Welcome contemporary romance writer, Laurie Larsen!!

I have met so many new writers both online and in the flesh this week, I love it! Today I have romance writer, Laurie Larsen joining me from across the pond, so please give her a fabulous UK welcome!

1) What is your writing routine?

I’m one of those writers with a day job, in fact a very demanding day job, and oh yeah, I have two kids too. So my writing routine is loose and flexible. However, I have found that when I’m motivated and determined to write, I find the time … somehow. Generally I commit to writing three pages a day (about 750 words). If I do that every day, I can complete a first draft in six months or so. That allows me to go back and revise, and even with down time in the middle, I can still complete a book a year.

2) Which author/s inspire you to write?

My favorite author of all time is Pat Conroy, the best-selling southern author of The Great Santini, Lords of Discipline and Prince of Tides, among others. I don’t know why, but his writing speaks to me, moves me. In fact, as I’m doing this interview, his book, My Losing Season sits on my bed stand, a place marker about 120 pages in. I believe this is my third time through it. Although I’ve never met him, he’s graced me with several email responses when I’ve gotten the courage up to write him. That’s what generous writers do for each other. His books and personal emails uplift me and keep me writing. In my own small way, I make an effort to do that for other writers as well.

3) Which is your favorite romance subgenre to read? To write?

I think I love straight contemporary romance the most. I occasionally enjoy a suspense or a mystery to solve, but I connect best with everyday life, with just a touch of worse-case scenario. It’s what I enjoy reading, as well as writing.

4) How do you deal with criticism/rejection?

I try to be mature and professional and not get offended by negative criticism. But let’s face it, no matter how long we’ve been doing this, there’s a little bit of “don’t call my baby ugly” in all of us! The best way to handle either criticism or rejection is to force yourself to step away from the piece. Put some time and distance between the writing of it and the critique, so that it isn’t so fresh. Then, consider the feedback objectively. Be determined that it will help you, not hurt you. Consider the source – if it’s someone you trust or respect, then you know you can receive it as an attempt to improve the piece, make it better. Then determine if you agree with it. If you don’t, then leave it. If you do, then make the changes and move on. The worst thing a rejection can do is make you question your talent or your ability to work in this business. Keep writing.

5) What do you expect from an editor?

The best editor/author partnership is when the editor loves the manuscript as much as the author does! Or at least, likes it a lot. If I’m lucky enough to get an editor who admires the manuscript, I expect him/her to work with me to make it even better. Their feedback may require edits or even rewrites. I also expect her to consider my input when I have a different idea than hers. I expect to treat her as a professional, and I expect her to treat me like one, unless I give her some reason to doubt my professionalism. As a team, we’ll make this the best book it can be!

6) Tell me about your latest release

I’d love to! My latest book is Inner Diva, a contemporary romance featuring quiet, reserved Monica, a theater manager who dreams of being in the spotlight, and Carlos, a handsome Hispanic man who’s trying to put his priorities in order after a past of violence and lost love. Carlos’ little sister Luisa brings the two of them together when Monica becomes her mentor through the Big Sisters organization, much to Carlos’ disapproval. No one in their right mind would put these two “opposites” together, but love doesn’t always strike when it makes sense. As their love grows, only they can help each other realize their dreams.

7) Tease us with a blurb or short excerpt

Monica lurched forward and bumped her shoulder into his chest. He caught her, pulling her close. “What the…?” Then he saw it – a kid missed the Frisbee thrown at him, and it had sailed into Monica’s back, knocking her off balance.

“Sorry!” The kid trotted up, grabbed the plastic disc and raced off with it.

Leaving the two of them planted on the top of the picnic table, him holding
onto her like there was no tomorrow, and her looking up expectantly, her lips
less than an inch from his. He really should release her. But when
God, or whoever else was looking out for him, handed him an opportunity like
this, he wasn’t about to let it pass without …

He lowered his head and brushed his lips gently over hers. He pulled back just enough to catch her startled gaze and then covered her mouth firmly with his. He had no idea how she’d react and frankly, at this moment he didn’t care. He’d been thinking about this woman non-stop, and he needed to get her out of his mind. Maybe if he made a move on her and she slapped him or pushed him away, it would give him the impetus to walk away and not look back. Emboldened, he deepened the kiss, twisting his neck to get a better angle on her lips and closed his eyes so he could concentrate on the feel of his lips on hers – the full, gorgeous lips he’d been dreaming about all week.

But if he was expecting resistance, it didn’t come. Monica returned the kiss, seemed to have no intentions of stopping it. He cupped her cheek with his hand and let his fingers trail over her satin-soft face.

As a reward, he heard a faint moan come from deep in her throat. The warmth their joined lips generated seared through him, heating them in the midst of the brisk evening air. She surprised him with her response – she wasn’t modest or shy. She gripped his shirt with her gloved fingers, pulling him closer. Still conjoined, she ripped off a glove and returned her bare
fingers to the spot where his shirt collar exposed his neck.

He shivered at the skin-on-skin contact and broke his hold on her lips just long enough to place a kiss on her cheek and her eyelid before returning to the sweet heat of her mouth. She caressed his neck, her fingers moving softly over his skin in small circles and a shot of heated desire plummeted directly to his groin. He shuddered at the intensity of it and she pushed his collar
away and moved her hand further into his shirt to caress his collarbone.

Now it was his turn to groan and the sound seemed to encourage her to make the kiss deeper, reaching for more contact, more warmth, more heat. He was not a stranger to kissing, but this was no ordinary kiss. And no ordinary woman.

Suddenly, she gasped and pulled away. She scooted back, her breath coming in ragged pants. She lifted her hand – those same fingers that had driven him crazy with their meanderings – and pushed the hair out of her face. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I don’t know …”

He shook his head. “I’m not. I’m not sorry at all.”

She stood, her hands holding her head as if to ward off a headache. “I can’t believe I … I didn’t mean …”

He jumped off the table and put his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t worry. I started it.”

She looked away, avoiding his eyes. Luisa ran up, ready to leave. Monica turned her back to him, put her arm on Luisa’s shoulder and walked a few steps away.

So much for getting her out of his mind. No, now she was branded there.

8) Which is your favorite character in the book? Why?

I have to admit I have a crush on Carlos. I wrote this book when Mario Lopez was competing in Dancing With the Stars. He was hot in those tight costumes and the healthy sheen from working up a sweat. Mario is who I visualized as I created Carlos. And I’m really happy with the picture of Carlos on the book cover – yum!

9) What are you working on right now?

I’m switching gears away from contemporary romance, and I’m working on an inspirational women’s fiction. The heroine is a middle-aged teacher whose husband serves her divorce papers on the same day her daughter calls with the great news that she’s been accepted for a summer internship in Paris! Her whole life is falling apart, and how on earth will she get through her endless, lonely summer? She decides to take a road trip and see where inspiration leads her. Little does she know, despite feeling useless and unneeded, this summer turns into one of the best of her life because God uses her unique skills and talents to help others and make a difference in their lives.

10) Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists?

Do what you do, and don’t let the craziness of this business get you down. Write because you love to write. Follow your dream and enjoy every second.

11) Where can readers find you?

Best place to get me is at my website: www.authorlaurielarsen.com

Thanks for having me today!!

Great excerpt, Laurie! I have to say I have complete cover envy - it is beautiful! Who was the artist? I love giving a shout-out to the many talented artists who work on our books. Okay, over to you guys for questions and comments...

Welcome fellow Wild Rose Press author, Jenna McClure!

I am happy to welcome Jenna McClure to my site today as we haven't spoken very much via The Wild Rose Press loops. Over the five years I have been writing for, and loving TWRP I have made some great friends and love making more. So over to you, Jenna! Hope you enjoy your time here...

1) Did you set any goals for 2011?

Yes, to get published! That goal has been accomplished, so now I guess I should focus on 2012, right? My goal for next year is to finish my second book and I’m only on Chapter 2, so I guess I should get moving on that…I am reading a lot of unread books on my shelves, however, so that counts as research, doesn’t it?? LOL

2) Favourite author/s & book/s?

I love Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. Each time the next book came out, I had to read all the previous ones to catch up on the backstory, so I’ve read the first book at least seven times. Sharon Kay Penman is a brilliant historian, so my shelves are crowded with her releases too. I’ll read any good romance book, but my favorite authors are Kresley Cole, Lisa Kleypas, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (her earlier books), Keri Arthur, Sherilyn Kenyon, Lora Leigh, Nora Roberts…and the list goes on. I bet some of my fellow TWRP authors will join this list once I get my Kindle and start downloading books…

3) Tell us about your latest release?

My first novel, Animal Attraction, came about from a random idea born of my early vegetarian days. It was back when I was much more passionate about it and animal rights/welfare, so I was determine to write a book with a message. And since I read so much romance, it naturally had to be of that genre. Sex sells, ya know?!

4) Tease us with a blurb/short except

Here’s an excerpt that is not available anywhere except in the book…Emma has just finished giving a presentation during which she promised to buy a drink for the person who knew the speaker of her quote…

Adam offered his arm. ”Shall we get that drink you’re going to buy me?”

“What drink?”

“The drink you owe me for winning your contest. It was Arthur Schopenhauer you quoted.”

Emma gaped at him. “How in the hell did you know that? Were you a philosophy major in college or something?”
“Or something.” He reached out, tucked a length of hair behind her ear. “So what about it?” His voice had gotten husky.

Emma shivered at his nearness. “Can’t I just send you a six-pack or a gift certificate to the local liquor store?”

Adam chuckled. “No, that wouldn’t satisfy me. I want to have a drink with you.”

“Why? We don’t like each other, remember?”

“I was hoping we could start over again, get to know each other a little better. Then maybe we’d find out we do like each other after all.”

Emma stared at him, trying to discern if there was an ulterior motive in his answer, but his eyes were open and honest.

She took a deep breath. “Fine. But Pete and Chad are coming too. Just in case you decide to try anything.”

“Well, if I wasn’t thinking about it earlier, I am now. Thanks for the suggestion. Can I go ahead and get your permission now, in case I do try something?”

Emma rolled her eyes at him. “Why would you bother asking when you know what the answer is going to be?”

Adam nodded. “Right, right. How stupid of me.” He leaned down, his mouth brushing her ear. “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission anyway.”

5) What is your favourite attribute of the hero and heroine?

Sense of humor. I have a sarcastic, dry, witty sense of humor, so it tends to really come out in my writing in my heroines. I make note of and tape all the funny things my friends say so I can use them in future books. I also try to remember lines from movies, past conversations or by eavesdropping, and twist or change them to suit my scenes.

6) Tell me where you write?

My sage green recliner, sadly. I have to move the cats first and shake out my (their) blanket to get the cat hair off, but it’s comfortable. And it rocks too! I’d love to say I write at my antique writing desk in front of the window that overlooks either my mountain estate or my beachfront property, but that would be complete fiction. Maybe I’ll get there someday…

7) Where would you like your career to be in 5 years?

I’d like to be a Vice President. Oh wait, you meant my writing career, didn’t you? LOL . Hmmm, then I’d have to say I would like to have a few more books published and actually make enough money from writing to be able to pay for all the books I buy. That’s not too much to ask, is it??

8) Where can we find you?

www.jennammcclure.com, including links to buy. Other links are here:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-McClure/141729892552797

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JennaMcClureRW

Thanks for being here, Jenna - it was really nice getting to know you better!! Jenna is waiting to hear your questions and comments... :)

The Wild Rose Press Call-out...

Stories, we love to read them...lots of us like to write them!! So when I see a publisher call-out for a series or certain sub-genre of romance, I find it incredibly hard to resist contributing something.

The Wild Rose Press (one of my fabulous publishers!) currently want stories for not one of their lines but FIVE. Help! The choice is too much, lol! As I am coming to the end of another novel, which when I finish this final draft will probably be close on the 90,000 word mark, I have decided to ease myself into the next novel with a novella.

So this call-out has come at just the right time - the question is, which one??

The Black Rose Line (paranormal) - Pagan Holiday Stories

http://wildrosepress.us/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=161

The Champagne Rose Line (contemporary) - The Millionaire Club

http://wildrosepress.us/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2675&Itemid=225

Historical Romance - Love Letters

http://wildrosepress.us/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2680&Itemid=227

Sweet Romance - Flower Basket Series

http://wildrosepress.us/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2143&Itemid=1

Western Romance - Honky Tonk Series

http://wildrosepress.us/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2673&Itemid=223

Decisions, decisions - any tickle your fancy???

Hmm....

Rachel x

Happy Thanksgiving to all my US friends!!

Today is Thanksgiving in America and as everyone is busy celebrating this special time across the Atlantic, I thought I'd give a shout out and wish you the best of times from everyone in the UK! Before I wrote this short post, I contacted a few of my US friends to ask them how they would be celebrating this holiday and the responses reminded me very much of how we celebrate Christmas here.

The traditional fayre is a full roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings apart BUT mash potato is the way to go US style while us Brits love our roasties! Cranberry sauce is a special and loved favourite, all finished off with the famous pumpkin pie - which I have never, ever tasted by the way! I think I need to correct that just to celebrate along with you guys... ;)

Before the meal, the celebrations are proceeded by the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and the football. Now, not one for sport, the football wouldn't interest me but the parade I was lucky to see first hand on my visit to New York with hubby and our next door neighbours in 2007. It was amazing to see Times Square, Broadway and the surrounding streets of Central Park cleared of traffic after seeing just how manic it really is on TV.

For me and hubby to have our picture taken standing in the middle of the street will tell you just how surreal it felt, lol!

Anyway, have a fantastic day all my lovely American friends and visitors - This evening, I will be raising a glass of wine and sharing my thanks with my own family to mark the occasion. In the meantime, my lovely publisher The Wild Rose Press are giving away a free download cookbook for everyone to enjoy - each recipe has been donated by a Wild Rose Press author (myself excluded - which is obvious to anyone who knows me!). Cheers!

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=180&products_id=4717

Rachel x

Welcome Musa Publishing author, W. Soliman!

Today my guest is W. Soliman who's new book Downsizing will get us all talking and remembering times when we've felt just like her heroine, Maxine...

Do you worry about your size?

Any of your ladies out there who’ve never had a moment’s worry about your body shape, raise your hands now.

Thought so. Not a mitt in sight.

Like it or not, we live in a size-conscious world and us women are judged, not always on ability alone, but on appearance, too. I’m no longer in my twenties – or my thirties or forties either, come to that – but I’m every bit as weight conscious as my younger peers. I’m five foot six and weigh 135 lbs, which is pretty ideal. I feel good about myself – up to a point. You see, a few months ago I weighed 130 lbs. Where have the extra pounds come from? Do they show? Will my clothes still look good? Will I gain more? Should I go on yet another diet?

Sound familiar? I’m old enough to know better but still get caught up in the mad ethos of sizism. So too does my mother-in-law, who’s over eighty, and kids as young as nine or ten. Is it right? Hell, no, but I don’t see things changing any time soon.

In Downsizing, published Musa, Maxine experiences all of these feelings. She’s just a teenager at the start of the book. Extremely intelligent, she feels invisible in crowded rooms, dismissed as an irrelevance because of her bulk. No one except local heartthrob Noah Fenwick can see through her unattractive exterior to the sensitive girl, with lots to offer, lurking beneath all that extraneous flesh.

Here’s how Noah tries to persuade Maxine that she shouldn’t worry about her size.

“You dance well, Max. You’re really light on your feet.”

“For a fat lump, you mean.”

“You ain’t fat, darling. Don’t put yourself down.”

“Noah, I weigh nearly thirteen stone.”

“You just need to get a bit of exercise and you’ll look great.”

“Please don’t patronize me.” Tears trickled from behind her glasses and slid down her face.

“Christ, is that what you think I’m doing?” He tugged at her hand. “Come on, let’s get out of here. I feel like a goldfish in a bowl with all these people gawking at us.”

Noah dragged her out of the tent and didn’t let go of her hand until they’d reached the bottom of the garden. He steered her towards a bench and sat down beside her.

“Here.” He delved into his pocket and produced a handkerchief. “I think it’s clean.”

“Thanks.” Sniffing, Maxine dabbed at her eyes.

“What’s wrong, Max? Wanna talk about it?”

“Nothing, other than the fact that I’m fat and ugly.”

“You ain’t ugly.” Before she could stop him Noah reached up and removed her glasses. “You’ve got gorgeous emerald eyes. Do you have to wear glasses? Can’t you get contact lenses?”

“No. I’ve got an astigmatism.”

“Never mind, you’re still gorgeous to me. You place too much stock by appearances.”

“That’s easy for you to say!” Maxine rounded on him. “You’ve got every female under the age of sixty in Colebrook lusting after you. And why do you suppose that is?”

“Yeah, and that’s why I’m qualified to say that you shouldn’t judge by appearances. You’ve got plenty going for you and don’t have to prove yourself.”

“Nobody can see beyond this.” She indicated her body with her hands, looking close to tears again.

“Well, I can. We’ve both had to survive on our wits, you and me. You’ve done it through your intelligence, but I just went to the local school…well, when there was nothing more profitable to do with my time,” he added with a grin. “So I’ve had to learn to run with what I’ve got.”

“Noah, I don’t think―”

“If it weren’t for you I’d never have discovered the joys of reading.”

“Yes you would. You were obviously drawn towards books or you’d never have come into the library that day.”

He recalled the day in question, a little over a year ago, when he’d strolled into the library on a whim, wearing mud-splattered work clothes that elicited disapproving tuts from its staid occupants. Maxine, having just started her holiday job there, sat behind the counter completely engrossed in a book. He’d asked her what she was reading but she was too tongue-tied to answer him straight away. Noah couldn’t understand why. He was the one out of place, and if anyone felt awkward it ought to have been him.

He’d known who Maxine was, but reckoned she was out of his league intellectually and would never want to know him. To his astonishment, she found her voice and recommended books that he might enjoy. Her recommendations were spot on and he went back the following week to thank her, and to talk about what he’d read. It became a habit and he often waited until last thing so they could have coffee together when she got off work.

“Perhaps,” he said. “But I was too busy making money and had no time to waste reading. Until you opened my eyes and I realized what I was missing.”

Maxine, who he knew always found it difficult to deal with compliments, changed the subject. “How’s your father?” she asked.

“Same as ever.” He drifted into a moody silence.

“Sorry if I’ve said something I shouldn’t have.”

“You haven’t, but as usual you’ve turned the subject away from yourself.”

“No one’s interested in me.”

“I am.”

Noah cupped her face in his hand and his thumb gently traced the outline of her plump jaw. He dropped his head and brushed his lips against hers, parodying the seductive dance they’d just shared in the tent. Maxine gasped, but when her arms slid round his neck and her eyes fluttered closed, it became clear that she wasn’t objecting. That impression was confirmed when, with a deep sigh, she buried her fingers in his hair. Noah’s lips instinctively hardened against hers, forcing them apart as his tongue slid into her mouth.

“Why did you do that?” she asked breathlessly when he broke the kiss.

“You looked like you needed reassurance.”

“Don’t!” She jerked away from him and groped for her glasses. “Just don’t! You don’t need to stoke your already over-inflated ego by playing games with me.”

In spite of his reassurances, he lets her down. Which is when Maxine learns one very hard lesson in life

Fat girls aren’t supposed to have fun.

Maxine doesn’t see Noah again for another twelve years, but can never get him out of her heart. To find out what happens when they do meet again, look out for Downsizing from W. Soliman at Musa Publishing. Available now.

Go to my website at http://www.wsoliman.com where you can read the entire first chapter.

And to all you ladies who worry about your body shape, I hope Maxine’s story gives you heart.

Wendy

Great excerpt, Wendy! I'm sure this post is going to get my visitors talking...ladies??

Comments?

Time for a self-interview - enjoy!

1) What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

Everything! I seriously love every part of it. The planning, the writing, the editing, receiving the cover art, everything. I dream of being able to earn enough to write full time because I really don’t want to do anything else.

I have a wonderful family around me, friends too, and their support and belief me is all the motivation I need. I have my wonderful husband to drag me away from the laptop when my eyes start to cross and put a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc in my hand. What more could a lady ask for? So with a successful writing career added to the mix, I will be in heaven.

2) Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A plotter – an idea usually comes to me through a character. I tend to hear either the hero or heroine speaking in my mind and then I spend the next few weeks listening until I figure out, firstly where their story belongs – i.e: contemporary or historical, suspense or comedy, traditional or erotic…

Once I have that sorted in my mind, I have a rough premise of the story and then I will sit down to start the painful process of writing a two or three page synopsis.

With that done, I break down the chapters and then the writing begins – but things always, always change so there is a definite bit of a pantser in me too!

3) Describe to us your typical day

I usually wake at seven am and get my daughters up and ready for school. Once I have dropped them off, I rush home and take the dog out for a walk before squeezing in half an hour on the laptop. This half an hour usually entails answering emails or if it’s a Tuesday or Thursday, I use this time to upload my guest authors’ blog posts.

Then it’s a quick change of clothes and off to work from 10am to 2.30pm – then back to school to pick the kids up and then home.

Now, this is where I can either be good or naughty – do I get on with the pile of ironing, cleaning and chores I need to get done or do I grab a couple of hours on the laptop while ignoring all that and the kids?? Mmm, no comment.

4) What’s a guilty pleasure you have?

With the risk of being judged as the worst mother in the world – there is nothing I like more than paying my daughters’ to rub my feet while I sit back enjoying a glass of wine and catching up on my favourite US dramas! (I know, I know – terrible, terrible mother!)

5) Which is sexier? Boxers or briefs?

Boxers every time for me!

6) Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

Mmm, perfect gentlemen – bad boys are out there for everyone to see, but a perfect gentleman is like a Christmas present. Surely there is nothing sexier that drawing open the ribbon and slowly peeling back the paper until you find the raw, hot-blooded male who will take you when he wants, how he wants, make you scream out his name while…ahem…yes, perfect gentlemen are my thing!

7) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential for you?

A copy of Gone With The Wind – only book I have read more than three times!

Pen and paper

8) What’s the number one on your list of things you hope to do before you die?

Make a comfortable living as a romance novelist!

Welcome fellow Wild Rose Press author, Grace Hood!

Today, I have Wild Rose Press author, Grace Hood joining me. I must admit, I have not read any of Grace's work but will rectifity that by downloading Coming Undone once we are finished here. Sounds like a great read! Let's get started with the interview...

1) Who is your favourite author and why?

Hi Rachel, thanks for inviting me to your blog.

Gosh, my favourite author changes with the latest book I’ve read. I loved Teresa Madeiros’ Goodnight Tweetheart. Fabulous premise and an ending that makes you feel all warm inside. My go-to for historical romance is Terri Brisbin. For something hot and different, and I mean hawt, Cara Carnes is smokin’!

2) When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I said “I’m a writer” out loud to friends and neighbors when I sold my first book, Where There’s Heat, from TWRP. Until then only my immediate family and best friend knew, along with my online writing buddies of course.

3) Describe your writing space?

I sit at my grandmother’s old drop-front desk in the back corner of our dining room. I have two windows, one faces a giant Maple tree, and the other faces the back garden where my hens tear up anything that’s not fenced off.

4) What are you reading now?

Right now I’m re-reading craft books. I find that’s best when I’m writing. If I read fiction I can’t help but compare my writing to the published work, and that’s neither productive nor healthy.

5) How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

I’ve written about a dozen stories, half full-length and half novella. They’re in various stages of polished brilliance, except for the first one, which will remain buried deep on my hard drive until the end of time. I’ve sold two novellas, the second of which was released on November 16 by TWRP, titled Coming Undone. My favourite is usually the one I’m currently working on, in this case a Victorian set spicy historical.

6) What comes first, plot or characters?

The characters come first, at least the bare bones. I flesh them out as I discover the plot. I’m a pantser/plotter hybrid so I write a few chapters, pause to figure out where I’m going, then write a few more chapters. Along the way I learn what makes my characters tick, and what really pisses them off.

7) Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

I don’t think of it as writer’s block, but I do get stuck on occasion. Then I pull out Donald Maass’ Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook and do a few exercises. That usually gets my muse juices flowing.

8) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

When am I not writing? LOL Well, I love to cook and bake, and really enjoy trying new recipes. I read new cookbooks cover to cover. We put in a vegetable garden every spring and I like to putter around with that. Our sweet peppers did really well this year. I have enough frozen that I doubt I’ll have to buy any all winter. The beets were a disaster.

9) Tell us about your latest book?

Coming Undone was released November 16^th from The Wild Rose Press. Here’s the blurb:

Career-minded Lara doesn't find forty all that fabulous. Her carefully plotted path to success is on target and she isn't about to let romance derail her. Except the hot, new advertising whiz steers her libido into overdrive.

Ryan lives to shake companies up and do whatever it takes to meet his goals. But the saucy affirmation-chanting minx challenging him awakens a more carnal desire.

A battle of wills may be what she wants, but he intends to push her boundaries until her inhibitions come undone.

10) What’s next for you?

I recently pitched two stories at the New Jersey “Put Your Heart in a Book” Conference, and got requests, *squee*. I’m putting the final polish on those stories before sending them out into the big, scary world.

The link to the buy page is:

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=4688

The shortened version is:

http://bit.ly/rqDb0F

My meager, ignored website is:

www.gracehood.blogspot.com

I’ll give away a free download to one lucky commenter.

Thank you, Rachel, for letting me visit with you and your readers today. I’ll be happy to hang out and answer any questions. And I’ll award a free download of Coming Undone to one lucky commenter!

The pleasure is all mine, Grace! I love the sound of your spicy Victorian historical - just my sort of thing. Fabulous. Huge good luck with your pitch submissions too! Loads going on...

Comments?

Welcome fellow Blue Ridge Agency author, Aubrie Dionne!

First of all, great author pic, Aubrie! Just to show up my ignorance, is that the New York skyline? I didn't want to assume, in case it was one of the other great US skylines. Remember, I am a UK resident and my experience of the US is a one-time three night visit to New York during which I rushed around in a surreal dream-like state, lol!

Shall we get on with the interview? So looking forward to chatting with you! Okay, here goes...

1) When and why did you decide you wanted to be a published author?

I enjoyed reading science fiction and fantasy, but all my life I wanted to be a professional flutist. My writing took a backseat to my flute dreams. But once I became a flutist, the stories came out. I used stories to bring the music to life. My students loved my stories so much, they told me to write them down and publish them. At first I thought they were crazy, and then I started to take them seriously!

2) What is the best and worse thing you have learned from an editor/agent?

I’ve learned so much from Dawn! The biggest thing: patience. She’s so calm and collected, and she’s taught me to wait it out. You shouldn’t rush at the very first sign of publication. You have to think it over, explore your options. Dawn is amazing.

The worst thing: I don’t know? Everything I’ve learned is valuable.

3) Favourite author/s?

Tad Williams- love his epic fantasy

Patricia McKillip-love her flowing use of language

Sheri S. Tepper- love the feminist side of her writing

Charlotte Bronte- love the dark, gothic atmosphere of Jane Eyre

4) What is your typical day?

Write in the morning.

Practice flute before work.

Teach flute lessons 3pm-8pm.

Write before I go to bed at night.

5) Share your blurb or short excerpt from your latest release with us

Aries has lived her entire life aboard mankind’s last hope, the New Dawn, a spaceship traveling toward a planet where humanity can begin anew—a planet that won’t be reached in Aries’ lifetime. As one of the last genetically desirable women in the universe, she must marry her designated genetic match and produce the next generation for this centuries-long voyage.

But Aries has other plans.

When her desperate escape from the New Dawn strands her on a desert planet, Aries discovers the rumors about pirates—humans who escaped Earth before its demise—are true. Handsome, genetically imperfect Striker possesses the freedom Aries envies, and the two connect on a level she never thought possible. But pursued by her match from above and hunted by the planet’s native inhabitants, Aries quickly learns her freedom will come at a hefty price.

The life of the man she loves.

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/paradise-21/

6) Who would you cast to play your hero & heroine in a movie?

Hero= Clive Owen. (Although I could never actually *talk* to him in person. I’d just be a bunch of giggles.)

Heroine= Me. No, just kidding. Evangeline Lilly from LOST. She’s got just the right amount of spunk and I think she’s beautiful. I actually *could* talk to her.

7) Did you plan this book? Or write it as it came?

Paradise 21 was written for fun. I had no plans at all in mind. They all came later! Of course, book 2 and 3 are very well planned!

8) What surprised you the most when you became a published?

How harsh people are when they review your book. I think they forget there’s an actual person on the other side of the book, someone who put their heart and soul into it. People can be so mean. Mean people suck my creative energy and eat it for breakfast.

9) Do you have a dedicated writing space? What does it look like?

A mess! Papers everywhere. Sticky notes with scribbles, a picture of Jack Sparrow, my lucky replica of his pirate beads, presents from my critique partners, and a tiny statue of a fairy godmother.

10) What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on the third book in the New Dawn series. (named after Dawn Dowdle….no… just kidding on that.) Although I love Dawn so much, I really should name something after her.

Haven 6 is the third book- it’s about a jungle planet, and the descendants from Paradise 21 on Refuge. It’s got jungle pirates, flying bird men, saber toothed tigers, and lots of battles. I can’t wait to finish it!

Readers can find me on:

Twitter: @authoraubrie

Blog: http://authoraubrie.blogspot.com

Website: www.authoraubrie.com

Thank you so much for the fantastic interview, Rachel!!

Thank you, Aubrie! Really great interview and I have to completely echo everything you have said about Dawn, she is fabulous! If there was ever an agent who manages to make all her authors feel looked after and championed, it is her. I wish you all the luck in the world in sales and the continuing success of your career.

Over to you, guys - Aubrie would love to answer your questions and comments!