Chrys Fey's Blog, page 68
October 24, 2014
Author Interview with Sandra Dailey
I am happy to introduce to you another author from The Wild Rose Press, and one from my line...Crimson Rose. She is a talented writer with a great sense of humor. Please help me to welcome Sandra Dailey, the author of Common Enemy.
***
Hi Chrys! Thanks for inviting me to your blog. It’s nice to get out of the cave and see sunlight now and then.
I'm glad you could be here. Tell us about your current release.
I’d love to. This is the blurb for COMMON ENEMY:
Jordan Holbrook is the single mother of a five-year-old daughter. She’s just inherited her Grandmother’s house in South Florida where she’s hiding from an abusive ex-husband who’s been released from prison early. A new man in her life isn't part of her plans.
Connor McCrae is a handyman who lives out of his van. He walked away from a privileged life and loving family after being badly scarred in a vicious attack. He doesn't believe a woman’s love is in the cards for him.
What brings them together is a rundown house, a mutual attraction, and a Common Enemy.
Bobby Ray Butler is cutting a path of murder and mayhem through south Florida in his quest for vengeance. His sights are set on his ex-wife and anyone who gets in his way.
Genre: Romantic-SuspenseLength: 272 pagesPublisher: The Wild Rose PressRelease Date: February 22nd, 2014
BUY LINKS:The Wild Rose Press / Amazon / Barnes & NobleAlso available in print!
1. I love how the man's face on the cover blends into the background. Is this book part of a series?
I wouldn’t call it a series, but I am working on a sequel called CLOSE ENEMY. The heroes of each book are twin brothers.
2. How did you pick the title for your book?
When Connor and Jordan first meet, they’re complete opposites in every way except the enemy they have in common.
3. Why did you choose the setting for COMMON ENEMY?
I’ve lived in various parts of Florida most of my life. The most dangerous place I know is in the Everglades. I could tell you stories that would curl your hair about things that have happened there. People living in the surrounding cities don’t have any idea. I decided Bobby Ray would use that setting during some of the time he stalked his pray. The fictional town of Mayville is based on a small town I lived in on the northern border of the glades.
4. I've lived in Florida most of my life, but I've never been to the Everglades. How did you come up with the names for your hero and heroine?
I have a funny habit of giving all my characters Irish names. I’m also attracted to names beginning with C. I often have to go back and change several names. I believe I got Jordan’s name from a friend of my granddaughter. Bobby Ray uses two names because that’s what serial killers do. Haven’t you noticed?
5. Oh, I have! What would women find irresistible about your hero?
Women are shocked and sometimes put-off by Connor’s scars. Jordan was immediately attracted to his inner beauty; integrity, kindness, generosity, and strong work ethic. If you scratched the Mona Lisa the painting would be ruined but she’d still be Mona.
6. What are a few things we would find in or on your desk?
The usual; a full coffee mug, notebook, pens, tissues, lotion, incense, and a set of women’s western spurs.
7. Is there a teacher (or teachers) you would like to personally thank for his/her influence?
Yes there is, Mrs. English with the big black hair and thick glasses. She said I was a no-good menace to society who would never do anything with my life and would probably die young from a drug overdose.
“Here I am, Mrs. English, a soon-to-be great-grandmother who still doesn’t do drugs. You gave me the incentive to go for gold no matter what anyone said.”
8. I'm sure glad I didn't have her as a teacher! If you could give your book to anyone in the world to read (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Mrs. English, of course. Do you need to ask why?
9. You're right, Sandra, I don't need to ask why, but I will ask you to share three random facts about yourself.
1. I’m the only writer I know who is dyslexic and doesn’t know how to type.2. I have a Facebook account and I don’t even like cats.3. I have three secret boards on Pinterest of sexy, hot guys. I titled them: makeup, recipes and fashion to keep the Pinterest people off my back.
10. You're a riot! Now please share your advice to new writers.
Study, research, and learn everything you can about your craft. Also, keep notes as you go. You never know when a person or place is going to show up in your story again.
A little more about me:
Sandra Dailey lives in North Florida with her husband and house plants. She has four children, ten grandchildren with two more on the way, and a goldfish named Clementine. She has a passion for needle crafts, reading and writing. Her addictions are chocolate, coffee, and football. She loves to hear from fellow readers and writers. Her first two books, The Chief’s Proposal and Twice the Trouble are contemporary romances and also available in eBook and print. She is currently hard at work on Close Enemy and a couple other surprises.
AUTHOR LINKS:Blog / Facebook / Twitter
Thank you for letting me interview you, Sandra. You thoroughly entertained me!
Please, leave Sandra comments and love. :)
***
Hi Chrys! Thanks for inviting me to your blog. It’s nice to get out of the cave and see sunlight now and then.
I'm glad you could be here. Tell us about your current release.
I’d love to. This is the blurb for COMMON ENEMY:
Jordan Holbrook is the single mother of a five-year-old daughter. She’s just inherited her Grandmother’s house in South Florida where she’s hiding from an abusive ex-husband who’s been released from prison early. A new man in her life isn't part of her plans.
Connor McCrae is a handyman who lives out of his van. He walked away from a privileged life and loving family after being badly scarred in a vicious attack. He doesn't believe a woman’s love is in the cards for him.
What brings them together is a rundown house, a mutual attraction, and a Common Enemy.
Bobby Ray Butler is cutting a path of murder and mayhem through south Florida in his quest for vengeance. His sights are set on his ex-wife and anyone who gets in his way.
Genre: Romantic-SuspenseLength: 272 pagesPublisher: The Wild Rose PressRelease Date: February 22nd, 2014BUY LINKS:The Wild Rose Press / Amazon / Barnes & NobleAlso available in print!
1. I love how the man's face on the cover blends into the background. Is this book part of a series?
I wouldn’t call it a series, but I am working on a sequel called CLOSE ENEMY. The heroes of each book are twin brothers.
2. How did you pick the title for your book?
When Connor and Jordan first meet, they’re complete opposites in every way except the enemy they have in common.
3. Why did you choose the setting for COMMON ENEMY?
I’ve lived in various parts of Florida most of my life. The most dangerous place I know is in the Everglades. I could tell you stories that would curl your hair about things that have happened there. People living in the surrounding cities don’t have any idea. I decided Bobby Ray would use that setting during some of the time he stalked his pray. The fictional town of Mayville is based on a small town I lived in on the northern border of the glades.
4. I've lived in Florida most of my life, but I've never been to the Everglades. How did you come up with the names for your hero and heroine?
I have a funny habit of giving all my characters Irish names. I’m also attracted to names beginning with C. I often have to go back and change several names. I believe I got Jordan’s name from a friend of my granddaughter. Bobby Ray uses two names because that’s what serial killers do. Haven’t you noticed?
5. Oh, I have! What would women find irresistible about your hero?
Women are shocked and sometimes put-off by Connor’s scars. Jordan was immediately attracted to his inner beauty; integrity, kindness, generosity, and strong work ethic. If you scratched the Mona Lisa the painting would be ruined but she’d still be Mona.
6. What are a few things we would find in or on your desk?
The usual; a full coffee mug, notebook, pens, tissues, lotion, incense, and a set of women’s western spurs.
7. Is there a teacher (or teachers) you would like to personally thank for his/her influence?
Yes there is, Mrs. English with the big black hair and thick glasses. She said I was a no-good menace to society who would never do anything with my life and would probably die young from a drug overdose.
“Here I am, Mrs. English, a soon-to-be great-grandmother who still doesn’t do drugs. You gave me the incentive to go for gold no matter what anyone said.”
8. I'm sure glad I didn't have her as a teacher! If you could give your book to anyone in the world to read (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Mrs. English, of course. Do you need to ask why?
9. You're right, Sandra, I don't need to ask why, but I will ask you to share three random facts about yourself.
1. I’m the only writer I know who is dyslexic and doesn’t know how to type.2. I have a Facebook account and I don’t even like cats.3. I have three secret boards on Pinterest of sexy, hot guys. I titled them: makeup, recipes and fashion to keep the Pinterest people off my back.
10. You're a riot! Now please share your advice to new writers.
Study, research, and learn everything you can about your craft. Also, keep notes as you go. You never know when a person or place is going to show up in your story again.
A little more about me:
Sandra Dailey lives in North Florida with her husband and house plants. She has four children, ten grandchildren with two more on the way, and a goldfish named Clementine. She has a passion for needle crafts, reading and writing. Her addictions are chocolate, coffee, and football. She loves to hear from fellow readers and writers. Her first two books, The Chief’s Proposal and Twice the Trouble are contemporary romances and also available in eBook and print. She is currently hard at work on Close Enemy and a couple other surprises.
AUTHOR LINKS:Blog / Facebook / Twitter
Thank you for letting me interview you, Sandra. You thoroughly entertained me!
Please, leave Sandra comments and love. :)
October 21, 2014
Writing About: Vampires
In my (unpublished) supernatural-thriller series, some of my characters are actually vampires. When I was writing about them, Twilight was just getting big. For the longest time I battled with the idea of changing my story and eliminating the vampire angle completely. But doing that would mean I’d have to alter all the other stories, too. I eventually decided to keep the vampires, because I figured my books would be published well after the Twilight hype is over. Plus, my vampires are vastly different from Stephenie Meyer’s vampires. I went so far as to invent my own creation story for vampires. As a mythology buff, that was a lot of fun!
Now here are 15 things to consider when you create vampire characters:
1. Name
Come up with unique names for your vampires to make them stand out from any human characters you might have in your story. You don’t have to think extreme, but do better than Bob. Bob would be a sad vampire.
2. Age
What age do your vampires look? (This will be whatever age they were bitten.) And how old are they really? Vampires are immortal, so a vampire that looks to be 21 years old can actually be 210 years old.
3. Appearance
Give your vampire classic vampire traits such as pale skin. (Even a vampire with a dark complexion can still appear paler than normal. After all, a vampire is the living dead, and a person’s skin color changes with death.) You can also play with other characteristics of corpses such as blue lips and glazed eyes. If they live in the real world, though, let them wear disguises (sunglasses, long sleeves) so their differences can’t be noticed. And don’t forget the fangs!
4. Feeding
A vampire isn’t a vampire unless it drinks blood. Don’t neglect this aspect. Even a vampire who refuses to attack and kill humans still needs to get blood from somewhere whether its animals like rats and pigs, or by stealing from blood banks. You can also show your vampire eating real food.
5. Sleep
Vampires don’t come out during the day. In vampire lore, vampires are said to sleep during the day and wake as the sun goes down. At night, they prowl and “live.” If they do come out during the day, it would be when the sun’s rays are safe behind a thick layer of clouds, or with the help of magic.
6. Lust
Vampires have many cravings from blood to sex. Make your vampires sensual and give them the opportunity to enjoy many pleasures.
7. Weaknesses
All characters, even immortal ones, should have weaknesses. The biggest weakness for a vampire is the sun. When the sun’s rays touch them, they burn. Other weaknesses tend to be fire, and according to lore, stakes. A weakness can even be a person such as a parent, sibling, or lover.
8. Abilities
Vampires inherit abilities from speed and agility to super hearing and vision. Take advantage of these whenever you can.
9. Personality
Common characteristics a vampire can have are fearlessness and anger. He/she can be extra indulgent, dark and mysterious. But you can always change things up and create a happy, funny vampire. That’ll be different!
10. Transformation
How was your vampire turned? Who bit him/her to initiate the change? These are two very important questions you need to answer and tell your readers.
5 Extra Things to Consider:
· Where does your vampire live?· Is your vampire part of a clan? (Is he/she a leader, King/Queen, or a loner?)· What does your vampire do? (Is he/she a hunter? Does he/she work at night for a company, or live freely with no binds?· What was your vampire before he/she was turned? (A mother/father? What was his/her job as a human?)· Does he/she have a love interest? (This would be a major part of the plot.)
QUESTION: If you’re a vampire fan, who writes your favorite vampire books?
TIP #1: Study vampire lore to make characters vampire lovers will appreciate. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative.Check out this Wikipedia list to compare notes and help you to decide what you want to do with your vampires.
Now here are 15 things to consider when you create vampire characters:
1. Name
Come up with unique names for your vampires to make them stand out from any human characters you might have in your story. You don’t have to think extreme, but do better than Bob. Bob would be a sad vampire.
2. Age
What age do your vampires look? (This will be whatever age they were bitten.) And how old are they really? Vampires are immortal, so a vampire that looks to be 21 years old can actually be 210 years old.
3. Appearance
Give your vampire classic vampire traits such as pale skin. (Even a vampire with a dark complexion can still appear paler than normal. After all, a vampire is the living dead, and a person’s skin color changes with death.) You can also play with other characteristics of corpses such as blue lips and glazed eyes. If they live in the real world, though, let them wear disguises (sunglasses, long sleeves) so their differences can’t be noticed. And don’t forget the fangs!
4. Feeding
A vampire isn’t a vampire unless it drinks blood. Don’t neglect this aspect. Even a vampire who refuses to attack and kill humans still needs to get blood from somewhere whether its animals like rats and pigs, or by stealing from blood banks. You can also show your vampire eating real food.
5. Sleep
Vampires don’t come out during the day. In vampire lore, vampires are said to sleep during the day and wake as the sun goes down. At night, they prowl and “live.” If they do come out during the day, it would be when the sun’s rays are safe behind a thick layer of clouds, or with the help of magic.
6. Lust
Vampires have many cravings from blood to sex. Make your vampires sensual and give them the opportunity to enjoy many pleasures.
7. Weaknesses
All characters, even immortal ones, should have weaknesses. The biggest weakness for a vampire is the sun. When the sun’s rays touch them, they burn. Other weaknesses tend to be fire, and according to lore, stakes. A weakness can even be a person such as a parent, sibling, or lover.
8. Abilities
Vampires inherit abilities from speed and agility to super hearing and vision. Take advantage of these whenever you can.
9. Personality
Common characteristics a vampire can have are fearlessness and anger. He/she can be extra indulgent, dark and mysterious. But you can always change things up and create a happy, funny vampire. That’ll be different!
10. Transformation
How was your vampire turned? Who bit him/her to initiate the change? These are two very important questions you need to answer and tell your readers.
5 Extra Things to Consider:
· Where does your vampire live?· Is your vampire part of a clan? (Is he/she a leader, King/Queen, or a loner?)· What does your vampire do? (Is he/she a hunter? Does he/she work at night for a company, or live freely with no binds?· What was your vampire before he/she was turned? (A mother/father? What was his/her job as a human?)· Does he/she have a love interest? (This would be a major part of the plot.)
TIP #2: Read Dracula by Bram Stocker and other vampire books by Anne Rice, Anita Blake, and J.R Ward. Also, watch movies like Queen of the Damned, Underworld, and Daybreakers.
TIP #3: Check out Natasha Duncan’s blog for her April A to Z Challenge, which was dedicated to vampires. You’ll learn so much from her posts.
QUESTION: If you’re a vampire fan, who writes your favorite vampire books?
October 20, 2014
My Bucket List / Blog Hop
Sherry Ellis at Mama Diaries and Susanne Drazic at Putting Words Down on Paper are co-hosting this fun blog hop to help us remember what's important in life, and to consider what we want to see or do before we "kick the bucket." Creating a bucket list is a great way to motivate us to accomplish our goals before we die. Writing our dreams down also helps us to stay focused.
My Bucket List:
1. Get an agent and publisher for my supernatural-thriller series.
2. Adopt a baby girl. (Ever since I was a kid, I have dreamed of adopting.)
3. Adopt a turkey. Click here for more details.
4. Go to Ireland.
5. Get married in the Fall.
6. Go to a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert.
7. Donate to St. Judes Children's Hospital.
8. Have my lyrics made into songs. (I write lyrics but I can’t create music or sing, so having my lyrics come to life—maybe by one of my favorite singers/bands—would be a dream come true!)
9. Make my own perfume. (I actually know what scents I want to use, the bottle design, and the name. I dream big! *wink*)
10. Go to a fashion show in Paris. (I love fashion and even design dresses.)
11. Go to a Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb book signing.
12. See the Nutcracker ballet.
13. Make my own tea. (I love tea!)
14. See Celtic Woman perform.
15. Plant a garden. (I currently live in an apartment.)
16. Take my mom to Key West. (She’s wanted to go there for years.)
17. Take my nephews to Disney World and Sea World.
QUESTIONS: What's on your bucket list?
Have you done anything on my bucket list?
My Bucket List:
1. Get an agent and publisher for my supernatural-thriller series.
2. Adopt a baby girl. (Ever since I was a kid, I have dreamed of adopting.)
3. Adopt a turkey. Click here for more details.
4. Go to Ireland.
5. Get married in the Fall.
6. Go to a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert.
7. Donate to St. Judes Children's Hospital.
8. Have my lyrics made into songs. (I write lyrics but I can’t create music or sing, so having my lyrics come to life—maybe by one of my favorite singers/bands—would be a dream come true!)
9. Make my own perfume. (I actually know what scents I want to use, the bottle design, and the name. I dream big! *wink*)
10. Go to a fashion show in Paris. (I love fashion and even design dresses.)
11. Go to a Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb book signing.
12. See the Nutcracker ballet.
13. Make my own tea. (I love tea!)
14. See Celtic Woman perform.
15. Plant a garden. (I currently live in an apartment.)
16. Take my mom to Key West. (She’s wanted to go there for years.)
17. Take my nephews to Disney World and Sea World.
QUESTIONS: What's on your bucket list?
Have you done anything on my bucket list?
October 17, 2014
Author Interview with Veronica Lynch
Please welcome Veronica Lynch (aka Kathy Cottrell) to Write with Fey as she tells us about her new release, Caper Magic, an intriguing short story with a stunning cover.
Veronica, tell us about your current release.
Caper Magic is part of Hauntings in the Garden series out of the Wild Rose Press, due for digital release on October 27th, with a print date TBA. It is about Nick Forrester, chief investigator for a high-powered law firm on the trail of a woman who has taken her minor children in violation of a court order. It is feared she will flee to Canada with them. Annunciata Doyle runs one of the local stations on the Underground Railroad, helping women and children who have nowhere else to turn.
Genre: RomanceLength: 48 pagesPublisher: The Wild Rose PressRelease Date: October 27th, 2014
PRE-ORDER:Amazon
BUY LINK:The Wild Rose Press
1. Is this book part of a series?
Actually, this will be the first in a series set in the fictional town of Cape Brendan, a medium size tourist area on the eastern most edge of Lake Ontario where it bleeds into the Saint Lawrence River in northern New York State.
2. I love a good series! Why did you choose this setting for Caper Magic?
For the past several years the hubs and I had vacationed in the Saint Lawrence area, picking a different spot each year. Two criteria governed the choice [not counting cost]: good fishing for him, peace and quiet for me. I discovered Cape Vincent, a lovely small town known for its historic connections to the French and Indian War and later, the War of 1812. It was instant infatuation. From the first I knew I'd have to set at least one book in this area.
3. Did you do special research for Caper Magic?
Cape Vincent [in the book it's known as Cape Brendan] has a ferry which runs several times a day back and forth to Canada. I chose this as the mechanism to transport the woman and her kids to safety. To do that, I researched how to disappear as well as interviewing the Immigration officials who run the ferry service. They gave me some great advice.
4. Research is always important. How did you come up with the names for your hero and heroine?
I knew the heroine had to be Irish, with a thick brogue, with a history of being raised in one of the Magdelene laundries. The name Annunciata Doyle came easy because I wanted to call her Nunie. Nick Forrester arrived out of the blue and stuck with me. It wasn't until later, after I put the names together—Nick and Nunie—that I cringed. Right out of a Frankie and Annette movie, but it was too late.
5. Nick and Nunie...that's cute! Which actors would play your hero and heroine in a movie?
Anthony Denison [The Closer and Major Crimes] and Minnie Driver [About a Boy and The Riches].
6. I love Minnie Driver! How old were you when you read your first romance book?
It was 1983 so I would have been in my middle 30's. Working the night shift in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit put me at two ends of the emotional spectrum: scared spitless a patient might crash versus fighting desperately to stay awake. One night I discovered a grocery bag filled with used Harlequin-Silhouettes bearing a sign “free for the taking” and picked one by Billie Douglas. I never forgot it. In fact, I still have it on a shelf in my office.
7. If you could give your book to anyone in the world to read (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
My father. Because he'd get a kick out of Nunie's voice and for the pen name I chose. Veronica Lynch was a lifelong friend of him and his siblings. All of them spoke of her with great respect and affection.
8. I love that you revealed how you got your pen name! Have you ever experienced something unusual that influenced a story?
Part of my job as director of a victim advocacy agency included supervising interns who were criminal justice majors. One of the perks was free tuition for one course each semester. Over the years the interns raved about a course titled Terrorism and Hostage Taking. Part of the course involved being taken hostage by officers from the county sheriff's hostage negotiation team. It changed my life.
9. That sounds fascinating...and scary! What lessons did you learn early on in your writing career?
To listen to my gut, then my heart.
AUTHOR BIO:
Writing under the names Kat Henry Doran and Veronica Lynch, author Kathy Cottrell uses her experience as a nurse, victim advocate and insurance investigator for background in her award winning novels and novellas. Her stories are set in her favorite places to visit: the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains as well as the Saint Lawrence River in the historic Thousand Islands region of Upstate and Northern New York State.
When not writing, or chasing grandchildren, Kathy spends her time designing and making tote bags and aprons to custom order.
I love to hear from readers who can reach me at: WildWomenAuthors@yahoo.com.
Blogs:www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.comwww.ApronsWithAttitude2.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for being my guest, Veronica (Kathy), and for sharing such interesting tid bits about yourself and your book!
Please leave a comment for Veronica! :)
Veronica, tell us about your current release.
Caper Magic is part of Hauntings in the Garden series out of the Wild Rose Press, due for digital release on October 27th, with a print date TBA. It is about Nick Forrester, chief investigator for a high-powered law firm on the trail of a woman who has taken her minor children in violation of a court order. It is feared she will flee to Canada with them. Annunciata Doyle runs one of the local stations on the Underground Railroad, helping women and children who have nowhere else to turn.
Genre: RomanceLength: 48 pagesPublisher: The Wild Rose PressRelease Date: October 27th, 2014PRE-ORDER:Amazon
BUY LINK:The Wild Rose Press
1. Is this book part of a series?
Actually, this will be the first in a series set in the fictional town of Cape Brendan, a medium size tourist area on the eastern most edge of Lake Ontario where it bleeds into the Saint Lawrence River in northern New York State.
2. I love a good series! Why did you choose this setting for Caper Magic?
For the past several years the hubs and I had vacationed in the Saint Lawrence area, picking a different spot each year. Two criteria governed the choice [not counting cost]: good fishing for him, peace and quiet for me. I discovered Cape Vincent, a lovely small town known for its historic connections to the French and Indian War and later, the War of 1812. It was instant infatuation. From the first I knew I'd have to set at least one book in this area.
3. Did you do special research for Caper Magic?
Cape Vincent [in the book it's known as Cape Brendan] has a ferry which runs several times a day back and forth to Canada. I chose this as the mechanism to transport the woman and her kids to safety. To do that, I researched how to disappear as well as interviewing the Immigration officials who run the ferry service. They gave me some great advice.
4. Research is always important. How did you come up with the names for your hero and heroine?
I knew the heroine had to be Irish, with a thick brogue, with a history of being raised in one of the Magdelene laundries. The name Annunciata Doyle came easy because I wanted to call her Nunie. Nick Forrester arrived out of the blue and stuck with me. It wasn't until later, after I put the names together—Nick and Nunie—that I cringed. Right out of a Frankie and Annette movie, but it was too late.
5. Nick and Nunie...that's cute! Which actors would play your hero and heroine in a movie?
Anthony Denison [The Closer and Major Crimes] and Minnie Driver [About a Boy and The Riches].
6. I love Minnie Driver! How old were you when you read your first romance book?
It was 1983 so I would have been in my middle 30's. Working the night shift in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit put me at two ends of the emotional spectrum: scared spitless a patient might crash versus fighting desperately to stay awake. One night I discovered a grocery bag filled with used Harlequin-Silhouettes bearing a sign “free for the taking” and picked one by Billie Douglas. I never forgot it. In fact, I still have it on a shelf in my office.
7. If you could give your book to anyone in the world to read (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
My father. Because he'd get a kick out of Nunie's voice and for the pen name I chose. Veronica Lynch was a lifelong friend of him and his siblings. All of them spoke of her with great respect and affection.
8. I love that you revealed how you got your pen name! Have you ever experienced something unusual that influenced a story?
Part of my job as director of a victim advocacy agency included supervising interns who were criminal justice majors. One of the perks was free tuition for one course each semester. Over the years the interns raved about a course titled Terrorism and Hostage Taking. Part of the course involved being taken hostage by officers from the county sheriff's hostage negotiation team. It changed my life.
9. That sounds fascinating...and scary! What lessons did you learn early on in your writing career?
To listen to my gut, then my heart.
AUTHOR BIO:
Writing under the names Kat Henry Doran and Veronica Lynch, author Kathy Cottrell uses her experience as a nurse, victim advocate and insurance investigator for background in her award winning novels and novellas. Her stories are set in her favorite places to visit: the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains as well as the Saint Lawrence River in the historic Thousand Islands region of Upstate and Northern New York State.
When not writing, or chasing grandchildren, Kathy spends her time designing and making tote bags and aprons to custom order.
I love to hear from readers who can reach me at: WildWomenAuthors@yahoo.com.
Blogs:www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.comwww.ApronsWithAttitude2.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for being my guest, Veronica (Kathy), and for sharing such interesting tid bits about yourself and your book!
Please leave a comment for Veronica! :)
October 15, 2014
Sexy Snippets from 30 Seconds
30 Seconds, my newest romantic-suspense, is heavy on thrill but is equally steamy. With Hurricane Crimes, I led up to the sex scenes but cut it short, or in other words used the “behind closed doors” method. You know what my characters are doing, but I keep their deed private. With 30 Seconds, I did the opposite. I openly reveal every sizzling moment. In no way is my story erotica, but it may make your face flush. *wink*
The Wild Rose Press / NOOK / KOBO Amazon US / Amazon UK
Below I am sharing a couple of sentences from five steamy scenes involving my characters Dani and Blake:
1. He pulled her closer, and she strained against him with desperation hot in her veins. It throbbed, pounded, and banged inside her screaming body.
2. He traced her lips with his finger until her lips trembled with anticipation. When her mouth parted, he kissed her greedily. The inside of his mouth was hot and his kiss warmed her entire body.
3. She kissed him with urgency. Her tongue probed his mouth, tasting and savoring his strong flavors. Then he changed the angle of the kiss and his mouth became savage, his lips bruising.
4. She threw her arms around him and crushed her lips to his. Her hands went on a frenzy to touch hot skin as they pushed and pulled each other to the car. When Blake grabbed her and lifted her at the hips, she locked her legs around him and deepened the kiss.
5. “Come here.” She pulled him to the fireplace and tugged him to the floor. She trailed hot, greedy kisses down his chest, whispering, “I’m going to savor every second with you.”
*If you're interested in writing tips, check out this post: Writing About: Intimacy
QUESTION: Do you like steamy romance scenes?
The Wild Rose Press / NOOK / KOBO Amazon US / Amazon UKBelow I am sharing a couple of sentences from five steamy scenes involving my characters Dani and Blake:
1. He pulled her closer, and she strained against him with desperation hot in her veins. It throbbed, pounded, and banged inside her screaming body.
2. He traced her lips with his finger until her lips trembled with anticipation. When her mouth parted, he kissed her greedily. The inside of his mouth was hot and his kiss warmed her entire body.
3. She kissed him with urgency. Her tongue probed his mouth, tasting and savoring his strong flavors. Then he changed the angle of the kiss and his mouth became savage, his lips bruising.
4. She threw her arms around him and crushed her lips to his. Her hands went on a frenzy to touch hot skin as they pushed and pulled each other to the car. When Blake grabbed her and lifted her at the hips, she locked her legs around him and deepened the kiss.
5. “Come here.” She pulled him to the fireplace and tugged him to the floor. She trailed hot, greedy kisses down his chest, whispering, “I’m going to savor every second with you.”
*If you're interested in writing tips, check out this post: Writing About: Intimacy
QUESTION: Do you like steamy romance scenes?
October 14, 2014
Correct Grammar Uses
BLOG UPDATE: I added a new page titled Music Muses where you can find a list of songs and videos that have inspired my books/writing.
A to Z Update: I have reached "L" in my A to Z Challenge for next year. :)
***Grammar confuses many people, and countless people use words and phrases incorrectly. This post is meant to clear up some of that confusion by highlighting the words and phrases that are most often used incorrectly.
Incorrect: Your welcome.Correct: You’re welcome.
“Your” is possessive whereas “you’re” means “you are”.
Incorrect: I could care less.Correct: I couldn’t care less.
The point of this statement is to show that you don’t care at all. By saying, “I couldn’t care less” you’re making it clear that you already don’t care and it’s not possible for you to not care anymore than you already do.
Incorrect: You’re a trooper.Correct: You’re a trouper.
A trooper is an officer or soldier. A trouper is someone who is hard working and uncomplaining.
Incorrect: AlrightCorrect: All right.
“Alright” is not a real word and an incorrect spelling of “all right.” So make sure that you use two words instead of one word.
NOTE: Because of the simplification of writing due to texting and social media, the use of "alright" has become more popular. You could use "alright" in dialogue for YA books, but editors still tend to nix it outside of dialogue, which is why I added it here.
Incorrect: Try and... "I want to try and write a book."Correct: Try to... "I want to try to write a book."
Using the word “to” indicates exactly what you want to do, which in this case is "write a book", but if you use “and” you’re combining two things. You don't have to try first and then write a book you only need to try to write a book.
Incorrect: Shouldn’t ofCorrect: Shouldn’t have
Already or All ready?
“All ready” means “prepared.” Example: I’m all ready to go to lunch. “Already” means “previously.” Example: “I already did that!”
Past or Pass?
If you use a verb indicating movement, such as ran or skipped, it will be paired with “past.” Example: I ran past the post office. If there is no verb indicating movement you would use pass. Example: You will pass the post office on your right.
Toward or Towards?
Both are correct. “Toward” is common in the US, and “towards” is common in the UK.
Backward or Backwards?
Again, both are correct. “Backward” is common in the US, and “backwards” is common in the UK.
Gray or Grey?
Here is another one that is correct either way. “Gray” is the preferred spelling for the color in the US, but in the UK the preferred spelling is “Grey.”
Neither vs. Either
“Neither” means not any of the valuable options. Example: I’m voting for neither, because both candidates are idiots.“Either” means one of the two valuable options.Example: I love white chocolate and milk chocolate, so either one is fine with me.
Effect vs. Affect
“Effect” means “a result.”Example: The special effects made the movie much more exciting.“Affect” means “to influence.”Example: Her medication affected her mood.
A part vs. Apart
“A part” means a portion of a whole.Example #1: I am a part of this world and so are you.Example #2: I found this letter. I think it’s a part of the clue.
“Apart” means separated by a distance, or something that is broken.Example #1: The ground broke apart during the earthquake.Example #2: Fifty miles are keeping us apart.
SHARE: The correct uses of word/phrases you know people use incorrectly.
QUESTION: Has one of the above words or phrases caused you confusion?
A to Z Update: I have reached "L" in my A to Z Challenge for next year. :)
***Grammar confuses many people, and countless people use words and phrases incorrectly. This post is meant to clear up some of that confusion by highlighting the words and phrases that are most often used incorrectly.
Incorrect: Your welcome.Correct: You’re welcome.
“Your” is possessive whereas “you’re” means “you are”.
Incorrect: I could care less.Correct: I couldn’t care less.
The point of this statement is to show that you don’t care at all. By saying, “I couldn’t care less” you’re making it clear that you already don’t care and it’s not possible for you to not care anymore than you already do.
Incorrect: You’re a trooper.Correct: You’re a trouper.
A trooper is an officer or soldier. A trouper is someone who is hard working and uncomplaining.
Incorrect: AlrightCorrect: All right.
“Alright” is not a real word and an incorrect spelling of “all right.” So make sure that you use two words instead of one word.
NOTE: Because of the simplification of writing due to texting and social media, the use of "alright" has become more popular. You could use "alright" in dialogue for YA books, but editors still tend to nix it outside of dialogue, which is why I added it here.
Incorrect: Try and... "I want to try and write a book."Correct: Try to... "I want to try to write a book."
Using the word “to” indicates exactly what you want to do, which in this case is "write a book", but if you use “and” you’re combining two things. You don't have to try first and then write a book you only need to try to write a book.
Incorrect: Shouldn’t ofCorrect: Shouldn’t have
Already or All ready?
“All ready” means “prepared.” Example: I’m all ready to go to lunch. “Already” means “previously.” Example: “I already did that!”
Past or Pass?
If you use a verb indicating movement, such as ran or skipped, it will be paired with “past.” Example: I ran past the post office. If there is no verb indicating movement you would use pass. Example: You will pass the post office on your right.
Toward or Towards?
Both are correct. “Toward” is common in the US, and “towards” is common in the UK.
Backward or Backwards?
Again, both are correct. “Backward” is common in the US, and “backwards” is common in the UK.
Gray or Grey?
Here is another one that is correct either way. “Gray” is the preferred spelling for the color in the US, but in the UK the preferred spelling is “Grey.”
Neither vs. Either
“Neither” means not any of the valuable options. Example: I’m voting for neither, because both candidates are idiots.“Either” means one of the two valuable options.Example: I love white chocolate and milk chocolate, so either one is fine with me.
Effect vs. Affect
“Effect” means “a result.”Example: The special effects made the movie much more exciting.“Affect” means “to influence.”Example: Her medication affected her mood.
A part vs. Apart
“A part” means a portion of a whole.Example #1: I am a part of this world and so are you.Example #2: I found this letter. I think it’s a part of the clue.
“Apart” means separated by a distance, or something that is broken.Example #1: The ground broke apart during the earthquake.Example #2: Fifty miles are keeping us apart.
SHARE: The correct uses of word/phrases you know people use incorrectly.
QUESTION: Has one of the above words or phrases caused you confusion?
October 10, 2014
Secret of the Souls / Blog Tour / Giveaway
Today I am hosting Terri Rochenski for her Secret of the Souls blog tour. The cover is stunning and the story is full of fanciful elements and action. She is also sharing a giveaway with us! Check it out:
Title: Secret of the Souls (Pool of Souls #2)Author: Terri RochenskiPublisher: J. Taylor PublishingRelease Date: October 6, 2014Keywords: Adult FantasyBLURB:
Thrust out of their homes by a human High Priest on a vengeful mission, the Natives of Derlund no longer have a place to call their own. One escaped capture, however, and now she, Hyla, is the only one who can save her people.
For, Hyla, though, saving her nation isn’t her ultimate goal—returning to the Pool of Souls is. Becoming its Guardian and preserving their faith is her heart’s desire. The perils of her current journey, though, could leave her unable to fulfill that dream.
To find her way back to the Pool, Hyla must live among dangerous, powerful humans willing to defend the Natives, and must submit herself—her Talents—to them. While her protection is paramount, plots to end Hyla’s life will push her to her physical and emotional limits.
On the edge of sanity, her courage tested, and convictions nearly broken, Hyla’s final test of loyalty to her faith comes with the death of one she could have loved.
BOOK LINKS:
Paperback:Amazon / Barnes & Noble
eBook:Amazon / Barnes & Noble / KOBOGoodreads
EXCERPT:
Hyla’s fear swamped Jadon’s mind. Hair lifting at the nape of his neck, he tossed the coins to the innkeeper and turned toward her.She stared across the room, face ashen, eyes wide.He turned, tensed and ready; he didn’t need Hyla’s sight to know the scruffy, shifty-eyed man returning her stare intended them harm. Six other men in similar soiled tunics crowded the table with him, all intent upon their pewter plates, shoulders rigid.The man causing Hyla’s fear sneered when his gaze met Jadon’s. “Why Jadon Lim.” The man stood, placing a palm on the dagger at his hip. “It’s been a long time.”Anger swept through Jadon. His fingers itched to wrap around his sword’s handle. The name of the man who’d stolen the dagger from his father had engraved itself upon Jadon’s mind years earlier. “Medker.”“You remember me? Why, you were just a lad no higher than my belt when last I saw you.”“You should have stuck around Bradenfeld a bit longer.” Jadon’s muscles quivered with the need to attack. “My father had big plans for you and your men.”Medker guffawed. “Spending a night locked in your father’s wine cellar wasn’t my idea of the pleasant evening we’d been promised by the lord himself.”“You tried to borrow horses from our stables. If you’re going to be a horse thief, at least be a good one.”The room silenced as Medker’s eyes narrowed, the menace in his flinty gaze plain for all to see.“I’ll be havin’ no trouble in here, gentlemen.” The innkeeper moved to the center of the room, glancing back and forth between them. “I’m the local authority, and I uphold the King’s Law, but if it’s a fight you be wantin’,” he addressed that Medker, “take it out onto the green. Otherwise you’ll be payin’ with your hides to fix the broken tables and chairs you’ll doubtless leave in your wake.”Medker tapped the hilt of his dagger with a finger before sinking back into his chair. “No trouble, good sir. Just saying hello to the boy there.” He turned to the men at his table and lifted a tankard to his lips, but it failed to hide his sneer.“Glad to hear it.” The innkeeper motioned Jadon toward an empty table at the opposite end of the room. “Have a seat, lad, and I’ll have one of the girls bring you some food.”Jadon strode across the room to the table indicated and sat with his back to the wall. Hyla and Dohren slid onto chairs across from him. “What did you see?” Jadon asked her, his voice low.Hyla pushed back her cowl. “His desire is to see us dead.”
SALE LINKS for Eye of the Soul:Amazon / Barnes & Noble
BIO:
Terri started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with storytelling.
Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her three young children allow. When not playing toys, picking them back up, or kissing boo-boos, she can be found sprawled on the couch with a book or pencil in hand, and toothpicks propping her eyelids open.
Ms. Rochenski’s Links:Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for including Write with Fey in your blog tour, Terri! :D
October 7, 2014
Writing About: Medical Doctors
Doctors, like police officers, are also pretty common characters in a few of my stories that I hope to share with you in the future. Dr. Dani Hart, from 30 Seconds, is my first doctor to make it into the publishing world. And I’m pretty damn proud of her as a character.
Here are 10 things to keep in mind if you want to create a doctor character:
1. Name
Picking out a name for your character is always a big deal, more so when your character has a title. Find a name that can work with Dr.
2. Specialty
What kind of doctor will your character be? There are pediatricians, orthopedics, cardiologists, neurologists, and a general practice doctors. The type of doctor your character is will influence the rest of your story and what your doctor does.
3. Hospital
Does your doctor work in a prestigious hospital, private practice, a trauma center, or community hospital? Even if you don’t reveal the name of the hospital, you should mention what city it’s located in as that’s a major factor of your setting.
4. Co-workers
Your doctor won’t be alone at the hospital. Include a Chief of Surgery, Attendings, Residents, interns and nurses. They can be minor characters or even passing characters that your readers will hear about maybe once or twice.
5. Clothes
If your character is a doctor, he/she will spend a lot of time in scrubs, a white coat, surgical cap and gloves when he/she is in surgery. But give him/her opportunities to wear other clothing, too. It’s always nice to see a doctor in a dress or suit.
6. Job
Follow your character during his/her shift. Have him/her go to the locker room, exam rooms, operating rooms, the cafeteria, and even a call room where your character can rest during a brutally long shift.
7. Night Shifts
A big part of being a doctor is having long shifts and working the night shift. Write about how a night shift can be slow in one moment and chaotic the next. And don’t forget to show the impact a night shift (or a 24 hour shirt) has on your character, it is physically grueling.
8. Patients
Show your character with patients he/she has to treat and interact with. When you’re doing this, you have the opportunity to delve deeply into the patients’ illnesses and pain by describing how they react, what they look like, and what they do to reveal how sick or hurt they are.
9. Surgery
Have your character perform (or assist with) surgery. You don’t have to describe every detail of the surgery, but knowing a few things about the operation and what your character will have to do if something goes wrong would be a good idea to make it real.
10. Personality
Your character can not be easily stressed or grossed out (unless he/she is an intern.) Doctors and nurses deal with vomit, feces, and other unpleasant things every day. Make your character tough, intelligent and quick thinking.
QUESTION: Do you have a common character type in your stories?
Here are 10 things to keep in mind if you want to create a doctor character:
1. Name
Picking out a name for your character is always a big deal, more so when your character has a title. Find a name that can work with Dr.
2. Specialty
What kind of doctor will your character be? There are pediatricians, orthopedics, cardiologists, neurologists, and a general practice doctors. The type of doctor your character is will influence the rest of your story and what your doctor does.
3. Hospital
Does your doctor work in a prestigious hospital, private practice, a trauma center, or community hospital? Even if you don’t reveal the name of the hospital, you should mention what city it’s located in as that’s a major factor of your setting.
4. Co-workers
Your doctor won’t be alone at the hospital. Include a Chief of Surgery, Attendings, Residents, interns and nurses. They can be minor characters or even passing characters that your readers will hear about maybe once or twice.
5. Clothes
If your character is a doctor, he/she will spend a lot of time in scrubs, a white coat, surgical cap and gloves when he/she is in surgery. But give him/her opportunities to wear other clothing, too. It’s always nice to see a doctor in a dress or suit.
6. Job
Follow your character during his/her shift. Have him/her go to the locker room, exam rooms, operating rooms, the cafeteria, and even a call room where your character can rest during a brutally long shift.
7. Night Shifts
A big part of being a doctor is having long shifts and working the night shift. Write about how a night shift can be slow in one moment and chaotic the next. And don’t forget to show the impact a night shift (or a 24 hour shirt) has on your character, it is physically grueling.
8. Patients
Show your character with patients he/she has to treat and interact with. When you’re doing this, you have the opportunity to delve deeply into the patients’ illnesses and pain by describing how they react, what they look like, and what they do to reveal how sick or hurt they are.
9. Surgery
Have your character perform (or assist with) surgery. You don’t have to describe every detail of the surgery, but knowing a few things about the operation and what your character will have to do if something goes wrong would be a good idea to make it real.
10. Personality
Your character can not be easily stressed or grossed out (unless he/she is an intern.) Doctors and nurses deal with vomit, feces, and other unpleasant things every day. Make your character tough, intelligent and quick thinking.
TIP #1: Research medical procedures and terms.
TIP #2: Watch movies and TV shows like NY Med, Grey’s Anatomy, ER, and Night Shift. Read books about doctors, too.
QUESTION: Do you have a common character type in your stories?
