D.E. Haggerty's Blog, page 89

Sexy Bastards Anthology ~ Pre-order & Release Blitz

 

 

Steamy Romance (Biker and Bad Boy)

Date of Publication:  Feb 8 (currently available for preorder)

A Collection of Bad Boy, Biker and Alpha Romance Stories

Featuring New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors. 12 top selling authors bring you 12 never-before-published Hot and Steamy Romance stories



Christine Bell – SWITCHBLADE

Michael Blade has always thought of Kaitlin Pepper as the irritatingly prissy girl next door, but when she mistakes him for his twin and shows up at his house wearing only a trench coat and a shaky smile, he starts to reconsider…

Bella Wild – BAD BOY BIKER

Jessie used to think being a parolee psychologist was her way of helping ex-cons get a second chance as they integrated back into society–until she met Jace. He’s the angry, inked, biker ex-con who refuses rehabilitation and insists on getting under her skin.

Sierra Rose – FORBIDDEN

This is the fu—- up version of Romeo and Juliet MC Club style…imagine Juliet a pistol, and Romeo a sexy, bad ass with wicked tats….oh, did I mention there’s lots of cursing, leather-clad bikers, motorcycles, and sex?

Lexy Timms – BILLIONAIRE BIKER

Katie’s not your usual rich girl, and Morgan’s not your typical biker. Falling for each other is inevitable, but what will happen when their worlds collide?

Dale Mayer – SALVATION

Beaten. Broken. Finished.

An abused wife meets the most unlikeliest of angels – a man who looks like the very devil himself. He won’t let her give up. Nor will he let her go. Will he be yet another captor or will he become her salvation?

Lisa Ladew – THE BIKER’S SECRET TORMENT

He’d loved her for as long as he could remember, but he would never pursue her, because he alone knew he was responsible for the one thing she would never forgive anyone for. When she starts to pursue him though, he doesn’t think he can keep his distance.

Cassie Alexandra – TAMING THE BIKER

After a short fling with hell-raising womanizer, Taylor (Tail) Adams, Lauren Macey discovers that she’s pregnant with the biker’s child. Knowing that the MC lifestyle isn’t what she wants for their baby, and that Tail isn’t exactly ‘father’ material, Lauren decides not to tell him. This proves challenging, especially when she realizes that he isn’t ready to end their affair…

Tasha Lyons – BIKER BLUES BABY

Morgan and Jazz have dealt with most of the horrific problems that plagued their fledging relationship, at least they hope so. But just as one horrific set of troubles falls away, another interesting one comes into play. Will they survive this one too?

C.J. Pinard – ANTIHERO

Can a street punk on the wrong path be transformed into a military killing machine? Once he’s been”rehabilitated”, Ellis Anderson is determined to show the woman he loves that he’s nothing like both the lives he’s left behind. But actions speak louder than words – and he has a lot of work ahead of him.

C.C. Cartwright – JUST LOVE ME

Justin can’t get Sloane out of his head. He pushes her away for being his little sister’s best friend, but now that she’s filled out in all the right places, will he be able to resist the innocent, yet enticing woman she has become?

Bella Love-Wins – DOG

Kane is now top dog in the Rugged Angels MC, and has slept with half the eligible biker chicks in Tucson. He meets his match when Kim, daughter of his club’s former president, just won’t give in to his usual tricks.

Kylie Walker – INDECENT DESIRES

District Attorney Eric Steel is used to getting his way, and when he meets the new intern hired for his team, he wants her: preferably stripped down and bound to his bed. From the moment Crystal Reid first obediently whispers “Yes, Mr. Steel,” he knows she’s perfect for him. He has less than 1 week to convince her…and he doesn’t plan on taking no for an answer.

Kendra Wild – BADASS

The company recruited Nick Taylor from the US Army Special Forces and turned him into a mean machine. His first undercover assignment – to pursue and protect Nicole Hunt, a crucial federal witness with dark secrets





Featured Excerpts

Forbidden by Sierra Rose Excerpt.
“I can’t stop thinking about her,” I said.
“She’s off limits. You know that. Her old man will shoot you dead. So stay the fuck away from that broad!”
“But I love a challenge…The more I can’t have her, the more I want her.”
“C’mon, man. She’s forbidden fruit.”
“I want to snatch that fruit off that tree…and just take one taste.”
“Look what happened to Eve,” he said. “Except she’ll make out better than you will. Because you’ll be dead when her dad catches you sniffing around his precious princess. You can’t pursue a doomed romance.”
“Is there such a thing as forbidden soul mates?”
“That girl will rip your soul in half.”
I laughed.
He sipped his beer. “There’s never a dull moment with Selene.”
“No, there’s not.”
“But seriously? Is she worth dying for? You need to ask yourself that question.”
“I’ve asked myself that question a million times. And it’s why I stay away.”
“Then keep doing what you’re doing. Because it’s good for your health. And why do you want to get involved with a crazy girl, anyway? She pushes the limits and constantly rides the edge.”
“And she does it fearlessly. That’s what I love about her. She’s not like any other girl I’ve ever met. She’s got spunk. She’s smart, spontaneous, a thrill-seeker, a risk-taker, and she loads of fun. Did I mention the fact she drives me absolutely insane? And her smile… There is nothing sexier to me than a woman’s smile.”
“I think it’s the thrill of the hunt. Men are aggressive by nature, and once we devour our prey, we’re off on the next hunt.”
“It’s more than that. She challenges me…inspires me like no other girl.”
“She’s toxic,” he said.
“Try….intoxicating.”
He threw his arms up in the air. “Okay, I give up. I think you’ve lost your mind because all you think of is the crazy sex you’ll get.”
“Crazy in the best way possible. But she’s not a whore. Crazy, yes. Loose? No. She doesn’t sleep around. She’s just wild and carefree.”
He nodded. “Selene’s like a wild horse that can’t be broken.”
“I’ll break her. You can count on that.”
“You tame her? Good luck. Besides, the wild ones are rarely relationship material anyway.”
“Who says I’m looking for a relationship?”
~~~
Lexy Timms Billionaire Biker
Tall, lean and curved in all the right places. Her breasts were on full display in a crisp red top that contrasted perfectly with her wide-legged white slacks. Her blondish-brown hair had been twisted into a perfect fishtail braid and the expensive, oversized sunglasses on her face hid her eyes but not her straight nose or full, lush mouth.
She was definitely in the wrong place. Morgan had seen her type before, curious rich girls from the other side of town slumming it up in the biker bar, grabbing their chests in excitement as they eagerly stepped in the door, blinking from the strong sunlight outside.
None of them ever dared to cross that threshold during the night hours, they came in the day—usually with one or two of their friends, all of them giggling madly at their own daring. Morgan tossed back a shot and watched her. He wasn’t the only one. Heads turned all over the place.
During the day the crowd was not so much biker as it was folks who just liked to ride. There was a definitive difference. Most of the people seated at the tables or who bellied up to the bar didn’t wear a patch, and if they did, those colors belonged to small obscure clubs, little vanity clubs made up of rich guys who wanted to be bikers on the weekends, and hedge managers during the week. The woman strolling across the floor fit in with them, for all he knew she was there to meet one of them.
Her perfume hit his nose. It was spicy and rich, and her ass was on full display as she leaned across the bar, causing those pants to pull taut across the pert slopes of her bottom. His eyes went right to those firm, uplifted cheeks.
Her voice, a sweet and slightly husky thing, filtered through the air as she said, “I’d like Maker’s Mark and a twist of lemon. Just a twist, not a huge wedge please.”
Jack, the burly bartender, gave her a filthy look and stalked off. Her red-hued nails tapped the bar. Morgan shook his head and took another sip of his drink. He had more important things to think about than this woman, but he couldn’t seem to get his mind off her, or his eyes either.
“He’s probably going to give me the whole damn lemon.”
There was amusement in her voice. Her fingers lay on the bar and he stared down at them before saying, “You’ll be lucky if he only gives you one.”
“Damn! Hoisted by my own petard. Or pickiness. Whichever suits the current situation.”
He chuckled, surprised by her wit. She whipped the glasses off to reveal a set of baby-blue eyes surrounded by a thick fringe of black lashes. He looked away. He had to keep his mind focused. Dealing with Craig was always tricky, dealing with Craig when he’d pulled some dumb-fuck move that could get the whole club in trouble was worse. The last thing he needed was to be distracted.
But what a freakin’ beautiful disaster of a distraction.
Jack came back and plunked a heavy tumbler filled with two fingers of whiskey onto the counter. He held the lemon half up in the air and gave it a hard twist. Morgan winced as a long squirt of lemon juice filled the glass, causing the lovely amber whiskey to turn cloudy.
Jack said, “With a twist, just like you ordered.”
Her hand shot out. She picked up the glass and turned it up, drinking down the vile-looking concoction. She set the glass down and gave Jack a creamy smile. “Perfect. Thanks. How much?”
She had guts. Morgan admired that and he saw the unwilling grin tugging at Jack’s lips. Morgan leaned in. “I got it.”
Jack nodded and walked away.
Her head turned. “Thanks but that’s not necessary.”
A closer look revealed her youth. Early twenties. Morgan grinned and shook his head. “I can’t believe you drank that.”
Her smile widened, revealing square white teeth. “I won’t believe it either later, I’m sure.”
He laughed, he couldn’t help it. He also couldn’t help asking, “No offense but what brought you in here, to the Orphan Pint bar?”
She sighed. “I’m escaping my boss.”
“I see.”
She checked her watch and rolled her eyes. “I should probably get back.”
“Or quit your job.”
“Wouldn’t that be nice? Just chuck it all and walk away.”
“It is.” His eyes met hers. “What do you do, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Her teeth went to her bottom lip. “I’m an assistant.”
“Like a personal assistant?”
“Yes.” She thought for a moment and added, “For the Wilkes family.”
~~~
Just Love Me – By C.C. Cartwright
Justin POV.
I’m enjoying a day at the beach and my sister Kylie shows up with her little posse of girlfriends. None of them are much to look at, except for one, and she looks vaguely familiar.
I admire her from a distance for a good part of the day. As I play volleyball with my buddies, she comes and watches. Of course I put on a show for her. You see, I’m Gods gift to women. I have a hard, lean body, which I work hard at maintaining, and the chicks dig it. I see Kylie’s sexy friend looking in my direction.
We take a break and decide to go and cool off in the waves. While my buddies and I are body surfing, I see Kylie’s enticing friend standing at the water’s edge in her teeny weeny bikini. I decide to venture onto shore and approach her as I walk out of the water.
“Hi Justin, don’t you remember me?” I hear a very feminine voice greet me as I walk up to her.
“Wait a minute, is that you, Sloane?” I finally realize who she is.
“Yes, don’t you recognize me?” She shoves me teasingly with her soft hands, making the skin on my wet chest sizzle.
“You’ve grown up,” I say, making no bones about eyeing her from head to toe and she actually blushes.
“So I’ve been told,” she says.
“How long has it been since I’ve laid eyes on you?” I eye her again.
“Too long,” she says in her seductive voice.
“What are you up to now?”
“I’m in my last year at Pepperdine,” she replies. So she is still local for me and my ears perk up, as well as other parts of my body.
“How about you?”
“I live and work in LA now,” I reply.
“Oh, that’s right, Kylie told me.”
The amount of sex appeal she packs in that petite frame of hers would have a guy hard in seconds. I’m already dying to get in between those long, sexy legs of hers. I can tell she knows it by the way she moves and tilts her head and pierces me with those sultry, exotic eyes of hers. The way her lips move leave me fantasizing about having them wrapped around me.
Her voice is the perfect combination of deep and throaty, yet it has a flirtatious lilt to it. Seriously, she could bottle it and sell it like an expensive perfume.
From eyeing her in her tiny bikini, which leaves little to the imagination, I peg her measurements to be 34-24-34 of pure perfection. She’s probably a C cup, a large handful, which looks even larger on her svelte body. She catches me eyeing her like a dog does with a bone. Yes, I want to consume her. But I have to approach this one just right. She definitely gets her share of attention and can pick and choose who she lets into her bed, would be my guess.
Judging by the way she sways those curvaceous hips of hers, she ain’t a virgin. She has probably heard every line that a guy on the make can throw her way. I need to think of my approach, although I have never had a problem getting what I want from the female persuasion. Girls flock to me and my rock hard body that I keep up by hitting the gym several times a week.
On top of her enticing physical attributes, she is articulate and smart. I find this to add to her appeal, not take away from it. I’m not like most guys, I need a girl who is smart and will challenge me to hold my interest. She tells me she’s still in school, studying business law at Pepperdine.
I myself just graduated. Set myself in a cool bachelor pad overlooking the city in one of those high-rise condos in Downtown LA. I just started working at Goldman Sachs as an up-and-coming Investment Banker.
As our beach party winds down, I manage to score Sloane’s number and a date with her for next Saturday night. I’ll be counting the days until I can get my hands on that sinful body of hers.
~~~





About the Authors



Featuring New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors. 12 top selling authors bring you 12 never-before-published Hot and Steamy Romance stories



Lexy Timms, Sierra Rose, Bella Love-Wins, Christine Bell, Bella Wild, Dale Mayer, Lisa Ladew ,Cassie Alexandra, C.J. Pinar), C.C. Cartwright, Kendra Wild, Kylie Walker







Purchase Links



Amazon


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B&N


Apple




Preorder Giveaway site



(no purchase necessary) 



Enter Here
 
 

How to get unstuck

Everyone has moments when they just can’t get their butt moving in the right direction. Whether it’s because you don’t feel like it, the ideas aren’t coming, or you’re just plain depressed, all writers suffer from the dreaded writer’s block. I’m not an expert or anything (the older I get the more I realize I’m an expert at exactly nothing), but I have come up with some strategies to get going again when I get stuck in the cursed land of Writer’s Block.

Just keep writing. It doesn’t have to be on your current manuscript. It doesn’t even have to be a blog article. Just keep the proverbial pen moving. I’ve learned over the years that the more I write, the more my muse visits me with ideas. I’m shocked by how many ideas for blog articles I actually have. I may complain – a lot – about writing a blog but I do have a journal with several pages of ideas (and no, this blog was not one of those ideas).

Set an alarm. One of my problems with working on a manuscript is distractions. There are emails, Facebook posts, tweets and even Pinterest updates to keep me distracted. I can easily wile away an entire morning dealing with social media and answering emails. By the time I get around to working on my manuscript, I just don’t feel like it (she says in an incredibly whiney voice). What’s the answer to my problem? Discipline. If I really can’t keep my head in the game, I set my iPhone timer for 45 minutes. During that time, I’m not allowed to check the Internet – at all. So not even for a spell check or quick research item. In my life, a quick research item can turn into an hour of trawling Urban Dictionary.

Brainstorm. If all else fails, do a brainstorm session about your current project. I have a journal for each novel I write. I jot down all my character and chapter ideas. I also outline the resolution of the mystery so I can throw clues into the novel here and there. Jotting down my ideas usually gets me excited to start writing again. It also takes away the excuse of I don’t know where to go from here. Totally one of my favorite excuses.

Go outside. I can’t even begin to count the number of ideas – whether blog articles, chapters, characters, or murder clues – I get while walking the dog. In fact, this blog was outlined in my head while I was walking the dog through the snowy, slippery streets on Sunday morning. Clear your mind and just enjoy the great outdoors, you’d be surprised the magic Mother Nature can weave.

Give yourself a break. Sometimes ideas just don’t flow. Sometimes depression feels like there’s a heavy cloud in which your head is incased. If you really can’t get yourself going, maybe you’re working on the wrong project? Switch directions. Maybe set aside the current manuscript and start a new project. Something you can get excited about. I’m currently living in Istanbul and everyone keeps pushing me that it’s a great location for a book and must give me awesome writing ideas. That’s not exactly how it works, though. But I pressured myself into coming up with a novel idea. I bought a journal, drafted an outline, and even wrote a few paragraphs in the first chapter. And that’s it. I couldn’t get excited about the project. I tried and tried and tried. I got depressed. I got frustrated. I got NOWHERE. My husband finally talked me into starting a different project. He said I could always come back to it when I felt like it. So far I haven’t felt like it, but I have published four books in the meantime.

I hope my ideas help. Got ideas of your own on dealing with writer’s block? I’d love to hear about them.

 

Review ~ Your Irresistible Love by Layla Hagen

Title: Your Irresistible Love (The Bennett Family Book 1)

Author: Layla Hagan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

~ Synopsis ~

Sebastian Bennett is a determined man. It’s the secret behind the business empire he built from scratch. Under his rule, Bennett Enterprises dominates the jewelry industry. Despite being ruthless in his work, family comes first for him, and he’d do anything for his parents and eight siblings—even if they drive him crazy sometimes. . . like when they keep nagging him to get married already. Sebastian doesn’t believe in love, until he brings in external marketing consultant Ava to oversee the next collection launch. She’s beautiful, funny, and just as stubborn as he is. Not only is he obsessed with her delicious curves, but he also finds himself willing to do anything to make her smile. He’s determined to have Ava, even if she’s completely off limits. Ava Lindt has one job to do at Bennett Enterprises: make the next collection launch unforgettable. Daydreaming about the hot CEO is definitely not on her to-do list. Neither is doing said CEO. The consultancy she works for has a strict policy—no fraternizing with clients. She won’t risk her job. Besides, Ava knows better than to trust men with her heart. But their sizzling chemistry spirals into a deep connection that takes both of them by surprise. Sebastian blows through her defenses one sweet kiss and sinful touch at a time. When Ava’s time as a consultant in his company comes to an end, will Sebastian fight for the woman he loves or will he end up losing her?

Get a copy ~ Amazon

~ Book Review~

Your Irresistible Love is a guilty read perfect for a Friday night when the hubby is working and you don’t have any plans with the girls. This is a sweet read with hardly any angst worthy of mention. There aren’t any twists or turns or surprises in the story, but sometimes that’s exactly what the doctor ordered.

I liked Ava and Sebastian. I always enjoy a story told from two different points of views, although I did feel that Ava’s point of view dominated at certain times in the story. The Bennetts are an incredibly sweet family (there’s that word again!). I think every reader wants to be a member of this family – or at least this reader did. The only negative about this family is how in the world can you keep the names, faces, and personalities straight? Not that that’s going to discourage me from reading the rest of the series or anything.

I recommend this read to anyone looking for a sweet, happy story to fill a cold Winter’s night.

 

 

 

Ambrielle Kirk – Wolf’s Temptation – Release Blitz

~ About the Book ~
Paranormal Romance
Date Published: January 23, 2016
 

In Wolf’s Temptation, Dawson Caedmon gets more than he bargains for when he agrees to help Alessia—a witch in peril—uncover a mystery surrounding her heritage. Their findings reek of danger, but Dawson will do anything in his power to keep Alessia from harm. His temptation may cost him his life. But is she or isn’t she truly his mate? Courting a witch and a perceived enemy could threaten the peace within the Pack. Is learning the truth worth the risks?

Get a copy ~ Amazon

~ About the Author ~

National Bestselling author Ambrielle Kirk writes multicultural erotic romance. Her alter ego, Amber Ella Monroe, writes paranormal and fantasy stories with romantic elements. As a bestselling author in several sub-genres, she’s 2012 Swirl Award winner and 2014 Romance of Novel Excellence (RONE) Award nominee in the paranormal categories. She’s a PAN member of RWA, FF&P RWA, and co-founder and treasurer of CIM RWA.

She loves weaving tales where undying love is the main element. When she’s not writing, she’s plotting. When she’s not writing or plotting, she’s reading. Her reading and writing tastes varies between anything from alpha bad boys and billionaires to vampires and shifters. She’s a thirty-something year old wife, mother, book hoarder, 90s music fan, earl grey tea drinker, dark roast coffee fiend, platform and stiletto shoe collector, Keurig lover, and martial arts/action movie fanatic.
~ Contact Links ~

Website ~ Twitter  

Why authors should spend some time googling hot men

It’s an indisputable fact (just like white snow) that if my friends were asked to describe me in one word several, if not the majority, would say – anal. Surprisingly, I don’t consider that an insult. I believe – somewhat strongly – in getting the facts right in a novel, article, and even a Facebook update. Yes, I realize authors needs to take literary license otherwise a crazy group of old ladies would never be able to solve crimes while visiting titty bars. But there are certain aspects of novels and writing for which being incorrect doesn’t add to the story and in fact just pisses me off.

So what’s pissing me off this week? Weights. And yes I realize that this does indeed prove that I’m anal. Maybe I’m more in tune with what men weigh from having been in the military or maybe it’s because my husband was once the Dutch National Champion in Judo (in case you don’t know, judo is one of those sports that require weigh-ins with or without underwear). Or maybe it’s the simple fact that figuring out how much a man should weigh is as simple as a Google search.

By now, you are either nodding your head in agreement with me or wondering what in the world I’m going off about now. Let me use an example. The main lead in a book – let’s say an MC romance – is a well buff man who is 6’5”. So far, my tongue is starting to roll outside my mouth. But here it comes. He weighs 175 pounds. WHAT? Well buff should be full of nice thick, ropey muscles for me to hang on to. At 175 pounds, a 6’5” man is lean not well buff.

It’s called Google folks. There is so much information out there it’s actually quite overwhelming. So what should the consciousness author do? That’s easy. Think of an athlete or actor who looks – at least body wise – like you want your hero to look. Go on your computer. Turn on Google and voilà – there’s the weight you’re looking for.

Take my above example. What’s a man who is over 6-foot-tall and weighs 175 pounds look like? He looks like Novak Djokovic who is 6’2” and weighs 172 (FYI: all major tournaments will list the players with their height and weight). And while I love Djokovic, he’s not exactly well buff, is he? No, he’s lean and strong. There’s nothing wrong with that (I say as I discretely fan myself), but he doesn’t exactly fit the character description of well buff.

I won’t even go into my usual diatribe about supposedly chubby women who wear a size 8. I’ll just stop now, shall I? So come on writers – make me proud! Check out Google before deciding on a weight for your main man. And if you just happen to need to spend some time checking out some shirtless pictures of hot athletes in order to come to a decision, well that’s just research, isn’t it?

Release Day Blitz ~ Zeke by Kelly Gendron

Book Title:Zeke (Breaking The DeClan Brothers)

Author:Kelly Gendron

Genre:Contemporary Erotic Romance

Release Date:January 22, 2016

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

“Some guys call, some date, and some guys, they might even get married.

But, sweetheart, I ain’t any of those guys…” ~ Zeke Declan

Every girl in Galveston County knows about Zeke Declan’s rules and has agreed to them or is considering them.

Rule #1 Don’t call him. He’ll call you.

Rule #2 He doesn’t date.

Rule #3 No sleepovers.

Rule #4 Absolutely, no virgins.

When a couple friends talk me into going back to their hometown in the Bayou for the summer and challenge me to break “the best damn lay in Galveston County” along with every single one of his ridiculous rules, I’m confident that I can get the job done. I’m no stranger to men. I have five older brothers. I’m a teacher and I’m used to being around rebellious teenagers. However, Zeke Declan is definitely not someone that I could have prepared for. He’s not a testosterone-fueled, immature boy. He’s a confident, arousing, playful, and mind-melting man. But, behind that sexy charming smile, I know he’s hiding a secret. And, in order to break him, I’m going to need to find out what it is…

Kelly’s motto ~ “Bad boys, give ’em a little time and experience, and they will evolve into misbehaving men!” And what hot-blooded woman doesn’t want a naughty, all grown up bad boy?

Kelly Gendron is the author of the TroubleMaker series, Breaking the Declan Brothers series, and a few other romantic suspense novels.

When she’s not writing steamy, blush producing romances, she’s out meeting new people while representing a group of reputable nursing facilities. You can find Kelly in a quiet suburb, somewhere between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. If you Google her, she’ll pop up there too. And, please do find her. Kelly loves to hear from her readers, and meeting new people.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Interview with Susan Corbett, Author of In the Belly of the Elephant

Today I’m welcoming Susan Corbett, author of In the Belly of the Elephant, to Readsalot. She’s talking about her experiences in Africa and what it was like to write about her years in the Peace Corps.

What inspired you to write your memoir?

When I came home from Africa in 1982, people would ask me, “How was it?” How do you explain five years of an experience that changed your life in one brief conversation? I had also kept detailed journals the entire time I was in Africa. In 1991, after I had married and had my 2 boys, I quit working full time to be with my small children. I started reading my journals again and realized I wanted to share my story with the world.

What’s your favorite part about the writing process?

I love structuring stories. I had flip charts up all over the walls with story structure, charts tracking characters, events, myths, etc. I also love the actual writing of the story. I love language and tried to describe Africa and my experiences in words that put the reader in the scene with all 5 senses. I love writing about place. I loved reliving so many of the things that happened to me and remembering the people who had such an impact on me. I love the act of sharing what I learned through story.

If readers could only learn only one thing from your life story, what would you want that lesson to be?

Go out and discover the world!! It is so important to experience and try to understand other people, other cultures, other perspectives. It is the only way there will ever be peace in our world.

Are you planning to publish more of your life story? If so, when can we expect it?

Writing In the Belly of the Elephant was a gut-wrenching, ego smashing, act of sending my naked soul out for the whole world to see. I don’t plan on writing another memoir. HOWEVER, I am currently writing a mystery series about a group of women (based on my old high school buddies) my age (50’s) who go traveling and get embroiled in local unsolved mysteries. These books will be full of my life experiences, my perspective, my love of place and travel, and the lessons I want to share with the world. I have chosen this path because more people read fiction. Fiction is easier on the body and soul to write and more fun.

Is there anecdote from your time in Africa that didn’t make it into your memoir which can share with us?

Hmmm. A funny one. I was traveling through West Africa with some Peace Corps friends. We were taking local transport which entails a lot of waiting and sitting. Consequently, I had become very constipated. A friend we had visited had given me a baggie of loose tea to help with the constipation. When we came to the border check point to enter Ghana, one of the soldiers went through my back pack and found the bag of tea. Thinking it was marijuana (illegal throughout Africa) they put me in a back room for questioning. Usually at this point, one is expected to bribe one’s way out of a situation. Instead, I spent a lot of time explaining in a very animated way, that I had a bad case of constipation and that the baggy was tea to help me poop. The soldiers found this so funny, they let me go without a bribe. Africans love humor. Using my sense of humor got me out of a lot of touchy situations.

What’s the most amusing thing that happened to you while writing In The Belly of the Elephant?

Reading through my journals and reliving the many, many times I spent laughing with Peace Corps and African friends was a lot of fun. Living in Africa, I often found myself in situations (like the one above) that could have been real downers and even dangerous, had I not chosen to find and/or insert humor into the mix. It seems to be a universal truth that people respond positively to humor as long as they are included in the humor and not the brunt of it.

~ About the Book ~

Title: In The Belly of the Elephant

Author: Susan Corbett

Genre: Non Fiction/Memoir

Date Published: December 18, 2013

~ Synopsis ~

Everybody needs to run away from home at least once. Susan Corbett told people she was out to save the world, but really she was running — running from her home as much as to anywhere. Like many women, she was searching for meaning to her life or for a good man to share it with. In Africa, she hoped to find both.

 Compelling and compassionate, In the Belly of the Elephant is Susan’s transformative story of what happens when you decide to try to achieve world peace while searching for a good man. More than a fish-out-of-water story, it’s a surprising and heart-rending account of her time in Africa trying to change the world as she battles heat, sandstorms, drought, riots, intestinal bugs, burnout, love affairs and more than one meeting with death. Against a backdrop of vivid beauty and culture, in a narrative interwoven with a rich tapestry of African myths and fables, Susan learns the true simplicity of life, and discovers people full of kindness, wisdom and resilience, and shares with us lessons we, too, can learn from her experiences.

Purchase Links

Amazon ~  Barnes & Noble ~  Smashwords

~ About The Author ~

A writer, community organizer, and consultant in program management, micro-enterprise development, family planning, and HIV/AIDS education, Susan Corbett began her community development career in 1976 as a Peace Corps Volunteer, working in a health clinic in Liberia, West Africa. In 1979, she joined Save the Children Federation as a program coordinator for cooperative and small business projects in Burkina Faso.  In 1982, Susan returned to the States where she has worked with local non-profits in drug and alcohol prevention for runaway youth, family planning, homelessness prevention, and immigrant issues.

Susan has traveled to over 40 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Caribbean, and Central and North America and has lived and worked in ten African countries over the past thirty years (Uganda, Tanzania, Mali, The Gambia, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Mauritius, Tunisia, Nigeria, and Liberia). She lives in Colorado with her husband, Steve, her sons, Mitch & Sam, and her dog, Molly.

Website

I don’t write literature and that’s okay!

Everyone wants to write the Great American Novel. Okay, that’s an exaggeration. Every would-be American author wants to write The Great American Novel. Except me. I always was a rebel. That’s a lie. Well, not the part about being a rebel – that part’s true. Once upon a time I too had some grandiose idea that I could write a great piece of literature. Maybe not THE Great American Novel, but something in that area. After publishing three books, I realized I wasn’t kidding anyone – including myself.

Three books in I was barely selling enough books to be able to call myself a writer. And the comments! Oh boy, the comments. They did my head in. I wasn’t really sure what to do with myself. I enjoy writing and self-publishing was a dream come true, but between the lack of sales and not exactly stellar reviews, I wasn’t sure how to proceed.

A friend of mine had been pushing me for years to write a chick lit novel. I had – literally – turned my nose up at the idea. That’s not the sort of thing I write, I said. But why not? Hmm. That’s a question I couldn’t answer without sounding like a complete jerk. When my muse visited me in the shower to relay an idea for a book and the idea turned out to be somewhat of a chick lit novel, I decided to give it a try.

I’ve now written four chick lit novels. Three of which are a cozy mystery series (The Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives) and one of which is a romantic comedy (Molly’s Misadventures). Despite these novels obviously being just plain fun, I continue to get reviews which fault me not on the book I’ve written but the book I should have written.

What the heck am I talking about? Here’s an example. Jack Gets His Man is a cozy mystery with a gay man as the main character. Despite the novel being a light, cozy mystery, some reviewers were appalled that I didn’t discuss being homosexual in America today. Of course, I didn’t! Jack Gets His Man is a funny mystery – not a treatise on prejudice in modern society.

With my latest book, Molly’s Misadventures, I’ve again received some critique about the book I should have written instead of the book I’ve actually written. That’s made me spend some time thinking about my writing goals. Not my goal as to what I write but my goal as to what a reader should get out of my writing. And here’s what I came up with.

My goal with my books is to make the reader forget about her life and the world surrounding it for a few hours. Nothing more. Nothing less. And you know what? There’s value in that. Especially in a world in which terrorist attacks seem to be a daily occurrence. So yeah, I write chick lit and I’m damn proud of it.

Dreaming of Cash $250 Giveaway

Dreaming of Cash $250 Giveaway

An Awesome Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined with me to bring you 1 fabulous prize!!

We’re giving away $250 in Paypal Cash! Or alternately you can choose a $250 Amazon.com eGift Code!

Sponsor List – Thanks to these awesome bloggers & authors for sponsoring this giveaway!!

Sponsor List

I Am A Reader

Melissa M. Frye

Here We Go Again…Ready?

Unshelfish

Heather Gray, Author

The YA Gal

Auggie @ AuggieTalk

Jenna Lyn Field

Kimberly Krey

Lori’s Reading Corner

Simple Wyrdings

Hidden World Books

Author Inger Iversen

Melanie McFarlane Books

Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke

Kimber Leigh Wheaton

Suzi Love

Rockin’ Book Reviews

Author Georgina Young-Ellis

Author Ednah Walters

Author D.E. Haggerty

Laurie Here – Cont Fiction and More

Author Cindy C Bennett

Krysten Lindsay Hager author

Literary Winner

Mia Siegert, Author

The Page Unbound

Glistering Bs Blog

Bonnie Blythe Pure Romance

Bella Street’s Time Travel Romance

The Book Referees

Author Wendi Sotis

Nikki Jefford

Author A. Gardner

Dark and Dreamy With C. C. Marks

Diana’s Book Reviews

Author Joy Penny

Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 1/30/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or who can redeem an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Spotlight on Sweet Pepper Hero by J.J. Cook

Title: Sweet Pepper Hero: A Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade

Author: J.J. Cook

Published: January 5, 2016

Publisher: Penguin Random House, LLC

Genre: Cozy Mystery

~ Synopsis ~

Old rivalries heat up in the fourth Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade mystery from the national bestselling author of In Hot Water.

Fire chief Stella Griffin has been put in charge of judging the annual recipe contest, but Eric—her resident ghost and true culinary genius—has vanished. Before she can track down his latest haunt, she’s called in to investigate a local moonshine distillery that was set ablaze, making her realize there’s more than pies and cakes cooking in Sweet Pepper.

As rumors of a revived whiskey war ignite, Stella turns to the town’s elders to help her find answers. The past might have some clues as to what has sparked the present fires. But when following a lead lands her in buried rubble, Stella realizes she must extinguish this case fast or she might be going down in flames.

Purchase Links:

Amazon     B&N     Google Play

 ~ Praise for Sweet Pepper Hero ~

This is a totally unique series that mixes paranormal and cozy mystery in a way that will make you want more…Fantastic book! ~A Chick Who Reads

The mystery is a true page turner that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the end. ~Booklady’s Booknotes

I always enjoy a story with a strong, intelligent female lead character, and Stella fit the bill perfectly… ~The Book’s the Thing

The pace is fast, the mystery isn’t easily solved, and there’s plenty of fun. ~fuonlyknew

Danger and action, possibly some future romance and dastardly revenge are being plotted. Get comfortable and visit Sweet Pepper and the fascinating people working with Chief Stella Griffin. ~Laura’s Interests

Filled cover to cover with action, mystery, and fun, I was turning the pages faster and faster as I followed the solid plot and read my way to the explosive conclusion. I didn’t want this book to end! ~Lisa K’s Book Reviews

~ About the Author ~

J.J. Cook is a pseudonym for a married couple who writes mysteries, mostly set in the South, with a touch of paranormal and romance.

Author Links:

Webpage       Facebook      Twitter

~ Giveaway ~

 One (1) print copy will be given away (US addresses only, sorry)! Leave a comment to be entered – random drawing. I’m in Cyprus on vacation and will leave the contest open until I return to Istanbul on January 21st. Make sure to comment and get yourself entered into the contest before then!