Keri Stevens's Blog, page 9

STONE KISSED wins 2011 Golden Quill for best first book!

I've sat on this news for a week because the contest coordinator had to contact finalists and winners as far away as Australia, so I have no fingernails left but...

STONE KISSED won the 2011 Golden Quill award for Best First Book!



Many thanks to the Desert Rose RWA.

Will, Kate and the Wrath of the Romance Author

It's the morning after. Do the newest fairytale couple know what they're in for? Let's talk truth in fiction (or just gossip) at Here Be Magic, the group blog of the Carina Press paranormal/fantasy authors!

Welcome, Jules Bennett!

Jules Bennett is a rising star in Harlequin's Desire line. I'm honored that she agreed to let me pepper her with questions about her books, her characters and her writing life. Her latest release, HER INNOCENCE, HIS CONQUEST is heating up my Kindle as we speak.



Jules, what are the core characteristics of a "Bennett hero"?



My men have to have a soft heart when it comes to women. A little bit of a troubled past always makes for a stronger man. I love when he's at war with himself over anything, that makes him seem human and vulnerable. But he MUST be a great protector, yet know when to step aside and let the woman take the lead.



Tell us a bit about your writing process.



Oh, how I wish I was a panster. I want to just sit down and let the story fly out my fingertips. Unfortunately I have a military dad and everything is planned...EVERYTHING! I'm talking spreadsheets here - can you say boring?

I have to have silence. No silence, no work. Simple as that. So I write in the middle of the night when my family is asleep because there's no silence in a house with a 5 and 3 year old. No routine (refer back to the age of kids). I wish I did because I like structure (refer back to military papa).



How do you like to connect with readers?



I hang on Twitter, that's my breather from writing. I keep my readers updated through my Facebook Fan Page and do contests through that as well. Locally I do many radio interviews, speak at my college and library, and make sure all my books are signed in the stores around my area.



Tell us about Her Innocence, His Conquest.

Architecture kingpin and expert playboy Zach Marcum knew exactly how to get what he wanted—both on the job and in the bedroom. Until sexy, independent and impossible-to-ignore Ana Clark charged into his life. Her construction company could make his luxury resort project a multimillion-dollar reality, but he couldn't risk letting the career-driven siren slip past his defenses. Discovering she was a virgin made the seduction stakes even greater, as Zach crossed the line from business to pleasure….



And a little more about Jules...



Wife to her high school sweetheart, mother to two little girls, former salon owner—oh, and author—Jules Bennett isn't afraid to tackle the blessings of life head-on. Once she sets a goal in her sights, get out of her way or come along for the ride…just ask her husband.

Jules lives in the Midwest where she loves spending time with her family and making memories. Jules's love extends beyond her family and books. She's an avid shoe, hat and purse connoisseur. She feels that her font of knowledge when it comes to accessories is essential when setting a scene.

Jules participates in the Harlequin Desire Author Blog and holds launch contests through her Web site when she has a new release. Please visit her Web site, where you can sign up for her newsletter to keep up to date on everything in Jules's life.

My love letter (video) to my library.

Romance Trading Cards for Stone Kissed

The latest craze sweeping the nation: Romance Trading Cards. Collect 'em all!



Delia Forrest and Grant Wolverton of Stone Kissed are each getting a card:







Ain't they purty? If you are going to be at the Cincinnati Reader-Author Get Together, The RWA National Conference in NYC or Bouchercon in St. Louis this year, hunt me down to get your own set (and look for the RTC logo at other book signings to find other authors' cards).



If you're not going to get to see me, you are welcome to send me a SASE at Keri Stevens, P.O. Box 297, Verona KY 41092 and I'll mail you a set as soon as they come off the printing press.

Help a Reader out: Kentucky horse country/Derby romances

One of the delights I've discovered in my new home state is bourbon whiskey. I like it neat and in cocktails. There are seven distilleries within driving distance of my house and guests often get dragged to tours and tastings.



In honor of my new treat, I'm hunting down romance novels set in Horse Country and/or that involve the Kentucky Derby (I know Nora Roberts did a series...) I'd like a HUGE list so... comment and recommend some reads!

Operation Auction 2011

A few weeks ago, a member of the romance community lost her husband and the father of her four daughters in an act of senseless violence. Things like this make all of us feel so helpless. Many writers are trying to alleviate some of her practical concerns with Operation Auction on eBay.



I've donated a copy of Stone Kissed, plus I'll work the winning bidder's name in as a character in a STONE KISSED sequel. Please consider bidding...and click on the Operation Auction link on the right side of the page to see more than 400 other great opportunities, books, gift packages, etc.






For more info about Fatin's story, please visit Lauren Dane's blog at http://www.laurendane.com/.

My honestest interview at Open Book Society

Although some of my answers disturb my closest friend, I bar no holds in this interview with staff member Heidi of Open Book Society, who asked me some great questions I haven't been asked before.



http://openbooksociety.com/article/kerri-stevens-author-stone-kissed/



Thanks to blogs, the interview can continue! Comment on her post and I'll answer further questions there.

Twitter, facebook, QR Codes, Oh, My!

Visiting at Bemis Promotions to talk about where (and how) I work and play on the internet. Come tell me what you love: http://www.bemispromotions.com/keep-social-media-simple-sweetheart/#more-446

Congratulations, Louise!

Louise B. is the winner of the $50 Amazon gift certificate for National Read an e-Book week.

Everyone give her a round of applause--but quietly. She's reading!