Interview with Sweet Romance Author Maria Hoagland

When Maria Hoagland is not working at her computer, she can be found combing used furniture stores, remodeling houses with her husband, or sitting on the sideline of a son's soccer game. She loves crunching leaves in the fall, stealing cookie dough from the mixing bowl, and listening to musicals on her iPod. While she appreciates the home office she shares with her husband, Maria's favorite writing places are outdoors where there is sunlight and no internet. Maria Hoagland has several published works including two Whitney Award finalists, The {Re}Model Marriage and Still Time. Other works include Kayaks & Kisses, Home for the Holidays, Nourish & Strengthen, and Family Size.

Welcome to my blog, Maria. Please tell us about your novella, Beauty and the Billionaire Beast.

Thank you so much for hosting this interview, Linda. It’s always great to visit your blog!

Beauty and the Billionaire Beast is part of the Destination Billionaire Romance series, sweet romance novellas set in a fun place with at least one billionaire as a main character. Each Destination Billionaire book is written by a different author and a new one is released every month. There are some fabulous ones out there, so check them out as well, but this is my first.

Beauty and the Billionaire Beast is a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but there’s a little more than you might expect. There’s a family mystery that draws the two main characters together, but a family feud keeping them apart. Some of my favorite parts, besides the sweet romance which always makes me happy, are the hints of magic and the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast details which were so fun for me to weave into the story!

Did you get your inspiration from the Beauty and the Beast fairytale or was it more personal?

When I first starting writing this story, Beauty and the Beast wasn’t even on my mind. I was enchanted by my setting, a beautiful, mysterious antebellum plantation in Louisiana—magical gardens, a run-down, imposing mansion, and it seemed to fit. Add to that what some of the community might think about my main character, and I realized that it would work great as one of my favorite fairy tales, Beauty & the Beast. To add the Beauty and the Beast flavor, I made sure I was familiar with the original version, written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, as well as rewatching the animated Disney version. I wasn’t able to watch the new live-action film until just after I sent it to my editor for the first pass; I did, however, choose to name my character Emma because of Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle.

Did you have to do any research for this story?

One of the things I love best about writing is doing research. Some of the most important research for this story happened before I wrote it. My family and I took a trip to New Orleans, and when we visited a plantation, I took copious notes and photos that helped me ground my story. During the writing phase, I researched to find the perfect prop, checked out plantation graveyards, and hoodoo traditions.

I agree with you about research. It’s one of the things I love about writing a story. I learn so much. Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I had so much fun writing Emma’s character. She is a landscape architect, something I know little about, so it was fun searching out some of the best gardens in the world. Now I have a whole bucket list of places I want to visit. My favorite part, though, was writing her spunk and imagining what the “Belle and Beast dancing scene” might be for this character. That was the best!

Your story sounds intriguing. Where is your website and blog so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

I love connecting with readers, and you can find me multiple places. The best place to learn about my books is my website at MariaHoagland.com and on Amazon. I also have a Facebook page, Maria Hoagland, Author and a home renovation blog RomanceRenovations.blogspot.com.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Linda, and I look forward to hearing from your readers!

Thank you for this interview, Maria. I appreciate your time on my blog. I hope my followers will check out your book.

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Diane Dean White

Diane is the author of Carolina in the Morning, On a Summer Night, Stories from a Porch Swing, Texting Mr. Right, This Side of Heaven, Lilacs in May and Journey of Redemption. A former newspaper reporter and weekly magazine columnist, Diane has written over three-hundred short stories which have been published worldwide. She lives with her husband of 45 years, they are the parents of three grown children and three granddaughters.

Welcome to my blog, Diane. Please tell us about Lilacs in May.

Thank you for having me Linda. It’s always fun to share on your blog. LILACS in MAY takes place in the rural area of Saginaw, Michigan. A graduating senior and her younger sister take on responsibilities due to an unforeseen situation. Their older brother returns from his ship in the US Navy, and introduces Heather to a college friend who helps them carry on after the tragedy they go through.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I wanted to do some more stories that take place in Michigan, and honestly as a fly-by-the-seat writer…it truly led me!

What kind of research did you do?

A little about legal laws for Michigan and some fun song lyrics. This takes place in 1971, so I had to remember to dial O for operator, there was no 911, the kind of perfume that was popular then, and those fun hair dryers aren’t blow dryers!

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I enjoyed Heather and her personality and how she knew what her kid sister was up to but also how she encouraged her to do the best with the talents the Lord gave her. Her faith was strong and there were many hard decisions to make.

Where is your website and blog so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

My website and author blog are at www.dianedeanwhite.com. The books are all there and links to where they can be obtained.

https://www.facebook.com/diane.d.white.75  

https://www.facebook.com/Dianes-Author-Page-547038885384768/

https://twitter.com/writerddw

Thank you so much for this interview, Diane. I hope my followers will check out this book. I love your book cover.

Interview with Romantic Cozy Mystery Author Miss Mae

Miss Mae is all about G-rated romantic mysteries. “Said the Spider to the Fly”, “When the Bough Breaks”, “Dove Island”, “It’s Elementary, My Dear Winifred”, and “See No Evil, My Pretty Lady” are award winning stories. Her latest, “Catch Me If You Can”, and the SF novella “Through a Glass Darkly” have already received top rated five-star reviews.

On the flip side, Miss Mae is also about humor, creating that Pukelitzer Award winning official unofficial reporter, I.B. Nosey. You can find more about Nosey and the gang of ‘Mischaps of Gum Drop Island’ in the ‘Ahoy, Mischaps!’ series of books: Ahoy, Gum Drop!, Ahoy, Out There!, and the newest ‘Ahoy, Mummy Mia!’ Fun for the kids and the kids-at-heart. Nosey is located at http://feelingnoseyblogspot.com

Welcome to my blog, Miss Mae. “Catch Me If You Can” has won the platinum for the 2017 Hermes Creative Awards. Congratulations! Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

My inspiration for this story came about because of my love of mysteries. (I’m a great Sherlock Holmes fan). I also love the intrigue of mastering puzzles, and I love escape games. In a sort of way, I combined all of that in this book. I’ve read a lot of Agatha Christie as well (who hasn’t watched her movies on TV?), so for my ensemble of characters, I followed Christie’s lead…have the people trapped together. That’s where my idea of a hurricane came in.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I love all the characters, of course. Each has their own unique personality. And I must say that the actors in the audio book were astounding at how they captured the characters’ quirks and feelings. J.W. Terry, who “plays” the obnoxious Bob took my breath away with how real he portrayed him; Stephen Mendel’s deep tones who plays Victor, the hero, made my heart go pitter-patter; Robin Riker who plays Lois, the heroine, sent shivers down my spine at how she knew exactly when to be soft and the next instant to be hard as nails (depending on the scene); Toni Attell, as Jenna the resort owner --ooh, she had “catty” to an art, and Dave Mallow as Andy was Nasty with a capital N.

Please tell us about this book.

Thank you, Linda, for having me at your blog. I’m thrilled to chat up about the audio version of my latest romantic mystery, “Catch Me If You Can”. Roger Rittner Productions of Los Angeles is the ‘man behind the curtain’ (as he describes himself) for this full-cast production. If I may, I’d like to use the press release that Roger wrote so that your readers have a better understanding of what went into this book:

You Can Now Hear the Award-Winning "Catch Me If You Can"

The howling wind of a hurricane. The creak of footsteps on the stairs. The wailing of a dog in the dark of night. "Catch Me If You Can", the thrilling romantic mystery by award-winning author Miss Mae, is now available in an enhanced audiobook at PulpRadio.net.

"Catch Me If You Can" has received five-star reader ratings at Amazon.com, and the brand new audio version enhances the story with extensive sound effects, background accents, and a complete music score. The story is performed by five of Hollywood's best voice artists, and is produced by Roger Rittner Productions of Los Angeles.

In this riveting story, Lois Steinberg is washed ashore on a South Carolina island during a category four hurricane. She seeks shelter inside an old plantation house that was scheduled to host a video game convention to announce the newest mystery game, "Catch Me If You Can". But almost immediately, the cook is found murdered. Then the prize to be awarded at the convention, a CD of the game, goes missing. The quest to discover the answers becomes a maze more complicated than any "Catch Me" game could ever be devised, as Lois races to save her life ... and keep hidden her mysterious secret.

The new audiobook is available in a deluxe 6-CD set in library case, or as an instant MP3 download at PulpRadio.net.

Reviewers say:

"Love the pacing of the story. Catch Me If You Can has intriguing characters and more and more surprises in each chapter." Geeta M. Kakade.

"The emotion in the voices and the sound effects are great." Larry Hammersley.

"The sound effects ... absolutely make the story come alive, transporting the reader right in the midst of the story." C. Rogers.

About the Author:

Miss Mae is an award winning best selling author. "Said the Spider to the Fly" has received consistent five-star reviews and has won the renowned title of Best Book of the Week from The Long and the Short of It Reviews and The Romance Studio. With her writing style compared to Agatha Christie's after the release of her gothic thriller, "See No Evil, My Pretty Lady", she's gone on to pen "It's Elementary, My Dear Winifred" which was featured in the Top Ten Read at Myshelf.com in 2009.

About the Producer:

Roger Rittner is a producer of audiobooks, audio drama, and audio marketing and training. He created the cult radio adventure "The Adventures of Doc Savage", and "Bulldog Drummond - The Audio Adventure", which won the AVA Platinum Award for Audio and the Hermes Creative Award for audio drama. He created and produced The Variety Arts Radio Theatre live stage show, and co-created and directed "Charlie Sent Me!", the original musical comedy for radio, heard on National Public Radio.

About the Talent:

"Catch Me If You Can” is narrated by and stars Stephen Mendel, whose voice credits include radio and TV commercials, video games, and audiobooks. Robin Riker has starred in TV series for ABC, CBS, FOX, and Showtime, and films including the cult favorite film "Alligator". She is currently a regular on "General Hospital". J.W. Terry is an Emmy-winning TV actor whose voice credits include video games, anime, audiobooks, and cartoons. Toni Attell is an Emmy-nominated film and TV actress, as well as a respected acting coach and motivational speaker. Dave Mallow has been heard in commercials, film, radio plays, audiobooks, and numerous video games and cartoons.

Please tell my readers how they can get a discount on this audiobook from the producer and any pertinent information they should know.

I’ll provide the code in the comment section. EVERYONE who visits, for the entire MONTH, can use this code for the 40% discount on the instant download price. That way anyone, and everyone, who wants to “win”, can. (and I don’t have to choose just “one” person!) LOL

The wonderful thing about ordering straight from Roger’s site is that you don’t have to join anything, or become a member of, or sign up for anything (as opposed to Audible). You come over, put in the code, grab the download, and listen. That’s it! 

Thanks so much for having me, Linda, and it’s wonderful to meet your readers. I hope they’ll tell their friends about this audio book!

Thank you for this interview, Miss Mae. I hope my followers will check the book and audiobook out. You can visit her website at www.themissmaesite.com/p/welcome-readers.html.

Interview with Humorous Romance Author Brooke Williams

Brooke Williams is a stay-at-home mom/freelance writer/author. She’s a mom by day, freelance writer by naptime, and asleep by 9pm. She works in her novel writing on occasion as well. Brooke has two young daughters, Kaelyn and Sadie, and has been married to her husband Sean since 2002.

Welcome to my blog, Brooke. Please tell us about your novel: Wrong Place, Right Time.

You’ll often see in the movies or on TV shows someone interrupting a wedding. They step in at the last second and “object” to the marriage for some reason or another. They usually end up running away with the bride or groom, right? Well, what would happen if someone wanted to interrupt a wedding for loving reasons, but they went to the wrong location and interrupted the wrong wedding? That’s the idea behind this book. Kate, the main character, needs to tell her friend Brian she’s in love with him before he marries. But she doesn’t find him…she finds another couple!

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I went to a writer’s conference when I was 7 months pregnant with my youngest. I had given up writing for a long time, but had finally fallen back into it. I met an agent there who encouraged me to write romance and give it a try. She said there’s a huge romance audience out there and it was a good place for any author to start. Through brainstorming at the conference, I came up with the idea for this book, which turned out to be more of a romantic comedy.

What kind of research did you do?

The book is based in Las Vegas and San Francisco, both of which I have visited in the past. The main character is a TV traffic reporter, a job I did once for 5 months. And one of the male leads is a news anchor, something I’m familiar with from my time in traffic reporting. Otherwise, I make things up as I go along.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I really enjoyed Brian, one of the side characters. He’s quite a catch, but has rough luck with love himself. He’s the type of guy who would do anything for anyone and that’s endearing. He makes everyone feel like they’re something special. He actually returns in another one of my books in his news anchor role (Dandelions on the Road). I wasn’t done with him after this book!

Where is your website and blog so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

www.authorbrookewilliams.com

www.authorbrookewilliams.com/blog

https://facebook.com/authorbrookewilliams/

@AuthorBrookeW

Please reach out any time! And watch for my next release in September, it’s a big one! It’s called “The Leftover” and it’s ideal for Survivor and romantic comedy fans alike! That’s all I’ll say for now…

Thank you so much for this interview, Brooke. I hope my followers check out your romance.