellers are happy to special order if they don’t have the book in stock. Rescue Matters is also available on line at amazon.com, dogwise.com (a specialty vendor for dog books), and directly from the publisher at http://www.alpinepub.com/product_info.php/products_id/139?osCsid=a127f3b468d63cce6fb95eba53150945
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Sheila: Oh my! I think I’ve always been a writer. I wrote my first book when I was about 9. It was about a Cocker Spaniel – shades of things to come, I guess. My first publication was actually a poem published in a city magazine when I was in the 7th grade. I filled many notebooks with writing of all sorts throughout my school years. My first serious publications were academic articles for scholarly journals, published while I was in graduate school and, later, teaching writing at universities in the U.S. and overseas. Eventually I began writing articles about cultural topics and selling them to magazines. In the early 1990’s I founded a rescue program for Labrador Retrievers, the first formal group for Labs in my state, and I co-founded another group for Australian Shepherds. At that time there was very little information available, so I decided to write the book I needed myself. That resulted in Breed Rescue: How to Start and Run a Successful Program (Alpine, 1998), which won the Maxwell Award for Best General Interest Book of the year in the Dog Writers Association of America’s annual writing competition. I have been involved since the late 1980’s in many aspects of the dog world, and have had 13 more books about dogs, and 3 about cats, published since Breed Rescue came out. Two more of the dog books have won Maxwell’s; all 3 cat books won Awards of Excellence from the Cat Writers Association, and 2 won Muse Medallions for Best Health & General Care books in their publication years (the other book was a finalist). I have 2 more books about dogs coming out in 2010. I also had a short mystery story published in an anthology, and am working on a novel.
Jen: Are there any other writers, published or not, in your family?
Sheila: My maternal grandmother published quite a bit of poetry in the 1920’s-40’s, but she’s the only closely related writer I know of.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Sheila: reader-friendly, down-to-earth, conversational
Jen: How do you approach your writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?
Sheila: With non-fiction I work from an outline, although I’m quick to rearrange anything that doesn’t work as I originally thought it would. I’ve written one mystery novel (it’s with my agent now) and am working on another. With those, I had a loose plot, but had to revise it more than once because the characters don’t always do what I expect! So I would say a combination – I’m pretty balanced in terms of being left- or right-brain driven.
Jen: What kind of research did you do for this book?
Sheila: Rescue Matters combines my personal experiences as a rescuer, shelter volunteer, dog breeder, buyer, adopter, trainer, competitor, and life-long animal lover with information acquired through interviews, observation, and reading. I interviewed a variety of people, including rescue organizers and volunteers, pet owners, veterinarians, breeders, exhibitors, and even a few people who really don’t care much for animals. I’ve been involved with animals all my life, have taught equitation and dog obedience, and have owned or fostered a lot of animals, so I have had many opportunities to observe and interact with people and pets of all kind – and it’s all research!
Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Sheila: With non-fiction, the biggest challenge it making sure that information is accurate and up-to-date, especially information about health care, which is always changing and improving. For me, the easiest part is actually the writing itself – I love writing, and revising, so I’m lucky to work at something that is, for me, pleasurable in and of itself. I would write even if I didn’t write to publish, so getting paid is a bonus!
Jen: What’s the most rewarding aspect?
Sheila: Knowing that something I’ve written has helped a reader in some way.
Jen: Do you do anything special to celebrate a sale, new contract, or release?
Sheila: I don’t know that I would characterize it as a celebration, but I go into sort of a de-cluttering frenzy when I finish something, and right before I start the next project. I’m not a naturally tidy person, but at least I begin with the semblance of tidiness! I am, though, very fussy about tidying up my manuscripts before I send them, so I guess that’s where I spend my allotment of organizational energy!
Jen: What has been your highlight of your career to this point?
Sheila: Oh boy. You know, nothing beats the thrill of holding that first book in your hands. But I have been very honored to have my books win the Maxwell and Muse awards, which are peer judged and very competitive. So I guess that’s several highlights!
Jen: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Sheila: A longtime friend read one of my books a few years ago, and she said, “I love reading your book – it’s just like talking to you!” I hope she meant it was like hearing me talk – that’s the way I took it. That was fun to hear because it means my writing voice is strong and natural – at least to her!
Jen: What's next for you?
Sheila: I’m finishing up a little book on Brittanys for pet owners, just turned in a proposal for a slightly different type of non-fiction book, and am looking forward to getting back to my second mystery, which is about half finished. I usually have my hands in several fires at once.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Sheila: www.sheilaboneham.com and www.rescuematters.com
I also have a Facebook page which is linked to Twitter, and Rescue Matters has a FB Page of it’s own – fans always welcome! Just search Rescue Matters on Facebook, and it should come up.
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Sheila: There are all sorts of studies of reader behavior and how people decide to buy or read books. Studies are nice, but I like to hear from individuals. How do you pick a non-fiction book when you want to learn?
Jen: Sheila is giving away a copy of The Multiple-Dog Family OR The Multiple-Cat Family to one random commenter. To enter the contest, you first need to leave a comment or question for Sheila. Then to complete your entry, your must either leave your email address in your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com. The contest winner will be chosen on Tuesday, January 12.
Jen: Please help me welcome Elizabeth Boyle to Book Talk! Elizabeth, will you please share a short bio with us?
Elizabeth: Short? Remember, I write looooong historical romances, so I am never very good with short. But if I must, I was born and raised in the Seattle area. Having lived around water all my life, it was normal that I would become a pirate hunter, as in a paralegal for a software firm hunting, what else, software pirates. This training ground proved to be a perfect place to gain my qualifications for writing about rakes, spies and privateers. I currently write full-time, have been married forever to the same wonderful man and have two busy heroes-in-training to keep up with.
Jen: Tell us about How I Met My Countess and where it's available.
Elizabeth: How I Met My Countess is the first book in a small spin-off series from my popular Bachelor Chronicles books. It all revolves around three widows who all married the various heirs to the Duke of Hollindrake. So they all have the same dowager title, Lady Standon and none of them get along. So the current Duchess of Hollindrake has them banished to live in the same house. If they want out, they have to get married. So it tells the story of how the best revenge is to marry and marry well—though of course by falling in love.
The fun part of this story is of course, the heroine. Because the hero is so positive what sort of lady he will eventually--marry, refined, aristocratic, elegant—and then he meets Lucy, who is anything but. At first they cannot stand each other, but of course, they fall in love. The other interesting part was bringing back two characters I’ve always found fascinating—The Earl of Clifton and his illegitimate brother, Malcolm Grey, who both worked as spies during the Napoleonic wars. We last saw the two of them in This Rake of Mine, and the fun part (or tragic, depending on if you’ve read the other book) is that How I Met My Countess takes place before This Rake of Mine and years later. So you see the two men before they became spies and then what the longs years of war wrought.
How I Met My Countess is available everywhere now. So watch for it in your local grocery store, favorite bookstore or order it online for convenience.
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Elizabeth: I’ve been scribbling and telling stories since I was a child. Starting with imaginary friends, to bad teenage poetry, to short stories in college. I got serious after college when I discovered that you have to get up to go to work. Every. Day. I thought writing would provide a way to sleep in. Eventually I had kids and ruined that fairy tale.
My call story? Oh, I have a very unique call story. I sold my first book, Brazen Angel, in a writing contest in 1996. Now first I got the call that I was one of five finalists—out of 200 entries, then I had to wait five months for the winner to be announced at a luncheon at the RWA National Conference. The problem was, when I got the call, I only had three chapters, not the entire book finished as the contest required. So I had about eight weeks to finish the book. The entire story of this remarkable tale makes up what I call, My Favorite Hero (http://elizabethboyle.com/fave-hero.html), which is truly the story of how my husband saved my writing career.
Jen: Are there any other writers, published or not, in your family?
Elizabeth: Family legend says I am related to Mark Twain, so I suppose that counts. But I am the first in recent memory, though storytellers abound in my family. We all tell stories, about family history, people we meet and the madcap things that happen. They all get embellished and enlivened and it makes family dinners a real adventure for the uninitiated. As for sitting down and typing out all those tall tales, I have a nephew who is an aspiring writer, and from the small amount I have seen, he has talent, so watch out for him.
Jen: How does your family feel about your career?
Elizabeth: My folks couldn’t be prouder, and my mom is the biggest booster of my books—she pushes them everywhere. My dad likes to go the grocery store and move my copies into the bestseller slots. My husband likes that I get to stay home and work, while my oldest son loves that fact that I travel from time to time and can often be convinced to take him with me. Now around deadline time, they all avoid me, which is probably for the best.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Elizabeth: Adventurous, passionate, and surprising.
Jen: How do you approach your writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?
Elizabeth: Plot. I don’t believe in the flow or pants method. I liken that to taking a trip by showing up at the airport and expecting the entire adventure to be waiting for you in baggage claim.
Jen: Have you noticed your writer's voice has changed over the years due to your experience? If so, how?
Elizabeth: I think it has, but I’m not sure how. I would like to think it has matured, only because I started writing in my early thirties and I am now starting to get closer to fifty. Time flies, things change subtly and overnight. It is rather like how those ten or so pounds of weight creep up on you. I mean, you know how they got there, but not really. Make sense?
Jen: How do you pick the character’s names?
Elizabeth: I love names. I collect them like some people collect snow globes. There are names I find by meeting people who have a great name, (I love nametags on salesclerks, and am not above asking people about their name). I’ve also taken names from street signs, in fact, I built the entire Bachelor Chronicles series off a freeway exit sign! (Sedgwick, Tremont and Clifton, Right in half a mile). And some times characters just sort of arrive on the page, all named and ready to get busy.
Jen: Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write? Do they haunt your dreams?
Elizabeth: Some do, some don’t. Depends on the book. Secondary characters seem to haunt me more than the primary characters. I love my secondary characters cause they can be such characters in the true sense of the word. I tend more to dream about living people, like Matthew Perry. Not sure, but I spend a lot of time with him in my dreams.
Jen: If you could travel back in time for one year, what time and place would you choose? And if you could only take 3 things with you, what would they be?
Elizabeth: Oh, I would love to spend a year at Queen Elizabeth’s court or Henry the VIIIth court. But during the early part of their reigns, when they were young and the court around them thrummed with excitement. And what would I take? Well since there would be no electricity, I suppose my espresso machine would be a waste. So probably antibiotics, my alphasmart—since it will run for a good year on AAs-- and instant coffee.
Jen: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Elizabeth: Currently I am reading Silent On The Moor, by Deanna Raybourn. I love this Victorian series. I am also a huge fan of Georgette Heyer, having discovered her late in life—but lucky for anyone who finds her, she wrote a vast number of books so the shelves of her stories are taking me a while to get through. I also love Laura Joh Rowland, who writes the Sano Ichiro mystery series set in feudal Japan, as well as Margaret Frazier’s Dame Frevisse mystery series. I love historical mysteries, as well as romance. Picking a romance author I love is hard, because I read all over and love most of them.
Jen: What do you do in your free time?
Elizabeth: Knit. And then I cruise Ravelry (ravelry.com), which is Facebook for knitters, and then I knit more. But I also love to cook, garden, hang with the kids, watch movies and knit. You can probably see a theme here.
Jen: What's next for you?
Elizabeth: Finishing up the widow books. I am just putting the final touches on Book Two, Mad About the Duke, which is a mistaken identity story (I love these) and then will write the third one, which hasn’t got a title yet, but is spinning around in my head like a cross between The Thin Man, with a bit of mystery and one of those fabulous 30s screwball comedies.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Elizabeth: At my website, on Facebook and MySpace, as well as Ravelry, if anyone is a knitter.
http://www.elizabethboyle.com
http://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.boyle
http://www.myspace.com/elizbo
http://www.ravelry.com/
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Elizabeth: Because I love having big goals, and lists and ideas that I am working toward, what are the ten things you want to do in 2010? Also check out the free 2010 calendar (http://www.elizabethboyle.com/books/main.html#calendar) you can download from my website.
Jen: Elizabeth, thank you for being our first guest of the new year. Readers, one lucky winner will receive hard back, special editions of Confessions of a Little Black Gown and Memoirs of a Scandalous Red Dress. To enter the contest, you first need to leave a comment or question for Elizabeth. Then to complete your entry, either include your email address in your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, January 10.
Jen: This week we are excited to have Donna Grant back for another visit at the blog. Donna, will you please share a short bio with us?
Donna: Donna Grant has been praised for her "totally addictive" and "unique and sensual" stories. She's the author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance - Scottish Medieval, dark fantasy, time travel, paranormal, and erotic. Grant's newest series, Dark Sword, promises to be her most addictive yet. Don't miss this intoxicating series with Druids, primeval gods, and immortal Highlanders that are dark, dangerous, and delicious.
She lives in Texas with her husband, two children, a dog, and three cats where she's weathered five hurricanes in the last three years. To learn more about Donna and her books, please visit www.donnagrant.com and www.donnagrant.com/blog.
Jen: Tell us about Dangerous Highlander and where it's available.
Donna: Dangerous Highlander is the start of my Dark Sword series about primeval gods inside Medieval Highlanders, Druids, and magic. I have a little of everything in the series. You can find out more about the series, including a glossary, the Beginning, characters, and FAQs at www.donnagrant.com/darksword.
The book can be found anywhere books are sold as well as online.
Jen: Are there any other writers, published or not, in your family?
Donna: No, just me.
Jen: How does your family feel about your career?
Donna: They are very supportive. They’re all like my own special publicity department. I’m so blessed with that.
Jen: Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?
Donna: Oh, yes. I have two spiral notebooks that I keep with me to keep up with my daily page count, character descriptions, and series information. I can write without music, but I like to have it on.
Jen: Have you noticed your writer's voice has changed over the years due to your experience? If so, how?
Donna: The more an author writes, the more she changes. Its just the way of it, I think. We learn with every book we write, with every set of edits we go through, and with every discussion with our editors and agents. It’s a constantly changing process.
And yes, my voice has changed, I believe. I read my earlier works and cringe.
Jen: What kind of research did you do for this book?
Donna: Medieval is my preferred time period for my books, so I’ve done tons of research over the years. I don’t do as much as I used to because I’ve retained a lot of it, but I do go back and see if I can find any new kernels of information.
There always has been mixed information on Druids. Since Rome wrote the history the way they wanted, who knows how Druids really where? So, I made my Druids how I pictured them.
Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Donna: The easiest for me is beginning a book, and in some ways ending it. The most challenging is ending it so that it prompts readers to want the next one in the series.
Jen: What’s the most rewarding aspect?
Donna: Putting that last period at the end and knowing that I’ve finished another book. That just never gets old.
Jen: How do you pick the character’s names?
Donna: This may sound really weird, but my characters pick them. Of course, there’s always the names I stay away from because they’re associated with people I know. Lol. But really, I’ll get my book of names out and read through them one by one until a name just pops out at me. That’s how I know which one to use.
Jen: Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write? Do they haunt your dreams?
Donna: Most definitely. I’m immersed in their world while I’m writing their story. Even when I finish the book, they will stay with me letting me know if I missed a scene I should go and add or I didn’t quite get what they were trying to tell me.
Jen: What five authors or people, from the past or present, have been important to you as an author? What question or comment have you always wanted to say to them?
Donna: Every author I ever read has been important to me. They helped me develop into the writer that I am. Then there is my awesome agent who is just, well…awesome.
My comment to them would be “Thank you for the stories, thank you for the worlds you’ve taken me to. Without you, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Jen: If you could travel back in time for one year, what time and place would you choose? And if you could only take 3 things with you, what would they be?
Donna: Oh, easy. Medieval Scotland. It’d be difficult to give up hot water, electricity, toilets, toothbrushes, and the food I know, but I think it would be neat to see that time period for myself.
The three things I would take would be a toothbrush, my iPod, and a camera to take pictures.
Jen: What's next for you?
Donna: My next book out will be book two in the Dark Sword series, Forbidden Highlander (May 25, 2010).
I’ve been contracted for three more books, so I’m busying writing. Book four just got turned in and I’m working on book five now.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Donna: My website: www.donnagrant.com
Blog: www.donnagrant.com/blog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/donnagrantauthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/donna_grant
Danger: Women Writing: www.dangerwomenwriting.com
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Donna: Oh, yes! Tell me what romance series keeps you running to the bookstore as soon as the book comes out.
Jen: Donna is giving one lucky commenter their choice of a signed copy of Mutual Desire or The Pleasure of His Bed. To enter the drawing, you first need to leave a comment or question for Donna. Then to finish your entry, you must either leave your email address is your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, January 3.
Jen: This week we welcome Suzannah Safi to Book Talk. Suzannah, will you please share a short bio with us?
Suzannah: Certainly, and thank you for having me here. I live in New York and for many years I worked with numbers, finance, and credit. But eventually my addiction to writing took over seven years ago. Now I am a full time romance author. I am also a promoter; I created Romance Alley on September 14, 2009 you can check it at www.romancealley.suzannahsafi.com a place for authors to benefit and readers to enjoy. My other passion, being a freelance designer; this year I created my own Book Trailer Company, you can visit my company’s website at www.design.suzannahsafi.com
I wanted to do something that I enjoy, have passion for, and I found that writing, promoting, and designing book trailers and covers are my real passion so I am doing that full time and proud of what I’ve accomplished.
Jen: Tell us about Worth Every Breath and where it's available.
Suzannah: My contemporary novel ‘Worth Every Breath’ is available now through The Wild Rose Press. This is the blurb:
When the lovely Annabelle from California takes on a job in York, London as a companion for an embittered, paralyzed Chris MacCloud who has lost his wife in an accident, she finds herself strangely drawn to his savage sensuality. But she must overcome not only his deep mistrust of love, which is inflamed by her uncanny resemblance to his late wife, but also withstand the wicked relatives who are scheming for his fortune.
Little does Annabelle know that at the end of this twisted trail of passion and deceit lies, in the words of a song she has written, "what I'm looking for….it's worth every breath."
Can Chris forget his past, can Annabelle win his trust and teach him to love again? And can she herself learn to forgive and forget?
You can visit my website to read more at www.suzannahsafi.com
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Suzannah: I wrote a story when I was in high school, and left it at that for a long time, but I started writing seriously seven years ago. End of 2007 I received my first contract with The Wild Rose Press for my novella ‘Worth Every Breath’, the joy of knowing that my baby is going to see the world is indescribable.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Suzannah: Exotic, stimulating, diverse.
Jen: Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?
Suzannah: A cup of coffee next to me, and slow music in the background, of course not to forget my sweetheart—laptop.
Jen: Do you have a writing routine?
Suzannah: No, I don’t. But, if I’m not writing, I am critiquing, editing, promoting, or researching.
Jen: Do you become attached to your characters and have a hard time letting them go, or are you happy that their story is told and you can move on?
Suzannah: Oh my, I do have a problem letting my characters go. When I’m about to finish one story, although I’m always happy that I reached the end, still I miss them so much that I get sad as well. My only console is that with every new story, I meet other characters waiting for their story to be written. I must say though, I don’t let my characters disappear; I talk about them every chance I get. Sometimes they find me, one of the villains in Worth Every Breath, his name is Damien found me and begged for his story to be written. I hated Damien, and I think he needs to be punished. Finally, he got me to listen to him, and I’m writing his story, but you know what, I have one heroine that will teach him a lesson and tame this rogue.
Jen: Is there a genre that you’d like to write? Is there a genre you’ll probably stay away from and why?
Suzannah: All the romance stories I wrote so far published or in the process, are mixed with different elements or sub-genre. I will not limit my imagination, I won’t allow that.
Jen: Do you do anything special to celebrate a sale, new contract, or release?
Suzannah: Oh yeah! I look for new ideas for marketing lol.
Jen: Most people only dream of becoming a published writer. Now that you’ve accomplished that goal, is there anything else you dream of doing?
Suzannah: Yes, to keep producing more novels. You have no idea what’s dwelling in my head, sometimes I think I’ll have to haunt someone to write my to-be-written-stories after I die LOL.
Jen: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Suzannah: They are more than I could count; I am reading Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
Jen: What's next for you?
Suzannah: I am working on a Paranormal/horror romance novel, and a paranormal romance series.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Suzannah: My website is www.suzannahsafi.com where you can find all information about me and my books, my news. Also you can find me on facebook, I always welcome new friends.
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Suzannah: I would like to say that I thank you for being here, and don’t hesitate to ask me any question, and please contact me on my website; I always welcome your comments.
Thank you all for inviting me and for the interview.
Jen: Readers, Suzannah is giving one lucky commenter a .pdf copy of Worth Every Breath. To enter the drawing, leave a comment or question for Suzannah. Don't forget to either leave your email address in your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com The contest ends on Thursday, December 24.
Jen: Today we welcome Debbie Renner to Book Talk. Debbie, will you please share a short bio with us?
Debbie: Born in Wellington, New Zealand, moved to Queensland Australia in 2005. As a youngster I was interested in star gazing, gymnastics and later, singing in bands (nothing serious). Brief stint as a pro wrestler (don’t fool around with me huh!) reading books (yes!) and writing poems and lyrics, all way before considering a writing career. My weaknesses are card games, debates and playing pool. Ironically, one band I dabbled in during the early eighties practiced next door to Wellington Newspapers where Peter Jackson worked. His pal Terry Potter was guitarist and featured in Peter’s earlier works. In 1999 I lived in a flat overlooking one of the sets for LOTR where they did night shoots. My second husband, Sheldon was named after Sidney Sheldon. He is also related to the ‘Renner Springs’ bunch somewhere down the line. Have a gorgeous daughter, Rebecca who shares my love of food.
Jen: Tell us about Odyssey Bourne Force and where it's available.
Debbie: Odyssey Bourne Force (book one) is a speculative, sci fi, techno sorcery action, romance story.
In the year 2029, a father begins to narrate the story to his son of a forbidden tale, providing evidence, in the form of a journal that should not exist. The story begins in the year 2005.
Enter the heroine, beautiful recluse Kate Willard, recently turned forty, living life day to day, until struck down by unexplainable, diabolical visions that threaten her sanity. She begins a quest that kick starts a magnitude chain of events that not only threatens humanity, but life throughout galaxies beyond our own. She joins up with a top secret organization that guard an ancient stone door that allows one to step through to alien worlds light years away. Kate discovers she is part of a prophecy that began six thousand years earlier. An invasion of Earth took place but something had intervened, preventing this evil force from extinguishing human life. However, evil has returned in the 21st century, and wears many disguises. During her quest, the line between friend and foe slowly becomes blurred. Not only must she decide where her true loyalties lie, but face an identity crisis with a patchy memory. Not to mention unseen forces that have watched over human life since time was in nappies. Kate is faced with extraordinary decisions she does not want to make, not to mention getting into some sticky, personal situations. Her journey in Odyssey Bourne Force takes her to an unpredictable future where her destiny is only the beginning…
The book is available at most major online stores (Amazon, Barnes and Noble etc). Or direct through my publisher http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/OdysseyBourneForce-BookOne.html
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Debbie: As a writer, I’m a late bloomer. But I dabbled in poetry and lyrics during my younger years. It wasn’t until 1996 when I began a computer thriller (internet was warming up then) and I wrote 3 chapters, then threw it all away. I had not yet found my calling. This was (in hindsight) the lesson of not writing what the heart feels.
However, in November 2005, I happened to be watching a sci-fi show on TV and lightening struck in the form of incessant scribbling (no one can read my hand writing, especially me!) which resulted in a 2 page fantasy essay after half an hour. Writing a book did not enter my mind until a few days later. Then, bitten by the writing bug, I rabidly could not stop typing.
Jen: How do you approach your writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?
Debbie: In regards to Odyssey Bourne Force, I first began by writing an outline with no idea of detail or ending. I then wrote what came into my head, and my fingers had trouble keeping up. That was the fruits of inspiration I was sampling. The basic (and I mean basic) first story was finished in 3.5 months (and many paper cuts). I only envisioned one novel, that at present is fast becoming a trilogy, or beyond…
Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Debbie: Trying to get a decent nights sleep so in the morning, what I have written, does make sense. Always asking questions, and questioning my work (arguing with myself constantly).
The Marketing World, I am no salesperson. Easiest-when all that stuff in my head ends up on paper and it finally all makes sense!
Jen: What’s the most rewarding aspect?
Debbie: Having someone tell me they love my work and ask me, or try to work out for themselves, what is going to happen next...
Jen: How do you pick the character’s names?
Debbie: Delving into my dark imagination (usually when I’m asleep, or listening to HM music!) However, I ‘borrowed’ one major character’s name from a cashier serving at a supermarket on the Gold Coast.
Jen: Is there a genre that you’d like to write? Is there a genre you’ll probably stay away from and why?
Debbie: I would only write what I know and feel is right at the time. I get hit with certain inspiration in the most inopportune times (sleeping, toilet, shower and other unmentionable moments). I surprise myself when I suddenly wrote 3 very short semi-horror stories one afternoon. Last year I was inspired to start a super natural thriller regarding a real estate agent selling hot property on a cursed island. I take my hat off to mystery crime writers-they keep the grey matter moving.
Jen: Who has inspired you as an author?
Debbie: The late Sidney Sheldon for his writing style and Stephen King-a complex man who writes from his soul. Dan Brown is a marvel. Isaac Asimov, Dean Koontz, Arthur C Clarke etc. I have not read much lately due to time constraints, except for losing myself in some old TinTin books. I am a visual person and I love reading and watching true stories. For example “From Hell” regarding Jack the Ripper. Controversial issues regarding science and sci fi, the Illuminati, moon landings, crystal skulls, black holes etc. Tongue in cheek stuff like Men in Black, I could go on and on….
Jen: Most people only dream of becoming a published writer. Now that you’ve accomplished that goal, is there anything else you dream of doing?
Debbie: Being recognized for my work and going on a physical book tour of the States, including Sci-Fi events etc. Having a movie deal?
Jen: What's next for you?
Debbie: Spending lots of unearned money on marketing (gulp!). Working on the Odyssey Bourne Force series and dreaming of seeing it on the big screen.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Debbie: www.debbierenner.com or my blog: debbierenner.blogspot.com
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Debbie: I would treasure all feedback.
Jen: Readers, Debbie is giving away a .pdf copy of Odyssey Bourne Force to one lucky reader. To enter the drawing, leave a comment for Debbie or ask her a question. Then you must leave your email address in your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com. The winner will be chosen on Thursday, December 24.
Jen: Readers, please help me welcome Eden Robbins to Book Talk this week. Eden, will you please share a short bio with us?
Eden: EDEN ROBINS aka E. R. MITCHELL hears voices in her head. Her characters' voices, that is. She loves creating new worlds and complex characters that always seem to find their way into one sticky predicament or another. She enjoys helping them get untangled from these situations, only to find themselves entangled in love affairs that will last for all time. With the success of her futuristic Tomorrow trilogy and After Sundown paranormal series Eden is happily and firmly entrenched in the wonderful world of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.
Jen: Tell us about AFTER SUNDOWN: ILLUMINATION and where it's available.
Eden: The third book in my paranormal AFTER SUNDOWN series, ILLUMINATION is currently available as an e-book, but I’m hopeful it will be available in print by spring 2010. This book, as well as print or e-book copies of the first two books in the series, Redemption and Salvation, are for sale at a bookstore near you, online bookstores and directly through my publisher’s site: www.cerridwenpress.com.
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Eden: I’ve been writing since I was in grade school, but I didn’t know until after I graduated college and started a family that I truly wanted to be a writer. That epiphany came on the heels of the death of a family member. That death sparked an intense and undeniable creative motivation in me.
My very first story was Never Until Tomorrow. A book that later kicked off my futuristic TOMORROW series. I self-published that first story through iUniverse and was thrilled with what the whole process taught me. That story as well as two other stories in that series were later picked up by another publisher and re-released through them. The second book in that series, All Our Tomorrows, won a number of awards and helped propel me forward in my writing career.
The story that could be considered my real “call story”, however, was the very first paranormal romance I wrote. A ghost story entitled, Yesterday's Promise. I loved creating this book, fell in love with the history of the area I wrote about-St. Augustine, Florida, and had a hard time letting go of the tragic, yet incredibly charming hero in this ghostly tale. I submitted my work via e-mail and within a week an editor contacted me and told me she wanted to publish it. I had made my first sale! I did the happy dance, of course, then floated on cloud nine the rest of the day, despite my family’s curious looks.
Jen: Are there any other writers, published or not, in your family?
Eden: My daughter is a fantastic writer. She has the kind of voice that grabs a reader and draws them in right away. I’ve been supporting her efforts, helping her when she lets me (she’s very independent) and am proud of that fact that she too has the “writing bug”!
My mother co-wrote a true crime story years ago. That was something she wanted to do just for herself rather than to pursue a career as a writer. Though she’s not a full time writer, she’s creative in so many other ways that I can’t fit them all on this page. She’s also my full time cheerleader. Thanks mom!
Jen: How does your family handle the time that you write? Are they supportive or disruptive?
Eden: It depends on the day, hour or minute! LOL Most of the time my family is very supportive of my writing and encourages me to pursue my dreams.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Eden: Dark. Dangerous. Decadent. It’s my tag line, but I think it holds true. I like to examine the darker side of characters, I enjoy putting them in situations that are dangerous and suspenseful and I can’t imagine a story with a little bit of decadent heat. After all, what’s a little darkness and danger without the spice?
Jen: Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?
Eden: Not really. Well, okay. Coffee in the morning is a must to get my brain moving. Also chocolate close at hand as my secret stash and special reward for a good day of writing is something I enjoy. And more often than I’d like to admit I need to blast some hard rock so loud the speakers vibrate to get the creative juices flowing.
Jen: How many hours a day do you write?
Eden: As many as I can. I work a day job as well as being a single mom, so I write when the moments are available. That usually ends up being very early in the morning. A creative peak time for me, as it turns out, so that works out well. Generally I don’t limit my writing by hours. Rather, I like to accomplish a certain word count each day to feel productive.
That method was recently reinforced for me when I entered the November 2009 National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) contest. Last month I vowed to write 50,000 words in one month. Over 170,000 writers entered this contest this year, from all over the world. Only about 3% on average each year reach the goal by the end of the month. I am very excited to say that I reached that goal and wrote close to 55,000 words by midnight November 30th under my new pen name, E. R. Mitchell! And if that weren’t enough to give me a kick in the pants, that story, more than half way written thanks to NaNoWriMo is my very first attempt at writing an Inspirational Paranormal tale. I’m thrilled to be heading in this new direction, a direction I didn’t know if I could handle. Now, after having completed that month long writing marathon, I know not only that I can do it, but that this new subgenre is the right one for me.
The annual NaNoWriMo contest is wonderful for anyone who wants to really push themselves to write a story, reinforce that they can write a story, or just help motivate them to get serious about writing for the first time or getting back into it. I loved the challenge and feel renewed in my writing because of it. The experience also reminded me that by just getting down a set number of words each day I feel productive in my career. What I write can be crap, but I always remember that crap can be edited. A page with no words at all can’t. Please check out www.nanowrimo.org if you’d like to learn more about this wonderful nonprofit project.
Jen: What is it about the romance genre that appeals to you?
Eden: What doesn’t appeal to me should be the question.
Jen: Do you do anything special to celebrate a sale, new contract, or release?
Eden: I love to celebrate with my family. When a new book comes out or I make a new sale, I share my joy with them and they support me with lots of love and encouragement. Okay, a little chocolate plays in this scenario as well, but can you blame me? If you can’t eat chocolate then, when can you?
Jen: Who has inspired you as an author?
Eden: So many wonderful writers out there, so little time. If I had to name some-but not all, in no particular order they would be: Stephen King, Cheyenne McCray, Sherrilyn Kenyon, William Shakespeare, Patricia Briggs, Edgar Allen Poe, Jim Butcher, Jane Austen, Ann Rice, Christine Feehan, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Laurie Schnebly Campbell, Nicholas Sparks, Debbie Macomber, Dara Joy, J.R. Ward, Connie Flynn. Linda Style, John Milton, Sue Grant, Catherine Asaro, Laurell K. Hamilton… okay I should stop here. I know, I know I’m getting carried away, but you did ask. A well written story touches me. These authors, through their work have touched me in a such a way that I’ll never forget them. They helped create one more step, one more inspiration to help me move forward in my writing career. Corny? Maybe. But absolutely, without a doubt, one hundred percent truth.
Jen: Do you become attached to your characters and have a hard time letting them go, or are you happy that their story is told and you can move on?
Eden: Generally I have a hard time letting go. I become attached to my characters because they’ve become my friends. I’ve had to make them my friends so I could get into their heads and write about them in a way that is real and true to who they are.
Jen: What do you do in your free time?
Eden: Free what?
Jen: What's next for you?
Eden: No. You didn’t just ask that, did you? You did? Okay
As I mentioned earlier, I’m in the process of writing my very first paranormal inspirational. It’s destined to be part of, yes you guessed it, a series called THE FALLEN. The first book in the series, SECOND CHANCES. is what I wrote as part of the NaNoWrioMo contest. I plan to finish that work, polish it up and get it published as soon as possible. I’m very excited about this new effort and hope you will be too.
In addition to my new paranormal inspirational series, I’ve also recently completed my first official Urban Fantasy entitled, GOLD: HEART OF A WARRIOR. This tale, also written under my new pen name, E. R. Mitchell is the set up to the beginning of a continuity series. It’s a quirky mix of Greek Gods, demons, hunky immortal warriors and Pandora’s Box. The lead characters in this contemporary story are none other than Pandora (yes the Pandora who opened that dreaded box) and Philoctetes, one of the Goddess Demeter’s biggest bad ass Golden Warriors. If you enjoyed reading Milton’s Paradise Lost, liked watching the TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Zena Warrior Princess and are getting into the fresh, new Twilight books and movies, this is the series for you. Everything from shape shifters to Aphrodite pop up at the strangest times in this tale, and believe me there’s much more to come in that direction!
Last but not least, I’ve opened my writing up in a whole new arena. I completed a nonfiction inspirational work this year entitled, DON’T GO BACK TO SLEEP! under my tried and true name, Eden Robins. This “wake up and live” project was years in the making and stems from the Monthly Garden essay and newsletter I’ve been sending out to folks since 2003. This newsletter started out as simply a message about life that I shared with friends. Whether it was a lesson I had learned or an experience that truly touched my soul, I felt the need to share it with those I cared about. And in time they shared it with others. My newsletter readership has grown to now reach out to over 15,000 friends around the world. Some of whom have encouraged me to put together a compilation of these life lessons I’ve included in each month’s newsletter. I wasn’t sure where to begin in this endeavor until events and people I knew and had yet to meet guided me in the right direction. It was then that I began to piece together a part of my life and the multitude of experiences and life lessons I’ve learned into a true work of my heart. DON’T GO BACK TO SLEEP! is book that I hope will help to heal and inspire others in their own lives, just as it’s healed and inspired me.
If you’d like a sneak peek of my latest works in progress under my new pen name E.R Mitchell, including a “taste of gold” please check it out at www.textnovel.com. GOLD: HEART OF A WARRIOR, is posted there as is a new, steamy, too hot to handle (and definitely over eighteen only), older woman and younger man tale I’m putting together and hope to sell to Ellora’s Cave entitled, LAB LOCK DOWN. Also, I’ll be posting a little tidbit of THE FALLEN: SECOND CHANCES on that site soon, so come on by, type in the title you’re interested in at the top of the page in the search box and check it out. I’ve also posted a preface about DON’T GO BACK TO SLEEP! under Eden Robins at the Textnovel site. Please don’t hesitate to let me know what you think! I truly want to hear from you. In fact, I’m interested in setting up a group of “pre-readers” to let me know their thoughts on my work. Interested? Please contact me at edenrobins@gmail.com and let me know! :-)
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Eden: Please look for me here:
My website: www.edenrobins.com or contact me directly at edenrobins@gmail.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/edenrobins
You’ll also find me “Tweeting” on Twitter and “Friending” on Facebook.
And once again, you can get a preview of my upcoming books at www.textnovel.com
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Eden: Absolutely! One thing, okay, maybe three. May I ask three questions?
First, one thing like to hear from readers is what tales stand out in their mind. What kind of plot takes you away from the here and now as you’re swept away into the lives of new characters and their stories? Can you give me an example of one of your favorites and why you like it so much?
Second, what would you consider an absolute taboo in the books you read? What is totally unacceptable in a story line, relationship or character and why?
Third, how would you define a hero? What makes someone a hero in your mind? And if you have a real life hero (man, woman or child) in your life, how has that person directly affected your reality?
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to blog on Booktalk. I’ve really enjoyed answering your questions and I hope to hear answers to my questions from some of your readers!
Just Believe,
Eden Robins
Jen: Readers, Eden is giving away an autographed copy of Beneath a Christmas Moon. Her story, LANDER'S MOON, is one of the three Christmas tales in this collection. This contest is limited to US residents only. To enter, you must first leave a comment or question for Eden. Then to finish your entry, you need to either leave your email address in your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com. The contest will end on Sunday, December 20.
Jen: This weekend we are pleased to welcome Tierney O'Malley to Book Talk. Tierney, will you please share a short bio with us?
Tierney: Hey there Jen. First of all, I would like to thank you for inviting me here. It is a pleasure. I’ve been getting questions about my name, Tierney O’Malley. Unlike other Irish authors, O’Malley is my husbands name. We’ve been married for 15 years and have two daughters. We live in Seattle, known to many as the Emerald City. I graduated from College of Aeronautics and, yeah, I love writing.
Jen: Tell us about your recent releases and where they are available.
Tierney: I am so proud and happy to share this bit of information about my latest book, Wicked Proposal. The book is as wicked as its title. Wicked due to its arousing, steamy content. Wicked because there is an underlying intention to the hero’s proposal. Lies, deceit, romance, sex. This book has it all. If you like happy endings, this book will surely give you that. Wicked Proposal is available from eXtasy Books, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and…hahaha. I’ll get back with you with where else this book is available.
I would also like to add this news. Wicked Night Before Christmas is now available from eXtasy Books. This is a short cute tale about friends turning into lovers, friendship, and the classic example of how a lack of communication can be detrimental to a relationship. Also this story is as hot as the cover. Here's the blurb:
He tried to make her his…
Lucas McLeod fell in love with his sister’s best friend who enjoys bantering with him. He is fighting the urge, the temptation to cross the fine line between friendship and lovers. But Lucas lost. When he succumbs to passion and makes love with her, he knows she is the one he wants to grow old with. Before he leaves for Florida, he gives her his promise. He will be back.
She tried to ignore him…
Cara Saint Regis is devastated when Lucas, her best friend’s brother and the man she believes will come back for her, arrives in the cabin with his high school sweetheart instead. Worse, she catches them French kissing. A few days before Christmas, Cara’s heartache turns into a blinding jealousy and anger—but deep inside her heart, her love and desire remains strong and true.
Will love, passion, and the spirit of holidays help them reunite in time to celebrate Christmas?
Being around Cara is a test. Her nearness inflames his desire. Their closeness reminds him of what he’s been missing—her touch, smile, and her kisses. He misses her. Lucas wonders if his burning need to be with her again can wait until Christmas eve to answer the wish she wrote on the paper and hung on the Christmas tree—a wicked night before Christmas.
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Tierney: I was a teenager when I began writing, but it wasn’t until a few years ago when I developed my interest in cultivating the flair for writing. While in college, my English professor encouraged me to polish my written works and submit them. I did. My essay appeared in my college’s paper and I sold another to an online publication. After that, I tried writing romance. In 2008, my first ebook, To Trust a Wicked Man, was sold to Cobblestone Press. Since then I sold nine more to different publishers. Four are already out.
Jen: Are there any other writers, published or not, in your family?
Tierney: No one that I can think of. So I guess, I can say that I am the pioneer? LOL
Jen: How does your family feel about your career?
Tierney: My family is very supportive. They understand writing is what I love to do the way I understand that they love to text their friends and they respect that.
Jen: Do you have a writing routine?
Tierney: Not really. As a mother of two, I write whenever I find the chance. Kind of like when my children were babies. I would nap whenever the chance presented itself.
Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Tierney: For me, developing a character is the most challenging part of writing. Yes, the characters are fictional, but they have to have jobs in the story. How they function, what are their weaknesses, and what makes them memorable. Their personalities must be consistent throughout the story. Thinking about all the things that make us human and apply those things to a fictional character is not easy. Flawed. They all must have flaws. The easiest part of writing? Coming up with an idea is probably the easiest.
Jen: What’s the most rewarding aspect?
Tierney: Seeing the finished product is very rewarding for an author. At least when you are done, you have the chance of landing a contract, right?
Jen: Is there a genre that you’d like to write? Is there a genre you’ll probably stay away from and why?
Tierney: You know, I am addicted to reading historical romance, but I’d rather write contemporary romance. I feel safe when I write contemp. Although, I’ve been successful with my first paranormal novel. Yeah, I sold Wolf’s Soul: A Midnight Howl novel to Red Rose Publishing. It’s the first of the series so I’ll get to write more para.
Jen: What five authors or people, from the past or present, have been important to you as an author? What question or comment have you always wanted to say to them?
Tierney: With people, I’d say my husband. He’s my rock, my proofreader, a wonderful support. Authors…hmm, Monica Burns, Keta Diablo, Leila Brown. Authors who are quick in lending their support and very open in terms of giving their advice. I hope I didn’t miss someone. LOL. I am sure there are lots of good authors out there who had played an integral part in another author’s life.
Jen: What did you do to celebrate your first book?
Tierney: My first book came out in April of 2008. We left for Europe in June. So I consider our two months there as my celebration.
Jen: What do you do in your free time?
Tierney: Tennis. My husband and I both love to play tennis.
Jen: What's next for you?
Tierney: Working on my series of novels. Awesome editor for Red Rose Publishing, Ansley Blackstock, told me we are almost done with the edits for Wicked Knight: Tristan. So watch out for this one. It’s a part of a five book series.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Tierney: I can be found through Wicked Thorn and Roses, blog that I share with Sierra Wolfe, Mark Alders, Gracen Miller, Wendy Ely, Alisha Page, and Kat Mancos. Ravenous Romance is a cool place I like to hang out. Hmmm...Romance in the backseat. Oh yeah, of course, I have a website where you could reach me. http://tierneyomalley.com
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Tierney: What makes a reader become an author’s fan? What turns you on and off when reading a book? Would you try the same author again if you didn’t like his or her first book?
Jen: Readers, Tierney is giving away an ecopy of Wicked Proposal and an ecopy of Wicked Night Before Christmas to two lucky winners. If the winners have already purchased either book, then he or she can pick a book on her backlist. To enter the contest, leave a comment or question for Tiermey. Then you must either leave your email address in your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com (after commenting) to complete your entry. The winner will be chosen on Thursday, December 18.