Danica Winters's Blog, page 10

A Paranormal Romance Author’s Journey into the World of Irish Travellers

I am working on a novel for a new paranormal romance series.  Yes, I will continue the Veela Curse Series.  In fact, Book 1, Curse of the Wolf, will soon been made available in paperback as well as a refreshed e-book.  I hope the next books in the series will follow suit.

Like most writers, I am constantly working.  Between promotion, social media, advertising, working with publishers and agents, and writing, my days are held hostage by to-do lists.  My favorite activity (aside from writing) has to be the research that is involved in writing my books.

I’m always looking for fresh new ideas for the next book.  Without giving too much away about the next series I can safely say I’m writing about Irish Travellers.  Oh gypsies, you say?  Yes, gypsies.

When I began this series I was enamored with the romantic ideal of someone traveling around their country living according to whims and desires.  However, I quickly came to find that there is very little research when it comes to their secretive communities.  The first thing I have learned is that Irish travellers are not Romany Gypsies.  They have a separate language, customs, and traditions.  Both groups are referenced to as ‘gypsy’ by the ‘English’ and they do co-mingle, but the most they have in common is a strict set of morals and customs that centers on a strict ‘No strangers allowed’ policy.

This means that without becoming an Irish Traveller myself, there is little I can read/research to learn about their culture and language.  The door is locked.

However, there is a glimmer of light.  I have found, and been working with, an Irish Traveller who, to this day, refuses to tell me her name.  I am proud to have an ally under their veil.  My eyes are being opened to a very different culture than what is being portrayed on “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.”

Irish travellers and Romany gypsies are a proud people with a fighting spirit.  They are fighting a cultural battle that is not being talked about (see Dale Farms) in the main stream media.  The most important thing I am learning is that travellers and gypsies are just like us as they try to make enough money to survive, there are a wide variety of character types, and all of them are working to keep their heritage and traditions alive.

I can’t wait to share more about my current project with you.  Keep your eyes peeled, there will be more to come!

 

 

Interview With Author Elle Rush

Elle Rush is a fabulous writer, a wonderful person and I consider myself fortunate to count her as friend.  I feel honored to host her on my blog.  We had the chance to meet last year at the Emerald City Writers Conference, when we discovered we shared a fear for live pitches and a love for strange martinis.  I hope you enjoy her writing as much as I do.

Elle Rush is from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, but has already travelled enough to fill up her third passport. She loves stories so much that English was not enough for her, so in addition to a screenwriting degree, she got a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and French in addition to studying Latin and German. Most recently, she is starting to learn Italian and Japanese. As much as she likes to read, Elle has flunked poetry in every language she’s ever taken. Follow her on her website at www.ellerush.com, email her at elle@ellerush.com or follow her on Twitter at elle_rush.

Thanks, Danica, for inviting me over to chat.  I thought I’d talk a little about the importance of research, my new book, and also about how we met.  What ties all three topics together?

I think that everybody has a place that for no logical reason holds a great deal of appeal for them.  You know the place.  Say it – “I’ve always wanted to go to ___ “.  For me, one of those places is Seattle.  I know, right.  Seattle?  I have no idea why but it was on my list.  And last year I finally got to go.  I was extra pleased because I had set my first romance in Seattle and now I could visit it in person and add some authentic details of this wonderful west coast city.  The first thing I learned?

Seattle isn’t actually on the west coast.  It looked closer on the map!  It looked like it was at the end of an inlet that emptied into the Pacific.  Up close, not so much.  I did get to see the Pacific when I flew in from Vancouver, so I wasn’t completely disappointed.  (Why was I so excited about the ocean?  Find the center of North America.  See how far it is from the coast?  That’s where I live.)

The second thing I learned when I arrived for the Emerald City Writers Conference was that the conference was not named after Dorothy’s destination in “The Wizard of Oz.”  Seattle was really, really, REALLY green for the end of October.  Coming from Winnipeg where the leaves had fallen weeks earlier, it was a pleasant surprise.  That’s when I discovered my dream city’s nickname and the third thing.

During my city tour, I saw the Space Needle, the houseboat from “Sleepless in Seattle” (expensive!), Starbucks times a million, Gas Works Park (amazing!) and Pike’s Place Market.  Do you know what people in the movies wandering through PPM never mention?  It smells like fish.  Granted, it’s a fish market but the people on screen never make faces at the smell so I was caught off guard.

My first-hand research paid off.  I was able to correct Seattle’s location in my manuscript and add some details that I never would have known about otherwise.  I got to explore my dream city.  And I learned a lot and made some great new friends at the conference (which is where you come in, Danica.)

The contemporary novella I set in Seattle is called “Private Encore” and was published by Liquid Silver Books.  It is available (AND I WILL SEND YOU LINKS AS SOON AS I HAVE THEM.) Here’s a blurb and a sneak peek.

Last year, jazz singer Eloise Bright walked in—and then out—on her husband when he was about to get even for an imagined indiscretion. By the time security specialist Rick Mundy realized he should have trusted his wife over the tabloids, it was too late to save their marriage. Now Rick has the opportunity to make amends when he’s assigned to protect Eloise from a new wave of aggressive reporters and vicious rumors on the eve of her breakout tour. Not only is Rick fighting for a second chance against stories of Eloise in an affair with her singing partner but Eloise is on the verge of losing her professional reputation before her career even takes off. If they can find the source of the rumors, they could both win. Unfortunately Eloise is only supposed to be in Seattle for a short engagement, which doesn’t leave Rick much time to convince her to give them a private encore.

CHAPTER ONE

She couldn’t say she hadn’t been warned. The note in her dressing room stated in big, bold type, “fourth row center on the aisle,” and sure enough, there he sat, larger than life and twice as intense. Her soon-to-be-former husband looked razor sharp in his tailored black suit, black shirt, and black tie. She couldn’t see them, but she knew his shoes were black too, polished to a high shine. He really was sex on a stick. It was a crying shame she was on a one hundred percent Rick Mundy-free diet. It was almost painful when she forced herself to look away again. She’d been sneaking peeks all night, but she didn’t want to get caught staring at him like he was a brownie in a bakery window and she was on her way to the gym.

The stiff silk train of Eloise Bright’s gown rustled as she made a quarter turn to the right and lifted her face to the balconies edging the theater. She couldn’t see the faces from this distance; the stage lights were a blinding white. But she knew they were full and the people up there had paid good money for the tickets so they deserved the full show. Her stage presence was one of the things she’d been working on; her recent reviews noted that she involved the whole audience in her shows, not just the first couple rows. And now the effort was paying off. With a quick last glance to the fourth row, she returned to the middle of the stage, trailed her hand along the piano, and ended the song on a note that first silenced the audience and then brought them to their feet.

The curtain dropped, although the thundering applause continued. Eloise ran her hands over her head in an attempt to smooth down any locks that had fallen out of place during the show. Then she laughed. She’d forgotten she no longer had shoulder-length, pencil-tight ringlets. Instead, her hair was a half an inch long, the curls only half hiding her scalp. It had been a huge risk, but she’d been ready for something new. It was time.

She straightened the skirt on her raisin-colored dress. It was new too. The cut and color complemented her cocoa skin. Eloise had embraced the whole “starting over” concept with a vengeance, and she was determined to make a complete change from the inside out. Her new look made her feel more confident than she had in months.

The stagehand in the wings waved to let her know the curtain was about to rise again. Eloise stepped up to the microphone stand and waited. The crowd hushed as she eased into Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” and then Ella Fitzgerald’s more upbeat “A-Tisket” for her encore. When the curtain dropped the second time, she let herself be led through the backstage area to her dressing room.

She stepped into the room and closed the door, locking it behind her. Then she leaned against the wood paneling and enjoyed the near silence for a second. Performing was fantastic and the post-performing rush was great, but the crash in the middle was a killer. She pushed herself off the door and took a look around.

The petals of six gerbera daisies in shocking uncoordinated hues fluttered under the air-conditioning vent. Eloise didn’t need to check the card. Her friends Natasha and Jimmy Wilde made it a point to send her the most outrageous flowers they could find after each of her shows. They said that an extraordinary talent like hers deserved extraordinary flowers. The hideous-but-yet-not purple lilac and orange tulip combination from two years prior was still the mark to beat though.

At the other end of her dressing table was another bouquet that didn’t need a card to identify the sender. A dozen flawless long-stemmed pink roses dotted with baby’s breath gave off a heady scent. Her unfailing admirer ensured she never received sterile, scentless hothouse flowers. Rick made sure the blooms he sent had the smell that would remind her of summer nights and moonlit gardens. They always did.

Eloise slipped off her shoes and crunched her toes into the plush carpeting under the table. She nimbly removed her bracelet and necklace and hoop earrings, dropped them all into the velvet jeweler’s case, and snapped the lid shut. She reached for the zipper between her shoulders. All that was left to do was a quick change out of her gown and into some more practical clothes and a cab ride back to the hotel. Then would come some much-anticipated undisturbed sleep and a brunch with her best friend, Natasha, to kick off four whole vacation days in a row. Freedom was hers once she got out of her dress.

The knock at the door interrupted her awkward grabs at the miniscule tab. “Who is it?”

“Jimmy and Rick. Can we come in?”

Hell, no. Her employer, coincidentally her ex’s best friend, and her ex himself wanting to talk to her together? There was no way this was going to end well. Eloise got to her feet. “I’m decent.”

She cracked the door open and two men slipped through the narrow gap. Jimmy Wilde, the Regent Theater’s brush-cut sales manager and co-owner, stepped forward with a broad smile on his face. “Great show, Eloise,” he said as he gave her a peck on the cheek.

Behind him, Rick Mundy closed the dressing room door and flicked the lock on the doorknob. “You were amazing.”

She felt his gaze on her as she crossed to the sofa and sat down, tucking her bare feet under the skirt. “Thanks. What do you want?”

Jimmy’s smile didn’t falter. “Rick’s going to be your personal security escort tonight.”

“No, he’s not.”

“Yes, I am.” Rick hadn’t taken one step farther into the room from the door. “I know what you’re thinking, but you’re wrong. I didn’t ask for this. Steve was supposed to be working tonight but he called in sick at the last minute. Something about chicken salad. And my other guys are prepping for another assignment.” He stared at her without blinking. “We aren’t conspiring to set you up.”

Eloise shook her head. “I don’t need a security escort at all, thanks for asking. The flowers are beautiful. Have a good night.” She rose to show them out.

“This isn’t only you and it isn’t negotiable,” Jimmy said in an attempt to soothe her. “Natty’s been getting a lot of hang-ups and heavy breathing messages in the last few weeks. It’s making her jumpy, so we hired Pacific Security for a little extra peace of mind. Until she’s comfortable, everybody gets an escort. Usually the boss doesn’t work the body guarding detail but Rick was short on personnel tonight. If you have a problem, I’ll let you talk to my wife about it.” He leaned forward and took her hand in his. “We tried to arrange someone else, but it worked out to be Rick so you are both going to deal with it.”

Eloise was right. This definitely wasn’t going to go in her favor. As Jimmy and Rick were well aware, she’d never go to Natasha about this. Natasha had always been paranoid about security and once she was on a roll, nothing could change her mind, not even a bitter divorce-in-progress. Eloise took a read of Jimmy and realized he wasn’t lying about her escort. He’d made an honest effort to make sure she wasn’t paired with Rick.

Which meant karma was blowing her a raspberry.

Guest Interview With D.F. Krieger

In romance there are many genres and types of relationships.  Today I have the opportuntiy to introduce to you my friend D.F. Krieger who co-authored a Female/Female Romance, The Submission,  which was just released this week.

Danica:  Hi D.F. welcome to my blog.  Could you tell us how you write Female/Female romance?

D.F.: In recent events, I found myself staring at my computer, slack jawed and uncertain. Write a lesbian romance? How am I supposed to do that?  Indeed, how is one supposed to write something they’ve never experienced nor dreamed about? The old adage is, “write what you know.” In this case, the adage applied about as well as oil mixes with water.

One of my authors, who I’ve grown quite close to as friends over the months, was speaking to me on chat. We were venting to each other, during which I made the statement that I’d love to spank my authors into listening to me sometimes, but half of them would like it. After all, I am the whip-wielding editor known as Her Editing Evilness at work.

Write it! Hell, I’ll co-author with you and play the role of the author. It’ll be fun.

I stared at the reply and, despite my shock, felt the wheels turning in my head. Why not? I’m obviously not a star-faring pirate captain, yet I’d like to think I wrote my sci-fi romance rather well. I can write situations in which I’ve never found myself. There was just one problem…How is someone who is not a lesbian, nor is interested in lesbian sex, prepared to write a lesbian romance?

I envisioned myself typing a scene, gulping soda as I tried to convince myself not to freak out. I imagined typing a kiss between the two and physically flinched. Now, before you accuse me of being a homophobe, realize one thing: I’m not. I have no issues with people loving who they love. I’M just not attracted to other women. I’ve always wrote guy with girl sex, and that’s been that.

In the author world, you are bound to make friends with writers who do not write the same thing as you. In the editing world, you are bound to edit manuscripts with story lines you never thought you’d deal with. In the reading world, occasionally you pick up a book outside your regular genres and experience something new. Those three worlds smacked me around and brought me to a revelation. Lesbian romance is like any other romance. Sex is sex, but what matters is the development of the plot and the relationship between the characters. As long as I focused on that, and stayed true to the overall elements of storytelling itself, I was bound to write a book that not only challenged me, but brought a new realm for my readers to delve into.

Afterall, my motto is “Romance from one realm to the next.”

Danica:  Do you have an excerpt from, The Submission, that you would like to share?

D.F.: Sure.  Here you go:

Katia’s body tensed, and Sylvia laughed as she used her free hand to slap one of the now exposed ass cheeks. The skin was a nice shade of pink that spoke of force without the risk of bruising. It made Sylvia’s own pussy wet to see how well she’d worked the BDSM virgin over. The mewls of pleasure that Katia gave with each thrust of Sylvia’s finger did nothing to stave off that desire.

“M-mistress!”

“Yes, my little bestseller?” Sylvia pushed her finger deep and held still, awaiting Katia’s next words.

“I think I understand now,” Katia said with a whimper. “I understand it isn’t about pain, but about the trust to take each other past certain boundaries.”

Sylvia shook her head. “Oh no,” she said as she inserted a second finger. “You don’t understand quite yet.”

With those words, she began pumping Katia harder. She allowed her other hand to wander to her waist, down her band, and under her panties. When she slid her finger inside of her, it was like an earthquake shook her entire body. As if sensing her orgasm, Katia screamed out as well, her pussy clenching Sylvia’s fingers.

As they stood there, panting, Sylvia removed her hand from Katia’s sopping pussy. She went to the bathroom, washed her hands off, then filled a cup with cold water. Katia sat on the edge of the bed when she walked back, looking shaken and uncertain. Sylvia handed her the water.

After Katia took a few sips, she closed her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“Now,” Sylvia said as she caressed Kat’s cheek, “you understand.”

Danica:  Thank you so much for taking time to tell us about your experience wrinting within this genre, it was enlightening.  You are absolutely correct–romance is all about the relationship between the characters.

D.F.:  You are welcome.  And as a thank you to readers, I would like to offer a free copy of The Submission to one of your commenters.  I hope you love my book!

Introducing Paranormal Romance Author Sharon Kleve!

This week I have the opportunity to introduce a fellow BTGN and paranormal romance author, Sharon Kleve.

Danica:  Sharon, welcome to my blog!  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Sharon:  I was born and raised in Washington and currently live on the Olympic Peninsula with my husband, and our sweet cat Ardy.

I love romance. I love reading romance, living romance—who doesn’t, but I especially love writing humorous paranormal romance. There’s no greater feeling than watching my characters come alive in each other’s arms. Most of all, I love giving my characters the happily ever after they deserve—with a few bumps and bruises along the way.

One of my favorite things is picking up a new book and sinking into the story, immersing myself in the emotions between the characters. I hope someday to inspire readers the same way my favorite authors have inspired me.

My desire to write came in my youth—people were constantly telling me, “You tell a great story, you should write a book about your adventures.” I usually just embellished on the truth—to make it sound more exciting and funny.

 When not writing, I can usually be found either curled up in my recliner with my cat and a good book, or in the kitchen baking sourdough bread or bagels. I also enjoy walking with my husband, even when its raining.


Danica:  I love reading interviews, but today I think I want to do something a little different.  Would you tell us a little more about what drove you to become an author?

Sharon:  Oh that is a tough question.

Why do I write? Well, because the little voices in my head tell me to, and they won’t stop! I resisted for many years, but just couldn’t ignore the voices any longer. They kept saying, “Write a damn book, will ya? You will love it!” So I did and now I’m a published author working on my 4th book, and the voices were right – I do love it!

I love to being an author because it’s a lot like being on a roller coaster ride—and I love roller coasters. The writing is like waiting in line for your favorite roller coaster; you shuffle along with anticipation and it seems like it’s taking forever. When you finally submit your manuscript; it’s like strapping yourself in to your seat and the slow ride up the first hill begins. Weeks or months later, when you get an email from your publisher with a contract—comes the incredible sensation of being suspended in air—then the screams of excitement, jumping up and down, cupcakes and champagne happen. Ok, maybe there aren’t cupcakes and champagne on a roller coaster, but you get the idea.

Also, I’ve never had a job like writing, where I constantly smile while I’m working—except when someone interrupts me, then I growl like a rabid badger, the drool isn’t attractive.

I love to write and one day I hope to turn writing into my full time career. For me, and I think many people, being an author is my dream job. Starting to write and then finishing the first book was a huge first step. Most people who dream of being an author find it so intimidating they never even start. I was like them, until I couldn’t stand the voices any longer. Once I published my first book, I was hooked. I’m so glad I took the first step, and now I’m on my way.

Danica:  Great answer!  I can’t wait to read your books, and I promise, I’ll be careful to not interrupt you


If you are interested in finding out more about Sharon or purchasing her books you can find her at:

http://www.sharonkleve.com/

http://www.facebook.com/sharonkleve

https://twitter.com/#!/SharonKleve

https://pinterest.com/srkleve/

 http://www.amazon.com/Mine-Corny-Myers-Series-ebook/dp/B00769JTOQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337892853&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Flamingo-Blues-ebook/dp/B006J9EKNE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337892853&sr=8-2

Author of “The Corny Myers Series”

Book One, Flamingo Blues, Published December 2011

Book Two, Be Mine, Published February 2012

Book Three, Klutzy Love, Coming in June 2012

The Types of Critics

“Dear Author,

You suck, your books are complete literary garbage, and you smell like rotten socks.

Signed,

An Angry Eunuch” 

I have some good news.  As much as you may think you will receive this type of letter when you first publish your work, you won’t–because really, what reader knows how you smell?

On a more serious note, there are two types of critics:  the helpful critic and the angry critic.  Both serve valid purposes.

The helpful critics are friends, family, beta-readers, editors, and readers that bring up flaws in your work (often minor) and call attention to your weaknesses.  As a writer, the initial response by most is to brush off the feedback and call the critic crazy.  However, once the writer sets aside their overly personal relationship with their material and looks at it from the helpful critics eyes, one can see the merit in their comments.  When I began writing a few years ago, I often got the comment:  “Where’s the emotional response!”

I would immediately get emotional…Wasn’t that enough of an emotional response?  No…  And as I grew and opened up to the advice my fellow writers were bestowing upon me, my writing ability increased.  My critics did exactly what they were supposed to do–they helped me to become a better writer.

As for the second type of critic, or so named ‘the angry critic’ they too have a purpose.

And yes, as a writer you will occasionally run across these types of critics.  

By far, the most distressing letter I ever received came from an anonymous source after I had entered my first writing contest.  It was my first novel, my first major attempt at becoming a professional writer–and I had much to learn (that novel rests comfortably at the back of my closet, under deep layers of pillows).  The angry critic told me that my writing was terrible.  In fact, they went on to say, it was so bad that I should seriously consider going to college (which FYI to them I have a degree from a University which had granted me a scholarship for my writing).

After crying and flipping the bird at my computer, I came to a firm conclusion.  I would not let one angry mean-spirited critic win.  I used that low point in my writing to lift me.  Using a line from Dirty Dancing,  “No one puts [Danica] in a corner.”

I joined my first critique group.  Took every class and read books on writing.  I studied until the wee hours of the morning about the market, core market interest, effective dialogue, pacing, query and synopsis writing, and my favorite Strunk and White.

That one angry critic lit a fire–one that will never burn out.  So thank you, my angry little eunuch.  You have helped me to excel.

When you write, you must develop a thick skin.  You will receive negative and positive.  You will laugh with pride and cry with despair, but hold your head high.  Use the criticisms that comes your way and you will have the writing wind at your back.

 

The Life of the Marmot

This week I had a furry visitor into my world.  It’s been a fun, trying and often hilarious few days as I have had to confront my nemesis–the Hoary Marmot.  I have to admit, I had to research the little creature that chose to reside in the dust covered under belly of my beat up farm truck.  The creature was what most call a ‘whistle pig’ and rightly so–the giant ground squirrel (only slightly less fat than my tom cat) chirped and bleated whenever anything came within 20 feet of MY truck.  However, this nugget, Hoary Marmot,  taught me a lesson as it sequestered my vehicle–it taught me perseverance  (and pepper spray to the face is quite unpleasant).

He stayed in my truck for four days without food (and water only from that of which was shot at him through a pressurized hose) in a habitat that could in only the minimalist way be considered appropriate for an overstuffed squirrel.  Yet even with the most adamant of prodding, and an entire can bear spray, he refused to leave.  Many questions came to mind, but I had to admire him for his tenacity.  Regardless of how hard I tried to humanely remove him, he refused to move from his ‘comfort’ zone.

As a paranormal romance writer, I’m often faced with situations where I’m forced to fight for what I desire (i.e. my trucks wiring to not be destroyed).   As I’ve said many times before, being a writer is a tough business.  And like the fat marmot, there are times when I want to stuff myself into a hole for days, and scream at people who even think about approaching me.  However unlike the somewhat cute and ornery beast I must exit my den and face the world and all the pitfalls and criticism that come with it.

After four days of battle, the marmot disappeared into the night after a hard-won war–he being the clear victor and me being the out-smarted human.  I must chuckle and remind myself that like the Marmot, with patience and perseverance I will attain my goal (my wiring remains unscathed).  But I must admit, I don’t believe I want to meet another Marmot–in my truck’s undercarriage or otherwise.

 

Contest Winners

I have the distinct honor of announcing the winners of my May 2012 contest for the release of Curse of the Wolf.

*drum roll please*

Curse of the Wolf goes to:  Deborah Neil!!

The Devil’s Angel goes to:  Cherie Durbin!!

I hope you both enjoy your copies of my books.  Thank you to everyone who stopped by and left comments.

-Danica Winters

Contest!

Beginning May 9th, 2012 I want you to submit the name of your favorite book, including the author’s name, in the comments box below.  Winners will be chosen at random.  Contest Ends May 16th, 2012.   Multiple Submissions accepted.

What you can win:

FREE COPY of the paranormal romance novel, Curse of the Wolf 

(or) A FREE COPY of the paranormal romance short story, The Devil’s Angel 

Have fun and please be respectful! 

Thank you for you support,

-Danica Winters

Welcoming Paranormal Romance Author Zrinka Jelic

This week I have the honor of introducing a fabulous nebut noveliest, Zrinka Jelic.  Zrinka lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and two children. A member of the Romance Writers of America and its chapter Fantasy Futuristic &Paranormal romance, as well as Savvy Authors, she writes contemporary fiction—which leans toward the paranormal—and adds a pinch of history. Her characters come from all walks of life, and although she prefers red, romance comes in many colors. Given Jelic’s love for her native Croatia and the Adriatic Sea, her characters usually find themselves dealing with a fair amount of sunshine, but that’s about the only break they get. “Alas,” Jelic says, with a grin. “Some rain must fall in everyone’s life.”

I am delighted to be your guest today, Danica. My debut novel “Bonded by Crimson” has been released on January 28th, and it is available in all formats at Black Opal Books, Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and All Romance eBooks

I didn’t realize how much I like to write until I started to write seriously, about four years ago now. Even the high scores on my school assignments couldn’t convince me I was any good. But I’ve decided to give it a go and from there on I found myself. Though I’ve dreamt of becoming a published author one day, I never thought it would happen, let alone this fast. There were speed bumps on my path and high and low days. The days when I wanted to throw in the towel, but the secret to success was simple – perseverance. Strange as it may sound, the characters simply refused to give up and pushed me forward. But thankfully, they allowed me a few days break to gather my thoughts and start anew. Their story needed to be told. All of this may sound strange to those who don’t write, but every writer has same experience.

Now that I’m published, my friends and family think I live a high life of rich of famous. Their remarks how they would be able to say “I knew her when …” make me laugh. I know they’re just joking and they mean well, but my life had not changed. At least by not much. Other than playing with imaginary people, aka characters, my day is the same. Juggling kids, household chores, and my part time college studies, there’s little time to plot and work on my next book. And writing being sedentary work, I try to squeeze a workout each day if I can, at least half an hour. But the characters are pressing me forward until I put that scene on the paper (or rather screen).  Well, I can’t say that I didn’t have a tiny taste of glory. The other day one lady hugged me, saying she can die a happy person knowing she hugged someone “famous”. That act made me feel so accomplished and I know many aspiring authors could do it, too. I don’t have a crystal ball (actually, I do but it’s just a dust collecting ornament) and I can’t foresee my future, but if fame and fortune is in my cards … well, I’m not cut for something like that. I would never write a book for money, I’m sure it would show in the quality of writing.

Of course I couldn’t leave you without a short excerpt from my novel, Bonded by Crimson:

They strolled through the narrow streets of the medieval town and arrived at the old hotel by the sea. Waiters bustled around the tables on the terrace. A few couples twirled on the dance floor as the band played a version of Save the Last Dance for Me. Her feet stopped, and she stared at the dance floor, longing to be in his embrace and move her body in sync with his.

As if on cue, he cocked his head toward the patio. “Shall we?”

She wrapped her hand around his bicep. Thrilled as she was he wanted to dance with her, she was nervous, sure that she would be clumsy and awkward. Suddenly, scaling the medieval wall had seemed easier.

He led her though the maze of tables and chairs on the hotel’s terrace. When they reached the clear area in front of the small stage, he slipped his arm around her waist. “We can do better than these other couples. Come on, let’s us show them how dancing is done. Just relax and follow my steps.”

His left hand pressed on her hip, pulling her close as the fingers of his right hand wrapped around her left. When she placed her free hand on his solid shoulder, her fingers fumbled, but his warm, reassuring smile eased her tension. Her feet wouldn’t cooperate for the first few swings. A funny frown appeared on his face when she stepped on his foot for the third time. She glanced at her feet. God, he must think she was terribly uncoordinated.

He squeezed her hand. “Look at me.”

Their eyes met. Lost in his mesmerizing gaze, she forgot what her feet were doing and her nervousness disappeared, replaced by a sense of peace as she picked up his rhythm, following him with ease. Even when he twirled her under his arm, her feet didn’t falter. Before she knew it, the song had come to an end.

“We were good,” she said, joy and wonder filling her voice.

He hugged her. “We were.”

The band leader strummed the guitar and stepped up to the microphone. “And now, it’s ladies’ choice.”

He turned back to the band and they joined in with his song. Many left the dance area with the slow melody. But Matthias wrapped his arm around her waist. “I hope I’m your choice,” he murmured.

When the vocalist joined in with the three guys from the group, Kate turned her attention to the lyrics. Every single word of the song “I’ll Leave the Light On” struck a nerve. Memories she had suppressed for years flooded to the surface as the band played on. Her chest tightened, constricting her breath. Tears stung her eyes. Matthias stopped his feet, but kept his body swaying. Kate stared at his shoes. Sobs spasmed her shoulders, betraying her attempts to hide her emotions from him. Four hours earlier, she had boldly stood up to an enraged bull, but the words of this song reduced her to a wimp.

His hand inched behind her neck and pulled her head onto his chest. She prayed the tune would end, but the band kept playing.

When the beat of the next song sped up, and people poured back onto the dance floor, Matthias kissed her hair and led her away from the loud music. “We should sit this one out.”

And feel free to watch the book trailer for Bonded By Crimson.

To visit Zrinka Jelic’s blog click here or here.

Or Find her on Facebook! 

Paranormal Romance Author Danica Winters Interviews Rionna Morgan

This has been a great week and I had the chance to end it with another Montana up and coming romantic suspense author and my friend, Rionna Morgan.  Rionna grew up out West, where she followed her love of horses to the rodeo arena and her love of English to the classroom and to writing. Rionna is a founding member of Montana Romance Writers; she reads as much as she can possibly hold, and the thrill of great suspense threaded through into a great romance.  Rionna lives in Montana with her husband, four children, and the mountains outside her window. This year she sold her first novel to Crimson  Publishing and which should be available Summer 2012. 

I’m proud to introduce her to you.

Danica: Do you like to listen to music while you write? If so, who are your favorite artists?

Rionna:I do. When I am settled into the moment, when all the world outside my imagination is quiet, I listen to Celtic music. It is sweet and serene. I find that the music creates a more focused feeling so that I can just get in tune with my characters.

Danica: Tell us a little bit about your newest release. Feel free to include a small excerpt.  Rionna: My newest release is THE WANTING HEART soon to be published by Crimson Romance.  It is about a barrel racer who gets swept off her feet by a serial killer. 

Danica: Where can readers find your newest release? Feel free to include links.

Rionna: On July 9, 2012, it will be available electronically through Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Google, Sony and The Crimson Romance Website. It will also be available in print. 

Danica: Where can others connect with you? Twitter, Facebook, blog? 

Rionna: http://www.facebook.com/RionnaMorgan

http://www.linkedin.com/in/rionnamorgan

http://pinterest.com/rionnamorgan/

https://twitter.com/RionnaMorgan

http://rionnamorgan.blogspot.com/

 My website rionnamorgan.com 

Danica: How do you go about choosing names for your characters? 

Rionna: Names, to me, are very important. I choose names in all manner of ways. If I hear a great name just in passing, I write it down in my ever present notebook. On a more structured note, if my story takes place in a certain part of the country…Texas for instance. I get a Texas phone book and look at the names of the people so that I can get a feel of how people are named: nationality, sound of names, how they are linked together. 

I have lived all over the United States, and I know that some names are prominent in some areas where as they are completely foreign to other parts. I want my names to seem authentic and believable while still fitting with the character I have in mind. 

If I happen to find a name in the phone book that catches my attention, I look up the meaning in my baby name book. I have it right next to my dictionary and thesaurus. For my heroes and heroines, I want the names to be strong while having a meaning that helps illuminate their personality. I feel the same for my antagonists. Yet, the antagonists are a bit more tricky. I write romantic suspense, and I don’t always want my readers to know who the antagonist is; I definitely don’t want to give it away by the use of a stereotypical “evil” or “bad-guy” name. So I am a lot more careful about choosing their names. 

Danica: Do you write under a pen name? If so, who knows about writing? 

Rionna: Yes I do. Only my close friends and family know my true identity. Ha Ha. That’s funny. Sounds like I’m a secret agent. 

Danica: Tell us about your upcoming writing projects. 

Rionna: My current project is about an artist who stumbles upon a murder scene that has a fairy-tale twist.

Thank you very much for this opportunity. I really enjoyed sharing my writing and a bit about my writing life. And I hope you enjoy my stories!

All the best!

Rionna Morgan