Sonia Stanizzo's Blog, page 2

10 Questions with JL Peridot

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JL Peridot is an erotic romance writer and she’s visiting today to answer 10 Questions about writing, research and writers she’d love to work with. Check out her book, The Only Question that Matters.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I wanted to be a lot of things, growing up! A pilot, a bartender, a pilot, a military lawyer, a secret agent—basically, if Tom Cruise played it in a movie, I wanted to do it. But instead, I spent over a decade designing websites, while a tiny, tucked-away childhood dream of writing gradually took over.

2. How many books have you written?

Five already published since I started in 2017. I’m envious of authors who can churn out a new book every month with several projects on the go. When my head’s in a story, it’s very much in the story to the point where I have to watch I don’t get cabin fever. I need a lot of time and space (and words) to get immersed enough to write, which makes the process slow going. Still, I have two books coming out later this year: It Starts With A Kiss (Kyanite Publishing) and Sunset on a Distant World. 

3.  Have you had to research anything strange? If so, what was it?

Because
I write cosmopolitan retro-future erotic romance, my search history is pretty
much a combination of moderately violent media, obscure cultural references,
vintage sci-fi art, future technology and a variety of pornography to ensure my
heroes aren’t over-contorted when they take their clothes off.

My first novel, Chasing Sisyphus, is romantic suspense with deaths and fight scenes. So, on top of reading about weapons and how long it takes a person to die from certain injuries, I got a martial arts instructor to help me choreograph the hand-to-hand combat. Most important tip I learned? If your car ends up sinking in the river, use the pointy, metal legs of the headrest to break a window so you can escape (remember to take a breath first).

4. How do you deal with bad book reviews (if you’ve had any?)

It
depends on the review. I’m not bothered if it sounds like the reviewer rushed
through the book and missed stuff, or if it reads more like a “reviewer’s
journal” than a write-up about the book. I’ve had to read and write on tight
deadlines before, so I understand it can be a numbers game sometimes.

I’d be gutted, though, if the reviewer did do a deep read and couldn’t relate to my work. I feel strongly about connecting to my reader, on a human level, through my writing.

5. Do you have any marketing tips?

Nope! I am my own worst enemy when it comes to marketing. I understand there are ways to advertise yourself and your books to grow fast and reach a huge audience, but I prefer to move slowly and make friends. Hopefully, this won’t impede too much on earning a livable income.

6. Do you base your characters on real people?

Sort of. My characters are usually a combination of traits from multiple people. For example, Alexei from The Only Question That Matters is a mash-up of several thoughtful, considerate people I’ve had the honour of meeting. In contrast, Eleanor from It Starts With A Kiss takes the worst from every bad project manager I’ve ever dealt with—she triggered the hell out of me while writing.

7. Do you set writing goals? If so, do you regularly achieve them?

Call me cynical, but I’m starting to
think goals are a waste of time—at least for me. Daily word count? Nope, I have
to fight myself to reach them. Write everyday? Nope, something always comes up
and breaks my streak.

And
yet, when I don’t think about a manuscript in terms of goals, the words seem to
pour out of me. The Only Question That
Matters was meant to be a 3,000-word hot flash, but turned into a
21,000-word novella that took three months to complete.

I’ve heard some people naturally have “rebellious” dispositions, so they need to either remove the rules, or create fake rules that’ll let them achieve what they need to when they inevitably rebel against them. I’m not like this in real life at all. But maybe writers have a different self that comes out when they work.

8. What time of the day do you like to write?

Creatively, I do best at night. The air is different; I feel more in touch with my imagination and find flow more easily. But being in my late 30s and needing to function the next day means I can only stay up late as a special treat, or if I’m really on a roll. Some writers get up early to do their thing—I might try this one day, but right now, the concept is so alien to me.

9. What famous author do you wish could be your mentor?

I’d love to study James S. A. Corey’s (Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) planning notes for their Expanse universe and series. I learn so much from seeing how other creatives dig into their craft.

10. What was your reaction when your first book was published or you got your first contract?

I was in bed, still half-asleep, when I saw the email on my phone. I croaked to my partner in the other room. We had a whisper-quiet little “yay” and a hug, then I snoozed for another five minutes. It was grand.

The Only Question that Matters



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This book was freaking EVERYTHING. Seriously. JL Peridot is a damn poet. She paints an incredibly moving and erotic story about two characters who start out as a one night stand and end up with something so much deeper than either one expected.  5 stars – goodreads reviewer.

Sofia is en route to Planet Paradiso, ready to start a new life after her divorce. But when she accepts Alexei’s dinner invitation on her final evening, she realises she’s in for more than she bargained for. As the AMS Celestial Dream arrives at its destination, and their one-night stand draws to a close, Sofia must choose between newfound possibilities with Alexei and the freedom she so desperately craves.

The Only Question That Matters is an emotional examination of healing and resilience through sex and love.

JL Peridot



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JL Peridot likes stories with a little danger, and only realised in her 30s that falling in love may be the most dangerous thing we do. She performs the duties of a writer from her home in sunny Australia, where she writes erotic romance and sometimes just erotica.

Buy the book Amazon



Connect with JL Peridot

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

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10 Questions with Cassie Laeyln

Today on 10 Questions with… I’m hosting Aussie paranormal romance writer Cassie Laelyn. She talks about her favourite childhood books, how music plays a part in her writing and the actors she’d love to see play her hero and heroine in a movie. Big thumbs up from me for the hero.

10 Questions with Emily Hussey

[image error]Today on 10 Questions with… we have Emily Hussey, Australian romance author of the Red Centre Series which is set in the centre of Australia. Find out what she’s currently working on, her favourite reads and the actors she’d like to see play the roles of her main characters.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

The best book always tends to be the last book, as that is still freshly in my mind. One that kept me enthralled however was Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch. It’s a scifi story and not what I usually read, but was definitely five stars. In the romance genre, From Paris to Forever by Savannah Blaize was a great read.

Are you working on anything new?

I have just published Trust Your Heart, which is the second book in the Red Centre Series. I have received the third book back from the editor and have yet to start working through the edits. I also published Clear As A Bell as a component story in a Christmas boxset. That was published in cooperation with five other writer friends and it is currently doing very well in the US market.

Maison Angelique is a standalone manuscript that I have just finished and am looking for a traditional publisher for that story. Hopefully, it is picked up but otherwise I will indie publish. I have several other stories in plot format, and just need to dedicate the time required to bring them to life. They are contemporary stories rather than romance.

I have just committed to another box set contribution, so I think that 2019 will be just as busy as 2018 has been.

What is your favourite childhood book?

I don’t recall a specific book, but I used to religiously listen to the Argonauts on the ABC radio. Each year I would get the year book for Christmas. I loved them. Otherwise, I was always looking for stories of kids having adventures – like Pippi Longstocking.

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what do you listen to?

I very rarely listen to music. I tend to get engrossed in my work and realise some time later that the album has finished. I live in an apartment in the middle of CBD Melbourne, so when I write in the evenings, the television is often on as background noise, even though I am rarely paying attention to it.

When did you start writing?

I don’t remember not writing, although it has only been since 2013 that I’ve picked up the pen in earnest. Before that, I wrote short stories and poetry, some of which was published. In 1988, I wrote the first three chapters of a manuscript, and outlined the remainder of the story. I sent it off to Mills and Boon. I was rejected with a very nice letter, which said I had not focused enough on the protagonist and antagonist, and needed to reduce the role of the secondary characters. I put the story away, and pulled it out again in 2013.

That story was subsequently published as The Red Heart. I left it set in the late eighties, because otherwise I had to rewrite much of the technical detail in the book, with an impact on the story line.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I’m a compulsive reader, so if I’m not writing, I’m either reading or looking for something to read. I love the weekend papers, and on Saturday mornings take myself out for breakfast to a café that has all the papers. I belong to a book club, so there is always a compulsory monthly read, but I also buy the new releases from other members of my writing guild, plus books on the craft of writing.

Do you edit as you write or wait until the first draft is finished?

I undertake mild editing as I write, picking myself up on those filler words that creep in but don’t add anything to the story. I also pick up repetition and inconsistencies. My first serious edit takes place after the last full stop. I tackle it chapter by chapter, and like to print out a hard copy and review that with my red pen. Later, I will do online edits.

Do you have a favourite writing space? If so, where is it?

I will write anywhere – I make sure to have a notebook with me at all times so that when that inspirational line of dialogue occurs to me, or when I’m in the waiting room at the doctor’s surgery, or whatever, I can write. I will sometimes write in cafés but mostly I’m seated at my desktop. I like having my working areas at the right height, having my dual screens, and having access to all files and reference material.

Having said that, a writing retreat and change of scenery can work wonders for the creativity.

Do you struggle to come up with book titles?

I agonise over book titles. They are so important from a marketing perspective, but aren’t always easy to come up with. I make long lists of prospective titles and then workshop them with myself until I narrow the list down to the one that ends up on the cover. Having said that, I knew the title of The Red Heart from the first chapter.

If your book was made into a move, who would play the hero and heroine?

Trust Your Heart is an Australian story, set in the centre of Australia. The heroine is white, but on reflection, she would easily have been a woman of aboriginal descent. In that case, there are some great aboriginal actors who could play the part. Jessica Mauboy would have the right cheeky grin. The lead male part would be taken by Chris Hemsworth.

Trust Your Heart    Book 2 in the Red Centre Series

I feel like I found an extra present under the tree this holiday season – 5 star Goodreads review.

Secrecy gives rise to more problems than it hides.

With her own brand of humour and irreverenc[image error]e, Sarah dances through the lives of more than one man in Alice Springs.

When a wedding reception is in wind-down mode, she wraps up an evening of champagne-fuelled revelry by dancing on the table. Falling off into the arms of a new acquaintance has unintended consequences. Sarah believes that for her, relationships are a dangerous thing. When her fiancé died, wasn’t that the ultimate betrayal? Happiness is not to be trusted, and the enigmatic stranger puts that theory to the test.

Joel Pemberton has arrived in town as the new radio station manager. This fascinating man stirs the emotions, but is tight-lipped about his private life. It causes some to question what he’s concealing. Can Sarah whip him into shape, as she does a team of other men in her life?

As their attraction to each other evolves, Sarah is increasingly perturbed about his secretive behaviour. What is Joel hiding? She might not have the opportunity to find out. When Joel’s car is trapped by floodwaters, Sarah and those watching helplessly from the riverbank know he has little chance of survival.

Trust Your Heart is available at Amazon

Emily Hussey 

Currently working and living in Melbourne, Dorothy Shorne has had a varied career. She built modular houses in Central Australia, opened various businesses, and was involved in the development of Sydney Airport.

A solo mother by choice before Hollywood decided it made a good story line, earlier time and resources were focused on bringing up her son. Now she can turn thoughts to other interests, writing being the foremost.

She was a marriage celebrant for 24 years, and has married couples in many different locations, ranging from private gardens, to beaches to caves or rural locations. Many of her clients remain friends to this day.

She is a published romance writer, and loves the short story format in a range of genres. She was shortlisted in the 2018 Scarlet Stiletto Award, run by Sisters in Crime.

Web: http://emilyhussey.com.au

Sign up to the VIP reader group on the website and receive a free book with three short stories.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/emily.hussey.56/

Insta:  https://www.instagram.com/emilyhusseyauthor/

 

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The winner is….

Congratulations Jenny! You have won my Christmas Giveaway which included a digital download of CHASING TROUBLE and stationary pack.  Your prize is on it’s way, enjoy.

Thank you to all who entered and I hope you have a Merry Christmas.

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Christmas Gift Book Guide

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If you’re anything like me, getting books as a gift makes me happy! I’ve listed some books that I know will make excellent presents for the book worm in your life.  Or even for yourself…

Monthly Reads – November

[image error]Here’s a quick recap of what I’ve read during November. I’m so glad I don’t stick to the same genre. Mixing them up is much more interesting. Check them out. I’m sure you’ll find something you’d love to read.

 

 

 

HEART ON FIRE by Amanda Bouchet

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This is a great ending to a series I really enjoyed. It’s a wonderful fantasy world filled with magic, Gods, action and romance. Although the series has ended, I’m hoping other characters featured in the book get their own story. If you love getting lost in imaginary fantasy worlds, you’ll love this.

 

HOT WINTER NIGHTS by Jill Shalvis

Jill Shalvis is my got to author when I want something quirky and [image error] fun and this book has it. Molly and Lucas are working together to bring down a bad Santa which threw in a bit of danger into the story but it was done in a lighthearted fun way that always keeps me coming back for more.

 

 

THE ELUSIVE EARL by Maddison Michaels 

This was an action packed romantic read with loads of adventure, [image error]villains and hidden treasure. It has the stubborn and feisty princess Bree and the rigid Earl of Thornton who’s always stuck getting her out of all sorts of trouble.  I was drawn in right away and was kept on the edge of my seat.

 

 

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GETTING LUCKY by Avril Tremayne

This is a friends become lovers story which is a little dark and very steamy. Due to a medical condition, Romy wants a baby before it’s too late. Her best friend Matt who she has secretly loved for years, offers to help her out. But when they decide to make a baby the good old fashioned way, their relationship experiences a few hurdles along the way.

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Teaser Tuesday

[image error]Today’s Teaser Tuesday is an unedited snippet from book three in my Trouble series, Trouble in Disguise. For those of you who have read book one and two, this story follows Jade’s road to finding love. And even if you haven’t read the first two books, this can be read as a standalone.

10 Questions with Megan Mayfair.

Today on 10 Questions with… we have the lovely Megan Mayfair. Debut author of The [image error]Things We Leave Unsaid.

1.     What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

One of my favourite books this year has been The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. I thought it was just so fresh and brilliant. I also really enjoyed Chasing the Case by Joan Livingston.

2.     Are you working on anything new?

I’m editing my third novel, The Problem with Perfect, due out in 2019 and just starting working on a new manuscript, which is a romance and a mystery.

3.     What is your favourite childhood book?

Too many to name, really. I read and re-read a lot of Enid Blyton, especially the Malory Towers and the St Clare’s books. I also loved a 1950s series about a girl called Donna Parker who lived in upstate New York as well as the Trixie Beldon books. I always had my nose in a book, basically.

4.     Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what do you listen to?

Not really when I’m writing but I find I listen to the same few songs a lot in the car and they sort of become the soundtrack to the manuscript I’m thinking about at the time.

5.     When did you start writing? 

I wrote stories as a child and teenager, then stopped as ‘life’ – university, work, meeting my real-life hero etc – took priority. I started writing again a couple of years ago. I wish I’d continued to write through my 20s as I didn’t realise how much I’d missed it until I started again. It’s such an outlet.

6.     What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love spending time with my husband and three young children.

My professional background is in corporate communications and public relations. I currently run a public relations consultancy and teach public relations in the higher education sector, which is very enjoyable.

In terms of hobbies, I go to pilates, binge-watch television drama shows like The Wire or The Americans, drink coffee and read.

7.     Do you edit as you write or wait until the first draft is finished?

I edit as I write. I like to go back and make structural edits as I go. It means my first draft takes a long time to write but there’s less to move around later.

8.     Do you have a favourite writing space? If so, where is it?

I have a study at home that I use to write but also a lovely café near my house where I often perch myself. The baristas see me coming and have my coffee waiting for me.

9.     Do you struggle to come up with book titles?

My first book, The Things We Leave Unsaid, had quite a few titles, as did Tangled Vines, so yes, but I like to think I get there in the end. For those books, I needed to know what they were really about before I could properly title them. For my upcoming book, The Problem with Perfect, that only ever had one name and almost from the very start. It just worked.

10.  If your book was made into a move, who would play the hero and heroine?

For The Things We Leave Unsaid, I’ve always imagined Mila Kunis as Tessa, and Laura Carmichael (from Downton Abbey) as Clare. As for Tessa’s love interest, Matthew, I think Raza Jaffrey (from Spooks and Homeland) would be perfect.

[image error]Powerful compelling read – Goodreads review

Is it the things we don’t say that haunt us the most?

Clare is anxious to start a family with adoring husband, Pete. When she takes on the seemingly simple task of obtaining her late mother’s birth certificate, she finds herself in a family history search that will challenge everything she thought she knew about her life.

Scarred by her parents’ ill-fated marriage, Tessa lives by three rules – dating unavailable men, building her café into a food empire, and avoiding her father. However, when her carefully planned life is thrown into chaos, Tessa is forced to decide which of these rules she’s willing to break.

As Clare and Tessa’s paths cross and their friendship grows, can they both finally unlock their family secrets in order to realise their futures?

You can purchase The Things We Leave Unsaid at Amazon.

Or contact Megan at the following links.

www.meganmayfair.com

https://www.instagram.com/ meganmayfairwrites

https://www.twitter.com/ MayfairMegan

https://www.facebook.com/ meganmayfairauthor

https://www.pinterest.com/ meganmayfairwrites

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OCTOBER READS

[image error]This months reading has been a good one once again. I read a bit of everything. From contemporary to historical romance to fantasy.  If you’re looking for something to read, check out some of these books. Would love to hear what you think of them.

 

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by SARAH J. MASS – Fantasy [image error]Romance

It’s been a while since I’ve read the first book of a series and couldn’t put it down until I finished it. This book had a bit of a Beauty and the Beast feel to it but with a lot more conflict. There’s all kinds of mystical creatures, magic and someone truly evil that wants to ruin everything.  Loved this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series.

THE HYPNOTISTS LOVE STORY by LIANE MORIARTY – Women’s Fiction [image error]

Entering a new relationship should be fun and exciting. Try doing it when your boyfriend has a stalker and is living with the ghost of his ex wife. This book really takes you into the mind of a stalker and how they justify their actions. I actually ended up feeling sorry for the woman, she’d gone through tough times and wasn’t coping and couldn’t let go of the only thing she thought was good in her life.  Fans of Liane Moriarty will love this book.

THE DUCHESS DEAL by TESSA DARE – Historical Romance [image error]

It’s the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be my last. This was such a great read. This is about a Duke who’s hiding from the world because of horrific scars and a feisty seamstress who sees past them.  They are both carrying their own hurt but find love and acceptance in each other.

 

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Teaser Tuesday

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday! This blog is where I’m going to share snippets from my [image error]books, works in progress and pictures that inspired my stories.

Today I’d like to show you where I got the inspiration for my characters and places from CHASING TROUBLE.

 

[image error]NICK HENDERSON

Is Nick still a poor farmer’s son or a multi-millionaire? He’s keeping things to himself until he can trust Ava.

AVA CARDONA  [image error]

She’s a lawyer with immaculate style and never a hair out of place. That’s about to change when she’s stranded in a storm, knee deep in mud.

SUNLAND VALLEY

This a small rural country town where Nick and Ava grew up.   Here’s some of the inspiration for the book.

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You can purchase CHASING TROUBLE in ebook from these stores.

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