Nancy Lee Badger's Blog, page 38

Another Time by Donna Steele

Donna Steele stopped by to share her latest book release. Another Time is a story I have read front to back without stopping…it is that good! The characters, Dusty and Dee, don't know each other, but they're all they have to hold onto in this strange time. And what will their presence here mean for the future?
Blurb from Another TimeWhen Dusty Williams goes into a strange bar to contemplate the ruination of his career, the last thing he expects to find is a compelling woman. He’s not even in the mood to get laid. He just wants to escape from all humanity.
Dee Stevens can’t believe she’s in a bar at all. She’s just lost two patients due to drunk driving. Whatever could have drawn her into a strange bar tonight of all times?
When the two meet, and they feel that odd vibration that seems to pull them together, they have no idea what’s ahead, or behind, them and what it can mean for mankind.
Excerpt –Dusty nodded to a sign on one of the buildings reading “Mercantile,” and she rolled her eyes. The door opened easily so Dee followed him inside.“Morning.” They heard the voice from the rear of the shop in response to the tinkling bell over the door.“Now, yes sir. You’re out early this morning. How can I help . . .” The man came into sight, wiping his hands on a well-worn, white apron. He studied them both and retreated a step.“Sorry to bother you.” Dusty took the lead. “We had an accident about a mile back that way.”“Accident?”“Our car hit—”“Car?”Dusty gave Dee a quick ‘help me’ look.“Could you tell us where we are? We’ve gotten lost somehow,” she said quickly.The storeowner’s eyes traveled up and down her body, taking in the jeans and t-shirt. The look on his face bordered on scandalized. “You’re not from around here.”“No, sir. Could you—”“You’re in Braddock Crossing.”The name meant nothing to Dusty. From her expression, the same held true for Dee.Dee opened her mouth to ask another question when a scream came from the rear of the store. The storeowner raced to the back with Dusty and Dee only a half-step behind.A young woman held her hand out, staring in horror at the blood dripping from a deep cut.“Daphne!” The older man raced to the young woman but Dee moved faster, seeing a patient in need of her help. She had already rounded the counter, snatching up a clean, folded cloth. She pressed it firmly against the cut.“Get my bag.” She tossed the words at Dusty, not bothering to look up. “You’re going to be okay,” she assured the young woman. “Let me examine your hand.”“W-who are you?” The girl tried to shrink away but Dee had hold of her wrist.“Let go of my girl!” The owner tried to grab Dee’s arm, but Dusty stopped him.“She’s a doctor. Let her check the girl out.”“A doctor? She’s a woman, and a strange one at that.”Dusty held the man’s shoulder and inspected him closely. The man stared at Dee’s jeans and his daughter’s bloody hand with the same fascinated horror. Dusty eyed Daphne warily; the girl cowered behind the counter, weeping as Dee examined her wound.She wore a long dark skirt and a high collared, long-sleeved white blouse. Pretty, until the blood ruined the fabric.The shop owner’s shirt appeared to be linen and sported a high, banded collar. His large apron covered his trousers.Had they found an Amish village? No, there wasn’t one this close to D.C. that Dusty could recall. The clothing worn by the other men on the street also looked like something out of an old photograph.He stepped between the women and this strange man. “My name is Dustin. This is Doctor Stevens. She’s not going to hurt Daphne. What’s your name?”At the authoritative tone of voice Dusty used, the man quit struggling to reach Daphne. “I’m Caleb Douglas. This is my store and Daphne’s my daughter.”“Nice to meet you, Caleb. Let’s give Doctor Stevens space to check Daphne out.”“Is she a midwife?”“No, she’s a doctor.”“Is she one of those suffragettes I’ve been hearin’ about? Wanting the vote and all that nonsense? What upstanding school would admit a woman for their doctorin’ program?”Dusty gaped at Dee and she met his eyes for an instant of shock, before she returned her full attention to Daphne. Dee murmured soothing sounds to the girl, who did seem to be calming some.“We’ve been on the road for a couple of days. Do you know the date?”“The date? Today’s September second.”Not what Dusty needed, though it was the date of his flight. “Do you have a calendar? I need to—”“I’ve got an Almanac. What’s she doing to Daphne?”“I think she’s getting the bleeding stopped. Would you mind if I checked your Almanac?”Obviously torn, even Caleb could see Daphne was calmer. He reached behind the counter and took out a worn, soft-bound book, handing it to Dusty, not taking his eyes from the pair of women. A good thing, because Dusty knew his own eyes had gone wide.1891.
Buy link - AMAZON  Donna writes science fiction, paranormal and small town romances about women coming into their strength and having the courage to find and accept love.
Now that she has retired from going into an office every day, she created an office at home and writes full time. Talk about living the dream!
She was the girl at the party who was yearning for the quiet corner and a book to read (go Rory Gilmore!), and has been writing in her head since she learned to read. Getting those stories down on paper (or in her laptop) has been more fun than she ever imagined it could be.
The possibilities of science fiction have always drawn her and she's read them all, there just needed to be a little more romance in them. She finally got up the courage to write them herself and is delighted to be able to share these stories with you.

She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter of RWA and the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.
Social Networking links –  Author's page andblog     Facebook 
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Nancy Lee Badger Presents Author Shirley Penick

I invited Shirley Penick to stop by and share intimate details about her life and her next book. Designs on Her will be released on March 13th. Take it away, Shirley!
I wanted to write a series about a fictional town in the Lake Chelan area in eastern Washington state. I planned to visit the area so I would have a bit more in-depth knowledge of the area. I had the reservations booked well in advance and when it came time to visit, there were terrible forest fires in the area. They weren’t bad enough to keep me away, but as I took the ferry uplake from Chelan to Stehekin past the area I planned for my town to be, I watched the helicopters come down to the lake and fill up with water. They were huge helicopters but as they flew into the smoke they became tiny dots in the cloud of smoke, which really put the fire into perspective.
I knew I had to write a story about the fires, the ferry had a poster about all the fires they had experiences over the last 30 plus years. So, I realized this was not a once in a while occurrence but was fairly frequent, so ignoring the fires was not an option. I had already planned on having a semi-reclusive jewelry designer living up on the mountain, so what better way for her to meet the man of her dreams than to have him come force her evacuation. And the story was born! I have many more stories planned for the area and my fictional town, maybe a dozen total.
Book Blurb: Designs on HerKristen is happy designing her jewelry on her mountain, away from all the hustle of humanity. It’s just her and her faithful dog. Until a forest fire forces her to evacuate. Coming down the mountain casts her into the town problems and sucks her into all the chaos of opening an art gallery.Police officer Nolan is tasked with the evacuation of the few residents on the mountain. Getting this crazy but beautiful jewelry designer out of harm’s way is not the easiest thing he’s ever done. He manages to get her to safety and then he gets caught in her gallery plans. His life may never be the same.
Nolan turned his back on his talent when his sister was murdered. Caught back up in the art world, he’s torn between creating and the curse his art seems to have on those he loves.
Excerpt     Nolan just couldn’t resist driving by Kristen’s new place. It was like looking at a car wreck—he just had to see whatever he could see. He had been going by every day while on patrol. Did this street need patrolling this often? Hell no, it was a quiet street. It did have some businesses on it, but nothing crazy. Except for his favorite crazy woman—who was currently attempting to carry a huge box into her home. She would pick it up and walk three steps and then put it back down. Couldn’t the woman ask for help, ever?     Nolan parked his patrol car in front of her house, called in that he’d be out of touch for a few minutes, and went over to where she’d moved the box another three steps.     “Um, do you want some help?”     She jumped. “Oh, you scared me. I was channeling my strength.”     “Wouldn’t it be easier to ask for some help?”     “I tried that, Mister Smarty Pants, and everyone was busy. They had a problem down at the amusement park with the carousel and everyone is over there fixing it. One of the animals came loose, or a foot fell off, or something. Anyway, Chris and Terry and Greg are all over there fixing it. Kyle is showing a house. Mary Ann is at the school this morning, doing her monthly volunteer thing. And I really didn’t think I should ask my pregnant sister.” Her voice got shriller with each word.     Nolan held up his hands in surrender. “Sorry, sorry, I jumped to a false conclusion. Please forgive me. And here, let me give you a hand.”     “Gladly. This damn thing is heavier than it looked when I ordered it.”     “And it’s bulky which makes the heaviness even worse.”     “Thanks, Einstein. I had no idea.” Kristen snarked.     “Woah, you’re having a bit of a bad day aren’t you.”     “Again, another brilliant observation. And if you say one word about PMS, I will punch you right in the nose.”     “That wouldn’t be a wise move. In case you haven’t noticed, I have my uniform on and that would be assaulting an officer.”     Kristen glared daggers at him and marched into the building. Damn, now he’d really done it. “Kristen wait, I’m sorry. How can I help? Come on, I really am sorry, give the poor stupid man a break, please. Pretty please, with sugar on top.”

Buy Link:   AMAZON

Tell us more About you!I am a former techy turned writer. I am writing a small town contemporary romance series based in a fictional town on Lake Chelan in eastern Washington. I have lived in Colorado, Hawaii and currently Washington. I’m a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and the local chapters GSRWA (Greater Seattle RWA) and Eastside RWA.
I am a mother of two grown children and the grandmother of two adorable grand-daughters. I started reading at a young age with the Nance Drew mysteries and have continued to be an avid reader. I primarily read romance in most of the genres.
My favorite past-time is playing with my grand-daughters. I have been a carnation grower’s worker, a trap club puller, a pizza hut waitress, a software engineer, an international trainer and a business program manager. And for something really unusual I once had a raccoon as a pet. Connect with me here:
Website      Twitter      Facebook Goodreads     Pinterest       Instagram 

Release Day! SMOLDER

I will make this short and sweet...March 13th is my lucky day. Any day an author releases a new book is a great day, but I enjoy the idea of releasing my 13th paranormal romance on the 13th of March (did I also mention I was born on a Friday-the-13th?)

Please take a moment to check out Smolder, BK#3 in my Clan of Dragons series. It is available in ebook and print.

A big shout out to my editor Kathy Rothenberger. Without her great editing and suggestions, my story would be full of errors (if you find one, let me know, because I tend to tweak things)

A big thanks to my cover model, Sgt. Eric Badger, US Army, Ret. Without his awesome tattoo, I would have had to photoshop everything. I enjoy making covers, and made good on my threat to use him. Thanks, son!

Interested in buying a copy?

Amazon  AmazonUK  AmazonCAN  AmazonAUS  AmazonNL  Amazon PRINT
Book #1 Book #2 in Print

Don't miss WRITE NOW 2017

In the Raleigh, North Carolina area next month? Want to Write for a magazine, or ready to write that book? Thinking of doing a newspaper column, or write articles for company newsletters or blogs? Then check out this writer's conference!


Announcing our 10th ANNUAL Freelance Writing Conference It promises to be our best event yet!Keynote Address: Slush Pile Confidentialby Sarah Smith, Executive Editor at REDBOOK
    


Sarah will also present: From Good to Great: Developing Article Ideas that Sell Special Guest Author Donna Gephart will present: Creating Quirky Characters From the Outside In   as well as sharing closing remarks. Sarah and Donna will be joined by other fantastic presenters:Christina Wood tells us aboutFeature Writing: Going Beyond the 5 W’sCorbie Hill gives us tips on How to Talk to Anyone About AnythingMargaret Bauer shares Small Markets, Big Prestige: Selling to Literary JournalsJenni Hart: More Than Magazines: Alternative Money-Making Opps For Non-fiction WritersJennifer D elamere shares Research Tips for Fiction WritersSusan & Clay Griffith present World-Building for Fiction WritersDon’t miss the Editor Roundtable featuring the editors of Redbook, Walter Magazine, Midtown Magazine and the NC Literary Review!Please note that Write Now! 2017 will be held at The McKimmon Conference & Training Center, 1101 Gorman St., Raleigh, NC 27606TAF has worked extremely hard to keep the cost affordable for all writers.Advanced Registration is $89; $75 for students with valid ID, seniors 65+ and retired/active military with ID  Walk-ins Welcome $109 at the door. Registration includes all conference activities, morning coffee, a catered box lunch, and all beverages. We also will be giving away some EXCITING DOOR PRIZES!To learn more, or to register via PayPal, please visit http://tafnc.com/WriteNow.html
We look forward to seeing you there! Have a question or wish to pay by check? Contact Conference Director Donald Vaughan at dvaughan@mindspring.com or by phone at 919-873-9833.
I plan to be there, attending the workshops, and will give away a copy of my newest bookas a door prize, along with other fabulous prizes.
Pre-order now: Amazon

Excerpt from SMOLDER

My proof copies recently arrived and hubby and I have been reading through them, catching and correcting a few typos, and hoping that they are ready for release day on March 13th. The ebook of SMOLDER , the third book in my Clan of Dragons series, is available for pre-order at Amazon. A big Thank You to those of you who have pre-ordered it!

To those of you not familiar with my series,
here is an excerpt from SMOLDER :

    Fiona straightened her server’s attire, as well as her cap, and made her way into the tavern. The dining hall had emptied, somewhat, but Dougal leaned against the counter and glared at her. Had he been waiting for her all this time? When he marched in her direction, with one hand on the pommel of his sheathed sword, she swallowed.    He was magnificent, with his long hair in an unruly tumble over his shoulders, and his dark blue eyes glaring at her. His wide shoulders moved in a fluid motion, as if bone, flesh, and muscles worked in harmony. Even his knees were muscular, and she wished he was still naked. He was the most beautiful creature she had ever beheld. As he walked closer, he didn’t say a word, but glowered at her.    “I need to find your brother, Evan.” Before she could explain, he cupped her chin, and pressed his lips to hers. His hand circled her waist, and he drew her body close. Surrounded by his heat, and the scents of human musk and smoldering cinders, Fiona melted beneath his kiss. When he lifted his mouth mere inches away, she sighed, while he sniffed her.    “You taste delicious, lass, like apples and spice. I wish to explore every inch of your lovely form, but why be you looking for Evan? I can give you anything you desire, if you only ask.”    What she desired was to find her friend Cliona, after she gave Evan the good news, but her bones were as shifting as the sands, and she took a moment to formulate a sentence.    “Sir, I need to find Evan. I have news. He might wish to tell you that your niece or nephew will soon enter the world, but we should leave that up to him, aye?”    Dougal released her, and stepped back. “What? When? Who said?”    “Vika has asked me to bring her husband to her. She be in great pain. Can you point me in his direction?”    “I feared the babe would come too soon. If not for this silly celebration, Vika would be safe in her cave, in her own bed, not surrounded by strangers.” He turned away.    In her cave?    As he exited the tavern, she followed, quickening her stride to keep up with his long legs and determined pace. She could only assume he could fly faster, but she doubted he’d reveal himself to the villagers by sprouting wings. They rounded the fire pit, and circled the crowd. Most of the humans sounded gay and happy, or in their cups.     Cliona had warned her about humans and their spirits. Ale flowed freely in the tavern, but whisky was the true demon. She couldn’t imagine Dougal inebriated, but why had he kissed her so blatantly? What else might he do, if she did not keep her distance?    A shiver ran along her spine, as she hurried after him. He paused at a vendor’s cart, and the man pointed down the lane. He took off, nearly at a run, and Fiona gasped. She settled a hand on her middle and followed until he entered the blacksmith shop.    She stopped just outside the door, bent over at the waist, and tried to breathe. When two brown leather boots appeared, she straightened. The human in front of her was Dougal’s twin except for the coppery hair and amber eyes. When they flashed like molten flames, she swallowed.     Another dragon.   Buy Links: Amazon    Amazon UK       Amazon CAN   Amazon AUS  Amazon NL Soon available in print: ISBN 978-1543171433

How to make a Killer Margarita!

To celebrate National Margarita Day , which is February 22nd (and celebrated all week) here is a recipe to make a fantastic drink that cools you either in winter - straight up with a salted rim - or summer -when the frozen concoction brings a smile to any beach lovers face. 

The ingredients are easy to find and easy to create. They are impressive, and delicious. 

Follow these instructions, or add crushed ice and use a blender to make the frozen treat.

Drink responsibly and enjoy while reading a good book,
such as...

One of my books HERE! 

And the Winner is...

Robbie B. has won my Scottish Dragon Pendant in my Valentine's Day Giveaway, celebrating the upcoming release of my next book, that will be released on March 13th.

The Story
Fiona, a white doe, searches for her missing friend across Skye. Shifting, she swims in a fairy pool, until a dragon and two humans arrive. Their conversation about a festival makes her wonder if her friend might also visit the village.
Dougal, tasked with the safety of his kin while they celebrate Beltane, shifts into a human form. He would rather fly high, or race through the forest as a red stag. Spying the white doe he has sought for months, he follows her, but pirates, a villain, and drunken celebrators keep him from his task. Will he ever find her, and make her his?

A dragon-shifter in pain wants nothing more than to fly, and he sure as hell kneels to no one.
Smolder is available for Pre-order:   Amazon Amazon UK     Amazon CA     Amazon AUS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valentine Wishes and a Dragon GIVEAWAY!

Dear Readers;
I am releasing a new book on March 13th, and to spread the word, I have created another fabulous giveaway. Smolder is the third book in my Clan of Dragons series.   

"A dragon in pain wants nothing more than to fly, and he sure as hell kneels to no one."

The Story
Fiona, a white doe, searches for her missing friend across Skye. Shifting, she swims in a fairy pool, until a dragon and two humans arrive. Their conversation about a festival makes her wonder if her friend might also visit the village.



Dougal, tasked with the safety of his kin while they celebrate Beltane, shifts into a human form. He would rather fly high, or race through the forest as a red stag. Spying the white doe he has sought for months, he follows her, but pirates, a villain, and drunken celebrators keep him from his task. Will he ever find her, and make her his?
Smolder is available for Pre-order:   Amazon Amazon UK     Amazon CA     Amazon AUS

Enter to win this DRAGON PENDANT

*no purchase necessary  You may enter using one or all of these methods (You NEVER have to do them all!)


Drawing Ends Saturday Feb. 18, 2017


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Casey Hagen

Author Casey Hagen stopped by to share intimate details of her life and talk about her latest book. Falling in Angels Falls is a Romantic Comedy and was released on January 12, 2017. Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  
Casey- First, this is the second in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Ben Marx spent fifteen years in the Army and carries some serious baggage from that time. Now he’s moving on and building his adventure company, Steel Force Adventures. They specialize in giving extreme adventurists, the barest of necessities while keeping them safe during their adventures. In this case, hiking to the tallest waterfall in the world, Angels Falls…a real place! Angels Falls is visited by thousands every year…at the bottom that is. Where is Ben taking them? To the top.
Alexa Dayne is burnt out. She’s been a slave to the building of her very own hair salon in San Francisco. Her best friend is recently married with a baby on the way and Alexa is grieving the changing of that relationship. She’s trying to find her place now. With her business finally in the black, she has time to breathe so she’s seeking an adventure. When her guide goes MIA, she convinces Ben to take the job. She’s a brazen smart-ass and as much as he wants to be irritated by it, he’s drawn to it. Sparks fly and calamity ensues!
Nancy- Describe the genre of this particular title, and is it the only genre you write in?  
Casey- This is a contemporary romance/romantic comedy. Everything I write is infused with humor. After raising three daughters…I’ve learned I had better laugh because if I don’t, I’ll be crying. My writing routine is in a state of flux. It used to be, I get up, get a drink, maybe a bit to eat, and boom…write! The words flowed. Now, not so much. I start to think about those emails just sitting there mocking me. I notice the rug under my office chair needs vacuuming. All of the demands flood me before I can even think about being creative. So now, I do most of my writing in the afternoon and evening. I spend the morning getting organizing and addressing those emails and other demands. I can’t tell you the words flow as well at night as they did in the morning. I’m sure they eventually will, but right now, it’s a bit like an old man with a prostate problem trying to pee. I’ll get there!
Nancy-  Ha! I am one of three daughters, but the joke was on me-I had two sons! On a more serious note, what sort of promo do you do? Do you have help?
Casey- Promo, marketing, advertising…are dirty, dirty, migraine-inducing words for us authors! It’s a lot like throwing pasta at the wall and seeing what sticks. I’ve used several services like BookDaily and Shout My Book. I would love to tell you they’re great, but they aren’t. I do have a PA now and she pushes my books to several reader groups on Facebook. She’s been awesome. She can make teasers if I want and keep updates fresh on my author page, but right now, I still make my teasers and run my page. I like my readers to get me. You know what’s working for me right now? Kindle Unlimited. I did a free promo period. My sales have rocketed since I did that. I’m talking sales, not free downloads. Paid sales. You know what else is working…Facebook. Be you on Facebook. And when I say “you”, I don’t advise you be the political “you”,  or the ranting “you”. We’ve all had enough of that crap. Be the snarky “you”, or the recipe toting “you”. What are you passionate about? Show us! I just happen to be passionate about snark and smart-assery.
Nancy-  Most readers don't realize marketing is a necessity in order to succeed. Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?    
Casey- I could tell you it’s the attention, the sales, the extra money…but what it really is…when that woman who finishes your book in the middle of the night, because she can’t put it down, writes you an email or sends you a message via social media begging you to keep writing and telling you how special your story is. That’s who I write for, even if there’s only a handful of you.
Nancy- Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?
Casey- Oh, you asked me about my writing organizations…you’re going to wish you hadn’t! I’m a member of RWA and New Jersey Romance Writers. Outside of RWA the smaller chapters of RWA, I’m a member of the Penn Jersey Women Writers Guild. So…let’s start with PJWWG. I’m the VP, which in this group, doesn’t mean a whole heck of a lot. I basically run the meeting if Vikki, our chapter president, can’t. This group used to be the Pocono Lehigh Romance Writers under RWA. We’re a group of about twenty women who meet once a month and doing a lot of laughing, brainstorming, and eating!
Now, the New Jersey Romance Writers…I can’t tell you enough about this group. Seriously, incredible women, smart women, and driven women. I’m new to RWA and am very new to NJRW. I’ve bene a member for under two years. Nine months after I joined, I agreed to be their conference chair. Total insanity. However, I pulled it out and after ten months of planning, we had a successful conference. I’m continuing my position for 2017 where we have a star-studded lineup. Featured Keynote Kristan Higgins, Luncheon Keynote Nancy Herkness, Special Presentation Keynote Elizabeth Hoyt, and Pre-Con speaker Eileen Dreyer. Our PUB Retreat and PRO Retreat speaker this year is Damon Suede.
For those of you who haven’t heard of our conference, it’s been running for three decades. It’s been looked at as being a mini RWA National. It’s an economical way to get a mini version of Nationals. We have editor/agent appointments too! I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the women in these two groups and can’t thank them enough for their encouragement and support!
Nancy- Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract? 
Casey- Remember who you’re pitching to. I pitched 7 times at RWA Nationals in 2015. Had six requests for fulls and six rejections. All said the same thing, “We love it, but our publishing house will be afraid of it.”
Traditional publishing is not keeping up with what readers want. They are catering to dying demographic right now. I hope this changes, but I won’t hold my breath. So when you get rejected, remember, that doesn’t mean you’re no good. It means, you’re no good for them, at the moment. Even when you have something great, that they seek, you have to hit them at the right time. It’s a bit like nailing Jello to the wall. When they reject you, it could mean your writing needs work. It also may very well mean that you’re onto something awesome! This is what beta readers and critique partners are for. If there is a problem, they’ll tell you.
Do not let yourself be measured by a publisher’s yardstick.
Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know. 1) I’m new to coffee…I’m 39 and started my addiction a month ago. I like two kinds and I like them black, no sugar. Go figure.2) I wanted to be a lawyer for most of my childhood, when I didn’t want to be an Air Force pilot.3) I had a pet cow named Jigsy (yes, I know…I can’t explain the name either)
Nancy- What’s next for you?
Casey- I just released a Melody Anne Kindle World novella, The Billionaire Dame and I’m wrapping up a project for Roxanne St. Claire’s Kindle World, Unconventional Love , with a release date of February 21st. Then, I work on book 3 in the Falling in Paradises series to wrap that sucker up so I can go back to my Livingston Valley series that could end up being twelve books in total.
BOOK BLURB   The black sheep . . .
Alexa Dayne shocked everyone by refusing to join the family bakery business. She’s worked hard to prove that owning her own salon in upscale San Francisco is more than just a dream; it’s her passion, and she’s made it a huge success, solo. After years of round-the-clock work, her finances are in the black, and Alexa craves both an escape and a new challenge. She’s determined to find both—in the wilds of Venezuela and the promise of exhilarating adventure at Angels Falls, the largest waterfall in the world.

A weary soldier . . .
Ben Marx is running from brutal memories. A career soldier turned entrepreneur, Ben has slaved to make Steel Force Adventures a reality. The business of offering thrill-seekers extreme adventures is how Ben intends to fulfill both a dream and a promise to the one person he was powerless to save. On the cusp of success, he’s approached by a long-legged vixen seeking a guide through the Venezuelan jungle to Angels Falls. Her fearless determination is proof enough she’ll make the dangerous trek alone if he refuses. Her animal print body-suit and makeup scream high maintenance, but her eyes, ice-blue and intense, promise something more.

Testing their resolve . . .
The Angels Falls journey is one of renewal for Alexa and Ben. But when passions flare and hidden motives are revealed, the flames of heart-wrenching pain forge bonds between them—bonds destined to be tested by life’s harsh realities . . . after Angels Falls.
Buy Links….Find all of my books here… http://caseyhagenauthor.com/  
More About Casey HagenVisit http://caseyhagenauthor.com/You can link with all of my social media and see my blog through this link!Check out my Amazon Author Page!
Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Casey-Hagen/e/...

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Michele Stegman

Michele Stegman stopped by to answer some intimate details about her life and her book. Take it away, Michele!
Michele- Mr. Right’s Baby, is a contemporary romance and was released in 2007 as an ebook, and in 2016 as a paperback from Mythical Press.   Nancy- Describe the genre of this particular title, and is it the only genre you write in?
Michele- Mr. Right’s Baby is a contemporary romance and it is the only contemporary novel I have written. All my other romances are historical. I never had any interest in writing a contemporary. But I was driving down the road one day and the whole plot for this book just popped into my head and I didn’t have any choice. I just had to write it. Mr. Right’s Baby has more of me in it than any of my other books, maybe because it is based on so many real life things that happened to me.   Nancy- Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so, did you send them out yourself?
Michele- Fortune’s Mistress is the first book I wrote that sold, but it was the fifth book I wrote. The other four are still in a desk drawer. I had so many nice rejections on those first four books, with personal notes from editors encouraging me and asking me to send them something else. At a conference, I inadvertently insulted an agent, but we cleared things up and she took me on and sold this book for me. 
Nancy- Why have you become a published author?
Michele- I have always loved stories and reading. When I realized, at a very young age, that books were actually written by people, I wanted to be one of those people. I couldn’t imagine anything better than to have a book I had written on a library shelf and in bookstores. That is still the most rewarding thing about being an author. My books are in some libraries.
Nancy- Do you have any rejection stories to share?
Michele- When I was first starting to try to get published, I was sending out science fiction short stories. One rejection was a check off sheet. The space checked for the reason the story was rejected said, “This is not right for our magazine, but it is well written.” Whoever rejected the story had crossed out “but it is well written.” I thought how petty! Reject my story if it isn’t right for you, but do you have to add insult to injury? Were you having a bad day?
Nancy- Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract?
Michele-  Read, read, read. When someone critiques your story, listen without arguing or trying to defend what you have written. Take the parts that seem right to you and disregard the rest—unless people keep telling you the same thing. Then you might want to take a harder look at your story. If you still don’t feel that criticism is right, go with your gut.
Nancy- Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.
1) I have a lot of interests. Besides writing, I am an artist and a member of a local art guild. I also spin and weave and am a member of a local fiber group. And I love music. I play piano for church.2) I have always loved math and numbers.3) Science classes were my favorite classes in high school and college. I started out writing science fiction but switched to romance when I took a writing class from a romance writer.
Michele, what’s next for you?
Michele- I am currently working on a historical western romance. It has been slow going, but my sister has agreed to help with research, so maybe I’ll get this thing written in 2017!
BOOK BLURB  He wants to marry her for all the wrong reasons. If she finds out what they are, she just might walk away forever...He wants to find his child. Carly was put up for adoption without his knowledge or consent, and Adrian Wright is determined to get her back. What he doesn't count on is an unexpected attraction for her now widowed, adoptive mother, Katie Simmons. But Adrian worries that the attraction he feels is more for his daughter than for Katie. Even more worrisome is how Katie will react when she finds out that the man who has been courting her is her daughter's natural father. Will she think he only wants to marry her to get his daughter without a lengthy court battle?
Read an Excerpt HERE
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MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR  Michele Stegman has loved history all her life. When she was studying history in graduate school, one of her professors quipped that she put too much romance in her research papers. She decided to put in more romance and write historical romances. She lives her history every day in an 1840's log cabin where she spins, weaves, paints, and writes.

Her Fortune series is following the adventures of the Fortune family through piracy and war in the 1700's.

Conquest of the Heart takes place in England in 1067, just after the Norman Conquest. The heroine is a Norman and her people conquered his country. How can they find trust and love?

Michele was never interested in writing contemporary novels. But one day she was driving along, thinking of nothing in particular, when the entire plot for Mr. Right's Baby popped into her head. She couldn't stop thinking about it and finally decided it was a book that had to be written. Connect with Michele Stegman here:
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