H.J. Harley's Blog, page 6

Between a Book & a Real Place with Melinda Dozier

Welcome to today's edition of Between a Book & a Real Place. Today Melinda Dozier will be answering a few questions and giving us peek at her novel being released today! Congrats Melinda on your new release Breaking the Rules. I cant wait to hear all about it.


How do you go about nabbing that perfect title for your books?

Ha! Titles usually come to me after a few chapters into the story. For Breaking the Rules I went through the whole writing process and querying with a different name. Are you ready? It used to be called Frequent Flyer, thanks to Hope who is a complete klutz. Colin called her a “frequent flyer” because she’s always in the doctor’s office. But, that didn’t sound very romantic, right? I think Breaking the Rules is the perfect match for the story I weaved.

·        Pantser or Plotter? I’ll have you know how proud I am that I just used these terms. Since I’ve just recently learned what they meant. Go me. Always keepin’ up with the author slang.

More of a pantser, for sure! I’ve tried to be a planner, but my ideas tend to stray away from the plan. It drives me crazy!

·        What do you like to write in? (i.e PJ’s and stompeez, a prom dress or perhaps a bathtub?)

I tend to write more in the mornings, in my PJ’s. Since I’m a romance writer, let’s imagine Victoria Secrets lingerie. ;)

·        Have you ever been a character in one of your books?

Well, I have a secret. Hope, from Breaking the Rules, is very much like me! Shhh…

·        Have you ever gone a little REDRUM after a few days shacked up in the ol’ writing hole?

When I received my first edits ever and spent days in my office, I could say I went REDRUM on my family. I feel a bit guilty now, but they still love me!

·        Do you do research for your novel?  Me... I could totally walk into the Bio Buzz pick up a bong and be like..It’s for research dude!

Lol Thank God for Pinterest! That’s my research hub. My most popular research board is my character inspiration. Although, I love to find handsome men, I can take it a bit far. Just this past week, I received a “Take Down” notice from Pinterest. They deleted one of my SWOON WORTHY pictures because of nudity. **blushing**

HJ: Pinterest is like my nemesis!! I cannot get it to work for me. Like ever. I’ll search organization and get 1265 of the same pin. LOL

·        Do you laugh at yourself ever?

All the time. The worst is when I laugh and no one else does.

·        How do you feel about being interviewed? Embarassed.

·        How do you feel about global warming? Not going there.

·        How do you feel about Antonio Sabato Jr.? Yes, please.

·        What makes you laugh? Sarcasm Cry? Sarcasm

·        Vacation or staycation?

I do staycations all the time. I’m ready for a REAL vacation. Where do I want to go? I dream of New York City! Next on my list is the Mediterranean.

HJ: I’m from NJ and spent most of my youbnger years in New York City. In fact, my debut novel Finding Jordie is set in NYC.

·        Fancy Schmancy wedding or a Vegas wedding?

I already had a fancy schmancy wedding – I wouldn’t mind doing a Vegas renewal of vows. My wedding anniversary just passed … maybe next year.

·        Favorite season? Mine’s football :P

Bachelor or Bachelorette season? Does that count?  

HJ; It sure does! 

·        Did you enjoy this interview? Absolutely! Not boring at all! Thanks for having me!

Thanks again Melinda!! Check out the blurb for Breaking the Rules, Melinda's bio and her website. 

Blurb:

A forbidden love affair in the past has led Hope Robinson, a middle school principal, to Harbor Bay, Florida, where she commits herself to play by the rules. This can be difficult for a perpetual klutz, who—even strapped in a cast—has to uphold a competent attitude at all times.

Luckily, she has Dr. Colin Calaway on her side, a widower and father of a student, who is ready to give love another try. When Colin convinces Hope they should explore the connection between them, a steamy romance develops, though it could destroy them both. They must decide if their jobs—and their hearts—are worth the risk.

Sensuality Level: Sensual

You can purchase Breaking the Rules on Amazon and most ebook retailers.

Melinda Dozier lives in Guatemala, Central America, with her husband, three boys and German Shepherd.  She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they’re grown. 
Learn more about her at www.melindadozier.com.

You can also find Melinda on twitter at www.twitter.com/melindadozier or Facebook at www.facebook.com/melindadoz

Crimson Website: http://www.crimsonromance.com/upcoming-releases-romance-ebook/breaking-the-rules/

Blog: http://melindadozier.blogspot.com

Between a Book & a Real Place with Heather Thurmeier

"Heather Thurmeier's hunky heroes and feisty heroines will have you laughing out loud, falling in love ... and coming back for more!" ~ Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author

"Heather Thurmeier writes sweet, funny romances that capture your heart!" --NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst

Happy Fourth of July everybody! Before I get to my spectacular guest today, here on Between a Book & a Real Place I want to wish you all a happy and safe holiday! Remember NO Drinking and firework setting off or Drinking and Driving. STAY SAFE!

Now, on to the good stuff! Heather has joined us today to answer a few questions and talk about her latest release "Lost Without You" I've read a few titles from Heather and I just love them, as I'm sure I'll enjoy this one. 

Stay safe everyone and please leave some love for Ms. Thurmeier.

·        Tell me, what do you like to write, and why?

-I write most contemporary romance but also have one paranormal romance series right now. I write those genres because I love to read them!

·        When offered your first publishing contract did you

A) Scream

B) Jump out of your seat and run around flailing your arms chanting OMG    OMG OMG

C) Pee your pants

D) B & C

E) None of the Above (You’re lying if your answer isn’tB) If not A-D , what was your reaction?

-My reaction definitely falls into the omg category. My first every publishing contract was received while waiting in a crowded restaurant for a table. I checked my email, started crying and pointing at my phone for Hubs to read it. I can only imagine what the other people waiting must have thought!

·        After how many published titles do you think it’s appropriate to write your own autobiography?

-I don’t know. I guess I’ve never thought about it before. I would think that it depends completely on the author and the books themselves. You might have lived such an incredible life that it only takes one published book before you write your autobiography. Or maybe you are a prolific author who writes 200 novels before telling the world who you are.

·        How important to you are the names of your characters?

-They are important to me, but probably not as important as they are to  some other writers. I don’t look up what name mean or anything like that. Generally, I’ll think of one character’s name and then the other characters are trickier. I like the names for the hero and heroine to really go together. And I want the names of the secondary characters to be easy to distinguish from all the others. I hate when I read a book and all of the names are too similar or start with the same letter. I can be really difficult to remember who is who. Lastly, I like the names for my main characters to be easy to type. I have changed names before because my fingers just don’t want to type the write name consistently!

·        How do you go about nabbing that perfect title for your books?

-Sometimes the perfect title comes to me in the planning or writing stage. Other times, I have to brainstorm different titles for weeks before settling on one.

·        Do you have a quote or slogan you try to live by?

-Once upon a time I read the saying “Bloom where you are planted.” I don’t know who said it first, but it stuck with me. It reminds me to make the best of every situation and don’t just grow, but try to bloom.

·        Have you ever taken the writing to the bathroom with you? Sometimes for me it’s the only place I can find that elusive peace and quiet. Until my 5 year old sniffs me out.

-I mostly write while the kids are at school, so the house is always nice and quiet. Except for the sounds of the dog snoring beside me, of course. Once the kids get home, very little actual writing happens. I might be able to write an email, but that’s about all they’ll let me do.

·        Pantser or Plotter? I’ll have you know how proud I am that I just used these terms. Since I’ve just recently learned what they meant. Go me. Always keepin’ up with the author slang.

-I am a plotter. I come up with a basic idea, then I ask myself a bunch of questions so that I know the characters, setting and plot better, then I write a detailed outline. Usually that outline ends up being about 10 pages with a mix of thoughts, scenes, and dialogue all thrown together.

·        What do you like to write in? (i.e PJ’s and stompeez, a prom dress or perhaps a bathtub?)

-I write in yoga pants and a t-shirt usually. I like to be comfortable and cozy!

·        How do you react to a bad review?

-I don’t enjoy them, but I realized a long time ago that you can’t please every reader with every book. So now I take reviews, good and bad, with a grain of salt. What one person loved, another will hate. It’s just the way it goes with something as subjective as writing.

·        Did you enjoy this interview?

-this interview was a lot of fun! Thank you so much for having me here today!!

Thank you for allowing me to have you as my guest! 

Lost Without You Blurb
Zoe Oliver never wanted to be on another reality TV show… until Chip Cormack made an offer too good to refuse. He’s guaranteed her a payday this time and a chance to redeem herself in America’s eyes. But Zoe worries she won’t be able to focus as her desire for Chip grows and her strength to resist him weakens. When she learns she’ll be roughing it in the woods with Chip and without luxuries like indoor plumbing and electricity, she’s instantly on edge, feeling naked and terrified that her scars will be exposed and her secrets revealed. When Zoe’s past turns up on the show, she fears she’ll lose not only the life she’s sacrificed everything else to have, but also the affections of the only man she’s ever trusted with her heart.


Heather Thurmeier is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spiders and a reality TV junkie. She was born and raised in the Canadian prairies, but now lives in New York with her husband and kids where she’s become some kind of odd Canuck-Yankee hybrid. When she's not busy taking care of the kids and pets, Heather’s writing her next romance, which will probably be filled with sassy heroines, sexy heroes that make your heart pound, laugh out loud moments and always a happily ever after.

Social Media links:

Website: http://heatherthurmeier.com

Facebook: HeatherThurmeierAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hthurmeier

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5211580.Heather_Thurmeier

Between a Book & a Real Place with Lynn Crandall

Oh Weebly, you are really beginning to tick me off with your fickle self. Sorry for the late post folks…Weebly doesn't like me this week. Today on Between a Book & a Real Place I have Lynn Crandall author of Dancing with Detective Danger.

·       


Tell me, what do you like to write, and why? 


I like to write romance because I enjoy exploring relationships and appreciate a happy ending. I also enjoy spinning romantic suspense because for me, the intrigue of a romantic suspense energizes the story.


        When offered your first publishing contract did you

A) Scream

B) Jump out of your seat and run around flailing your arms chanting OMG    OMG OMG

C) Pee your pants

D) B & C

E) None of the Above You’re lying if your answer isn’t B you’re lying :P  If not A-D , what was your reaction? 


My first acceptance from a publisher came a number of years ago when Kensington published my first book , Silver Wings. The second book, Dancing with Detective Danger, was accepted by Crimson Romance. Both times it was definitely a "B" response. I still do "B" sometimes when I think about the reality of getting both books published. (Time out here for running, flailing, and chanting. I'll be right back.)

 

HJ: Dancing with Detective Danger was in the back of Finding Jordie FYI 

·        After how many published titles do you think it’s appropriate to write your own autobiography?

LOL! It would never be appropriate to write my autobiography. I'm pretty ordinary. I've had more than my share of dramas throughout my life but nothing anyone would be interested enough to read about.

 ·        How important to you are the names of your characters? 


The names of my characters are top-of-the list important. I love names. And the name has to fit the characters, according to me.

·        Have you ever taken the writing to the bathroom with you? Sometimes for me it’s the only place I can find that elusive peace and quiet. Until my 5 year old sniffs me out.  

In a sense, because my writing stays in my head, even when I've put part of it into the computer. Which is why I frequently run into doors and forget why I went into the kitchen. It wasn't until I finished the first draft of my WIP that I could sleep nights. Stories are demanding!

·         Pantser or Plotter? I’ll have you know how proud I am that I just used these terms. Since I’ve just recently learned what they meant. Go me. Always keepin’ up with the author slang. 

Go you, for sure! I am a pantser, and I felt very "Go me," when I recently learned that brains of pantsers are different from brains of plotters. Before that, I tended to question myself because I should be outlining and creating story boards. Not true.

·        How do you react to a bad review?

When I get a review that is less than stellar it doesn't feel good. But I've talked to myself, saying, "Listen. You wrote a book. You had fun writing it. You never expected it would be an out-of-this-world piece of fiction (though I would love that), but you like it and Crimson Romance published it. 'Nuff said."

 ·        Vacation or staycation?  

Both! And several times a year. Beach me AND give me time in the backyard with a book.


·        Favorite season? Mine’s football :P

I'm originally from Michigan and love winter for the snow and cold. No sports association, though I now live in Fighting Illini country – University of Illinois sports.

·        Did you enjoy this interview? 


This was a fun interview. Thank you having me on your blog and asking out-of-the-box questions. Fun to think about and respond to, though I was tempted to lie so I would sound more interesting. Just kidding.


You can find Dancing With Detective Danger on Goodreads, Amazon and most ebook retailers.




Thanks so much for being a guest today Lynn!!  Please don't forget to share the love and comment!

Between A Book & A Real Place with Lisa White

Hey hey hey! Today I have Lisa White as my guest. Now, I knew I liked Lisa on an entirely new level once I found out we shared a love for Robert Pattinson. All my friends have great taste I must say. :P lol





·        Tell me, what do you like to write, and why?

I mainly write contemporary romances, but my latest novel, Discovery, is a new adult paranormal romance.  I’m into superheroes and that was the only category that covered such characters.  I love romances of every kind because I’m a sucker for happy endings.

When offered your first publishing contract did you:

A) Scream

B) Jump out of your seat and run around flailing your arms chanting OMG OMG OMG

C) Pee your pants

D) B & C

E) None of the Above You’re lying if your answer isn’t B If not A-D , what was your reaction?

          A.  I screamed.  Then I called every family member I knew to tell them.  And then my best friends. And then anyone who would listen.  I was fortunate to have my very first book, The Laws of Love, published and I still can’t contain my excitement – I LOVE to write.

·        After how many published titles do you think it’s appropriate to write your own autobiography?

I’m not sure the number of published titles is the primary factor as much as age.  I have a lot more life to live before I tell you all my secrets…the juicy ones may be yet to come!

·        How important to you are the names of your characters?

Very important. While no one admits it, I think people judge you by their name.  It’s as if they subconsciously put you in the same bucket as the last Nancy they met, or the last Karen, or the last Fiona.  So I believe readers do the same thing with characters.  They meet a character and feel they already know them before reading the next sentence just based upon your character’s name.  I have no scientific evidence to prove this…but didn’t the Fiona I mentioned above make you think of the cool princess from Shrek?

·        How do you go about nabbing that perfect title for your books?

I’m weird.  They just come to me and are usually one or two words in length.  The shorter the better.  And most of the time my working title ends up being the actual title.  I don’t agonize over titles – it’s the 90,000 to 100,000 words that come after that give me grief.

·        What are the occupational hazards of being a writer?

A large derrière – seriously.  Sitting at the computer all day for work and then all night for writing makes for an ample bottom.  Luckily my top balances me out.

   

·        Do you have a quote or slogan you try to live by?

“Do your best and God will take care of the rest.”  Also, “Everything happens for a reason.”  I’m very good at rationalizing…

·        Have you ever taken the writing to the bathroom with you? Sometimes for me it’s the only place I can find that elusive peace and quiet. Until my 5 year old sniffs me out.

Totally understand that!  Kids innately know the best time to interrupt – no matter what you are doing.  But to answer your question, nope.  Have never written in the bathroom. 

·        Pantser or Plotter? I’ll have you know how proud I am that I just used these terms. Since I’ve just recently learned what they meant. Go me. Always keepin’ up with the author slang.

You go, Harley – throwing around that author slang!  I’m a plotter with pantser tendencies.  Because all my books have an element of suspense in them, I have to be able to leave clues along the way in order for the suspense to be believable.  But as I write, new characters always pop up so I find the pantser part of me screams to come out every now and then.  I usually end my books where I thought I would – but the road to the end can be very curvy.

 

·        What do you like to write in? (i.e PJ’s and stompeez, a prom dress or perhaps a bathtub?)

PJ’s – comfort is key!

·        How do you react to a bad review?

I try to ignore them.  I had one lady tell me I had too much sex in my books, another one said I had too little.  You can’t please everyone all the time and the sooner you learn that, the better you can handle rejection when it comes around. 

HJ: Agreed. I have some that tell me the cursing is too much in FJ but the New Yorker’s that read it say it’s perfect. Can’t please everyone.

·        Do you feel like a complete dumbo (like I do) when people ask for your autograph? I tend to get stuck on stupid and fumblerooski all my words when someone asks me for mine.

Definitely.  I feel very self-conscious.  Being out front is not my thing.  I would rather sit at home in my PJ’s and write.  Maybe I can hire a body-double to take on the autographs and book signings – but of course, she needs that Kim Kardashian derrière…

·        Have you ever been a character in one of your books?

No.  Never.  My first book had a female corporate lawyer as heroine but everything else about her came out of my imagination.  Life is simpler if it doesn’t imitate art.

·        Would you ever play yourself in a movie or TV production of one of your books?

No, I wouldn’t play myself – but I could totally see myself pulling a Stephanie Meyer and being an extra.  I would love that.

·        Have you ever gone a little REDRUM after a few days shacked up in the ol’ writing hole?

I haven’t shacked up lately!  Most of my writing is done at night after everyone goes to bed so sleep breaks up the stress between my writing life and my real life.

·        What do you think is your biggest accomplishment in writing? Your biggest failure?

My biggest accomplishment would be getting a contract with a traditional publisher.  I’m very proud of that.  Of course, it was after receiving quite a few rejections – but in the end I realized my dream of getting The Call.  My biggest failure would have to be my inability to churn out books as fast as some of my writer friends.  Some seem to release a book every month.  I would need a time machine to do that.

HJ: I know. I’m amazed how some release them one after another. It takes me a good three months to put something together! Then the editing starts.

·        Do you do research for your novel?  Me... I could totally walk into the Bio Buzz pick up a bong and be like..It’s for research dude! Lol

I research a little here and there.  If I have any reference to history or an actual place, I make sure I know everything about it first.  I don’t want some reader to call me out on an inaccuracy.

·        Speaking of bongs. Have you ever written anything while high on the weed, drunk on the wine or chill from the pill? I have...I’m on bottle number two. 

Nope.  But I have been known to sing into a beer bottle or two.  So while my writing is sober, my singing may require a little alcohol help.

·        Do you laugh at yourself ever?

Every day.  Life is better that way.

·        How much of your childhood reflects upon your musings?

I’d say a great deal.  The good people in my life always make it into my books in some small way.

 

·        How do you like these questions so far? Anything striking your fancy? Ok, moving along…

I love them all Harley!  These are great!

·        How do you feel about being interviewed?

It depends.  If the questions are the same old, tired author questions – I get bored.  You, however, are keeping me on my toes!  I love how you have mixed random and professional questions together in one blog.  Thank you!

 

·        How do you feel about global warming?

I hate it, definitely think there is something to it – but I’m not giving up my aerosol hairspray for anything.  Does that make me sound bad?

·        How do you feel about Antonio Sabato Jr.?

Good looking, sexy – but you already know who my main pretend squeeze is.  RPatz, aka Edward Cullen.  I know you feel the same so nothing more needs to be said about him.  I will share RPatz with you – but no one else.

HJ: WAHOO! Yes, he is quite a saucy man. AND now the face of Dior’ Homme. I will be that nutjob stopped by security trying to run out of the mall with the cardboard cutout of Rob in Dior’. HAHAH

·        Are you jealous of other writers?

No.  So far, every writer I have met has been so supportive and generous, including you!  I wish nothing but good things for my writer friends.  No jealousy here!

·        What makes you laugh? Cry?

I laugh at everything.  I love to laugh.  The best laughter occurs when you are not supposed to be laugh.  Like at church.  Or a funeral.  I’m just full of social tact…

As for crying, I’m a sucker for a soldier.  Ever since 9/11, I cry every time I see a soldier.  They are the best and give so much – their sacrifice literally brings me to tears.

·        Vacation or staycation?

Vacation absolutely.  Staycations are full of laundry and dishes for me.  Moms still have laundry and dishes on vacation – but chores are a little more special when performed with a beach background.

·        Fancy Schmancy wedding or a Vegas wedding?

Fun wedding whatever it takes and wherever you are.

·        Favorite season? Mine’s football :P

Ha – one more thing we have in common.  I love fall and college football makes it even better.

·        Who were some of your inspirations for writing? For your characters?

I love Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts and John Grisham.  My characters are always from my imagination – with real characteristics sprinkled in for good measure.

 

·        Did you enjoy this interview?

I loved it!  Thank you so very much for having me!  You are a gracious but fun host – a rare combination in any setting! I wish you the best of luck and look forward to reading more from you! 

Thanks again!

Lisa

Below is my author bio:

LISA WHITE was born in Tennessee and raised in Virginia.  After graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Italian language and literature, she obtained her law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. 

When not practicing law, Lisa enjoys gardening, spending time with friends and family, and, of course, writing romance novels.  She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  Her first novel,  THE LAWS OF   LOVE , was released by Crimson Romance in July, 2012.  In April, 2013, Crimson Romance released her second novel,  DISCOVERY , the first book in her Council of Powers trilogy.   DISCOVERY  is a new adult paranormal romance where two friends discover hidden powers and the love that makes these powers great.  

Lisa currently lives in Southwest Virginia with her husband and two children where she is frantically writing another story in which her readers can escape...one page at a time. 

Look for her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-White-Author/345773668818384?ref=hl and on her website www.lisawhiteauthor.com.

You can find Lisa’s books at:

 http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-White/e/B008GHCPCK

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/discovery-lisa-white/1115218126?ean=9781440567063

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/discovery/id634132085?mt=11

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17611325-discovery
Thank you Lisa for being a guest on Between  A Book & A Real Place. I wish you many sales and great reviews and most of all I hope you get to meet the f

Between a Book & a Real Place with Tara Mills

 
It's Tuesday! Today the fantabulously talented and funny Tara Mills is my guest and I can't begin to tell you how happy I am abou that.

Enjoy! ·        


Tell me, what do you like to write, and why?  I write contemporary romance because modern women are much more interesting to me. We’ve come a long way, and have so many more choices now. We decide what we want, who we want, and how we want him. I love that.  Modern women no longer need a husband in the traditional sense. We’ve leveled the playing field. Relationships begin on an equal footing and both men and women get to choose each other. That, in itself, strikes me as more romantic than negotiating for virginal brides.

·        When offered your first publishing contract did you 

A) Scream 

B) Jump out of your seat and run around flailing your arms chanting OMG    OMG OMG 

C) Pee your pants

D) B & C

E) None of the Above You’re lying if your answer isn’t B If not A-D , what was your reaction?

B)  No question. I’m a little hyper anyway, so yep, running around like that is absolutely part of my repertoire. 

·        After how many published titles do you think it’s appropriate to write your own autobiography?
 I’ve spent a lot of time musing on this and think it all depends on the damage and potential blowback you should expect if you’re planning to write openly and honestly about your life. Do you really want to open that can of worms? Is it worth it to leave this wonderful person with guilt when they learn they failed you in some significant way? How far will you go when admitting something hidden deep in your heart? Can you afford the consequences? Those are really the questions I ponder. I guess I don’t see true autobiographies as puff pieces, but rather a minefield. Tread carefully or avoid it altogether.   

·        How important to you are the names of your characters?  
Very important. Names naturally convey certain qualities and characteristics so I try to make them fit the character’s backgrounds, physical presence, even their profession in some way. My demonstration cook’s name in Caution: Filling is Hot, for example, is named Piper Frost. She obviously decorates cakes.

·        How do you go about nabbing that perfect title for your books? 
Titles are tough. I often come up with several over the course of writing a story. If I’m still not sure, I put out feelers, pleas for help in naming my next book. My daughter-in-law is great at coming up with ideas. We bounce a lot of stuff back and forth. 

·        What are the occupational hazards of being a writer? 
Poor posture, deteriorating eyesight. Of course, aging doesn’t help that, either. You also have to make time to get exercise when you’re tied to a desk day in and day out.  

·        Do you have a quote or slogan you try to live by? 
I always think of that line from, Throw Momma from the Train.  “A writer writes—always.”

·        Have you ever taken the writing to the bathroom with you? 
Sometimes for me it’s the only place I can find that elusive peace and quiet. Until my 5 year old sniffs me out.  Chuckling here. No. I’ve never had to resort to that.

·        Pantser or Plotter? 
I’ll have you know how proud I am that I just used these terms. Since I’ve just recently learned what they meant. Go me. Always keepin’ up with the author slang. 
Congrats! I’m still learning the jargon. As far as your question is concerned, I used to say I’m a pantser, but actually I think I’m an amalgam of the two—a plotser. I always have to have my cute meet to begin any book. Then I’ll build the skeleton around it, which probably qualifies as plotting. Only then do I sit down and flesh it out. That’s pure pantser. One scene will tumble into the next, driving the story forward, showing me more of my characters as I go along. I love writing organically. So much comes as a delightful surprise.

·        What do you like to write in? (i.e PJ’s and stompeez, a prom dress or perhaps a bathtub?)
Oh, I’m so bad. When I’m in full writer mode, I throw on whatever’s handy in the morning, usually jammie bottoms from the floor and one of my husband’s big T-shirts. Imagine Penny from the Big Bang Theory going through her disturbing gamer phase, but without the Cheetoes in my hair. 

·        How do you react to a bad review?
 I stew over it. You can’t really respond to a negative review, and my idea of negative is pretty ridiculous. I actually mope when I get a three. 

·        Do you feel like a complete dumbo (like I do) when people ask for your autograph?
 I tend to get stuck on stupid and fumblerooski all my words when someone asks me for mine. I don’t feel like I’ve earned it yet. I feel silly and hope my handwriting is legible.

·        Have you ever been a character in one of your books?  
There’s a little something of me in every one of my characters, to a degree. The closest is probably Sabrina from Accidents Make the Heart Grow Fonder. That story, and her character, was spawned by a personal experience of mine so I suppose that makes sense. She’s still her own person, but she’s been saddled with my baggage and klutziness. From all the reviews I’ve read so far, she seems to resonate with a lot of other women, too. I love hearing that.

HJ: Which I will have you know I LOVE THAT BOOK.

·        Would you ever play yourself in a movie or TV production of one of your books? 
Nope. I can’t read aloud and I’m far too shy.

·        Have you ever gone a little REDRUM after a few days shacked up in the ol’ writing hole? 
 I love immersing myself in writing, but I will refer you back to my slovenly Penny comment. That’s about as bad as I get. I somehow manage to get my hair and teeth brushed, even if it doesn’t happen until 3pm when I suddenly realize I’d better start thinking about what I’ll be making for dinner.

·        What do you think is your biggest accomplishment in writing? Your biggest failure? 
My biggest accomplishment is seeing how much I’ve grown as a writer this past year. I’ve learned so much. My biggest failure? I suppose not knowing how to get my foot in the door for too many years. I let disappointments bench me for over a decade.   

HJ: The people that should feel disappointed are the readers who were cheated of your awesomesausageness all those years! Accidents had me crying from laughing so hard. “A CORSET!?” oh man, I still giggle. 

·        Do you do research for your novel?  Me... I could totally walk into the Bio Buzz pick up a bong and be like..It’s for research dude! Lol
 I love research. I can get really distracted pursuing anything and everything I can find so my books will ring true.

·        Speaking of bongs. Have you ever written anything while high on the weed, drunk on the wine or chill from the pill? 
I have...I’m on bottle number two.  I’ve had a drink or a glass of wine on my desk far too many times to count. I always wait until hubs is home from work before I indulge. He’s usually the one playing bartender. Sometimes he’ll even deliver. Good guy.

·        Do you laugh at yourself ever?  
All the time. If you can’t laugh at yourself, you could be missing out on the best jokes ever!

·        How much of your childhood reflects upon your musings?  
I used to do it a lot more often but as you age, read, and discover far more interesting subjects than self-reflection and analysis, that tendency subsides. Still, if you need to call up memories, they’re always there. 

·        How do you like these questions so far? 
Anything striking your fancy? Ok, moving along…  Love ‘em. 

·        How do you feel about being interviewed?  I don’t mind it.

·        How do you feel about global warming?  
Very concerned. I see the effects firsthand and patterns have changed rapidly where I live. It’s sobering and scary.

·        How do you feel about Antonio Sabato Jr.? 
 I can’t say. I’ll have to Google him. Okay, I’m back. He’s very handsome. Don’t know what he’s like as a man, but he’s not a guy most women would kick out of bed for eating crackers.

HJ: Thanks…I just spit my water all over. For eating crackers….ha ha ha

·        Are you jealous of other writers?  Not yet. I admire a lot of them.

·        What makes you laugh? Cry?  
I laugh at silliness and I have a soft spot for slapstick humor. Very juvenile, I know. What makes me cry? Cruelty. I simply can’t understand how people can purposely hurt another person, or an animal. Anything that can suffer mistreatment and pain. We truly are a vicious species sometimes.

HJ: Confession #452 I still giggle when someone says boner or duty

·        Vacation or staycation?  
Both sound awesome. I love getting away, but getting back home again is bliss. 

·        Fancy Schmancy wedding or a Vegas wedding?  
Neither. I’m going to elope to an island for my next wedding. Small, intimate, very special is what appeals to me. Naturally I’ve already told my current husband what I plan. Wink. It keeps him on his toes.

HJ: Sounds like incentive for a vow renewal eh? *HINT HINT current husband*

·        Favorite season? Mine’s football :P  
I’m crazy about autumn.

·        Who were some of your inspirations for writing? Lewis Carroll  For your characters?  My characters are products of situations I dream up and their characteristics suit the occasion. They develop and grow from there. I really try not to borrow from people or characters already out there. If I have, it was done unconsciously.  

Did you enjoy this interview?  Very much. Thank you for having me on, HJ.

It’s always a blast with you Ms. Mills! I just started reading Grading on Curves. As you all should too! New release Grading on Curves by Tara Mills available now! You won’t be sorry!

Available now  at Beachwalk Press, Amazon, Amazon UK, and Barnes & Noble,  

Visit Tara Mills Romance or find me on Facebook.

Love stories that will captivate your heart!

Between a Book & a Real Place with Christy McKellen

Ok, so before I introduce my fabulous guest today you should all know I am in ATL. My daughter is shooting a commercial for Pigtails and crewcuts kids hair salon and then supposed to be heading on over for an extra role on this show called The Walking Dead. Still waiting for her call time though on TWD gig. UGH. Point to all this is I scheduled this guest blog waaay before I knew any of this was happening so forgive me if I'm slowwww today. Busy Busy! On to the good stuff!

Welcome to another Monday edition of Between a Book & a Real Place. Today I have the pleasure of hosting author Christy McKellen. Her spicy romance "Her New Worst Enemy" is available now digitally and in paperback. I can't wait to get this one in my TBR list.

Hi HJ, it’s fabulous to be here today.

                          HJ: Thank you for being here! 

                        How important to you are the names of your characters?

                        They have to fit perfectly in order for me to believe in them. No mean feat! If the name’s wrong I find it incredibly hard to connect with a character. I always choose the names before I start on the story and once they feel right I’m ready to write about them. It’s amazing how difficult it is to get a name that works that isn't someone you know — very important to avoid that, especially in a romance novel.


HJ: I bet Christy, I know I wouldn't want my 78 year old neighbor Tom thinking I'm writing romance novels with him as my saucy hero. lol

                         

What are the occupational hazards of being a writer?

 

Physically, for me it’s suffering with a bad back – I contort myself into all sorts of weird positions when I’m sitting and writing. I have to force myself to get up and move around to avoid seizing up.

Socially, I can become so caught up in the world of my characters my mind will drift off in the middle of a conversation with someone as an idea occurs, which can be very embarrassing.

Do you laugh at yourself ever?

I try to. I’m a sensitive soul and it’s essential to remind myself that things aren’t usually as serious as they seem. Seeing the funny side really helps with that. I always tell my husband when I’ve done something stupid so we can both laugh about it. It’s freeing to do that and helps me put things into perspective again.

How do you feel about being interviewed?

Odd. I’m an introvert by nature and find it challenging talking about myself — but in a good way. Sometimes I learn things about myself that I hadn’t thought about before. It’s also incredibly humbling to me that anyone would be interested in what I have to say. Being invited onto wonderful blogs like yours is a real boost to the ego!

Are you jealous of other writers?

Of course! But you have to turn those feelings into something positive to keep you driving ahead and improving you own writing.

Favorite season?

Autumn – or Fall as it’s called in the US. I love the smells and the colours are amazing when the leaves turn here in England. There’s something magical about the atmosphere, but I can’t quite put my finger on what it is… It’s the season for Halloween — which the kids love dressing up for — and Bonfire Night in the UK, when we set off amazing firework displays and stand around in the cold consuming vast amounts of hot chocolate.

HJ: I’m so jelly you’re in the UK FYI.

Did you enjoy this interview?

Absolutely! It’s lovely to spend some time thinking about myself for once (I have three kids so I don’t do it very often J) Thanks so much for having me here today, I’ve had a blast.

Formerly a Video and Radio Producer, Christy now spends her time as either a slave to her children or her muse. When she’s not writing spicy romance, she can be found stomping around the South West of England, glomming her to-be-read pile or escaping from real life with her rather delicious husband. 

Christy loves to hear from readers. You can contact her at: 

http://www.facebook.com/christymckellenauthor

https://twitter.com/ChristyMcKellen

www.christymckellen.blogspot.com


Six months ago Ellie Holdsworthy’s life was all planned out - kids, wedding, happy ever after - until her boyfriend dumped her for another woman. When her best friend Penny, an heiress to a small fortune, looks set to run off with a gold-digger, Ellie has to save her from certain doom - and fast. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is the one person she’d rather not ask . . .

Little does Ellie know, persuading her brother’s best friend - commitment phobic, playboy businessman, Gideon DeLancy - to hold an intervention at his beautiful Georgian manor would be the easy part. Keeping her hands off him is a whole other matter.

Gideon doesn’t intend to fall for his friend’s snarky sister, and he sure as hell doesn’t expect their weekend to develop into a full-on sex-fest. When passion takes a strangle-hold, their differences don’t seem to matter. After all, a torrid weekend affair should be the easiest thing in the world to walk away from, so why are they finding it so difficult . . . ?

Sensuality Level: Hot

Buy links: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Worst-Enemy-Crimson-Romance-ebook/dp/B00AKERZ5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355936764&sr=8-1&keywords=christy+mckellen

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/her-new-worst-enemy/id585813097?mt=11

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-new-worst-enemy-christy-mckellen/1114001442?ean=9781440562778

Between a Book & a Real Place with Tara Mills

It's Tuesday! Today the fantabulously talented and funny Tara Mills is my guest and I can't begin to tell you how happy I am abou that.
Enjoy! ·        

Tell me, what do you like to write, and why?  I write contemporary romance because modern women are much more interesting to me. We’ve come a long way, and have so many more choices now. We decide what we want, who we want, and how we want him. I love that.  Modern women no longer need a husband in the traditional sense. We’ve leveled the playing field. Relationships begin on an equal footing and both men and women get to choose each other. That, in itself, strikes me as more romantic than negotiating for virginal brides.

·        When offered your first publishing contract did you

A) Scream

B) Jump out of your seat and run around flailing your arms chanting OMG    OMG OMG

C) Pee your pants

D) B & C

E) None of the Above You’re lying if your answer isn’t B If not A-D , what was your reaction?

B)  No question. I’m a little hyper anyway, so yep, running around like that is absolutely part of my repertoire.

·        After how many published titles do you think it’s appropriate to write your own autobiography?
 I’ve spent a lot of time musing on this and think it all depends on the damage and potential blowback you should expect if you’re planning to write openly and honestly about your life. Do you really want to open that can of worms? Is it worth it to leave this wonderful person with guilt when they learn they failed you in some significant way? How far will you go when admitting something hidden deep in your heart? Can you afford the consequences? Those are really the questions I ponder. I guess I don’t see true autobiographies as puff pieces, but rather a minefield. Tread carefully or avoid it altogether.   

·        How important to you are the names of your characters?  
Very important. Names naturally convey certain qualities and characteristics so I try to make them fit the character’s backgrounds, physical presence, even their profession in some way. My demonstration cook’s name in Caution: Filling is Hot, for example, is named Piper Frost. She obviously decorates cakes.

·        How do you go about nabbing that perfect title for your books? 
Titles are tough. I often come up with several over the course of writing a story. If I’m still not sure, I put out feelers, pleas for help in naming my next book. My daughter-in-law is great at coming up with ideas. We bounce a lot of stuff back and forth.

·        What are the occupational hazards of being a writer? 
Poor posture, deteriorating eyesight. Of course, aging doesn’t help that, either. You also have to make time to get exercise when you’re tied to a desk day in and day out. 

·        Do you have a quote or slogan you try to live by? 
I always think of that line from, Throw Momma from the Train.  “A writer writes—always.”

·        Have you ever taken the writing to the bathroom with you? 
Sometimes for me it’s the only place I can find that elusive peace and quiet. Until my 5 year old sniffs me out.  Chuckling here. No. I’ve never had to resort to that.

·        Pantser or Plotter? 
I’ll have you know how proud I am that I just used these terms. Since I’ve just recently learned what they meant. Go me. Always keepin’ up with the author slang. 
Congrats! I’m still learning the jargon. As far as your question is concerned, I used to say I’m a pantser, but actually I think I’m an amalgam of the two—a plotser. I always have to have my cute meet to begin any book. Then I’ll build the skeleton around it, which probably qualifies as plotting. Only then do I sit down and flesh it out. That’s pure pantser. One scene will tumble into the next, driving the story forward, showing me more of my characters as I go along. I love writing organically. So much comes as a delightful surprise.

·        What do you like to write in? (i.e PJ’s and stompeez, a prom dress or perhaps a bathtub?) Oh, I’m so bad. When I’m in full writer mode, I throw on whatever’s handy in the morning, usually jammie bottoms from the floor and one of my husband’s big T-shirts. Imagine Penny from the Big Bang Theory going through her disturbing gamer phase, but without the Cheetoes in my hair.

·        How do you react to a bad review?
 I stew over it. You can’t really respond to a negative review, and my idea of negative is pretty ridiculous. I actually mope when I get a three.

·        Do you feel like a complete dumbo (like I do) when people ask for your autograph? I tend to get stuck on stupid and fumblerooski all my words when someone asks me for mine. I don’t feel like I’ve earned it yet. I feel silly and hope my handwriting is legible.

·        Have you ever been a character in one of your books?  There’s a little something of me in every one of my characters, to a degree. The closest is probably Sabrina from Accidents Make the Heart Grow Fonder. That story, and her character, was spawned by a personal experience of mine so I suppose that makes sense. She’s still her own person, but she’s been saddled with my baggage and klutziness. From all the reviews I’ve read so far, she seems to resonate with a lot of other women, too. I love hearing that.

HJ: Which I will have you know I LOVE THAT BOOK.

·        Would you ever play yourself in a movie or TV production of one of your books? Nope. I can’t read aloud and I’m far too shy.

·        Have you ever gone a little REDRUM after a few days shacked up in the ol’ writing hole?  I love immersing myself in writing, but I will refer you back to my slovenly Penny comment. That’s about as bad as I get. I somehow manage to get my hair and teeth brushed, even if it doesn’t happen until 3pm when I suddenly realize I’d better start thinking about what I’ll be making for dinner.

·        What do you think is your biggest accomplishment in writing? Your biggest failure? My biggest accomplishment is seeing how much I’ve grown as a writer this past year. I’ve learned so much. My biggest failure? I suppose not knowing how to get my foot in the door for too many years. I let disappointments bench me for over a decade.  

HJ: The people that should feel disappointed are the readers who were cheated of your awesomesausageness all those years! Accidents had me crying from laughing so hard. “A CORSET!?” oh man, I still giggle.

·        Do you do research for your novel?  Me... I could totally walk into the Bio Buzz pick up a bong and be like..It’s for research dude! Lol I love research. I can get really distracted pursuing anything and everything I can find so my books will ring true.
·        Speaking of bongs. Have you ever written anything while high on the weed, drunk on the wine or chill from the pill? I have...I’m on bottle number two.  I’ve had a drink or a glass of wine on my desk far too many times to count. I always wait until hubs is home from work before I indulge. He’s usually the one playing bartender. Sometimes he’ll even deliver. Good guy.

·        Do you laugh at yourself ever?  All the time. If you can’t laugh at yourself, you could be missing out on the best jokes ever!

·        How much of your childhood reflects upon your musings?  I used to do it a lot more often but as you age, read, and discover far more interesting subjects than self-reflection and analysis, that tendency subsides. Still, if you need to call up memories, they’re always there.

·        How do you like these questions so far? Anything striking your fancy? Ok, moving along…  Love ‘em.

·        How do you feel about being interviewed?  I don’t mind it.

·        How do you feel about global warming?  Very concerned. I see the effects firsthand and patterns have changed rapidly where I live. It’s sobering and scary.

·        How do you feel about Antonio Sabato Jr.?  I can’t say. I’ll have to Google him. Okay, I’m back. He’s very handsome. Don’t know what he’s like as a man, but he’s not a guy most women would kick out of bed for eating crackers.

HJ: Thanks…I just spit my water all over. For eating crackers….ha ha ha

·        Are you jealous of other writers?  Not yet. I admire a lot of them.

·        What makes you laugh? Cry?  I laugh at silliness and I have a soft spot for slapstick humor. Very juvenile, I know. What makes me cry? Cruelty. I simply can’t understand how people can purposely hurt another person, or an animal. Anything that can suffer mistreatment and pain. We truly are a vicious species sometimes.

HJ: Confession #452 I still giggle when someone says boner or duty

·        Vacation or staycation?  Both sound awesome. I love getting away, but getting back home again is bliss.

·        Fancy Schmancy wedding or a Vegas wedding?  Neither. I’m going to elope to an island for my next wedding. Small, intimate, very special is what appeals to me. Naturally I’ve already told my current husband what I plan. Wink. It keeps him on his toes.

HJ: Sounds like incentive for a vow renewal eh? *HINT HINT current husband*

·        Favorite season? Mine’s football :P  I’m crazy about autumn.

·        Who were some of your inspirations for writing? Lewis Carroll  For your characters?  My characters are products of situations I dream up and their characteristics suit the occasion. They develop and grow from there. I really try not to borrow from people or characters already out there. If I have, it was done unconsciously.  

Did you enjoy this interview?  Very much. Thank you for having me on, HJ.

It’s always a blast with you Ms. Mills! I just started reading Grading on Curves. As you all should too! New release Grading on Curves by Tara Mills available now! You won’t be sorry!

Available now  at Beachwalk Press, Amazon, Amazon UK, and Barnes & Noble,  

Visit Tara Mills Romance or find me on Facebook.

Love stories that will captivate your heart!

Between a Book & a Real Place with Peggy Bird

Arg me Hearties! Alright, sorry. My 5 year old has been saying that all day and its embedded in my head. lol Today I am so pleased to welcome Author of the Spicy Second Chances Series. Book four TRUSTING AGAIN is available now and waiting for you to pick it up and get lost for a bit.

Let's find out what Peggy has been up to and what makes her tick.

Welcome Peggy, thanks for answering my oh so off beat questions.

·        Tell me, what do you like to write, and why?

I just like to write. Period. End of story. I’ve always liked to write. And I’ve written all sorts of things—memoir pieces, children’s stories, a couple plays, speeches for politicians—you name it, I’ve probably written it. Now, I’m having a good time writing spicy romances. Just for the fun of it.

·        When offered your first publishing contract did you

A) Scream

B) Jump out of your seat and run around flailing your arms chanting OMG    OMG OMG

C) Pee your pants

D) B & C

E) None of the Above You’re lying if your answer isn’t number 2 If not A-D , what was your reaction?

A and B are closest. I was at a basketball game on Valentine’s Day watching a granddaughter play. When I checked my phone for the time so we wouldn’t get a parking ticket, I found an email from Jennifer Lawler with a contract. I yelped, bounced around the bleachers showing the message to all the family there and looked around for the champagne I was sure was waiting for me someplace.

·        After how many published titles do you think it’s appropriate to write your own autobiography?

Who knew I had to wait. I have a draft in my computer that’s about ten years old. I think it’s so I’ll have material for what I write. Or maybe it’s so I won’t forget the good stuff when I get really old.

·        How important to you are the names of your characters?

I spend a lot of time with names. Some have emotional explanations—a mother named Dolores to denote a sad woman and a sad life, an odd name for the bad guy so I don’t offend a friend or relative, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. A character named for each of my grandkids.

·        How do you go about nabbing that perfect title for your books?

Not sure I have the perfect titles. It’s one of the hardest things for me. I’ve tried Google, Amazon and the library as inspiration; I’ve asked my editor for ideas. I’ve consulted my grandkids whose titles were unbelievably awful (what are they teaching in schools these days?)

·        What are the occupational hazards of being a writer?

House that’s a mess. Laundry that never gets folded. Empty refrigerator. Hair that needs a good stylist. That enough? If not there’s more!

·        Do you have a quote or slogan you try to live by?

Don’t get it right, get it written. It’s pinned on the bulletin board over my computer.

·        Have you ever taken the writing to the bathroom with you?

No, but then I don’t have little kids stalking me all day and my husband usually honors the closed door of my office. Usually.

·        Pantser or Plotter? I’ll have you know how proud I am that I just used these terms. Since I’ve just recently learned what they meant. Go me. Always keepin’ up with the author slang.

I’m proud that you used them, too, Harley. I’m somewhere in between. I know where the story begins, how it unfolds and where it ends before I start writing. But I don’t outline. Tried it once and had to rewrite the book because my characters bitched about what I made them do.

·        What do you like to write in? (i.e PJ’s and stompeez, a prom dress or perhaps a bathtub?)

When I write first thing in the morning, it’s always in a nightgown. Some days—like today—I get so wrapped up in what I’m doing, I don’t get dressed until I break for lunch. Other days, it’s whatever I’ve thrown on or what I’m wearing when I come home from someplace and have a great idea for a scene. On occasion, I have been known to write wrapped in a bath sheet because the perfect ending to a scene arrives when I’m in the shower.

·        How do you react to a bad review?

I ignore it. Not everyone will like what I write. It’s just the way it is. But then, I was a public affairs consultant for 10 years and, between having proposals regularly rejected and running public meetings where our clients and I were called the worst names you can imagine, sometimes by people who were armed, I have a pretty thick skin. It goes with the territory.

·        Do you feel like a complete dumbo (like I do) when people ask for your autograph? I tend to get stuck on stupid and fumblerooski all my words when someone asks me for mine.

It’s such a silly thing, isn’t it, to have someone ask you to sign something? I always giggle, if not out loud, at least inside.

·        Have you ever been a character in one of your books?

Many times. How about you?

*Whistles* Nope not me Peggy. There isn’t a lick of Jordie in me.  LOL

·        Would you ever play yourself in a movie or TV production of one of your books?

Okay, so even though I was voted Best Actress in my high school graduating class, I’d rather have some knockout young thing play me.

Vanity, vanity, thy name is Peggy Bird.

 
·        What do you think is your biggest accomplishment in writing? Your biggest failure?

Getting published. Not getting published earlier.

·        Do you do research for your novel?  Me... I could totally walk into the Bio Buzz pick up a bong and be like..It’s for research dude! Lol

Love researching. I scout locations, buy products my characters use, eat the food they like, hit Google regularly, even buy books on a subject I think I’ll be writing about a lot. Of course, that means I’m lost in research wonderland for hours when I should be writing but…

·        Speaking of bongs. Have you ever written anything while high on the weed, drunk on the wine or chill from the pill? I have...I’m on bottle number two.

Haven’t smoke dope in decades. Don’t do pills. Wine and Scotch (not together, I hasten to add) can unlock a first draft. But after that, for editing, I’m better with water.

·        Do you laugh at yourself ever?

Constantly. Otherwise I’d have to cry.

·        How much of your childhood reflects upon your musings?

Childhood, not so much. Teen years, definitely. Nothing works better when trying to write a scene where the heroine is confused or unsure of herself than tapping into teenage angst.

·        How do you like these questions so far? Anything striking your fancy? Ok, moving along…

Right. Move along, nothing here to see, folks.

·        How do you feel about being interviewed?

It’s better than a root canal, not as good as writing a steamy love scene.

·        How do you feel about global warming?

Huh? Well, it’s real. It’s going to change the planet and we better get off our asses and do what we can to keep it from getting worse.

·        How do you feel about Antonio Sabato Jr.?

Cute but he’s no David Gandy.

·        Are you jealous of other writers?

Nope.

·        What makes you laugh? Cry?

These days I laugh mostly at my grandkids who are a hoot. And I love the old Monty Python stuff. I cry at emotional occasions like my granddaughter’s recent awards ceremony and my grandson’s solo in his school play.

·        Vacation or staycation?

Do I have to pick one or the other? I love them both. This year we went to Hawaii and I’ll hang out at local concerts and art shows this summer.

·        Fancy Schmancy wedding or a Vegas wedding?

Did the whole fancy schmancy thing once and it didn’t turn out so well. Second time has lasted a lot longer and wasn’t so fancy. So I’ll go with that.

·        Favorite season? Mine’s football :P

Favorite sports season is baseball. Favorite season season is fall—it’s when my birthday is.

·        Who were some of your inspirations for writing? For your characters?

All sorts of things and people inspire my writing—artists I’ve known, family members, strangers in Starbucks, ex-friends and lovers. Whatever. It’s all material, isn’t it? I don’t translate them directly from the street to the page. I mix and blend, a little of him, some of her. And there’s my character, unrecognizable (I hope) to those from whom I’ve stolen the characteristics.

·        Did you enjoy this interview?

Yup, It would have been more fun in person with a bottle of wine. But since we couldn’t—thanks, Harley! Had a great time.

It certainly would have! Thank you so much for the interview and here's to many sales!


Thanks for stopping in everyone! Keep on reading to find out more about Peggy and the 4th installment of the Spicy Second Chances Series, TRUSTING AGAIN. Please don't forget to leave a comment for the lovely Peggy.


Born in Philly, I’ve spent most of my adult life in the Pacific Northwest where I have happily grown webs between my toes and moss behind my ears. I pursued a number of careers—nurse, legislative staffer, lobbyist, public affairs consultant, non-profit association executive, workshop teacher, oh, and mother and wife—before deciding to leave it all for what I’ve loved through every stage of life—writing. I've been published in anthologies, magazines, newspapers and in the brochures, newsletters and reports of my consulting clients and employers. Unless you count speeches for politicians, I'd never written fiction until a cast of characters began inhabiting my daydreams. A glass artist and a gallery owner were there. So were a sculptor and a jewelry designer. When some dead bodies showed up, a couple of cops and a deputy DA arrived. Soon they began to fall in love with each other and work for their happy ending. Bingo. I was a romance writer.

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I have had a lot of compliments on FJ over the last few months and I tell everyone my mentor had a lot to with it being the novel it is. I know a lot of you do your own editing and I applaud you bc I am no editor lol. But if you just want an extra set of eyes befoe you submit or well, whatever you need, she can do it. With that being said my friend and editor Salomé Jones from Flourish Editing would like to see more romantic and romantic suspense in her inbox. She's offered to give a 10% discount to any of my romance writer friends and acquaintances who book an editing project with her in the next week. Go to this link to request a quote by June 18th, and in the comments box make sure to say 'H.J. sent me.' http://www.flourishediting.com/get-a-quote.html

Between a Book & a Real Place with Author Leslie Garcia

Welcome to Monday! I know usually Monday's do kinda suck but not this one. Today, Leslie Garcia, author of Unattainable, is with us. ·        Tell me, what do you like to write, and why?  I like virtually anything—scathing opinion, romance, mainstream, poetry, children’s stories.  For the moment, I’m sticking to romance and mainstream, because the scathing opinions cause more trouble than they’re worth.·        When offered your first publishing contract did you

A) Scream

B) Jump out of your seat and run around flailing your arms chanting OMG    OMG OMG

C) Pee your pants

D) B & C

E) None of the Above You’re lying if your answer isn’t number 2 If not A-D , what was your reaction? E.  I was shaking too hard to do most of the others and had taken my medication, so C was a non-starter.

·        After how many published titles do you think it’s appropriate to write your own autobiography? I think your autobiography should be written as soon as the right title comes to you.  I started mine when the song “Bobby McGee” was popular—“Me and a Life Named Boo.” Of course, I forgot the lyrics and now I can’t write an autobiography until a new title comes to me, regardless of how many books I publish.

·        How important to you are the names of your characters? Very. 

·        How do you go about nabbing that perfect title for your books? Usually, I have no problems with titles.  With Unattainable, however, editors wouldn’t let me keep the Spanish, which I preferred.  It meant the same thing, though, so I sold out. 

·         What are the occupational hazards of being a writer?  Besides being broke, stressed out, an airhead, and misunderstood?  None.

·        Do you have a quote or slogan you try to live by?  Nope.

·        Have you ever taken the writing to the bathroom with you? Sometimes for me it’s the only place I can find that elusive peace and quiet. Until my 5 year old sniffs me out. Reading, yes.  Writing no.  I’d like to say it’s too sacred, but it’s just that I don’t have a device I can write on in the bathroom yet.

·        Pantser or Plotter? I’ll have you know how proud I am that I just used these terms. Since I’ve just recently learned what they meant. Go me. Always keepin’ up with the author slang.  See, I knew those words years ago.  They just never helped me with anything.  Pantster.  I didn’t even make an outline for my masters’ dissertation—I can’t work from outlines.

·        What do you like to write in? (i.e PJ’s and stompeez, a prom dress or perhaps a bathtub?)   The imaginary me writes in elegant, floor length nightgowns at a neat desk surrounded by roses.  The real me in old tee-shirts, surrounded by clutter.  I like the imaginary me better, but have you priced nightgowns, new houses, desks and roses lately?

·        How do you react to a bad review? So far, I only had one—some yokel wrote ‘B’ on a review for La Llorona (The Wailing Woman), my anthology, at B&N.  I threw a hissy fit.  I know I’ll be homicidal when bad reviews come again.  I just wish I had reviews, you know?

·        Do you feel like a complete dumbo (like I do) when people ask for your autograph? I tend to get stuck on stupid and fumblerooski all my words when someone asks me for mine because its absolutely silly to ask me for mine…

 Sigh.  No one’s asked me for mine yet, except the school librarian.  I misspelled her name.  Maybe I will feel like you, come to think of it.

·        Have you ever been a character in one of your books? I honestly think most of us have, so—yes!

·        Would you ever play yourself in a movie or TV production of one of your books? No. I want folks to enjoy my work.

·        Have you ever gone a little REDRUM after a few days shacked up in the ol’ writing hole? I decline to answer, because I think I know what you mean, but I’m not sure, and it might be something much worse than what I think it is.

·        What do you think is your biggest accomplishment in writing? Your biggest failure?  I pride myself on having a couple of writers and a reviewer call Unattainable “emotional”—that’s what I needed to hear.  My biggest failure is that while I’ve written since I was six, I haven’t gotten where I wanted to yet.  And then there’s the story Playboy rejected when I was thirteen.  Cutting edge, really—The Shakedown. 

·        Do you do research for your novel?  Me... I could totally walk into the Bio Buzz pick up a bong and be like..It’s for research dude! Lol  LOL.  Yes to the research, but I’m kind of strait-laced. I generally use anecdotal and cyber research. 

·        Speaking of bongs. Have you ever written anything while high on the weed, drunk on the wine or chill from the pill? I have...I’m on bottle number two. No.  The one time my now husband poisoned my Coke (a Cola) with beer, I wandered naked around the horse pasture at the dude ranch where we both worked.  My writing career wouldn’t survive me drinking. 

·        Do you laugh at yourself ever?  A lot.  Which makes people stop and stare sometimes, but still...I also shake my head at myself after laughing.

·        How much of your childhood reflects upon your musings? Check out my mainstream (coming in a year or two, hopefully)—it’s all there!

·        How do you like these questions so far? Anything striking your fancy?  Ok, moving along… Having a blast.  Laughing.  Wishing I were cool.  Moving right along...

·        How do you feel about being interviewed?  So far, I’m enjoying this second of...two interviews.

·        How do you feel about global warming? ...Hmm...can’t answer that. 

·        How do you feel about Antonio Sabato Jr.? I’ll Google him, I promise.

·        Are you jealous of other writers?  Honestly?  Yes.  But no one knows.

·        What makes you laugh? Cry? I laugh at funny situations or lines, but not silly stuff.  There’s a difference.  Cry?  I’m one of those despicable people who can’t help crying.  I cry when I’m happy, sad, angry.  I once cried over a Kleenex commercial.  In my defense, it was very moving.

·        Vacation or staycation?  Staycation until my writing takes off. 

·        Fancy Schmancy wedding or a Vegas wedding?  Am I writing it, or doing it?  If I’m doing it, then Vegas—‘cause I wouldn’t my husband of thirty years or my kids to find out.

·        Favorite season? Mine’s football :P I’ll go with football—I like it, and both my sons coach it.  Also love the Triple Crown but we don’t get much local racing coverage.

·        Who were some of your inspirations for writing? For your characters? I have many, but I love the way Jean Brashear’s work makes me cry and reread so I can cry all over again.  Her series about the MacAllisters will stay with me forever.

·        Did you enjoy this interview? Very much.  The questions were unique, fun, and made me laugh.  Thanks for your time, HJ!

Thanks for showin' up Leslie and I'm so glad you enjoyed it!