Meet the Author Monday - L.J. LaBarthe

Hanging out with us today is my fellow Noble Romance author L.J. LaBarthe. So exciting!

 What motivates LJ LaBarthe the author? Why do you write?

 Determination not to fail, I think. I have a disability, which, among other things, impairs my hands. My left hand in particular is 90% useless. There are so many ideas in my head that I have to get them down and a good chunk of them end up being used in my writing, but how much I can write per day is determined by how much pain I'm feeling. I don't want to be defined by my disability and I love to write. The days when the pain is too bad to do any writing are frustrating; the days when I can't physically hold a book to read are depressing. But I'm determined not to let the pain and the limitations I have stop me from finishing a story, whether it's a novel, novella or short. Unless, of course, the narrative is terrible and I hate what I'm writing and then it's time to start again and rewrite! XD 

Wow, that was a depressing start! Um… I'm also motivated by chocolate. Chocolate is fabulous and a cure for just about everything!

When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?

 I was very young, around six years old, and I entered a competition where children had to draw Humpty Dumpty and tell a story about him set in Australia. So, I drew Humpty Dumpty with an Aussie hat, complete with corks hanging from the brim to keep the flies away, set in the Northern Territory summer. No one was more amazed than I when I won! I have a very vague memory of shyly accepting my prize, which was a week's holiday in Alice Springs, and I loved it. I'd always done little stories or rhymes with my drawings as a kid, and it just evolved from there.

When I was a teenager, I started writing a fanzine about local punk rock bands in my city. I was fourteen at the time, and I did band interviews, reviews and such, typed it all out on my father's ancient typewriter, photocopied it all, stapled it together and distributed it in three local record stores. Later still, when I was at university, one of my friends was editor-in-chief of the university student newspaper one year, and she got me to write articles and do interviews and reviews for it. Those experiences taught me a lot about writing and only increased my love for it.

How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?

 I don't really time myself unless I'm doing a #1k1hr on Twitter with writers like Xakara. When I get in the 'zone' as I call it, I can completely lose track of time and just write until I run out of words or the pain gets too much or I get too tired to continue for that day. I don't really have a routine except in November, which is NaNoWriMo. Then, I set aside the mornings for writing, and I usually write with loud, blaring music in the background.

Who is your favorite author? And, if given the opportunity to meet them, what would you ask them?

 I have a lot of favorite authors some of whom are sadly dead.  Some of my favourites are David Eddings, George R. R. Martin, Erastes, RJ Astruc, Meredith Shayne, Herman Hesse, the Brontes, Jane Austen, and a lot of historical works, such as "The Alexiad" by Anna Comnena and "The Secret History" by Procopius which is the Byzantine Empire's answer to the National Enquirer or News of the World. If I could meet only one and ask them questions, I think right now it would be George R. R. Martin, author of the "Song of Ice and Fire" series. I would ask him when he plans to introduce Howland Reed as a POV character, if Benjen Stark is Coldhands, who's Jon Snow's mother and will the Freys and Boltons ever get their come-uppance? I want answers, dammit! LOL.

Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?

Hm. Write what you love, find a good beta reader and get a thick skin. A thick skin is invaluable, as it inures you to all sorts of criticism and in order to get your work published, you can't take editing or concrit personally. It's hard not to, I know. Keep trying and try not to get discouraged, the more you write, the more you learn, and a good beta reader/editor can teach you so much about writing making them even more invaluable.

Tell us about your current releases.

City of Gold

Blurb: Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire, 1131 AD.

Gallienus has spent his life in service of his country, and now his scarred body is no longer up for the fight. Assigned to work the gates of Constantinople, he is charged with examining the cargo brought into the city from all over the world. Misahuen is part of the merchant train bringing wares from the Silk Road to trade, but it’s not Misahuen’s cargo that interests the wounded soldier. Gallienus thought his heart was too battered to love anything but his country. Does he have the courage to dream of a future beyond service to the City of Gold?

Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2350

***

Life and Nothing But.

Blurb: When Michael Lee takes a job as a tutor to Lord Henilworth's children, the last thing he expects to find is the love of his life. However, from the moment he first meets Nick, the gardener of Castle Henilworth, he cannot deny the attraction. Believing it to be one-sided, Michael tries to bury himself in his work, but living in the same village and working in the same place make it impossible to completely avoid Nick. Gradually, Michael overcomes his shyness, and, when Nick makes his own interest clear, everything seems to be going Michael's way. However, ghosts of the past and a racist attack threaten the fragile happiness Michael has found. Will Nick's love really be enough?

Buy Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/Books/273 and Kindle: http://amzn.com/B005C622NK

***

Sunburnt Country

 (part of the Something Happened on the Way To Heaven serial/anthology)

Blurb: James doesn't believe in angels. So no one is more surprised when he is to find an Archangel in his bedroom. Archangel Raziel has lost his book of magic, and needs James help. James realizes he can hear demons and he and Raziel set out through the Australian outback to find the Archdemon Adramelech and get Raziel's book. James didn't count on falling for Raziel, and yet he can't get the Archangel out of his mind. Will James and Raziel relationship survive the power of Hell wielded by an Archdemon?

Buy Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/fiction.php ("Something Happened on the Way to Heaven" is halfway down the page.)

 Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

 I'm working on a novel about the Brotherhood of Archangels, which is the love story of Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Of course, the course of true love ne'er runs smooth, so while they'd like to be spending time working on their relationship, there are demons and fallen angels conspiring with a greedy human trying to take over the world. Again. That's book one of a trilogy – I have the outlines scribbled down and the ideas are all there, just writing book two and three now, as book one is finished.

I'm also working on a novel length sequel to "City of Gold," called "City of Jade." It's a historical m/m romance, set on the Silk Road between Constantinople and Chang'an in 1131A.D. That's very slow going at the moment solely because of the research I'm doing.

Where can readers connect with you?

 My website is here: http://www.ljlabarthe.com/ and my blog is here: http://misslj_author.livejournal.com and my Twitter is here: http://www.twitter.com/brbsiberia.

Thanks for having me!

***

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us. Good luck with the writing:)

Ella

Meet the Author Monday...Jennifer Ann Coffeen

Please offer a warm welcome to Jennifer Ann Coffeen...

Dissatisfied with Nancy Drew and Ned Nickerson's all too proper courtship, a pre-teen Jennifer gave into temptation, launching her one girl secret investigation into the bright pink and gold colored novels lying scandalously upon the top of her mother’s bookshelf. Needless to say a romance obsession was born. Eventually realizing one must gain life experience and education outside of the 19th century, Jennifer moved to Chicago to pursue theatre and writing. In the past decade she has worked with various theatre companies including Bedlam Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland. In 2003 she co-wrote the amazing, mind-boggling sideshow act Numbskull, the Human Blockhead alongside eventual husband, Fraser Coffeen. She then joined forces with the Muffin Basket Cases, a group of seven women solo performers who wrote and performed a new show each week, did a run with Beastwomen Female Cabaret, and is an original member of the kates, who perform the last Saturday of every month at the fabulous Book Cellar. For more information on Jennifer's life, shows, and ( of course!) upcoming novels, check out her website. www.JenniferAnnCoffeen.com

 What motivates Jennifer Ann Coffeen the author? Why do you write?

Good question! I started writing because I love stories so much I wanted to tell my own. I continue to write because I love learning more about the craft every day. Writing has become a lifestyle for me over the years and its one I enjoy very much. I also feel compelled to write because I owe it to my characters! I can’t just invent a book full of people and then abandon them, they are all clamoring of their stories to be told. 

When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?

Both in a way. I always knew I was going to write a novel someday, it was one of my life goals. It took me a long time to pursue writing though. I did theatre for years and traveled, I think I needed to settle down a bit before I was ready to tackle the long days of writing.

How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the

mood strikes?

Oh, how I wish I had a set routine! I used to be pretty strict with my writing schedule, I wrote two days a week from 9-5 and then tried to do an hour a day the rest of the week. Two events this year turned that schedule upside down: a new baby and marketing for Priceless Deception and Lover’s Gamble. I’ve been writing whenever I have a spare moment, but it can be hard to carve out enough time. I’m getting better though!

Who is your favorite author? And, if given the opportunity to meet them, what would you ask them?

Currently my favorite author is Georgette Heyer. I would ask her 1. How did she write such wonderful novels so quickly? (She often published a novel a year), and 2. I would ask her every regency historical question I have. Her research is amazing!

Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?

Never, never stop. Keep writing and keep sending out those queries. It took me 9 months of queries and several large rewrites before I was published. I completely threw out the first 30 pages of my novel! 

Tell us about your current release

Priceless Deception is set in 1812 London and tells the story of Lady Madeline Sinclair who is on a quest to find a cursed diamond. When our heroine not- so -innocently breaks into a townhouse to achieve her goal she stumbles upon the very surly, very attractive Lord Douglas.  Priceless Deception is a combination of the two things I love to read most, funny Regency characters running about society, and a good mystery.

Blurb: “The French Blue diamond must be destroyed.” Haunted by the words of her dying father, Lady Madeline Sinclair arrives for the London Season with more than parties and the latest fashion on her mind. She has sworn a vow, and the beautifully headstrong and fearless Madeline will allow nothing to distract her…until she meets the infamous Lord Colin, Duke of Douglas, a man known for his scandalous past engagement. With a dark grin and stormy eyes, he threatens to make her forget her duty, along with her manners.

Bound together by the mysterious diamond, Madeline and Colin soon succumb to the passion raging between them, even as the diamond eludes their grasp. But the true threat lies in the hands of an enemy whose dangerous obsession with the past has the power to destroy them both.

Buy Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=865

Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

I’m currently working on a series of Regency novella’s. The three stories are all centered around a single Masquerade Ball and it’s full of mishaps, banter, intrigue, and lots of romance! I’m really enjoying having the six main characters weave in and out of each other’s stories. I hope to have the first novella finished in the fall.

Where can readers connect with you? 

Lots of places! I’m always chatting away on Facebook and twitter. Come and join my author page on Facebook for lots of fun Regency info and updates. Every Thursday I post a new historical tidbit about my favorite era! You can also get all the latest updates on my website.

jencoffeen@twitter

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Ann-Coffeen/119223098153686

http://www.jenniferanncoffeen.com/

***

Thanks so much for stopping by. I can't wait to check out Priceless Deception.

Ella

Meet The Author...L.A. Witt/Lauren Gallagher

Over the next week, I'm pleased to announce that I'll be featuring three very talented writers. So be sure to pop in and see what's going on.

Up first we have L.A. Witt/Lauren Gallagher. She's got two releases coming up this month so check out what she has to say...

***

 What motivates L.A. Witt/Lauren Gallagher the author? Why do you write?

 Honestly, I can’t not write. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. I’ve always been driven to write, and once I started doing it full time, the lid was off Pandora’s proverbial box. Now my characters keep me awake at night until I tell their stories. In other words, it’s mostly a drive to appease the voices in my head so they’ll shut up and let me go to sleep.

When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?

 I’ve always known, I think. It took until I was in my late 20s to have the chance to pursue it like this, but I’ve always wanted to be a writer. When I moved to Japan in 2008, there weren’t any jobs available, so it was the golden opportunity to start being a serious writer.

How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?

 Most days, I’m at my desk for at least 8 hours, sometimes up to 16.  A typical day is about 10 hours. I usually get up, screw off online for a while, then start working. My daily word quota is 5,000 words, though sometimes I’ll aim for 7-10,000, and I keep working until I hit my quota or midnight, whichever comes first. 

As for the mood striking, sometimes it doesn’t, but the writing has to get done. I can write pretty much anywhere and under any circumstances. Case in point: I’ve written in an emergency room with an IV hooked to my arm.

Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?

 Be persistent and be professional. You will get rejected. You will get bad reviews. You will have books that don’t sell as well as others. Learn from constructive criticism, let nasty criticism roll off your back (easier said than done, I know, but it’s a learned skill just like anything in this business), and whatever you do, don’t stop writing.

Tell us about your current releases

I have two releases this month, one under each pseudonym.  Disengaged by Lauren Gallagher will be out September 5^th from Champagne Books, and Ex Equals by L. A. Witt will be out September 18^th from Amber Allure.

DISENGAGED:

Why are the good ones always taken?

The last thing Amber wants to think about is engagement rings or anything related to engagement rings, but they’re kind of hard to avoid when she makes her living in a jewelry store. Between her job and her last relationship, she’s getting more than a little bit jaded about love and commitment.  In fact, she’s ready to change everything in her life, and right now, a man is the last thing she wants.

When gorgeous bartender Jeremy wanders into her store, she’s willing to reconsider what she wants right now, but he’s off the menu: he’s here for an engagement ring. 

But as Jeremy comes back again and again to look at the ring, Amber suspects it’s not just the price that keeps him from taking it home. She’d never dream of sabotaging someone’s relationship, but is Jeremy about to make a huge mistake? 

EX EQUALS:

On the first day of his new career as a community college math teacher, Chris Reuben gets an unexpected—and most unwelcome—blast from the past: one of his students is his former shipmate…and ex-boyfriend.

Justin Hayes isn’t after a second chance when he signs up for an algebra class taught by his ex. All he wants besides a passing grade is a chance to make amends with the man he loved and hurt while they were deployed together three years ago.

Pain, guilt, and bitterness aren’t the only lingering feelings, though, and even if three years is enough to melt the ice between them, they’ve already risked their careers for each other once. Can Justin convince Chris that what they once had is worth putting careers and hearts on the line again?

Buy Link:

Disengaged: http://www.loriawitt.com/Books_by_Lauren.html#disengagedanch

Ex Equals: http://www.loriawitt.com/Books_by_L.html#exequals

Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

 Always. I’m currently working on the third and final book in the Cover Me series, Search Me, which will deal with the aftermath of everything from the first two books and how they affect the central relationship from Cover Me (yes, fans of Nick and Andrew, this means them!). What’s next? Anyone’s guess. I’m relocating from Japan back to the States this fall, which will likely intrude on my writing schedule a bit, but have no fear: there will be plenty more books in 2012.

Where can readers connect with you?

 Pretty much anywhere. My website is http://www.loriawitt.com, my professional blog is http://gallagherwitt.blogspot.com, and my personal blog is http://navywifeadventures.blogspot.com. I even have a webcomic, just for the heck of it: http://marginallyunhinged.blogspot.com  On Twitter, I’m GallagherWitt.

***

Thanks busy lady for taking the time to share with us!

Ella

Meet The Author - Ryan Loveless/GIVEAWAY

I'm pleased to welcome fellow author Ryan Loveless to the blog today. Check out what she's got going on and leave a comment for a chance to win an Ebook copy of her book Pop Life.

 What motivates Ryan Loveless the author? Why do you write?

 I have a lot of stories to tell. It's that simple. I would hope that one day I'd write something that someone would connect with, but it won't be on purpose if I do; it'll be because it comes from my heart and how I am.

When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?

 It's the only thing I've ever wanted to do, period. I have always been making up stories and writing them down. I have fully-developed characters and stories that will never see the light of day outside my head because they are so ingrainedly mine. There's nothing I can be except a storyteller, even to myself.

How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?

Hours?  *Picks self off floor*  I've heard tell of people who write for hours and have schedules. I've tried, I really have, but have you met the internet? WriteorDie.com has been my savior.  It keeps me focused for an hour at a time. I don't write every day, sometimes not even every week, but I'm always, always plotting and writing in my head.  I feel so strange when I don't write it down, discombobulated and ill, so I have to do it. Like, right now, I just want to get this interview done so I can get back to it, but after I do, I'll be good for another day or so.

Who is your favorite author? And, if given the opportunity to meet them, what would you ask them?

Michael Chabon, Ann Patchett, and Jonathan Lethem. I met JL at the Brooklyn Book Fair a few years ago and fan-girled so hard. I swear, I didn't get that excited in my *N Sync days. We talked about Motherless Brooklyn and the reaction readers with Tourette's Syndrome had to his main character. That was all my brain could handle, so I let him go before I could tell him that I lived exactly where Fortress of Solitude was set.  I never met Michael Chabon, but my best friend had him sign a copy of Kavalier & Clay for me, which he personalized and drew a key in.  It's one of my treasured possessions. No luck with Ann Patchett yet, but if I ever do meet her, I'd love to talk about Bel Canto and my dream cast for it.

Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?

Well, assuming this author already has a good story that s/he has reviewed for typos and plotholes, my advice is to research publishers to see which would be the best fit, and submit.  You can't get published unless you do.  :)

Tell us about your current release.

Pop Life was my first novel, written about ten years ago. I'm thrilled to have it published because it's been a tough road--when I first shopped it, no one wanted a book that featured a boyband, and it's a little off the beaten path as a romance because it's a strong ensemble piece, even though it's written in first person. I really hope that people will find favorite characters and storylines among any in the cast, not just Jamie and Andrew. The process with Silver was so welcoming, which could be because they work with a lot of new authors. They have a hands-on attitude there, so I worked directly with the cover artist, Reese Dante, who was so open to what I wanted and didn't mind scrapping drafts until we found the perfect version. I had a great relationship with my editor, too, Dawn Sievers. She was just a joy to work with. And of course Alison, the submissions editor, is fantastic.

Blurb:

Andrew writes the songs that everyone sings along with on the
radio--tunes full of love, longing, and heartbreak. He has a knack for tapping
into the world's emotions, but when it comes to his own life, the feelings
aren't so easy to handle.

Sent to New York City to work on a lead singer's first solo album, Andrew finds
himself caught in the middle of a boy band's in-fighting and secret love affairs
while battling the memories of his last trip to the Big Apple, which ended in
divorce.

Yet his heart leaps when he discovers he's staying at the same hotel as Jamie
Webster, the worldwide sensation who once drunkenly kissed him at an awards
show. As the troubled popstar clings to Andrew for help, Andrew must ask himself
a hard question: Can I save this man, or will he pull me down with him?

319pp

Buy Link:
Available in paperback ($16.99) and ebook ($6.99):https://spsilverpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search\
_in_description=0&keyword=pop+life

Excerpt:

"Paeder Brogan called," Michael said. He was sitting at our kitchen table amidst
a pile of half-finished score sheets and a precariously balanced keyboard.

I almost didn't hear him over the paper rustling in his hands and the water
running over mine into the metal sink as I washed up. I did my best thinking
when I was in motion. We had twelve gold records and a Grammy as proof. I didn't
usually resort to dishwashing while we were working. However, after a three hour
songwriting session, the lyrics I'd come up with weren't gelling with Michael's
melody, and neither lyric nor music was suited for the style of the young pop
artist to whom we were planning to pitch it. So, I was desperate.

"Did you hear me?" Michael asked.

"Paeder did what?" I thought I did pretty well at keeping the dismay out of my
voice, but Michael chuckled behind me. I slipped my hands out of the dishwater
and flicked suds at him. He flinched.

"He called. And careful, Andrew. This shirt's Armani." Michael smoothed his
hands over his sleeves and chest, checking for water damage.

"I'm nowhere near you." I took a few steps forward to demonstrate that he was
out of bubble-throwing range. "What does he want?"

Paeder Brogan was the lead singer in a three man Irish boy band called Icon that
had been going strong for almost a decade. The other two members, Keelin and
Russell, were nice guys, but in comparison to Paeder, so was anyone. No one over
the age of fourteen would be excited to receive a call from Paeder; I was
twenty-nine. There was only one reason for Paeder to call us. I hoped to God
that I was wrong.

"He wants us to write for his solo album."

"Well, that's just great."

"Why, Drew, I think you're being sarcastic." Michael smiled with fiendish glee.

He was entirely too happy about this.

"Is this a joke? Is this your Australian humor acting up? You know what I've
told you about that."

"One hundred percent true. My word of honor."

I balanced a casserole dish on the drying rack. "He doesn't like me, remember?
That awards show three years ago?"

"He told you that you were annoying. That's different from not liking you. I
think you're annoying, too, and I like you fine."

"Michael! He's going to figure it out when he meets us." I could see it
happening. Paeder would have one look at me, and Michael and I would be on the
plane home. Actually, that might not be so bad…

"C'mon, Andrew, Paeder barely remembers the names of his own band mates. Trust
me; he's got no room in that head of his to concern himself with your tendency
to stick your foot in your mouth. You need to focus on the important thing: he
called us. Not one of his people. Him. You know how much that means."

"Yeah," I said, albeit with reluctance. It meant that I was headed to LAX to
catch a flight. I didn't have time to go to London. I was already scheduled to
be in New York for a wedding rehearsal in two days and the wedding the day after
that.

"And speaking of meeting with him, he wants to get together in New York. He's
there now. You're going for that wedding anyway…"

"Cousin Arthur."

"Yeah." He pushed an envelope across the table. "Paeder had this sent over
yesterday."

I dried my hands on my slacks before opening the envelope. I pulled out an
airline ticket and a hotel confirmation. "What's this?"

"Your arrangements."

"I have arrangements already," I said. I tossed the envelope down. Any relief I
had felt from discovering I wouldn't have to completely upend my schedule and
commitments fizzled away. It figured that Paeder would think he could be this
controlling anytime he pleased.

Michael grinned. "Well, Paeder has made you new ones."

"Lucky me."

"You know, I didn't tell you sooner because I thought you might react badly."

"Imagine that."

"So, you do the two birds, one stone thing. No problem in that, is there?"

"Oh, no, not unless I mind that he's being completely inconsiderate and, and
rude."

"This surprises you? Well, there are benefits to staying in the same hotel. If
you wanted to, oh, call him by the wrong name or anything, you could do so at
all hours."

"I still don't know why he called us," I said. I ignored Michael's reference to
the first time Paeder and I met when I had mistakenly called him 'Peder' instead
of 'Podder', and he had asked security to have me removed. "Were we the only
songwriters available? Have the others stopped talking to him?"

"He said Jamie recommended us."

"He did?" The answer surprised me. Our writing for Jamie Webster was responsible
for three of the gold records hanging in the hallway as well as the Grammy. We
had gotten our first gold record writing for him with the song "Forgetful,"
which had been his first in America. We liked to develop a collaborative writing
process with the artists, and most of 'our' musicians stopped by the house at
least once while we were working on their songs. Jamie was the exception. He had
stayed in England. His assistant handled all communication between us. "Jamie
has complete faith in your abilities," she had said.

Michael had translated: "That means he's too drunk and high to stand up, much
less fly."

The lack of communication was not why I was surprised Jamie had recommended us
to Paeder. We had, after all, 'done him good'. No, the reason would be related
to the Grammy Awards two years earlier, when Michael and I had picked up the
trophy for "Forgetful," and Jamie had unexpectedly kissed me backstage. I'd been
on the verge of kissing him back when he'd passed out. That was the first and
last time we had seen him in person, although we'd continued to write for him.
Now we heard about him as others did--through the newspapers. One of the British
tabloids had begun a chart marking his "Struggle to Sobriety" with little
bunnies hopping up and down gray lines.

The last song we sent Jamie was called "I'd Have to Look It Up (The Reason I
Loved You)." I wrote the lyrics directly after Kate divorced me. It was bitter
by my standards and tempered by Michael's orchestrations. It had, with Jamie's
self-mocking delivery, planted itself on the British and European charts the
previous year and refused to budge from the top ten for five months.

"We haven't written for him in a year," I said. "I'm surprised he remembers us."

"I'm sure he remembers you." Michael grinned at me. He'd been right there when
Jamie had planted one on me. I ignored him. "Those songs we did are still
play-listed," he continued, dropping his teasing. "Paeder needs a hit if he's
going to break away from Icon. He knows it, and he'll put aside his attitude to
get it. So, we're going to help him."

"Because we're good people?"

"Because he is paying us, and this is what we do."

Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

Several. I'm always writing multiple projects. In December, Dreamspinner Press (DSP) will publish my Great Depression/Chanukah novella, which picks up the character of Joshua Pascal from my Uniform Appeal anthology short (also DSP), Jean-Paul, fourteen years later when he's back home in New York and trying to help his family through the Depression. I'm also working on a sequel to Offside, my DSP soccer novella that will continue Adam and Colin's relationship and have lots of great soccer.  I have four or five other projects underway, but it's too soon to talk about those.  :)

Where can readers connect with you?

I love when people follow me on Twitter, which they can do at http://www.twitter.com/ryanloveless. I crosspost my blog through there, so you'll get all the updates, plus random things I'm too lazy to blog. You can also follow my (infrequently updated) blog at http://ryanloveless.dreamwidth.org and contact me through either method, or "like" my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ryanlovelessbooks.

***
Pop Life sounds great! So my lovely readers, leave our guest some LOVE in the form of a comment for a chance to win an Ebook copy of the novel!

Ella

Meet The Author - Raquel Byrnes

Today I'm pleased to welcome romantic suspense author Raquel Byrnes to the blog today.

Raquel Byrnes lives in Southern, California with her husband of sixteen years and their six children. She considers inspirational fiction a wonderful way to minister to others. She writes romantic suspense with an edge-your-seat pace. Her first book the Shades of Hope Series, Purple Knot, released on June 3rd from White Rose Publishing. You can visit her at her website: www.raquelbyrnes.com and her writing blog, Edge of Your Seat Romance.

Tell us what motivates Raquel Byrnes the author? Why do you write?

I love to just lose myself in a story. Always have. I was the girl with her nose in the book through high school. Writing is just an extension of that love.

When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?

I would fill those little black and white composition books with scenes and ideas all through jr. high and high school so I think I always had the seeds of writing germinating. It wasn’t until I took some classes on writing for the fiction novel that things really clicked.

How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?

 I write from 8:30 at night to about 1 or 2 in the morning, 5 days a week.

Who is your favorite author? And, if given the opportunity to meet them, what would you ask them?

I really love reading Nora Roberts. She has the ability to completely immerse you in the world she is writing. From Alaskan towns to Manhattan, she is awesome.

Ella interjects...I love Nora too!

Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?

I would say what an agent once said to me. “Publication isn’t a selection process, it’s a survival process.” Hang in there and keep working on your craft. You’ll see fruit eventually.

Tell us about your current release.

Blurb:

A killer strikes. A love rekindled. A life-altering choice.

When her best friend, is murdered, Reyna Cruz doesn't believe the police have the whole story. An investigator by trade, she has the talent to track Summer’s killer, but when clues lead to a family connection and a vicious gang, she suddenly becomes the hunted. At the end of her rope, Reyna must decide to trust the God she believes abandoned her. 

Wanting justice for his sister’s murder, lawyer Jimmy Corbeau agrees to help Reyna—even though she’s his ex-fiancé, and their break-up devastated him. Romance is reawakened, but so are memories of their tragic undoing. Jimmy must decide if he will fight for a future with Reyna or allow their past to derail the investigation and his second chance at love.

When the investigation goes awry and Summer’s infant daughter is kidnapped, Reyna must put her life on the line. Will Jimmy and Reyna survive the desperate measures it takes to recover his niece, catch a killer, and secure a happily-ever-after for them all?

Buy Link:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Purple-Knot-Raquel-Byrnes/dp/161116088X/ref=cm_rna_own_lm_img

 Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

The second book in this series, Ruby Dawn is almost through the editing phase with my publisher so that will be coming out later this year. I’m currently working on a gothic romance and having a blast with the darker elements.

Where can readers connect with you?

A-I’m on Twitter all the time @raquelbyrnes or you can find me at my author site: http://raquelbyrnes.com/

***

Thank so much for stopping by!  The book looks very intriguing and I can't wait to check it out on my NEW Kindle!

Ella

Meet The Author - India Masters

Today I'm pleased to introduce the talented India Masters to the blog today! She is a writing machine and you really have to check out her work!

What motivates India Masters the author? Why do you write?

Like most of us who write, is seems like I’m compelled to do it. Why else would anyone engage in a solitary undertaking that keeps you chained to a computer or wakes you in the middle of the night when you’ve had a weird dream or an idea that made you roll out of bed and write it down. I keep a pad and pencil on my nightstand for those times that I wake up from a dead sleep.

When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?

 As far as writing for profit, I’ve been playing with the notion since the early 90’s. But I started writing poetry when I was in middle school and I’ve always been a verbal story teller. Guess I get that from my grandfather.

How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?

How many hours a day depends on how inspired I am. I write every day but I don’t always write well every day. If I’m having issues with a work in progress sometimes it’s best just to put it aside and log on to Netflix, ya know? I find if I try to force things, nothing works. I’ll go back and read it the next day and think…ugh, what crap. I also tend to skip from wip to wip when I’m having a bad day because maybe I’m just not feeling a particular piece on a particular day and if I open another file, that might be what works for me that day.

Who is your favorite author? And, if given the opportunity to meet them, what would you ask them?

Oh man, that’s such an unfair question because I love so many authors. Outside my genre, I’d say Janet Evanovich because she’s so funny. I never read a Plum book or a Metrogirl book that I’m not laughing out loud. I remember one time when I was laughing so loud my friend in the neighboring apartment knocked on the door and asked what was so funny. I love when a book can do that to me. When it provokes any strong emotion from me. What would I ask her? Probably technical stuff, like does she use an outline, does she plot out every detail? How to successfully use misdirection to up the ante.

Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?

Write, write, write and then write some more. There are myriad writer’s sites on the web that have wonderful articles on everything from point of view to how to prepare a manuscript. Read those articles and learn the technical aspects of writing fiction. Join a critique group or a local writer’s group so you can get feedback on what you’re doing right and wrong. Then find the companies you want to write for and make sure you know what they’re looking for, how they want you to format your submissions and do it that way, and make sure your manuscript is as clean and free of errors as possible – this is where having critique partners comes in handy. And never give up. If you’re compelled to write, keep writing.

Tell us about your current releases.

Eternal Soulmate, release date July 20, 2011 through Ellora’s Cave Publishing. Pirate’s Slave, release date July 26, 2011 through Loose Id.

Eternal Soulmate is a reissue of a book I wrote some time ago for a small press. It’s always been one of my favorites so when it came time to renew the contract, I decided to take back the rights and see if I could improve on it. I think I’ve done that…with the help of my amazing EC editor, Jillian Bell.

The book is about a unique species of vampire who have the ability to walk in the light and reproduce once they meet their soulmate.

Blurb: When Olivia Sheppard left the service, she had no idea what to do with her life. She never thought she’d wind up as head of security, and so much more, for trendy club owner and international mystery man Noah Lazarus. Breaking her rule of non-fraternization with the boss, Olivia and Noah begin a torrid affair.

Steamy sex with a hot man isn’t enough to win a woman like Olivia and Noah knows it. But he is compelled to win her. Unfortunately, he has a secret, one that may cost Olivia her life. What he doesn’t know is whether Olivia can love and accept him for who he is. Or whether he can keep her alive long enough to prove that love can last for all eternity. 

Publisher’s Note: This story was previously published elsewhere under the title Flirt, but has been revised and expanded for Ellora’s Cave. 

Buy Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9462-eternal-soulmate.aspx

Pirate’s Slave is the third book, and probably final book, of the Across The Stars series published with Loose Id. This book is the story of Fyn Du-ket, a notorious pirate gone straight. Unfortunately for him, there are still a lot of people out there that are pissed off at him, one of which is the heroine of the book. She manages to take him hostage and is determined to treat him to a little of his own medicine. Until, that is, he’s able to turn the tables on her with the help of an old friend.

Blurb: Angry that he’d allowed a mere woman to take him hostage, Fyn Du-ket vows to turn the tables on his prim captor. As a skilled trainer of submissive slaves, he’d show her exactly how good it felt to be bad. Then he becomes a slave to love. 

 Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

Too many to mention but the closest to being completed are a contemporary western, a hot historical western, and another previously released book that I’m overhauling.

Where can readers connect with you?

My web site is www.india-masters.com and my web master (my wonderful and talented sister) has finally gotten the guest book and blurb function up and running. Yay Sissy! Unfortunately, I’m not a real consistent blogger but as soon as I figure out how to use the feature, I’m going to give it a try. I can also be reached at india.masters@yahoo.com and I’m always happy to hear from my readers.

Thanks, Ella, for the opportunity and best of luck for your continued success.

***

It was my pleasure India and I have a feeling we'll be chatting real soon!

Ella

Meet The Author Monday - Cate Masters

I'm thrilled to welcome fellow author and Jersey girl Cate Masters to the mix today! It's a pleasure to have her!

Cate Masters loves stories with a dash of magic, mayhem and romance! Multipublished in contemporary to historical, sweet to erotic, fantasy/dark fantasy to speculative, she sometimes mashes genres. Reviewers have described her stories as “so compelling, I did not want to put it down,” and “such romantic tales that really touch your soul.”

When not spending time with her family, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com, and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.

What motivates Cate Masters the author? Why do you write?

 First, thanks so much for having me as a guest Ella! So glad to meet another Jersey girl. :) Hm, why do I write? Probably so that my family will be able to put up with me. I tend to get cranky when I have all these stories in my head clamoring to get out, lol.

When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?

 It’s funny, I had written since turning double digits, but never really considered myself a writer even after having stories published in webzines and literary zines. Even after taking online and local workshops and classes, joining a few critique and authors groups and buying just about every how-to book on the market. I don’t think it was until I’d started a blog, exchanged my full-time job for a part-time one and devoted myself to writing full-time that I allowed myself the label of ‘writer’. It’s so important to not get hung up on whether we can find an agent or publisher – if we write, we’re writers.

How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?

Life’s thrown me some curveballs lately, so I can’t write as much as I’d like, but squeeze it in every spare minute. I don’t believe in waiting till the mood strikes. One of my favorite author quotes is from Barbara Kingsolver: Chain that muse to your desk and get the job done! My muse is hyperactive, so my biggest problem is getting her to focus on just one story at a time.

Who is your favorite author? And, if given the opportunity to meet them, what would you ask them?

I’m terrible, I can never pick one favorite anything. Especially authors! My bookshelves are overstuffed, and now so is my Kindle, with authors like T.C. Boyle, Alice Hoffman, Margaret Atwood and Michael Chabon – all my literary idols. I’m also finding so many wonderful authors through indie epresses or self-pubbed. If I had to pick just one, I guess T.C. Boyle because he’s a genius. I’d beg him to be my mentor!

Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?

Treat your writing like a serious job and continually develop your craft. Believe in yourself and the rest will come.

Tell us about your current release.

Rock Bottom’s a very fun contemporary about a rock star looking for love on his reality dating show called Rock Bottom, and a rock journalist who’s sworn off rock stars and is less than excited when she’s assigned to cover the show, though he’s the rock idol from her teens. You can find the excerpt and reviews, view the book video and Casting Call (who I imagined in these roles as I wrote) at: http://catemasters.blogspot.com/2009/06/rock-bottom-contemporary-romance.html

Blurb: For rocker Jet Trently, success means playing the same platinum-selling hits over and over. Philly rock journalist Billie Prescott thrives on covering the latest releases. When her editor sends her to Malibu to cover Jet’s reality dating show, Rock Bottom, her blog’s success keeps her trapped there. Her life’s at Rock Bottom too, until she hears Jet’s new songs. They touch her heart as his music did when she was 15. When Jet touches her heart as well, will the reality show ruin the real thing?

Buy Link: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_25&products_id=405

Excerpt:

With a gasp, she clutched the seat as they roared away. “What do you think you’re doing? Let me out.”

He knelt in front of her and slid his hands up her thighs. “You called me ‘baby’.”

She hoped he’d missed that. He definitely seemed too clear-eyed now.

Through clenched teeth, her voice shook. “It’s an expression. I am not one of the Bimbo Brigade.”

Clasping her neck, he drew her close. “Thank God.” His lips brushed hers.

Anger melted into confusion, surged with passion. “Stop,” she whispered.

“I can’t.” He leaned between her legs, gripped her ass and slid her against him. Tender yet fierce, his lips sought hers, his tongue probed.

White static filled her brain. How could he feel so good when he was all wrong?

“No.” She broke away.

He sank onto his feet, the deepest yearning in his eyes. “Billie.” His urgent whisper sounded like a fervent prayer.

His plea awakened something fierce and tender within her. “Dammit.” Her urgent whisper matched his.

His face lit with hope.

“Jet.” An overwhelming urge hijacked her reasoning. She fought to regain it but lost ground.

He drew a ragged breath and touched her cheek.

“Don’t.” She couldn’t finish her thought. Don’t toy with me. Don’t break my heart.

“Shh.” His finger traced her lips. He eased in slowly.

Although she had every opportunity to stop him, instead she clutched his shirt. “You won’t remember this tomorrow, anyway.” She pressed her lips to his, wrapped her legs behind his.

His embrace engulfed her as he pulled her to the floor. “Oh yes, I will.” With soft, purposeful kisses, he kept his eyes open, watching as if to imprint her in his memory.

Yes, he’d remember.

And so would she. Dammit.

 Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

Always! The Wild Rose Press will release two fantasies this year – Romancing the Hero and Ground Rules, a Christmas tale. I’ll be re-releasing several stories after the rights revert to me, and have about a dozen more stories in the works, including some followups to the Goddess Connection paranormal series, which I launched this year with The Magic of Lavender.

Where can readers connect with you?

My blog’s always hopping with fun stuff and news: http://catemasters.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cate-Masters/89969413736?ref=ts

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CateMasters

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2944596.Cate_Masters

***

Thanks so much for stopping by! I look forward to hanging out on your blog in September.

Ella