Warrior Princess Romance Writer

Interview with Jenn LeBlanc

2012-02-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am pleased to be sharing my blog with a very talented writer and artist. Jenn LeBlanc's books are like nothing else out there. The beautiful photography, the hand picked bodies, and of course the wonderful writing make for one (or five) great books! I am please to call Jenn an associate I have the honor of working with as well as a friend. Please welcome Jenn LeBlanc

What genre(s) do you write?

I write time travel historicals. I refer to them primarily as historicals because they identify better with that genre than with the sci fi/fantasy genre. The time travel aspect of the book is more fish out of water than a big technical exploration of the quirks and conundrums that accompany a time traveler.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

My books are illustrated, so the most difficult part was determining what images to shoot and place, and how to layout the book. It’s very different, and something that hasn’t really been done, especially in the romance genre. This is the only one. The images were created specifically for this novel, they are an integral part of the story and add pieces to the story that would otherwise go unnoticed. It was a great deal of fun, but also very difficult, because I didn’t have a road map, so to speak.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am 100% pantser. I have tried to plat on the past, but it just doesn’t work for me. I keep trying, but my brain just fights structure of any kind. It’s unfortunate in that some of the techniques I’ve heard of with plotting are SO COOL! But alas, it still hasn’t worked for me.

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

I started writing this novel in March of 2009, it was complete in May of 2009, and spent about 9 months in edits. Then I decided to shoot a cover to grab the attention of agents, that exploded into illustrating the whole book, and the shoots lasted about a year. It was finally released in February of 2010, but was incomplete, the final two parts of the story were not included in the original book, and it wasn’t published the way I wanted it to be, as a six part serial novel. THAT finally happened this last December, each part being released every two weeks. The final part of the book, the grand finale comes out on February 28th. So I have lived these characters for three years now. I’m actually a little sad to let them go.

What other careers have you had?

I was a mom primarily, for a long time, then I returned to school, because I was a single mom it took me ten years to get through school while working, but I graduated with degrees in photojournalism and fine art photography. I pursued a career in photojournalism, and most recently won a first place national award for my coverage of the Gulf Oil Spill. My writing and cover photography business has taken over a bit, and I have cut back my freelancing, but I still work for several local papers on occasion, just because I love it so very much.

Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE is a six part serial novel, with the final installment of the serial to be released on February 28th.

My next project BETWEEN A FRIEND AND FOREVER is scheduled to start shooting this spring for a summer release, but those are soft dates as of yet. The manuscript is finished, it’s all brass tacks now, models, scheduling, etc. I’m really excited about this book because the heroine is so very different from the heroines I’ve read, she suffers a form of mental illness, possibly OCD with a chaser of anxiety or maybe even tourettes with a bit of Asberger’s. Of course these illnesses weren’t available as diagnoses back then, so she is treated as an outcast. As the sole heir of a duke, with the responsibility of securing her future and that of her mother should her father die, it’s a difficult place to be.

Following that is the —as yet—untitled follow up to TRATR, This book follows two characters introduced in TRATR, cousins of the Duke and Viscount Roxleigh. It is also a time travel historical.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

Where to find me: Twitter | Facebook | Author Site | Blog | Tumblr(NSFW) Please come find me! I LOVE to chat with readers!

I have several constants in life that define me:

Colorado, Canon, CJ, kids and curls.

Born and raised in a household of other people’s children in this beautiful state —very nearly with a camera in hand— I never left. I started my own family, got used to the curls, went to college, built a CJ, and started a business, all with a camera in hand.

I always had another passion; storytelling born from daydreams and nightmares. My fingers were never as quick as my mind, and no amount of practice got them there, so it was difficult and frustrating to have this inside me. When my second daughter was born her inherent traits kept me pinned— my only escape the keyboard. Spending my days in parenting chat rooms I got highly adept with one-handed typing and I can still type just about as fast with one hand as I can with two. It’s a great talent to have when engrossed in a scene and in need of a hit of caffeine. I recently finished my first novel but I quickly realized: I was born a photographer.

From the realization that someone ELSE would be shooting the cover of MY book my control-freak took over. What started as an easy cover shoot ballooned into this completely new kind of media, designed specifically for digital book readers.

I live and thrive off chaos and the constant flow of the creative process. I wear shorts and flip-flops year-round —much to the chagrin of my friends and family— and I am currently working on the illustrations for my second serial novel.

Follow the blog or twitter for up to date information!

And what follows is a bit about the books:

Trailer:

http://youtu.be/RSW_LyFR5To

A woman out of time.

A man stifled by propriety.

A nemesis determined to take her away.

A brother to the rescue.

How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive in time where she is considered property?

Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.

How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely.

Where to get the books:

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE

FREEDOM : Part one brings Francine to the world of the Duke of Roxleigh, clashing worlds in first installment of the completely revised novel, with all new material.

Available now from these ebook retailers:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

All Romance eBooks

iBookstore for iThingys

FOUND : Part two finds Francine in the world of the Duke of Roxleigh. The clashing of worlds in first installment of the completely revised novel continues as Francine finds her footing, discovers secrets about her elusive host, and learns more about herself than she ever thought possible.

Available now from these ebook retailers:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
All Romance eBooks
iBookstore for iThingys

TAKEN : The Rake And The Recluse : Part Three

Part THREE brings Francine and Gideon closer than they ever imagined possible, until the unimaginable tears them apart. What will Gideon do if he loses her, this time, forever?

Available now from these ebook retailers:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
All Romance eBooks
Goodreads

RUINATION : The Rake And The Recluse : Part Four

Part FOUR is full of revelations, celebrations, protestations and one surprise that will have you holding your breath for the final chapters. What has Perry done?

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks
Goodreads

SUBMISSION : The Rake And The Recluse : Part Five

Perry leaves Roxleigh House without a backward glance only to be tossed headlong into one of the most difficult trials of his life. How will he protect the very thing he is dedicated to pursuing? How will a man dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure survive a woman who refuses to relent, when he knows he cannot have her.

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
All Romance Ebooks
Goodreads

RETRIBUTION : The Rake And The Recluse : Part Six

Perry must find the woman who has managed to capture his heart, then he must find a way to keep her. Someone else is on the hunt, someone from her past who doesn’t appreciate that she still lives and breaths.

Coming February 28, 2012

Life as a writer isn't always about writing

2012-02-22T19:42:00.002-07:00

The art of writing is sometimes relaying observation. In my case, writing contemporary romance, I watch people very closely. I see how they interact with other people and how their eyes change when you know they are lonely. I can tell that a couple has shared fifty good years by the way they still hold hands, or a young couple isn't seeing eye to eye.

Of course its so much more than just observing body language or specific looks. It's watching human nature with a fresh set of eyes and choosing to take what I learn and apply it.

Last week I blogged about the moment I gave up the word hate. I took a slap to the face and changed my life. In the past week I've been inundated with moments which I've embraced and held on too. I came across a 99 year old woman, at a Taco Bell. She was smiling. She wore bangle bracelets on both arms. I was moved that she was in public, on her own, dressed so nice, and smiling. She walked out of the restaurant and drove away in her own car. But what stuck with me was loneliness in her eyes. Yes, it was there, but you know she was still living her life and it was as if she silently said to me, "Its all worth it."

I'm very keen on watching my children grow and taking every morsel and savoring it. Is it all good, no. We have arguments. At times I'm a bad mommy, but even those moments are important. I know for a fact I'm the easily distracted mommy who works too much. I catch myself hoping they don't notice that I'm not interacting with them, but they see that I'm in the same room. But you know, they notice. IF I sit down to watch TV not one of the five of them misses the opportunity to say, "this is nice that you're sitting with us." There have been some tears, shed in my closet of course, just thinking about how the days are slipping from me to have a house full of messes and noises. Next year one goes to high school, another to middle school, and three move up in elementary school. Once upon a time I had a first grader, a preschooler, two toddlers and an infant and I thought things were hard. But because my eyes are wide open and I'm very in tune with what's going on around me, and I commit each feeling to memory, I make sure to lean from each moment. I hug. I compliment. I just sit and watch in amazement at how wonderful my life is. And I make sure to take those moments where I need to work, and I go swimming, play basketball, or sit and watch TV with my boys instead.

Today as I was running on the track at the rec center I was again moved by my observations of humanity. There was a couple walking and when I came around behind them I realized the woman was walking very close to her husband, holding on to his shirt as if maybe she needed a little support. Another lap and I stopped to stretch. They were on the bench and I realized he was recovering, from what I would imagine, was a mild stroke. They had a drink, took a rest, and then headed back out to the track with her holding on to his shirt to support him. It still brings tears to my eyes. My heart squeezes when I think about that couple. What happened to him? What did that do to her? But there she was, helping him heal, her hand holding tight to his shirt.

Being a writer has made me observe everything. But sometimes it goes so much deeper and because I'm a writer I'm observing life and learning to live it.

Keeping the positive side

2012-02-15T10:15:00.001-07:00

Best Selling Author
Bernadette Marie

It wasn't so long ago that you'd hear me say the word "hate" before almost any sentence. "I hate school. I hate that dress. I hate my body. I hate that." Yes, this was me. What an ugly word. I was young. Newly married. Desperate to have a baby. I was hanging out with old friends that I'd grown up with. Trouble makers, no. Deviants? No. Gossips...this is summed up with OMG!

It was brought to my attention at a wedding a of a friend that my outlook on life sucked. While sitting among friends I hadn't seen in a long time and their spouses we were catching up. Inevitably the conversation steers to, "I saw so and so at the store the other day. Did you know they got married..." Typical conversation, right? However, my negative self would reply, "Well, did you hear that they..." Again, OMG!!!

One of my friend's husbands, whom I really didn't know well looked right at me and in front of all my friends, my husband, and my mother said, "Do you only know the negative things about people?"

WOW! Talk about a come to God moment. Lightning bolt to the head. A slap across the face. This was exactly what I was doing, idle gossip with no purpose. I spent the rest of the reception with my head down, mouth closed, and heart squeezing because I looked like an idiot.

It didn't take much more to learn my lesson. In sixteen years you haven't heard the word hate come from my lips. It's a nasty word. And in my home, of now five sons, its a four letter word that is not said by any of us. Idle gossip has no place in my life. If you choose to share it with me I listen, but I don't have to reply.

This very significant moment in my life taught me I needed to hang out with people who were a bit more positive. I began to do that.

At the time I owned a small salon. I began to gather friends who had like interests, who wanted to build a business, who wanted to help me along the way. From there I began my family, started direct sales companies, and again, began to build relationships with like minded, motivated people. In the past sixteen years I have revamped my life. I want your successes for you as much as I want my own. I want you to feel as good about yourself as I do about myself. And idle gossip is a thing of the past. I surround myself with bright thinkers. Positive thinkers. People who take care of themselves and will take care of you too if you needed it.

Heading into my 40th year I look around me and I'm pleased with what I've built. Businesses. Careers. I've lived out many of my childhood dreams, and I continue to do so every day. In this year I will become a second degree black belt. Every day I tie on that belt I smile. I can't believe that is me! There is no room in this world for hate, not even for the word, because soon enough it begins to become you.

Gone are the days when I had friends only because I'd known them a long time. Now are the days I seize the moment to find a new friend and have another positive moment in my life.

To those friends I've lost because I was petty, maybe you could give me another try. To my new friends, thank you for being the positive crowd I needed. To those I've yet to meet, I want only the best for you. Let's take the world by storm and make it a wonderful place to live!

Drop hate from your words, from your hearts, and from your way of living. Open yourself up to the greatness that is in you and in others. When you feel the negative come along, only you can make it go away. Is every day easy? No, but it doesn't have to beat you down either. When you feel like slashing out at the world on Facebook or Twitter, write it and then delete and put good out into the universe. I'm here to tell you it'll come back to you.

Have a Positive Day!
Bernadette Marie

I'm guest Blogging

2012-02-07T11:29:00.001-07:00

Today I am the guest blogger on Lizzie T. Leaf's blog. Please stop by and read my story of true love. There is a chance to win Candy Kisses, the first book in my Sweet Treats Novella series.

FRIDAY FREEBIES 2-3-2012

2012-02-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

Today's Friday Freebie sends you away from my blog! :) Join Jessica Aspen and a chance to win her new book Little Red Riding Wolf.

Register it HERE to enter to win prizes. Jessica is giving away books, chocolates and more, in celebration of the upcoming release of Little Red Riding Wolf, her sensual novella due out on February 18th.

Guest Blogger Jessica Aspen

2012-02-01T22:54:00.001-07:00

Thanks for having me as your guest todayBernadette. I had a great time with the interview on Tuesday and today,blogging on my theme in romance. Leave acomment today on Warrior Princess and register it HERE to enter to win prizes. I’mgiving away books, chocolates and more, in celebration of the upcoming releaseof LittleRed Riding Wolf, my sensual novella due out on February 18th.

The Messages in Romance

As an author on akiller blog tour, I’ve found there are certain questions that interviewersoften ask. One of the most prevalent is: What is the theme of your book orbooks? This was a difficult thing for me to come up with as a writer. It ispart of who you are, and part of what makes your books special. And sometimesit doesn’t just mean having a theme in a particular book, but having a theme asan author. What are you passionate about that makes your writing special?

For some authors you’llfind their themes take on almost a cultural feel. They write solely about smalltowns and the relationships within them. Or they write about military familiesand the challenges they face. For me, it is the theme that love is aboutpersonal growth between two people. That the person whom you fall in love with,really deeply and truly in love with, is the person who makes you grow.

When I sat down towrite my first book, I didn’t know that I was going to write about thismessage. I didn’t have much in mind at all, beyond knowing it was going to be aromance. Needless to say, that book is still unfinished. It didn’t have what ittakes to make it all the way to completion. It didn’t have heart. And moreimportantly, it didn’t have my heart.

So what I am so passionateabout that it has made it into every single one of my books? It’s the idea thatyour soul mate is the one who challenges you to be your best. The one who makesyou look twice at your thoughts and beliefs and decide to make changes inyourself and your life. The one person who not only helps you to change, butalso the person whom you help to change. You might ask how this works inparanormal romance. After all there are werewolves and adventure and action takingup so much space, how can an author also have a message of personal growth?

In my novella, Little Red Riding Wolf, Red is notjust a werewolf. She’s also a daughter, wrestling with separating from her overprotectivefamily. She’s unsure if she can or should break away and worrying if it willhurt her mother. Evan, her forest ranger hero, comes from a background where he’sbeen on his own a long time and he doesn’t understand why she even is worriedabout her family. She should consider her needs first. I think you can see howhe can help her become more independent while she can help him see the value offamily even with the werewolves and shape-shifting and action.

It took me awhile to realizethat this was my theme that would underlie all of my writing. I find itromantic in my personal life, and as I wrote my next few books I realized that Ilook for it in all the books I read. I’m disappointed when it’s not there. Iwant men and women to help each other grow. My message is what I find trulyattractive in a relationship, strength through togetherness. That’s what I findromantic.

JessicaAspen writes paranormal romance near the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. Herbooks are full of elves, were-wolves and sexy men who walk on the dark side ofthe knife. She loves dark chocolate, walking the dog, hiking and is obsessedwith her new lap-top. Jessica is also obsessed with writing and learning aboutwriting. She is a member of RWA, CRW, FF&P and PRO. You can find Jessica the firstFriday of the month at http://ParanormalFreebies.com and most days during the week athttp://jessicaaspen.com

FollowJessica on twitter @jessicaaspen and on Facebook.com/Jessica.Aspen and don’tforget to enter her contest HEREto win novellas, chocolate and more!

Comeinto the woods with Little Red RidingWolf, Jessica Aspen’s spicy paranormal novella due for release February 18^thfrom Passionin Print Press.What if Little Red Riding Hood was a werewolf and a sexy forest ranger wanderedinto her woods?

Fraternizing with humans is taboo, but when feisty werewolf Redruns into hunky new forest ranger Evan Brewster, she jumps on the opportunityto let loose her desires. Evan is stoked when he meets the petite red hairedhottie, and combined with his new discovery of wolves in Colorado, thinks hiscareer and life are made. Then Red pushes him away, her hostile brotherthreatens his life, and things begin to spiral out of control. Caught betweenher sexy lover and her pack can Red trust Evan with her secrets, or must shesacrifice her human lover and her heart?

Interview with Jessica Aspen

2012-01-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks for having me as your guest todayBernadette. I had a great time answering these questions, and I’ll be lookingforward to responding to comments. Leavea comment today on Warrior Princess and register it HERE to enter to win prizes. I’mgiving away books, chocolates and more, in celebration of the upcoming releaseof LittleRed Riding Wolf, my sensual novella due out on February 18th.

What genre(s) do youwrite?

I write paranormal romance, and it’s a little on the spicyside, so watch out! My current novella is a fast paced werewolf meets boy storytwisted off of the fairy tale, LittleRed Riding Hood. I love fairy tales, paranormal and romance, so it seems anatural fit. One of the things I love about writing paranormal romance is thestrong women and alpha men I can fantasize about. Worlds where anything canhappen, as long as you stay within the world building rules, and that’s prettyeasy since I build the worlds!

What was the hardestpart of writing your book?

Actually Little Red Riding Wolf was prettyeasy to write. When working with a twisted fairy tale, you have a framework tostart with, so all I had to do was re-work the characters, time period, andsome of the plot. Okay, I had to re-work the whole thing. But it’s likere-decorating an empty house, I still had walls. And since this is a novella,it moved very fast. This is the first novella I’ve ever written and once youare used to writing long stories, novellas seem pretty easy. That’s why I’mworking on the sequel right now. Zipping through a novella after sloggingthrough a long novel is exhilarating.

Are you a plotter or apantser?

Oh this is a toughie! I am a pantser by nature, but I amworking hard on switching to being a plotter. Each book I write gets a littlemore plotting and a little less pantsing. And I’m finding that the more I plot,the easier the writing. That may be one of the reasons Little Red Riding Wolf waswritten so fast, I was able to outline most of it before starting. My currentWIP, about Red’s moody brother Seth, has been outlined using Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflakemethod, which is fast and still leaves a lot of room for creativity.

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

I’m a multi-tasker. Put it down to a lifetime of jugglingkids, jobs and whatever else life throws at me. I like to have more than oneproject going at a time. That means I almost never deal with writer’s block. IfI am having trouble writing, I can move on to editing a different project. Notfeeling well enough to edit, I can always plot or write a blog. Or whatever needs doing. Having said that I findthat the flip side of being a multi-tasker is sometimes I need to sit down andtell myself that I need to finish what I’m working on and not dance off tosomething else. Multi-taskers can also be great justifiers of why they areprocrastinators.

Has your life changedsignificantly since becoming a published writer?

Good question! Wish I could say that I now spend many hourswriting on my yacht in the Virgin Islands, but the truth is that my lifestyleis pretty much the same. I’m still working at my job and still worrying overthe bills. But I am hopeful that the yacht is somewhere in my future! Actuallythe thing that has changed the most is my attitude about myself. I used to sortof apologetically tell people I was writing. It’s taken a little while, but nowI say I am an author. And I am confident. There is something about having abook in hand (or nearly in hand) to boost an author’s confidence. The othermajor change really started before I even came close to publishing. Thathappened when I started to think of writing as a job and not as a hobby. ButI’m not sure you can publish successfully without that attitude change. Eitherway I’m on my way now, and Little Red Riding Wolf is just thebeginning.

A little more about Jessica Aspen

FollowJessica on twitter @jessicaaspen and on Facebook.com/Jessica.Aspen and don’tforget to enter her contest HEREto win novellas, chocolate and more!

Little Red Riding Wolf:

FRIDAY FREEBIE 1-27-2012

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Its Friday Freebie day!!! Today Martin Lastrapes is here to give a lucky winner a copy of his book Inside the Outside. All you have to do is leave a comment today and you have a chance to win!

Please enjoy an excerpt from INSIDE THE OUTSIDE.

During the course of her life, at various points, both in her youth and as an adult, Timber Marlow was, what you might call, a murderer. But she wasn’t a murderer so far as I’m concerned. For certain, she killed—and, so that there is no confusion, she was a killer of men. The word “murder,” however, has sinister connotations and Timber Marlow was not sinister. Nor was she cold, callous or without conscience. And she was by no means a sociopath. She was simply a girl who’s view of the world—by which I mean her perception of right and wrong—was skewed by the circumstances of her upbringing. Timber Marlow was raised as a cannibal.

I won’t lie to you—once you learn the details of some of Timber’s bloodier deeds, you may very well find it difficult, if not impossible, to sympathize with her. I hope, however, you would feel differently if you knew Timber Marlow was born and raised in a cult, growing up on a remote combine deep in the San Bernardino Mountains. I’ll tell you about the strange rituals she was raised to believe were normal, of the men and women she saw killed in the name of righteousness.

Perhaps it would help if you knew Timber was raped before the age of fifteen as a punishment for breaking the rules of the cult and that the seed planted inside her young womb would give her a daughter. I’ll tell you about the courage it took for her to run away with only her little girl in her belly, entering the mainstream society most of us take for granted.

If you’re ready to learn more about Timber Marlow, the story of who she was and why she did the things she did, then I encourage you to read on. As for me, my role here is to be something of a balancer, to tell you the whole story, to tell you the truth. I can’t force you to understand the truth, but I can ask you to listen. I can’t tell you that Timber did not kill, but I can tell you why. And if you wonder why I know so much about Timber Marlow, while you know so little, well that—and so much more—will be revealed in the pages that follow.

Thank you Martin Lastrapes for being my guest this week. You can find out more about Martin Lastrapes by following these links:

Thank you, Martin Lastrapes, for joining us today.

If you'd like more information on Martin Lastrapes and his books you can find him with the links below.

Website/Blog: MartinLastrapes.com

Twitter: @MartinLastrapes

Facebook: Facebook.com/MartinLastrapes

GoodReads: GoodReads.com/author/show/5041733.Martin_Lastrapes

Guest Blogger Martin Lastrape

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Please welcome my guest blogger today Martin Lastrapes

Since publishing Inside the Outside in July 2011, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time onGoodReads. If you’re not aware of it (and why wouldn’t you be?!) it's a socialnetwork for book lovers.

I was a member of GoodReads before I published my novel, so being an official author on the site is super cool. One of the great things about GoodReads is it’s aplace for readers to leave reviews about the books they’ve read.

I’m not sure if other authors (Stephen King, for instance, or Chuck Palahniuk) read their reviews onGoodReads, but I do.

And, so far, Insidethe Outside has fairedextremely well with readers. In no particular order, I wanted to share thekind words readers on GoodReads have been saying about my debut novel.

(Side Note: Itruncated some of the longer reviews. You can read them in their entirety byfollowing the links below).

Joanna wrote:

“I rarely give a 5star review but this book is original and compelling. I read it in 2 sittingsas I found it hard to get out of my head.”

Emma wrote:

“Oneof the best books I've read all year. Creepy, original, with a tight story andenviable prose. I plan to read it again, which in today's media clutter, is thebiggest compliment I can bestow upon it. It's just that good.”

Jennifer wrote:

“Fantasticbook. I was completely captivated; I'm still thinking about it days later.”

Chanel wrote:

“Thisbook had me on the verge of tears, laughter, and terror, sometimes at the sametime.”

Natasha wrote:

“Itotally loved this book. It was hard to read at times imaging what was laid outabout cannibalism. Made me cry and laugh. I want more, more of the same twistedstory but also more of Martin Lastrapes amazing imagination and his talentedwriting.”

Cassandra wrote:

“5STARS AMAZING! I absolutely LOVE Inside the Outside by MartinLastrapes. I strongly recommend everybody read this book. After reading thefirst few pages, I already knew I'd be HOOKED. YOU MUST READ THIS! Happy, Sad,Intense, Creepy...YES, YES, YES!”

To those readers who read the book, enjoyed it, and thought enoughof it to take a little time out of their day to write a kind review, I can’ttell you how much I appreciate it.

For those readers who read and enjoyed the book, but didn’t leavea review on GoodReads, I appreciate you too.

And for anybody who hated the book, but chose not to review it,I appreciate you the most!

To find out more about Martin Lastrapes please visit the following sites:

Website/Blog: MartinLastrapes.com

Twitter: @MartinLastrapes

Facebook: Facebook.com/MartinLastrapes

GoodReads: GoodReads.com/author/show/5041733.Martin_Lastrapes

Join us here tomorrow for a chance to win a copy of Inside the Outside

Interview with Martin Lastrapes

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to have with me today author Martin Lastrapes. Martin grew up in the Inland Empire. He studied at Cal State San Bernardino, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Composition. Inside the Outside is his first novel.

Martin will be here again on Thursday January, 26, 2012 and will also be our Friday Freebies guest on the 27th.

Please Welcome Martin Lastrapes!

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

I supposeif there is any one message I’d like for readers to take away from my novel, itwould be that the world is much bigger than we often realize and it could doall of us a little good to go inside the outside from time to time.

How long have you been a writer?

I wish Icould tell you I’ve been writing since I was old enough to hold a pencil, butthe truth is I didn’t start writing with earnest until I was about 19. So I’ve been a writer for about 15 years—ofcourse, for most of those years, I wasn’t very good at it.

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you

Fansmight be fascinated to find out that many of my storytelling techniques comefrom my love of professional wrestling. If that doesn’t do it for them, perhapsthey’ll find it fascinating to hear I didn’t watch The Wizard of Oz until I was 28. If neither of those work, tellthem I’ll be running for president in 2012 (it’s not true, but I’m feeling sortof desperate).

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

The Jungle by UptonSinclair, Still Life With Woodpecker byTom Robbins, The Los Angeles Diaries byJames Brown, and The Things They Carriedby Tim O’Brien have all had profound affects on my life for varied reasons.

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

One at atime for me. Although the novel I’mcurrently working on is a bit complex, so it feels like I’m multi-tasking.

Please share with us your futureprojects and upcoming releases.

I’mcurrently working on my second novel. It’s a vampire story. There’sblood, horror, romance, and laughs. Mygoal, among other things, is to write a vampire novel for folks who don’t likevampire novels.

Thank you, Martin Lastrapes, for joining us today.

If you'd like more information on Martin Lastrapes and his books you can find him with the links below.

Website/Blog: MartinLastrapes.com

Twitter: @MartinLastrapes

Facebook:Facebook.com/MartinLastrapes

GoodReads:GoodReads.com/author/show/5041733.Martin_Lastrapes

Please enjoy an excerpt from INSIDE THE OUTSIDE.

During the course of her life, at various points, both inher youth and as an adult, Timber Marlow was, what you might call, a murderer. But she wasn’t a murderer so far as I’m concerned. For certain, she killed—and, so that there isno confusion, she was a killer of men. The word “murder,” however, has sinister connotations and Timber Marlowwas not sinister. Nor was she cold,callous or without conscience. And shewas by no means a sociopath. She wassimply a girl who’s view of the world—by which I mean her perception of rightand wrong—was skewed by the circumstances of her upbringing. Timber Marlow was raised as a cannibal.

I won’t lie to you—once you learn the details of some ofTimber’s bloodier deeds, you may very well find it difficult, if notimpossible, to sympathize with her. Ihope, however, you would feel differently if you knew Timber Marlow was bornand raised in a cult, growing up on a remote combine deep in the San BernardinoMountains. I’ll tell you about thestrange rituals she was raised to believe were normal, of the men and women shesaw killed in the name of righteousness.

Perhaps it would help if you knew Timber was raped beforethe age of fifteen as a punishment for breaking the rules of the cult and thatthe seed planted inside her young womb would give her a daughter. I’ll tell you about the courage it took forher to run away with only her little girl in her belly, entering the mainstreamsociety most of us take for granted.

If you’re ready to learn more about Timber Marlow, the storyof who she was and why she did the things she did, then I encourage you to readon. As for me, my role here is to besomething of a balancer, to tell you the whole story, to tell you the truth. I can’t force you to understand the truth,but I can ask you to listen. I can’ttell you that Timber did not kill, but I can tell you why. And if you wonder why I know so much aboutTimber Marlow, while you know so little, well that—and so much more—will berevealed in the pages that follow.

FRIDAY FREEBIE 1-19-2012

2012-01-20T06:14:00.001-07:00

Friday is here and that means, FRIDAY FREEBIE!
My guest this week has been Deb Houdek Rule. Today she's here to give a lucky reader a FREE copy of her book Of All the Western Stars. All you have to do is leave a comment and an email address. (don't want to leave your email address here? Email me at info@bernadettemarie.com)

Here's a little sample of what Deb has to offer:

Lostin time, a man from the far distant future, Ashur, crash lands in TudorEngland. Bearing a heavy burden of guilt for horrific actions he committed inhis own time, he finds comfort and aid with a young woman, Lisette. Sold into aloveless marriage to advance her family's fortunes, Lisette wishes for escapeand love, herself, from the future she faces. With the help of Lisette, Ashursearches for redemption, and a way home. But all may be taken from both of themeither by the dangers of England of the 16th century, or by the powerful'wizards' who pursue Ashur, stopping at nothing to make him pay for his crimes.Set in 1518, "Of All the Western Stars" combines historical romancewith time travel science fiction.

An excerpt from Of All the Western Stars: Ashur’solder brother had laughed at him once, saying, “You could be tossed into thevery pit of Hell and you’d still find a way to get the most gorgeous woman inthe place.” The memory brought a smile to Ashur’s lips. This may not be the pitof Hell… well, he amended, maybe it could. He’d spent much time learning oldEarth history, yet there was far too much to memorize details of each era.Ashur tried to recall what he knew of the year 1518. Filth, famine, disease andignorance, were the things that came to mind. Cowering and superstitiousprimitives, ugly and inbred… Yet thatamazing creature Lisette who had appeared before him draped in a cloud oftranslucent white had been none of those things. The pure, sultry simplicity ofher look gave her an allure that all the makeup, clothing and hair designers inthe galaxy couldn’t match with their most expensive and exotic efforts.

Ashur imagined Lisette beside him on the Grand Promenade atnight, the Nebula painting the sky with radiance such as had never been seen inEarth’s plain sky. He pictured her ready flush of delight as he squeezed herlovely hand and pointed out the twin moons racing across the heavens. She’d bewearing, he built the scene in his mind, a few wisps of luminous green fogclinging to, but not concealing, the crinkle of her nipples. Gems that glowedfrom within twined in her cascade of hair would sparkle like stars.

She’d be amusing in her innocence, her wide-eyed wonder atthe marvels of his world, mistaking machinery for magic. Still, her nativedignity, and his able strength guiding her, would make her a fine prize, apretty new pet for his collection. His mother and father would beam with prideat him, proud of their second son… the rebel, the stray… the unregarded one…

The happy image shattered. Leaden reality enveloped Ashurlike the stench of the cesspit that wafted in through the poorly fitted windowcasement. Here and now he was lost, trapped in time, his mother and father asyet a thousand years unborn. Even there and then they were dead, destroyed byhis own hand. No matter that he’d had to do it, no matter that he’d had nochoice. He had killed them, them and every being on that world far away in bothtime and space.

Guest Bloggr Deb Houdek Rule

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Please welcome my guest blogger Deb Houdek Rule,

I am Deb Houdek Rule, a long-time devotee of Tudor history. I firstencountered the Tudors of English history at the age of eleven, when the movie Anneof the Thousand Days finally made it to our rural Minnesota town. Thismovie changed my world by opening up my realm of knowledge to this astoundingview of the past and the people in it. I was thrilled, enchanted, excited and –yes – bitter.

Why was I bitter? I was bitter that no one had seen fit to let me know thisglorious view of history existed. Why had it been hidden? Oh, we had “history”taught in our school, though I use even the word “taught” loosely. As I enteredseventh grade world history class, I found a horrific approach to teaching thatinvolved meticulously copying down a formal outline of events as read out bythe ‘teacher’. Everyone who thinks history a dull and tedious recitation ofdates and events must have had something similar inflicted upon them. Had thatbeen my only view of history I may never have known what truly exists in thebrilliant world of the past.

Fortunately, Anne of the Thousand Days rescued me from that bleakand gray view of history and let me step into Tudorland. To be sure, the realmof the Tudors is no longer my only historical interest. I am a U.S. Civil Warresearcher with published research credentials and documentary appearances. I’malso keenly interested in the Norse Viking era in Norway and Iceland. All erasof history hold an interest, as all eras intertwine and affect each other, butmy first love has always been the era of the Tudors.

Here is what Deb Houdek Rule has coming up next.

Of All the Western Stars is a foray into the landof the Tudors. The novel is a romance with history meeting science fiction as ayoung man, Ashur, comes from five hundred years in our future to the world fivehundred years in our past. One of my objectives was to write people who have noconnection to our time and culture. Lisette comes from 500 years earlier, andAshur from 500 years after us.

The book, and the relationship of two people with such agulf between them, is a direct result of the romance I had with the man who isnow my husband. My dear Geo gave me the truth of love and romance, and our owntwo thousand mile separation during our years of courting very much inspiredthe yearning and desire between Lisette and Ashur.

Stars That Sing theRequiem: Five of my science fiction short stories, several of which havebeen published in various magazines and ‘Best Of’ collections. They include thetitle story, “Stars That Sing the Requiem,” “Silence At the Fall of Night,”“Terra Formation,” “Those We Left Behind,” and “Flowers on the Moon.” Allfeature women in the main roles. This will be available on Kindle by February2012.

Call of the Stars:This is a novella and two accompanying short stories about a young man breakingaway and reaching for his own future.

Sultana: A Case ForSabotage: This is the groundbreaking article I wrote on a case ofConfederate Secret Service operations in the Trans-Mississippi theater of theU.S. Civil War. My research was the first in-depth study of this area and thespies and saboteurs knows as the “Boat Burners.” I will be republishing thearticle that appeared in North & South magazine, which led to my appearance on the HistoryChannel in “Civil War Terror.”

I have a number of other books and stories in progress.Following up on Of All the Western Stars,I have two sequel novels plotted.

My main website: www.debrule.com

My Tudor/novel website: www.tudorland.com

Interview Deb Houdek Rule

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Tuesday on the Warrior Princess Blog! Today I'm interviewing Deb Houdek Rule.

Deb Houdek Rule is a native of Minnesota, growing up on afarm near Pine City, MN. A graduate of the University of Southern California inCinema-Television Production, she has worked in broadcast engineering since1983. She has also worked extensively in television and video, writing,producing, and editing numerous video productions. Under the name D. A. Houdekshe has published numerous science fiction and fantasy short stories As D. H.Rule she researched and published a groundbreaking piece of non-fiction CivilWar research, “Sultana: A Case for Sabotage,” focusing on Confederate secretservice operations in the Trans-Mississippi. Deb met her husband, Geo Rule,online on the Heinlein Forum.

Welcome Deb!

What genre(s) do you write?

I write across several genres. My first love, and one I usein Of All the Western Stars, isscience fiction. Most of my published short stories are science fiction. But Ialso have a long-time love of history. I’ve been published with my non-fictionresearch on the U.S. Civil War, and appeared in a History Channel documentarybecause if it. I fell in love with the Tudor era of England when I waseleven-years-old and saw the movie Anneof the Thousand Days. My novel is set in that era.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Though I have a strong fondness for reading the romancegenre, and have devoured novel after novel of romance, especially thehistorical, I have a hard time expressing my own romantic side. This novel cameabout because I was in the midst of the first real romance of my own with theman who is now my husband. We met online, on an Internet science fiction forumin the early days before things like online dating existed, and had along-distance romance from 2000 miles apart. While this frustrated, distant,but powerful romance of our own was taking place, I took my first trip toEngland, visiting the very locations I use in the novel. All these thingstwined for me from these experiences of my own—love with a distant, unreachableman in a strangely science fiction way combined with the locations and peopleof Tudor England. In many ways, Of Allthe Western Stars is a bit autobiographical!

How long have you been a writer?

I started writing in the sixth grade, writing my first“novel” then. It wasn’t much of a novel, but it was a start that would neverstop. I’ve always written, whether in fiction, or in whatever other ways thatpresented themselves. I’ve done technical writing, script writing for technicalinstructional videos, industrials, and business promotional writing. My firstand always writing love and devotion is fiction, however, because that’s whereI can set my imagination free and travel to new places.

What other careers have you had?

I have been a farmer, a waitress, briefly a factory worker(to pay off a car when I was nineteen), but primarily I work in broadcasttelevision. I graduated the University of Southern California with a degree inCinema-Television Production. I’ve worked in television for nearly thirtyyears, doing pretty much every job there is to do in the field, from writing,producing, editing, running a camera, technical directing, and broadcast engineering.It’s been fun, but the field is changing and now I’m looking to get out andmove on to more concentrated work in writing and web design.

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

I started writing science fiction as D. A. Houdek. That’s mymaiden name, “Houdek,” with my initials. This is because writing as a woman inthat genre could be a hindrance. When I published my first non-fiction historyI used D. H. Rule, my married name, “Rule,” with my initials used for the samereason. I research and write a very hard-core area of Civil War research anddidn’t want my gender to impact perceptions of my research. I’ve worked inmale-dominated fields all my life, from when I was working on my parent’s farmto working in an area of television broadcasting as one of the first women intelevision engineering, and not always welcomed, so I’m not unaware ofperceptions of gender and how they have an impact. Now, however, the world had,indeed, changed and I’m putting all my writing under my full name, Deb HoudekRule. My science fiction stories, and non-fiction history will all berepublished as by Deb Houdek Rule. It’s a pleasing change to make.

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

In Of All the WesternStars I chose some people who are a bit to the left of the major players ofthe time. One of the families I use ishistorically real, the Stafford family. The first son was the Duke ofBuckingham, who was later executed for treason by Henry VIII. The people I useare the second son of the family, Henry Stafford and his wife, Cicely, who wasolder than he was. Their son, however, is fictitious.

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

I know how to start a 1930’s John Deere B tractor, and howto run one. I have been to all fifty states in the United States. I love fastcars and have driven 115mph in a rented car on the Autobahn, and could havegone faster except I couldn’t think of how to say “I’ve blown the car’s engine”in German. I love snowshoeing. I do home renovation, more or less successfully.The wood floor in the dining room went very well, but I never want to do tilingagain! I speak a bit of Icelandic.

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

Science fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein has had thegreatest impact on me, in more ways than I can really count. I found his bookswhen I was quite young and was transported by his vivid stories of adventuresin which we all can share, whether male or female. As I mentioned, I’ve been inmale-dominated fields of work most of my life and I credit both my parents, whonever tried to apply “girls shouldn’t do that” restrictions to me, and toRobert A. Heinlein, whose juvenile science fiction novel are shining examplesof books that promote not the equality of girls to boys, but the superiority ofgirls and women in most areas! I’ve written articles on this subject. His maincharacters were boys, writing to the publishing market of the 1950s, but healways had female characters who were smarter, more skilled, braver, and justas adventuresome as the boys. Those lessons never left me. In Of All the Western Stars, the main character,Lisette is fighting her own battle against the roles and restrictions the worldis trying to impose upon her, and is seeking that broader adventure andknowledge that I, myself, once sought.

Beyond his writing, Heinlein also directly influences mylife every day. I’m on the Board of Directors of the Heinlein Society, acharitable organization dedicated to the concept Heinlein originated of “Pay ItForward.” We operate blood drives and have educational programs. I also amwebmaster for all the Heinlein Prize Trust websites, that being the Heinleinliterary estate, not only designing and maintaining their websites but writingarticles and press releases on a regular basis. And, most importantly, it wasthe Heinlein Forum where I met my now-husband, Geo Rule.

I’m also a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder and have along-running and popular website devoted to her and her stories. I also fond ofLoula Grace Erdman, who wrote pioneer west historical romances.

Where are you from?

I’m from Minnesota. I lived out west for a number of years,but Minnesota is always my home and where I come back to.

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

I am a complete multi-tasker. I always have many projectsgoing at once.

Please share with us your future projects and upcomingreleases.

Call of the Stars:This is a novella and two accompanying short stories about a young man breakingaway and reaching for his own future.

I have a number of other books and stories in progress.Following up on Of All the Western Stars,I have two sequel novels plotted.

Thank you so much for joining us today. Visit the following links for more information on Deb Houdek Rule:

Deb Houdek Rule's main website: www.debrule.com

The Tudor/novel website: www.tudorland.com

Guest Blogger Tracey H. Kitts

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Puta little umph in it

ByTracey H. Kitts

I get asked fairlyoften, as I’m sure other authors do, “Why do you write about that stuff?”Meaning one of a few specific things, “Why do I write aboutwerewolves/vampires?” or “Why do you write romance?” or more specific, “Why doyou write about sex?”

It amazes me that inthe society we now live, people are so afraid of the subject. Sex is not a badthing. I truly believe that both sex and romance are healthy and for one towork out right you really need the other. But, that’s just my perspective. As Ihave often said, I write what I enjoy. I also get asked, “Where do you get yourideas?” That’s a tough question, considering my ideas come from everywhere. Idon’t think most people realize how difficult this one is to answer. Theyprobably also don’t realize how they look at me like I’m a nut when I try toexplain. Ha. Ha.

A good portion of myideas comes from my dreams. Literally. I don’t mean my hopes and ambitions, Imean those little movies that play in my head when I sleep. (Another reason whyI’m angry when I don’t get enough rest.) If it weren’t for my dreams, some ofmy best scenes would never have been written. Dreaming about something gives methe remarkable pleasure of being able to live it from the inside out. I believethat being able to tell a story as if you’ve lived it makes all the differencein the world.

For example, with mylatest release Frank and The WerewolfTamer, I saw every aspect of our hero, Frank. I envisioned him in all ofhis perfection, felt the heat rising from his skin, felt the stubble of anunshaved beard against his face. If you can’t close your eyes and visualizecharacters this way, how can you ever expect the reader to do so? By the time Iput a character onto the page, I can tell you what his kiss tastes like andwhether or not he needs moisturizer on his hands.

I don’t believe in justtaking an idea and writing about it. I believe in taking an idea and putting alittle umph in it.

You can find out moreabout Tracey at www.traceyhkitts.com

Her latest release isFrank and The Werewolf Tamer, an erotic paranormal romance, availableexclusively on Amazon Kindle.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Frank-Werewolf-Tamer-ebook/dp/B006PU2JBW/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_7

Freedom of Opinion! Its the best part of what I do!

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I realized I had made it! I was not only a published author, I was a published author who was being read! What a glorious feeling. While watching my kids at karate I had this amazing three minutes. First, I received my very first random fan email. It was great! I love that I connected with someone I don't know. Someone who said, "I don't think I have ever been drawn to a book like this before!" Second, the person who inspired one of my characters said he couldn't wait for the book, he was going to build a shrine. Well now, that's something! Third, I found reviews and ratings on iTunes! I'm a solid 4 star read with over 195 ratings for The Executive's Decision. There were three reviews. Two of the reviews were 5 star. They loved the book, couldn't wait for the next one to come out. The third review was entitled Blah! Well this was a two star review from someone who didn't like my character and thought the story was boring and predictable.

Yep! That confirmed it! I had a bad review and that means I'm on the in!

Now you'd think I'd be upset. You'd think that wouldn't have wiped out my high, but no, just the opposite. I laughed. Not because I thought the person was wrong. In fact, every aspect (except the blah) of the review was right. My character is a woman trying to take back her life. She's a bit on edge. Some might not like her. Predictable? Yeah, maybe just a little. It is a romance. Many of those end with happily ever after, that's how I like em. But what was thrilling was that this person, who did not like my book, read it. As uncomfortable as I should have been reading the review, I realize she had been that uncomfortable reading the book. She downloaded something, and read and finished it, without liking it. She stepped out of her comfort zone, apparently to read my book. She used the freedom of her voice to give that opinion. And I used the freedom of my voice to create the book (which to remind you has 5 star reviews (minus this one.))

What would the world be if we all like the same thing? How boring and predictable would that be? We certainly wouldn't have the great opportunity of choosing our own paths in life. We wouldn't be able to climb ladders and advance. I'm not a fan of Regency Historical. Does that mean the world shouldn't' read it? Heavens no. I've given my book to men who smile, accept it, and will never crack the cover. And that's a-OK with me! I'm just thrilled that they can enjoy something different.

So to the person who wrote the Blah! review, thank you. Thank you for downloading my book (which you got for free, so I don't feel too bad.) Thank you for finishing it and for taking the time to go back online and write your thoughts. Thank you for using your words to express yourself and the freedom to do so. Isn't it wonderful? I would love to think you'll download another someday and maybe it'll be just the book for you. But then again... I'll bet you have a favorite and it might not be something I'd enjoy. Alas, we may not see eye to eye, but then again thanks to the freedoms we enjoy, I think we just might.

Always let your voice be heard. Its a freedom we should embrace. As much as I'd like to reel in the world with my words, for some I won't use the right words. For others, my words will change their lives. WOW, what an amazing opportunity we have in this country. Freedom to use our words.

Happy Reading (no matter what you enjoy reading!)

Bernadette Marie

Interview with Tracey H. Kitts

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am very exited to have with me Paranormal author Tracey H. Kitts!

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I love being able to share my thoughts andideas with the world. This is what I’ve always wanted to do and I’m thrilled tohave the opportunity.

What genre(s) do you write?

I write paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy romance, often rolled into one.

Why do you think people should choose your books overanother author?

Because I would buy themmyself. I would never try to sell someone a story I wrote to “fit the market”or something like that. I write what I enjoy in the hopes that others willenjoy them as well. So, if you’re a paranormal romance fan, you already knowthat another person who loves the genre enjoyed the book.

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

There’s a little bit of truth in everything,even jest. Or so I’ve always said. To some small extent, most everything (includingcharacters) is based on something real. My stories are about 95% stuff I madeup and 5% based on real events. I suppose that’s one reason I’ve been annoyedwhen someone compares one of my characters to someone else’s. I kept thinking,“Seriously? But he’s based on MY personality!” Ha. Ha. Ha. Not to mention hehad my garish fashion sense.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

I love horror movies.
I was one stripe frommy black belt in Krav Maga, but didn’t want to have to register myself as aweapon.
I’m a huge Batman fan, mostly because I’ve had a crush on Joker since Iwas little.
I love video games.
I am not a morning person.

Tell us what you have coming up!

My latest book is called FRANK AND THE WEREWOLF TAMER. It’s about a vampirewho gets involved with a modern (and sexy) version of Frankenstein.
Katherine has had a hard time finding work, mostly because she’s a vampire.Turns out, people aren’t clamoring to work with the undead. She goes to themassive theme park, Notte Oscura, as a last resort. However, she soon findsthere is more waiting for her than just a job.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Frank-Werewolf-Tamer-ebook/dp/B006PU2JBW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325201201&sr=8-1

EATEN BY THE WOLF – Free Read
Nicki is curious about her neighbor Max, who happens tobe a sexy werewolf. When she sneaks into the woods one night to "get alook" at him, she may be in for more than she bargained for.
Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/118453

Thank you, Tracey for joining me on my blog today! If you'd like to learn more about Tracey and her books follow the links below!

Website – www.traceyhkitts.com

Blog - http://traceyhkitts.blogspot.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tracey-H-Kitts/73968579374

Also look for Tracey back here on Thursday January 12, 2012 as my guest blogger and again on Friday for Friday Freebies when she'll be giving away free books!

FRIDAY FREEBIE 1-6-2012

2012-01-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's FRIDAY FREEBIE here on the the Warrior Princess Blog! That means we're giving stuff away!

Today we have a few items for you. Some fun stuff!

Our guest this week has been Sandy Wolters. We've had a lot of fun interviewing her and her blog was a huge success! So today she will be giving away a copy of Justice for Emily! She will also be giving away an e-copy of A Bother's Love! Can't beat that!!!

In addition to Sandy's giveaways I will be giving away an e-copy of The Executive's Decision, book one in the Keller Family Series! Book two, A Second Chance, is just around the corner! I will also be giving one lucky winner a copy of Cart Before the Horse! I told you this was going to be a BIG giveaway day!!!

So...you want a chance to win? What do you have to do? All you have to do is leave a comment and contact info! That's it! If you don't want to leave your email address online you can email me at info@bernadettemarie.com and we will get you entered. (And because the post is late getting up because of my NEW computer, we will run this giveaway until Saturday night! That's right you have 2 days to get all your friends over here!)

Here's a little teaser for you on the books we have offered today!

5 STAR review for Justice for Emily by Sandy Wolters! http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/reviewssandywolters.htm

5 STAR review for The Executive's Decision by Bernadette Marie!
http://mybookchatterchat.blogspot.com/2011/10/book-review-executives-decision-by.html

5 STAR review for A Brother's Love by Sandy Wolters!
http://sandywolters.weebly.com/a-brothers-love-reviews.html

5STAR review for Cart Before the Horse
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12389138-cart-before-the-horse

Guest Blogger Sandy Wolters

2012-01-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

A Mother's Sense of Peace and Contentment Moving Into theNew Year
Guest Blogger, Sandy Wolters

Speaking as an overprotective mother with 31 years ofexperience, I have made it my life's work to ensure the growth and happiness ofmy two daughters. They know in theirhearts and minds that mom will always be there for them to hold their hand whenthey have the unfortunate experience of going to a phlebotomist, or if theyjust need someone to talk to about their day. While both of my girls are no longer livingwith Mike and I, they are still my children and the bond we have is strong.

In mid 2011, I started to notice a change in both of mygirls. I wasn't hearing from them asoften as usual. They weren't coming homeas much as they used to. I chalked thisup to the fact that my daughters were leading busy, fulfilling lives and mypride for them swelled. I startednoticing in the conversations we were having that men, two men in particular,were being introduced into the equation. Keep in mind that my daughters are both beautiful women inside and out. There have been men in their lives, but never"the one" for either of them. Noman had ever been important enough to bring up in casual conversations. Until, that is, 2011.

December 2011 changed everything. Mike's birthday is December 23rd. It's become a tradition for our girls to takeus out to a special birthday dinner for their dad. It's always just been us, the close knitfamily. The week of Mike's birthday, Mikeand I found out that Shandelle and Pilar had invited their boyfriends to joinus. This was a first. Never before in our children's adult liveshad Mike and I been allowed to meet the current boyfriends, let alone meet themat an important family function. While Iwas excited that the men in my girl's lives were important enough for us tomeet, at the same time, I was feeling trepidation. This was, after all, a special"family" event. Just who didthese guys think they were?

On the way to the restaurant, I was feeling panicked. I knew in my heart from that night forwardthings were going to be different. Iknew as a mother, I would be stepping down the ladder of importance and someman was going to be taking that place with both of my girls. I was having difficulty breathing. What if I didn't like one or both of them? Did these men understand that as I mother, Iwould gladly spend the rest of my life in jail if either of them hurt one of mybaby girls? I was in a frenzy by thetime we got to the restaurant.

As Mike and I were walking inside for the impending meeting,my legs were shaking. My knees werebuckling. In just moments, I was goingto meet the men important enough to join us on this very special occasion. We moved to a gigantic table that was neverneeded before. I did what every motherdoes. I sat back, tried to control mybreathing and watched. What I sawbrought tears of joy to my heart. Mybaby girls were in love. Both ofthem. They were glowing with it. Sitting next to them, their men were givingthem stolen glances that reflected everything a good romance writer loves towrite about. Both of the boys ... menwere just as in love with my baby girls. It was tangible. You could feelthe love in the air.

At that moment, a warmth enveloped me. It started at the tip of my head and slowlymoved down to my feet. I felt peace. I felt the love at the table. I realized that Ihad just been given a very special gift. I had just gained two sons. Iknew in that one perfect moment that my baby girls would always be taken careof. If something were to happen to me tomorrow,they would have the support and love they would need to move on. In that one moment, every wish a protectivemother has for her children was granted to me.

So I move into 2012 knowing that my baby girls have eachfound a love that I found 33 years ago with their father. It leaves me with an overwhelming sense ofpeace and contentment that their lives are fuller and as happy as my life hasbeen with their father over the years. My next adventure, grandbabies, lots of grandbabies. :o)

Interview with author Sandy Wolters

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to welcome Sandy Wolters to my blog today!

Sandy is an author and a blogger. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance and romance/suspense/thriller, both with a ghostly paranormal twist. She hosts a blog called Sandy's Spotlight that introduces fabulous authors to avid readers every other Friday.

Please leave a comment for Sandy below and help me welcome Sandy Wolters!

I would like to start out by sayinghow great it is to be on a blog called Warrior Princess! The lead female characters in my books arefierce. Now they are being introduced bya fierce blog hostess. Does it get anybetter than that?

What genre(s) do you write?

To date, I've written threebooks.

My first, Maggie Mae, is a steamy contemporaryromance with a ghostly paranormal twist.

My second, Justice For Emily, is asteamy romance/suspense/thriller with a ghostly paranormal twist.

My third, A Brother's Love, is aromance/suspense/thriller with a ghostly paranormal twist. The steam level in this book is very low forthose that prefer less explicit sensual content.

I'm really excited because I've juststarted my fourth book, Soul Mates, that will be mainly a steamy historicalromance with some pretty cool magic thrown in.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I could never outline a book beforewriting it. I never know where a book orcharacters will take me. That's half thefun! I really enjoy letting thecharacters come to life and see what kind of circumstances they find themselvesin.

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

The paranormal in my books is alittle different than the norm these days. I like vampires and werewolves, but I just don't know enough about themto write a good story.

My paranormal deals with the loss ofcharacter's loved ones, and those loved ones coming back to help those leftbehind in a time of crisis. In somecases, they come back to interfere with personal relationships. I love writing about ghosts, how theyinteract with people, how they can give us signs that they're alright.

When not writing, how do you relax?

Relax? Hang on a minute. I have to go look that word up. Oh, so that's what that means. LOL Ilove to read. I've started a blogcalled, Sandy's Spotlight, that introduces fabulous authors to avidreaders. I had never been involved in abook discussion before, but was recently invited to one. It was wonderful to have interaction with theauthor about the book I had read. It wasalso really great to see how readers interpreted characters and situations thatthe author had a completely different take on.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

1) I enjoy camping in a tent, fishing, hiking, looking for wildlife.

2) I absolutely love old movies, Gaslight, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers,anything with John Wayne in it.

3) I've recently found out that I am addicted to my computer.

4) I love to read. My first love isromance, but my tastes are very eclectic just as they are with movies. I like suspense, thrillers, horror, you nameit, I will give it a try. I've justrecently finished my first Sci-fi novel and loved it! Who'd have thought?

5) I'm a chocoholic.

You can connect with Sandy Wolters here:

Website: www.sandywolters.weebly.com

Sandy's Spotlight Blog: http://sandywolters.weebly.com/sandys-spotlight.html

Twitter: @SandyWolters

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4772120.Sandy_Wolters

FaceBook: Sandy Wolters, Tempe Arizona

Here are a few bites for you to enjoy from Sandy Wolters

Justice For Emily:
Rachael Merchant, a Phoenix HomicideDetective, is running from the images of her last case that are embedded deepin her soul. Before her journey is over, she will find herself embroiled in atwisted murder investigation that involves the Chief of Police of Brownwood,Texas, as the main suspect. Officer Patrick Sheehan will do whatever it takesto keep Rachael near him to get Justice For Emily.

Purchase Links for Justice For Emily:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Justice-For-Emily-ebook/dp/B004VB8QJG
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/justice-for-emily-sandy-wolters/1100125648
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/51639

A Brother's Love:
Unable to locate FBI SpecialAgent Pilar Campos, the woman that killed his brother, Boone Baker, the leaderof the Snowflake Militia Group, goes to extreme measures to draw her out in theopen. In one fell swoop, he will destroy her life as she knows it. Will she bestrong enough to continue on, or will he get his wish and kill her?

Purchase links for A Brother's Love:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-Brothers-Love-ebook/dp/B005CDAFOG
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-brothers-love-sandy-wolters/1104361637
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/73103

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2012

2012-01-02T23:27:00.000-07:00

Here we are! I have been looking forward to 2012! I just have a really good feeling about all the great things that are going to happen this year!

This week I have Sandy Wolters as my guest! I will be interviewing her tomorrow (Tuesday 1-3-2012) and She will be my guest blogger on Thursday (1-5-2012.) I'm very excited to have her here.

Next week I will welcome Tracey Kitts!

As for me, the Warrior Princess Romance Author... I've been working hard! My publishing house 5 Prince Publishing has just released, this past December, a paranormal romance anthology, Finding Ms. Wright, by M.L. Guida, Hillary Seidl, and Lori Corsentino. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/105200
Also available is She Belongs to Me, by Carmen DeSousa. This is a 5 Star reviewed romantic suspense guaranteed to keep you guessing until the very end. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/117000

Keep an eye out for my next book, a Sweet Treat Valentine Novella, entitled Candy Kisses, due out January 14, 2012.

Thanks for joining me. Happy New Year!
Bernadette Marie

FRIDAY FREEBIE!! 12-23-2011

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY FREEBIE is here again! Today Joys Fields is giving away a copy of her latest release LOVE DELIVERED! All you have to do is leave a comment for a chance to win this GREAT book! Take a little peek below!

Here's a little bit about LOVE DELIVERED

Bianca McClain has worked for years to achieve her dream job in New York City. After her grandmother passes away, she finds herself returning to the small town she grew up in to ready her house for sale. The slow, friendly pace of the town and its citizens, especially Pete the mailman, appeal to her—but there’s no way she’s giving up everything she’s accomplished in New York.

Born and raised in Centreville, MD, Pete Schaeffer loves his small town mail carrier job and can’t imagine leaving for any reason—or anyone—so he's dumbfounded by his intense attraction to Bianca, a woman with a fast-paced life in the big city.

Pete and Bianca soon find themselves lost in each other’s arms. When the summer ends, they will have big decisions to make. Will the small-town guy and big-city girl find common ground and lasting love, or will their differences drive them apart?

Purchase LOVE DELIVERED at these locations.

The Wild Rose Press:

Amazon:

Guest Blogger Author Joya Fields

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

My journey to create this story and characters.

LOVE DELIVERED features a heroine and hero who, at first,appear very dissimilar. Bianca is a big-city girl who is not only following herown dreams, but following the dreams her mother never achieved before heruntimely death.

Pete, the hero, has tight ties to the small town where hegrew up, and never wants to leave the charming town.

My journey to createLOVE DELIVERED began with this conflict. I needed a reason why these two peoplecould not possibly stay together as a couple. When Bianca returns to the smalltown to fix up and sell her deceased grandmother’s house, she fully intends toreturn to New York.But she gradually grows attached to the town. Pete, her mailman, has a lot todo with this.

Many people in the small town where I grew up still livethere today. Sometimes, they buy a new house, and often they purchase thefamily home from their parents. When I needed to create a small town thatoffered many reasons for Bianca to stay, it was easy. I modeled the town afterthe one I grew up in.

One particular scene portrays July 4^thcelebrations in the small town. Growing up, I thought all towns went crazy forthis holiday. Turns out, our town was pretty unique in the way it celebrates.For one thing, one week before July 4^th, residents stake out a spotalong the parade route by lining up roped-together lawn chairs and tarps. Aweek before the parade!

July 4^th starts out with a bicycle decoratingcontest and games for kids at the local high school. Then, a two-hour longparade complete with our local NFL marching band, floats, politicians, andbaton twirlers entertain the crowds. Most people retreat to their homes for afew hours, don themselves in glow sticks and bug spray, and then head to thelocal high school for a spectacular fireworks display.

I hope I captured the essence of this celebration, and theway the town embraces this day as not only a commemoration of America’sbirthday, but of neighbors and the town itself. Basing this story on a realtown and the people who live there made it easy to create characters whoblended in and were charmed with the town.

Purchase LOVE DELIVERED at these locations.

The Wild Rose Press:

Amazon

Holiday Madness

2011-12-21T09:01:00.002-07:00

With the holidays upon us it is easy to become frustrated and less merry. As a child we see gifts, glitter, promises, and the glory of everything. As adults we see credit card bills, traffic, lines, and hear the nagging of the kids wanting stuff. Isn't it funny how our perception changes when we get older.

I've struggled this year to find the meaning of the season. I want that magical feeling back again. You know that giddy anticipation you had as a child. I'm sorry that it ever left me.

I realize some of that anticipation left when I took on the holidays as a chore and didn't plan to have a good time. I did start shopping early, but not consistent. Therefore, my husband and I are hurrying to finish. Some of my gifts don't have any thought put into them. That bums me out. Christmas cards haven't been sent in two years because I'm overwhelmed.

SO even before Christmas arrives this year I am changing the way I do things for next year. I have opened an account at the credit union just for money to be saved for my boys. I have 5! And this isn't just for Christmas presents. No, I don't think they need a whole lotta junk every year, but this is for the whole year. School fees, sports fees, birthdays, etc. This way when it comes time for these events, and Christmas next year, I don't feel so pinched. As of 2012, the contracts I make with new authors will be worked out so that I do not edit between Thanksgiving and the New Year. That will ease the strain on many of us. I still have time to capture special times with my kids before they head back to school. We're due some snow... I think Momma needs to get out there and build a snow man! I'm itching to see the zoo lights! Or decorated house lights... so I think a thermos of hot chocolate in our jammies one night is in order as we drive through town. A Christmas book would be nice to sit and read. Hmmm...maybe even pop some popcorn and make a chain for the tree, now they'll get a kick out of that!

It's the holiday spirit that is suppose to rein during this season. Enjoyment of family and friends is important. I'm absolutely willing to change my way of thinking this year, with what is left of it, and forge a new path in 2012. Who knows. Next year I might be writing a post that says, "Where did the year go? I'm a mess." Or maybe, I'll find that holiday spirit and carry it all year long. And this time next year I'll have some merriment to share with you about how I actually made a plan and stuck to it! As it is, I think there is a lot of giving to be done in the next year, and it doesn't have to cost a cent! Giving back to the world is important and to our brothers and sisters with whom we share it with. I'm going a little greener this next year. I'm going a little leaner this next year. I'm working harder on the happy and kicking to the curb the sad. I'm decluttering this year, my home and my mind. I'm going to spread joy all year long.

I would love to hear how you spread joy, embrace the holidays, and how you celebrate with your family. Please leave a comment and share with me!

Happy Holidays Everyone! I look forward to what the New Year has to offer!
Bernadette Marie

Interview with Joya Fields

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Tuesday here on the Warrior Princess Romance Writer Blog. Today I am thrilled to have Joya Fields with me.

Joya Fields hashad over 100 stories and articles published in local and national magazines andher debut novel, BENEATH THE SURFACE, a romantic suspense, will release January,2012 from The Wild Rose Press. Her first novella, LOVE DELIVERED, a contemporaryromance, releases December 21, 2011.

Over the years,Joya has taught arts and crafts, worked in public relations, owned a daycarecenter, helped her children raise prize-winning 4-H livestock, competed inthree marathons, and even spent a year as a Baltimore Colts cheerleader. Joyaloves spending time with her high school sweetheart/husband of over twentyyears, two very supportive children, and a pug who follows her everywhere.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

My favorite thing about being a writer is that I get tolearn new stuff every single day. I’ve been on police ride-alongs, traveled toburial grounds in search of ghosts, and I’m hoping to be able to sit with adisc jockey during her night-time show in the coming weeks to learn about beinga radio DJ. I have to agree. Getting to do these great things are some of my favorite reasons for writing.

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

This is such a great question, because I realized early onin my writing career that I write the same theme over and over again. What I’dlike my readers to grasp after reading one of my stories is that bad thingshappen in life. It’s a part of living. But we are strong enough to get throughthem, and when life gets tough, if the right person comes along, we can behappy again. That’s the message I find myself writing over and over again. Nomatter how bad things seem, I really believe love can get you through it and Ihope my readers gain a little strength from that message.

How long have you been a writer?

I’ve been writing professionally for eight years now. Istarted out writing non-fiction articles for a local parenting magazine. Istill write for them occasionally, and that job taught me a lot about workingwith editors. Editors can make a story sooo much stronger. After a year or so,I added short story writing to my daily time at the computer, and I’ve had manyshort stories published. All the while, I plugged away at novel writing. LOVEDELIVERED, which releases on December 21^st, is my first short storyto be published at The Wild Rose Press, and BENEATH THE SURFACE, my debutnovel, releases on January 18^th.

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

Well, please don’t tell my brother-in-law, because he’d behugely embarrassed, but the hero in LOVE DELIVERED does a lot of the things mybrother-in-law does in real life. He’s the type of person who quietly steps into help people, is generous to a fault, and never expects recognition. He’s inthe dedication of the book, but since he doesn’t read romance, I think mysecret is safe. The small town depicted in the book, especially the July 4^thparade scene, is very similar to our July 4^th family celebration.And of course, my heroes are always modeled after my husband, whose sense ofhumor and caring nature shines through every good guy I write.

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

One thing from my past that people usually find entertainingis that I used to be a professional cheerleader. While in college, I secretlytried out for the local NFL team’s squad. I say secretly, because I didn’tthink I had a shot of making it. Imagine my surprise when I heard my numbercalled and became a Baltimore Colts cheerleader! Unfortunately, I only got tocheer for them for one year because the team left town, but that was onefabulous and fun year.

Joya's books are arriving soon. Check them out!

LOVE DELIVERED, my short story, releases on December 21,2011 and BENEATH THE SURFACE, a romantic suspense novel, will release January18, 2011 through The Wild Rose Press. I’m currently having a blast working on aghost story trilogy.

For more information on Joya Fields please use the following links.

Website: www.joyafields.com
Blog: http://joyafieldswriting.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JoyaFields
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1053320407

Here's a little bit about LOVE DELIVERED

BiancaMcClain has worked for years to achieve her dream job in New York City. After her grandmother passesaway, she finds herself returning to the small town she grew up in to ready herhouse for sale. The slow, friendly pace of the town and its citizens,especially Pete the mailman, appeal to her—but there’s no way she’s giving upeverything she’s accomplished in New York.

Born and raised in Centreville, MD, Pete Schaeffer loves his small town mailcarrier job and can’t imagine leaving for any reason—or anyone—so he'sdumbfounded by his intense attraction to Bianca, a woman with a fast-paced lifein the big city.

Pete and Bianca soon find themselves lost in each other’s arms. When the summerends, they will have big decisions to make. Will the small-town guy andbig-city girl find common ground and lasting love, or will their differencesdrive them apart?

Purchase LOVE DELIVERED at these locations.

The Wild Rose Press:

Amazon:

FRIDAY FREEBIE 12-16-2011

2011-12-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday Freebie! Join us today as we give away a copy of Jamie Lee Scott's Let Us Prey. All you have to do is leave a comment and your email address and you are in the running to win a copy! (if you'd rather email me your email address that is okay too! info at bernadettemarie.com)

Mimi Capurro has been hired to protect New York Times bestselling author, Lauren Silke, who was recently assaulted in the bathroom at a paranormal conference. Though Mimi is hired to act as bodyguard for Lauren’s upcoming book tour, plans change when Lauren's assistant is murdered and the slaying is a replica of a scene from Lauren’s newest novel. A novel that hit bookstores the same day as the killing.

Now instead of playing bodyguard, Mimi is cracking computer code, and chasing down vampires. These vampires come alive on the streets of Santa Cruz, as part of a live-role-playing game. Mimi must find the connection between the vampires and the author to track down the killer. This would be much easier if Detective Nick Christianson wanted her investigating the case.

Nick, Mimi’s old college fling, is the lead homicide investigator.
Though he wants her off the case, he also wants to pump her for information. Nick may have used her in the past, but this time she’ll use him to try to catch the murderer first.

To find more about Jamie Lee Scott visit

www.jamieleescott.com

Twitter: @jamie_ld

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/jamielee.scott2

Guest Blogger Jamie Lee Scott

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Please welcome my guest blogger Jamie Lee Scot!

Outline x X

No the titledoesn't mean this post is X rated. I'm here to discuss outlining. Before youcover your eyes and run screaming because of the "outline" word, letme assure you, IT'S WORSE THAN YOU THINK!

That beingsaid, here is why:

First, we'veall heard of the Save the Cat beat sheet, and there are many others out there.Not a screenwriter? This doesn't excuse you. The beat sheets are for allwriters of fiction, and they do help save valuable rewriting time. Fleshing outthe outline does NOT kill your creativity! It gives you a roadmap and helps youfind huge holes in your plot so you don't have to go back and rewriteinnumerable pages. I'll just include what I feel are the 7 absolute must haves,and you can take or leave what you want from them.

1. Ordinary,everyday life - the story starts with your main char (MC) doing normal everydaystuff.

2. IncitingIncident - what rocks the MC out of said ordinary life.

3. End ofAct 1 - MC decides on course of action for incident in #2

4. Midpoint- Action takes a sudden & unexpected direction

5. Lowest oflow points or End of Act 2 - No way in hell the MC is going to get out of thisone.

6. Act 3 orthe Ultimate Challenge - Something, anything that will reanimate the MC tocontinue.

7. Return to"ordinary" life - Only now the MC has changed forever.

Sounds easy,right? So here's the rub, ready?

If you wanta really compelling story, you have to remember you don't just have one MC,there are many characters in your story. AND YOU SHOULD OUTLINE FOR EACH MC(secondary characters, not so much, or at all). You may not use all of theinformation, but you should have a progression for each of the main charactersin your story. So the above outline isn't just a onetime deal for each story,it can actually be 3 or more. Yikes. Hate me now? Or were you already doingthis?

Here is a little something for you to enjoy from

Let Us Prey

by Jamie Lee Scott

Mimi Capurro has been hired toprotect New York Times bestselling author, Lauren Silke, who was recentlyassaulted in the bathroom at a paranormal conference. Though Mimi is hired toact as bodyguard for Lauren’s upcoming book tour, plans change when Lauren'sassistant is murdered and the slaying is a replica of a scene from Lauren’snewest novel. A novel that hit bookstores the same day as the killing.

Now instead of playing bodyguard,Mimi is cracking computer code, and chasing down vampires. These vampires comealive on the streets of Santa Cruz, as part of a live-role-playing game. Mimimust find the connection between the vampires and the author to track down thekiller. This would be much easier if Detective Nick Christianson wanted herinvestigating the case.

Nick, Mimi’s old college fling,is the lead homicide investigator.
Though he wants heroff the case, he also wants to pump her for information. Nick may have used herin the past, but this time she’ll use him to try to catch the murderer first.

Interview with Jamie Lee Scott

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today I have the honor of having Jamie Lee Scott as my guest.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

Making up new worlds where I have all of the control.Probably because I feel I have so little in my own life.

What genre(s) do you write?

Mostly mystery, but I’ve been known to dabble in drama,romantic comedy, and some fantasy with my screenwriting.

What genres and authors would we find you?

Fiction: Mystery, Private Eye Jamie Lee Scott

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Coming up with character names. That and I’m way too nice tomy characters. I have to go back and be mean to them in the rewrite. Conflict =story after all.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I used to be a pantser. No longer. I plot like a crazy womannow, before I put a single word on paper. Outlining makes the writing so mucheasier, and I don’t have to reread constantly to see where I’ve been.

Why do you think people should choose your books overanother author?

Because I’m witty, intelligent and sexy. Just kidding,though I have been told I can be quite witty. I would hope they’d choose mebecause I can tell a good story.

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

I hope they can’t get my characters out of their head. Otherthan that, I’m not trying to send any messages, especially since I kill peoplein my novels.

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

Maybe Mimi, my main character in my Gotcha series, wouldhave a message. That would be: Don’t live in the past, keep moving forward.

How long have you been a writer?

I wrote my first novel when I was 9. But I had my firstmagazine article published when I was a junior in college, so 10 years (I’mkidding, I don’t really remember how long ago that was, or I’m just nottelling).

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

My first book was a non-fiction book called Hiking Iowa. Itwas a one year process. My novel took closer to 5 years, only because I keptputting off the rewrite after it was written.

What other careers have you had?

Not sure we have room for this. Let me think, waitress,banquet server, medical assistant, bookkeeper, restaurant owner (still at it),athletic trainer (the reason I went to college), horse trainer (still at it),journalist, produce broker, produce sales assistant, loading dock dispatcher,citrus sales, jewelry designer (still at it). I’ll just leave it at that.

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

I write fiction under the name Jamie Lee Scott, businessarticles and business books as Jamie Dierks, and YA as Allie Hollister. I writeunder the different names to keep the identities separate, as each one is sodifferent from the others.

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

Absolutely! I mean absolutely not! Best way to put it!

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

Manic. If you can handle a wild ride, jump on board.

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

I make glass beads.

What else would you like readers to know about you or yourwork?

Writing is my escape from reality.

And Lola, the Doberman in the Gotcha novels, is my real dog,and she’s completely neurotic. (what does that say about me?)

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

Stephen King’s OnWriting is the most influential book on writing that I’ve ever read. As forauthors, I look to Harlan Coben and see where he started and where he is today,and I’m in awe. The other author would be Pulitzer Prize winning Jane Smiley.She has characters that stay with me long after I’ve finished reading herbooks.

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

My entire family is supportive. Some think there is somecelebrity to it. I let them think that. My husband, who has to put up me allthe time, is beyond supportive. He says he can’t wait until the day he canretire on my income. Haha Jamie, mine says that to me daily!

Where are you from?

I’m from Salinas, CA, the setting for the Gotcha novels. Can't wait to read them! Especially since I've been there!

How do you come up with the titles?

The titles for the Gotcha series are a play on words/titles Let Us Prey/ let us pray, book 2 Death of a Sales Rep/Death of a Salesman,book 3 is yet untitled.

Has your life changed significantly since becoming apublished writer?

Yes! I’m a crazed marketing guru. Writing a novel is so muchmore work than writing for magazines or screenwriting. With those, you writeand get paid, someone else promotes. Now I have to divide my time with writingand promotion. But I love the social aspect of promoting. Nobody told us this part of the job did they? It's rewarding though.

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

Multi-task, in more ways than one. Me too!

When not writing, how do you relax?

Riding or caring for my horses. Nothing is more relaxing tome than watching them eat, or grooming them. Riding is relaxing in that Iforget about everything else, because 100% of my concentration is in thetraining.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

I’m a hermit.
I’m allergic to housework.
I eat a garlic stuffed green olive every morning.
My favorite artist is Daniel Merriam (awesome fantasy painter)
I sometimes dictate my novels with a voice recorder.

To find out more about Jamie and her books please visit her:

www.jamieleescott.com

Twitter: @jamie_ld

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamielee.scott2

Also watch for Deathof a Sales Rep (book 2 Gotcha Detective Agency mysteries) coming in December. Jamie is also writing a TV sitcom pilot called Deep Fried – about ayuppie couple who lose their jobs and buy a fast food restaurant.

Thank you Jamie for joining me! Please stop by again on Thursday when Jamie Lee Scott is my guest blogger!

FRIDAY FREEBIE 12-9-11 with Jennifer Willows

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday Freebies! We welcome Jennifer Willows! So what do you have to do? Just leave a post (include your email or email your address to info@bernadettemarie.com) and Jennifer will contact the winner on Saturday! Couldn't be any easier.

Bound by Accident: book one

[Siren Allure: Erotic Interracial BDSM Romance, public exhibition, sextoys]

Makenzie has given up much to help her loved ones. She gave up on her hopesand dreams of artistic fame. Her life consists of her job, making love withherself, and painting in the wee hours of night. Until one fateful Friday endswith her car pinned to a tree. The man who helps her that evening belongs toher. She sees it in his eyes, intense and burning.
Charyn Moreland is a Master of bondage arts, yet no woman ever touches him.He stopped looking for Ms. Right after catching his ex in bed with his brotheryears ago. But once he encounters Makenzie at the scene of a terrible caraccident, their gazes lock and he is going to have her regardless of what hehas to do. She is his.
But after a single night of scorching passion, can he convince her to trusthim?

Lust for Life: book two
[Siren Allure: Erotic Interracial Romance, public exhibition, light bondage,sex toys]

When Charlene “Charli” Anderson meets Deven Moreland, sparks fly betweenthem and they hide mutual lust behind petty arguments. Neither needs money, butboth are missing something.
Charlene is a beautiful woman on the outside and a frightened girl inside.She hides her true needs behind a cocky façade and her former less-than-legalprofession. Her past haunts her, even as she ignores it. Deven is an adrenalinejunkie by night and thriving businessman by day. His need for adventure isfueled by the desire to keep his insomnia at bay. To the world the pair appearsto be different, and normal life and circumstances never meet. Like magnets,both feel the bitter burn of lust for their polar opposite. Can Charli let goof her bitter past to embrace the man in her future? Will Deven convinceCharlene that they can find love from the spice of lust?
Note: This book contains drug use.
A Siren Erotic Romance

Guest Blogger Jennifer Willows

2011-12-08T13:47:00.001-07:00

Title: Nothing to it, but to do it

My first book started one spring day when a friend of minefrom work told me she had a published novel. My response was the stereotypicalwow and smile, even as I said I would like to try that myself. That is thesecond most popular response when those around me find out about my new career.

But unlike the 99% of people who want to write, I startedthe book we’re talking about that same night. I love to read, but I haven’tcompleted college yet, or taken any classes to write creatively either. So withthat said, I didn’t think I had snowball’s chance in Hades to publish iteither.

I looked at the book for over two months, not sure what todo about it, or even if I wanted to do anything with the manuscript. My husbandtalked me into sending it somewhere and I did. The choice of Siren was easy,they write some of what I like to read, and had the bonus of some of the bestturnaround time on inquiries.

One month later, my book was accepted, but I didn’t tell myfamily. Oh, my husband and friends at work knew about it, but not my parents orother close family members. The reason was my mother. She is deeply religiousand I knew she wouldn’t like the subject matter one bit.

I regret the choice to keep it quiet, because once my sisterknew, mom knew shortly thereafter. But dad never found out as he passed awayless than a month later. I was elbow deep in edits when I found out about hisdeath. I’m the executor of his estate and his family came with a passel full ofdrama.

They stole his car for heaven’s sake, not to mention hismissing will and other personal effects. They even used his bank cards andwrote checks, the whole nine yards. While here I was left with funeral expensesand a rapidly closing deadline.

I’ve gotten a speeding ticket since then, two court datesand really tired fingers. Not to mention the hair-pulling stress, but I’ve madeit. I work nine hour days at the day job, fifteen if you include my nightlywriting spree and I’m still making it. That’s the point. Life is going to throwlots of curve balls at me, but I will make it, and use them as fodder for mygrist mill.

Read an excerpt from Jennifer Willows's book which will be here on Friday Freebies. Check back and leave a post. You just might win!

Five years ago, New York City

Makenzie Stafford-Johns was not having a good day. Shelooked at her haggard reflection along the mirrored gallery wall. Her face,while still the same, was pinched and flustered. On a good day, Makenzie wasusually compared to Jill Scott, with her medium-brown skin, delicate features,wide eyes and mouth. She was built like Jill, too, on the thick side on a badday at a size twelve. Her breasts were a full D cup, and she had just a littlebehind. Enough so she wasn’t entirely flat in back, although most men in herexperience preferred more.

The reason she looked so haggard was bad news, although ithad been awhile since she had any of the good variety either. Deciding sheneeded time to think, she left work at the gallery early and walked to thenearest entrance to the subway. Her mom had called her on her cell, just beforeher last break of the day. The news she gotten during the call made her scared, more than scared. Hell, terrified may bemore appropriate. Her mom had cancer, and her insurance dropped her when shegot laid off last month. The seemingly innocent conversation replayed in herhead over and over again during her trip home.

“Makenzie, I need totalk to you. Do you have a minute?”

“I always have timefor you, mom. What’s up?”

“I’m sick.”

“Do you need some money? I have some extra cash I can send if you needto pick up some TheraFlu or something.” She had said,even as the thought crossed her mind that it wasn’t really extra if shewanted to eat something aside from Ramen noodles this month.

Better Late than Never?

2011-12-07T13:45:00.001-07:00

It's better to post your blog late than never, right? Today has been one of those days where I'm just a bit behind on everything. For the first time in my life, took my kids to school and went back home for a 2 hour nap. What's that about?

Its about not listening to my body and taking steps to make sure everything is in line. I haven't been exercising, and I'm a martial artist. This is killing me. I've been under an enormous amount of stress because of someone else. There are deadlines all around me and I haven't taken the time to make all the pieces fit.

When our schedules and our emotions take over its hard to keep it together. Our home lives fall apart, our work isn't adequate, and our bodies give out. This is common knowledge. This is personal neglect.

The reason that New Years day is so famous for new starts is because it gives us a definite date to start thinking about change. And, well we all like to have partners in our mission to better ourselves, so there are lots of people starting something (or quitting something.) who can support us. But why not tomorrow? Is it too hard to say, "tomorrow I will get up and run, and only spend the needed hour on my edits and then write for an hour, non stop." Why do we have to over process our thoughts?

I'm so guilty of this. I will spend 2 hours to write out a new plan of attack just to decide on how I want to approach something I could have been working on for 2 hours.

Well, we're all human, right?

As the holidays close in, kids are ready to be on break, and deadlines loom, I begin to think taking naps is not the better use of my time. So it's time for a list, because tomorrow I will be starting anew. Its good to reinvent yourself. Its time to listen to my body. Its time to take back control...as early as tomorrow!

happy (healthy) reading
Bernadette Marie

Author interview with Jennifer Willows

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Please welcome today Jennifer Willows.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I love the idea that anything I think of is valid. In lifepeople don’t get the chance to just say anything, no filters. When I write,anything I can conceive of is okay. It doesn’t have to be PC or fed to anotherperson with a long handled spoon and loads of beating around the bush to get apoint across.

What genre(s) do you write?

Right now I am a multicultural author, only erotica. One dayI might decide to do something else, but for now this is perfect for mycreative needs.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Definitely a pantser. I love just throwing myself into thefirst draft letting my mind go willy nilly. It makes the start of my projectsslow, since I don’t know where I am going with the story. But once I let mymind be its own infinite muse the rest becomes easy, and my books writethemselves after I pass the first critical pages of my manuscript. I'm a pantser too!

Why do you think people should choose your books overanother author?

If you like the type of novels I write then go for it. Ifnot that’s okay too. I should be the author that you decide to take a gamble onafter reading the excerpt and then find yourself delightfully surprised whenyou finish the rest. Hopefully, after reading one of my books most people wouldlook for more of them. If my stories don’t do that for my readers, then I needto find another field to take my talents to.

How long have you been a writer?

Actually, I just started April of 2011. I had never writtenanything before Bound by Accident, so I definitely felt a lot of apprehensionat the idea that I could actually become published, let alone that it wouldmake a few of the Bookstrand bestseller lists in the last month. What a great accomplishment!

Please share with us your future projects and upcomingreleases.

My next project is a third Moreland brothers novel, the lastof the series. Once I finish that book, I have a paranormal series that I havewanted to sink my teeth into for the last couple of months. There are a fewshort stories in the works, several are finished, but I haven’t decided what todo with them yet. Currently, the second Moreland brothers book is on sale atSiren bookstrand and is available for download on December the 6^th.

Where can we find you?

I have Facebook and can be found under the email address jenwritesuread@gmail.com and Twitteras @windinthewillow. There is a blog page, but goodness, I am too busyfluttering from project to project and it seems I can’t find time for it. Oneday I can muster up the capital for a web page, but I can be found at my Authorpage on SirenBookstrand.com as Jennifer Willows

Thank you for sharing with us!

Guest Blogger Anne Underhill

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome back Anne Underhill!I Anne is an aspiring author who is working on her first book. We look forward to her up and coming career as a writer. Thank you Anne for being our guest this week.

Running, Anne Underhill

I've never been an avid runner. I definitely would not call myself a "die-hard" runner or a"running junkie." Forgive meif those are terms that don't apply to serious runners, as I am obviously not aserious runner, and I'm not deeply acquainted with the slang for those who areserious...Anyways, although I'm not an avid runner, I'm not a complete strangerto the activity, and have on many occasions found myself mounting the treadmilland running a fair distance.

My feet mounted the apparatus and my hands mechanically set thetreadmill to my normal resistance and incline. I began running, and the familiar feelings and sensations began floodingback. At some point during the run, I'mnot sure how far I've gone, when my body begins to feel as if its been mauledby a piece of farm equipment, I begin questioning what in the hell possessed meto get on the bloody treadmill in the first place. Shortly after this not-so-pleasant feelingcomes the heavenly release I've been expecting and yearning for since I climbedupon the treadmill seemingly hours ago. My mind and body have reached a sort oftwilight; pain is gone, fear is gone, and my mind has somehow transformed intoa time machine.

My thoughts shift and my emotions surge. My haunted past, my confusing present, and amysterious future swirl in front of me. What have I done with my time that's been worthwhile? Does the path I amon have purpose? The realization the choices I make directly affect the outcomeof where I end up hits me like a wall. Icannot go on a journey without a compass, I will end up where I started, goingnowhere. I must choose to take astraight path. One that leads meforward, toward my dreams, toward meaning, and toward peace. My feet slowed to a jog and I stopped. As Istood there I came to a realization. Imay have been running nowhere that day, but I knew I would find my wayhome.

Patience...I have so much... and yet it kills me!

2011-11-30T10:01:00.001-07:00

There was a song that I used to sing when I was a little girl. It went like this, "Practice makes perfect. Practice makes perfect. I guess if I practice then better I'll be." Funny how those words stick with me all these years later.

And, like most things, I know the true meaning behind them. But as the saying goes, "practice what you preach," boy is that hard!

As an avid martial artist I should have that discipline to get up every morning and go for a run, because I know every six months that's what I'm tested on. So why do I start training the week before I'm supposed to? When I have a tournament or a test, how come I wait until that week to get my classes in and my forms perfected? Because I'm human.

When I was in college it took me two years to learn how to effectively study for a test. Once, I remember walking in and when the exam was on the board I was ready. Not very good odds for getting through school when you can remember only once being ready!

I find now in my writing I'm more disciplined, but it still takes practice. It takes practice to sit down and deem my job (which doesn't pay me for months) as important. It takes practice to write and effectively rewrite an opening chapter so that your audience doesn't put the book down right away. It takes practice to learn when to use a word correctly and when to omit it.

Now I'm also a publisher. I've practiced on my own books for a long time. The writing. The editing. The formatting. The printing. The marketing. Do I still get it right every time? No, and that's the part that gets me.

Practice, practice, practice. The next book will format correctly, the grammar will be all correct, and the biggest book chain will by thousands of copies. Well, it just doesn't happen like that. There is ALWAYS something wrong in the formatting. Guess what, you can't pick up a New York Times Bestseller without finding an omitted word or missed period somewhere. Grammar, its not my strongest item. But then again isn't grammar used for voice too? And as for that bookstore picking up my book, it takes practice to know who to market to.

Practicing all of these little bits means one thing...practicing patience. Yes, without patience you're not going to get too far. In this industry especially, you need to practice it more and more.

Recently I have found myself getting worked up over my lack of patience. I have a publisher who refuses to return my emails. I have a book that needs my attention to be written and I don't have time. I have authors who depend on me and I feel as though I let them down when I am not right on task, or at least on task to my standards (which I'm finding are very high and unobtainable.) So when it comes to practice makes perfect I certainly know that I need to practice all the items I've mentioned. But what I really need to focus on is my patience Without it my practice isn't worth squat.

So, what do you need to work on? What tries your patience and makes practicing what you preach harder than it should be?

Thanks for stopping by!
Bernadette Marie

Interview with aspiring author Anne Underhill

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Please welcome aspiring author Anne Underhill! Anne is learning the art of self promotion before publication. Please give her a warm Warrior Princess shout out!

What is your favorite thing aboutbeing a writer?

My favorite thing about being a writer iswhen I am writing I, am in a completely different world. I am totally submersed in whatever I'mwriting, whether it be a history paper for school, or a story about being inprison. Those words on the page areburned into my mind, and nothing else exists, at least in the moments I'mwriting.

How long have you been a writer?

I've been writing since I could pick upa pen and write. The first style Ireally began to find a niche in was poetry. Undoubtedly because I fell in love with how beautiful and profound poemscan be when written well.

What other careers have you had?

Wow. Other careers. Great questionsince I've made no money as a writer...yet. I've taught small children, worked as a computer programmer, and I amcurrently working with people with Special Needs. Which, I must say, is a unique job, withdaily rewards and triumphs, and is wonderfully challenging in a way no otherjob yet has presented itself to be.

Are any of your characters basedon real people or events?

Yes. There's a story I am working on right now that's based on a realevent.

What’s something fans would findfascinating about you?

I do the majority of my writing on myphone. Most of my ideas come randomly orat night while I'm in bed with insomnia or just thinking, so I do the majorityof my writing on the Word Processor on my phone. In fact, it's where I typed up thisinterview.

Here is a little more about Anne

I was born inWichita, KS, but by no means call it home. I live in Nebraska, but findreal solitude and peace in the mountains. I atttended and will finish mydegree in English and Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Ibelieve education doesn't begin or end in the classroom, it begins with lifeand ends with death.

Connect with Anne on her journey into publicatoin:

1i7m7iv6.wordpress.com

@1I7M7IV6--twitter handle

Thank you, Anne, for joining us today. Please join us on Thursday when Anne shares with us as our guest blogger.

FRIDAY FREEBIE on Saturday!!! 11-26-2011

2011-11-25T19:32:00.001-07:00

Happy Weekend after Thanksgiving! I had grand plans for this past week here on my blog. We were going to blog everyday and give away lots of great stuff! However, I got the flu, and 3 out of 5 kids got the flu, now my hubby has the flu! WOWZERS! So alas, nothing was said or given away.

But that doesn't have to hold us back from a Saturday giveaway!!!!

This Saturday I will be signing at the local Barnes and Noble, but if you stop by here YOU could win a free copy of CART BEFORE THE HORSE and THE EXECUTIVE'S DECISION! Yep... a 2fer!

Just leave me a comment and you'll be entered. We will announce the winner on Sunday night!

THE EXECUTIVE'S DECISION:
Regan Keller fell in love with a wealthy and powerful man once. He was her boss. When that turbulent relationship ended, she swore she’d never again date someone she worked with. That was before she literally fell into her new boss’s lap.

Zachary Benson is the head of a successful empire and used to getting what he wants in the boardroom and outside of it – and what he wants is Regan Keller. He’s determined to convince Regan that even though he’s her boss, they can share a life together.

However, when Regan’s past threatens to destroy the architectural firm Zach has invested his entire career in, he has to make an executive decision whether to choose his business or fight for the woman he loves.

CART BEFORE THE HORSE
Gabriel Maguire thought he'd buried his past until the night he met Holly, only to lose the woman he cared about, again.

Holly Jacobs has always put the cart before the horse. A prodigy who shot to stardom in textile design, she never knew a normal life—and there's nothing she longs for more than to be normal.

Pregnant before she even knows the name of her baby's father, Holly has put the cart miles ahead of the horse this time. But when she and Gabe meet for the second time, they decide to have their baby together. Holly finally begins to accept her unique way of doing everything backward, but Gabe's very normality drives her up the walls. Then his tragic past rears up; pain and loss threaten to destroy forever the fragile bond that has blossomed between him and Holly.

Sometimes the only way to get where you need to be is to put the cart before the horse.

Both books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance eBooks, and Smashwords!

Friday Freebies!!! 11-18-11

2011-11-18T08:42:00.001-07:00

Today we are giving away an eBook copy of the paranormal romance anthology Finding Ms. Wright, the latest release from 5 Prince Publishing! All you have to do to enter to win is leave a comment and make sure to leave your email address. Don't want to leave the address here? Email me at info@bernadettemarie.com. It's that simple.

Now let's look at what we're giving away!

Three men, each on a crucial mission to save their way of life, seek their true mates-women who unknowingly hold the key to their very survival.

CASSANDRA: Demon Prince Eric Wyvern must have Cassandra. Boldly, he kidnaps the gifted psychic from a mountain inn, taking her to his dark underworld. Held captive, her key to freedom is agreeing to his terms. Neither expects to fall in love and unlock the secrets that can save both worlds. ~M.L. Guida~

M.L. Guida

SIA: Paranormal hunter Andrew Grant has less than a week to locate a stone and thwart a wizard's bid for ultimate power. Sia holds the key to his success, and to his heart. Only together can they discover love and save the world. ~Hillary Seidl~

Hillary Seidl

EVELYN: Five hundred-year-old Fey Prince Alexander needs a woman, and only archaeologist Evelyn will do. Their magical kiss sparks more than mere romance - it creates a key that will open their hearts to a true love that will save their worlds. ~Lori Corsentino~

Lori Corsentino

Guest Blogger Romantic Suspense Author Carmen DeSousa

2011-11-17T06:49:00.001-07:00

"There is nothing towriting. All you do is sit down at the typewriter and bleed." ~ ErnestHemingway

Though I believe that quote bythe famous Florida author is accurate, I don’t know that it is one hundredpercent complete.

If you really want to bleed,submit your work to an agent or publisher. Although we need constructivecriticism and I appreciate every agent who takes the time to actually commenton my work, it still hurts. Actually, it is downright painful.

As an author—and I know it’sauthors reading this blog—I know you’ve been there. As much as you hate thestandard rejection letter that rambles on the same, tired script, “Sorry forthis impersonal letter, but your project just isn’t the right fit for us. But,opinions are subjective, so we wish you the best…”, it still hurts when you getthat honest letter. The agent that is not afraid of your backlash at how youwill someday be a super star—because your mom says so—and is willing to offeryou beneficial feedback.

I welcome these letters; withevery one of them, my writing has improved and will continue to do so.

And when my editor actually getsa hold of my pages and tears them to shreds to make them better, I listen toher suggestions, welcome them even. Because I believe in the end, it will onlymake me a better author.

So, remember, when an agentoffers her opinion, take it in stride, learn from it, heck, even thank her forher opinion. Who knows, she may be the one that listens to why you wrote whatyou wrote and realizes you are an author willing to accept her ideas, and shemay even offer you representation.

Of course, self-publishing isalways on the table…then you don’t have to listen to anyone—wrong! You willalways have your readers. Someone will always have an opinion on your writing.Get used to it and carry on

Carmen's book She Belongs to Me will release from 5 Prince Publishing in December 2011. Visit her at www.carmendesousa.blogspot.com for more insight into her writing and upcoming projects.

The joy of flying by the seat of your pants!

2011-11-16T12:29:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite lines from any movie is Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she says, "I'm more of a fly by the seat of your pants kind of gal. You know moment to moment." Yep that's me.

You might imagine that with 5 young boys and 4 jobs this is exactly how my life rolls. I'd like to say that I adapt to change well, but I think that might be a lie. I write out a list everyday of my life. There are things that HAVE to be done and some things I just like to see get done. Some days the list is all crossed off by the time I got to bed. Other days that list carries over to the next day and the day after that. But I'm doing what I want to be doing and that is chasing my dreams and along side me I have my family.

This could easily be looked at in a different way. Fly by the seat of your pants easily translates into the multi-tasker, which also could be classified as the person who can't keep their attention on one thing at a time. (There is a reason I have 4 jobs.) I find that, as my dad says, I like to put out fires. The moment I sit down to tackle a task there is something else that could use my attention. By the end of the day I have efficiently started a million different projects, but my mind won't focus on one long enough to finish it all the way through.

I once went to a Life Coach to learn to achieve the goals I'd set out to achieve. I wanted to know how people did this. Step one: write out your goals. Well I'm great at that. Step two: make a plan. Another list! I can do this. Step three: focus on one step at a time. Well Crap!

Each week she would give me a "homework" assignment. I was able to do this, but when I'd go back to her and tell her I'd made all my contacts for the week and I'd scheduled all the meetings I'd needed and while I did that I typed up a proposal and I cleaned my house while on a phone call... she quickly realized I can't function the way I wanted to. I needed to function like I liked to make myself happy.

Hmmmm... so I'm a multi-tasker flying by the seat of my pants. I'm a hair stylist with a clientele I fit in between my many other jobs. I'm the mother of five active kids who forever need me in 5 different places at 5 different times. I'm a publisher who has, at any given time, five manuscripts, five authors, and a multitude of emails and edits to attend to. I'm a writer with a list of twenty-six story ideas, of which twelve have been penned, to attend to. Not to mention the edits my editor sent me last week and the publicity I'm doing for the current books I have out. Then there is they paying job I try to attend to each day at my family's business. My husband would like to have a few moments of my time as well, (sadly I push him aside more than most.) And I have a 2nd degree black belt I'm training for that needs my attention to.

Okay... writing it all out just made me tired!

In every day there is a part of that to do list that gets crossed off because its just not important. Some days, those edits are set aside to accommodate another author's dream because I know how it feels to get that first book out. Some days it's to color my mother's hair and spend an hour with her. There are times karate is side tracked so I can spend a moment at home with my kids. And every once in awhile my office hours are canceled so I can lay in bed with my hubby and watch an NCIS marathon.

Yep... I fly by the seat of my pants. And sometimes they rip. But sometimes they swing me in just the right direction of where I need to go, even if I don't know it.

Happy Swinging by the Seat of Your Pants!
Bernadette Marie

Interview with author Carmen DeSousa

2011-11-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

Today I am very excited to have Carmen DeSousa with me! This up and comer is full of ideas and the stories just keep getting better. Her first book, She Belongs to Me, will release in December 2011 from 5 Prince Publishing. So let's get to know this fabulous author.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I love the opportunity to share myexperiences and situations that I have lived through in stories that people canrelate to in their own life.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Pantser. I typically have only myhook before I start. I envision an idea for a story and just start typing. Iwill write a chapter in the morning, edit my writing the same evening, and thenthe characters come alive when I close my eyes and act out where the story willgo.

Why do you think people should choose your books overanother author?

My stories only lack one element—they'renot vulgar. I fill my novels with romance, thrills, and suspense without usingvulgar language and explicit scenes as filler.

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

Though tragedy is a part of life,you can overcome your circumstances with a belief in God and a soul-mate whowill stand beside you no matter what.

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

I have lived a tragic, but thankfullife. As much pain as I have endured, I realize that if I hadn't lived through everythingI did, I wouldn't be where I am. And today, I have a wonderful, supportivehusband of twenty-two years and two perfect sons.

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

There are so many, I wouldn't knowwhere to begin. My family instilled of love of reading in me since I couldread. On average, I read about two books a week. My favorites though are SidneySheldon, Nicholas Sparks, Iris Johansen, Jaime Rush, Heather Graham, and ofcourse Bernadette Marie.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

I am a Florida native but havealso lived in North Carolina for ten years. When I am not writing my ownnovels, I proofread for a couple of publishers and many authors. Though I havewrote short stories my entire life, it was only two years ago I decided todedicate my time to writing novels.

Please share with us your future projects and upcomingreleases.

My first novel, She Belongs to Me, will be availableDecember 2011. Please check out the first chapter: http://carmendesousa.blogspot.com/2011/07/sample-she-belongs-to-me.html

Land of the Noonday Sun is complete and will be available spring of 2012

From there, I have many storieswaiting to share with my wonderful readers. I've waited twenty years to sharemy love of the written word and hope that you will be just as excited as I am.

Where can our readers find you online?

http://carmendesousa.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-DeSousa/220790134629206?skip_nax_wizard=true

www.5princebooks.com

Tell us a little more about yourself.

I love writing. As far back as Ican remember I created stories—no, not to my parents—with my best friend. Wewould sit for hours playing with Barbie dolls, creating new adventures with theiconic toy. Then when I was eight, I actually wrote my first story. A horrorstory about gigantic fleas of all things, I guess I had a fear of fleas. Whoknew I’d grow up to be a romantic-suspense writer?

When I was in college, I wrotemy first novella. My professor wanted something that entailed drinking andfishing—he was a huge Hemmingway fan. Well, he sure received a surprise when heread my short story. It did have drinking and fishing, but there was nothingfunny about it. It was sad; it was real life. Luckily, he enjoyed it, evenadmitted I was the first student who ever made him cry and that I hadpotential.

Unfortunately, it just wasn't inmy future at the time. After all, I needed a roof over my head and food on myplate. At seventeen, I was on my own and a career as an author just wasn'tfeasible at that juncture in my life. At that time, if you didn’t live in themecca—aka New York—you didn’t stand a chance, or at least that is what my peersinsisted. So, I set out to conquer the business world, and I did. I spent thelast decade and a half in sales, rising to the top of a Fortune 500 company.

Now fifteen years later, I'mback. And guess what, it's a new world where dreams really do come true. Myfirst novel, She Belongs to Me, will be available December 2011, and fromthere, I have many stories waiting to share with my wonderful readers. I'vewaited twenty years to share my love of the written word and hope that you willbe just as excited as I am.

Please join us on Thursday when Carmen joins us again as our guest blogger.

FRIDAY FREEBIE with Christine Leov Lealand

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's FRIDAY FREEBIES!!! This is always one of the GREAT parts of the week. After Great Interviews, Awesome Guest Blogs, Something insightful from myself, now its time for FREE STUFF! How can you win? Just comment! That's right! Leave a comment (and an email address too please. Don't want to leave that here? You can email me directly at info@bernadettemarie.com) On Saturday morning I will pick a random winner (well I won't, the randomizer will!) And you could win an AWESOME Erotic tale from Christine Leov Leland!

So... without further ado... here is Christine Leov Lealand!

Quintessence: Erotic Adventures of Fantasy and Desireby Christine Leov Lealand

Tiffany and Sam are long term lovers... bored with eachother. Louise longs for a Dominant Mistress - will she ever find the woman shedreams of? Bet longs for her first lover, he is a politician now - dare shecontact him again? Fiona is happily single - then a hippy dude starts givingher flowers – is he crazy?

Awakenyour innermost sexual desires with this remarkable and original novel from NewZealand's foremost author of erotic fiction. Every kind of sensual, erotic andlesbian bdsm fantasy is available in this in your face, orgasm a pagenovel.
Make sure you have your sexual partner of choice nearby as you delve into thedelights of this delicious sexual adventure which proves that while New Zealandmay not have a reputation for sexuality like France... this island land hashidden talents which are well worth exploring.

Yoursexual partner will reap the rewards of your reading in a very physicalway.
Most activities in this novel can be tried at home with delicious results...read it and see...

Purchaselinks: Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LVX6SQ

Mebooks.co.nz :http://mebooks.co.nz/index.php?route=product/product&path=1&product_id=399

Smashwords.com:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/58953

Reviews:- (only some of them)

Reviews - “Voyeurism, cybersex, het-sex, lesbian and gaysex, cross-dressing, shower-sex, bondage and discipline, baby powder sex,custard square sex, dripping, throbbing licking sex. If you secretly harbor anyof these fantasies then this book could be for you.” Wanganui Chronicle

“Christine Leov-Lealand speaks with authority. Her first book Quintessence –sex, sex and more sex. (Apparently more of it lesbian sex than in Avocado) hassold more than 11,000 copies” The Press, Christchurch 2000 (One year afterpublication)

"This book delivers the same steamy style thatHarlequin romance was once famous for. Good sexy scenes wrapped up in adramatic story told from a woman's point of view. I bought this for mygirlfriend and she loved it so much she bought the other 2 novels by thisauthor. Good reading for a plane ride or a sunday afternoon." Amazonreview. http://www.amazon.com/Quintessence-Erotic-Adventures-Fantasy-Desire/dp/0140289690/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_6

Biographicalblurb:- The early part of Christine Leov-Lealand's life was lived on a remoteisland in the South Island of New Zealand. All access was by boat, and only ingood weather. For a precociously intelligent child, reading and writing werethe only brain based activities available. Adult books and encyclopedias wereher daily reading. Christine wrote and sewed her first book around age eight,wrote her first 10,000 word novel at 16. She studied history and classics atuniversity and wrote a biography of potter Barry Brickell.

Discoveredby Penguin NZ Christine wrote a series of three erotic novels:- Quintessence,Avocado and Astride. Published 1999-2001 these best-sellers inprint for 10 years are now available in ebook form through major etailers.

Allare available as illustrated ebooks – or without illustrations at a lowerprice.

Otherpublications available for you to feature are:- Avocado and Astrideby Christine Leov Lealand and Demon's Coven by A J Burton.

Demon'sCoven is a Detective Murder Mystery set in the BDSM scene in NYC.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005PG5RS4it has 4 – five star reviews.

Forthcomingpublications: Christine and co-writer AJ Burton plan to publish AdventureRomance "Atlantea Soulmates" in December 2011,

Bothmy self and AJ are available for author interviews and blogs.

Ourblog addresses are:- http://christineleovlealand-author.blogspot.com/

http://bullprotettoremurdermysteries.blogspot.com/

Guest Blogger Lori Corsentino

2011-11-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to have Lori Cosentino blogging with us today. Lori's debut novel is part of the Finding Ms. Wright anthology, from 5 Prince Publishing, which will launch next week. Welcome back, Lori Corsentino!

As a reader, I always wondered how authors developed theircharacters. In the books I truly enjoyed, the characters seemed to walk of thepage, sit down next to me, and tell me their story. As I read, I would findmyself totally associating and sympathizing with the heroine, and, of course,falling in love with the hero. I would root for both of them to overcomewhatever it was they needed to overcome, and would sigh with relief, andsatisfaction, at the happily ever after.

Wow – seeing it spelled out that way it all seems quitesappy. But I’m a romantic, and that’s what I love. A sappy, happy ending.

Evelyn and Alexander introduced themselves to me atdifferent times during my writing journey. Alexander, I’m going to call himAlex, even though he really dislikes that, was first. He walked right in onemorning and started telling me all about how he was waiting for his love, TheOne, to awaken him. And could I please get a move on, because he had things todo, namely capturing an evil Wizard and stopping an inter-world war.

I got moving!

Evelyn came soon afterwards. I was working with my critiquegroup at the time when she finally noticed I’d been calling for her. She strodeover and immediately introduced herself, saying, “Hello. I’m Evelyn. EvelynWright. But you can call me Evie.” Looking over my shoulder she watched mewrite notes. “What are you doing?” she asked.

And so she was born.

Getting these two together was quite interesting. I had abasic idea of where I wanted to go, and what I wanted to so, and once I put itin motion, they just picked everything up and ran off with it! It’s been quitean interesting ride, with many twists and turns.

I’ve discovered that Evie is a true study of contrasts.She’s hesitant, even suspicious at first, but once she embraces something, shegives it her all. She is strong, independent, and willful, except of coursewhen has a weaker moment and needs to be held and comforted and surrounded bylove. To me, she sounds like a typical woman.

Alex, on the other hand, is strong, steadfast, and true. Heknows exactly what he needs to do, and how he needs to do it. He’s hard workingand not above getting his hands dirty. He’s loyal to his people and not abovedoing whatever it takes to protect those who he considers his, namely Evelynand his two sisters, Annora and Analiese. He’s also regal, arrogant, andhaughty, but what else would you expect from a Prince? So, I supposed in hisown way, he’s also a study of contrasts.

The chemistry between these two began immediately. As soonas Evie set eyes on her Prince, she was enchanted. The story of how he came tobe in the chamber where she found him fascinated her, but she was sick with thethought that maybe she was the one and only person in the world that could helphim. There was such responsibility associated with the whole thing. But he wasjust so hot, and there was much at stake, how could she say no? In true Eviefashion, she pondered and questioned, then made up her mind, took hold of itall, and ran with it.

For Alex, it was love at first sight. She had rescued himfrom the purgatory he’d endured for almost 500 years. How could he not loveher? Being totally attracted to her was just a bonus. He loved everything abouther - her thoughtful periods as well as her manic. He admired her independenceand her strength, and adored her vulnerability and emotions. In true PrinceAlexander fashion, he captures her in a very large net that gives her theillusion of freedom, but keeps her close to him. He always opens the net when shesees it and freaks out, but she never quite leaves it. She’ll walk to theopening, turn and see him waiting for her within the net, and goes back to him.

Now that’s love!

Together, these two can do anything. I hope they touch myreader’s hearts as much as they did mine.

Enjoy!

Lori

Lori CorsentinoLori’s love of reading has transcended to include penning her own tales of romance. She is experimenting with writing in several different genres, including paranormal – a definite favorite. “There is just so much you can do when you step outside the known world,” she explains “and creating a paranormal story allows you to take yourself and your readers anywhere your imagination wants to go!” Her debut novella, Evelyn, will be published as part of the Finding Ms. Wright: Three Tales of Extraordinary Love anthology available from 5 Prince Publishing in November.

Coming November 15th in eBook and November 25 in paperback Finding Ms. Wright: Three Tales of Extraordinary Love

Three men, each on a crucial mission to save their way of life, seek their true soul mates -women who unknowingly hold the key to their very survival.

What Would Nora Do?

2011-11-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

I think many writers fall into this category called Oh-My-God-My-Parents-Are-Going-To-Read-This-Book! You know, you've written this bestseller (because that's what we all write) and you either edit out anything questionable OR you hide it from people you think might look at you with that sideways glance, you know the one.

I am a huge fan of Nora Roberts! Love her! I love that, even though parts of her stories either gross me out, freak me out, or piss me off, she wrote them. They are graphic. They are sensual. They are are emotionally gripping! And I sit back and think, WOW! If I could write like that!

Truth is, I can! The hard part was letting go of that demon inside of me that said "You can't curse or write about sex!"

So I had this discussion with my editor, way back when we were editing my first book. (Which by the way on the scale of 1-Hot...is maybe a 4...maybe.) Do I remove the few curses? Do I elude to everything that happens behind closed doors? Or do I say screw it...and write it? We thought (and even made a sign that said), "What would Nora do?"

Obviously, somewhere Nora has decided to go forth with the "questionable" writing that we all possess inside of us. She put graphic sex or murder on the page. She created villains that scare the hell out of you and sexy men you'd leave your husband for. (Not me. I can't believe I even wrote it...but I know some of you are thinking it.) I don't think it hindered her career any!

So I left it! I had to deal with the few awkward comments at first. "Oh, wow. I couldn't believe my (insert relation) was writing that." "Who taught you that?" "I skipped over those pages." People cuss. People have sex. People make bad decisions. People fall in love and that is all included in life. I like it a little edgy. OK I'm not writing AMAZING stories with erotic details like Megan Hart! I'm not Debbie Macomber with her amazing gift to walk the line between popular and what a woman of faith would write! I have my own voice and I have embraced it! I can write with or without curses, depends on the people. I can even write it without a bedroom scene and its just as good. I just choose (in some stories) not to omit those little gems.

The sign that reads: W.W.N.D. What Would Nora Do has been filed somewhere among old contracts. New contracts have been written along with some very amazing stories (well in my opinion anyway.)

I no longer worry about what "someone" will say about my writing or what I did or did not include. Now I ask myself, What Would Bernadette Do? Well... she'd write the best damn book she possibly could and continue to hope her mother would just skim over those pages and pretend like she didn't write them. But deeply hopes everyone else in the world would read them and enjoy them! :)

Happy Reading (or skimming)
Bernadette Marie!

Interview with Lori Corsentino

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am pleased to have paranormal romance author Lori Corsentino join us. Lori's writing debut is coming up quick! Her novella Evelyn is part of the Finding Ms. Wright anthology from 5 Prince Publishing. So let's dig in. Welcome Lori Corsentino!

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I’m very curious and observant,so being able to do something with all the creative ideas running around in myhead is great fun.

What genre(s) do you write?

Right now I’m working on aparanormal series. I also write historical, romantic suspense and contemporary.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Finishing it! I’ve got two thingsgoing against me and two things going for me. I’ve always had a problemfinishing things, but at the same time I LOVE to be able to check things off ofa check list. I’m a recovering perfectionist that, if I let my inner editorhave her way, would tweak Chapter 1 forever, but I’m learning to push throughto the end and that perfectionism is highly overrated and kills the soul.

So in a round-about way, I’mfinding my writing stride. Hopefully the hardest things about writing the nextone will be COMPLETELY different!

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a combo of the two. I like tocall it a Planter. I need some outline and structure to flesh out, but too manyrules and hard core plotting kills my muse, and lets out the evil innereditor...

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

The same sense of fun, excitementand wonder that I had when I was writing it. Also, a strong desire to find moreof my books! : )

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

That there can be a truepartnership in a relationship, even with an Alpha male! Also that it’s OK to bea strong woman. Men secretly dig strong women. : )

How long have you been a writer?

I’ve been doing writing in oneform or another most of my life. I’ve done journaling since I was in juniorhigh, and dabbled in some poetry in high school. Shortly after college I triedto co-author a book with a friend. We never did finish it (see what I meanabout finishing stuff?). I’ve been fiddling with writing novels for the last 10years. I joined my local chapter of RWA about 3 years ago to see if I had whatit takes. I’m still here, and I’ve been writing pretty seriously for the lastyear.

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

Well, as I mentioned I’ve starteda lot of books but never finished them. I completed my first novella, FireSeason, last year at Halloween. Evelyn is my second novella. I started writingher story in June of this year.

What other careers have you had?

I was a Secretary once long ago,and have been a Technical Writer specializing in User Guides and Online Helpsystems for software development for the last 15 years. You know, just youraverage everyday geek stuff.

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

Nope – just the one name forright now. I mean isn’t Lori Corsentino just a great name for a romancenovelist? If I branch out into something completely different I’ll likely takeon a pen name.

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

Of course they are! But, Iwouldn’t say that any one person could ever recognize themselves in one of mycharacters. I take different traits from the many people I know and combinethem to make my characters. I guess you could say I’m my own Dr. Frankensteinwhen it comes to characterization!

What books or authors have most influenced your life?

Linda Howard has absolutelyinfluenced me. I love her work. She introduced me to the Romantic Suspensegenre – which is one of my favorites. I’ve fallen in love with more of herheroes that I probably should. She does such a great job. Nora Roberts is alsoa great influence. She broke so many stereotypes and barriers for romanceauthors. I’d love to be called the “Next Nora Roberts.”

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

My family and friends are allvery excited and supportive. I have several female work friends that arelooking forward to the release date. I also have more than a couple male workcolleagues that are also excited about the release of this book. It does giveme just the slightest pause knowing that these guys are going to be reading mynovella. I just hope they don’t do it in the lunch room!!!

Where are you from?

I’m a Coloradonative, born and raised in Denver.I love to travel but Denverwill always be home to me.

How do you come up with the titles?

That’s a really good question!Most of my work starts out as “Untitled” with a date. It’s usually when I’vebeen working on it for a while that a title will come to me – and it usuallycomes out of the blue! Evelyn was a bit easier because I was collaborating withmy fellow authors M.L. Guida and Hillary Seidl – we came up with a title almostfrom the very start.

Has your life changed significantly since becoming apublished writer?

Not yet! Someday I want to beable to bury my toes in the sand on some tropical beach as I type my newbestseller into my laptop.

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

I’m definitely a multi-tasker! Iget bored and rebellious if I’m forced to deal with one thing at a time for toolong a period. If I can have a little something on the side, it helps me tokeep my focus. I guess I need to have a little “affair” to keep my main writingtasks on track!

When not writing, how do you relax?

I love to read, of course. I alsoenjoy making jewelry, specifically working with metal, semi-precious stones,and minerals. It’s just something about working with my hands and my rightbrain side to create a tangible thing of beauty that really appeals to me. Ialso dabble in digital photography.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

1) I’m a reforming pack rat. Itstough, because it’s in the blood – on my mothers side!

2) I’m a rock-hound! I have arock collection that, which not overly impressive, is kind of cool. I mean howmany people do you know has a hunk of volcanic obsidian as big as your fist, achunk of lava from a volcano in Hawaii, and a nice piece of specular hematite?

3) I’m a night person. I get thatfrom my mother’s side as well! My Dad used to tease me that I was part vampire.

4) I’ve seen the Grand Canyon twice. Both times were from the air, andboth times were at sunset. Some day, I’ll see the Grand Canyon from the ground and maybe stay a couple days to make sure Iget enough pictures! : )

5) I love looking at the worldthrough the lens of a camera. It gives you a completely different point ofview. I really should get a camera that takes great night shots. That’ll gogreat with my nocturnal tendencies!

Lori, what else are you working on?

I’m currently working on anotherparanormal – the sequel to Evelyn titled, “And the Fairest of Them All.” It’s afull length tale featuring Annora, Alexander’s sister. I’ve also got another inthe same series planned for Analiese, Alexander’s youngest sister. That willnicely round out a trilogy. I do love writing a series!

I can be found on facebook at LoriCorsentino and twitter at loricorsentino.

My website is www.loricorsentino.com

Here’s an excerpt. It’s a littlemore than 400 words – hope that’s OK! :)

Evie set her jaw and crossed her arms in adefensive gesture before looking at Reginald to gauge his sincerity. What shefound there told her he was serious.

The very thought of kissing Mr. Hottie Princefascinated her, but it wasn’t exactly something she was prepared to do. Shelooked back at Reginald. “What if I’m not The One?”

“Then nothing will happen.”

“But what if I am The One?” Sweat broke out on herbrow and upper lip. The very thought of having that much responsibilityquickened her breath, so much so she began to get light headed. She wasfreaking out.

“Then my Prince will awaken.”

Through her frantic haze, Evie saw there might besomething there. If the Prince awoke...he could send her back home. EvenReginald said that. She could get out of this place and return to familiarityand safety of her own home. While her life was anything but fascinating, it washers and she wanted to go back to it. It was all fine and well to visit otherplaces, even crazy-ass places like this, but there was no place like home.

“And I just have to kiss him?” She might be ableto do this. Kiss him, get him awake, and go home.

She’d already determined he wasn’t dead so itdidn’t really creep her out too much anymore. It was as if he’d been on a majorbender and now was sleeping really hard.

The benefits seemed to outweigh the risks. Evieshrugged and then relaxed her shoulders as she gave in. “If I kiss him and hewakes up, he can he send me home, right?” The desire to get the hell away fromthis whacked out wonderland gave her encouragement.

“My Prince does have that power.”

Evie frowned. Best case scenario was she wouldkiss him, he would awaken, and she’d be on her way home. Worse case would beshe would take advantage of an unconscious man and kiss his mouth, and perhapslinger a bit to nibble on that full bottom lip. Evie eyed his mouth, unable totear her gaze away. It seemed to beckon her, begging for the touch of her lips.

Evie dragged her teeth along her own to keep thetemptation at bay. It was too perfect.

“OK – I’m game.” Evie nodded. “How long before weknow?”

“I am sorry Madame,” Reginald shook his head. “Iam a simple Aide-de-Camp. I do not know.”

“Well,” Evie acted before she lost her resolve.“Let’s give it a shot.”

Friday Freebie 11/4/11

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

It's FRIDAY FREEBIE time again!

This week we have an erotic story for you by Piper Denna! This story could be all yours for FREE! All you have to do is leave a comment below and either leave your email address there or send it to info@bernadettemarie.com. I will announce the winner on Saturday morning and Piper will contact you with your prize! It couldn't be more simple!

A Fireman for Christmas
Every fireman knows thevalue of a controlled burn...

One more Christmas lusting after her olderbrother’s best friend? Timi might lose her mind. Fed up with family holidays,she rents a cabin for one, planning a Christmas escape her drawings. But afternumerous sketches turn out to be her rendition of Clay in the Hottest FiremenCalendar poster, she realizes location is just a technicality.

Fireman Clay can’t imagine spending Christmaswithout Timi around to ogle. Hearing she’s holed up in a lovers’ retreat, hecan’t resist seeking her out. This year, he’s determined to start a fire andclaim the gift he’s always wanted.

http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/fireman.htm

http://www.amazon.com/A-Fireman-for-Christmas-ebook/dp/B005IYG76O/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320030150&sr=1-2

Romance is sexy. And often funny, and sometimestangled up with suspense. Let’s face it: all sorts of things get mixed up withromance in real life.

PiperDenna’s stories are not cut-and-dried romance. She wants her characters to dealwith issues female readers can relate to: independence and trust, empowerment,inhibitions, an unfaithful partner, motherhood. Sometimes her characters makemistakes and often her “bad guys” are not 100% bad. Mostly she wants to takethe reader on an emotional journey to a happy ending (with a few enviablesexual encounters along the way!).

When she’snot writing, she edits, raises two teens, along with her husband, and has anevil day job.

She enjoysbooks (or movies) with a comedic twist and hopefully a love story, too.

Sexiestparts of a man in Piper’s opinion? The hands and eyes. Shoulders are nice too,and of course, great pecs are never amiss…

Visit Piper’s website at: www.piperdenna.com

And her blog at: http://piperpatter.blogspot.com

Keeping it Short and Sweet, Guest Blogger Suzie Grant

2011-11-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

Please welcome Suzie Grant, our guest blogger today!

Who would haveimagined that I’d like them short? Novels, I mean. More like novellas, if youwant to get technical about it. But I do.

When I was askedto join in the Regency Christmas anthology I had two things going against me.One: I had never written a Regency before (nor had I read many either), and I’dnever written anything under 80,000 words before in my life. Now, one problemis rather easy to overcome. It’s called research, and luckily I love it. But Isolved that by taking what I already knew, which was ships, and added what Ididn’t, which was the Regency era.

It worked outpretty well since I knew a thing or two about smugglers and ships already.

Now my secondproblem was length. I had never imagined writing anything twenty thousand wordsor less before. Now I had to. I’m a plotter and planner. Normally I have threescenes per chapter at about twenty chapters per book. That comes out to aboutsixty scenes. Now I had to literally cut that in half and make it make sense.Not so easy to do.

So I wrote abouttwo scenes per chapter with ten chapters which equals twenty scenes atapproximately one thousand words a piece. And they didn’t all come out quitethat length, but somehow I made it all fit.

The importantthing about novellas is making every scene count. Everything must have apurpose for being there otherwise you should cut it because you don’t have timeto dawdle on nonsensical things inside a novella. You must reveal solidcharacters with a solid relationship, and go through the entire relationship asif you would in a novel and do it in half the time. And if you’re like me, youmust create an intricate plot because I know no other way to tell a story. Myplot was quite complicated, and I needed it to be very fast paced becausethat’s my style. Keeping my voice wasvery important to me. When Ava Stone suggested I write about Regency seacaptain in order to keep my action-packed style of writing. I knew I may havejust found my new niche.

Keeping thescenes shorter meant less back story and more forward action. So any back storywas kept to dialogue between the characters, which is really how it should behandled anyway.

I also needed togo through the steps of falling in love quicker, but be able to show time hadgone by during the story. In the beginning of the story you meet our charactersin a Barbados jungle swamped with heat and bad guys. By the end of the story,they arrive in England on Christmas Eve after more than fifty days at sea.Being able to show time had passed needed to be kept to just a few sentences.So I had to build my world as they were moving in it. It was much moredifficult than I had imagined it, because I do love to world build. Here’s anexample from the story:

Anicy breeze snaked through the rigging of LaObsidiana as she docked in Scarborough on Christmas Eve. After Blythe’slast attack, they’d repaired the damage without docking somewhere and made goodtime. Jewel clutched Rand’s overcoat closer together to ward off England’swinter chill. The dark material swallowed her amongst its massive folds as sheand Rand made their way down the docks towards town.

Snow dusted theground in soft patches and lingered on the roof’s of quant little shops. Earlymorning washed the wharves in pink dew, and a hazy mist hung over the port likea shroud, dampening the already chill air.

See here, injust a few lines you see that the chill of winter had set in, the temperaturehad dropped, and time had passed. And the best part is they’re still movingforward, which in turn means the story doesn’t slow down just for me todescribe my scenery. You won’t get pages upon pages of descriptive sentencesfrom my stories. Instead you’ll get tiny patches here and there that build thesuspense while it’s enhancing the story line, which helps move the novellaforward and keeps the pacing tight and fast.

While I’d loveto tackle a Regency set in London, England. I know that number one, I am notprepared enough to do so and number two, the Regency reader is a rare readerwho really knows her stuff. So you can’t fool them. So I will wait to make suchan attempt, and when I do be sure to hang on to your caps and bonnets, becauseit’ll be one heck of a ride.

Now that theRegency Christmas anthology is out, I hope you enjoy my first attempt at a Regencyas well as my first attempt at a novella. It was quite fun and right up myalley. I’m looking at writing another set of novellas in 2012, as well as a Regencyseries called The Exiled Lords. Ihope you’ll join me then.

Be sure to leavea comment with an email address, and check out my website here to see how youwill be eligible to win a Kindle, as well many other surprises. http://www.suziegrantauthor.com/p/news.html

And feel free tosurf around while you’re there. You’ll find the links to the other twelveauthors who joined me in writing the Christmas Anthology. Thanks for joining metoday while I discussed how I overcame writing a novella for the first time.And perhaps you’ll join me soon for another adventure while I take life andhappily-ever-after by the horns.

A CaribbeanJewel for Christmas

Blackmailedby a British Naval Commander, Captain Randall Whitton, a smuggler with apenchant for gold is rescued by Jewel Derington, a feisty plantation owner andthe very woman who betrayed him in the jungles of Barbados. Escaping danger hasnever been so thrilling. Together they are drawn into a political game ofwinner takes all from which only his grandfather, the Duke of Danby, can rescuethem.

Fascinated by the glitter of his Caribbean Jewel, Randall's lust for gold soonfades. His quest to tame this fiery treasure catapults them both into anadventure where the stakes are higher and the prize greater than either of themhave ever dared dream.

Excerpt:

Barbados

Fall 1812

Smuggling had its disadvantages,especially inside a tavern full of British soldiers. The crackle of the firefilled the silence. Captain Randall Whitton eased back in his seat as theproprietress filled his tankard. He nodded his thanks and returned his gaze tothe man seated across from him.

Unease snaked its way up Rand’s spine.This prearranged meeting hadn’t gone quite as planned. First, had he known hewould be meeting in a tavern filled with British officers, he would have nevercome. And secondly, had he known it was a British commander who’d requested hispresence, he would have run like hell in the opposite direction.

Commander Blythe studied him throughdark blue eyes narrowed in the dim light. “Would you care for anything to eat,Captain? It’s on me.”

Glass clinked in the establishment and asoft drone of voices carried through the public house. They were the only twopeople in the upper balcony of the tavern, but it didn’t alleviate Rand’sanxiety in the least. He shook his head. “No, thank you. Why don’t we set asideall pretenses, Commander? I find I’m rather curious about your reasons behindthe invitation.”

The slightest smile brushed thecommander’s features. “Indeed.” Silence descended once again as the man slicedthrough his mutton chops. “I hope you’re comfortable. I would hate to thinkI’ve not made you feel welcome.”

Rand glanced over his shoulder at theonly visible exit in the main hall. Comfortable?Indeed, like a mouse being pawed by a cat.

The clatter of dishes brought Rand tohis feet and a hand on his Rigby flintlock pistol. When all eyes turned in hisdirection, Rand cleared his throat and reseated himself with a muffled apology.“I must confess to being on a schedule and I’m anxious to get on with my errands.”

The commander smiled. “Understandable.This was a rather spontaneous meeting. I do hope you’ll forgive me. After all,we’ll both profit from this encounter, or at least that’s my wish.”

“Excellent, what can I help you with?”

The uniformed soldiers resumed theirprevious endeavors one-by-one, and the normal drone of voices continued. Randleaned back in his seat and sweat trickled down his temple.

Reputationcolored him a criminal and being in a roomful of “His Majesty’s finest” madeRand extremely nervous.

ABOUT SUZIE:

Suzie still believes in happily-ever-after and after growing up reading classic adventure literature like Treasure Isle, Gone with the wind and watching classic westerns like Gunsmoke, Lonesome Dove, and Bonanza Suzie knew what she wanted to do with her life. She brings the action of thrillers to historical romance with steamy love scenes and a pace that will leave you breathless!

From Castles to cowboys there's something thrilling on every page. Take a deep breath and join Suzie on a journey as she takes happily-ever-after by the horns!

During her rocky teenage years writing became an emotional outlet for her and it wasn’t until she had married and had children that writing as a profession became an option.

After a very long divorce she again finds herself climbing that rocky path of life and has learned to live by a single quote: “Obstacles are placed in our path to determine whether we really wanted something, or just thought we did.” By Dr. Harold Smith.

Suzie looks forward to each new obstacle.

She lives happily ever after with her new beau, three boys and one little Shitzhu named Peppy Le’Pew in NC. One day she plans to retire and sail along the east coast an adventurer to the end.

To find out more about Suzie Grant please check out these links:

http://www.suziegrantauthor.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Suzie_Grant

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzie-Grant/219763604703730

Here is a little about what Suzie Grant is working on now.

To be released November 1^st 2011 A Summons from the Castle

A Regency Christmas anthology by twelve different authors.

The powerful Duke of Danby summons all of his wayward grandchildren home for the holiday

Are you in one of my books?

2011-11-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

I was very careful the first time I wrote a book not to include anyone in it. There were no common names. No likenesses or characteristics either. I have to say... I didn't know those characters at all.

It wasn't until the third book of my first trilogy that I added a bit and laughed until I cried. Dear Trevor drinks down a bottle of water and chucks the empty bottle into the back seat of his car. I thought I was going to die from the hysterics of this. Yes, this is my husband! But what was even funnier was the moment I mentioned it people began saying, "what have you seen my car?" This was that little bit that made Trevor human and people related to him.

So it began... can you find yourself in one of my books? I suppose the funnier part is mutual friends might see you there, but you wont. Then I know I've done my job well. His eyes dart around the room as she's holding a conversation with him. Experiences make the atmosphere jump out at the reader. "What-are-you-doing? Get-the-puck!" If you close your eyes and imagine cinder block walls and the cold of an ice rink mixed with sweat and adrenaline, you might understand what my weekends smell like.

I have the occasional name being dropped cousin Anne. There are quirks I wish I had of my own, she thought as she ran another three miles through town. But no matter what I began to add, my characters became more real.

I have a best friend. Her name is Carrie. I have been able to build from that beautiful 34 year old relationship between her and I and our families for so many of my characters. I am married to my soul mate who would stand next to me no mater what scars I bare. I have children that would take care of me if I were sick. I have a wonderful mother, father, and sister in which I can draw from when I need strong family traits, and yes... I have a few crazy relatives which makes writing the quirky parts about families easy too.

Now, as I sit here thinking about the characters in my books, I can tell you where every trait came from. I'm a big advocate about writing where you know, well I believe you should write who you know as well. Perhaps I won't point fingers at the bad habit I put on page 147, but I'm sure someone made me think about it.

If you ask to be in my book you'd better be very specific as to "whom" you want to be. I do have a black belt in karate and I'm not afraid to use it on your character if I see fit.

Observing the world this way, seeing every detail in every person, has opened my eyes. To be honest I think I'm a much better person. In fact, I think I tolerate everyone more. Maybe it's because I can kill you off in my next novel, or maybe you are just a character.

So, I wonder which traits I'll add to my next new WIP Never Saw it Coming about the Goth and the Geek. Hmmm, now how far do I need to search for the Geek? Not far. I only have to go climb into bed with him and decide how I will incorporate all that perfectness into my next hero.

Happy Reading (and observing)
Bernadette Marie

Interview with Suzie Grant

2011-11-01T09:42:00.000-06:00

It's Tuesday! That means I am interviewing here on the Warrior Princess Romance Writer Blog! Today I have the pleasure of interviewing romance author Suzie Grant.

Suzie still believes in happily-ever-after and aftergrowing up reading classic adventure literature like Treasure Isle, Gone withthe wind and watching classic westerns like Gunsmoke, Lonesome Dove, andBonanza Suzie knew what she wanted to do with her life. She brings the actionof thrillers to historical romance with steamy love scenes and a pace that willleave you breathless!

From Castles to cowboys there's something thrilling onevery page. Take a deep breath and join Suzie on a journey as she takeshappily-ever-after by the horns!

During her rocky teenage years writing became an emotionaloutlet for her and it wasn’t until she had married and had children thatwriting as a profession became an option.

After a very long divorce she again finds herself climbingthat rocky path of life and has learned to live by a single quote: “Obstaclesare placed in our path to determine whether we really wanted something, or justthought we did.” By Dr. Harold Smith.

Suzie looks forward to each new obstacle.

She lives happily ever after with her new beau, three boysand one little Shitzhu named Peppy Le’Pew in NC. One day she plans to retireand sail along the east coast an adventurer to the end.

What genre(s) do you write?

I write historical romance inevery era. I love history and I truly believe some of life’s greatest teachingscame from our past.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a solid plotter. I havea dry erase board, index cards, a basic outline and tons of character sheets.And if something isn’t working I’ve been known to rewrite my outline fromscratch. I love plotting though. It’s one of the things that give me pleasurewhereas most authors claim to hate it.

Why do you think people should choose your books overanother author?

If you’re looking for a little romantic adventure then look nomore. Think Romancing the Stone meets Pirate’s of the Caribbean. I write fast-pacedhistorical adventures where two characters who wouldn’t normally get togetherfall together in the most unlikely of circumstances.

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

I hope it makes you smile, sit up straight in your seatanticipating what comes next, laugh a little and maybe cry a few tears. I hopethat you walk away and think that was a wonderful afternoon getaway. After all,isn’t that what a book is supposed to do? Take us to another time and place?

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

There are probably several. In the Devil’s Daughter there is a veryclear message that says “don’t judge a book by its cover.” In the Wrong Kind ofParadise there is a subtle message that says we can’t always choose who we fallin love with. In my newest anthology A Summons from the Castle where Icollaborated with eleven other authors, there’s a message that family isforever. The anthology is due out today as a matter of fact so please feel freeto check it out.

How long have you been a writer?

I’ve been writing off andon for about nineteen years now. Seriously over the last five.

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.

I’m amother of three boys ages 19, 15 and 4.

I am an action/ adventure junkie.

I’m agamer girl and have been one since before the term was popular.

I can’t cookworth a crap.

Lastly, my husband says I have a hundred different laughs andnone of them are the same.

Be sure to leave a comment with an email address, and checkout my website here to see how you will be eligible to win a Kindle, as wellmany other surprises. http://www.suziegrantauthor.com/p/news.html

To find out more about Suzie Grant please check out these links:

http://www.suziegrantauthor.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Suzie_Grant

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzie-Grant/219763604703730

Here is a little about what Suzie Grant is working on now.

To be released November 1^st 2011 A Summons fromthe Castle

A Regency Christmas anthology by twelve different authors.

Thepowerful Duke of Danby summons all of his wayward grandchildren home for theholidays.

A Caribbean Jewel for Christmas

Blackmailedby a British Naval Commander, Captain Randall Whitton, a smuggler with a penchantfor gold is rescued by Jewel Derington, a feisty plantation owner and the verywoman who betrayed him in the jungles of Barbados. Escaping danger has neverbeen so thrilling. Together they are drawn into a political game of winnertakes all from which only his grandfather, the Duke of Danby, can rescue them.

Fascinated by the glitter of his Caribbean Jewel, Randall's lust for gold soonfades. His quest to tame this fiery treasure catapults them both into anadventure where the stakes are higher and the prize greater than either of themhave ever dared dream.

Here's an expert! Enjoy!

“Forgive me forbeing abrupt, but I’m a busy man. Why don’t we dispense with the pleasantriesand come to the reason you’re in my cabin alone in the middle of the evening.”

“I have aproposition for you, Captain. One I’m certain you won’t refuse.”

“It’d better beone hell of an offer.”

The woman laughed.“Trust me, I know exactly what it takes to persuade a man like you.”

He lifted a singlebrow. “Indeed?” How did she know him? Caution held his tongue from revealinganything more.

“We already have adeal, Captain. I’m just here to make it a little sweeter.”

Sweeter? The temptation in those fewwords whispered in his ear. A rush of desire for a woman he couldn’t seecoursed through him at the invitation in her tone. Blood surged through hisveins and awareness crashed over him.

She materializedout of the shadows. His heart came to a sudden halt and then resumed at athundering pace. The woman eased toward the desk and slid onto its surfacebefore him, mere inches away, and caused his heart to flutter wildly.

Dark, chocolatehair spilled over one shoulder under a black beaver felt D’orsay hat. Hercut-away coat had a high collar, and the linen white shirt was fashionablywrapped with a cravat. The tight fitted waistcoat revealed a shapely form. Theshock of seeing a woman in men’s fashion left him slightly speechless.

Not even theshadows could dim the brilliance of her eyes. They were light colored andpowerful—even in the darkness.

She grinned. “Imust congratulate you on the many successful runs you’ve had. I must say I’venever worked with a more meticulous captain before. You’re a man after my ownheart.”

Stunned silencefollowed until he could manage to swallow and respond. “I’m not quite followingyou...and frankly I find this vague conversation more than a little annoying.Perhaps you should be more forthright.”

Silence descendedfor mere seconds and a slow smile crept across her face. “You sealed a dealwith my solicitor earlier this morning. You’re smuggling my sugar cane intoSouth Hampton by December, and I’ve already paid you for it. Now, I’m here tooffer you even more money than we previously agreed upon. What do you say? Doyou think you’re up for a little challenge?”

November is going to be EXCITING!

2011-10-31T21:57:00.000-06:00

As we take our first step into November in the morning I have a GREAT interview with romance author Suzie Grant, who will also be our guest blogger on Thursday! Make sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a new Kindle!

Next week (11-8 and 11-10) I welcome Lori Corsentino, paranormal romance author with her anthology Finding Ms. Wright launching this month from 5 Prince Publishing.

Carmen DeSousa, romantic suspense author with 5 Prince Publishing, will join me on 11-15 and 11-17.

Also join me every Friday for Friday Freebie! Leave a comment and you could win a new book!

Join me Thanksgiving week for a whole lot of thanks! We will be giving away books and telling stories of thanks! You don't want to miss it!

As always, please stop by on Wednesdays to see what I'm talking about this week. This week it's the overachiever in me discussing why I'm that way and it works for me.

I hope to see you around!

Happy Reading!
Bernadette Marie

Welcome to FRIDAY FREEBIES!

2011-10-27T22:41:00.000-06:00

Want to win a book? Here's how you do it!
First, you must follow my blog. It's easy. Go to the button that says join this blog! You must be in the follower list to win the prize.

Second, please leave a comment for us. You can leave a random comment. Just say hello. Or let me know what you think about the topics I have posted on my blog.

Saturday morning we will post the random winner of the eBook that is being offered!

What could be more simple?

So... with great pleasure I introduce our contributing author for the day.
Autumn Piper!

LONE STAR TROUBLE

One hot cowboy plus one tough rancher-girl adds up totrouble!

Kiersten Day holds a grudge against all things Texan,especially cattle baron CJ Howell, with his hubcap-sized belt buckle and tackywhite hat. He’s set his sights on her tiny Colorado ranch, and he’s a master ofdirty tactics, slinging threats to make her sell out.

Caught in the fight of her life, Kiersten meets Cleve, atall, handsome good guy. Too late, she finds out he’s Howell’s son. She mightbe pregnant, she doesn’t know who to trust, and danger is closing in. She’shead over heels -- and kicking herself!

Content warning, a hot cowboy, dirty tactics and lots oflone star trouble.

Follow Autumn Piper!

website: www.autumnpiper.com

Facebook: autumnpiper.author

Twitter: AutumnPiperAuth

The winner of today's Friday Freebie may choose from the following formats. EPUB, PDF, and .lit and.prc

We will contact the winner with information on obtaining their book. But remember you must follow my blog to win :)

Guest blog by Kathleen S. Allen

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks for asking me to do a guest blog about the writingprocess. My latest book release, IF IT’S MONDAY, IT MUST BE MURDER! is available from Gypsy Shadow Publishing.

IFIT’S MONDAY, IT MUST BE MURDER!

Murder mystery from Gypsy Shadow Publishing!

Mel, a former copshot in the back now lives in constant pain. When her best friend's daughter ismissing, Mel is asked to help find her. When the girl is found dead at the bottomof a tall building, the cops believe she jumped. Did she? Or was it murder?

http://animoto.com/play/BqOWt9Xj1HYrSOoOWGAsOw

http://www.gypsyshadow.com/KathleenAllen.html#Monday

http://www.amazon.com/Its-Monday-Must-Murder-ebook/dp/B005PFTW8Q/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317139464&sr=1-8

Able to “sign” it on www.kindlegraph.com

Released on 9-25-22

I wanted to write about the writing process. I know thatsome of you who are writers or who want to be writers may be wondering how toget started writing. The answer is simple: Write. Many people talk about whatthey want to write about or talk about wanting to be a writer but few actuallydo it. Take ten minutes out of your day and start writing. If you can’t thinkof anything to write about do a stream-of-consciousness writing, this is whereyou write down anything that comes to your mind without thinking. Or try yourhand at fan fiction first. Write an episode of your favourite TV show or writea story about your favourite fictional or TV character. Above all, write. Afteryou finish writing, show your work to someone you trust who will give youhonest feedback (not your cat) about what needs to be done to improve it. Manywriters take a creative writing class for this purpose. Find a critique groupeither online or in person and workshop your ideas/words. When I first startedwriting I wanted to write Young Adult but I couldn’t find a critique group inmy area, so I started one. At first there were only two of us but eventually wegrew to be six, which is a good size for a critique group. The six of us metonce a week and workshopped one story from a member. It helped me to develop myfirst novel, WITCH HUNTER.

Here is my process:

Step 1: Ideas: Where Do They Come From?

Sometimes ideas fly into your brain with no consciousthought process behind them and others need a little nudging. I keep an ideafile with snatches of conversation, pictures I like, news stories that interestme, whatever catches my attention at that moment. If I am stuck for an idea, Igo to the file for inspiration. I did this much more at the beginning but Istill have it as a back up if I need it.

Step 2: Marinate Your Idea (not your chicken, although youcan do that, too)

This step can take days, weeks or months to happen. Once Ihave an idea, I let it sit before I start writing. I may write down the ideaespecially if I am working on something else but I don’t start it just yet. Howdo I know when an idea is an actual story? Yeah, beats me.

Step 3: Writing the First Draft

Once I decide to write my story, I write it in a fewdays/weeks. I don’t worry too much about timelines/scenes or word count. I getthe story down, it has a beginning, middle and end. Once the first draft isdone, again I let it sit before revising/editing. This is assuming it is aviable story, if it isn’t I start over.

Step 4: First Edit

I read through the first draft with a critical eye, does thestory make sense? Do the characters? I look at plot first then I look at eachscene or chapter individually. If it makes sense then I do a line-by-line editto correct grammar, take out passive words like was, were, have, had; look atnumber of times I used a certain word and try to find others that best fit thescene. I also look at dialogue making sure it’s how people talk. I look at eachchapter and ask myself: “Is this needed here? Or is it fluff?” I also make surethe beginning chapter is where I want the story to begin.

Step 5: Second Edit

This edit is done more in depth. Here is where I make surethe Point-of-View (POV) is consistent throughout along with the setting. I cutout any clichés unless it’s a character trait to use them and make sure I amnot using too many adverbs.

Step 6: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

This step is where I can get sick of looking at the story.And I may set it aside for a few days before tackling it again. I usually takeone item and go through for example just looking at the main character, or justlooking at setting. To me this is the most grueling step.

Step 7: Final Edit

In this edit I go through the story again trying to read itwith fresh eyes, I will often use a different font/size. I use a narrativevoice on my computer to listen to the story (I use Natural Reader but there areothers out there). I do tend to edit online but I know some writers prefer toprint out the pages before editing.

At this point I send the first few chapters to beta readers.Once I get the story back I will edit again (if I need to). The one consistentcomment I used to get from my beta readers is that my readers have troubleconnecting to my main character (MC), so now when I write I am aware of mytendency to “hold back” and not let the reader see the emotions driving my MC.

Step 8: The Finish Line

After I finish the final edit (I say that in my head thatthis is the final one but it rarely is, LOL) I read it through again. By nowthe story should be concise, clean, and ready to go. If not, I start over!

So, there you have it. Some writers prefer to do a detailedplot line, storyboard or outline. I prefer not to work with an outline until theend when I plot it all out from beginning to end.

Be sure to check out the rest of my books onAmazon/Kindle/Nook/Smashwords. Feel free to follow me on Twitter and Facebookpage and be sure to check out my website, it has the latest book news.

Take care,

Kathleen A.

Find Kathleen on Twitter: @kathleea

Website: www.gaelicfairie.webs.com

Email: gaelicfairie@gmail.com

Facebook: Witch Hunter https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Witch-Hunter/142372955812353

Guest blogger every Wednesday on www.downtownya.blogspot.com