Wednesday, March 27, 2013

AVAILABLE NOW!

DREAMS OF THE HIGHLANDER 
with Soul Mate Publishing
Available now on Amazon





Haunted by a recurring dream, Marlana Crawford ventures to Scotland in search of answers. But a careless wish lands her in the 17th century and the arms of Alexander Macpherson-a handsome, brooding, Highlander, who after losing his wife and babe during childbirth, vowed to never love again. 

Surprised to find a mysterious, brown-haired beauty in his home, Alexander fights the undeniable attraction between them and id determined to figure out a way to send her packing without losing his head or his heart. 

When Marlana has a chance encounter with his enemy, it changes the stakes and Alexander is forced to face two battles, one to win Marlana's affection and one to save her life. 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Interview with Author J.A. DENNAM


                         
Today I’m interviewing J. A. Dennam. Her book, TRUTH AND HUMILITY is a contemporary romantic suspense and was released on November 18, 2012. 

ANNOUNCEMENT- J.A. Dennam will be giving away TWO digital copies of her book today!



Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  Truth and Humility is the story of two feuding families, the Bennetts and Cahills, who’ve endured decades of lies and cruelty. The latest battle between Austin Cahill and Derek Bennett is no exception until Derek’s little sister, Danny, gets caught in the crossfire. At first, she is but a pawn in Austin’s game of revenge...until he truly falls for her. Now, the real challenge is convincing her there is no hidden agenda behind his forbidden touch. Or is there?

Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in?  Truth and Humility is a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense. I love to read on the edge of my seat, so I especially love to write that way. I may explore other genres in the future, but for now I’m having too much fun with this one.

How did this story come to be?  My husband owns a welding business and is sometimes asked to do odd jobs. One day he brought home a bunch of junk he’d torn out of an old meat processing plant and I had a ball demolishing it. With every turn of the screw or swing of the sledgehammer, I created a little more of T&H.

Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped? I am a member of Romance Writer’s of America and their local chapter, MARA. Winter weather has seen to it that I only attend one meeting so far, but it was incredibly helpful. Even better, I found a wonderful critique group with two blessedly honest, lovely ladies. I don’t sneeze without asking their opinion of it.

What is your writing routine like? Once I start a novel, I don’t stop until it’s done. I lose sleep, I don’t eat, I don’t dare leave the house. I’m too afraid I’ll lose the “flow” of the story. I guess it’s good though, because I get a novel done really fast that way.

What’s next for you? I’m in the research stage of my next novel “Between Faith and Fear” – the companion novel to Truth and Humility.

BOOK BLURB
Danny Bennett knows that most of what keeps her family feuding with the Cahill clan is baseless accusations from both parties, but that doesn’t keep her from taking sides.  After all, when her fun-loving brother, Derek – the person she idolizes the most – has been accused of murder, her loyalties lay solidly with him.  But her loyalty to her chosen future is what she puts first when she applies for a dangerous job in order to pay for her college education.  Accustomed to living on the edge, Danny welcomes a good challenge...until she realizes she has unwittingly landed herself in the bowels of the enemy camp and fallen prey to her brother’s irresistibly sexy accuser.

Driven by hatred, Austin Cahill knows exactly what to do with the Bennett girl who saunters onto his jobsite under false pretenses: use her as a weapon against her brother, the man he holds responsible for his fiancĂ©’s fatal drowning.  Derek Bennett must pay for his crimes, but Austin must coax a confession out of him first.  His plan to “own” Derek’s beloved baby sister should break the man, but he soon discovers a much bigger obstacle...his burgeoning desire for Danny.  When Derek comes for her, will Austin be prepared to let her go in exchange for the truth?  Will his quest for vengeance destroy the woman he’s grown to care for?  Or will it be the truth that brings them all down?


Photo provided by author. 



A little bit about the author
J. A. Dennam, an award-winning author and member of Romance Writers of America, resides in a small Kansas town with her husband and four children.   Besides her great love for literary arts, her passions include fine art, culinary art and music.
Storytelling has always been a part of her life, used as an effective tool to combat insomnia as a child. As an adult, the need to purge her private stories demanded she put them in print.  Her fascination with romance, fast cars and adventure films is what structures her stories today, making Romantic Suspense the genre she was simply born to write.
For over twenty years, Ms. Dennam has been building her career as a painter of Western portraiture.  In the meantime, however, she managed to complete three novels. The recent decision to forgo her fine art career in lieu of her writing career was a simple one.  Her passion for writing far outshines all other passions and she has only just begun to build her list of achievements by entering writing contests, joining local writer’s groups and gaining an impressive number of positive reviews for her books.

Ms. Dennam is now represented by Marisa A. Corvisiero, Esq.
Literary Agent
Corvisiero Literary Agency

Excerpt
He took another step closer and she backed up. “You see, that’s where the problem lies. People like you are willing to dismiss it as if her life meant nothing. All to protect him.” The next step dared her to turn and run. “But you didn’t know her. You didn’t love her. I can’t let this go until Derek pays for what he did.”
“There were others who were swept away in the current that week,” she countered softly, sympathetically. “It was a terrible flood.”
Lenny Kravitz broke the tense silence with a melodic desire to fly away. Danny instantly paled. The irony of it was not lost on Austin who deduced the personal ring tone belonged to her brother. His face fell. “Then you better prepare yourself, Bennett. Because there’s about to be another.”

How can my readers buy your book? 
Readers can go to the publisher’s home page at http://www.amazon.com/Truth-and-Humility-ebook/dp/B00A9PUQSC.  

You can find more information about J. A. Dennam and her book, TRUTH AND HUMILITY, by visiting her website, http://JADennam.com

Just a few fun questions to answer if you don’t mind.

1)      Mountains or Beach? Mountains!!!!!!!!!!
2)      What is your favorite season? Summer
3)      What is your favorite thing to eat? Swiss Rolls
4)      Who is your favorite author to read? Judith McNaught
5)      Hike through the woods or a stroll through the city? Hike through the woods.
6)      Movies- Drama or Comedy? Comedy
7)      Coffee or Tea? Coffee
8)      Bicycle through Europe or African Safari? Bicycle through Europe
9)      Hotdog or Hamburger? Hamburger
10)  Seven Dwarfs or One Fairy Godmother? Fairy Godmother


Thank you for allowing me to interview you here at Heart of Romance. Good luck to you in your future!!!

THANK YOU, Sarah

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

FOOL FOR ROMANCE CONTEST

I am with 12 other authors participating in this fun contest. For a chance to win, all you have to do is go to this web site and answer our questions. Good luck!!!!

http://www.crystalrainlove.com/   Then click on the Fool For Romance tab!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Interview with Author CALISA RHOSE



1.) Tell us about your book.
RISK FACTORS

Love, like life, is not without risk.

Veterinarian Vivian Dane has purchased her uncle’s practice in the tiny town of Wales, Missouri, where most residents still doubt her ability to treat their pets. But Viv is used to being considered less-worthy than her predecessors. After all, her parents are world-renowned wildlife vets, and most everyone is unimpressed she’s chosen to not follow directly in their footsteps. Now Connor, a patient’s owner, and is hot for Viv, but clearly doesn’t think she’s dating material because he has a daughter…who he believes no woman is good enough for.

Being a perfect dad is EMT paramedic Connor’s life focus. He can’t seem to stay away from sexy Doctor Viv, but attraction is as far as he’ll ever let it go. His mother abandoned him, leaving him to be raised in the foster system, and then his wife abandoned both him and their daughter. He absolutely will not risk bringing another woman into his little girl’s life and having her feel the hurt of being left…again.

Forfeiting is easier than attempting and failing. So why does Viv feel compelled to prove she’s a sure bet for Connor and his daughter? Can Connor trust Viv--and himself--enough to play the possibilities?

CONTENT WARNING: Happy-ever-after mixed with four-legged friends.

A Lyrical Press Contemporary Romance



2.) Do you have a writing routine? Where do you usually do your writing?
Writing routine…when I can and every day possible. I don’t have a certain time of day I write but I prefer late night if I have a choice.

I currently hole up in a corner of the couch to write, in order to be available to FIL whom I care for in our home. I can’t wait to have an office again, however.



3.) Why do you write in the genre/sub-genre that you do? Any plans in the future to write in a different one?

I write contemporary and paranormal because they each speak to me in different ways. I’d love to write a suspense novel, though.



4.) How do you stay motivated when writer’s block hits or your muse won’t cooperate?

I will usually work on something else or walk away from the pc until the characters begin talking again. Doesn’t always work and the ton of unfinished wips on my hard drive are proof of that.



5.) What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research?
While living in California hubby worked on a construction job in a very small coastal Oregon town for a week. We drove up and I had time to explore during the days. I discovered the town had a Coast Guard station so I walked down and requested a tour of one of the CG rescue boats and got it right then. A tour and lots of piccys! That was a lot of fun.



6.) Describe yourself in three words.

Short, tenacious and polite.



7.) What do you like to do in your leisure time?


I read when I can, ride my horse in warmer weather and spend time with family. I love my five granddaughters and they keep me laughing.



8.) Tell us about your current release in a couple of sentences.

A veterinarian and EMT-P find love when both have all but given up, partly thanks to a little girl.



9.) Can you tell us a little about your next project?

I’m working on several projects at the same time. One if a contemporary western, then I’m working with a fireman to tell his story and lastly a special new project.



A few quickies!

1) Leather pants or blue jeans? Blue jeans

2) A night out or a night in? depends on the occasion, but a night out

3) Boxers or Briefs? Boxer briefs

4) GUM- mint or fruity? minty

5) What is your favorite genre of music? country

6) What is your favorite meal? tacos

7) Gold or Silver?
silver

8) Butterflies or Dragonflies? butterflies



Author Bio:

Calisa Rhose is an Okie, born and bred, through and through, and proud of it. While growing up, when she wasn’t on the back of a horse, she could be found with pen and paper in hand. Her writing career began with poetry in her younger days. Then she discovered Rock-n-Roll and cute musicians. Poetry turned into stories of romance and dreams. These days she lives with the same man who convinced her to take a romantic journey with him almost 30 years ago. After raising three strong daughters she spends her days loving their granddaughters, hoping for a boy someday, and writing. When she’s not writing, you can find Calisa putting on her editor hat and working to help other published and aspiring writers.

She is working on more projects with her favored contemporary cowboys, first responders and firemen. She’d love to hear from her readers at calisa.rhose@gmail.com and you can visit Calisa’s website at http://calisarhose.wordpress.com Find out about her books on the Bookshelf page.

Twitter @CalisaRhose, Goodreads and Facebook, Amazon




I’d like to invite everyone to join my party to a few blogs and help me celebrate Risk Factors’ release. Here’s the link to follow my tour and the more you comment, the better chance you’ll have to win either a GC or a rose rock from me and a PDF copy of RF and maybe even some swag. I’ll select a winner at the end of the tour, so be sure to leave an email address for me to contact you! See at the above link how to help my hosts win too.






Thursday, March 14, 2013

Interview with Author LAURA HOWARD



Today I’m interviewing Laura Howard. Her book, The Forgotten Ones, is a New Adult Paranormal and will be released on May 15. 





Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.

The Forgotten Ones focuses on college grad Allison O’Malley. She is preparing to take over the care of her schizophrenic mother from her grandparents. She’s worked her whole life for this and just needs to get through grad school and get a job. The arrival of the father she’s never known puts her plans in a tailspin and she’s forced to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about her mother, her life, and an ancient Irish people the world has long forgotten.



Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in?

The Forgotten Ones is not quite Young Adult and not quite Adult, so I’ve decided to describe it as New Adult. NA is becoming popular among YA lovers who want something a little deeper. This is my first full length novel, and the sky is the limit as far as what genres I’ll write in the future. I have lots of ideas floating around!



How did this story come to be?

It started as a Contemporary Romance. But my first love has always been paranormal, so eventually it fleshed itself out as a Paranormal novel as well. My heroine Allison has always been on the receiving end of unwanted attention, which is explained by the secret her father shares when he shows up out of the blue. 


Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?

Not really. I am a member of a few writers groups on Facebook, but nothing official. It is always helpful to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through. There aren’t any writers groups near where I live, but it is something I’d love to do in the future.



What character is most like you or least like you?

A secondary character, Allison’s cousin/next door neighbor Nicole is a lot like me. She has a way of balancing out Allison’s rough edges with her spontaneous nature. Allison is very controlled and focused, which is the complete opposite of me.





What is your writing routine like?

It hasn’t really been consistent for very long, because I’m a stay home mom to four. But since I’ve started getting closer to deadlines it’s been after dinner for about 2 hours while my husband takes over the bedtime routine. He’s been really great about doing that, and I feel good getting my work done while I’m able to focus and before I’m too tired!



What most inspires you in life?

My friends and family. I’m lucky to have a great support system, and I’m always thrilled when things go well for those I love.



What’s next for you?

I have the sequel to The Forgotten Ones outlined and also a New Adult contemporary taking shape in my brain. 


BOOK BLURB

Allison O'Malley just graduated from college. Her life's plan is to get a job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She doesn't have room for friends or even Ethan, who clearly wants more.

When Allison's long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he abandoned her mother.



A little bit about the author.

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.



Excerpt

Ethan looked down at his hands for a second, then glanced up at me through his thick lashes. “You want to get something to eat when you’re done?” he asked.

I licked my lips, his dark brown eyes pulling me in. I tore my gaze away and tried to focus on the computer screen.

He didn’t say anything for a few moments and I fidgeted, knowing he was watching me. When I turned toward him, his expression was so intense that my stomach somersaulted.

“Just one time,” he said quietly.

“What?” I asked, frowning in confusion.

“Say yes, just one time.” Ethan slowly moved behind the counter, his eyes never leaving mine. “If you don’t have a good time, fine. I’ve been trying to get you to say yes to me for years. Don’t act like you don’t know.”

I shook my head slightly as he approached, wanting him closer but afraid of what that would mean. He stopped, his brow creasing.

“I won’t hurt you,” he whispered.

His expression was so earnest. My mind went blank for a moment.

“Ethan,” I began, my thoughts scrambled. “You know I’d like to…”

“So say yes.”





How can my readers learn more about your book?

Readers can check out my book on Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16288155-the-forgotten-ones



You can find more information about Laura Howard by visiting her blog at http://www.laurahoward78.blogspot.com/   







Just a few fun questions to answer if you don’t mind.


Mountains or Beach? Mountains 

What is your favorite season? Spring
 
What is your favorite thing to eat? Chocolate 

Who is your favorite author to read? Juliet Marillier 

Hike through the woods or a stroll through the city? Hike through the woods. 

Movies- Drama or Comedy? Comedy. 

Coffee or Tea? Coffee. 

Ice Cubes or Crushed ice? Ice Cubes. 

Go with the flow or stick to a routine? Go with the flow. 

Movies- at the theatre or at home? At Home.



Thank you for allowing me to interview you here at Heart of Romance. Good luck to you in your future!!!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Interview with Author KATHY OTTEN




Boston City Hospital-

Have you ever wondered what a hospital was like in the olden days? Most people, especially the rich and middle class, were treated at home. They preferred surgery in the bed room or on the kitchen table rather than go to a hospital. Only those too sick to take care of themselves went to the hospital, a place know for filth and pestilence.

In my newest Victorian, holiday novella, Another Waltz, my hero ends up in a hospital in Boston.  While doing the research I became engrossed in a fascinating book, A History OF The Boston City Hospital From Its Foundation Until 1904, by David Williams Cheever, George Washington Gay, Amos Lawrence Mason, Johns Bapst Blake, Boston City Hospital

Built to provide comfort and care to the poor patients of the city, construction of Boston City Hospital was begun in 1861, on Harrison Avenue in the South End of Boston, north east of Roxbury.

In the 1830’s a project was begun in which fill was brought in by trains to fill in a large portion of Boston’s Back Bay and it was on the former Tidal Marsh that the hospital was built.

The four buildings of the original group were designed in the French Renaissance style.  The administration building was an imposing structure of brick, with tall wooden columns, balustrades and porches with a large dome at the very top, 148 ft. above the street. The first floor was used for general administrative purposes, with a reception room for visitors and offices and apartments for the superintendent and trustees. The second floor contained private rooms for patients and the third floor, flooded with light from the great dome, was used for operating rooms. Two stairways and a hand elevator were used to move patients. The basement rooms were 13 ft. high with another sub basement. These lower stories contained a kitchen, storerooms, a dispensary, a laboratory, and a dining room for the employees, with rooms for clerks and stewards.

To the left and right of the administration building were Pavilion’s I and II.  One hundred feet away, they were connected by a cover colonnade. Each building was 180 ft. X 48 ft. and had three stories with a basement 3 ½ ft. below the grade of the ground. Pavilion I, the surgical side, contained Wards, A, B, C, & D, and Pavilion II, the medical side held Wards, E, F, G, & H.

Because of the surgical and antiseptic methods of the day, hospital gangrene and general sepsis were common. In 1866, Pavilion III, known as the “Foul Ward,” was built where the old Roxbury canal had channeled its sewage into the old marsh. The main ward was for men and the second story for women.

The original boiler room was located on Albany Street, parallel with the Administration building. Steam was generated from three tubular boilers at thirty pounds of pressure. Steam was carried to a large battery of steam coils, and fresh air, drawn through a latticed window was forced by a large propulsion fan 15 ft. in diameter, through a large sub basement conduit. From here the heated air was distributed by smaller ducts, to the various wards.  A secondary system of ducts admitted cold air and by mixing the valves the correct portion of hot/cold air could be maintained.

The problem was that the conduits, which in some places were 10 ft. wide and 12 ft. high, had too many leaks to properly achieve this.  Then rats, which soon burrowed between the sewers and the imperfectly constructed conduits, caused sewer gas to be mixed with the heated air and pushed into to the wards. All patients in beds near the air inlets invariably ended up with septic complications, many of whom died.

Then because the hospital was built on such a low grade, the flow of tides caused seepage of ooze into some areas of the buildings.

In these early days sewage was removed by barrel sewers, but the sluggish flow caused solids to settle and form deposits that gradually became obstructive.

The original medical and surgical staff consisted of eighteen members. One third was consulting physicians and surgeons. The rest were house officers, (interns) who roomed in various parts of the hospital and were equally divided between the buildings.

Patients slept on beds with horse hair mattresses with blue and white striped ticking.  They were covered with a coarse linen sheet and beige wool blankets. In the wards of the hospital, there were seven windows on each side of the ward with two beds to each window.  It had also been voted that except for emergency cases, no one could be admitted to the hospital without a satisfactory character reference.


ANOTHER WALTZ

Blurb:

After a magical waltz in a winter wonderland with the only man who has ever made her believe she is beautiful, Madeline Winthrop doesn't think life could be anymore perfect--until the night of the Christmas ball when she learns everything James Sullivan has told her is a lie.
Revenge against Madeline's brother forces James to do what ever is necessary to get back what was stolen from him, even if he has to use Madeline to do it. But the one thing he doesn't count on is the way she makes him feel.


Excerpt:

Above her loomed a wide porch with four Corinthian columns and balustrades. She blew her runny nose and pushed her spectacles tight to the bridge of her nose. After stuffing her handkerchief into her coat pocket, she grasped the fabric of her skirt and carefully limped up each snowy step one at time, eighteen times.

Inside, the ceiling soared above her head even higher than twelve foot ceilings in Payton’s house. On either side two large staircases stretched toward the second floor. A door snapped shut somewhere; the sound echoed through the building. Across the width
of the room she spotted a sign over a door of a room marked Visitors. Her heels clicked loudly against the tile, their cadence out of time. After all these years, she could still hear the sing-song chants of the girls from boarding school ringing in her head. “Gimpygirl!
Gimpy-girl!” Even her brother had mimicked their taunts.

“Excuse me?”

The woman seated behind the desk raised her head. Her shrewd gaze silently appraised Madeline from the bonnet which protected her head to the kid gloves which covered her hands.

Madeline continued. “I’m looking for a man—”

The woman interrupted with a quick bark of laughter, flashing rows of crooked, yellowed teeth. “Dearie, ain’t likely anyone of your quality would be here.”

Madeline shuddered at the limp strands of salt and pepper hair, which had fallen from the woman’s bun to frame her face and sagging throat. The fingernails of her hands, as they dealt a game of solitaire, were rimmed with black.

Adjusting her spectacles Madeline repeated her question. “Do you have a patient here by the name of Sean MacAuley?”

“An Irishman, eh? Well, we got lots a them here, but none by that name.”

Madeline glanced beyond the desk, to the file cabinets, tables, and shelves, stacked with ledgers and piles of papers. How could this person remember the name of every patient?
“Could you please check your records? He would have been admitted the night before last.”

The matron heaved a sigh, which strained the bosom of her too-tight blouse, as she half-heartedly sifted through the piles of papers littering her desk. After a couple of minutes, she looked up and shook her head.

Madeline’s shoulder’s drooped. Where else could he be? This had to be the right hospital. Unless he’d gone back to where he’d been staying. With all the hotels in the city, it would be like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Maybe she should just forget the whole idea and let him go.

“There was a man—” the woman added, startling Madeline from her musing. “—the police brought him in. Don’t know his name.” The wooden chair creaked under her cumbersome weight as she flipped open the book beside her. “He was listed as an accident patient. That would put him in North Pavilion,” she pointed toward a side door on the right.

Madeline murmured her thanks and once outside walked beneath the covered colonnade, which spanned the curved distance between the administration building and the entrance to the Pavilion.

Once inside, the nurse in Ward A informed her that the beds were filled to capacity, but some of the male patients were being tended to in the basement, and Sean might be with them.

Stale sweat, urine, and vomit blended together with an assortment of noxious odors, forcing
Madeline to swallow an urge to gag.

Though less than half of the wall was actually below ground level, she still wondered how these poor souls could survive in such damp conditions. The nurse on duty indicated the bed at the end of the row as the one, which held the nameless patient.

As she started down the wide aisle separating about twenty beds, for the first time she prayed that Sean wouldn’t be here. She pictured him on a train, heading back to Texas, his wide grin in place as he seemingly laughed at the world like it was all some secret joke.

She passed through a pocket of cold air, into a wave of heat blowing from a large ventilation duct, then shivered as she moved back into the cold. A few more steps and she was forced to detour around a pile of soiled linens and dirty bandages which littered the aisle like flotsam in a stream, all while maintaining her focus on that last bed. She glanced around, certain every eye was on her as she limped through the ward, relieved to find most of the men were either asleep or watching her with vacant eyes.

As she came to a stop at the end of the iron bed, a gasp that was part relief and part horror escaped her lips. For although she was relieved to have finally found the man, who, until Thursday night had been known to her as James Sullivan, she barely recognized the battered visage of the man sleeping restlessly before her.





Monday, March 11, 2013

Interview with Author DEANIE ROMAN






1.)     Tell us about your book. Charming the Chieftain, is a medieval Scottish romance set in 1487 northern England and on the Borders. It starts with Lady Elisande Cadby deciding how she will endure the Rite of Purification before being forced to wed Baron Warford the Brutal. When she is betrayed by her father, she flees Cadby Hall armed with an arsenal of Pagan-rooted curatives and her ever-present comfort-stone. With the aid of a sexy, surly Scots Chieftain, Aeden Maxwell, she embarks on a harrowing escape across the Borders. Once there, she must battle against the Maxwell clan’s suspicions, Aeden’s mistress, his brother’s unwanted attentions, and decide whether to reveal a decades old family secret, or keep

2.)     Do you have a writing routine? For whatever reason, my writing flows in the late evening and I usually start around 9pm and end anywhere between 1:00-2:00pm. Happily, I have a fab husband who understands I might not rise until 10:00am the next morning!  

3.)      Where do you usually do your writing? I’m an Air Force wife, so my writing space changes every 2-3 yrs. At the moment we live in Southern Germany at the foot of the Schwabian Mountains and I write from a garret that overlooks two medieval castles. One is in ruins and the other, (my favorite) Lichtenstein Castle, which means ‘Castle of Light,’ is right in my line of sight every time I look out the window.

4.)     Why do you write in the genre/sub-genre that you do?  I love schlepping around museums, old castles, and combing through ancient tomes, rummaging around in trunks and bandboxes in the attic. I like the idea that objects or clothes have a story to tell.

5.)      Any plans in the future to write in a different one? I have two children’s books published and I’ve recently teamed up with a friend of mine who is an illustrator and we’re working on a children’s picture book. I love the cozy mystery genre as well, and have been writing a series on and off for a few years.

6.)     How do you stay motivated when writer’s block hits or your muse won’t cooperate?   I don’t believe in writer’s block per se, at least in the conventional sense of the term. I’ve never not been able to write---I just write crap until my creative flow decides to re-connect with my brain.

7.)     What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research? Followed a couple through IKEA, who were arguing very publicly. The hand gestures, head tosses and incredulous snorts coming from the pair was so theatrical, I used the scene in Charming the Chieftain.

8.)     Describe yourself in three words:  Creative, Fiery, Idiosyncratic

9.)     What do you like to do in your leisure time? I’ve been indulging my passion for travel the past few years and have visited eight countries so far! I also love to cook, and being a second generation Italian-American, my Nonnie taught me how to create all those lovely, old-world family dishes.

10.) Tell us about your current release in a couple of sentences. Lady Elisande Cadby seeks sanctuary in the arms of Chief Aeden Maxwell against accusations of witchery, but, when she uncovers a disturbing secret, she must practice the forbidden rituals to save the man she loves.

11.) Can you tell us a little about your next project? The only hint I’m willing to give up is that it takes place in the 1850’s just after the Crimean War… So stay tuned!

A few quickies!
1)      Favorite thing to lounge around the house in? Gray yoga pants and Chicago Bears jersey.

2)      Mountains or Beach? Mountains!

3)      Ice cubes or crushed ice? As long as the ice serves its purpose, I’m not picky.

4)      Go with the flow or stick to a routine? Go with the flow kinda gal

5)      What is your favorite genre of music? I love all types, but when I’m writing, it’s Classical all the way.

6)      What is your favorite meal? Gnocchi! (pronounced, nyo-kee) The ‘g’ is silent, people! Sorry, major pet peeve…

7)      Gold or Silver? Silver

8)      Ice cream or frozen yogurt? Fro-Yo

9)      Favorite author? Rosamunde Pilcher



Thanks so much for having me on your blog today, Sarah, it’s been fun! J

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Interview with author ERIN NOELLE




Please tell my readers a little bit about your book. 
Metamorphosis is the story of Scarlett, a college-bound freshman looking to make up for lost time of experiencing life by her over-controlling parents, and her transformation from a young, naive girl to a strong, mature young woman and her search for self-discovery and true love.

Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in? 
Metamorphosis falls in the Mature New Adult / Contemporary Romance genre. This is the first book I have written and I expect my subsequent novels will be in the same genre.

When did you start writing toward publication? 
I began writing Metamorphosis mid-October 2012 and self-published on January 19, 2013.

Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so, did you send them out yourself?
No, this was my first novel and I self-published.

What is your writing routine like?
During the day I work outside the home and then I spend my evenings with my husband and two small children, so I am limited to writing late at night. Typically, I write from around 10:00PM until 12:00AM-1:00AM. All of my writing is done in the comfort of my bed and I have to be listening to music that pertains to the scene I am writing.

What sort of promo do you do? Do you have help?   
I didn’t know much about the world of book promotions until recently, after publishing Metamorphosis. I have since scheduled a blog tour coming up from March 4th through March 15th that will feature the book on 15 different book review blogs. In addition, I will be a part of the Naughty Mafia Rocks Vegas book signing event @ The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on August 16-20.

 Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?
I’ve just recently joined several writers groups on Facebook and they have been very helpful as far as marketing ideas and contacts.

What’s next for you?
I am currently working on Ambrosia, the sequel to Metamorphosis, and anticipate that there will be at least one more, if not two, in the Book Boyfriend Series.

BOOK BLURB
Scarlett MacGregor has lived a very sheltered life courtesy of her over-the-top controlling parents. Having never been to a co-ed party, much less on a date, Scarlett has relied on her books, her music, and living vicariously through her best friend Evie to keep her sanity as she's patiently awaited her freedom from their rule.
During their first semester away at college, Scarlett and Evie, both avid readers of romance novels, concoct the idea of a contest to find their real-life book boyfriends. Scarlett quickly meets Ashton, Dylan, and later, Mason, and is thrown into a crash course of like, love, and lust. With Evie's help, she must figure out the difference in the three and which one she wants before she ends up without any of them.

A little bit about the author
Erin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. While earning her degree in History, she rediscovered her love for reading that was first instilled by her grandmother when she was a young child. A lover of happily-ever-afters, both historical and current, Erin is a passionate reader of all romance novels. Most nights you can find her cuddled up in bed with her husband, her Kindle in hand and a sporting event of some sorts on television. You can follow her on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/erin.noelle.98 and follow her on Twitter @enoelleauthor.
Excerpt
“Evie had devised a perfect way for me to meet different kinds of guys and the game would help me to break out of my shell, lose some of my insecurities, and do things that I would most likely be too timid to try. I’m not sure if it was the empty bottle of wine that sat in the kitchen trash, the possibility of finding the happily-ever-after I had read about time and again in my countless books, or the fact I definitely did not want to die a virgin, but I found myself saying, ‘Game on. May the best book whore win.’”

How can my readers buy your book? 

@ Barnes & Noble ~ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/metamorphosis-erin-noelle/1114177112?ean=2940016044644

You can find more information about Erin Noelle and my book, Metamorphosis, by
visiting me www.facebook.com/erin.noelle.98 or by following me on Twitter @enoelleauthor.

A few quickies if you don’t mind!

1)      Coffee or Tea? Coffee
2)      Pepsi or Coke? Coke
3)      Mountains or Beach? Beach
4)      Denim or Leather? Denim
5)      What’s your favorite meal? Steak & potatoes
6)      What’s your favorite movie? Dirty Dancing
7)      What’s your favorite time of day? Morning

Author Erin Noelle