H.J. Harley's Blog, page 7
June 6, 2013
Between a Book & a Real Place with M.J. Schiller
Happy Friday and welcome to another edition of Between a Book & A Real Place. Today I am lucky enough to have snagged the ever so brilliant, wonderful and witty M.J. Schiller. I gotta tell you peeps...she's a blast, so I couldn't wait until I could get her to grace my little corner of the interwebz with her presence.
Enjoy!! · Tell me M.J., what do you like to write, and why?
I like to write about damaged individuals finding their happy ever after because finding love is that much sweeter for someone who has love and lost or experienced some sort of trauma.
· 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 :P)
If not A-D , what was your reaction?
I screamed. But I screamed even louder when that company decided to close its doors a few days later and rescinded their offer! After that my offers were received with a much more cautious optimism.
· After how many published titles do you think it’s appropriate to write your own autobiography?
I’m not sure if it’s ever a good idea to write an autobiography! Let other people make up their own reasons for your strange behavior. No, seriously, I’ve often thought about writing an autobiography, but not because I am a writer, but because I am a mother of triplets, plus one older. Man, have I got some stories!
· How important to you are the names of your characters?
Vital! We all have a certain image we place with a name. That being said, my image of a Ralph might not be the same as your image of a Ralph. Whatever name I pick for a character is perfect for him, in my mind. A long time ago my lunch lady friends and I built a list of “hot” names for guys, names you automatically associate with a hot guy (yeah, it was a slow day). I still go back to that list when I need a name.
· How do you go about nabbing that perfect title for your books?
A few of my titles started my books. The book I have due out in a couple of weeks, ABANDON ALL HOPE, is actually the title of a book my character wrote in TRAPPED UNDER ICE.
· What are the occupational hazards of being a writer?
Very little time for anything else. But that’s okay. It’s what I like to do best! It is a very demanding job as you not only have to write, you have to read. And you have to read about writing. You have to review work for writing friends, (which I guess is writing about reading.) You need to market, give feedback on covers, play the social media game¸read email, attend conferences, workshops, writing clubs, take classes…
· Do you have a quote or slogan you try to live by?
Seriously?! You’re asking a writer to give you one quote? How ‘bout I narrow it down to two. “You are unrepeatable. There is a magic about you that is all your own…” –D.M. Dellinger. As a writer, it is your job to transfer that magic to paper. And, of course, no writer can live without—“Never, never, never give up.” –Winston Churchill. There are a lot of different forms of rejection in this business, (rejection letters, bad reviews, criticism from editors and critique partners…). You have to want it bad enough to not give up, even when somewhere inside a voice is screaming, “Just hang it up!”
· 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.
Only in my head.
· 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.
Pantser, all the way. I like to go where the story takes me. It is a weakness though. Someone will ask, “What was the purpose of that scene?” And I’ll be like, “Uhh…that’s the way it happened in my head?”
· What do you like to write in? (i.e PJ’s and stompeez, a prom dress or perhaps a bathtub?)
Absolute, uninterrupted silence. The only sound I want to hear is the buzz of my laptop’s fan and the click of fingers on a keypad.
· How do you react to a bad review?
I’m not gonna lie. It hurts. Then I try to learn from it. If it doesn't ring true I like to think that the reviewer is just a very unhappy person with no moral character or friends. ( ;
· Do you feel like a complete dumbo 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 generally someone I know and that makes me feel even more herp derp.
I’ll let you know when someone does.
· Have you ever been a character in one of your books?
I refuse to answer on the grounds it may incriminate me. Okay, yes! I think I am part of all of my characters. But mostly Beth, from TRAPPED UNDER ICE, the lunch lady/romance writer (like myself) that scores the rock star!
· Would you ever play yourself in a movie or TV production of one of your books?
Wow, interesting… No. I’d rather be played by someone younger, thinner, and prettier with a modicum of acting skill.
· Have you ever gone a little REDRUM after a few days shacked up in the ol’ writing hole?
Absolutely not, and anyone who tells you I have is a liar! Actually, I’m more likely to go on a rampage when I can’t write.
· What do you think is your biggest accomplishment in writing? Your biggest failure?
The day I made the best seller list. It was only for a few hours, but it was awesome! I don’t think I would think of anything I did, or anyone else did, as a failure, just a step in the wrong direction.
· 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 prefer that no one learn anything from my writing. I want it to all be about feeling—laughing, crying, holding your breath in suspense... That being said, I have done some research to make those feelings more real (researching the backgrounds of settings, etc.) My husband likes when I do research for some of the hotter scenes!
· 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.
Wow, Harlz! You’re like the Bawbaw Walters of writing blogs—asking the tough questions. I have been known to have a drink or two when writing.
· Do you laugh at yourself ever?
On a daily basis. I think I’m hysterical.
HJ:As do I!
· How much of your childhood reflects upon your musings?
My childhood, my adulthood, it’s all in there.
· How do you like these questions so far? Anything striking your fancy? Ok, moving along…
Actually, they are a lot of fun!
· How do you feel about being interviewed?
I enjoy being interviewed. I just don’t like the pressure of coming up with something new to say all of the time. These questions helped with that.
· How do you feel about global warming?
I think it’s a bad thing, unless you’re a lizard or camel or something.
· How do you feel about Antonio Sabato Jr.?
I recognized the name, but I had to look him up. Let’s just say that window is still open and leave it at that.
· Are you jealous of other writers?
I know that I shouldn’t admit this, but actually, yes. Insanely jealous! But then I tell myself that we’re all different. We all have our own voice, own story to tell, so I shouldn’t compare myself to others. Sometimes that even works.
· What makes you laugh? Cry?
Okay, this is probably strange, but I laugh when I hurt myself, like stub my toe. The harder I laugh, the more it hurts. I cry at anything the least bit sentimental—Hallmark commercials, veterans returning home, wedding videos, proposal stories, pictures of children, dogs, cats, blueberry muffins…
HJ: OMG I cry at Blueberry muffins too!
· Vacation or staycation?
Umm…both please! I love to explore new places, but time off to accomplish things around the home is invaluable, too.
· Fancy Schmancy wedding or a Vegas wedding?
I think that I’d enjoy either. It’s not the wedding, it’s the groom.
· Favorite season? Mine’s football :P
I love the fall. The feel, taste, smell of the air. The leaves, the food. I love baking in the fall—cakes, pies, muffins, breads…
· Who were some of your inspirations for writing? For your characters?
Well, for my ROCKING ROMANCE COLLECTION, rock stars. For writing, Nora Roberts, Charles Dickens, RT Wolfe.
HJ: R.T. Wolfe is pretty bad-ass may I add!!!
· Did you enjoy this interview?
Absolutely! It was honestly one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve done. Thank you for having me!
Thanks for showin’ up, you're awesome!!
Here's the goods! Read all about M.J.'s Rocking Romance Collection, the Trailer for Trapped Under Ice and the hot covers of Trapped and Abandon All Hope. (Steve Novak Illustrations)
Below, you'll find the links to purchase all this awesome and a little bit more about M.J. Schiller.
Trapped Under Ice is a great read. I enjoyed every second of it! Its part of the Rocking Romance Collection by M.J.. The next in the series is Abandon All Hope. I'll be the first person to "One Click Purchase" that one on Trapped Under Ice is a novel about a three time platinum record-producing band whose lead singer, Chad Evans, is haunted by his past. Growing up in an abusive home, then being left alone at the age of thirteen to raise his kid brother, Chad still fights the pain he felt as a child, and the anger it causes, despite being a wildly successful rock star. “Chad [tries] to play his heart out on the stage; but he [can] never quite seem to leave it there.”
Beth Donovan, lunch lady/writer, is thrilled to be enjoying a Trapped Under Ice concert with her daughter, Cassie. Even though it has been three years since her husband, Paul’s, death, sorrow still shadows her life, so the distraction of seeing her favorite group is a welcome one. However, when the concert is over, Beth and her daughter are followed and attacked by two men in one of the stadium’s bathrooms. When Chad and his bodyguard, Pete, come to their aid, an attraction sparks immediately between Beth and the tall singer.
Though the pair is drawn to each other, the relationship goes through numerous trials centered on Chad’s unresolved anger, and Beth’s fear of opening herself up again. Just as the two seem to be able to work through their problems, they face being separated forever by someone who is sending Chad death threats. Trapped Under Ice is the story of a love-affair fraught with difficulties from without, (ex-girlfriends who resurface, crazed fans who don’t want to take “no” for an answer…), as well as difficulties from within, (jealousy, anger, fear…). Will Chad and Beth be able to rise above these trials and tribulations? Or will they remain trapped under ice?
And keep your eyes open for the next installment of the Rocking Romance Collection, Abandon All Hope M.J. Schiller needs no introduction but I'll give you one anyhow. :P
I was born in the heart of Tornado Alley, and I’ve been a bit mixed up ever since. Not really, but I’ve always wanted to use that line. The medical community has established no solid connection between the place of my birth and my off-beat personality.
I grew up in St. Louis and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in English education. I left the workforce, however, when my kids were born. Unbelievably I now have an eighteen year old and sixteen-year-old triplets! Yes, I write to escape teenagerdom. Although I love them dearly. I also escape via rock concerts and karaoke. My first book, TAKEN BY STORM, was published by last fall, and my next book, the second in the ROCKING ROMANCE COLLECTION, titled ABANDON ALL HOPE will be coming soon!
You can find me at www.mjschiller.blogspot.com , or MJ on FB, or Twitter.
You can find TRAPPED UNDER ICE at Amazon, BN.com, the I-book Store, and other e-book retailers.
I've enjoyed having Ms. Schiller here as my guest as I sure hope you have as well. Feel free to ask some questions or just say hi!
Make sure you come back next week and get to know Leslie Garcia, author of Unattainable.
Until then, you know where I'll be...Between a Book & a Real Place!
Published on June 06, 2013 21:31
June 3, 2013
Between a Book & a Real Place with Irene Preston
Welcome to the debut of "Between Book & a Real Place". I have some fun Q&A's lined up for you from an endless list of of talented authors. As if that wasn't satisfying enough I'll also be hosting a few agents, editors, graphic designers and the most important people in our world, the readers. I hope you have as much fun as I did getting to know these fabulous peeps.
Today I am happy to have as a guest Irene Preston, author of INFAMOUS. You know, for those of you looking for a little bit of spice in your reading. :P
This is what Irene had to say when I fired off my questionnaire over her way. Enjoy!!
· Tell me Irene, what do you like to write, and why?
As far as genre – almost anything (though rarely historical). When I think about ‘what’ I like to write, the answer always comes back to emotion. I think emotion is the hardest thing to capture in words, the most essential, and the most rewarding when you hit it. No matter what I’m describing in a scene, what I’m really trying to do is connect the reader with my characters at that moment. When I hit a scene where I feel like I’ve accomplished that in the smallest way – that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
·
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 D :P)
If not A-D , what was your reaction?
HA! You didn’t include “re-read the email ten times.” AFTER that, I am pretty sure I did B – but super quiet because Bones was still asleep in the next room. (Then I ran in and woke him up with the news anyway.)
How important to you are the names of your characters?
In contemporary, they just have to ‘sound’ rightish. Names seem to be way more important in the fantasy I’m working on. I find fantasy to be very symbolic – I agonize over all the names.
What are the occupational hazards of being a writer?
Aside from the dry-eye and carpal tunnel? I blame all my faults on being a writer. Asking nosy questions? Research! Listening to the conversation at the next table? Character study! Zoning out? Plotting! Polishing off that bottle of wine (or being generally grumpy)? Artistic temperament!
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.
Pantser. I wish I could say otherwise. An outline would be really useful in lots of places but once I outline I lose interest. By the end of the first or second chapter I generally know where I’m going to wind up. How I’ll get there is a mystery. I ‘plot’ about a chapter at a time in my head. Even then it doesn’t always turn out the way I think it’s going to.
What do you like to write in? (i.e PJ’s and stompeez, a prom dress or perhaps a bathtub?)
Anything comfortable. Most of the time I’m at my desk, sitting cross-legged in an office chair Bones forced me to get (at once point it was an ancient rummage-sale type dining room chair).
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.
SO AWKWARD! Yes, I always want to ask if they are sure. I have horrible handwriting – too many hours at a keyboard. I don’t worry to much about inscribing the wrong thing because I don’t think anyone can read it. It is super flattering though. I hope I never take that for granted.
· Have you ever been a character in one of your books?
I think all of my characters are some reflection of myself. They are conglomerates of people I like, people I hate, people I see in the supermarket. In Infamous, Jessica is my polar opposite in many ways (my friends rib me about my fashionista heroine), but she’s a writer and she sits cross-legged in her chair to write – just like I do. The imploded avocado in her fridge is also autobiographical. Morgan’s house is a more up-scale model of the home Bones and I built together. Yeah, if you know where to look I’m everywhere in my own books.
· Would you ever play yourself in a movie or TV production of one of your books?
Horror! I’m seriously camera-shy.
· Have you ever gone a little REDRUM after a few days shacked up in the ol’ writing hole?
The closest was when I was adding a scene my editor requested for Infamous. It was a scene I didn’t really want to write - a sex scene where there hadn’t been one. Infamous is in Crimson’s ‘spicy’ line and she wanted me to keep the heat level up. I procrastinated doing it right up the deadline trying to find a way that worked artistically for me. I didn’t want drive-by sex happening at that point in the book. By the time I found the right tone, I had started to develop flu-like symptoms. I forced myself to sit down and write it through. When I typed the last sentence, the ‘flu’ magically cured itself. So, yes. Now you know I am crazy! For the record, I’m glad I added the scene.
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 have to STOP myself from researching. I’ll spend all day doing that and not writing. It is the perfect excuse to track down odd facts you really have no reason to know.
· 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.
Not so much. Is that weird? And it’s not from lack of opportunity (should I say that on TV – this is off the record, right????). I also don’t write while listening to music. I do my version of ‘plotting’ under the influence sometime. That’s the part where I sit around staring at my belly button and thinking about the story. I need to be straight, sober, and uninterrupted to actually get words down.
· Do you laugh at yourself ever?
Constantly. I’m a mess –bag-lady fashion sense, klutzy, whacked, and I have a talent for putting my foot in my mouth. I have to laugh so everyone else will be laughing with me and not at me – lol.
· How much of your childhood reflects upon your musings?
Ummm – that is a good question. So far I haven’t written about events specifically from my childhood. None of us live in a vacuum. Like most people, my childhood had it’s dark bits as well as joys and those things obviously contributed to who I am now. I like to think that my entire life has been leading up to this point though, not just my childhood specifically. The choices and decisions I’ve made since then are just as important to who I am. I try not to ‘blame’ things on my past. Those things, good or bad, made me the person I am today. Since I don’t know any other versions of myself, I have to be happy with the one I’ve got.
· How do you like these questions so far? Anything striking your fancy? Ok, moving along…
· How do you feel about being interviewed?
So weirded out that anyone would care to interview me. Flattered. Nervous about what bone-headed thing I’m going to say.
· Are you jealous of other writers?
I’m jealous of their talent sometimes. I’ll read something that really moves me in some way and I’ll just want to delete every word I’ve ever written because I know I’ll never be able to express myself that well. I’ll never have that kind of impact on someone else. I also know a few people who are amazing at revision. I’m jealous of that, to be able to not only see the flaws but how to fix them. I can never be subjective about my own work and that’s a hindrance. I don’t begrudge other writers their successes even if I don’t care for their work. Writing is hard. Kudos to them if they get some recognition for it.
….Okay, I’m jealous of Neil Gaiman. There. I said it.
· Vacation or staycation?
Vacation – no contest. I don’t stop work when I’m at home, so staycation has no meaning to me. I love to travel. I love the feeling of coming home, but you have to leave to do it.
· Fancy Schmancy wedding or a Vegas wedding?
Small wedding with friends and family. Fancy schmancy intimidates me. Vegas and I have a ‘fear and loathing’ relationship that I’m exploring in book right now – definitely not a wedding vibe!
Did you enjoy this interview?
I had a blast. You made me think about some things – thinking is good, right?
Thanks so much for stopping by! Keep reading to find out where to purchase INFAMOUS, and leave a comment and a contact email, for a chance to win a digital copy of INFAMOUS!!!
BLURB
Socialite meets soccer dad...
Four years ago it was pure Hollywood - the windswept beach, the whirlwind romance, the run-away marriage. Unfortunately, the ride into the sunset didn't survive the publication of the bride's tell-all book two months after she said 'I Do'.
Reclusive venture capitalist Morgan Riley isn't interested in fame. He prefers a quiet life in the suburbs. For his daughter’s sake, he agrees to give his notorious wife another chance to be part of their family. Even though she's back at home and fulfilling all his late-night fantasies, he can't help wonder if she misses her high-profile lifestyle and famous friends.
Everyone knows Jessica Sinclair. She’s that girl on the cover of all the tabloids. As a Hollywood insider, Jessica has spent her life partying with A-list celebrities, shopping on Rodeo Drive, and living through scandal after scandal. When her estranged husband offers her a second chance at the ‘All American’ lifestyle she can’t pass up a shot at real happiness. Back in suburbia, Jessica spends her nights in sexy role-play hoping Morgan will overlook her deficiencies as a homemaker. She spends her days attending P.T.A. meetings, burning cookies, and asking herself "What would June Cleaver do?" More to the point, what will Morgan do when she winds up back in the tabloids--with his teenage daughter right next to her?
Irene Preston has to write romances, after all she is living one. As a starving college student, she met her dream man who whisked her away on a romantic honeymoon across Europe. Today they live in the beautiful hill country outside of Austin, Texas where Dream Man is still working hard to make sure she never has to take off her rose-colored glasses.
Irene writes modern romance that warms the heart and scorches the sheets. Her current release, Infamous, about a scandal-prone Hollywood socialite who falls for a conservative soccer dad, is available now.
Read full steamy first chapter of Infamous free at www.IrenePreston.com
Buy INFAMOUS:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/get_infamous
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/infamous_uk
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/LXuXjY
ITunes: http://bit.ly/PtGmnl
KOBO: http://bit.ly/kobo_in
Sony: http://bit.ly/sony_in
Come socialize with Irene!
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorIrenePreston
http://twitter.com/irenepreston
http://www.irenepreston.com/
Today I am happy to have as a guest Irene Preston, author of INFAMOUS. You know, for those of you looking for a little bit of spice in your reading. :P This is what Irene had to say when I fired off my questionnaire over her way. Enjoy!!
· Tell me Irene, what do you like to write, and why?
As far as genre – almost anything (though rarely historical). When I think about ‘what’ I like to write, the answer always comes back to emotion. I think emotion is the hardest thing to capture in words, the most essential, and the most rewarding when you hit it. No matter what I’m describing in a scene, what I’m really trying to do is connect the reader with my characters at that moment. When I hit a scene where I feel like I’ve accomplished that in the smallest way – that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
·
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 D :P)
If not A-D , what was your reaction?
HA! You didn’t include “re-read the email ten times.” AFTER that, I am pretty sure I did B – but super quiet because Bones was still asleep in the next room. (Then I ran in and woke him up with the news anyway.)
How important to you are the names of your characters?
In contemporary, they just have to ‘sound’ rightish. Names seem to be way more important in the fantasy I’m working on. I find fantasy to be very symbolic – I agonize over all the names.
What are the occupational hazards of being a writer?
Aside from the dry-eye and carpal tunnel? I blame all my faults on being a writer. Asking nosy questions? Research! Listening to the conversation at the next table? Character study! Zoning out? Plotting! Polishing off that bottle of wine (or being generally grumpy)? Artistic temperament!
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.
Pantser. I wish I could say otherwise. An outline would be really useful in lots of places but once I outline I lose interest. By the end of the first or second chapter I generally know where I’m going to wind up. How I’ll get there is a mystery. I ‘plot’ about a chapter at a time in my head. Even then it doesn’t always turn out the way I think it’s going to.
What do you like to write in? (i.e PJ’s and stompeez, a prom dress or perhaps a bathtub?)
Anything comfortable. Most of the time I’m at my desk, sitting cross-legged in an office chair Bones forced me to get (at once point it was an ancient rummage-sale type dining room chair).
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.
SO AWKWARD! Yes, I always want to ask if they are sure. I have horrible handwriting – too many hours at a keyboard. I don’t worry to much about inscribing the wrong thing because I don’t think anyone can read it. It is super flattering though. I hope I never take that for granted.
· Have you ever been a character in one of your books?
I think all of my characters are some reflection of myself. They are conglomerates of people I like, people I hate, people I see in the supermarket. In Infamous, Jessica is my polar opposite in many ways (my friends rib me about my fashionista heroine), but she’s a writer and she sits cross-legged in her chair to write – just like I do. The imploded avocado in her fridge is also autobiographical. Morgan’s house is a more up-scale model of the home Bones and I built together. Yeah, if you know where to look I’m everywhere in my own books.
· Would you ever play yourself in a movie or TV production of one of your books?
Horror! I’m seriously camera-shy.
· Have you ever gone a little REDRUM after a few days shacked up in the ol’ writing hole?
The closest was when I was adding a scene my editor requested for Infamous. It was a scene I didn’t really want to write - a sex scene where there hadn’t been one. Infamous is in Crimson’s ‘spicy’ line and she wanted me to keep the heat level up. I procrastinated doing it right up the deadline trying to find a way that worked artistically for me. I didn’t want drive-by sex happening at that point in the book. By the time I found the right tone, I had started to develop flu-like symptoms. I forced myself to sit down and write it through. When I typed the last sentence, the ‘flu’ magically cured itself. So, yes. Now you know I am crazy! For the record, I’m glad I added the scene.
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 have to STOP myself from researching. I’ll spend all day doing that and not writing. It is the perfect excuse to track down odd facts you really have no reason to know.
· 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.
Not so much. Is that weird? And it’s not from lack of opportunity (should I say that on TV – this is off the record, right????). I also don’t write while listening to music. I do my version of ‘plotting’ under the influence sometime. That’s the part where I sit around staring at my belly button and thinking about the story. I need to be straight, sober, and uninterrupted to actually get words down.
· Do you laugh at yourself ever?
Constantly. I’m a mess –bag-lady fashion sense, klutzy, whacked, and I have a talent for putting my foot in my mouth. I have to laugh so everyone else will be laughing with me and not at me – lol.
· How much of your childhood reflects upon your musings?
Ummm – that is a good question. So far I haven’t written about events specifically from my childhood. None of us live in a vacuum. Like most people, my childhood had it’s dark bits as well as joys and those things obviously contributed to who I am now. I like to think that my entire life has been leading up to this point though, not just my childhood specifically. The choices and decisions I’ve made since then are just as important to who I am. I try not to ‘blame’ things on my past. Those things, good or bad, made me the person I am today. Since I don’t know any other versions of myself, I have to be happy with the one I’ve got.
· How do you like these questions so far? Anything striking your fancy? Ok, moving along…
· How do you feel about being interviewed?
So weirded out that anyone would care to interview me. Flattered. Nervous about what bone-headed thing I’m going to say.
· Are you jealous of other writers?
I’m jealous of their talent sometimes. I’ll read something that really moves me in some way and I’ll just want to delete every word I’ve ever written because I know I’ll never be able to express myself that well. I’ll never have that kind of impact on someone else. I also know a few people who are amazing at revision. I’m jealous of that, to be able to not only see the flaws but how to fix them. I can never be subjective about my own work and that’s a hindrance. I don’t begrudge other writers their successes even if I don’t care for their work. Writing is hard. Kudos to them if they get some recognition for it.
….Okay, I’m jealous of Neil Gaiman. There. I said it.
· Vacation or staycation?
Vacation – no contest. I don’t stop work when I’m at home, so staycation has no meaning to me. I love to travel. I love the feeling of coming home, but you have to leave to do it.
· Fancy Schmancy wedding or a Vegas wedding?
Small wedding with friends and family. Fancy schmancy intimidates me. Vegas and I have a ‘fear and loathing’ relationship that I’m exploring in book right now – definitely not a wedding vibe!
Did you enjoy this interview?
I had a blast. You made me think about some things – thinking is good, right?
Thanks so much for stopping by! Keep reading to find out where to purchase INFAMOUS, and leave a comment and a contact email, for a chance to win a digital copy of INFAMOUS!!!
BLURBSocialite meets soccer dad...
Four years ago it was pure Hollywood - the windswept beach, the whirlwind romance, the run-away marriage. Unfortunately, the ride into the sunset didn't survive the publication of the bride's tell-all book two months after she said 'I Do'.
Reclusive venture capitalist Morgan Riley isn't interested in fame. He prefers a quiet life in the suburbs. For his daughter’s sake, he agrees to give his notorious wife another chance to be part of their family. Even though she's back at home and fulfilling all his late-night fantasies, he can't help wonder if she misses her high-profile lifestyle and famous friends.
Everyone knows Jessica Sinclair. She’s that girl on the cover of all the tabloids. As a Hollywood insider, Jessica has spent her life partying with A-list celebrities, shopping on Rodeo Drive, and living through scandal after scandal. When her estranged husband offers her a second chance at the ‘All American’ lifestyle she can’t pass up a shot at real happiness. Back in suburbia, Jessica spends her nights in sexy role-play hoping Morgan will overlook her deficiencies as a homemaker. She spends her days attending P.T.A. meetings, burning cookies, and asking herself "What would June Cleaver do?" More to the point, what will Morgan do when she winds up back in the tabloids--with his teenage daughter right next to her?
Irene Preston has to write romances, after all she is living one. As a starving college student, she met her dream man who whisked her away on a romantic honeymoon across Europe. Today they live in the beautiful hill country outside of Austin, Texas where Dream Man is still working hard to make sure she never has to take off her rose-colored glasses.Irene writes modern romance that warms the heart and scorches the sheets. Her current release, Infamous, about a scandal-prone Hollywood socialite who falls for a conservative soccer dad, is available now.
Read full steamy first chapter of Infamous free at www.IrenePreston.com
Buy INFAMOUS:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/get_infamous
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/infamous_uk
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/LXuXjY
ITunes: http://bit.ly/PtGmnl
KOBO: http://bit.ly/kobo_in
Sony: http://bit.ly/sony_in
Come socialize with Irene!
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorIrenePreston
http://twitter.com/irenepreston
http://www.irenepreston.com/
Published on June 03, 2013 21:33
May 29, 2013
Comment to win & coming soon!
Hey hey friends, hope you all had a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. Head on over to
R.T. Wolfe's Facebook page and comment to win a copy of her book! Trust me...this is a must read!!
Also, don't forget next week I'll start having guests!! WEEE! Can't wait!! I have some great Authors, agents, and readers as guests and some great books to give away!!
Spread the word and stay tuned!
R.T. Wolfe's Facebook page and comment to win a copy of her book! Trust me...this is a must read!!
Also, don't forget next week I'll start having guests!! WEEE! Can't wait!! I have some great Authors, agents, and readers as guests and some great books to give away!!
Spread the word and stay tuned!
Published on May 29, 2013 17:07
May 20, 2013
Exciting upcoming changes.
Just a quick note to let you all know Finding Jordie will not be available to purchase for a short time. It will be re-released very soon and available in print as well as digital. Stay tuned! And thank you all for your support and patience through this process.
~HJ
~HJ
Published on May 20, 2013 12:03
May 18, 2013
"Between a Book and A Real Place" Upcoming guest blog schedule.
As I mentioned yesterday some big changes were coming up for Finding Jordie and I'll get to announcing all of that fun stuff after a few things are finalized. Right now I'd like to post the Guest Author's Schedule for June, July and August. I'll be adding some readers, reviewers and agents to the schedule soon enough. Waiting on some dates and Q&A's to get back to me. :P
With all that being said, if you'd like to be a guest send me an email! I have some pretty new and fun questions lined up.
June 2013
June 4
Irene Preston
June 6th
Suzi Love
June 7th
M.J. Schiller
June 10th
Leslie Garcia
June 13th
Peggy Bird
June 17th
Christy McKellen
June 18th
Tara Mills
June 24th
Lisa White
June 26th
Lynn Crandell
July 2013
July 1st
Rowena O'Sullivan
July 2nd
Heather Thurmeier
July 8th
Melinda Dozier
July 10th
Morgan O'Neil
July 18th
Erin Richards
July 22nd
Christine Feldman ~Release Day~
August 2013
August 12
Susanne Mathews
With all that being said, if you'd like to be a guest send me an email! I have some pretty new and fun questions lined up.
June 2013
June 4
Irene Preston
June 6th
Suzi Love
June 7th
M.J. Schiller
June 10th
Leslie Garcia
June 13th
Peggy Bird
June 17th
Christy McKellen
June 18th
Tara Mills
June 24th
Lisa White
June 26th
Lynn Crandell
July 2013
July 1st
Rowena O'Sullivan
July 2nd
Heather Thurmeier
July 8th
Melinda Dozier
July 10th
Morgan O'Neil
July 18th
Erin Richards
July 22nd
Christine Feldman ~Release Day~
August 2013
August 12
Susanne Mathews
Published on May 18, 2013 08:56
May 10, 2013
The Hosts Posts #NewQ&A
Starting in June I will begin hosting other authors, editor, agents and readers. So I'll be conjuring up some Q&A's for you all. If you think you'd want to be a guest leave a comment or email me @hj (at) hj-harley.com All I can promise you is that this won't be you're ordinary Q&A.
Until then...Happy reading and even happier writing
Until then...Happy reading and even happier writing
Published on May 10, 2013 12:56
May 9, 2013
Grumpy Rob Just a little RP Fun
When I saw this pic of Rob I could only think of one thing...so I had to do a side by side comparison. Yupp. Introducing Grumpy Rob.
Published on May 09, 2013 13:04
May 2, 2013
Three is just a number....its whats inside that counts.
Today's stop on my blog tour is at Once Upon A Book. I need to share with you all an awesome review. This is not only a great review but probably the best 3 star review anyone has gotten. I am using all of this as a learning tool. Some constructive points have been made.
Here's a few highlights:
"I’m not usually the type for romance novels, but this one actually held my attention. I could see a lot of myself in Jordie, the protagonist."
This statement right here is fabulous!! This tells me she just enjoyed a hamburger when she doesn't even like beef! Also, she see's herself in Jordie!?
Winning X's 2
"The story keeps getting grander and filled with more twists and turns until a shocking ending is revealed. I would give away more than that, but really, the novel speaks for itself."
Again, awesome. I'm thrilled she loved the characters and the plot so far.
"Romance novels typically aren’t my cup of tea, but this one had just the right balance of cheesy love story and actual plot development. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a quick read with a lot of passion and fire between two people who aren’t looking for love – but find it anyways."This made me squee! Seriously, I was so happy. She loved the character, loved the story, it had plot development, a quick read with passion, just the right balance and fire! I mean it doesn't get better that right!? Because Romance novels are not her cup of tea. She liked a book she doesn't generally like at all, and reported it was quality.
The things she didn't care for were still complimentary. LOVE it!
"In the novel, Nathan happens to be a famous Hollywood actor. Jordie was apparently not aware of this, which I found a bit unbelievable. In this day and age, even if one doesn’t want to be inundated with celebrity, it is almost impossible to not be. If that one fact can be put aside, then Jordie and Nathan’s love story is both captivating and passionate at the same time."
"Sometimes I find the story to go a little bit too far and to stretch beyond the levels of credibility but it still is an entertaining read."
Ok, so she felt it wasn't believable at some points. I totally respect that, but at the same time people don't escape from everyday reality with the business section of the New York Times, they grab the funnies. :P At least I look for the reality escape when I read.
"I would give the story 3 out of 5 stars."
For all of the reasons above is why this 3 out of 5 stars is gold to me.
What I see is a person who doesn't even like romance enjoying a romance book.
And for that I Thank You!!
Published on May 02, 2013 08:57
May 1, 2013
Finding a treasure in Finding Jordie @TastyBookTours
This has been a great week for Finding Jordie in the review department!! Thank you for the great review Tasty Books!!
http://atastyread.blogspot.com/2013/05/found-treasure-in-finding-jordie-by-hj.html
http://atastyread.blogspot.com/2013/05/found-treasure-in-finding-jordie-by-hj.html
Published on May 01, 2013 07:38
Vote for Flying in Shadows by RT Wolfe #LongandShortReviews #Vote
Stop in and vote for Flying in Shadows by RT Wolfe for April's Book of the Month! Long And Short ReviewsCheck out book one in The Black Creek Series, Black Creek Burning by RT as well.
Published on May 01, 2013 05:28


