Interview with Fantasy Author Brian Rathbone

Brian was raised in New Jersey on a Farm where his family raised and trained racehorses. He then went from the farm to Corporate America in an air-conditioned office. After a while, he knew he had to make some changes in his life. When he began working at home, he took the time to write the story that hadn’t been told, his story, a story of fantasy and goddesses, a story of adventure. He is happily married to Tracey and the author of three novels.

“Legend says that a Herald will be born who will save the land of Godfist from invaders. This Herald will fight for their freedom. To some it is only a legend but to others it is a prophecy, waiting to be fulfilled. The Zjhon are ancient enemies and are planning an attack but no one takes heed of these warnings until it is too late. Now it is up to the Herald to save them. The question is...who is the Herald and will she eventually realize her destiny in time to save Godfist?” (Linda Weaver Clarke)

Welcome to my blog, Brian. Your books are fantasy, which is a very popular genre. Please tell us about your trilogy and what each book is about.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and a big hello to all of your readers. The Dawning of Power is the first in a series of fantasy trilogies. Each trilogy contains a complete story with what I hope are satisfying endings, and at the same time, each trilogy sets the stage for the next and leaves some doors open for the future.

I often wondered about the origins of Greek and Roman mythology, and I found the possibility that strange and magical things were made possible for a brief window in time fascinating. I asked myself what it would be like if a normally mundane planet experienced periodic ages of power, which shaped beliefs and customs that would hold sway for thousands of years.

It occurred to me that comets were an example of periodic visitors to our planet from deep space, and since they are luminous, it's feasible to think that they might radiate energy. In my imagination, a large planet drifted in close to the Oort cloud, its gravity sending a colossal stream of comets soaring through the solar system on an elliptical orbit. When I thought of how our ancestors might have viewed a storm of comets that lasted 150-years, Istra, Goddess of the Night, was born.

The Dawning of Power tells the story of Istra's return to the world of Godsland after a 3,000-year absence. In book one, Call of the Herald, we meet Catrin Volker, a teenage horse trainer. While trying to protect a friend, she inadvertently fulfills the prophecy of the destroyer, which claims she will destroy the Zjhon nation. Catrin's quest begins as she must face those who believe she is out to destroy them.

In book two, Inherited Danger, all of Godsland is at risk as massive weapons left over from the last age of power become once again viable. If left to charge in Istra's light, the weapons will detonate. Catrin and her friends set out on what seems an impossible quest to save even her enemies.

Book three, Dragon Ore, Catrin must journey to the fabled Firstland to stop the Zjhon form gaining access to immeasurable power. There, she must face mankind's ancient enemies, and her only hope may lie with an age old alliance.

Wow! I love the fact that a young teenage girl is the heroine of your book. As an author, I many times work certain things into my books that I love. I, too, was raised on a farm so it's easy to insert those experiences into my books. I understand that you are very fond of horses. Do you work this love of horses into these books?

I definitely did. They say "Write what you know," and the fact that fantasy and horses go hand-in-hand gave me a lot of inspiration to draw upon. Little things like shoeing horses, and working at an anvil and forge are much more real to me, since I've been involved with these things as part of the family business. The most significant way that my love of horses enters the books is through the horses that are characters rather than props. Much of Catrin's horse Salty's behavior can be traced back to a standard-bred racehorse named Vic Quinton. Vic was a crotchety, biting, kicking, squealing piece of work. Some of his exploits would make for great fiction, such as the time he bit a guy in the paddock at Brandywine Raceway. He managed to pull the guy's shirt off, and ate part of it before we could get it away from him. Vic finished second that night, and those who witnessed it gave him a bit wider berth from then on.

How fascinating! It shows that horses have their own personality. Where did you get the inspiration for your novel? Do you get any ideas from real life experiences? If so, give us an example.

My primary inspiration for writing fantasy is my love for reading fantasy, but that is bolstered by my experiences growing up on a working horse farm. There is no doubt that those experiences shaped my work and were in some cases the direct inspiration for a scene.

For example, there is a scene where several old men are about to shoot a horse because no one can catch him. The horse is still wearing its yearling halter, which is now much too small, and if it is not removed the horse will be ruined. Catrin catches the horse by sitting in the grass and ignoring the colt. Eventually, the colt's curiosity gets the better of him, and he puts his head in Catrin's lap, which is all the opportunity she needs to get a rope on him. This scene was directly inspired by my mother, who used this technique to catch a horse that had evaded my father, my uncle, and my grandfather. I admit that no one was planning to shoot the horse and I might have given it a bit of dramatic flourish. My books are filled with repurposed bits of my life, which makes them a lot of fun for me to read.


J.K. Rowling used a young boy as her main character but you chose a girl with magical powers. It’s about time we had a young girl be the hero of a book! What does your family think about your writing?

I've gotten a huge amount of support from my family and friends. I assume this is partially because I didn't use any of them as the primary inspiration for any of my characters. I have a bad habit of killing my characters, and that could be a little tricky to explain.

Oh my! Yes, that would be tricky. This has been a fun interview, Brian. Okay, now tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I've been outsmarted by birds, cats, horses, and the occasional squirrel. I think mornings are evil and should be banned, and my wedding band was inspired by a fantasy series--it's white gold.

I love your answers to this question. You are so comical but the wedding band is quite romantic. I believe the real reason for banning mornings is because you’re an author who stays up late at night, either writing to his heart’s content or watching a movie to help relax your busy mind.

You are correct about me writing into the night. I've worked night shifts for years and have just found that I do my best work in the evening. I've always had trouble falling to sleep, and I actually think about plot lines as a way to prevent myself from doing things like writing code in my sleep (that's exhausting).

Now we definitely know that you're not a "morning person." Thanks, Brian, for this awesome interview. I read Brian's book and it was great. My review is below:

The Dawning of Power

By Brian Rathbone

Legend says that a Herald will be born who will save the land of Godfist from invaders. This Herald will fight for their freedom. To some it is only a legend but to others it is a prophecy, waiting to be fulfilled. The Zjhon are ancient enemies and are planning an attack but no one takes heed of these warnings until it is too late. Now it is up to the Herald to save them. The question is... will the Herald realize her destiny in time to save Godfist?

But that’s not all…the Zjhon believe in the prophecy and have given the order to search for the Herald and do away with her. This is an intriguing fantasy and is hard to put down. The description of scenery is so well written that I could imagine it in my mind. The characters are believable and well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Dawning of Power is a trilogy, which includes Call of the Herald, Inherited Danger, and Dragon Ore. I would recommend this book for all ages.

Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the new mystery series “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”

For those who don't win, you can grab a free copy of the Call of the Herald ebook at Free Fantasy Ebook.

Interview with Author Shirley Raye Redmond

Shirley Raye Redmond knew she wanted to be a writer when she was only 12 years old. After reading Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, she made up her mind to be just like Jo March. She even tried eating apples while she was writing her stories…just like Jo! Shirley earned her Master’s degree in English from the University of Illinois. She is the author of 16 children’s books and one novel.

“Thousands of European treasure seekers scoured the New World in search of untold riches. Some were lucky beyond their wildest dreams!”

Hello Shirley Raye. You are offering two books for give-away this week. Please tell us about Cities of Gold.

This title is part of Thomson Gale’s “Mysterious Encounters Series.” Kingdoms of power and great riches have long sparked the imaginations of people around the world. Over the centuries, adventurers have sought the lost city of Atlantis and the mysterious kingdom of Ophir, where King Solomon is said to have obtained the gold, gems, and ivory for his temple in Jerusalem. This book takes a look at both the fictional ones, such as Prester John’s legendary city and the real ones too, like the Aztec and Incan cities conquered by Spanish explorers Cortes and Pizarro. Both men became millionaires overnight—even after sending the required one-fifth of all the booty to the King of Spain. Pizarro also rewarded each of his foot soldiers with a bounty worth 90 pounds of gold and 180 pounds of silver.

Is this book fiction or non-fiction? What age would enjoy this book?

The book is nonfiction aimed at young readers in 5th through 8th grades. However, I’ve had adult readers tell me they really learned a lot about long-lost treasure cities, and the men that hunt for them, including famous archeologist and explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett. He is said to be the real-life inspiration for the Indiana Jones character. In 1925, Fawcett led an expedition into the uncharted jungles of Brazil looking for what he called the lost Incan city of Z. He and his travel companions disappeared under mysterious circumstances. No one has ever seen or heard from them since.

Wow! This book even has a bit of mystery. Where did you get the inspiration for your book?

Actually, my editor suggested the topic, and wanted me to be sure to mention the Seven Cities of Cibola, El Dorado and Gran Paititi. Once I started researching, I realized there are many legendary cities of gold and treasure hunters still seeking them. In fact, when Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu in Peru in 1911, he was hoping it was the long-lost Incan treasure city of Vilcapampa, but it wasn’t. Savvy seekers are now using satellite imaging from space to help them locate lost cities in the jungles. It’s really quite amazing.

You also have another book called Write a Marketable Children's Book in 7 Weeks. Tell us about it.

This is a workbook that contains material I’ve presented at writing workshops for the past 15 years. It’s aimed at those who have always wanted to write a children’s book and get it published, but don’t know where to start or what to write. The seven-week plan works! My co-author Jennifer McKerley and I have used this method dozens of times to sell our own manuscripts to publishers such as Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Thomson Gale. The key word is “marketable.” Several of our titles have won awards—for instance, my Pigeon Hero! (Simon & Schuster) was an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Book Award winner in 2004. A couple of my other titles have sold close to or more than 200,000 copies each. The handy workbook, which we use now when we do our writing workshops, is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For more information, visit http://writechildrensbook.com Let me also invite your readers to visit my personal website too at www.readshirleyraye.com I have a book about the Cottingley fairy hoax being published by Random House in 2012 and one on the Oak Island Treasure Pit being released next year by Thomson Gale’s Kidhaven Press. I’ll post the covers as soon as they become available.

Those interested in her writing book, make sure you mention it. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I’m embarrassed to say that I often make social blunders. Once I went on a tour of Greece many years ago. One evening, I slipped away from the group to explore a fascinating open-air food market in the city of Athens. I saw very few other women at all—mainly men. They were all so very friendly, talking and smiling and tugging at the sleeve of my bright red trench coat to get my attention. Some even pulled money out of their pockets and offered it to me. I thought they recognized that I was a foreigner and were suggesting that I exchange my American dollars for their Greek currency so I could buy stuff in the market. Not understanding a word of Greek, I just smiled and shook my head and kept going. Later, when I got back to the hotel and shared my adventure with our Greek tour guide, he laughed and said the men thought I was a prostitute, because only prostitutes would go out in public alone in Athens, wearing brightly colored clothes and hair uncovered. Boy, was my face red!!! As red as that bold red trench coat I’d been wearing!


Oh man! How scary! I bet you never went out alone again while in Greece. You’re a very independent and adventurous woman, aren’t you? This was fun getting to know you, Shirley Ray. For those who may not know, this author doesn’t go by Shirley. It’s strictly Shirley Ray. She had to remind me two times. I finally learned.

Interview with Children’s Author Sherrill S. Cannon

Sherrill Cannon has been a poet ever since she was four years old. She has written eight rhymed children’s stories and eight rhymed musical plays for elementary school students. She was a teacher and coach for ten years in the Washington DC area, and then became a “stay-at-home-Mom” with several varied careers in her spare time. She is the author of two published books, the mother of four children, and a grandmother of nine. Sherrill said, “My friends and family ask me if I think in rhyme and meter, and I have to admit that sometimes this is true!”

Hello Sherrill. I’ve never met an author who thinks in rhyme. How interesting! Can you give us an example of thinking in rhyme?

I have been writing poetry for years, and whenever I want to “put a feeling into words” or think of a plot for a children’s story, my mind immediately starts translating these feelings or stories into rhyming lines. I love the sound and cadence of words, and enjoy fitting them neatly within a poetic stanza. Here’s a short fun poem about writing – how my mind “thinks” in verse (I suppose most authors can relate!):

Words, words, words, words,

Fill my mind like a flock of birds:

Flying, dipping, soaring, twirling,

Keeping my mind always whirling;

Singing, chirping in my heart,

Helping all my feelings start.

Bound within my heart they rage;

Gliding, diving in a cage.

Winging, darting everywhere,

For there is no way to share.

Until, finally, my heart is loosed:

I put them on a page to roost.

…Sherrill S. Cannon

Fantastic! I love it. The way you express yourself seems so natural. Okay, tell us about your children’s books.

Both of my books are relatively new. Santa’s Birthday Gift was released 11/03/09. The book begins with the basic story of the Nativity, and then skips to Santa who sees the star at the North Pole and travels to see the Baby. Since he is a toymaker, he brings his bag of toys - and offers them to Jesus, and then to all the people of the town. His birthday gift to Jesus is a promise to bring gifts to all good boys and girls each year on the Christ Child's birthday.

I love this illustrated page. (My illustrator for both books, KJ and her team of illustrators at Kalpart, is awesome.) Here are a few lines from the story:

And kneeling before Him, with a sack full of toys,

He offered his heart to this dearest of boys.

He leaned toward the Christ Child and blew Him a kiss

And promised to Jesus what would be his gift:

Each year on Christ’s birthday, he’d deliver his toys

To all children everywhere, good girls and boys…

Peter and the Whimper-Whineys was released 04/09/2010. Peter is a small rabbit who does nothing but whine and cry. Here are the opening lines:

In a house in the forest all covered with vines,

Lived a very small rabbit who did nothing but whine.

He'd whine and he'd cry from morning till night,

And nothing that anyone did would be right.

He'd cry and he'd whine, and he'd whine and he'd cry,

Till his mother said, "Peter, I want you to try

To stop all that whining and unpleasant noise.

Go take a nap, or go play with your toys;

If you can't stop that whining, I very much fear

That the old Whimper-Whineys will look for you here.

You'll go live with them in a land far away,

Where you'll join them in whining and crying all day."

Peter’s adventure continues as he later on finds lots of frightening Whimper-Whineymen in the woods and discovers that the Whimper-Whineys are very ill-mannered and rude, and that everything is sour in Whimper-Whineyland. Will Peter learn to stop whining?

What a great idea for a book! Wow! I wish I could have had this one to read to my children when they were young. Where did you get your inspiration for your novels?

Santa’s Birthday Gift was written in response to a granddaughter’s question. After I read to her the story of the Nativity, she looked at me and asked, “But where’s Santa?”

Peter and the Whimper-Whineys is a rhymed version of a story my mother used to tell, not only to her children and grandchildren but to lots of her elementary school students. I often wonder if one of her former students might recognize the story…at least the main character!

Isn’t it something the way our family inspires us in our writing! I found that to be true as I write my novels. Our life experiences can influence us a great deal. What do your grandchildren think about your writing?

My grandchildren love all my stories – and I use them to help me decide which to submit next! The last vote was to submit The Magic Word, so that is now under contract for release in early 2011, and is the story of a little girl who learns to say “Please”. The runner-up was, My Finger-Paint Print, so that one is now with my agent and is a story of a child who paints a finger-paint print in school which ends up in an art gallery. I have four more waiting for another voting session!

Now that’s what I call real support. Your grandchildren even have a say about which one is the most fun to listen to. Okay, now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I grew up in the Willard Hotel in the center of Washington DC, a block from the White House (my Dad was the manager) and there are lots of things about living there that “Eloise” never thought of – including learning to ride my small two-wheeled bicycle down the 5th floor corridor (watching out for guests coming out of their rooms, of course), sliding down the brass banister to get to the coffee shop, commandeering the elevator when the operator wasn’t looking and taking astonished guests for a ride, and practicing my roller-skating on the ballroom floor (which was a lovely wooden polished floor that my poor father had to have refinished!)

What a fantastic story! I can picture you on your bicycle pedaling down the hall and sliding down banisters. I can imagine you taking the patrons on a ride in the elevator. Do you know what? You’ll have to write a poem about it and have plenty of pictures to go with it. Now we know the real you: a mischievous Ballroom Skater who thinks in rhyme!

Interview with Historical Fiction Author Jeane Slone

Jeane Slone has a B.A. in History and enjoys researching pieces of the forgotten past especially involving female heroines and multi-cultures. She self-published She Flew Bombers, a novel based on the true adventures of the Women Airforce Service Pilots known as WASP. The Sonoma County Arts Council awarded her a grant to organize and moderate an oral history panel of six former WWII women pilots. Jeane has four daughters, one son, and one “brilliant” grandson!


Hello Jeane. You are the author of three books set during World War II. The first is called She Flew Bombers and is based on the true adventures of the Women Airforce Service Pilots during WWII. Your second book is She Built Ships During WWII. The third one is called She Was a Spy During WWII. When will the second book be released?

She Built Ships During WWII will be out in January. It is about a woman welder in the Richmond Shipyards. This historical fiction weaves a Tuskegee Airman, a black sailor hurt in the Port Chicago explosion, an airplane riveter, and a Japanese American mother interned in a horse stable and the first day care center in Richmond, California.

I love historical fiction because I learn so much about history and at the same time be entertained. How much research did you do?

She Flew Bombers took a lot of research since the women pilots were kept as a “secret weapon.” I did three years of research. I read many true stories about these brave women pilots. One WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) performed tow targeting. Tow targeting is flying a plane and towing a cloth sleeve behind 15 hundred feet of cable. The Army men practiced their infantry skills by shooting the target. This one WASP got her toe shot at by accident. After a medic removed it she had a jeweler in town make a necklace out of it! This is only one of the many hilarious adventures these brave young women had. Of course there are sad accounts in the book about dying. After I wrote my book, more information has come out about these brave women pilots. Since then, they received the Gold Medal this past March from the President. 

Who are the Soviet Night Witches?

The Soviet Night Witches are another group of little known women heroes during WWII. The WASPs would deliver Pursuit airplanes for these women to fly into combat. Unlike American women pilots, they were in combat. There were 400 soviet women pilots who flew 23,000 combat missions, and 15 - 18 missions a night bombing the Nazis. 

This is so interesting. Where did you get the inspiration for your novels?

I love to write about the forties, especially the values back then. Both my parents were in the Army during WWII and that is all they ever talked about. I read the history and then simply put fictional characters into it to make it personal and come alive.

All three of these books sound wonderful. I love learning about female heroes in history. Thank you for this interesting interview, Jeane. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

To balance out all my sitting in order to write, I love riding my cruiser bicycle into town to run all my errands. (I have two big baskets!) I also have the Russian River right outside my window and am an avid kayaker and swimmer.

Awesome!!! I tried kayaking once and it was so much fun. And having the Russian River in your own backyard? Wow! That’s heaven. Jeane has a blog in which she interviews authors about their newly published books and a blog about females during WWII at www.jeaneslone.com. Visit her website, discover new authors, poke around a bit and see what you can find. And by all means, have fun while doing it!

She Flew Bombers is available through paypal on her website: www.jeaneslone.com.

Interview with Regency Romance Author Jaimey Grant

Jaimey Grant has been studying the Regency time period for nearly ten years. She is the author of five romances set in Regency England. She enjoys research and says, “My Regencies are similar to the more traditional, non-graphic Regencies from years ago.” But there is one difference with Jaimey's writing. Her romances “contain a little more controversy, a little more drama.”

Jaimey’s Website: http://www.jaimeygrant.com
Jaimey’s Blog: http://jaimeygrant.blogspot.com
Deception's blog: http://regencydeception.blogspot.com

“A lady with a dangerous secret deceives the man she loves, desperate for protection from her encroaching past.”

Hello, Jaimey. I love this cover. Tell us about your book, Deception.

Deception is the love story of Lord Levi, Earl of Greville and Miss Aurora Glendenning. He is a gambler with a title and many properties who decides to quit gambling and find a rich bride. (While this seems mercenary and a bit heartless by our standards, it was common for the Regency.) Aurora is rich but hides that fact because she wants a man to love her for herself and as she says, "Men do not tend to fall in love when there is money clouding their vision." These two meet and the attraction is instant and strong. Despite their efforts to resist, they find themselves obliged to marry.

Obliged to marry? Already this story is intriguing to me. Since your books are all connected, can I read them separately or do I need to read them in order? Also, what is the order?

The chronological order is Betrayal, Deception, Spellbound, Heartless, Redemption. They're not so connected that they can't be read alone but they have recurring characters.

You once said, “Despite all the depravity of the era there is still an element of absolute romance attached. The kissing of hands, the gentle courting, the manners and charm are all things that appeal to my shy nature. What woman would not want to be treated as a princess, her permission sought before being introduced to a gentleman, her every comfort seen to? It is in our nature to desire to be cherished and adored.” I love this quote. Can you briefly tell us what Regency Romance is?

The Regency was a time of ladies and gentlemen, manners, breeding, Society, social upheaval, and war. While this time period technically fell between the years of 1811 and 1820, the trends in fashion, architecture, literature, politics, and culture began before 1800 and extended until Queen Victoria began her reign in 1837.

As for the genre itself, it seems to imply a certain gentle type of romance novel, one that the reader can just sit back and enjoy without too much emotional turmoil involved. While I have nothing against such romances—they have their definite appeal—my Regency romances tend to contain a little more drama, a glimpse into the darker side of the Regency era. One reader made the comment that my books are "traditional historical romance with meat!" I couldn't have said it better myself. :o)

I love drama. It makes you sit on the edge of your seat, wondering what’s going to happen next. Where did you get your inspiration for your novel?

Deception came about after I wrote Betrayal. Levi first appeared in Betrayal as the heroine's cousin and the only person in her life who didn't want her fortune. He was fun-loving, jovial, a big bear of a guy, and the exact opposite of my typical heroes. As Betrayal's story developed, I came to like Levi more and more and decided he needed the chance to share his own story. Then I “met” Aurora and the seeds of Deception were planted.

Real life rarely inspires my novels. At least, not directly. As writers, we often add certain aspects to our fictional characters that we've observed in those around us. I'm just not one of those writers who meets someone and thinks, "What a great character she would make!"

On the other hand, all of my heroes have aspects of my husband in them. He's the quintessential tortured hero, misunderstood and judged. It makes marriage difficult but never boring. I laugh when he recognizes himself while reading my books.


Ha! I tend to do that, too. In fact, my husband once said, “My life is like an open book.” Why do your books focus on negative aspects of this time period?

There is something about "lost causes" that strikes a chord with me. I am a firm believer in redemption and I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. There were so many things going on in the Regency, beyond Society and even within it. I like to write about someone rising above their circumstances, learning to love, trust, and feel again. Even if those circumstances seem privileged to someone on the outside, none of us can know what goes on in another's shoes.

What a great answer! Just that alone makes me want to read your books. Tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I'm scared of frogs. I mean, TERRIFIED. Dead ones more than live ones. I scream like I'm about to be attacked if one gets near me. It's pathetic, I know, and it gets worse the older I get.

Hilarious! Now we know the real you! The author who will never create a frog for a hero! There will be no frog prince in your stories.

Interview with Suspense Author Nichole Giles

Nichole Giles has lived in various states in the Midwest. Her future aspirations include adding a tropical island to her growing list of locations. For now, she plans to travel to as many tropical locations as possible, scouting for her future home in paradise. Her early career plans was to become a rock star, but she decided to have a family instead and then become a writer, in that order.

Nichole, please tell us about your new book, The Sharp Edge of a Knife.

When Mel Petersen leaves for work on the morning of February 7, he has no idea what awaits him. A few miles from his house, Mel picks up a pair of young men who appear to be college students, hoping to prevent them from having to walk in the cold. What Mel doesn’t know is that the men are actually convicts on the run from the law who are desperate to get away by any means necessary.

When one of his passengers holds a knife to Mel’s throat, he has no choice but to submit to the demands of the criminals. Mel hopes he has what it takes to talk his captors into letting him live so he can return to his wife and children, but fears they will kill him before he has the chance.

Your book sounds intense. I understand that your story is based on a true event. Please tell us what inspired you to write this story.

You're right. It is a true story based on an experience my grandpa had in 1958. One year for Christmas, my grandma gave all the grandkids a booklet about my grandpa's life history, and there was a short two page entry about this event. When I read about it, it sparked an interest and lead me to do more research into the whole thing. I thought I'd write an article, and ended up with a book.

Oh my gosh! This really happened to your grandfather? So this story is personal, then. Wow! A reviewer wrote, "Author, Nichole Giles, weaves a gripping story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, wishing you could read in super speed so you can find out what happens next.” Is it difficult or does it come natural to pull your reader in with this kind of suspense?

Um, yes, it's difficult. Definitely doesn't come natural. Ironically, effortless reading is the hardest kind of writing. As far as the review goes, I think I should thank that reviewer. (And probably pay whatever I promised to pay. Kidding!)

All kidding aside, what does your family think about your writing?

You know, I'm not sure. You'd be better off asking them than me. I'd imagine they think it takes way too much of my time, but then the result turns out to be pretty cool. But that could also be wishful thinking on my part.

Hey, aren’t all authors wishful thinkers? Okay, tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Writing is my passion, but I also love to travel, spend time with my family, drive in the rain with my convertible top down, and play my music at full volume while I sing along.

Okay…now we know the real you! If I ever pass a woman singing to her heart’s content in a convertible with the top down while it’s raining, I’ll definitely know it’s you. The singing author!

For those interested, Nichole's book is available as an e-book for only $6.95 at LDS Bookstore.

Interview with Romance Author Donna Hatch

During her sophomore year in high school, Donna wrote her first full-length novel, a science fiction romance. She wrote her second novel, a fantasy romance during her senior year. She writes most often late at night instead of sleeping. She is a native of Arizona, enjoys writing Regency Romance, and is the author of four novels. She has been married for 21 years and is the mother of six children. Who does she pattern her heroes after? You guessed it. After her husband “who continues to prove that there really is a happily ever after.”

"Believe in happy endings..."

Hello Donna. Tell us about your new Rogue Hearts Series. Anything that has to do with a “rogue” really intrigues me. What is The Guise of a Gentleman about?

It's about a proper English lady secretly longing to break free of the confines of her English Aristocratic world, and it's about the handsome rogue with secrets that will either set her free, or destroy them both.

Where did you get your inspiration for your novel?

It started as a random line that came up when I was working on book 1 of the same series where the hero mentioned he had a brother who was a pirate, and book 2 evolved from there. Whenever I sat down to write this book, it was like trying to write about a movie playing in my mind and I had to rush to keep up. I even dreamed about this hero. 

Wow! If you dreamed about him, then he must have been real. That would make him come to life, for sure. Jennifer Ashley wrote, “Combining Jane Austen with swashbuckling adventure, The Guise of a Gentleman is a fine specimen of pirate romance!” I love Jane Austen and Robin Hood stories, so this book would appeal to me. Tell me your thoughts about this review.

I really loved Jennifer Ashley's pirate trilogy (and besides she's a NYT best selling author!) so this comes as high praise from her. And even though there is a lot of swashbuckling, and a couple of intense ship battle scenes, it's first and foremost a tender Regency romance. 

I’ve always loved Regency romances. They’re usually clean, too. That’s a plus! What does your family think about your writing?

At first they found it annoying. Then they tolerated it. Now they proudly tell all their friends. My seven year old asked her teacher if she wanted to buy my books. 

Now that’s real support, if you ask me. Tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I'm snarky, disorganized, obsessive, and I have a weakness for sweets. Oh, and I'm the mother of 6 children. (Yes, I did that on purpose) 

So now we know the real you: The Candy-loving, Disorganized Author of 6 children. Hey! That sounds familiar! Oh, yeah. It sounds like me!!! (I have 6 kids, too.)

Interview with Children's Author Cheryl Malandrinos

Little Shepherd Virtual Blog Tour Contest

November 8 - December 17: International

Cheryl Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two young daughters. She also has a son who is married. Little Shepherd is Cheryl’s first children’s book. She is a freelance writer, a founding member of Musing Our Children, Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, a book reviewer, and blogger. That’s quite a list!

"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." ~Toni Morrison

You are one busy woman, Cheryl. Please tell us about your new children’s book, Little Shepherd.

Thanks for having me here today, Linda. Little Shepherd is the story of Obed, a young shepherd boy in the hills outside Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth. After the angels appear, Obed is hesitant to follow the others to see the newborn King. He’s afraid something might happen to his flock while he’s away. His father convinces him to go, but Obed spends much of the time anxious over his sheep. After a visit with the Holy Family and some surprises upon his return to the field, Obed discovers it is a night of miracles. This book is geared toward readers ages 4 to 8.

I love the idea that you’re teaching children about the birth of Christ. What inspired you to write about a shepherd boy?

It’s an unusual story really. I sing Christmas songs all year round, using many of them as lullabies for my children. One of my favorites is “The Little Drummer Boy”. I would often sing that song and end up thinking about a story of a young shepherd who visits the child on the night of Christ’s birth.

When God first planted that idea in my heart, however, I didn’t think this would be a children’s story. I felt drawn to write about an adult Obed who is searching for the apostles after the Resurrection of Jesus. Obed wishes to find them to ask if Jesus was the Messiah he once met as a boy.

As I was sharing this idea with my pastor one Sunday, he asked me if it was a children’s story. That got the gears in my brain moving. Why shouldn’t I tell Obed’s story from the very beginning and help young readers understand the miracles of Christmas at the same time? I moved forward and Little Shepherd was born.

Wow! I love the idea of an adult Obed who is trying to find the apostles years later. You just might have to have a sequel to this story. How did you go about the process of finding an illustrator?

My publisher, Guardian Angel Publishing (GAP), works with several artists. After I had signed my contract, I was asked to select three potential illustrators from those listed on their website. Having reviewed several titles from GAP, I was familiar with the work of many of their artists. It was a tough choice, as they all do lovely work.

When Eugene Ruble accepted the contract to illustrate Little Shepherd, I was thrilled. I sent him some suggestions for potential cover art and interior illustrations and then I stayed out of his way and let him do what he does best. He did a superb job of bringing Obed’s story to life through his artwork.

What a wonderful publisher! I found out that many authors don’t get a choice. They have to take what is given them. You were very lucky…no, that’s not the word. You were very blessed to be allowed to choose your own book covers. I, too, was able to have a choice and tell them what I wanted. To me, that’s very important. What does your family think about your writing?

All three of my kids are very supportive. My nine-year-old and I would like to work on a book together that I write and she illustrates. Our youngest has been interested in books since she was old enough to hold them. They’ve turned me into the latest local celebrity at their schools. Our son is married, and he’s always been very supportive of my dreams, reading many of my works in progress.

My husband is supportive in his own way. I’ve been spending money on marketing since the book was released in August and he keeps paying the bills without commenting too much. He takes the girls to the park or the movies when I’m on a tight deadline. While he doesn’t understand why I would want to work in an industry where my performance, no matter how good it is, may not turn a profit, he’s very proud of my accomplishments.

Your husband sounds like a very special person. You are blessed to have that kind of support. Okay, now for the last question. You notice, Cheryl, that I ask this question to all my authors. I love it because I get to know an author’s innermost feelings. So please tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I haven’t always been happy with the person I am. I lost my mother to cancer when I was only 14. That paved the way for me to make several bad choices growing up. I had to give up on college when I became pregnant at the age of 18. I was a single parent for 11 years and there were days when I wished I could crawl in a hole and never come out again.

Meeting my husband changed my life. Returning to church also changed my life. I don’t recognize that angry, frustrated young woman I used to be. I feel so blessed by my family and friends—in person and online. God has a way of working in our lives behind the scenes and it can be months or years before we realize the good work He’s done in us. I think I’m finally getting to the point where my heart, mind, and soul are more in tune with His gifts and guidance. In telling Obed’s story, I hope that kids remember God always keeps His promises. 

Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing a part of your life with us. This shows how important it is to have a loving Heavenly Father in our lives. It changes us for the better and we tend to be happier. Thanks for being my guest this week. 

To participate in Cheryl's virutal book tour, follow the directions below:

GIVEAWAY #1 (for people who comment on this blog or Cheryl’s blog. Don't forget to leave your email in case you win.)

An autographed copy of Little Shepherd
Angel figurine printed with the Serenity Prayer
A Little Shepherd sticky note pad
Little Drummer Boy 2010 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament
Gift of Peace 2003 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament

GIVEAWAY #2 (for those who purchase a copy of Little Shepherd between August 21 and December 17. Proof of purchase must be submitted to Cheryl via email, mail, or fax at cg20pm00@gmail.com.)

A ”Sparkling Angel” scented jar candle from Yankee Candle
An angel gold and silver lid topper for the candle
An angel tea light holder from Yankee Candle
A Little Shepherd sticky note pad
A Jim Shore Nativity Star hanging ornament
A Jim Shore Holy Family hanging ornament
A $25 Amazon.com gift card

Little Shepherd is available at the Guardian Angel Publishing website, Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, and at indiebound.org. Good luck to all who enter!

Interview with Young Adult Romance Author Angela Morrison

(Book Give-Away November 1 - 8: for those interested in Sing Me To Sleep, leave a comment about this interview with your e-mail. U.S. and Canada.)

As a child, Angela dreamed of being a veterinarian, having ten kids and a hundred cats. None of it came true. She did marry the man of her dreams from Ontario Canada, but ended up with only four children and no cats! She plays the piano and is a licensed scuba diver. Angela said, “I’m a compulsive reader and have to ration myself or I won’t do anything else, including eating, sleeping, and interacting with other humans in any way.” She claims to be a vagabond, moving from place to place such as Switzerland and Singapore, etc, and now lives in the desert lands of Arizona. 

Hello Angela. My oldest daughter is named Angela. I understand that you write Young Adult Romance. Please tell us about Sing Me To Sleep.

SING ME TO SLEEP is about Beth, who is the ugly girl at school. All the guys call her "The Beast." She's got one friend--a short nerdy boy named Scott. But Beth can sing. When she gets the solo part in the elite girls choir she belongs to, her choir friends decide she needs a massive make-over. They’re off to Switzerland for the choral Olympics and Beth gets swept off her feet by the gorgeous and talented tenor soloist from the Amabile guys choir just across the border in Canada. Derek makes her feel like she's never felt before. Loved. Cherished. Valued. When she gets home, though, Scott tells her he's always loved her. And Derek starts acting suspicious. He's got a secret he won't let Beth in on that threatens to tear them apart.

Your novel sounds like it has a bit of mystery to it. Where did you get your inspiration for your novel? Do you ever use real life experiences?

For me, writing a novel is like a tidal wave hits my life. It takes everything I've ever done, seen, read, sung, watched, imagined, dreamed, and breaks it all up into tiny little pieces. When the wave retreats, all those pieces are lying on the sand. It's my job to fashion a story out of those pieces.

When we lived in London, Ontario, my daughter sang with the Junior Amabile Singers--a competitive all girls choir. I always wanted to write a novel using that unique setting, but I didn't have a story. A few months before my editor decided Razorbill wanted me to write a new novel for my second book, something happened to one of my daughter's best friends in the world-famous Amabile Young Men's Ensemble. You should hear these guys sing. They are so amazing. You'll find them on my website.

Anyway, she was still hurting--in fact the whole Amabile family of choirs was still dealing with a heartbreaking tragedy. That inspired me to start writing. My editor loved the idea and got it approved. The young man's mother and Amabile Choirs got on board and were fantastic support. It was the most intense artistic experience I've ever had. I wrote the first draft of SING in a single month. I know I had help from unseen hands. I feel blessed to have been the tool for it's telling.

I listened to the CD on your site. It's wonderful. I encourage all my readers to go to Angela's website and listen. It's so beautiful. What does your family think about your writing?

They think I've become an insane hermit, but they are all patient and supportive. My sons think it's weird that their mom writes romances that are kind of on the steamy side. (I love to write romantic kissing scenes--what can I say? My books aren't explicit, though. Just achingly romantic.) My daughter lets me pick her brain. And my husband paid for my MFA. If that's not love, what is?

So you’re a romantic at heart! Please tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I wear pink ballet shoes instead of slippers and write all my novels on pale pink paper.


Pink? Hey, I should have known since you’re a romantic. Now we know the real you, who sits around in pink slippers and writes novels on pink paper.

Edith and the Mysterious Stranger - Historical Romance and Halloween!

Have you ever wondered how Halloween got started? Did you know that the Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America in the 1800s? All my books are “sweet” romances for teens and adults. Listen to the video and read the sample chapter below and list one thing that grabs your attention. By the way, the excerpt doesn’t reveal who the mysterious stranger is. Happy Reading!

Edith and the Mysterious Stranger

A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho

With mysterious letters, cattle rustlers, a spunky woman, the liar's fire, Halloween, and young love, there is always something happening. Edith has wonderful qualities but never gives a man a second chance because her expectations are so high. However, all that changes when a mysterious stranger begins to write to her. For the first time, she gets to know a man's inner soul before making any harsh judgments. Whoever he is, this man is a mystery and the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Halloween Day

Edith finished brushing her wavy black tresses and allowed them to fall gracefully down to her shoulders. She would dress up as a Spanish señorita for Halloween. She grabbed a red flowered skirt and pulled it on. It had three gathered tiers with a wide ruffle at the bottom. Then she pulled on a simple white peasant blouse that tied at the neck. Next she hung a dangling gold earring from each ear and slipped on her black shoes.

Halloween was one of Edith's favorite times of the year because family and neighbors would get together and dress up in festive costumes, eat foods of the season, and play games. The custom of Halloween started in Europe during the harvest season. The Europeans would celebrate the end of summer by having a harvest feast the last day of October. They would build bonfires to cook the feast and also to keep the ghosts away. They were a superstitious people and believed that ghosts roamed about on the last day of October. Hallow meant holy and e’en was short for evening. Because this celebration was the evening before All Hallows Day or All Saints Day, they decided to call it Halloween.

Smiling in the mirror, she pinched her cheeks for color and then carefully placed a red silk flower in her dark tresses just above her ear for decoration and color. The red flower and skirt brought out the beauty in her olive complexion. She truly looked like a lovely Spanish señorita.

Edith felt pleased with her costume. Her heart beat a little faster this afternoon and her spirits were high. She was not sure if her mysterious stranger would appear, but she had high hopes.

As she walked into the kitchen, her mother turned to look at her. Martha’s eyes widened, and then she smiled. “Oh my! Edith, you look radiant. I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.”

“Why, thank you, Mama. I appreciate that.”

“This young man is going to be knocked out of his shoes. I know that, for sure. He’d better be holding onto something when he sees you.”

Edith laughed. Her laughter was light and cheerful, and Martha laughed along with her.

“Mama, what if he doesn’t come?”

“Don’t worry. I know he’s coming.”

“How do you know?”

“Just a feeling.” Martha smiled and then held up an envelope for her to see. “I have a letter for you that was dropped by today.”

She grabbed the envelope, tore it open, and pulled out the note. As she unfolded it, Edith held her breath. Staring at the words on the paper, she slowly let her breath out, and read, “Seven-thirty tonight.” Those were the only words on the note.

Edith swallowed and then looked up at her mother. Martha already knew that he was coming, but she asked, just the same. “Well? Is he coming?”

Edith nodded, not able to say a word. When it was seven o‘clock, she realized that her excitement had turned to nervousness. And then she became pale as she started to question herself and her feelings for this man. Doubts were coming in all forms and directions. She was getting cold feet. The old feelings were coming back. When she doubted the man’s ability to rise to her expectations, she would not give the man another chance.

As she paced the floor, questions gradually invaded her mind. What if he was not what she expected? What if he was dull in person and exciting only in his letters? What if he had a long nose and bulging eyes? What if he was way shorter than she? Heaven forbid! That would be awful. Most men she met were shorter than she was, and this dismayed her. Oh my, this was not going well!

Edith shook her head. “No, if he had a long nose, I would love it. If he had bulging eyes, I wouldn’t care. The person in those letters is whom I care about, not his looks. Besides, we’re only friends.” Then her eyes widened as she asked herself, “But what if he doesn't like me in person?”

A knock sounded at the door, and Edith’s eyes widened as she gasped. She stood frozen to the spot. Another knock came from the door and she tried to move, but her feet were not obedient. Nervousness had taken over, and she tried to overcome it by taking a few deep breaths. Her hands were trembling with anticipation, and her heart pounded furiously. When she noticed that her deep breaths were making her faint, she decided that deep breathing was not such a good idea after all. After a third knock, she let out a puff of air and then walked toward the door and opened it.

Standing before her was a Spanish bandido. He looked just like a desperado, and he fit the part perfectly. He was dressed all in black. He had on black boots, pants, shirt and hat. His black mask covered part of his nose and eyebrows, and all she could see were his soft blue eyes gazing at her. Between her uneasiness and her delight in seeing him, she was not sure how to greet him. Should she extend her hand for a handshake or what?

The bandido walked in with a grin on his face. He shut the door behind him and then stood where he was as his eyes swept over her. She was a vision of loveliness—breathtaking with her rich, black hair hanging softly to her shoulders and a red flower next to her cheek. Her dark eyes sparkled with happiness and her olive complexion glowed. He couldn’t help but notice how her dress enhanced the gentle curves of her figure.

When Edith saw how he was looking at her, she blushed and lowered her eyes. The way he was gazing at her made her feel beautiful.

Seeing that he had embarrassed her, he quickly spoke with a Spanish accent, “Señorita, como estas?”

Just hearing his voice sent her spirits soaring. It was low and gentle. Edith raised her eyes and smiled. She knew just a little Spanish and replied, “I’m fine. And you?”

Afraid that she would recognize his voice, he tried to avoid speaking English. If he really needed to, then he planned to whisper. He took her hand in his and said, “Señorita Bonita.” Then he bowed, tenderly lifted her hand, and pressed his lips intimately against the back of her hand, sending a tingling up her arm and to her heart.

Edith’s eyes widened as she blushed. “Señor, do you kiss the hand of every señorita you meet?”

“Solamente tu.”

“Only me?” Edith’s eyes lowered once again and she blushed a second time.

The bandido smiled as if amused by her shy mannerisms. Still holding her hand in his, not wanting to let go, he whispered, “Señorita, you surprise me. Why are you so reserved with me? We have written to one another for several months now.”

Edith shook her head and took a deep breath. “I don’t know.”

The bandido smiled. His blue eyes studied her intently, searching for an answer. Edith’s attitude was enchanting and she looked so appealing to him. Not only that, her coy manner was refreshing. As he gazed warmly upon her, he realized this woman was very special—special to him. A strong desire to kiss her rose within him as his eyes trailed to her rosy lips. With an impulse of tenderness, he took her by the shoulders and placed a gentle kiss on her luscious lips. He was surprised at the depth of his emotions. Her closeness and tender kiss had their effects on him, causing his heart to pick up speed and turning his senses to mush. He had not planned to be so forward, but he could not help himself. He had fallen in love with Edith.

For Edith, this was completely unexpected. She was not only unprepared for what was happening at this very moment, but she was surprised at the emotions spreading through her. She felt happier than she had ever been in her entire life. And she knew this was what it felt like to be in love and to be cherished by another. This man had magnetic charm, and she instantly responded to it. His hands were strong, and his gentle touch made her heart sing. Her spirits rose, and a warm glow filled her heart as he squeezed her shoulders tenderly. His lingering kiss had made her heart skip several beats and she realized she was falling in love.

When the bandido released her lips and gazed into her eyes, delicious warmth filled his inner soul. A rush of love spread through him. He was smitten and he knew it. He ran his hand down the softness of her dark tresses, feeling the thick curls beneath his fingers. The scent of it smelled like rose water. She smelled so delicious. He gently touched her face longingly, feeling the smoothness of her skin beneath his palm. Unable to help himself, he cupped her face in his hand and slightly lifted her chin, and then gently pressed his warm lips to hers once again. He slowly enfolded her in his arms and held her close, feeling the softness of her in his embrace, caressing her back, and falling deeper in love than ever before. Warmth began to envelop him as he realized his true feelings for her. It was definitely time to go. He had lost his heart and had overstayed his visit.

He slowly stepped backwards as he gradually slid his hands down her arms, took her hands in his and squeezed them lovingly. When he gazed into her eyes, he noticed that his touch had taken her breath away. This made the bandido grin. He quickly backed up, bowed, and then turned on his heels and walked toward the door.

He gave a wink over his shoulder and said with a charming smile, “Adios, Señorita. Vaya con Dios.” Then he closed the door behind him.

Edith was dazed and her breathing was shallow. She swallowed and then drew in a breath, feeling a little lightheaded. What had just happened? She knew what had happened. That kiss had not only sent her a message of his adoring love, but it completely changed their relationship. He had actually sealed his love with one simple kiss. That was what had happened. In fact, it was more than just a simple kiss. That kiss definitely had its effects on her, causing her heart to beat erratically.

From now on, she would not think of him as just a friend. She knew that much. Not after that kiss. Not after it had made her feel wanted and needed. Their friendship had instantly changed with that one delectable kiss. Edith collapsed upon the sofa. As she tried to relive what had just happened, she realized that his voice was low and pleasant sounding. She liked it a lot. She was not disappointed in him at all.

“Vaya con Dios,” she thought to herself. She knew what that meant. She smiled to herself. He had told her, “May God be with you.”

That was such a nice thought. She relaxed into the comfort of the sofa with a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Her eyes closed as she recalled the evening and the softness of his lips once again…and again…and again.

 

(To find out why this mysterious stranger is writing to her in the first place, click on the book cover on the right side bar and read the excerpt from the book.)

Interview with Historical Romance Author Sarah M. Eden

A true romantic at heart, Sarah has a weakness for the Regency era in English history. It’s not just historical romance, but it’s romantic comedy. Comedy is second nature to her. She loves research and researches her time period with zeal. Sarah has published ten novels, has won an award for Best Romance category as a finalist, was 1st Place in the Arizona Chapter of American Mothers for the Short Story category, and has two children.

Hello Sarah. I absolutely love romantic comedy because I love to laugh. Please tell us about your new book, Courting Miss Lancaster.

Courting Miss Lancaster is an historical romance set in the era of Jane Austen, Napoleon, Mad King George. It will make readers laugh and sigh, but probably mostly laugh. And, of course, it has a very happy ending.

From the back cover: Harry Windover adores blonde, green-eyed Athena Lancaster, but alas, a penniless man like himself has no hope of winning a young noblewoman's hand. To add insult to injury, Athena's brother-in-law and guardian, the Duke of Kielder, has asked Harry to assist Athena in finding the gentleman of her dreams. But the lovesick Harry is cunning as well: as the weeks pass, he introduces Athena to suitors who are horrifically boring, alarmingly attached to their mothers, downright rude, astoundingly self-absorbed, and utterly ridiculous. Athena can't comprehend why she is having so little success meeting eligible and acceptable gentlemen. Indeed, her circle of admirers couldn't be less admirable--nothing like the loyal, gentle friend she's found in Harry. But how long can Harry's scheme be hidden before it is discovered? And what will Athena do when she uncovers Harry's deception? Escape into a charming regency world in this delightfully romantic comedy of manners that will entertain you to the very last word.

I love historical romance. You can learn a bit of history and be entertained at the same time. Where did you get your inspiration for your novel? Do you get your ideas from real life experiences?

Any character in my novel who is doing or saying something embarrassing was most likely inspired by real life experiences. Personal real life experiences. My life could likely be summed up as A Series of Embarrassing Events. There was the time in college I fell down half a flight of stairs and landed right at the feet of a totally hunky guy. Yea. That's gonna end up in a book somewhere. A great many of Miss Lancaster's suitors in Courting Miss Lancaster are exaggerated versions of guys I have actually known at some point in my life. Having said that, a lot of my writing is purely the work of my overactive imagination. I just sit back, think of the absolute craziest thing that could happen to a character and still fit in the context of the story, and just go with it.

I’m impressed. I wish I had a lot of hilarious experiences to use from my life. You wrote: “I'm not normal. I'm an author. I spend enormous amounts of time avoiding responsible things like cooking dinner and doing laundry and making vital phone calls. Instead, I fill my days with making up stories, talking to voices in my head, and laughing hysterically at my own wit.” This is hilarious. What does your husband say about your unconventional habits?

We will be celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary in August (hint, hint, honey--because I know you're reading this). After 11 years of wedded bliss, I think he's gotten used to me. I've never been "normal" so he knew, at least to a degree, what he was getting himself into.

My husband is also my Ultra Alpha Reader. He hears everything I write before anyone else--sometimes within a few minutes of me writing it. His job is to let me know if I've pushed things a little too far down the crazy trail, if my guys sound like girls and if I am "even making any sense at all." It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.

Your husband sounds great. What does your family think about your writing style?

Probably anyone who knows me would never have pegged me as a romance writer before I delved into the genre. My romantic sensibilities are kept very tightly under wraps. When I first started letting my family know I was writing romances, I think they were a little skeptical. However, after reading my work and realizing that my style is "Romantic Comedy, With an Extra Helping of Comedy" it made a little more sense. The style definitely fits me.

It sounds like comedy comes easy for you. Since you write comedy, I’m sure you can tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Never forget, huh? I'd really prefer this be a "never forget" in a good way. Sadly, that narrows down the field a whole lot.
Does this something have to be true? Probably.
Hmmm...
I know all the words to "Ice, Ice Baby." No. That's lame.
I had braces for 4 years. No. Too boring.
I lied on my drivers license--I put 5'0" but I am actually only 4'11". No. That's too "True Confessions"-y.
I have no idea. Maybe the real me is really, really forgettable. Maybe I need to go out and do something with my life. Nah. I'll just write another book.

Reading your unforgettable ideas was hilarious. That alone was worth asking the question! This was fun getting to know the unforgettable singing author who is 4’11”. Oh my gosh! I don’t believe I’ve ever met anyone that tall before, but then I come from a background of tall people. My dad was six feet and I take after him.

Interview with Romance Author Danielle Thorne

Danielle lives south of Atlanta, Georgia. In 2006, she won Honorable Mention in Writer’s Digest’s Annual Writing Competition and won the 2008 Awe-Struck Short Novel Contest. She was Co-Chair for the New Voices Competition for young writers and reviews books for online review sites. Her husband is an air traffic controller, she has four sons, is involved with BSA Scouting, and is the author of four books.


Hello Danielle. Tell us about your new book, By Heart and Compass.

By Heart and Compass is a sweet romance novel about letting go of your fears and moving forward in life with courage to take on new adventures. It's set in a small town in central Georgia and then moves to sea off the coast of Antigua. Here's the cover blurb:  

When Lacey Whitman buys a restored Victorian home, she never dreams discovering an antique diary will lead her back to sea and into the arms of the dive bum she’d rather forget. Her habit of living in the past comes to a screeching halt as diver Max Bertrand and the diary of his ancestor take Lacey on the quest of a lifetime: To discover and raise the privateer ship, Specter, and bring the treasure and legacy of a true hero home again. But will finding it cost her heart?


Your book sounds fascinating. Where did you get your inspiration for your novel?

I'm quite the daydreamer, but when stories pop into my imagination I do everything I can to research anything I haven't experienced. Since writing sea-themed fiction, I've received my scuba certification and spent some time traveling to different places in the Caribbean. I also like to choose interests for my characters that I am already familiar with—for example, in my sweet romance, Turtle Soup, I made my heroine a caterer and deli owner, because I love to cook and know my Southern cuisine. In By Heart and Compass, I chose genealogy for my bookish main character, because I am in fact, a genealogist. It's a wonderful way to share my passions with other people. I try to not just write what I know, but to write what I care about. And writing has given me the opportunity to care about a lot of new things.

I love the idea of writing what you care about. A reviewer wrote, "I especially like the sayings before each chapter. Read as a pirate would say it.” You must have done a lot of research. Tell me your thoughts about this.

In doing some research on Antigua, I came across a clever saying, "Spider and fly can't make bargain." I started researching West Indies proverbs (which have African roots) and found so many thoughtful ones, I decided to collect them and use them for chapter headings. Trying to decide which ones fit with the action in each chapter was a challenge, but they all worked out wonderfully. Actually, each chapter's proverb should be read with a Caribbean accent. But a pirate's voice would work just as well. They're very close!

Wow! That must have been a lot of work to find all the right quotes, but very rewarding at the end. What does your family think?

My family is very supportive of the long hours I put into writing. They haven't actually read all my books, but having four sons, that's understandable. Nothing makes me happier than when someone mentions they heard from one of my boys that I'm an author. I suppose the idea that I'm a romance writer must be a bit embarrassing for them but they've never questioned it and they are all very good listeners when Mom needs to vent.

That’s wonderful your boys care so much. Can you tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Wow, that's a tough one. How about the first saltwater dive I ever did after getting my scuba certification? I'd only been exposed to lakes and rock quarries, so when I made my first descent off the coast of Destin, Florida, and was surrounded by a school of barracuda, I had one of the most intense conversations with God I've ever had. The fish were all around me (very curious fellows), and they followed me all the way down the ninety foot descent. Then later they returned and followed me back up! I'm not scared of them anymore, but it's not a comfortable situation to be in if you've seen the teeth on those bad boys.

Oh my gosh! I can’t even imagine the fear I’d have being face to face with just one. I can just imagine your prayers and how wide your eyes must have been at the sight of them. Now we know the real you, the author who swims with barracudas!!!

Interview with Mystery Writer Linda Faulkner

Author Linda M. Faulkner loves a good mystery. She says her middle initial stands for Mystery, with a capital M. In addition to writing mystery novels, Linda does freelance writing and teaches writing workshops. Second Time Around was an Award Finalist for best Mystery/Suspense fiction 2010 EPIC.

Hello, Linda. It’s so nice to have you on my blog. Please tell us about your new book, Second Time Around.

Second Time Around is a mystery set in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana. Timmie Campbell asks herself what she’s going to do when the dead body she stumbles across winds up belonging to her father, the father she thought abandoned her in infancy. Turns out her mother has been lying for years: about her father’s abandonment, about him not contacting them, about a lot of things. Unfortunately, Timmie can’t dwell on her mother’s deception because bodies begin piling up and she needs to stop the killer before he wipes out her entire family.

Whoa! This book sounds like a “page-turn.” Where did you get your inspiration for your novel? Do you get your ideas from real life experiences?

The opening scene of STA was inspired by a real-life event. My husband and I, who live in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana, were walking our dogs down the driveway. We heard a rustling in the trees alongside the driveway and my imagination went into overdrive as the dogs went on alert. “Wouldn’t it be neat if a dead body rolled down the hillside?” I asked my husband and the pooches. Stephen thought I was nuts. The dogs were used to such hypothetical questions: they knew I was imagining all sorts of murder and mayhem. In MY life, I much preferred the whitetail doe who pranced into view. In my fiction, the dead body worked out better.

As far as other ideas go, they come to me in a variety of ways: in dreams, when I’m driving or taking a shower, listening to the news, reading a newspaper or magazine article, and—here’s the best one: when eavesdropping in public places. I suppose it’s not eavesdropping when you’re in a restaurant and the couple in the booth next to you is talking loud enough to wake the dead, but you know what I mean, right?

That’s hilarious! Some authors I’ve interviewed have said they get a lot of good stuff by listening to people talk while standing in a line at the grocery store…but in your case, sitting in a booth. A reviewer wrote that your book was "a wild and complicated tale of revenge, years of lies, romance, and, of course murder. More than one!" Your book sounds like an intriguing mystery. Tell me your thoughts about this review.

Aha! That sound like Carl Brookins’ review. It was the first I’d ever received and I was thrilled. As far as I’m concerned, if the reader/reviewer likes the book and couldn’t put it down, that’s far more important than any flaws they might have noted or the number of “stars” they give it. (Isn’t that why we write—for the reader?) If I recall, Carl rated the book 4 of 5 stars and said he’d be willing to read more of my fiction. The review worked for me!

How about your family? What do they think about your writing?

My family is terrific. Before she died twelve years ago—well before I’d ever published anything—my mother was my biggest supporter. She encouraged me to keep submitting my work, to switch genres, to try something new. All her advice panned out, too! My father, who is 80, passes out marketing post cards all over the place: at the casino, at the doctor’s office, wherever he goes. He’s more impressed with my non-fiction and technical writing, but read STA from cover to cover in one setting and really enjoyed it—terrific praise from him. My sister and my three kids have always believed in me, always knew I’d be published, and are also a great help in the marketing department. And my husband good-naturedly takes a back seat to my writing—especially now that I’m published and earning money. All kidding aside, he thinks it’s terrific that I can work at something I love and have it not feel like work. Oh, and the puppies and kitties think it’s terrific—because I do most of it from home, rather than at the office. 

Hey, it sounds like you have some great support and you’re spoiling the cats and dogs, too. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Although I currently have two dogs, one of whom is a German Shepherd, and used to have two Rottweilers (they’ve both passed on), I’m afraid of dogs. I was so scared of them when I was a kid that a barking dog—even on a chain, inside a fenced yard—terrified me to the point I’d wet my pants. If I’m out and about and a dog I don’t know (regardless of breed or size) comes running at me, I hide behind the closest person—even if it’s my own kid. Which is incredibly embarrassing. Mothers are supposed to protect their kids—even if they are adults. There. My secret’s out. 

This is hilarious. I can’t stop laughing for the life of me. What a great story! Now we know the real you, an author who is afraid of dogs and owns several of her own. Don’t worry about hiding behind your kids. Since they were raised with dogs, they have no fears. In fact, most kids usually aren’t afraid of anything. That’s what scares us mothers!

Interview with Christian Romance Author Gail Pallotta

As a granddaughter of a minister and niece of several English teachers, Gail inherited the interest of storytelling. After being nudged by friends to do more with her writing, she published her first Christian novel. After its release in 2004, the American Christian Writers Association named her Regional Writer of the Year. Gail has been happily marred for thirty-eight years and lives in Georgia.

“An unlikely romance begins in the spring when the sunshine sparkles on the sand in Destin, Florida, and the moonlight dances across a tranquil, emerald sea.”

Hello Gail. This is such a pleasure to interview a Christian writer. Please tell us about your new book, Love Turns the Tide.

First, I'd like to say "thank you" for having me on your great blog. In Love Turns the Tide Cammie O'Shea faces a traumatic split-up with her fiancé and has to leave her family and friends to take a new job in Destin, Florida. Heartbroken and alone, she needs God more now than she ever has. But for some reason she can't explain, she feels more estranged from him. A feature writer, she dreads meeting her new boss, the editor of The Sun Dial, a new newspaper. But her real source of angst turns out to be Vic Deleona, the influential real estate tycoon she must write about to generate interest in the paper. While she refuses to open herself to another painful relationship, he attempts to court her. Trying to get over her heartache, she continues to read her Bible and say prayers. One day she reads Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." Afterward she ponders how living in Destin possibly could be good for her. Then break-ins occur at her and her friend's condos, making her doubt the wisdom of living in Destin even more. But, Vic comes to their rescue. He even launches his own investigation into the crimes. Just when Cammie starts to see a different side of him, she gets an offer to return home to her old job. Will Vic solve the crimes and win Cammie's heart, or will she leave Destin? Read more about the book on my Web site at http://www.gailpallotta.com.

Your book sounds mysterious. Where did you get your inspiration for your novel?

My inspiration came from people who have found the right person even after being hurt deeply. I'm fortunate enough to have people open up to me. I doubt that I solve many problems. Instead, I found that people often work things out for themselves when they talk about them. But I do draw from real life experiences. No one character in Love Turns the Tide is a particular person, but the things that happen to the characters as well as the things that bring them pain, joy, happiness, etc., are gleaned from bits and pieces of others and myself. In one scene in Love Turns the Tide, Cammie has been talking to Angie about her broken engagement. Angie chuckles and says, "People are always telling me someone will come along one of these days and sweep me off my feet..."

Cammie answers, "I've heard that too, but it's going to take an awfully big broom." That line came from a conversation I was part of many years ago.

Here's an experience I haven't used yet. Once my daughter and I were in a check-out line. The lady in front of me started telling me about an item she wished she had purchased, but hadn't. I just listened, but the more she talked about it the more she wanted it. Finally, she looked at me and said, "Watch my basket and my purse, I'll be right back." Just in case anyone's wondering, I stood and watched, as she'd asked.

That’s hilarious. It proves that we must listen more. You never know what you can slip into a character’s conversation. A reviewer wrote, "This is an excellent story with three main characters that grow on you right from the beginning… There is just enough suspense to the story to keep the reader turning the pages.” Tell us your thoughts about this review.

I remember that review well. It's one of my favorites because the reviewer brought out important aspects of the book. I wanted to keep the reader guessing as to who committed the vandalism, and she said, "Just when the reader thinks they know who it is their mind changes a little." Also, I wanted to write a book that showed how Christianity helps people, and she said, "I feel the bible verses were written into the story line very well reflecting on her..." (Cammie's) "...thoughts about judging, faith and her prayers, without making the book preachy." The reviewer also appreciated the fun parts I'd added, such as the ducks on the lake near Cammie's condo. As for the genre, it's a love story with romance and mystery. The mystery, suspense and Cammie's faith journey are woven into the romantic plot.

I love mystery romance. What does your family think about your writing?

They love that I write. But it's a demanding job and a huge time commitment. I think every writer who also has a family has to work at finding a balance. Since I treasure being with my husband and my daughter, I try not to infringe on our time together, but neglect other things. For instance, my house isn't as clean as it should be, nor is it re-decorated to keep up with the latest trends. Our closets are bulging and our shelves overflowing. Even though I come from a family of good cooks, I don't plan our meals. My husband enjoys running errands, so I let him stop by the grocery instead of making a list and going to get the ingredients for our favorite dishes. Every once in a while I break down and grocery shop. I always find something that looks good and think, Gee, we could have been eating this if I wasn't so busy. But, many of my recipes call for ingredients, such as cream and butter that aren't good for us, and we probably eat too much anyway. LOL

Your lifestyle sounds like a normal author to me!!! Please tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I grew up in a small town at the foothills of the North Carolina mountains. While attending college I met a friend who owned an airplane. One summer when we were on break, he flew over my hometown and announced on the loud speaker that he wanted me to meet him at the airport and fly to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for the day. No sooner did we answer our phone at home than it rang again. It seemed everyone in town called to make sure I'd heard that someone in an airplane was looking for me. And of course, they all wanted to know if I was going. My father did take me to the airport, I met the friend, and we flew to the beach for the day.

That is great! I love it. I can just imagine the phone ringing over and over again, wondering if you heard the announcement and if you were going. What a great story!