The Princess!

I can't remember being many other things at Halloween other than a princess. In fact, I remember, and I must have been about four, having a Cinderella costume. Well for anyone who had the privileged of being born prior to 1980, you probably have the recollection of going to the store and buying your costume from a stack of boxes! Yes, with the plastic masks! Oh those were the days!

Realistically, you couldn't see out of the masks. I remember going trick-or-treating and my dad took our masks and cut the eye holes bigger. Okay... I get it. It is only as an adult that I remember the faces on the people who answered the doors that night. See we couldn't see ourselves in our deformed masks.  (It makes me laugh now.)

But one year Mom decided I should just go without the mask. So she did my make up and she put a beauty mark on my face with a eyebrow pencil. The love of the glamour of the princess was born!

I still have my dress she made me when I was five. I'm sure I wore it until the seams popped. Every year she'd make me a tin foil crown and a wand made from glittered pipe cleaner. Yep, I rocked the princess.

Even today, at the age of forty, I searched Disneyland for a Merida sweatshirt in my size. I stood in line to meet her until my boys gave out on me. (Okay... mommy gave up after 20 minutes and the line didn't move. I couldn't see forcing them to stand there so their mommy could have a picture with the princess...but they would have.)

Costume in a box

I only have boys, but oh, to dress up a princess...that would be a dream come true. So to my boys I apologize in advance. Your daughters will own every Disney Princess outfit out there, even if they don't want it. Sometimes you just have to let your mommy live out her dreams.

So I'll go about being the Princess in my house (because Queens are usually old and grumpy.) I will still dress up when I want to be glamorous and pretend I'm Princess Diana, Grace Kelley, or Kate Middleton. I will walk in parades (usually in my karate uniform) and I will wave as though you've all gathered to see me in my pretty dress...um black belt. I will still put the crown on top my Christmas tree, call myself a Warrior Princess, and live happily ever after with my very own Prince Charming. And this summer, on my forty-first birthday, I will still search for a Merida sweatshirt, and maybe by then they'll have them.

Until then, I'll keep digging through all my old, unsorted pictures until I find some of me dressed as a fairy princess and I'll remember my Cinderella mask with the eyes cut out.

Happy Halloween!

My guest today is Lisa Logue

Lisa Logue

Author of Bestselling Cursed Secrets (Legacy of Secrets)

Please welcome Lisa Logue to my Warrior Princess Blog today.

Lisa Logue has written everything from poetry and short stories to her debut novel Cursed Secrets. Originally from Long Island, NY, she now resides in Tennessee with her family including her two sons.

At the age of seven, Lisa began writing short stories depicting dramatic scenes of abusive relationships and murder/mysteries. After several calls home from the teacher, Lisa made it clear that while the stories seemed real her imagination created the drama. But it didn't stop there. After the short stories came poetry with which she received many awards including winning several contests. Her earlier poems were published in coffee table books and various online websites, proving she's no stranger to the written word.

After a long two years, her first novel Cursed Secrets has finally been published. Lisa is constantly working to improve and adapt her writing to intrigue and entice readers. As an avid reader herself, creating "real" characters has been an important part of the project. While Cursed Secrets encompasses a variety of supernatural characters, the human element is prominent and relatable.

When Lisa isn't writing, she's spending time with her family, working, or attending classes for her degree. She also loves to read and often finds herself curled up in a snuggie with a glass of wine. Spending time with her boyfriend of almost five years and their friends is another enjoyment and break from crazy daily life.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

~I’ve been writing for so long and it’s become such a big part of my life that I can honestly say, I simply love it. Yes, it’s hard work, but it’s my passion. How can I not love it all?

What genre(s) do you write?

~Primarily, my books fall into the Sci-Fi/Fantasy category. I plan to write other types in the future, but I’m the most comfortable sticking to what I know.

What genres and authors would we find you reading?

~I like paranormal books the best. Some of the YA are better than the adult, but I think that’s partly because the lines have been blurred a bit. Some of my favorite authors are Amanda Hocking, Autumn Dawn, Terry Spear, PC Cast, Janet Evanovich, Colleen Houck and oh so many more. I don’t mind reading indie books and I’ve found that some are better than the traditionally published books. Not to mention I love supporting my fellow writers!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

~With Cursed Secrets, it was mainly just being able to get through it. The concept was so new to me and when I started writing it, I hadn’t intended for it to be a full length novel. It was surprising that I had that much floating around in my noggin to complete it! Now, I’m almost finished with the sequel and lobbying for two more full novels and several novella companions for Legacy of Secrets.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

~Hmm, mostly a plotter, but I don’t restrict myself. I thought I knew where the series was going when I started and now it’s completely taken a life of its own. I can’t say I’d have it any other way.

Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?

~If I’ve done nothing else, I have stretched the boundaries of characterization. Conversations aren’t monotone and typical; they’re reminiscent of real life with sarcasm and emotion. Relationships aren’t instantaneous and destined, rather they’re tense and dramatic and full of passion. The characters and situations come to life on the pages.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

~Love takes work. No matter the relationship, no matter the person, love doesn’t come as easy as movies and most books dictate. You can have love at first sight, but you have to work to make it last. But once you find it, you’re crazy if you let it slip away.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

~While writing it, I didn’t have a message. However, the ultimate message once it was finished, was that sometimes you have to make the best of what life gives you, even if it isn’t what you want at that moment.

How long have you been a writer? 

~Since I knew how to read. Writing is something that kind of runs in my family. I have an uncle and a grandmother and also my father who have all written poetry or short stories. As far as I know, I’m the only one that’s ever published. When I was in first grade, I wrote a completely fictitious story about a man who beat his wife and the drama around it. Needless to say, my mom got a call home from the teacher!

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

~Since I went the self-publishing route, it was mere weeks. I’m not one of those individuals who busted the pavement sending queries to the Big Six. I simply decided that I wanted to get it out there and see where it took me. Within the first two weeks, it became a bestseller!

What other careers have you had?

~Currently, I have a full time job for an office supply company. I work in the customer service department and I order custom products like stamps and business cards. I’ve pretty much worked in customer service since I was 16. Aside from that I’m a full time mommy.

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

~I write under Lisa Logue only, for now at least. I’m not interested in writing children’s books or anything like that where I’d want to separate the voice from the adult books. Maybe some time in the future.

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?

~I would say they’re loosely based. Really, I take traits from people I know, characters from books I’ve read and maybe movie stars and meld them together. It’s easier creating a character if you can compare them to a real person and then decide what fits and what doesn’t. At least that’s my outlook.

How would you describe yourself if you were “speed dating” your readers?

~I’d like to say I’m funny, but that only happens on occasion. So I try to be funny. I am incredibly loyal to those I love and I do my best to lookout for everyone. I’m 5”5’, but I’ve learned to live with it. Being Italian, I have dark hair and eyes and olive skin and a temper to boot. My children are from my previous marriage and I’m dating a wonderful man named Brian. We’ve been together for five years. Being a mom isn’t a handicap to me. It’s become as much of who I am as my name. Rarely do I hold a grudge because I try to see the best in people (one of my flaws, too). I’ve grown up a lot in the last few years and I see life on a whole new level. But I am rather impatient and I can sometimes be pushy. I try to be humble and I also don’t take compliments well. Simply put, I am who I am!

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

~Being a full time student, mommy and employee becomes daunting, but I manage to write and keep up with all of my social obligations online. That includes: Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Website, Indie Author Network Website and Group and many more. I tend to stay connected no matter where I am!

What else would you like readers to know about you or your work?

~I’m not one of those authors who feel like the world owes me something. I know I need to grow and I welcome it. I don’t like bad reviews, but if they happen I look at it as something to learn from and use it to my advantage. I’ll never be able to please everyone, but I can definitely learn how to better myself in the process.

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

~This really is a great question I just wish I had a better answer! I have never read anything that altered my way of thinking or impacted me in a life-changing way. However, reading all of the books I’ve read I definitely knew that I wanted to write and publish. I always knew in my heart that it was what I was supposed to do.

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

~I am lucky to have very supportive friends and family. Some of them haven’t read my books, but those who have are happy I finally published. I’ve come a long way since keeping a poetry journal. Honestly, I’ve met some really amazing folks since I published that have also become great friends. I wouldn’t be the same without them.

Where are you from?

~I was born in Selden, Long Island, NY. My family moved to Tennessee when I was nine and I’ve lived here since. I hope to move out west one day. I have my eyes on Colorado, somewhere up in the mountains.

How do you come up with the titles?

~That depends on the story. I’ve made pretty good friends with the dictionary and thesaurus as well. Your vocabulary is really never extensive enough!

Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?

~I’m a lot busier now, but it hasn’t changed too terribly much. Recently, things have been picking up, but that’s because I have some pretty awesome writer friends who are also my fans and love promoting my books. I don’t write for fame, I write because I love it!

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

~I wish I could multi-task with writing! I tend to have a lot of ideas all at once, but I can really only work on one project at a time. It becomes irritating when you have stories begging to come out that you have to keep under wraps!

When not writing, how do you relax?

~My boyfriend and I love movies so we usually see the noteworthy new releases. I also tend to read when I want to relax. Other than that I watch some senseless TV every now and again.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

~I am attending college for a Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) in Communications Studies.

~I’m addicted to the internet, although I hate to admit it.

~I read incredibly fast. A 250 page book is consumed in 5 hours or less.

~Above all things, I am a mommy first. Which also means I’m both protective and opinionated!

~Lastly, I am Italian and L-O-V-E Italian food (and drink!). Pasta is always available in my house!

Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

Binding Secrets, book #2 in Legacy of Secrets, is set for release Oct 31, 2012

Soul Covenant: A Legacy of Secrets Novella, is set for release December 2012

Please share any links you would like to share with us.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisaloguebooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/littlelisa22

Website: https://lloguebooks.weebly.com

Blog: https://lloguebooks.blogspot.com

Indie Author Network: http://indieauthornetwork.weebly.com/lisa-logue.html

Scribd (writing samples): http://www.scribd.com/littlelisa22

Cursed Secrets (Legacy of Secrets #1)

Ten years ago, Lia’s life had been normal, until she witnessed a murder. Since then she’s been plagued by reliving that horrible night in a dream. But that wasn't the worst of her problems. A force had awakened inside her, unleashing something so frightening, she couldn't bear being close to anyone. Until she met Christian. Intrigued by her power and the strange connection between them, Christian is determined to find out what makes her tick. Struggling to keep his urges under control, he vows to stand by her. But as her past is revealed, he uncovers secrets that shake him to the core, forcing a decision that could lead to her death.

*Includes some language*
*Includes minor sexual situations*

**Bonus material!!!**

  

Fire & Ice: A Legacy of Secrets Novella

With a past fueled by blood, sex and death, Christian vowed to be different. The things he witnessed left him hardened, turning his body and heart to ice.

A tiny sliver of humanity remained, leading him to Lia like a moth to a flame. Mortal desires awakened inside him, chipping away the cold. He tells Lia his story, realizing she's the one who revived him. She's the fire to his ice.

*Includes some language*
*Includes some sexual situations*

 Guest Blog: Lisa Logue- Author of Legacy of Secrets

Writing has always been my dream. A few years ago, I started writing a short story based on a crazy dream I had. A few months later, I was still writing and the story transformed. That crazy dream turned into a two year project and my debut novel Cursed Secrets. It became a bestseller in just under a month and I haven’t stopped since! Writing has always been my dream, but I never imagined it would be this awesome!

One thing I’ve seen a lot of on my journey has been very passionate writers who seem like they’re searching for validation. For most, writing has been somewhat of a life-long goal. It is a love of more than just reading, but creating and molding characters and plots into something bigger than simply words on a page. It can be scary to bare your heart and soul to millions or billions, but that’s also what makes it exciting.

Where these authors and writers go wrong is looking to others to determine whether they should continue writing. I understand wanting to be praised and told you’re good at something, especially when that something is the one thing you’ve always wanted to do. But why should you have to? I’m a firm believer in people being the best at the things they’re most passionate about. If you love to write, why not take the chance?

For different people, success is measured in different ways. Some feel as though success is unattainable unless you receive a publishing contract. Others try to spout off rankings and sales numbers. Some try to dictate that unless you’ve paid hundreds of dollars for editing, plus hundreds more for artwork and a few hundred more for a professional printing press, your books aren’t really books and you’ve wasted your time. In all honesty, success is relative and you’ll never get the same answer from any two people. Those same people who say these things would also say that I haven’t been successful. I beg to differ.

I don’t have a traditional publishing contract, but I am an author. My books haven’t sold thousands, but they have sold hundreds. I may not be on bookshelves, but I do have print options. I don’t spend a lot of money, but I have a graphic artist and an editor. Most of all, I don’t care what the critics say. I have readers who enjoy my books and that’s enough for me.

Bottom line: you really can’t lose if you love what you’re doing. Life is too short to let others cut you down and keep you from your dreams. There’s always someone out there who will give you an honest opinion before publishing, but there’s no need to beg for reviews. Those who deem your work fitting will review it. Don’t hold your breath waiting for it, but it will happen eventually. Take advantage of information others give you, but do your research. The same things won’t work for everyone. If you feel like your books aren’t selling as well as others in the same genre, get a couple of them, read and compare. It may be something as simple as cover art. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Most authors who are self-published have small time success. We all dream of being big, but it’s how you measure your personal success that matters.

If anyone ever asked, I’d never tell them that I am a better writer than anyone else or that what I’ve accomplished is some amazing feat. I’ve gotten lucky to have met great writers, sold hundreds of books, gained publicity from my friends and enough fans to reach almost 650 likes on Facebook. I don’t go out looking for someone to tell me I should keep writing, I keep writing because it’s what I love. My advice to all those who are unsure: never stop doing what your heart tells you and you’ll know soon enough.  

~Lisa Logue

“Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.” David Frost

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_success.html#P8ELutTGGZ7y0KUD.99

Professionalism...does it exist?

I have to say... when you receive emails from prospective authors, readers, and really--anyone in general, it makes an impression when you don't even use words.  Believe it or not I daily receive emails where YOU is spelled U, ARE is R, etc.

Even beyond just emails from adoring readers, I get these kinds of emails from perspective authors who want me to publish them. Yes!

I have had submissions in all caps. Submissions where they sent in one and then knew it was riddled with misspellings so they highlighted it and sent them back. And then I've had emails from authors using "text language."

What happened to the days of professionalism?

Likewise, when you send an editor, agent, or publishing representative a submission and preface it in bold letters, I HAVE OFFERS ON THIS MANUSCRIPT, I would like the general public to know that I delete it right then and there. Obviously, you're on the right track then and you don't need me. I'm not going to vie for your BIG work with my little company if you're so amazing.

What happened to the days of proving you were worthy of attention?

I have sons. I have five of them ranging from 14-7. They hold open doors for people. Some days I can't find them because they are still opening doors because people don't understand the art of saying thank you and taking the hint to hold for the crowd.  They say, "Yes, Ma'am," "Yes, Sir." and oh my, "Mrs. Smith, how are you?" (I'll admit the latter part comes from years of martial arts training starting very young.) They are gracious and kind. And never would they write a letter to a company who rejected their all caps proposal and say, "You can't just tell me no!" (oh,but I can!)

I don't know if reinventing professionalism in a world where it is all virtual needs to start at home, or in the schools, but it still needs to exist. Just because I can't see your face as you shoot off an email to tell me where to go doesn't mean writing it poorly is still acceptable.  You can burn bridges virtually just as well as you can when you slam a door in someone's face.

Think it over. Before you sign off with C U L8TR.

Launch Day for Erika Szabo's Birthright Bestowed

 It's launch day for 5 Prince Publishing's newest author Erika Szabo!

Available from 5 Prince Publishing www.5princebooks.com  books@5princebooks.com

Genre: Fiction/Alternative History

Release Date: October 18, 2012

Digital ISBN 13: 978-1-939217-09-7, ISBN 10: 1939217091

Print ISBN 13: 978-1-939217-10-3, ISBN 10: 1939217105

Purchase link: www.5princebooks.com/buy.htm

Birthright Bestowed

Ilona the Hun trilogy, book one

Ilona is an emergency room doctor, born into an ancient Hun tribe which still exists hidden amongst us with its strict and fiercely enforced rules. She doesn’t know much about her Hun heritage besides legends, customs and rituals that she continues out of respect for her parents whose sudden death ten years before devastated her. She plays her tune on her birthday given to her by her grandmother.  Elza – Ilona’s housekeeper - explains, the purpose of the tune is to let the elders know she had come to age. Her mother didn’t have a chance to explain her inherited powers, but after her 29^th birthday when she is considered as an adult by Hun standards, she begins to remember the forgotten instructions concealed as rhymes her mother was teaching her since she was a small child. Ilona discovers she can heal with her bare hands; she can rearrange the human body to its healthy state. This ability is exciting as well as frightening. She is conflicted between having confidence in her intelligence and inherited abilities while having no confidence as a woman. Her insecurity created barriers which keep others out, and I also keep her caged in. She’s been in love with her unsuspecting best friend Bela, when a dashing stranger explodes into her life. The sudden magnetic feeling frightens her and discovering evil in him doesn’t help either. A sinister dark man appears, Ilona connects his presence with the series of mysterious deaths around her. Zoltan saves her life by jeopardizing his, which prompts Ilona to start fitting the puzzle pieces together and discovering the ancient tribal secrets that not only can change her future but the future existence of the Huns as well.

Bio for Erika M Szabo:

Erika M Szabo is a Hungarian born American; she lives in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. She has a PhD in Alternative Medicine; she published a few books in this subject. Erika loves the art of healing; however, writing about dry medical facts doesn’t satisfy her thirst for storytelling. The ancient history of the Huns always fascinated her, it is full of holes, mysteries and speculations; there are only a few written facts about them besides their legends. Erika used her fertile imagination to fill the historical voids in the story of Ilona. She raises questions such as - What if healing by touch could be possible? - What if we could find a soul mate no matter the obstacles? - What if we could visit our ancestors on a whim? - What if our destiny is not written in stone and we can create our future?

Author Contact Info:

http://www.amazon.com/author/erikamszabo

http://www.erikamszabo.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/Erika.M.Szabo.ND.Author

http://twitter.com/ErikaMSzabo

Excerpt from Birthright Bestowed:

I was holding Teddy deep in thoughts, absentmindedly stroking his soft artificial fur. He was my favorite childhood toy, stuffed to perfect softness. Suddenly I felt something piercing the side of my neck. The sharp pain made me jump, and I let out a muted cry. I touched the skin over my carotid artery and I felt warm wetness. A drop of blood glistened on my fingertips when I looked at my hand. I almost dropped Teddy feeling alarmed when I noticed that my fingers begun to glow as if a bright red light was turned on from the inside. At the same time I felt something scurrying from the side of my neck toward my chest. I reached up and swept my neck and chest jumping up in disgust. Crap! It must have been a bug or a spider. The damned thing bit me! I looked down on my chest and kept sweeping my clothes frantically looking for the bug.

A sudden swirling sensation took me by surprise and I grabbed the side of the ottoman to steady myself while everything began to fade around me. I tried to find a focus point to decrease the sudden vertigo, and then brought my eyes down to Teddy. I noticed with climbing alarm that his eyes took on a strange red glow. His eyes seemed alive; they bore into my insides and the intense glow kept me frozen. I’m hallucinating ran through my mind. I tried to turn away, yet I couldn’t move a muscle. I couldn’t even blink. I was scared, never having felt such primal fear before. I felt my heart racing and my breath came in little puffs as I felt cold beads of sweat on my forehead. I knew it was adrenaline flooding my body triggered by the sudden fright, but I was afraid it might have been some poison from the bite as well.

The strange sensation and hallucination stopped as quickly as it started. My hands felt and looked normal and I became rational in an instant and sat there, feeling obtuse, wondering what had just happened. The whole sensation lasted only for seconds, yet it frightened me a great deal not knowing what caused it.

I came in here hoping to find answers, and I found more questions. I didn’t find out anything! I thought angrily.

The only insight I got was being scared out of my mind. I couldn’t sit there anymore. I felt suffocated; I had to get out in the open. I left Teddy on the ottoman and opened the door carefully, peering out. Something seemed to pull me back, a vague feeling, as if I was missing something. I fingered the Turul bird medallion absentmindedly, feeling its smoothness and warmth. I realized I had searched everywhere but inside the ottoman. I grabbed the seat and tried to pull it up. There was a soft metallic click and then the top opened abruptly.

Interview with Anne O'Connell

I'd like to welcome my dear friend Anne O'Connell today!

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

There are so many things I love about being a writer.  I love the long hours, I love writing, I love research, I enjoy editing, and I enjoy interacting with my readers.

What genre(s) do you write?

Erotica, Erotic Romance, and Romantic Thrillers

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Each book presents its own unique challenges. Lately I’ve found myself struggling with endings.

 Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I always start with good intentions and plot everything out. However, once I get writing, the characters tend to dictate what happens and next thing I know the outline is gone and I’m flying by the seat of my pants.

Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?

I’m often told my books are unique and fresh (perspective-wise).  I often write about topics that are taboo or shocking.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

With anything I write it’s always my hope that my readers take away a different perspective. 

How long have you been a writer? 

Since grade school, so over thirty years now.

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?

I wrote a lot of books that were never  published. However, for my first published novel it took 14 years (and three separate incarnations) before I felt it was right and finally sold it.

What other careers have you had?

I’ve worked as an accountant, a secretary, a personal assistant, a horseback riding instructor, a stable hand,  a tarot reader, and a meditation teacher.

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

I do. I actually write under four pen-names because I write in four very different genres catering to very different audiences. S. J. Reisner is the name I use when writing my PG13 fantasy novels and stories. Audrey Brice is the name I use when writing my occult paranormal mysteries. S. Connolly is the name I use for writing non-fiction esoteric books, and finally Anne O’Connell, which are my (bdsm) erotic romances/thrillers and short erotic speculative fiction (horror and sci-fi).

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?

Due to the nature of my books I don’t know that I should answer this. Let’s just say that all of my characters are composites or loosely based on people I’ve met (however briefly).  As for events, sometimes I pull event ideas out of the headlines or from my own life, but they are still quite fictitious.

How would you describe yourself if you were “speed dating” your readers?

Blunt, twisted, quirky, sexy, and unique.

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

Depends on the fans I suppose. I’m a pretty well-rounded person and have tons of interests including some obscure ones like growing rare plants and practicing laboratory alchemy.  What tends to surprise a lot of folks is when they learn I was a championship winning equestrian in my youth.  I’ve always been told that’s “unexpected” and I “don’t look the type”.

What else would you like readers to know about you or your work?

I write what I like to read. I write what I love to write. If anything, when you pick up one of my books you’re getting something genuine that wasn't changed to fit some editorial formula or written as something commercial. I wrote it because I truly loved the story and characters I was writing.

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

I read everything, but I’d have to say that Jean Slaughter Doty, Walter Farley, Piers Anthony, David Eddings, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and Dana Reed were all influential authors.

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

They’ve always been supportive, and they’ve been even more supportive now that I can actually support myself doing it!

Where are you from?
I am Colorado born and raised and I don’t ski. I don’t even like snow.

How do you come up with the titles?

All of my titles either capture the essence of the book or are a play on words.

Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?

No. I was kind of disappointed, too because I expected to suddenly gain minions. I still work a part-time day job (for the reliable income source) and I still have to clean dirty cat-boxes, water the plants, cook dinner, clean the house and go grocery shopping.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?

I multi-task. I have anywhere from 2-6 projects in the works at any given time in different states of “done-ness”.

When not writing, how do you relax?

Reading, watching movies, walking or cycling, gardening, esoteric studies and practices, and spending time with my husband and/or our friends. I have a chaotic life. It’s very rare I’m “not writing” because if I’m not physically doing it, I’m thinking about it.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

I love dill pickles and strawberries – together.

I always write with a cat perched on the arm of my chair.

I am a Harry Potter fan (books AND movies)

I cannot function without coffee.

I’ve recently decided I love the color pink.

Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

I have so many upcoming projects I can’t even list them. You can find my upcoming releases page on www.anneoconnell.com

www.anneoconnell.com  - When you visit my site make sure you have about 5-10 minutes to look around and get acquainted with it. There’s a lot there including my blog, all the information about my novels, novella’s, etc….

SWITCHED: Brad has always known Kali as a vivacious Domme with an attitude. Then one night, in the heat of passion, Kali turns completely submissive for Brad. Looking to find out the reason behind the sudden and unexpected switch, he and his friends begin digging into Kali's past only to discover some secrets should be left buried. Will Kali's past come back haunt Brad and to destroy Kali and their new relationship?

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable.

EXCERPT:

               Brad eyed the back of Eric’s head warily. There was no easy way to bring it up. “So you realize you let Amy top you from the bottom?”

Eric whirled around, giving him a puzzled look. “What? No, man. It’s not like that.”

“It seems to me she’s calling the shots, at least at the moment. I think even in the vanilla world that’s called whipped.” He grinned.

Eric got defensive like Brad expected. “Well, it’s our relationship, so I suppose we can do whatever we want. Besides, you’re the one always telling me how each bdsm relationship is its own unique animal. Right now we’re in an exploratory phase.”

Brad shrugged. “I guess you’re right. It’s just that at first you took some pretty irregular liberties in caging her and treating her like she’s been a sub forever with no training, and then you turn around and let her call the shots. I guess I’m not understanding what’s up with you two.”

“Well, I look at it as I’m helping her explore her submissive sexuality. It pleases me to do that. Besides, it’s not like I don’t incorporate my wants into that equation,” Eric told him. Then added as an afterthought, “Amy is eager to please me and she usually does what I tell her to even when she’s unsure about it. And when she doesn’t she’s punished. I’ve only gotten the safe word once in the last two weeks. Besides – you’re the one who took a single tailed whip to her. How irregular was that?”

“That wasn’t just me. That was a collaborative decision between the three of us. You know as well as I do that she sometimes needs pain to bring out an emotional release, otherwise she shuts down. You can’t deny that. I guess I’m perplexed at how initially you didn’t even work her up to caning or anal plugs. You just kind of jumped into that, too. And yet now she gets to pick and choose?” Brad kind of laughed, knowing he had Eric in a position where he couldn’t refute it.

Eric relented. “Okay, so I didn’t go slow and I took a lot of liberties with her in the beginning. But she’s just so damn… willing to let me do what I want with her. I don’t want a sub who always struggles against my demands. I want one who does what I want when I want it. And yes, she does get what she wants but only when I agree with her. She’s so damn creative with her kink I can’t help but be curious about it myself. That girl has one hell of a unique imagination. Besides, we’re not 24/7 and I’m not sure if our relationship is heading in that direction. I’m cool with that. How does that translate to her topping from the bottom again?”

The door opened and Amy entered, trailed by Kali. Both women were smiling.

That couldn’t be good. Brad lifted an eyebrow. “What are you two up to?”

“Girl stuff,” Kali said with a wink. They both disappeared behind the counter and into the back room.

“Speaking of topping from the bottom, about Kali…,” Eric started.

Here is a little more from Anne O'Connell

It’s All About The Characters

Characters are a passion of mine. I love people watching and finding out what makes a person tick. I think most writers are empathic in this way. A friend of mine recently asked me how writers come up with compelling heroes and heroines. Something Marion Zimmer Bradley once said to me in a rejection letter years ago floated to the surface of my mind. She said, “Stories are always about characters.” So where do our favorite writers get their characters? Well, from those around us, of course. Most often my own characters come from people I’ve known or met briefly. I often exaggerate their traits. So it’s not like I can say one character in a novel equals one person I know it real life. It’s not like that, not exactly.

No, in fact most of my characters are a mix of several people. Even my heroes and heroines. There’s also that mixture of fantasy in there; things I make up about the characters that resemble no one I know in real life. Heroes get a dash of alter-ego with characteristics I find admirable, but don’t often possess. That doesn’t always mean looks or wit or the ability to kick the bad guys’ keister while maintaining that ‘cool wind’ sex appeal, but can be about emotional strength as well. At the same time, even a hero has to cry or show weakness, otherwise (s)he is less human to the reader.

Characters are a multi-faceted thing. My mom once told me that I kind of freaked her out when I talk about my characters because she can never tell if I’m talking about a character or a friend. She even went as far as to wonder aloud, at one point, if I had multiple personalities. I imagine many jokes like that have been made at the expense of writers and their vivid and often overactive imaginations. I’m of the firm belief that characters have to become real to the writer (insofar as the writer can pretend very strongly) in order for the writer to write them and make them believable for the reader. For me this sometimes means writing pages and pages of character background, interviews, and really finding out what makes him/her tick. Of course a lot of time the characters come easily and all that pre-writing isn’t necessary. It really depends on the character and how cooperative (s)he is.

So despite the genre the thing that remains consistent through all fiction is the compelling character who draws the reader into the story. Someone the reader can relate to and cheer for (or not). It’s the characters who make or break stories and dictate whether or not the reader wants to keep reading. That isn’t to say story and plot aren’t important, but I’ve read books where the characters were so wonderful, clearly the plot holes were less noticeable to the editor, and I was certainly more forgiving toward the writer.

All of this leads to the final question. Who are your favorite characters and why?