Blog Tour: Interview with Judy Powell {Sizzling PR}
Welcome to my blog, Judy. Can you tell us what titles you have published?
I have three romance novels available in the Amazon Kindle store. First, 'Hot Summer' is set in Chicago and Jamaica and tells the story of record producer, Lance Munroe and feisty grad student, Summer Jones, and how their conflicts lead to love. Second 'Hot Chocolat' (the sequel) takes us into the corporate world and the battle that ensues between corporate troubleshooter, Rod Sterling and the director of sales, Lisa Evans. Third, 'Some Like It Hot' presents medical doctor Kingston Tennant and anthropologist, Debbie Lee Grant, and the issues that arise when their worlds collide. And for those who like historical or literary novels, there's 'Coffee, Cream and Curry' which uses fiction to highlight the history of the island of Jamaica.
Can you describe your daily writing routine?
As much as I enjoy sleeping I'm usually up by five in the morning even on weekends. This is when I get a lot of writing done, before the phone starts ringing and my son begins calling for attention. The sad thing is, many times just when I'm getting absorbed in the story I have to stop to begin the work day (at around 7 a.m.). I can hardly wait for the day when I'm able to write at my heart's content.
I can relate. Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I am definitely a plotter. I have to know exactly how the story will turn out from beginning to end before I put the first word down. I feel lost without my little outline sheet. I admire writers who jump right into a book without knowing how it will end. That would scare me to death. What if I got halfway and had no idea where to go from there? For me, a chapter by chapter outline takes the fear away so that I can focus on story and style.
What genres do you enjoy reading? Writing?
I love reading romance stories. Give me an alpha male and a spirited heroine and I'm hooked. Oh, and a bag of popcorn to go with that. What else could a girl ask for? (unless it's to meet the hero in real life). My love for romantic stories led to my writing them. I try to write novels that I would enjoy reading – lots of conflict and drama and just enough love scenes to make it spicy. When I write I always fall in love with the hero. Now let's see, which one is my favorite – Lance, Rod, King? How to choose?
What is your favorite book that you've read?
My all-time favorite book is 'The Wolf and the Dove', a historical romance by the late Kathleen Woodiwiss. I first read that novel when I was a teenager and I still have 3 copies on my bookshelf today. I go back and read the whole novel every couple of years. It's one of those stories that hook you from beginning to end. In fact, each time I walk past the bookshelf I know not to stop and open the book unless I have a lot of time on my hands because if I ever do then I'll be late for work, I'll forget to make dinner, the laundry will sit untouched, etc.. You get the picture.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?
I always advise aspiring writers to do two things. The first is to set yourself a goal with a specific date/ deadline connected to it. When there is no end date in sight the typical person tends to procrastinate. However, you are more driven and focused when you know you have to deliver by a certain date. If you have no real deadline then create a self-imposed one. Second: write, write, write. Even when you're not in the mood still write. The more you write the better you become at writing. So reach for your goal, make your deadline and just write.
Great advice! Where can my readers find you?
For more information on me or on my books readers can visit www.judypowell.com. I love hearing from my readers so please drop by and visit. I can also be reached at info@judypowell.com.
Hot Summer Blurb:A hot-tempered spitfire and a sexy, arrogant man – put them together and sparks fly!
After her first embarrassing encounter Summer Jones vows to stay away from suave record producer, Lance Munroe. But then she ends up working for the man. Her quick temper and sharp tongue keep landing her in hot water with him but no matter how hard she tries she can't deny her growing attraction for him. Then they go on a business trip to Jamaica – and her world is turned upside down.
Lance is intrigued by the feisty woman who practically tells him off the first time they meet. When they begin working together he realizes how much he enjoys the challenge of taming the little tigress. But, before he knows it, he's the one caught in the snare of passion. The tables are turned – the tigress has tamed the lion.
If you love the sizzle of a romance between two strong-willed individuals, follow Summer and Lance from Chicago to Jamaica and be swept away in the thrill of their hot summer.
Excerpt:
As he spoke he leaned back into the couch and peered up at her through half-closed eyes. She turned away from his gaze and quickly opened the bottles and poured bubbling liquid into both glasses.
"Here you go," she said with a smile and handed him the drink. She sat on the edge of the sofa beside him but as far away as was polite. She put the glass to her lips and sipped the sharp cold liquid, feeling the bubbles bursting in her mouth.
She felt his eyes on her and gulped more liquid, then opened her eyes wide as it flooded her throat. Her eyes burned and she struggled to swallow but it was no use. Before she could cover her mouth she coughed violently, spraying her lap and the coffee table with soda.
Summer clapped her hands over her mouth, but too late. The damage was already done. Her eyes grew huge with distress and she looked across at Lance, hot with embarrassment.
"Are you alright?" He'd quickly rested his glass on the table and was leaning towards her, a large white handkerchief in his hand. She took it gratefully, still coughing. Then the spasms gradually subsided and she was able to look at him again. Her eyes were brimming with tears.
"Are you crying?" He looked incredulous, almost out of his depth, as he raised his hand and wiped away a tear with his thumb.
Summer dabbed at her eyes, sniffed, then looked up at him again, her lips curling into a grin. "Of course not, silly. I'm not crying. It's the coughing that made my eyes fill up with tears." Somehow, seeing him look so nonplussed had made her more at ease with him.
"Silly, huh?" He smiled back at her. "You're the one who gulped down a carbonated drink too fast and ended up losing the whole lot all over yourself. So, who's silly?"
While he was speaking Lance had rested his arm at the back of the couch right behind her head and had begun to gently stroke her nape with his thumb. Summer swallowed hard but couldn't get the lump out of her throat.
"I guess…I am," she said, her voice breathless.
"Yes," he whispered as he leaned forward to press his warm lips against the side of her neck, "you are."
Summer's breath came in shallow gasps as she sat still, not feeling she could move even if she wanted to. She was like a bird frozen in the mesmerizing stare of a snake, knowing it was about to be eaten alive but not able to make a move to save its own life.
She moaned and closed her eyes as his lips stroked the sensitive skin then moved to the base of her throat where he licked softly and gently. She didn't realize that she was still clutching the handkerchief tightly in her hand until she felt his strong fingers pry hers open to pull it away so that he could seduce her palm with his thumb.
"Relax, baby." He moved his lips up her neck and to her ear. "You're so tense. Just relax."
As he spoke he pushed her back gently into the plush pillows and began to nibble her ear lobe. He gave a lick just behind her ear and shock waves ran down her spine.
"Oh, God," she breathed, "what are you doing to me?"
"What someone should have done to you a long time ago, Summer Jones," he whispered. "Teach you what it means to be a woman."
He dipped his head and slid his lips back down her neck, over her collar bone and down to that oh, so sensitive place between the curves of her breasts. Here he paused and she held her breath, eyes shut tight, wondering if he was going to stop now. She prayed he wouldn't.
She was not disappointed. An involuntary gasp escaped her lips as he slipped a warm tongue down her cleavage, sliding it between the orbs and teasing her soft flesh until her body screamed and she felt she would die from the sweet sensation. She grabbed the back of his head and pressed him into her, wanting more of the pleasure, more of the sweetness…
Author Bio:
Judy Powell is a writer and marketing consultant who lives in Ontario, Canada. Her works are diverse, featuring romance novels, a historical novel and non-fiction essays which have appeared in anthologies. Her titles include 'Hot Summer' which placed second in the Toronto Romance Writers Contemporary Romance Competition, 'Hot Chocolat' – the sequel to 'Hot Summer', 'Some Like It Hot' – a sensual multicultural romance novel, and 'Coffee, Cream and Curry' – a literary work which received the silver medal in a national creative writing competition.
Judy is a great lover of learning which is reflected in the diversity of her studies which includes Masters degrees in Spanish, Marketing, Literature and Creative Writing and a BA in Foreign Languages & International Business. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa (US Honor Society), Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers, and Writers and Editors Network of Canada. She loves to travel and has lived in countries including Puerto Rico, the USA, France, Jamaica and Canada. She likes to feature diverse cultures in her works.
