Mia Darien's Blog, page 25

Character Interview: Jen Estes & Cat from the Cat McDaniel Mystery Series

I’m happy today to be able to welcome Jen Estes and Cat, from the appropriately named Cat McDaniel Mystery Series! Enjoy!

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Mia: What is the name of the book where we’ll find you? Can you tell us a little about it?

Cat: First, I became a major league sportswriter for the Las Vegas Chips in BIG LEAGUES and it was amazing… until a player bit it and I discovered a conspiracy behind his death. Now, in CURVEBALL, I head down to the baseball training camps in sunny Santo Domingo to accompany a Major League Brat on her internship. She’s a handful, but how much trouble can one girl cause? Of course, we do discover a dead body on our first day down there…

Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Cat: I’m a sportswriter. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I love baseball, but the more I’m in its world, the more I see it’s not the job of my dreams. Maybe my nightmares.

Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.

Cat: Jen’s nice and everything but she’s kind of… well, obsessed with me. She spends hours describing my hair and imagining what I’m wearing. And every time Benji and I snuggle up, she’s right there, diagramming our every move! Hey, Single White Female, why don’t you get out of your pajamas and take your cat for a walk so I can have some couch time? But don’t tell her I said that.

Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?

Cat: I just want to report the box scores and game recaps but damn it, all this drama keeps getting in the way! I did get a paid trip to the Caribbean out of it, but the sorority girl I’m with is making me earn every penny.

Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?

Cat: I get to work in baseball, so yes. That’s a lucky break for a girl like me. Unlike my spoiled travel companion Paige Aiken, my dad isn’t a baseball legend. Papa McDaniel a jailbird, so unless there really is a California Penal League in baseball, I’m on my own.

Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.

Cat: I’m desperate to stay in this business — even though my curiosity keeps burning bridges along the way. In addition, I’m trying to balance a long-distance relationship with my boyfriend, Benji, who couldn’t care less about baseball. I’m also hiding my own dirty laundry (I’m not just talking about all my knockoffs!) and I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep the truth from Benji.

Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

Cat: Oh yeah, I can’t shake her! (Trust me, I’ve tried.) Jen’s storyboarding me from city to city for three more books after this. Easy for her! She sits on the couch, typing away on her computer, while I’m the one dodging foul balls and foul play!

Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?

Cat: A movie about me?! Wow. I’m sure Jen would say Amy Adams or another Hollywood rah-rah, but Benji and I want nerd-girl extraordinaire Felicia Day. Not only has she perfected geek-chic, but people even say we look alike. (And by “people”, I mean me.)

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Author Bio: JEN ESTES is the author of Big Leagues and the Cat McDaniel Mystery Series. A former baseball blogger and freelance sportswriter, she has been featured in Digital Sports Daily, Penthouse Magazine and Examiner.com. Jen is a member of the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR), Springfield Poets & Writers, Sisters in Crime and the National Writers Union (NWU). Jen currently lives in Illinois with her husband and cat. When she isn’t writing, Jen enjoys running, yoga, traveling, baseball and, of course, reading a good book.

Buy Link: Powell Books

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Buy Link: Books-a-Million

Ten Questions with… Larissa Hinton

Today, I’m pleased to welcome author Larissa Hinton to Ten Questions with Mia Mondays! She is the author of Everblossom, an anthology of short stories and poems, and soon Everblossom 2 and Angel Diaries!

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Author Bio: The young adult fantasy and paranormal romance author, Larissa Hinton, grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Chesapeake, Virginia. She now lives in northern Virginia, but she always looks forward to going back to the sweet smell of the salty ocean.

Larissa has always loved writing since the age of 12 and hasn’t stopped since. After many years of writing whimsical tales of romance and fantasy, she is now proud to be a self-published author. When she’s not writing, she’s teaching English at a local middle school.

When seen out of the classroom, Larissa is shopping for the next great Wii game, searching for undiscovered treasure (a.k.a. sparkly jewelry) and plucking some fresh fruits (or vegetables, dependent on the year) out of her small garden.

Larissa Hinton is currently author of Everblossom: A Short Story and poetry Anthology. However, be on the lookout for Angel Diaries (a paranormal romance) and Everblossom 2: A Second Anthology of Short Stories and Poems!

Author Site: http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blogspot.com

You can find her book at Amazon, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble!

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

Enthusiastic, creative, shy, unique, and witty

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?

The first story I wrote is called Timestoppers which was inspired by the Nik movie Clockstoppers. Actually, I plan to drag it out of the closet and whip it back into shape. A lot of my books that are hiding in the closet (especially my romances) I plan to edit until it pleads red ink and publish it.

3. What inspires you?

Everything and anything is the broad and truthful answer. Since I’m a college student at Hampton University I walk to class a lot. Instead of plugging my ears with music (I don’t want to draw attention to my hideous dance moves, lol), I think a lot about my books and what I can do to fix them. Practically everyday I do this and even though it doesn’t sound inspiring, I always come up with a new idea for a short idea or a way to fix a problem in my book. Sometimes thinking about my personal life helps and sometimes just walking in somewhat pure silence with nature brings me ideas. It just depends.

4. What distracts you?

Marketing and book shopping is the truthful answer. I could literally market all day long since there is never enough time to market. And every time I walk into a library or BAM (Books A Million) I get so distracted by all the pretty paranormal romance books. I could literally spend hours in that section and get lost among those books. Ah, I love that section. It’s a gorgeous distraction.

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

I’m a sucker for a strong minority female lead character. I love it when a character just doesn’t sacrifice everything they love for a boy. I love the characters that have real depth to them and think for themselves. I love the characters that stand up for what’s right even if it’s not the popular choice. I just love strong kick butt girl characters straight up.

About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available title.

Everblossom: A Short Story and Poetry Anthology is basically a paranormal fantasy collection of short stories and poetry that segments life through the life of a flower from seed to bud to blossom. Here’s more about it in the blurb:

Blurb:

An anthology that will quench your thirst for more than the ordinary.

Everblossom is a journey through poems and short stories that may seem ordinary on the surface but dig a little deeper and the world not only shifts . . . It changes.

The author who brought you Iwishacana/Acanawishi, now brings you a dash of everything from dark fantasy to the paranormal to romance. So prepare yourself to delve into the three stages of the flower from bud to blossom then back to seed; you’ll go through them all with a whole new perspective on what it all truly means.

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

I have to say my favorite part of writing these stories is hearing all of these individual characters voices. Each of these characters are so unique to me that I know them as if I know my family members. I love hearing their stories and writing them down and breathing life into it.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

Interesting question! I know my characters would probably call me a bit eccentric, pessimistic and perfectionist. I will edit a story until I know it’s perfect and sometimes that can be a good thing for my characters but sometimes that can be a pain for all involved.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

Hmm, this is a tough one. If I could hire anybody I wanted to play my favorite character, Jia. I would love for Gong li. She was excellent in Memoirs of A Geisha, and I think she has the right acting chops to play Jia.

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

Absolutely! I have one book that should be published very soon called Angel Diaries a paranormal romance. Here’s the rough blurb along with the official cover:

Blurb:

Lindsey’s life couldn’t have been any more ordinary . . .

So, she had two guys fighting over her, a psychic friend and a school dominated by Goths but, other than that, life was good. That is until horrible nightmare start about her mother being ripped apart by a monster changed her life from the inside out. Literally. Her whole world was full of lies. She’s not even human. She’s an Angel.

This book is recommended for 16 years or older due to adult scenes and situations.

Additionally I have Everblossom 2: A Second Story and Poetry Anthology. Here’s a snippet of the blurb:

Thirsty for more?

Prepare to dig deeper into the afterlife through three more stages from decompose, rebirth then back to regrowth rediscover how the flower lives at night.

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Larissa, thank you for joining us today, and good luck with your books!

Character Interview: S. J. McMillan & Damian from “City of the Gods: The Descendant”

I’m pleased to welcome S. J. McMillan and Damian from City of the Gods: The Descendant to the site today!

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Mia: What is the name of the book where we will find you? Can you tell us a little about it?

Damian: The name of the book is City of the Gods: The Descendant. It is about this human girl who is appointed by the Gods to right the wrongs done to the ancient civilization she is a descendant of. She knows nothing of her ancestors or the Gods. She is also oblivious to the evil that is searching for her to destroy her. All that stands between her and an untimely death are the people sworn by the gods to protect her.

In my opinion, this human will never be able to save humanity, she can’t even protect herself when the need arises.

Mia: Speaking of you, tell us about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Damian: Some may call me the villain, but I am simply misunderstood. The other characters both despise and fear me. They are envious of my power, yet none of them have even tried to attain their own level of mastery for their own ability. There are those who think they are my equal, but they are nowhere near as sinful. I am a god among the immortals. One day they will fall to their knees and sing my praises, not the praises of some mere human girl.

Mia: What do you think of the author?

Damian: She’s fine, so long as she’s not holding back on my abilities, ruining a torture scene, or allowing me to fail in my pursuit to retaliate against the evil the was committed upon my civilization.

Now her husband on the other hand, I like him. He doesn’t want my power to be restrained. He is constantly pushing the author to give me the resources to become greater.

Mia: How do you feel about the story you are in?

Damian: There is a little bit of everything for everyone in this story. It’s got fight scenes and violence for men. It’s got romance, humor, and a couple of twists for the women. Most importantly it has me. It’s a superior story, and maybe one day an even better movie.

Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?

Damian: I would much rather be wreaking havoc in the real world, where the author would have no control over my actions. But if I lived in the real world I would not have the abilities that I have as a character. I play an imperative part in this story. If the heroine and hero have no one to fight against, no obstacle to overcome, there is no story. You could say this book would not exist without me.

Mia: How do you see your future?

Damian: Very prosperous. My plans for the human girl and her cluster of friends will prevail. There is no doubt in my mind.

Mia: What do you know about the author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

Damian: I make it my business to know such things, especially if it involves me, my plans, and the possible downfall of my enemies. While I am not at liberty to tell you whether you will see me again or not, I will divulge that she is writing two more books for the City of the Gods series. She is currently putting the finishing touches on the second book of the series now.

Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you? And why?

Damian: It was almost impossible to come up with someone who would fit my unique characteristics. The author, her husband, and I spent several hours searching for someone that could come somewhat close and believe we finally found a person to fit the bill. His name is Maven Huffman, a former pro wrestler with the WWE. Some might also know him from MTV’s Tough Enough competition and VH1’s Surreal Life.

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Author Bio: I play many roles in life, as we all do. I’m a wife to a supportive husband, a mother to three young rascals, and an administrative assistant during the work week to name a few. Now I am finally getting to add published author to my list.

I started writing poetry in high school. I enjoy poetry and still write a poem whenever inspiration hits me. I love to read, especially paranormal romances and urban fantasies. The love of reading spawned the urge to try writing a novel of my own.

One of my favorite parts of writing a book is creating the characters. I immerse myself into their lives. I laugh when they laugh, cry when they cry. I cheer them on in their triumphs and encourage them in their struggles.

I have also come to enjoy writing fight scenes. Don’t laugh, but my husband (the wonderful man that he is) will act them out with me so I know exactly how I need to show it to the reader. Call us crazy, but it is really fun to act out a scene using a broom handle as a spear and a foam baseball bat as an axe.

I am currently finishing up the follow up book to City of the Gods: The Descendant. I love to hear from readers and other authors.

Author Site: http://www.mcmillansj.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/McMillanSJ

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/McMillanSJ

Buy Link: Ruby Lioness Press (Ebook)

Buy Link: Ruby Lioness Press (Print)

Buy Link: Smashwords

Buy Link: Amazon

Buy Link: Barnes & Noble

Buy Link: OmniLit

Buy Link: Manic Readers

Ten Questions with… Grace Elliot

Today’s victim… er, I mean guest… is Grace Elliot, who is a writer of historical romances such as Euology’s Secret and Hope’s Betrayal. Welcome!

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Author Bio: Grace Elliot leads a double life as a veterinarian by day and author of historical romance by night. Grace works in a companion animal practice near London and is housekeeping staff to five moggies, two teenage sons and a guinea pig. She turned to writing as an antidote to the stress of modern life and believes intelligent people have the greatest need to read romance!

Author Website: http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com & http://www.wix.com/graceelliot/grace-elliot

You can find her books at Amazon (UK), Barnes & Nobles, iTunes!

 

 

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

Ailurophile (go on, look it up!), bookaholic, calm, creative and loving.

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?

My first attempt at writing fiction was a full length, 110,000 word novel! Titled “The Woman Who Paints Horses” the story was inspired by the life of the Victorian artist, Lucy Kemp Welsh. It was Lucy who illustrated my favorite childhood book, ‘Black Beauty’ by Anna Sewell.

I’m proud of my first book, even though no one will ever read it, because it gave me the confidence to carry on writing! One of these days I will dig out the manuscript and re-read out of curiosity to see how I’ve developed as a writer.

3. What inspires you?

Anything and everything! For example the idea for “Eulogy’s Secret” came from one word, ‘eulogy’, on a poster on the London Underground. It struck me as a fantastic name for a heroine, and set me wondering about the circumstances that would bring a parent to give their child such an enigmatic name. It was those sinister circumstances that became “Eulogy’s Secret” …and a book was born. Who knows where inspiration will strike next.

4. What distracts you?

Erhm! My husband! Especially when he has a ‘man look’ for something he’s put down and can’t find, and I get involved in the search. On a more serious note, I get distracted by the TV or radio and have learnt to take myself off to a room without either so I can focus my mental energy on visualizing characters and settings, in my head.

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

I never get tired of anything to do with Henry VIII. His life story is fascinating and from the TV series, The Tudors, (OK, I acknowledge it’s highly romanticized version, but I am a romance writer after all) to Margaret George’s awesome masterpiece, “The Autobiography of Henry VIII” I’m a sucker for any story that involves Henry, his wives or children.

About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available titles.

The Huntley trilogy is my latest work. Book one, “Eulogy’s Secret” is available, whilst book two, “Hope’s Betrayal” is due out in June. My genre is historical romance and each book in the series is a standalone story, featuring a different Huntley brother.

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

The whole process of writing is so satisfying; it’s difficult to pick out a favorite. I love creating the characters and getting to know them inside out. Because I write historical romance my heroes are dashing and handsome, although flawed, and I end up failing in love with them. In Hope’s Betrayal, the hero is naval officer, Captain George Huntley, is positively swoon-worthy and I had such fun creating him.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

Because I write historical romance, where the rules of society are so different to the modern day, I would think my characters would find me bemusing. As a working woman with two careers and a family, Jack would have grudging admiration but secretly wonder what sort of she-devil I am. But Eulogy, well she would applaud such enterprise and in her calm, quiet way heartily approve.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

In Eulogy’s Secret, an artist called Tristan Farrell features heavily. It is Tristan who knew Eulogy’s mother, and it is Tristan who recognizes Eulogy’s similarity to the mother she never knew, and wants to paint her. For some reason, an image of Louis Walsh (the boy-band promoter and manager) kept popping into my head whenever I thought of Tristan. He would be perfect to play the part with his Irish charm and gift of the blarney. I’m ambivalent to Louis Walsh in real life, but for some reason he got stuck in my brain and he influenced Tristan’s character!

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

Book two, ‘Hope’s Betrayal’ is due out in June. This has been a scrumptious story to write with a dashing naval officer hero, Captain George Huntley, who falls in love with female smuggler, Hope Tyler. But a love where either Hope must betray her own kind, or the Captain will be court-marshaled, is not an easy destiny to follow…

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Thank you, Grace, for joining us today, and good luck with your books!

Character Interview: Jan from Sárka-Jonae Miller’s “Between Boyfriends”

Today I get to welcome Sárka-Jonae Miller and Jan from Between Boyfriends. Enjoy!

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Q: First of all, I’d like to thank you for agreeing to talk to me. It was just so lucky for me that Fran knew someone who could relate to… well, to what I’m unofficially calling the “anti-dating” perspective for my paper. So, well, let’s start off with something easy. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

A: Well my name is Jan. I’m 21 years old and am a San Diego native. I grew up on Coronado Island with my parents and am an only child. Until recently I was a student at SDSU. I dropped out and decided to give massage therapy school a try. I’ve been told that graduates have a much better chance at getting a job. I don’t really have any hobbies unless you count shopping and drinking. I pretty much used to spend all of time with my boyfriend, but he decided that concentrating on his senior year of college meant he couldn’t have a girlfriend. So now I’m trying to fill up my time with massage classes, working out and trying not to drink myself into a larger dress size.

Q: Now, Fran tells me that you’ve made the decision to definitely not date now. Not just that you’re not dating anyone, but you’re not going to. Did you decide to do this to focus on the massage therapy class, or for a different reason?

A: I was just sick of getting my heart broken. The entire concept of dating is insane. Guys have no idea what they want. They string you along and then dump you when they get bored. Most relationships end up with a breakup and those few that go on to marriage, well half of those end up in divorce. I always hear people say that they knew the moment they met their future spouse that they knew they were the person they were going to marry. Unless you have that instant love-at-first sight connection, what’s the point?

Q: That’s a little bleak, but I guess I can see your point. Okay, so, you’re not dating. How about these massage therapy classes? What made you want to go from SDSU to that? What were you studying before?

A: I finished two years at a community college and got accepted to SDSU. I figured that by the time classes started I would know what I wanted to do. But then it was fall and I realized I would be starting my junior year with no idea what to major in. I hated community college and after hearing everyone complain about how tough classes were at State and how their friends who graduated couldn’t find jobs I just decided not to go. I heard the around 70 percent of women who graduated couldn’t find a job in their field within six months of graduation. Many people seem to have difficulty finding a job period. My massage school says they 90 percent success rate for students finding work after they graduate. It seemed like a much easier and better option. And everybody likes a massage therapist.

Q: Or, at least, everyone likes a massage. *laughs* But I can understand this. And how’s that working for you? Is it filling the gap that not dating has left?

A: Not really. I haven’t really been single since I was 15 and I don’t really know what to do with myself now. I actually had a boyfriend in second grade, but like all my relationships that didn’t last. My massage classes are fun, except lecture days, but they don’t take up a lot of time. I like that. I’d rather not be in class five days a week, but most of my friends are at State and they are always busy. My friend Lisa is pre-med and she works so even though she lives across the hall from me we never hang out. My best friend Nichole is usually up for going out. She doesn’t really take her classes that seriously. She loves to go dancing and shopping and do all the stuff I like to do, when I feel like it, but she’s really flakey. She’ll show up maybe half the time we make plans. At least Lisa is reliable even if she’s more likely to do my homework than go get a mani-pedi. Though half the time I go anywhere with Nichole she disappears with some guy in about 5 minutes. It was fine when I was looking but now I’m not open to a relationship.

Honestly, everything with my friends and with school situation makes staying single really tough. It’s not like guys don’t ask me out, but the ones that do… there’s no spark. I am sure I could make myself like them and it would be fun to have someone to go out with, but any time I start thinking like that I just remember how miserable every other guy has made me.

Q: That’s probably a good thing to keep in mind, then. Have you considered trying to find other hobbies and social circles?

A: I guess I should. The only hobby I ever had was tennis. I used to play when I was a kid. My dad and I even won a father daughter tournament. Then someone “accidentally” hit me in the face with a tennis racket during a group class and I quit. That and my dad was getting so competitive. I didn’t want to be a tennis pro. I just wanted to have fun. Well originally I signed up because there was a cute guy in the tennis program. Then it grew into something fun my dad and I did together. But then it just became about winning and I hate feeling pressured.

Q: I can understand that. So, back onto an earlier subject, do you plan to not ever date again and just wait for that instant spark, or do you think you might start again later on?

A: I really don’t know. I can’t see myself going through all that again. I think on some level we know right away if someone isn’t right for us. But maybe we think the guy is attractive or we like the thrill of something new. We make excuses or focus on the things we have in common and try to talk ourselves into a relationship. Maybe we’re sick of being home alone on Saturday nights. Maybe all of our friends have someone and we don’t want to be the single girl. Maybe there’s a wedding coming up and we need a date. Maybe we just miss physical contact and think a physical attraction paired with decent manners is satisfying enough. So we just keep going out with someone and do everything we can to hold their interest. Pretty soon we have put so much time into a relationship that we don’t want out because we’re emotionally invested even though we know it’s not the right person. And then it keeps going until we meet someone better or the guy breaks up with us, or does enough stupid stuff that he pushes us to break up with him. My stomach clenches when I think of the whole process. It just seems to make more sense to stay out of the game. If I meet someone and I know right away they are the right one then maybe I would be with them, but if I don’t know that right away chances are I’ll just get caught up in the newness and convince myself some new guy is the One.

Q: Makes sense. So, I guess it’s time to find some new hobbies and friends to fill the time in with instead?

A: Yeah. I’m just not really good at anything and San Diego is not the easiest place to make friends. It would be nice to have more people to do stuff with besides go out and try to meet guys. But I can’t see myself joining a knitting circle or an adult flag football team. I’m not really a team player. I guess I don’t really know what I like to do, but this seems like a good time to find out.

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Author Bio: Sárka-Jonae Miller is a novelist and health writer. She has more than 4,000 articles published on topics such as fitness, sports, martial arts, yoga, nutrition and natural health. She has also written about travel, beauty, spirituality, education, home and lifestyle. Her work has appeared on websites like LiveStrong.com and NaturalNews.com, as well as in the “Post-Standard” newspaper, the Washington Home & Garden online magazine, and “Modern Witch” magazine.

Sárka-Jonae is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She is as a former personal fitness trainer and massage therapist. She is also an avid traveler, having spent time in Costa Rica, Canada, England, Mexico, and Paradise Island. She has also been to France and Thailand researching her next books. She lives in San Diego with a menagerie, including two cats, two dogs and a horse.

Buy Link: Smashwords

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Buy Link: iTunes

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Buy Link: Sony

Ten Questions with… Allison Merritt

Thrust into the spotlight of Mia’s Ten Questions today is Allison Merritt! Some of you may remember her from when her character, Romy, from The Treasure Hunter’s Lady stopped by for a character interview. We’re pleased to be able to welcome her back, and this time, let her do the talking!

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Author Bio: A life-long love of reading turned Allison Merritt into an indie author who writes historical, paranormal and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. When she’s not writing or reading, she hikes in national parks and conservation areas.

Allison graduated from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that’s gathering dust after it was determined that she’s better at writing fluff than hard news.

Author Website: http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com

You can find her book at Barnes & Noble and Smashwords!

 

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

Stubborn, short-tempered (hyphens count as one, right?), loyal, confused, quirky.

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?

In high school I came up with this family that lived in Texas. They came from Scotland, fought in the Civil War, got married, had lots of kids. It was a tangled mess. I wrote three novellas about them. It’s probably for the best that they were saved on 3 1/2″ floppies and are forever gone from this world. I probably saved myself a lot of bad reviews and heartache on that.

3. What inspires you?

My critique partners are huge inspirations. They understand all the troubles I face as writer, they pick me up and get me going when life doesn’t seem fair. They help me brain storm and figure out the tricky parts of the plots. They are amazing women!

4. What distracts you?

Reading! I get so caught up in some books that I don’t care if I write or not. Recently, The Scorpio Races, Born of Darkness, Born of Silence, and a classic, Howl’s Moving Castle.

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

My all time favorite story is Beauty & the Beast. That wounded prince thing just gets me. The Disney version is great because they’re both more than a little odd, but together they’re just right.

About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available titles.

I have one full-length novel out now called The Treasure Hunter’s Lady. It’s steampunk romance with some paranormal thrown in for fun. It’s the first in a series called Legends and Lovers. I have a free short story out there (it’s very short, be forewarned–I originally wrote it for a magazine) called Clear As Mud. It’s contemporary. A novella called One Day In D.C., also contemporary about a waitress and a secret agent, and I have a short story called Return that’s a western about going home again and it’s sort-of a tragic love story.

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

Historicals were my first love. The western is actually one I wrote in high school for a contest. It embraces a lifestyle that has always intrigued me–being a cowboy. I couldn’t resist making the hero of The Treasure Hunter’s Lady a cowboy too. The contemporaries aren’t my usual thing, but One Day In D.C. is kind of a fun, spunky read if you need a laugh and a love story in an afternoon.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

They’d probably call me a big old meanie. I like to kick them when they’re down. But I hope they’re satisfied with the way their romantic lives turn out. You know, in the end.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

For The Treasure Hunter’s Lady, I’d love to have Cam Gigandet and Rachel McAdams in the starring roles. Cam seems like the kind of guy who could pull of the hero, Abel Courte’s, devil-may-care attitude and Rachel would fill the heroine, Romy Farrington’s, shoes very nicely. I immediately thought of Rachel when I was writing Romy.

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

I have a release coming out sometimes this summer called The Sky Pirate’s Wife. It’s the second book in the Legends and Lovers series and it’s about one of the secondary characters in The Treasure Hunter’s Lady. Here’s the blurb:

After a tragic airship wreck, Captain Alwin van Buren is worried that his shipping business might fail, so he begins searching for a wealthy bride. He meets his match in Sophie Barnes, heiress to an airship empire. But after he seduces her and ensures their marriage—igniting a rivalry between him and her godfather—he learns that she’s as headstrong as he is.

Sophie’s entertained herself by reading the dime novels based on Van Buren, but the romantic character and the flesh-and-blood man are two very different creatures. She doesn’t approve of the way he captured her business, but she can’t deny her attraction to the Dutch captain. If it’s not bad enough that her godfather wants to break their marriage apart, she learns that Van Buren’s airship accident was a result of mythical eagles that appear to have a grudge against him, a fact that he deliberately tried to hide from the world by accusing her godfather of sabotage.

But lies are a small problem compared to the danger their lives are in when they’re stranded in the Midwest at the mercy of beasts that were once men and the evil that controls them.

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Thank you, Allison, for once again taking the time to visit with us, and good luck on your books!

Character Interview: Melissa Love & Keisha Perry from “Secret Affair”

Today, my specials guests are Melissa Love and Keisha Perry from Secret Affair. Thank you both for being here!

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Mia: What is the name of the book where we’ll find you? Can you tell us a little about it?

Keisha: The name of the book where you will find me is called Secret Affair. Secret Affair is about my husband, Carter Perry telling his side of the story about how I turned his world upside down when he finds out my secret.

Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Keisha: A little about myself…I am a mother of two wonderful kids. I have an associate degree in accounting. I worked at US One Bank. I am in my thirties. I am the second main character in the story besides my husband. You should know that I am the type of person that don’t tell all my business to my husband. I feel he doesn’t need to know everything about me. I know I should be up front with him with who I really am, but he probably has some secrets too.

Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.

Keisha: My feeling about the author is I think she is very creative about not giving away my secrets so soon in the story. She did allowed me to drop some hints, but I guess he wasn’t able to right clue together and I give her credit for that. I mean, even the readers were shock with the outcome and so was I.

Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?

Keisha: I loved the flow of the story line because there are a lot of women and men that have secrets and I am just one example of what can happen when things go wrong.

Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?

Keisha: I feel like I’m doing this for all the women who want to have a good marriage, but at the same time you have to come forward with who you are so no one will be hurt. I hurt my kids because of my selfish reason. I loved being the character in this book. I had fun while it lasted even though Carter got on my nerves a lot with all his questions.

Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.

Keisha: I really don’t see a future for me at all. I really hate that, but it is what it is!

Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

Keisha: I think the author (Melissa Love), is pretty much done with me. I really don’t see a come back any time soon. I did hear about another young lady, Naomi Winters(Hoe~ly Suspicion) is also hiding a scandalous secret from Church going parents.

Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?

Keisha: If there was a movie about me this book, I would want a strong, say what on your mind type of woman..ie Angela Bassett, Sandra Bullock, Hillary Swank and Vivica Fox. These women are amazing and talented. Their rows in movie have been about strong women that were very remarkable.

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Author Bio: Melissa Love is an up and coming author from Detroit, Michigan. Her first urban fiction novel “Sinful Traits” was published in 2010. Since then she uses her creative story-telling to create more jaw dropping stories with a unique twist. She is a member of the Motown Literary Network that promote up and coming authors. She was first feature on an urban radio show in Florida call “Hype Media Global.” Two of short stories can be purchase on http://blackstories.com

Visit her website for more upcoming books, short stories and other authors interviews.

Blog: http://melissascandaloussecrets.blogspot.com

Buy Link: Amazon

Ten Questions with… A. J. Walkley

This week’s special Monday guest is author of Choice and Queer Greer, A. J. Walkley! She was kind enough to visit us previously for a character interview with Rebecca Wilder from Queer Greer.

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Author Bio: A.J. Walkley is a novelist currently writing out of Tempe, AZ. She has written two novels that are available for purchase – Queer Greer and Choice – and is now hard at work on her third novel, Vuto, inspired by her experience as a U.S. Peace Corps health volunteer in Malawi, Africa.

Author Website: http://ajwalkley.com

Blog: alisonwalkley.com

Twitter: @AJWalkley

Facebook: facebook.com/ajwalkley

You can find Queer Greer here: http://bit.ly/zsnW8Y and Choice here: http://bit.ly/zhy9eq

 

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

Passionate, curious, empathetic, creative and independent.

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of the closet now that you’re published?

I remember writing a very bad mystery story in the Mary-Kate and Ashley-based newsletter my cousin and I wrote in elementary school. Remember how they had a detective agency with movies to go along with it? That was the inspiration for me as a 4th-grader. I’d like to think my writing has evolved significantly since then!

3. What inspires you?

I’m inspired by many different facets of life: activism, world news, family, friends, thunderstorms, beautiful and diverse landscapes, traveling, meeting new people and, above all, every single experience I’ve ever had.

4. What distracts you?

I’m a sucker for many television series, most of all when I’m trying to write. Right now the shows that are on a loop for me include: GIRLS, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Nurse Jackie, The Big C, Law and Order: SVU, Glee, Game of Thrones… I could continue…

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

I’d have to say I’m a sucker for plots that deal with difficult or controversial subject-matter – which is why I love basically every book that Jodi Picoult has ever written. From school shootings (Nineteen Minutes), to same-sex marriage and adoption (Sing You Home); communicating with “God” (Keeping Faith), to euthanasia (Mercy); or ghosts (Second Glance), to dying children (Handle with Care and My Sister’s Keeper) – Picoult loves provocative themes as much as I do!

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About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available titles.

Queer Greer tells the tale of Greer MacManus, who is uprooted from her childhood home in South Carolina, when her father is determined to fulfill his strange but pressing dream to become a border-crossing coyote. Her parents take her and her younger sister to Prescott, Arizona, to start a new life closer to the border.

Greer enters a new school with the hopes of reinventing herself from the wallflower with one friend to speak of, to a social butterfly. She soon finds herself among the company of athletes, a swimmer herself. While Greer tries to get comfortable in her clique under the admiring eye of Cameron Keeting, the most attractive jock in school, she becomes increasingly interested in someone else. Rebecca Wilder, the beautiful swim team captain and infamous lesbian in town, befriends Greer, taking her under her wing.

A love triangle soon overtakes Greer’s world, leading to drug experimentation and mental confusion as she comes to grips with her sexuality while her world starts to fall apart. Without anyone to turn to, Greer must find an inner strength and the courage to be herself in a society that doesn’t always understand.

Choice is about Haley Fry and her twin sister, Jamie, who have been compared to one another since birth. Haley is the quieter twin, a lover of music who prefers solitude to spending time with multiple friends. A prodigy on the saxophone, she dreams of a career as a musician. Jamie, on the other hand, is the athlete of the family who prides herself on her popularity and how many boys are after her at any given time.

The twins’ parents, Larry and Maggie, place more trust in Haley because of her calmer nature. They expect the unexpected from Jamie, but not Haley. When Larry and Maggie learn that sixteen-year-old Haley is pregnant, they are shocked. Surprising everyone, but mostly herself, Haley faces a life-changing decision: does she abort the baby or become a teenage mother?

Choice presents Haley’s dilemma in a unique way. The first half of this novel narrates what happens when Haley chooses an abortion, while the second half reveals Haley’s life when she chooses to keep the baby. Told through the eyes of the entire family, Choice illustrates the tough decisions involved in a teen pregnancy.

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

I loved writing Queer Greer just because it got me to think about the type of book I wish I had had to read when I was coming to terms with my own sexuality in high school and college. It put me in a younger mindset and let me reassess all of the issues I dealt with – it was almost therapeutic in a way.

When I wrote Choice, I laid it out so that each chapter is a different character’s point-of-view. I really enjoyed putting myself into the headspace of various family members who are all dealing with the same, fraught issue of teenage pregnancy. It was an exercise, almost, that gave me insight into how one scenario can affect a handful of people in very different ways.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

My characters love me – at least, I hope they do! I put them in difficult scenarios, sure, but only so they can be tested and come out stronger once all is said and done.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

I don’t really have a “favorite” character – since I created them all, each of them has a special place in my heart. I’ll give you some possibilities for the protagonist from Queer Greer:

Queer Greer’s Greer MacManus: Chloë Moretz, Saoirse Ronan or Mia Wasikowska.

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

I am writing my third novel now. It is based in Malawi, Africa, where I was actually a health volunteer with the United States Peace Corps back in 2007. It’s called Vuto, about a woman of the same name, meaning “problem” or “trouble” in the native Malawian language of Chichewa.

Vuto is only 17 when her third child dies, mere days after birth. Malawian tradition prevents men from considering a child their own until it’s lived for two weeks. Frustrated at not being able to speak to her husband, Solomon, about all three of the children she’s had to bury alone, Vuto forces him to acknowledge the dead baby. Her rejection of tradition causes Solomon and the village elders to banish Vuto from the only home she’s ever known.

Vuto seeks refuge in the hut of U.S. Peace Corps volunteer Samantha Brennan, where Solomon discovers his wife has not left as she was told, leading him to attack both women. Disregarding her oath to remain uninvolved in village politics, Samantha interjects herself into the center of the conflict, defending Vuto and killing Solomon in the process.

The women go on the run from Vuto’s village and the Peace Corps, encountering physical, ethical and cultural struggles along the way.

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Thank you for being here with us today, and good luck with your books!

Character Interview: Ishanya from Jeremy Laszlo’s “The Blood and Brotherhood Saga”

Please welcome today Ishanya, from The Blood and Brotherhood Saga by Jeremy Laszlo. I’m not entirely sure she’s happy to be here, but we’re happy to have her.

I, however, am happy to add that today’s author is hosting a give-away on his site for a Kindle or Amazon gift cards! Check it out: Jeremy Laszlo’s Site & Give-away

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Mia: What is the name of the book where we’ll find you? Can you tell us a little about it?

Ishanya;

“Book? You repulsive mortals think so small.” Ishanya says with a sneer. “A being as great as myself cannot be contained within a book! An entire Saga however, that may be different entirely. Though my following began small, as more begin to worship me my story grows and so too does my power. You will find pathetic scribblings of me in The Choosing, The Chosen, and The Changing, though I assure you that only through me will you find the answers you seek.”

Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Ishanya;

“You wish to know the boundless mind of an immortal being?” She asks sarcastically raising one eyebrow. “So be it, though I doubt your puny mind will comprehend what I am about to tell you. Eons ago I was one of many creators of the world called Thurr. Together myself and my brethren lent a portion of our own power to create the world and all life upon it. The world flourished and so too did its people. Then my brethren and I went among the people in mortal flesh to learn their ways first hand. It may amuse you to know that I learned a secret from the pathetic race of man that my flesh resembled. I used the secret to grow more powerful than all the other gods, but alas I could not destroy them. They decided to punish me by waging wars upon Thurr and killing nearly all of my followers. I cowered for eons hiding in the darkest depths of the immortal plane, planning my revenge and sowing the seeds of my new rise to power. Now my time has come. All the races of mankind will feel my wrath before I am finished, and as they fall at my feet so to will their gods fall beside them!”

Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.

Ishanya;

“The author pah.” Ishanya spits showing obvious disdain. “Another pathetic mortal, and a human no less. It is tragic really that I have to spend so much time dealing with humans. As I have said before, though Jeremy may get rave reviews from others of your race, his work is but scribblings to an immortal. All of his efforts will be lost to time and he will be dust with noone to remember him. I could of course give him vast power, but why spoil the fun of watching him struggle with his humanity and it’s limitations. A writer of books…Could he find nothing to destroy?”

Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?

Ishanya;

“Story?” Ishanya screams. “You cannot be serious! Have you listened to nothing I have said human? The Blood and Brotherhood Saga is no mere story, it is my masterpiece. The culmination of Eons of preperation and planning. The ultimate revenge!

Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?

Ishanya;

“Now you are simply being ignorant! Must we go over this again and again to get the message through your puny mortal brain?

Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.

Ishanya;

“I see my future as all the gods see it. It is a mass of tendrils born of possibilities. Some are more defined than others, showing their likelihood of becoming reality, and from those I can pull the strings of my servants creating the one true future that I wish. Thus far all is going according to plan. The world of Thurr will be washed in blood as wars engulf the lands. The other gods will be distracted, and when they least expect it, that is when I will strike!”

Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

Ishanya;

“He has no plans, he is but a puppet performing that which I will him to perform. My reach is great and every moment my power grows. Jeremy will continue to scribble about my deeds only to further my purpose. I assure you human, you have not seen the last of me.”

Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?

Ishanya;

“Humans, with their obsessions of books and movies… Petty things, though I admit I could further my cause using such propaganda. If I could use such means of garnering new followers it could work much to my advantage upon your world. To play my part in such propaganda would have to be a woman of immense power. She would be a woman who is recognized the world over. A woman who simply speaks and throngs of followers flock to her cause. She would be the true leader of nations, though orchestrating her power from behind the scenes. Yes I see it now. Oprah would be the perfect mortal for me to use to gain world domination on your world! er..I mean play me in a movie…”

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Author Bio: First and foremost I am a father and a husband. I work full time as a civilian employed by the US army, and have also been known as a welder, electrician, carpenter, roofer, writer, painter, CNC machinist, and amongst many other things a romantic. I also belong to the eternal fraternal brotherhood of the United States Marine Corps, having served 8 years that showed me a much broader perspective of the world at large serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, The war on Terrorism, and the humanitarian effort in Liberia.

I currently live in southern Louisiana with my wife and children, though I grew up in Michigan, graduating high school in Mason MI. I also spent time living in North Carolina, Florida, and California during my time in the United States Marine Corps. I have always dreamed of publishing my work, and seeing it on a bookshelf in a store, however with the huge shift to digital media I finally realized that the dream was in my own hands. I tell my children that they can live their dreams, and I believe in leading by example.

I enjoy writing across several different genres from poetry, to children’s stories, to full epic fantasies. Creating new characters for my readers to connect with, new worlds for them to immerse themselves in, and new ideas to wrap their minds around is an amazing if not humbling experience. I hope that all my readers can take something away from each of my books, and enjoy reading them just as much as I have enjoyed putting them in print.

Semper Fidelis

Buy Link: Book One, The Choosing: Amazon

Buy Link: Book Two, The Chosen: Amazon

Buy Link: Book Three, The Changing: Amazon

The Blood and the Brotherhood on Facebook

Ten Questions with… B. R. Kingsolver

For today’s Ten Questions with Mia Mondays, I’m happy to welcome B. R. Kingsolver, who has recently released The Succubus Gift!

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Author Bio: I’ve done a lot of things, from construction worker to nurse to teacher to IT. I was born in Kansas and moved to Santa Fe, NM, when I was six. I have a bachelor’s degree in entomology (that’s bugs) and a master’s degree in management. It took a long time to get there, 14 years and 5 universities from my wild freshman year until I finished my master’s.

I’ve been married three times, and been owned by five basset hounds. I currently split my time between Baltimore and Albuquerque, with an occasional jaunt to Europe. I’ve been to Russia five times.

Author Website: http://brkingsolver.com

You can find The Succubus Gift at Smashwords, Amazon and soon Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sony and more!

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

That question almost makes me wish I hadn’t agreed to an interview. I don’t like talking about myself. Impatient, restless, curious, unconventional, shy/introverted.

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?

I tried to write a science fiction book when I was 15 or 16. After about 20 pages I realized it was so bad that I didn’t try again until recently. My first draft was so dense that no one could wade through it and it took three months to get it into publishable shape.

3. What inspires you?

Sunsets, beautiful mountain or ocean scenes, the sweet innocent face of a child, a beautiful woman or gorgeous man … I think beauty is the central theme there.

4. What distracts you?

The same things. As I said, I’m restless and impatient. It doesn’t take much to distract me.

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

Strong women. I like characters who are feminine yet strong enough to kick ass on anyone or anything. I like adventures, people overcoming difficult circumstances, standing up to evil and surviving.

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About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available titles.

I recently published The Succubus Gift. It’s a twist on the succubus legend. One of the things I get tired of is women characters who aren’t allowed to be sexual. It’s okay for a male character to be a stud, but a female has to be concerned about her reputation. All of the succubus books on the market have the main character working for the devil. Why does a sexual woman have to be bad?

My succubi are blatantly and unapologetically sexual, but they’re working on the side of the Goddess and are good gals. The world is one where a telepathic minority secretly lives side by side with normal humans.

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

Telling the story. I’ve always made up stories for my own enjoyment. The idea of being able to share them with others who might enjoy them is fun.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

Dull, boring, and homely.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

A young Sophia Loren would make a good Brenna or a young Jennifer Love Hewitt. You would have to have outrageous curves to make her believable. The problem is Brenna is only 22 and according to the book looks younger.

Rebecca would be easier to cast. Pick any tall, willowy brunette with a bad attitude who can project sexuality and vulnerability.

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

I’m working on the second book in the Telepathic Clans saga. It needs significant work. The third book is written as well and just needs some cleaning up. I’m hoping to publish the second book in June, and the third in August/September. After those are finished, I have outlines for two paranormal mysteries set in the same world. There will be a new main character for those.

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Thank you for being here with us today, and good luck with your books!