Xondra Day's Blog, page 15
June 14, 2011
Release day for Menge on the Prairie
http://www.bookstrand.com/menage-on-the-prairie Menage on the Prairie(MMF) is out today from Siren Publishing! I'm excited about this one!
For excepts check out the link. You can also buy it onsite for a discount! It releases to third party sites in about a month.
Blurb: [Ménage and More: Erotic Western Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, with M/M]
Socialite Kate Summers is eager to rid herself of the past, but when she replies to Joe Ryder's ad for a mail-order bride, she gets much more than she could have ever bargained for.
Joe Ryder is a man to be reckoned with. When scandal threatens to ruin the quiet life he has shared with his friend and lover, Ryan Starke, he devises a plan to make the townsfolk stop their idle tongues.
A mail-order bride is sought and soon found in Kate.
Unfortunately, Ryan isn't too accepting of Kate. Her very presence threatens the only life he has ever known, along with his love for Joe. After Kate finds out the real reason she was asked to come to marry Joe, she feels betrayed.
Can the three come to an agreement that will benefit all?
A Siren Erotic Romance
For excepts check out the link. You can also buy it onsite for a discount! It releases to third party sites in about a month.
Blurb: [Ménage and More: Erotic Western Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, with M/M]
Socialite Kate Summers is eager to rid herself of the past, but when she replies to Joe Ryder's ad for a mail-order bride, she gets much more than she could have ever bargained for.
Joe Ryder is a man to be reckoned with. When scandal threatens to ruin the quiet life he has shared with his friend and lover, Ryan Starke, he devises a plan to make the townsfolk stop their idle tongues.
A mail-order bride is sought and soon found in Kate.
Unfortunately, Ryan isn't too accepting of Kate. Her very presence threatens the only life he has ever known, along with his love for Joe. After Kate finds out the real reason she was asked to come to marry Joe, she feels betrayed.
Can the three come to an agreement that will benefit all?
A Siren Erotic Romance
June 13, 2011
The Short Story Dilemma
Dilemma is the key word in this blog post.
So far in my writing career I have written mostly short stories and novellas. Is this by choice? Yes.
I like the length and while I do write full length novels, I like the fact that I don't restrict myself.
I have been given bad reviews based on length. This is something that I totally don't get. If you have something against short works, then don't buy them. Obviously you can only do so much with a limited amount of words, yet I do try to get the whole story in there the best I can.
How do you do this, some may ask? I start at the meat of the story. I like lots of conflict, that's what interests a reader. And there is nothing worst than reading something where nothing happens.
This is a partial rant because some tend to think a writer is lazy for writing shorter works. But I will tell you straight up that I put my best into ANYTHING that I write, short or long.
In the end it comes down to me and my readers. But to the people who have a gripe with length, don't buy it. It's simple. It's the same as the people who have issue with sexual content. It really is that simple.
Rant over,
Xondra
So far in my writing career I have written mostly short stories and novellas. Is this by choice? Yes.
I like the length and while I do write full length novels, I like the fact that I don't restrict myself.
I have been given bad reviews based on length. This is something that I totally don't get. If you have something against short works, then don't buy them. Obviously you can only do so much with a limited amount of words, yet I do try to get the whole story in there the best I can.
How do you do this, some may ask? I start at the meat of the story. I like lots of conflict, that's what interests a reader. And there is nothing worst than reading something where nothing happens.
This is a partial rant because some tend to think a writer is lazy for writing shorter works. But I will tell you straight up that I put my best into ANYTHING that I write, short or long.
In the end it comes down to me and my readers. But to the people who have a gripe with length, don't buy it. It's simple. It's the same as the people who have issue with sexual content. It really is that simple.
Rant over,
Xondra
June 12, 2011
A Grim Pact by Adam Slade
Shameless plug:
My fiance just released his latest urban fantasy novel, A Grim Pact. It's up on Amazon Kindle for 99 cents!
If you like humour mixed with great characters and story lines. Grab this one. Thanks :)
Buy Link
Some Grim Reapers just can't get a break.
'As well as nursing a broken leg from the last person who tried to kill him, Mal is trying to track down the serial killer who's offing demons on his patch. And it seems like one of his friends knows more than he's letting on.
On top of that, Death, Mal's boss, is awake after decades of slumber. Which means yet another challenge to face.
Paperwork.'
My fiance just released his latest urban fantasy novel, A Grim Pact. It's up on Amazon Kindle for 99 cents!
If you like humour mixed with great characters and story lines. Grab this one. Thanks :)
Buy LinkSome Grim Reapers just can't get a break.
'As well as nursing a broken leg from the last person who tried to kill him, Mal is trying to track down the serial killer who's offing demons on his patch. And it seems like one of his friends knows more than he's letting on.
On top of that, Death, Mal's boss, is awake after decades of slumber. Which means yet another challenge to face.
Paperwork.'
June 9, 2011
Author Interview with Shyla Colt
V- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?
S- Don't Fear the Reaper is a romance novella about love and redemption mixed with a bit of humor and a ton of adventure. When my lead female Brea is killed her guardian angel Nox is unable to leave her to face an eternity in hell. So he strikes a deal with Azrael the angel of death for the future of her soul. Offered a job as reaper Brea is given the opportunity to redeem herself. But Nox proves to be a temptation she is unable to resist.
This book concept started with me thinking about faith and redemption. I wanted to do a romance story that was centered on both. I had Brea's character sketched out, and knew I wanted her to be offered the job of Reaper. But it was when I saw a picture of Zachary Quinto that all the pieces fell into place. There's something about him that strikes me as regal, and angelic, yet slightly mischievous.
Coming Soon!
V- When did you start writing, and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?
S- I always loved to read, but I would say I really got into writing when I was thirteen. I discovered L.J. Smith's world of paranormal romance for teens and my imagination took over. I had always been a fan of horror movies, but the concept of the 'Monster' being a love interest, and more human than we imagined had never occurred to me. I spent years sketching out plots and characters, honing my writing skills, and gaining the confidence to actually submit. When I turned 30 this year, I knew it was time to put my work out there and see what response I received. Amazingly, Evernight took a chance on me right out the gate. So in that aspect I was very blessed.
My advice to new writers would be write what you love, read as much as possible, and put your work out there. At first with a trusted friend who will tell you what areas you need to work on, and then to the professionals. Because you never know until you try.
V- What other things interest you besides writing?
S- I like to read, travel, listen to music, and be crafty.
V- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?
S- Right now I'm reading Designed For love By Yvette Hines with Fragile by Shara Azod, and the Taste of Blood on my wish list for later.
V- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?
S- Oh wow, that's a tough one. I would say any time during my senior year of college. It was an amazing time in my life I often recall fondly.
V- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.
S- My Android phone, it pretty much does it all and keeps me connected to everyone
V- What's your favourite flower?
S- Peony
V- What's your ultimate indulgence?
S- Travel. With my hubby being a member of the marine core seeing friends and family is few and far inbetween . So any time I get to travel is amazing.
V- What can we expect to see from you in the future?
S- Well right now my first published work Don't Fear The Reaper is due out at Evernight Publising in August.
V- Thank you, Shyla. I wish you the best of luck with your writing career, and I look forward to your release in August.
S- Don't Fear the Reaper is a romance novella about love and redemption mixed with a bit of humor and a ton of adventure. When my lead female Brea is killed her guardian angel Nox is unable to leave her to face an eternity in hell. So he strikes a deal with Azrael the angel of death for the future of her soul. Offered a job as reaper Brea is given the opportunity to redeem herself. But Nox proves to be a temptation she is unable to resist.
This book concept started with me thinking about faith and redemption. I wanted to do a romance story that was centered on both. I had Brea's character sketched out, and knew I wanted her to be offered the job of Reaper. But it was when I saw a picture of Zachary Quinto that all the pieces fell into place. There's something about him that strikes me as regal, and angelic, yet slightly mischievous.
Coming Soon!V- When did you start writing, and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?
S- I always loved to read, but I would say I really got into writing when I was thirteen. I discovered L.J. Smith's world of paranormal romance for teens and my imagination took over. I had always been a fan of horror movies, but the concept of the 'Monster' being a love interest, and more human than we imagined had never occurred to me. I spent years sketching out plots and characters, honing my writing skills, and gaining the confidence to actually submit. When I turned 30 this year, I knew it was time to put my work out there and see what response I received. Amazingly, Evernight took a chance on me right out the gate. So in that aspect I was very blessed.
My advice to new writers would be write what you love, read as much as possible, and put your work out there. At first with a trusted friend who will tell you what areas you need to work on, and then to the professionals. Because you never know until you try.
V- What other things interest you besides writing?
S- I like to read, travel, listen to music, and be crafty.
V- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?
S- Right now I'm reading Designed For love By Yvette Hines with Fragile by Shara Azod, and the Taste of Blood on my wish list for later.
V- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?
S- Oh wow, that's a tough one. I would say any time during my senior year of college. It was an amazing time in my life I often recall fondly.
V- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.
S- My Android phone, it pretty much does it all and keeps me connected to everyone
V- What's your favourite flower?
S- Peony
V- What's your ultimate indulgence?
S- Travel. With my hubby being a member of the marine core seeing friends and family is few and far inbetween . So any time I get to travel is amazing.
V- What can we expect to see from you in the future?
S- Well right now my first published work Don't Fear The Reaper is due out at Evernight Publising in August.
V- Thank you, Shyla. I wish you the best of luck with your writing career, and I look forward to your release in August.
June 6, 2011
Author Interview with Elizabeth Raines
Hi Elizabeth, and welcome to Write Outside the Box.
V- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?
E- I actually have two releases in June. The first volume of The Sextet Anthologies is called Sharing and releases on June 3rd. The second is the fourth books in my Wicked Missions series, and the title is Sold. It premieres on June 20th. I think Sold is my personal favorite of the whole series.
The Sextet is a group of my friends who are all fantastic writers. We went out to eat in Orlando at last year's RWA National Conference, and over a pitcher of sangria, we started talking about fun projects we'd do if we ever had the time. I mentioned that I wanted to write an anthology of erotic stories based on themes if I ever had the spare time. I jokingly suggested that since spare time is a valuable and very limited commodity in my life, perhaps they would like to contribute stories and we could release anthologies together. Everything kind of snowballed from there. By the time we left Orlando, we'd planned out three volumes. My Siren editor was thrilled with the ideas, and she's willing to look at any anthology we send her now. Currently, we have eight planned, and they'll release one a month from Siren, starting with Sharing in June.
Purchase
The Wicked Missions series was simply for fun. I've written paranormal romance under my other pen name, but I'd never written science fiction. I wrote Locked In: Wicked Missions 1 as a lark, hoping my critique partner, Cheryl Brooks, could give me an idea of whether it was any good and if I should keep developing the series. She's well known for her Cat Star Chronicles erotic sci-fi series, so I knew she would let me know if my sci-fi worked. When she gave me the thumbs up, I sent it to Siren. My publisher loved the book. Since then, she's contracted seven Wicked Missions books!
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Coming Soon!
V- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?
E- I started writing six years ago for fun, never really intending to publish. I got fantastic feedback from the friends who read my stories, so I started sending them out to agents and editors. I was thrilled to sell my first book three years ago, and since then, I've published six mainstream romances. I've also signed with an agent for my mainstream stories. My erotica career has happened so quickly, my head is still spinning. I wrote Locked In in November, and now I'm churning out Wicked Missions stories as well as Sextet stories and trying to keep up with deadlines.
The best advice I can give to writers is to constantly strive to improve. I might be published, but I still take classes in the craft, and I still get as much feedback on my work as I can from critique partners and beta readers to make my writing better. You have to give a quality product to your readers, and you can only do that by being a lifelong learner.
V- What other things interest you besides writing?
E- I love reading, and it doesn't matter which genre. I'll dig through anything from Stephen King to Julie Garwood.
My husband and I also like to watch horseracing. We go to off-track-betting sometimes, take twenty bucks each, and see who comes out ahead at the end of the night.
V- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?
E- I just bought Paula Quinn's Tamed by the Highlander. I love everything she writes! In my TBR pile right now are Hannah Howell's If He's Dangerous and Highland Protector, Jackie Kessler's Hunger, and Sofia Hunt's The First Bride.
V- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?
E- What an amazing question! I've had so many wonderful moments in my life, but to go back to my wedding again would be heavenly. I was such a bundle of nerves that day, and so very young! I'd like to see it through my eyes now after nearly thirty years of marriage.
V- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.
E- My laptop! I'd die if I had to write everything longhand. I have arthritis in both hands, and the notion of not being able to write because I couldn't handle the pain of holding a pen that long makes me incredibly sad.
V- What's your favourite flower?
E- I love lilacs. I have a beautiful Hungarian lilac bush outside my kitchen window. In the spring, the scent drifts through the window, and it always makes me happy.
V- What's your ultimate indulgence?
E- Giving up time with people so that I can write. I always feel a bit selfish, but I've learned that I have to write, even if it means not spending as much time as I should with the people I love.
V- What can we expect to see from you in the future?
E- In July, I'll be releasing two more Wicked Mission stories—Wanted and Captivated—and another of The Sextet Anthologies—Dirty Dancing. You can always keep up with me on my websites
I'm also planning a new paranormal series for Siren, hopefully being able to release the first five books sometime this autumn.
V- Once again, thanks for taking the time to be interviewed here. I look forward to your new releases.
Elizabeth can be reached on the web at the following places: Website Sextet Website and Siren-Bookstrand.
E- Thanks so much for having me!
V- If you would like to reach Elizabeth, to send her fan mail, you can do so at the following: Email
V- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?
E- I actually have two releases in June. The first volume of The Sextet Anthologies is called Sharing and releases on June 3rd. The second is the fourth books in my Wicked Missions series, and the title is Sold. It premieres on June 20th. I think Sold is my personal favorite of the whole series.
The Sextet is a group of my friends who are all fantastic writers. We went out to eat in Orlando at last year's RWA National Conference, and over a pitcher of sangria, we started talking about fun projects we'd do if we ever had the time. I mentioned that I wanted to write an anthology of erotic stories based on themes if I ever had the spare time. I jokingly suggested that since spare time is a valuable and very limited commodity in my life, perhaps they would like to contribute stories and we could release anthologies together. Everything kind of snowballed from there. By the time we left Orlando, we'd planned out three volumes. My Siren editor was thrilled with the ideas, and she's willing to look at any anthology we send her now. Currently, we have eight planned, and they'll release one a month from Siren, starting with Sharing in June.
PurchaseThe Wicked Missions series was simply for fun. I've written paranormal romance under my other pen name, but I'd never written science fiction. I wrote Locked In: Wicked Missions 1 as a lark, hoping my critique partner, Cheryl Brooks, could give me an idea of whether it was any good and if I should keep developing the series. She's well known for her Cat Star Chronicles erotic sci-fi series, so I knew she would let me know if my sci-fi worked. When she gave me the thumbs up, I sent it to Siren. My publisher loved the book. Since then, she's contracted seven Wicked Missions books!
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Coming Soon!V- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?
E- I started writing six years ago for fun, never really intending to publish. I got fantastic feedback from the friends who read my stories, so I started sending them out to agents and editors. I was thrilled to sell my first book three years ago, and since then, I've published six mainstream romances. I've also signed with an agent for my mainstream stories. My erotica career has happened so quickly, my head is still spinning. I wrote Locked In in November, and now I'm churning out Wicked Missions stories as well as Sextet stories and trying to keep up with deadlines.
The best advice I can give to writers is to constantly strive to improve. I might be published, but I still take classes in the craft, and I still get as much feedback on my work as I can from critique partners and beta readers to make my writing better. You have to give a quality product to your readers, and you can only do that by being a lifelong learner.
V- What other things interest you besides writing?
E- I love reading, and it doesn't matter which genre. I'll dig through anything from Stephen King to Julie Garwood.
My husband and I also like to watch horseracing. We go to off-track-betting sometimes, take twenty bucks each, and see who comes out ahead at the end of the night.
V- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?
E- I just bought Paula Quinn's Tamed by the Highlander. I love everything she writes! In my TBR pile right now are Hannah Howell's If He's Dangerous and Highland Protector, Jackie Kessler's Hunger, and Sofia Hunt's The First Bride.
V- If you could relive one moment in time, which one would it be?
E- What an amazing question! I've had so many wonderful moments in my life, but to go back to my wedding again would be heavenly. I was such a bundle of nerves that day, and so very young! I'd like to see it through my eyes now after nearly thirty years of marriage.
V- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.
E- My laptop! I'd die if I had to write everything longhand. I have arthritis in both hands, and the notion of not being able to write because I couldn't handle the pain of holding a pen that long makes me incredibly sad.
V- What's your favourite flower?
E- I love lilacs. I have a beautiful Hungarian lilac bush outside my kitchen window. In the spring, the scent drifts through the window, and it always makes me happy.
V- What's your ultimate indulgence?
E- Giving up time with people so that I can write. I always feel a bit selfish, but I've learned that I have to write, even if it means not spending as much time as I should with the people I love.
V- What can we expect to see from you in the future?
E- In July, I'll be releasing two more Wicked Mission stories—Wanted and Captivated—and another of The Sextet Anthologies—Dirty Dancing. You can always keep up with me on my websites
I'm also planning a new paranormal series for Siren, hopefully being able to release the first five books sometime this autumn.
V- Once again, thanks for taking the time to be interviewed here. I look forward to your new releases.
Elizabeth can be reached on the web at the following places: Website Sextet Website and Siren-Bookstrand.
E- Thanks so much for having me!
V- If you would like to reach Elizabeth, to send her fan mail, you can do so at the following: Email
June 3, 2011
Menage on the Prairie Pre-ordering
You can now pre-order Menage on the Prairie on Siren-Bookstrand. Yay! For a limited time, it's being offered at a 10% discount.
Pre-order
Pre-order
Out Today
Adelaide's War is out today. If you like sweet romance, this one is for you. It's available on Evernight's site for a discount in all formats, Amazon Kindle, All Romance, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and Bookstrand.
Evernight Amazon
Product Description:
Isolation has become Adelaide Warren's solace. She lives far from civilization, up in the hills of West Virginia, after the end of the Civil War and the death of her husband. When Josiah Hamilton finds his way to her doorstep, nearly frozen to death one stormy winter night, she nurses him back to life.
They form a fast friendship, which soon becomes more. When Josiah professes his love for her, she refutes him. But when tragedy strikes, it's Josiah who comes to her rescue. Now, Adelaide is forced to confront her love for him which she has both denied and hidden.
A proposal is made. Will she accept him? If she does, what does that mean for her future?
Excerpt:
Adelaide was outside, chopping kindling when she first spotted Josiah off in the distance. Her heart leapt and that feeling startled her. He was nothing more than a stranger, and no more than a friend at most. Yet, she was overjoyed at his impending presence.
How silly, she thought. I'm a grown woman, not some girl set about waiting for a beau to court her. That part of her life had long since passed and was buried and gone along with James. Or was it?
"What brings you out this way?" she asked, upon his approach, doing her best to maintain calm and collected. Just the slightest hint of coyness tinged her voice.
"I was passing through, and I thought I'd stop in," he said, with an added grin.
"How's the farm?"
"It's been good. This spring, planting will take a lot of work and of course the fall harvest. This isn't our busiest time of year. And yourself?"
"I'm pretty good," she replied. "Trapper Marg was around to trade some rabbits for my jam. She's around quite often when making her runs. Other than that, it's quiet as expected. Just the way I like it."
Adelaide motioned to the cabin. "There's coffee and fresh buns, if you're interested. It beats standing out here in the cold."
"Sound good," he replied. "Lead on."
She poured coffee and set a plate of buns on the table before taking her seat across from Josiah.
"I couldn't help but notice the rifle next to the door. Are you nervous being here alone? Is that why you keep it close?"
"Josiah," she started. "I don't kid myself about the realities of this world. And yes, I am a woman alone. This may not be the best place for me, but it's home. Where else would I go? Town isn't an option. I can hardly bear going there for supplies when I have to."
"I know about James," he said. "And the talk. Don't let them get to you. A house in town might be better for you." He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. "I'm concerned."
"You're bold. What they say about James isn't true. I know it and I shouldn't have to defend him to anyone."
"You don't have to. Not to me, Adelaide."
She resisted the urge to pull away from him, to ask him to leave. He forced her into a most uncomfortable situation, and she wasn't quite sure how to react.
"I'm fine here. This cabin suits me fine. I've done so now for almost two years with no troubles. Besides, I wouldn't fit in with…them. No, this is my home. This is where I'm meant to be."
"In time, they would accept you."
"They wouldn't. They talk, they gossip and they say things…terrible things. I don't want any part of that, ever." She snatched her hand from his, her eyes falling to her cup.
"Adelaide?"
She didn't dare look at him. Tears clouded her vision. How dare he bring this emotion out in her?
"You know about James."
"Yes," he said, with a nod.
"If it had been true, surely I wouldn't have received the letter I did after his death from the army."
"Would you allow me to see this letter?"
Adelaide went to the trunk at the end of the bed to fetch it. "It states that he died with honor. With honor and no disgrace. Why would they say that if it wasn't true?"
She watched him read the letter, his lips moving silently with each word. He then folded it and handed it back to her. "Don't believe the gossip. You need no more assurance than that letter. It's gold and the truth. Understand?"
She did. "I never doubted it for one minute."
"Nor should you. He was a honorable man who did his duty."
Adelaide returned the letter to its respectable place inside the trunk and when she turned around, Josiah was behind her.
He reached out with one hand and wiped tears from her cheek, pulling her to him in a most warm embrace.
Denial and guilt overwhelmed her. It felt natural and good, yet she knew it wasn't proper conduct for a widow. "This isn't right," she said, her hand pushing against his strong chest.
"I keep thinking about you," he muttered. "Straight from the moment when I left, and I don't know why. You're always in my thoughts."
"Josiah, it was an emotional time. It was Christmas, and you almost died. It's expected, but let's not confuse our feelings. You're fine now. We're friends and nothing more." She did a good job trying to convince him, but wasn't entirely convinced herself.
"Friends," he said the word as if pondering its true meaning. "What if I'm feeling something different, something more?"
Freeing herself from him, she put a small distance between them. "I'm not ready for anything more. I may never be ready."
"Do you feel anything for me? Your words say one thing, but I think your eyes say something different."
"I do. It's friendship." She bit her tongue on that falsehood. "Friendship is all I can offer you at this time."
"I understand. If I offended you with being so forward, I apologize. It was never my intention." Josiah turned and walked out of the cabin, leaving her feeling very much alone.
Evernight AmazonProduct Description:
Isolation has become Adelaide Warren's solace. She lives far from civilization, up in the hills of West Virginia, after the end of the Civil War and the death of her husband. When Josiah Hamilton finds his way to her doorstep, nearly frozen to death one stormy winter night, she nurses him back to life.
They form a fast friendship, which soon becomes more. When Josiah professes his love for her, she refutes him. But when tragedy strikes, it's Josiah who comes to her rescue. Now, Adelaide is forced to confront her love for him which she has both denied and hidden.
A proposal is made. Will she accept him? If she does, what does that mean for her future?
Excerpt:
Adelaide was outside, chopping kindling when she first spotted Josiah off in the distance. Her heart leapt and that feeling startled her. He was nothing more than a stranger, and no more than a friend at most. Yet, she was overjoyed at his impending presence.
How silly, she thought. I'm a grown woman, not some girl set about waiting for a beau to court her. That part of her life had long since passed and was buried and gone along with James. Or was it?
"What brings you out this way?" she asked, upon his approach, doing her best to maintain calm and collected. Just the slightest hint of coyness tinged her voice.
"I was passing through, and I thought I'd stop in," he said, with an added grin.
"How's the farm?"
"It's been good. This spring, planting will take a lot of work and of course the fall harvest. This isn't our busiest time of year. And yourself?"
"I'm pretty good," she replied. "Trapper Marg was around to trade some rabbits for my jam. She's around quite often when making her runs. Other than that, it's quiet as expected. Just the way I like it."
Adelaide motioned to the cabin. "There's coffee and fresh buns, if you're interested. It beats standing out here in the cold."
"Sound good," he replied. "Lead on."
She poured coffee and set a plate of buns on the table before taking her seat across from Josiah.
"I couldn't help but notice the rifle next to the door. Are you nervous being here alone? Is that why you keep it close?"
"Josiah," she started. "I don't kid myself about the realities of this world. And yes, I am a woman alone. This may not be the best place for me, but it's home. Where else would I go? Town isn't an option. I can hardly bear going there for supplies when I have to."
"I know about James," he said. "And the talk. Don't let them get to you. A house in town might be better for you." He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. "I'm concerned."
"You're bold. What they say about James isn't true. I know it and I shouldn't have to defend him to anyone."
"You don't have to. Not to me, Adelaide."
She resisted the urge to pull away from him, to ask him to leave. He forced her into a most uncomfortable situation, and she wasn't quite sure how to react.
"I'm fine here. This cabin suits me fine. I've done so now for almost two years with no troubles. Besides, I wouldn't fit in with…them. No, this is my home. This is where I'm meant to be."
"In time, they would accept you."
"They wouldn't. They talk, they gossip and they say things…terrible things. I don't want any part of that, ever." She snatched her hand from his, her eyes falling to her cup.
"Adelaide?"
She didn't dare look at him. Tears clouded her vision. How dare he bring this emotion out in her?
"You know about James."
"Yes," he said, with a nod.
"If it had been true, surely I wouldn't have received the letter I did after his death from the army."
"Would you allow me to see this letter?"
Adelaide went to the trunk at the end of the bed to fetch it. "It states that he died with honor. With honor and no disgrace. Why would they say that if it wasn't true?"
She watched him read the letter, his lips moving silently with each word. He then folded it and handed it back to her. "Don't believe the gossip. You need no more assurance than that letter. It's gold and the truth. Understand?"
She did. "I never doubted it for one minute."
"Nor should you. He was a honorable man who did his duty."
Adelaide returned the letter to its respectable place inside the trunk and when she turned around, Josiah was behind her.
He reached out with one hand and wiped tears from her cheek, pulling her to him in a most warm embrace.
Denial and guilt overwhelmed her. It felt natural and good, yet she knew it wasn't proper conduct for a widow. "This isn't right," she said, her hand pushing against his strong chest.
"I keep thinking about you," he muttered. "Straight from the moment when I left, and I don't know why. You're always in my thoughts."
"Josiah, it was an emotional time. It was Christmas, and you almost died. It's expected, but let's not confuse our feelings. You're fine now. We're friends and nothing more." She did a good job trying to convince him, but wasn't entirely convinced herself.
"Friends," he said the word as if pondering its true meaning. "What if I'm feeling something different, something more?"
Freeing herself from him, she put a small distance between them. "I'm not ready for anything more. I may never be ready."
"Do you feel anything for me? Your words say one thing, but I think your eyes say something different."
"I do. It's friendship." She bit her tongue on that falsehood. "Friendship is all I can offer you at this time."
"I understand. If I offended you with being so forward, I apologize. It was never my intention." Josiah turned and walked out of the cabin, leaving her feeling very much alone.
Author Interview with Karyn Gerrard
V- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?
K- It was a quick journey, maybe too quick! Timeless Heart was the first novella I ever submitted to e-book publishers and Evernight offered me a contract almost immediately. A lot of luck there, as luck plays a big part in getting published.
Considering I am a voracious reader, I only started reading romance in a big way about 4 years ago, My first effort and only other submission, a historical romance, was rejected by a print publisher 3 years ago, but I kept writing! Glad I did.
I am inspired everyday by every romance writer I come in contact with, what a generous, support group. Romance readers are the best as well, inspires me to keep writing.
V- What's your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?
Buy Link
K- My current release is my only release at the moment, TIMELESS HEART ♥. I am working on a couple of erotica/paranormal novellas which I just finished yesterday! Now comes the editing. Crossing fingers I am not just a one-pubbed wonder.
V- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?
K- What I said above, keep writing. And submit your work, you never know when a story may just be that story an editor is looking for at that particular moment. Hence the luck I mentioned. Writing can be very solitary, I encourage finding like minded people and connect, whether on Facebook, Twitter, writing forums, blogs or where ever you feel comfortable at. I met some wonderful people who stepped up to the plate to help promote my debut effort, and in other ways to numerous to mention. Get your name out there before you even submit, believe me, it will pay off.
V- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what's your views?
K- Since I am basically a lazy cow, I can't see me ever self-pubbing. Too much work. That may change down the road, but for now? No. I have tons of admiration for anyone going this route, it is a lot of work, and it is really the only reason I am not interested. Yep, lazy.
The view on self-pubbing has changed, it used to be called vanity publishing when you spent big dollars of your own to have a book printed, but thanks to digital, that has all changed. It is certainly made the field more competitive, and that is a good thing. If it gets people reading AND buying more books, either print or digital, it is all to the good.
V- If I were to look at the current books you're reading, which titles would I find?
K- I am reading a few ARCS for reviews. I love historical romance. I'm reading Jennifer Haymore's Confessions of an Improper Bride. So far, loving it! Also love paranormals, have Kerrelyn Sparks' Vampire Mine next in the TBR pile.
V- What's the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?
K- My satellite dish, so I can see every Red Sox game! Also my Ipod touch, you would have to pry that out of my cold dead hand!
V- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?
K- Wow, I could give the standard 'world peace' answer, but I will be more selfish. Good health and long life for me, and all my loved ones.
V- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
K- Still writing, still watching the Red Sox, and hopefully still content with my life.
Thanks everyone who has been so supportive for my debut effort! It is really, really appreciated
V- Sounds great! And thank you, Karyn, for allowing me to interview and learn more about your writing career.
Karyn can be found online at the following links:
Website
Review Site
K- It was a quick journey, maybe too quick! Timeless Heart was the first novella I ever submitted to e-book publishers and Evernight offered me a contract almost immediately. A lot of luck there, as luck plays a big part in getting published.
Considering I am a voracious reader, I only started reading romance in a big way about 4 years ago, My first effort and only other submission, a historical romance, was rejected by a print publisher 3 years ago, but I kept writing! Glad I did.
I am inspired everyday by every romance writer I come in contact with, what a generous, support group. Romance readers are the best as well, inspires me to keep writing.
V- What's your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?
Buy LinkK- My current release is my only release at the moment, TIMELESS HEART ♥. I am working on a couple of erotica/paranormal novellas which I just finished yesterday! Now comes the editing. Crossing fingers I am not just a one-pubbed wonder.
V- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?
K- What I said above, keep writing. And submit your work, you never know when a story may just be that story an editor is looking for at that particular moment. Hence the luck I mentioned. Writing can be very solitary, I encourage finding like minded people and connect, whether on Facebook, Twitter, writing forums, blogs or where ever you feel comfortable at. I met some wonderful people who stepped up to the plate to help promote my debut effort, and in other ways to numerous to mention. Get your name out there before you even submit, believe me, it will pay off.
V- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what's your views?
K- Since I am basically a lazy cow, I can't see me ever self-pubbing. Too much work. That may change down the road, but for now? No. I have tons of admiration for anyone going this route, it is a lot of work, and it is really the only reason I am not interested. Yep, lazy.
The view on self-pubbing has changed, it used to be called vanity publishing when you spent big dollars of your own to have a book printed, but thanks to digital, that has all changed. It is certainly made the field more competitive, and that is a good thing. If it gets people reading AND buying more books, either print or digital, it is all to the good.
V- If I were to look at the current books you're reading, which titles would I find?
K- I am reading a few ARCS for reviews. I love historical romance. I'm reading Jennifer Haymore's Confessions of an Improper Bride. So far, loving it! Also love paranormals, have Kerrelyn Sparks' Vampire Mine next in the TBR pile.
V- What's the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?
K- My satellite dish, so I can see every Red Sox game! Also my Ipod touch, you would have to pry that out of my cold dead hand!
V- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?
K- Wow, I could give the standard 'world peace' answer, but I will be more selfish. Good health and long life for me, and all my loved ones.
V- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
K- Still writing, still watching the Red Sox, and hopefully still content with my life.
Thanks everyone who has been so supportive for my debut effort! It is really, really appreciated
V- Sounds great! And thank you, Karyn, for allowing me to interview and learn more about your writing career.
Karyn can be found online at the following links:
Website
Review Site
May 29, 2011
A Winner!
The winner of the copy of The Blood Between is, Anna Keraleigh!
Author Interview with JC Holly
First off, JC, thanks for allowing me to interview you.
V- Can you tell us about your journey to publication and where you draw your inspiration from?
JC – My journey was a short one. I wanted to try my hand at erotic romance (I write other genres under another name), and sat down in front of my computer with that goal in mind. After a few panic attacks and some feverish editing, I sent the result to Total E-bound, and it was accepted! I couldn't believe it!
I draw inspiration from many places. Books, television, even from the people I meet while out shopping. It all smooshes together in my head, and somehow ideas come out. :o)
V- What's the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?
JC – Practise, learn to take criticism, and don't give up. It can be a hard road, but it's well worth travelling.
V- Tell us about your newest release.
Buy
JC – One Wild Weekend (out May 30th), is an erotic short, published with Total E-bound. It's about a couple who decide to try and liven up their relationship with a weekend of sex. It turns out they both have quite the kinky streak...
V- What's your favourite dessert?
JC – I have to pick ONE?! :o)
(Probably chocolate fudge cake, but I may change my mind in an hour.)
V- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?
JC – I'd rather like to have the moment I got my first acceptance on 'speed dial', so I could visit it whenever I was feeling a bit down.
V- If you had one wish, what would it be?
JC – To be successful enough in writing to make it a full-time career.
V- What's the one thing that most people don't know about you?
JC – I'm a closet videogamer, though I'm rubbish at most of them.
V- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?
JC – In the same place as I am now, but with a heck of a lot of books under my belt. :o)
V- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?
JC – I have a M/M short that I'm polishing, as well as a longer M/F piece. I'm also looking into expanding into some of the 'kinkier' subgenres of erotic romance. Fun!
You can find me on Facebook. I'm in the process of setting up a blog.
V- Sounds good. I wish you the best of luck with your writing career, and again, thanks for allowing this interview.
V- Can you tell us about your journey to publication and where you draw your inspiration from?
JC – My journey was a short one. I wanted to try my hand at erotic romance (I write other genres under another name), and sat down in front of my computer with that goal in mind. After a few panic attacks and some feverish editing, I sent the result to Total E-bound, and it was accepted! I couldn't believe it!
I draw inspiration from many places. Books, television, even from the people I meet while out shopping. It all smooshes together in my head, and somehow ideas come out. :o)
V- What's the best advice you can offer a newbie writing hoping to publish?
JC – Practise, learn to take criticism, and don't give up. It can be a hard road, but it's well worth travelling.
V- Tell us about your newest release.
BuyJC – One Wild Weekend (out May 30th), is an erotic short, published with Total E-bound. It's about a couple who decide to try and liven up their relationship with a weekend of sex. It turns out they both have quite the kinky streak...
V- What's your favourite dessert?
JC – I have to pick ONE?! :o)
(Probably chocolate fudge cake, but I may change my mind in an hour.)
V- If you could return to one moment in time, which would it be?
JC – I'd rather like to have the moment I got my first acceptance on 'speed dial', so I could visit it whenever I was feeling a bit down.
V- If you had one wish, what would it be?
JC – To be successful enough in writing to make it a full-time career.
V- What's the one thing that most people don't know about you?
JC – I'm a closet videogamer, though I'm rubbish at most of them.
V- In ten years where do you hope to be in life?
JC – In the same place as I am now, but with a heck of a lot of books under my belt. :o)
V- What can we expect to see from you in the near future?
JC – I have a M/M short that I'm polishing, as well as a longer M/F piece. I'm also looking into expanding into some of the 'kinkier' subgenres of erotic romance. Fun!
You can find me on Facebook. I'm in the process of setting up a blog.
V- Sounds good. I wish you the best of luck with your writing career, and again, thanks for allowing this interview.
