Showing posts with label author feature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author feature. Show all posts

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Author Interview: Erin Ashley Tanner

Author Interview: Erin Ashley Tanner

What is the title of your book?
Dirty Little Secrets

Please tell us a little bit about your book.
Dirty Little Secrets is about Ava Hill, a beautiful widow running her own successful business and raising her daughter after the demise of her mafia boss husband, Joseph. Ava thinks that with her husband gone, she finally is going to have the chance to live life on her own terms. Unfortunately fate has other plans. Dominic Sambarino shows up claiming to be her dead husband’s love child and he wants a share of the inheritance that Ava’s daughter is entitled to. Naturally the two are at odds, but when strange things start to happen, they find themselves thrown together and having to battle their feelings for one another.

How did you come up with your book idea?
Honestly this novel was born from an attempt to force myself to write my novels on my laptop instead of by hand in a journal. I just started writing whatever came to mind and somehow in the midst of that the story featured two things I love: mafia and a strong female character.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes. Love is hardly ever neat and like a fairy tale. It’s messy, and scary with a lot of bumps in the road to happiness.

If your book became a movie, what would your ideal cast be?
Ava would be Vanessa Williams. Dominic would be Leandro Lima, the model. They are who I saw in my head as I was writing.

What are your publishing credits?
I have two paranormal romances in a series called The Demi-god Daughters with Evernight Publishing. They are Goddess of Legend and Goddess by Chance.

What are your plans for the future?
To continue writing whatever the muse demands of me, and probably next year I’d like to self-publish something.

What is your day job?
Right now I don’t have a day job as just graduated from nursing school and am studying to pass nursing boards. Previously, I was a Legal Assistant.

What is your preferred genre to write?
That’s tough, but if I’m going to be honest I’d have to say paranormal. There is much more freedom when you write in that genre because no one can say, “Hey that can’t happen” or “That’s not plausible.” Anything can happen in paranormal.

How did you become a writer?
I’ve always written stories since I was a little girl. They were like a page or two. It wasn’t until 2012 when I said I’m going to get serious about writing. That year I wrote Goddess of Legend.

Are you a planner, complete with detailed outlines, or do you fly by the seat of your pants when writing?
I’m somewhere in the middle. I usually have just the hint of an idea, who the hero and heroine are, and maybe like three to four sentences about what the book is about. From there, I start writing. I have no idea what is going to happen from chapter to chapter. My characters dictate everything.

What is the best writing advice that you have ever been given?
Keep writing, because with every novel you finish, your writing will only get better.

What advice would you give a new writer?
Write and read as much as you can. Be willing to learn from others because there is a wealth of information out there.

What other projects do you have in the works at the moment?
Currently I’m working on my first murder mystery novel, The Venus Deception. I’m also working on the first in a new mafia series, Deadly Arrangement.

What surprises can we expect from you in the future?
In 2016? Maybe mermaids. I’m not sure yet, but you can definitely look for my next release with Samhain Publishing, Devious Little Lies next year.

If you could journey into any of your books, interacting with the characters, which would it be and why?
I would probably journey into Goddess of Legend, the first novel I ever wrote. I love the heroine Cameryn Kane and the hero Hades, Greek God of the Underworld. As a fan of Greek mythology, there would be so much to learn and explore. Besides that, Cameryn is the kick-ass, take-no-mess woman I’ve always wanted to be and Hades is my absolute dream guy. I’m sure I would have an awesome time.

What are you reading?
The Patriot Threat by Steve Berry

What’s the most amusing thing that’s happened to you while you were writing this story?
I wrote one particular scene that made me sweat. That was a new experience.

What public appearances do you have planned in the future?
None that I know of right now.

Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate to eat. Vanilla to drink.

What is your favorite drink?
Coca-Cola

Who is your dream man and why?
Idris Elba because not only is he gorgeous to look at with a damn sexy accent, but he’s also supremely talented, articulate, and intelligent. To me, he is the total package.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans?
I want to thank everyone who has ever purchased a copy of anything I’ve written, shared, or tweeted about it. I really appreciate it. And thank you for having me.


On behalf of Simply Sexy Reads, thank you!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Erin Ashley Tanner is a Southern girl born and raised in Northwest Florida. A proud alumni of the University of Central Florida and Florida State University, Erin is a multi-genre author specializing in steamy tales of suspense.

LINKS FOR ERIN ASHLEY TANNER: 


ERIN ASHLEY TANNER'S PUBLISHED WORKS: 
Goddess of Legend
Goddess by Chance
Dirty Little Secrets

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Author Interview: Elaine White

Author Interview: Elaine White

What is the title of your book?
Courage in the Kiss

Please tell us a little bit about your book.
Courage in the Kiss is a novel that I wrote at least a decade ago. It was my first 'erotic' romance, but it's been drastically re-written recently, from the original story.

Courage is about Hadley, who is a live-in maid and 'almost' member of the William's family. Orphaned at a young age, Emerson Williams took her in and let her grow up with his two sons, Maxx and Micah. From the moment she knew what love was, Hadley’s been head over heels about Maxx, but too afraid to admit it, because their childhood friendship withered the moment he became a businessman, like his father.

Working and living for the family has always been home for her, but things are about to change in a very big way.

How did you come up with your book idea?
It's actually been so long that I can't remember. I think it was after sneaking a copy of my gran's Mills and Boons books. She had a Christmas collection, when I was staying over one summer, when I was about fourteen, and there was this one scene that really annoyed me in one of the books, because it didn't feel 'right'. I rewrote it, but then got engrossed in writing my own story, that I stupidly thought was 'better'. LOL. Now, after all these years, as soon as I started editing the original story for publishing, I finally saw the light and knew exactly why I'd never tried to publish it before. The ending was all wrong. In re-writing it, I've probably written about 80% of the book. But it's for the best.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
That you should never put labels on people and sometimes, a secret can do more harm than good. Not speaking up, when it's important, can really affect the decisions that you and other people make.

If your book became a movie, what would your ideal cast be?
I think that Chelsea Culigan would be great as Hadley, who is feisty and a little bit vulnerable, at the same time. I'd absolutely love to have Sam Page as Maxx; the straight-laced businessman who lets his sexiness show, only when he makes a move on Haldey.

What are your publishing credits?
Well, I currently have four novels released with Write More Publications, as well as two short stories in WMP anthologies. I also have four novels published with Hot Ink Press, and am featured in two of their anthologies. There are more to come, with both companies. Courage in the Kiss will be my first story with Simply Sexy Reads.

What are your plans for the future?
Lots. I have a few more sexy MF stories that I'll be pitching to Simply Sexy Reads, in the future, and lots more YA novels, to be sent to WMP. And there are always more MM novels for Hot Ink Press. Lots going on and lots of editing to do.

What is your day job?
I’m a writer. At the moment, my health prevents me from working any other job, so I’m living my dream right now.

What is your preferred genre to write?
Romance. Basically, anything with romance is a green light, for me. My motto is “Romantic at Heart”, because I'll write any genre once, as long as I can integrate a romance.

How did you become a writer?
By fluke, I think. I remember not reading or writing much until I was almost fourteen. I was able to read and write before I got to school, but it was never really a passion until my English teacher in high school got hold of me. He introduced me to books that I loved and that I loved debating about. All the other books I’d been encouraged to read at school had never been my taste, so I’d definitely say that he helped me refine my taste in literature and showed me how to expand on that passion.

Are you a planner, complete with detailed outlines, or do you fly by the seat of your pants when writing?
I’m somewhere in between, I think. I generally start the story with a vague idea of a beginning, middle, and end. I write notes of what I want, in a vague way, and make sure to note any 'set' conversations that I really want to take place. Other than that, I run with the story as it happens. Sometimes what I planned doesn't always work out or the characters change their mind. I'm happy to let them lead the way.

What is the best writing advice that you have ever been given?
To keep fighting through the writer's block. I used to get it all the time, so much so that I wouldn't touch a story for over a year, until I'd worked out the plot problems. No matter how bad the story gets, I just keep working on it until it's done. Any editing or plot problems can be fixed in editing.

What advice would you give a new writer?
Edit the heck out of any book you write, before you send it to anyone. Editing is where I find all of my mistakes. And, if you have a Kindle or e-reader, use Calibre to convert your document into the right format and read it on the e-reader. Trust me, you'll notice all the little niggles this way. The e-reader forces you to read your story as any other reader would and reconstructs the formatting, so with lesser words per line, you're more likely to spot mistakes. You can also highlight and make notes.

Editing is probably the most valuable tool you'll ever have, as a writer. Once a book is written, it needs to be edited at LEAST five times, by yourself or other people, before you show it to anyone. It’s a lot of work, but the story will thank you for it.

What other projects do you have in the works at the moment?
So many that it's a little crazy. :) I have a folder of fifteen stories that have been started or are in full 'note' form and really well planned, that I have to write up. Then, I have another twenty that are vague that will need a lot of work, too. Right now, I probably have around three books that are ready for SSR, with some editing and tweaking, so they’re probably next on my list.

What surprises can we expect from you in the future?
Who knows? I can barely tell where stories will take me, so probably somewhere crazy.

If you could journey into any of your books, interacting with the characters, which would it be and why?
Hard choice. I’d probably choose to step into Courage in the Kiss, because I’ve love to meet Maxx in person. ;)

What are you reading?
Unfortunately, nothing at the moment. I'm so busy editing and writing that I don't have much time for reading right now. I wish I did, my TBR list is huge! Lol.

What’s the most amusing thing that’s happened to you while you were writing this story?
Definitely the research. Some of the things I've had to look up, while re-writing this have been hilarious. But I'm not going to share, right now, because that would be giving away secrets.

What public appearances do you have planned in the future?
None. At the moment, my health doesn't allow for public appearances, but I'd definitely love to do some in the far future.

Chocolate or vanilla?
Hmm...either or? Honestly, I don’t mind either way. I'm easily pleased. :)

What is your favorite drink?
I'm a good Scottish girl, so it has to be Irn Bru. It perks you right up, when you need a boost.

Who is your dream man and why?
I'm a sucker for Gerard Butler. I mean, that voice, that smile, those eyes...and he looks damned good in a kilt. ;)

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans?
Teaser poster


On behalf of Simply Sexy Reads, thank you! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Elaine White was born and raised in the small town of Haddington, Scotland. She began writing from an early age,  experiment with various writing styles. Fighting cancer in her early teens taught her that life is short and dreams should be pursued. Now, she finds inspiration everywhere, which has led to numerous novels and series in any genre that can involve romance. Elaine currently lives at home in Scotland with her parents and a pack of wolves cleverly disguised as one standard poodle. She is a full-time writer.

ELAINE WHITE'S AUTHOR LINKS: 
Twitter: @ElleLainey

ELAINE WHITE'S PUBLISHED WORKS:


Thursday, October 15, 2015

Author Interview: Elizabeth Lynx

Author Interview: Elizabeth Lynx

What is the title of your book?
Rules of Payne

Please tell us a little bit about your book.
It is the story of Morgana Drake, a young woman living in Chicago and following her dream to get into the Executive Development Program at her job at Mimir, the third largest online retailer.

The only problem is that her boss, Henrik Payne, VP of Sales and Marketing, is a jerk, not just to her but to everyone he meets. She wouldn’t be so bothered by this fact; she has dealt with bad people in her life before, but Morgana is also insanely attracted to Henrik.

Also, Henrik has a problem with giving her orgasms whenever he feels like it. He tries to stick to his strict rules of not getting involved with women and remaining extremely professional at work, but Morgana seems to be his weakness.

This is book 1 of 2 and ends on a cliffhanger, but the second book Rules of Payne 2, has just come out and is only 0.99 cents!

His rules get broken while she keeps risking her dreams.

How did you come up with your book idea?
I had read several boss/secretary type of romances, even some comedies and either it wasn’t steamy enough or was way too steamy or didn’t have the humor I was looking for. So, I created Morgana and Henrik. I wanted that alpha male boss with the quirky assistant. I believe you can have humor and sexy times in the same book. I tell people it’s as if Bridget Jones went to work for Christian Grey.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Umm…eat cake? No seriously, Morgana does have a serious cake addiction in this book. I guess if anything, I didn’t want to write a female character that was uncomfortable in her body. The woman likes cake, so yes, and she has a little meat on her bones. I didn’t want that to have ANYTHING at all to do with her actions or thoughts. She saw herself as a sexy, smart and confident woman just trying to get ahead in the world. She is secure in herself and I wanted that to shine through. I hope readers see that it’s not how you look that people are attracted to, it’s who you are on the inside. On that same note, Henrik is a powerful figure, VP of the company and definitely an alpha male, but on the inside, he is unsure of himself. To the outside world, he is almost perfect: rich, powerful, and handsome and could have any woman he wants. But on the inside, he has nothing.

I want the reader to realize that not all is what it seems when you look at another person. They could be beautiful and appear to have it all, but be falling apart on the inside, and vice versa.

If your book became a movie, what would your ideal cast be?
HENRY CAVILL!!! Seriously though, I can’t help but picture Henry Cavill as all my leading men. It’s a sickness, I know. Henrik: Henry Cavill; Morgana Drake: Christina Hendricks; Aria Dixon (Morgana’s Roommate): In a dream world it would be a young Debbie Harry; Evaleen Bechman (HR Manager): (Again, dream world) Young Kim Basinger; Tiffany Blackburn (Friend of Henrik): Natalie Portman; Edgar Mimir (Friend of Henrik): Chris Hemsworth.

What are your publishing credits?
Before the Rules of Payne series, I wrote the Him Her Them Series: Grading Him, Reaching Her & Becoming Them. There is also a boxed set of the series.

What are your plans for the future?
I am continuing with the Rules of Payne characters. I have a character blog post called Payne In The Blog that I post every Tuesday & Thursday. I started with the character of Morgana Drake and now it’s on Aria’s perspective and love interest. Evaleen & Tiffany will have a turn, as well. They will each get their own book. I have put the blog on pause for the summer as I have little boys at home and while they are off from  pre-school, I can’t devote the time to the blog as I would like. But, I am starting back up in September.

What is your day job?
Stay at Home Mom. I have 3 and 4-year-old special-needs boys at home. So, I write when I get a chance, which isn’t much since they are a handful!

What is your preferred genre to write?
Romance, especially romantic comedy.

How did you become a writer?
It’s the worst reason anyone should become a writer: for money. My family was struggling financially and I read this article about a stay at home mom who wrote romance and made all this money. I thought if she could do it, I could do it. Not even knowing anything about the writer or her books, I just jumped right in. I found out later that her youngest had gone off to college so that’s why she had so much free time to write. Also, she had been doing it for years, built up a fan base, and had about thirty books out there and that’s why she was making money at it. It was too late when I realized this wasn’t a money maker. I know, I’m an idiot.

But, it didn’t matter because I fell in love with writing. So, here I am, over a year later, still working hard and putting all the crazy character voices that come into my head down on paper.

Are you a planner, complete with detailed outlines, or do you fly by the seat of your pants when writing?
Mainly, I fly by the seat of my pants. I come up with an idea, very roughly plot it out, and then get to writing. I find if I plot too much, it ends up getting completely changed as I write. I even plotted out a chapter in the latest Rules of Payne book and by the time I finished writing it, the ending was completely different then I had plotted.

What is the best writing advice that you have ever been given?
Be yourself and people will start to pick up your books and read them because of who you are. I remember thinking, “How is a stay-at-home mom with an acting and Improv background going to get readers to relate to her so they go out and buy her books?” But that’s exactly what happened. I really believed that readers only wanted writers with literary degrees or had been writing all their life, but some readers will pick up books because they think your Facebook posts are cool or funny, or Twitter or like your blog. Some of my first fans and reviews were from Facebook friends that had no idea I was a writer, but thought I was funny. When they found out I wrote, they immediately went and got my book. So, you never know. I use my ‘funny’ background not just in my writing. But in my social media and marketing presence, it separates me from the crowd.

What advice would you give a new writer?
Patience. Seriously, do NOT expect your first or second or even fifth book to be the one that gets you on that bestseller list or that agent you really want or that publisher to accept your manuscript. Everyone starts off at the bottom and slowly works their way up. It’s a career like any other. A lawyer doesn’t get to be the senior partner in the firm when they just passed the bar. So, you will not get a bestseller with your first book or that agent you covet will not take your first submission. Just stick it out and good things will slowly start to trickle in for you.

What other projects do you have in the works at the moment?
I’m working on a contest for Harlequin on Wattpad called So You Think You Can Write. You can view the chapters for free on Wattpad. It’s called That Sweet Deal.

What surprises can we expect from you in the future?
Other than the Payne characters getting their own stories, not much else. There are a few things I am working on that may or may not see the light of day anytime soon. They are things that could potentially involve traditional publishers, so it depends on the publisher.

If you could journey into any of your books, interacting with the characters, which would it be and why?
I would definitely dive into Rules of Payne and hang out with the ladies at their Thursday night meetup called their SWIM (Smart Women Idiot Men) Meet.

What are you reading?
Truth or Beard, by Penny Reid

What public appearances do you have planned in the future?
I make a public appearance at Target about twice a week with two little boys. We are the ones in the milk isle, I’m yelling at my oldest that this isn’t a playground. Seriously, I have no author appearances scheduled anytime soon. I really want to get out there and meet fans, but trying to sell a home. If anyone has done that then you know where I am at – no big spending for a while (travel, hotel, etc. that’s needed for author appearances).

Chocolate or vanilla?
Why is this even a question? Of course chocolate.

What is your favorite drink?
Coffee at the moment.

Who is your dream man and why?
Not to repeat myself but HENRY CAVILL! One word: Superman.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans?
I am currently writing something that I plan to send to a literary agent. I’m just going to drop a hint here: It involves a bearded Scotsman.

On behalf of Simply Sexy Reads, thank you! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Elizabeth Lynx writes romantic comedies with a lot of steam. There is one thing she knows for sure, she is not a robot. At least she says she's not. She is also not a space alien. How do I know this, because she was born in Baltimore Maryland in the 1970's when no one wanted to be in Baltimore Maryland so why would her parents say that if it weren't true. Of course she has had her suspicions growing up and is still in a continual search for evidence that backs up her space age theories.

To bide her time she writes about 'normal' people and their sexy romantic lives. Her husband chooses to put up with her theories and paranoid musings. Her two little boys help her see that perhaps she isn't an alien but more of a climbing rock. This theory is new, so she needs more time to develop it further.

LINKS TO ELIZABETH LYNX'S RULES OF PAYNE SERIES:

MORE OF ELIZABETH LYNX'S PUBLISHED WORKS:
Grading Him
Reaching Her
Becoming Them
Him Her Them Boxed Set
Rules of Payne 2
The Payne In The Blog

Social Media Info:
Facebook Author Page: http://on.fb.me/1t6hr2E
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1IUQU0S



Thursday, October 8, 2015

Author Interview: Theresa Troutman

Author Interview: Theresa Troutman

What is the title of your book?
By My Side

Please tell us a little bit about your book.
By My Side is an erotic second-chance romance.

Maybe its not what youre running from, but what youre running toward.

Alicia travels to an exotic land, with hopes to reinvent herself. She moves to Auckland, New Zealand, to heal and escape her unhappy past in America.

Hunter works in a bar to distract himself from the memory of a tragic past. Playing in a local band and resorting to one night stands are his only means for an escape from his reality.

Brought together by circumstance, an unexpected romance blossoms between these two tortured souls.

Can being by each other’s side bring them the happiness they are desperate to discover? Or will being together break their fragile trust and lead to more heartache?

How did you come up with your book idea?
I love to travel and wanted to incorporate the beautiful island of New Zealand into one of my stories. I also wanted to show some of the exotic flavor of the country with its landscape and people.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
You should embrace life and not be afraid. Take a chance, even if it seems like the most far-fetched idea. You never know where your life will lead you if you dont take the first step in your journey.

What are your publishing credits?
My published works include: The Loves Great Adventure Series: Lifes What You Make It (free download!) Love This Life and London Loves; My Secret Summer and A Special Connection. I also write taboo erotica as T.S. Irons.

What are your plans for the future?
Keep writing stories with a happy ending! My dream is to be able to be a full time writer.

What is your day job?
Im an office manager

What is your preferred genre to write?
Romance including Young Adult, New Adult, Adult Contemporary and Erotic Romance

How did you become a writer?
Ive been writing since I was a teenager. Its something I always loved. When I lost my job two years ago, I decided to publish my first book.

Are you a planner, complete with detailed outlines, or do you fly by the seat of your pants when writing?
Planner. I plot out and tend to write in order. Sometimes as a scene comes to mind, Ill write it and will insert it into the story later.

What is the best writing advice that you have ever been given?
Write what you love and write for yourself. If you are happy with our work, readers will find you.

What advice would you give a new writer?
Dont expect success overnight. It takes years of hard work to build your back list and gain a following. You need to be tough and keep at it.

What other projects do you have in the works at the moment?
Im currently working on book 4 in The Loves Great Adventure Series.

What surprises can we expect from you in the future?
More naughty erotica as T.S. Iron

If you could journey into any of your books, interacting with the characters, which would it be and why?
Sebastian and Tess from The Loves Great Adventure Series. The series is about friendship, family, loyalty, and love. I value all of these characteristics. I also like how Sebastian transforms from a British bad boy to an amazing man. I love Tess because she is strong and focused and doesnt give up when things get tough.

What are you reading?
Half-Soul by Katherine Rhodes

What public appearances do you have planned in the future?
I will be attending Virginia is For Romance, Oct. 3; Sexy and Sassy in the South in North Carolina, Oct 24; and Philly Author Fest, Nov.14. More scheduled for 2016 and 2017!

Chocolate or vanilla?
Both

What is your favorite drink?
Diet Coke

Who is your dream man and why?
Sebastian Irons because I created him. Hes perfectly imperfect! I love his fierce love of family and friends and how he cares about his wife and child. He puts them above everything.

Is there anything else youd like to share with your fans?
I love interacting and hearing what they have to say about my books. I have a Facebook reader group they can check out! https://www.facebook.com/groups/860433074038055/


On behalf of Simply Sexy Reads, thank you! 

MORE FROM THERESA TROUTMAN:
Here is my freebie:
Mature YA Romance - Life’s What You Make It - Book 1 Loves Great Adventure Series
Meet Sebastian Irons. He’s the wealthy playboy finding love in the most unexpected place with a girl who is definitely not his "type." 

Life's What You Make It, by Theresa Troutman:
#FREE #newadult #romance #sweet #sexy #series #family saga #British #badboy #HEA
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1MVs4LU

New Adult Romance -Love This Life - Book 2 Loves Great Adventure Series
Love This Life, by Theresa Troutman:

Adult Romance - London Loves - Book 3 Love’s Great Adventure Series
London Loves: by Theresa Troutman 
Paperback: bit.ly/1qZI71z 

Social Media Links
Mail Chimp newsletter: http://eepurl.com/N0tFf