MC: Hi Toni! Let’s dive right in. You’re a writer, obviously, so tell us why you wanted to be a writer and what you write.

TM: Hi, Madison. I discovered I wanted to be a writer at eleven years of age when I wrote my first poem. However I never could find the right genre I wanted to write in, until I read my first erotic romance novel. Needless to say that’s what I write, but I do plan on exploring my horizons.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors? Books that have inspired you?

TM: Oh, I have so many. Christine Feehan, Karen Marie Moning and Jaid Black, Terry Brooks. I would have to say Jaid Black inspired me to write erotic romance.

MC: You’re active in your local theater. What’s your favorite part that you’ve played and why?

TM: Right now, I’m in the throes of rehearsal for Chicago. I have to say this is my favorite role as a Merry Murderess because let’s face it, being bad is so much fun!

MC: You’re also a personal trainer. Tell us about that.

TM: Since I’ve always been a small woman, I’ve always worked out, since having muscle tone gives definition to a slim body and it makes me look bigger (yay!) It became my passion, to help people achieve the look that they want. I really enjoy it, it doesn’t feel like a job at all.

MC: Tell us about your books. How many have you published so far?

TM: I have six books published so far and only one is a contemporary. I like to take the readers out of the world they know into a different one, so my stories tend to be paranormal or futuristic.

MC: What’s coming up from you?

TM: Well one of my books with Venus Press- Bloodlines : Alliances is a trilogy so the second one is finished and will be coming out soon. I have to get cracking on the last and final part.

MC: Who are you published with?

TM: I have to say I love all the companies I am published with: Samhain Publishing, Venus Press and Cobblestone Press

MC: What advice do you have for new authors & writers?

TM: Discipline. Having an idea for a story is awesome, however putting it to paper takes committment. Life can get so busy. My advice is when you start a story, schedule that time for yourself to reach your writing goal.

MC: If you were to compare your work to other authors, who would you say that your work most resembles in plot, tone, or voice?

TM: Ah that’s a good one. Every author wishes to have his/her own voice but sometimes influences can’t be helped. I would have to say Jaid Black.

MC: What’s something readers may not know about you?

TM: I’m a clothing shopaholic. I love clothes, boots, accessories, and unique jewelry. I love changing my look on a daily basis.

MC: How about some fun questions? Do you have a motto?

TM: Yes, when I was younger it used to be ‘Do unto others before they do unto you’. Thankfully I’ve grown a bit so now it’s ‘Teach what you know, give away what you don’t need’

MC: How about a favorite phrase?

TM: This too shall pass

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

TM: Spontaneous.Observant.Creative.Disciplined.Active

MC: Is the glass half full or half empty?

TM: Always half full, it leaves room to fill

MC: What are your hobbies?

TM: Shopping for clothes, gardening, making clothes.

MC: Favorite food?

TM: This is sooo hard! I love food. Can I just say Italian?

MC: Favorite beverage?

TM: Cappucino

MC: Worst fear?

TM: Having a regret in life, because you can’t go back and correct them.

MC: Favorite movies?

TM: Alien and Predator. I love Sci-Fi and horror movies.

MC: Favorite TV shows?

TM: Nip/Tuck, Stargate and Stargate Atlantis. Smallville and Supernatural

MC: If you could travel to any time and place, when, where and why?

TM: I’ve always liked the Renaissance era, not that it was particularly good for women but

because the clothes were beautiful.

MC: Do you have a favorite sport?

TM: Not really, occasionally I’ll watch the end of a basketball game.

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

TM: Anytime they want via email: Kleverkytten@aol.com

Where would you like to go next?

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Name:  Lady Tamlyn MacShane, Countess of Glenrogha, a smallholding in Scotland in the year of 1296.

Occupation:  I am countess of a Scottish fief in the valley of Glen Shane.  I rule here through an ancient charter of the Picts of Scotland, one of the Auld Races of Alba.

Zodiac sign:  Leo, I was born on Lughnasadh (August 1).

Tell us about yourself.  Where were you raised?  What’s your family like?  Where do you live?

I live in Glenrogha, a very rich Scottish holding.  I have two sisters, Rowenna and Raven, two years older.  They are twins.  Rowenna controls the fortress of Lochshane, which she inherited from my aunt.  Raven controls the fortress of Kinloch, inherited from another aunt.  Glenrogha came to me when I was but ten and five from my lady mother.  My Father is Earl of Kinmarch, a vast holding in the valley beyond.  He is my overlord, but I rule my holding.  The women of Clan Ogilvie―my mother was Deporadh Ogilvie―hold lands and titles in their own right.

What are your short and long-term goals?  What do you want out of life?

To see my people are safe and protected in these times of troubles.  War with the warrior-king, Edward Longshanks, is pending.  My lord father foolishly plays pale games of politics, hoping to see Scotland is free from Edward’s control.  I fear he blinds himself to how badly this can backfire.  If it does, then it shall put my holding at risk, as well as those of my lady sisters, and also my cousin, Aithinne Ogilvie, Baroness of Coinnleir Wood in Glen Eallach.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

When the vile Sir Dirk―a knight under the command of the mighty Black Dragon, Lord Julian Challon―ripped the front of my blouse before other men.  Fortunately, Challon rescued me.

Biggest regret?

That Julian Challon had not come to Glen Shane months before when,  When we could have met without him coming unto my lands as a conqueror.

Ever been convicted of a crime?

No.

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would love to meet my husband’s younger brother.  He died two years before.  Because I am a witch, I have walked in my husband’s mind and seen the horrors he has suffered.  This young man, so like by beautiful husband, was too young to die.

Are you single?  Married?  Looking? 

I am now married to the Earl Challon.  I would have preferred he came to ask for my hand by his own choosing, instead of being commanded to marry me by his English king.  Julian is everything I could want in a husband, but can be quite vexing to deal with.  Arrogant, willful men are troublesome, are they not?

What’s your ideal mate like? 

Challon.  He is handsome, strong.  Men step aside when he passes.  He is respected.  He is feared.  But there is gentleness in him aching to get out.  I can heal his troubled soul…if he permits me.  I love him.

Tell us a secret.  What’s something others might not know about you?

There are not many secrets kept in a fortress.  There is very little privacy.  I am an open person, with little to hide.  Though I worry how my Christian husband will accept the pagan ways of my people.

Do you have a nickname?

Nickname?  A pet name?  Nay, I am called Tamlyn.  It’s the feminine for Tamlin, a form of Thomas.  I am Lady Tamlyn or Lady Glenrogha, but Scots are not big on pretensions so mostly they call me Tamlyn MacShane or Tamlyn of Glenrogha.

Any pet peeves?

I perceive you to mean things that upset me?  Husbands who think they know best.  Husbands who think they can boss you around.  Kings who command you to marry without a by your leave.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

I would control my temper better.  I am known for acting when my emotions are hot, not thinking before I do things.  I would be more like my sister, Raven, who is very skilled in controlling her feelings.

Any pets?

I have a horse, a grey dapple, named Bansidhe.  My husband gave me a black palfrey, name of Goblin, for a bride’s gift.

How about allergies?

Again, the word is not kenned to me, but my witch’s abilities let me see you mean objects that cause problems to my body.  I do not like poison oak.  It makes me break out.  I also have to be careful cutting juniper berries.  The oil from the berries will give me a rash.

Do you support any charities?

My husband is a very rich man.  I am rich.  Being an heiress of Clan Ogilvie, it’s my duty to see all are cared for within my clan.  The clan takes care of their own.  My lord husband and I will see all within Glen Shane are safe, have food and are protected.

Is the glass half-full or half empty?

Life is good.  There are adversities, true.  With Challon at my side the glass if half-full–and then some.

Where would you like to go next?

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Occupation: Knight of the English Realm, formerly the King’s Champion.

Zodiac sign: Libra

Tell us about yourself. Where were you raised? What’s your family like? Where do you live?

I was born in the vast holding of Castle Challon in Mortain, Normandy, the son and heir of the powerful Earl of Challon. My mother died when I was young, I was raised by my father’s lover, his leman, along with my two older half-brothers, bastard born, and my younger brother, Maxum. I love my brothers and they return this favour. I was also raised with Damian St. Giles, a second cousin, who fostered with my father. We are called the Dragons of Challon. Men fear us; women desire us.

What are your short and long-term goals? What do you want out of life?

I have served King Edward I of England―called Edward Longshanks―as his champion for too long. Through the horrors of war, I am crumbling inside. I watched my younger brother die on the field of Wales. I hunger for peace, home where I can find solitude and heal. I want a son.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Accusing my lady wife of seeking out the affections of another man, only to find it was her lord father.

Biggest regret?

The death of my brother, Maxum. He was too young to die. His life was forfeit for naught.

Ever been convicted of a crime?

No, I am a King’s Champion. Above reproach. I have taken lives on the field of battle, and have killed to defend my lady. These are not crimes. God rides at my shoulder. Only He judges me.

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

My world is limited. I have never been anywhere but the British Isles, Normandy and France. I would love to see my brother again. I loved him. I would have died in his stead.

Are you single? Married? Looking?

I was single as my tale begins, but I am on the way to claim my betrothed. My king, Edward Longshanks, has decreed that I shall take the Lady Tamlyn MacShane, Countess of Glenrogha, to lady wife. Glenrogha is a small holding in Scotland, in the year of 1296, the year before the rising of William Wallace.

What’s your ideal mate like?

Tamlyn embodies everything I ever hoped for in a mate. She is spirited, but caring. She puts herself second to those she cares about. She is a warrior true. The perfect lady for the Dragon of Challon. She is beautiful, loving, warm–and a witch. That at first took me back, but then as I adjusted, I found this quite a desirable trait.

Tell us a secret. What’s something others might not know about you?

That I have a tenderness inside me that is slowly dying, atrophying from the ugliness I must face in war.

Do you have a nickname?

Men call me The Black Dragon. I have learned the power of first impressions. I dress all in black, even my mail and armour. It helps me strike fear in the hearts and minds of other warriors. These are devices I employ to keep men in awe of me.

My lady wife calls me Challon. I have a suspicion she does this when she wants to ‘handle’ me. When she is speaking to me in a normal fashion she calls me Julian. When she wants to ignore my sage advice it’s always, “Yes, Challon.” or “No, Challon.”, then she goes ahead and does as she wants. Arrogant, willful women can be vexing, do you not think?

Any pet peeves?

Pet Peeves? What are these strange things? I detest the necessity of war. I detest the loss of life. I mislike the pale games men play for power.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
The ability to accept things, such as my brother’s death. I often trouble over accepting what I cannot change and it eats at my soul.

Any pets?

I have three destriers. These are not ordinary horses–palfreys, mind. They are mighty horses of war, trained to fight and save my life. Pagan, Dragon’s Blood and Lasher are their names. I hope to found a herd of warhorses on their stud. I shall be able to sell them for high coin.

How about allergies?

Allergies? What are these peculiar things? My witch wife tells me you mean things that don’t agree with me. I am allergic to war…and my king.

Do you support any charities?

Charities? Again, I am unsure of your modern words. My almoner passes out food, clothing and coin to the poor, weekly from my castle. The priest–of the Culdee Church (ancient Celtic Church)–tends to the needs of his flock. I see he has plenty of coins to carry out these offices. These Scottish Clans protect their own.

Is the glass half-full or half empty?

Of what? I prefer good wine from France, though I will drink ale. I avoid water as a rule, unless I am assured it’s not polluted.

Where would you like to go next?

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LM: I’m new to the world of writing.I started writing my first book, the book of my heart, in 2000, discovered the world of romance, began pursuing my career, and by 2005 I had found my niche and sold my first book. I live in Southern California with my husband of twenty-four years, and our Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rogan. I have two grown children, a daughter who will be getting married on May 12th (yikes!) and a son training as a medic for a special forces unit in the Army in North Carolina. I’m a rare bird, I was born and raised a California girl! And I’m one of six Americans writing for Harlequin Mills and Boon Medical Romance line.

MC: Do you have any hobbies or special interests? If so, how do they influence your writing?

LM: I have been a Registered Nurse for twenty-five years, which explains why I write Medical Romance for Mills and Boon. I also love camping, and though we don’t own an RV, my love for traveling definitely influenced my current e-book with Triskelion, One for the Road. I was thrilled to get a 4 Star review for One for the Road from Romantic Times BOOKreviews. My age influences why I like to write single title contemporaries with more mature heroines. I believe in love at any age, and enjoy reading about people closer to my own age. However, my heroes and heroines in the medical romances are always in their twenties and early thirties.

MC: Tell us about your book HER L.A. KNIGHT. Does L.A. stand for Los Angeles?

LM:Yes, Los Angeles Mercy Hospital is the fictitious medical facility where all of my stories for Mills and Boon take place.
Crusading nurse, China Seabury, wants to forget her past, but her scars won’t let her. The E.R. charmer, Physician’s Assistant Rick Morell, needs to prove his worth. Though off to a bumpy start, the E.R. adversaries soon discover what a great team they make–while on duty. And after hours, they finally learn the meaning of unconditional love.

MC: How did you come up with the idea for the book?

LM: That’s a great question, and I hope you don’t mind a bit of a long answer. Several years ago my husband and I were having some work done on our car when I noticed the young office manager. She had taken California casual to a new level wearing short shorts and a summer tank top. The scars and gashes on her legs could not be ingnored–she’d obviously been in a horrible accident. But she had no qualms about showing the evidence. when I felt the time was right, and I wasn’t invading her privacy, I asked her about what had happened. She said she’d been hit head-on by a drunk driver when she was a teenager. She’d undergone five surgeries and several years of rehab and was lucky to be able to walk again. Her story, courage, and pride started my creative wheels turning. What if, I thought. What if. And from that China Seabury, the heroine of my latest medical romance, Her L.A. Knight, was born.

MC: What’s coming up next from you? Should we mark our calendars?

LM: I have a July release in the UK, In His Angel’s Arms, which is currently in hardback and in stores in England in May. And I recently sold another medical, my fourth, to Mills and Boon, which will be available in 1/08.

MC: Any upcoming events, chats, that sort of thing.

LM: I will be participating in the July Literacy Signing with the RWA in Houston on July 11th, and am thrilled to be part of a workshop with two other HMB authors and two of the HMB editors at the RWA National conference July 14th called: Exposing the Truth About Writing Short Contemporary Romance.

MC: Tell us about a thrilling moment in your writing career.

LM: The most thrilling moment for me will always be hearing Kimberley Young, my first editor with HMB, saying those magic words in her lovely British accent, “We’d like to buy your book.” !!!! I continue to be thrilled every time I hear that phrase, but the first time was absolutely the best.

MC: Now for some fun questions. If you could have any special power, what would it be?

LM: Oh, I love this question. I’d like the power to reverse time! That way I would have started my writing career a whole lot sooner!

MC: Five words that describe you?

LM: Yikes. Let’s see. Optimistic, diligent, devoted, nurturing, and silly. (with an emphasis on silly, please. )

MC: Anyone who’s been to my myspace page knows I love two things. First of all, peaches. Do you have a favorite food?

LM: Peanut Butter! Laura Scudders smooth. I’ve got to have it every day. Fruit? Too many to choose from, but I’m leaning toward a perfectly rippened nectarine. (that’s almost a peach! LOL)

MC: What beverage do you always have on hand while you’re writing?

LM: Water! Though I do take a Chai Tea break around 2 o’clock each afternoon.

MC: The other thing I love… okay, I’m slightly obsessed with is flipflops. Do you have any obsessions? Collections?

LM: No obsessions, but I am an avowed bookaholic. I can’t stop buying them!

MC: What’s something that your readers may not know about you?

LM: I trained to be a dancer in my teens and early twenties. I had a true passion for dancing. I used to be a darn good singer, too!

MC: What is your writing schedule like?

LM: I’m a morning person, so I get my best work done before noon. I admit that I don’t write every day, but sometimes I go on binges, especially if I have a deadline looming, where I’ll write in four hour stretches, and put in well over eight hours a day. I do editing in the afternoon or evening, if necessary. But I try not to do any work after four or five in the afternoon each day.

MC: How can readers (or anyone else) get in touch with you?

LM: I’d love to invite everyone to visit my website: www.lynnemarshallweb.com If you’d like to get in touch with me, you can e-mail me from there.

Where would you like to go next?

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Name: Shadow

Occupation: Wagon driver in my friend’s cargo transport business. I know it’s not a very ladylike profession, but I never really claimed to be ladylike, did I?

Zodiac sign: Hell if I know. Probably whichever one makes me the biggest pain in the ass.

Tell us about yourself. Where were you raised? What’s your family like? Where do you live? You have no idea what a can of worms you’re opening here… but I suppose if you insist. I was raised by fairies, since, you know, I am a fairy. But please don’t ask me where my wings are. The thing about fairies having wings is a myth, perpetuated by easily amused people like you. I’d be more likely to sprout wings out of my ass than out of my back. Anyway, my family is a bunch of dirty wagon-robbing gypsy fairies and I’m well rid of them. I live on the road now with Lon. We drive transports. I can’t imagine a better life. But, um, not because Lon is one hot guy. Noooo. I would never think of my boss and best friend that way. Not me.

What are your short and long term goals? What do you want out of life? Goals? What is this, some touchy-feely gather-in-a-circle and meditate thing? I don’t know. I’d like to live long enough to run a few more transports with Lon. Oh, and play with his adorable kids a couple more times. Lord knows they could use someone to play with them, since their mom died.

What’s your most embarrassing moment? Eugh. I should have known I’d have to reveal something humiliating when I signed up for this. Fine. Without a doubt, it was getting a little (ok, a lot) drunk at a dinner party and ending up in Lon’s tent. In his cot in fact. Wondering if my virtue was safe… And, honestly, kind of hoping my virtue WASN’T safe. There, are you happy? I spilled my guts.

Biggest regret? Not acting fast enough when fairies attacked our transport last time. If I’d been paying a little more attention and been a little quicker, maybe they wouldn’t have killed Lon’s wife. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for that.

Every been convicted of a crime? Convicted? No.

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Jeez, I don’t know. Maybe my future kids… I’d be checking to see if they looked like Lon.

Are you single? Married? Looking? Single. Definitely single. And looking. But only at one man.

What’s your ideal mate like? Lon, duh. Tall, dark, and handsome. Strong, good with kids, funny, and annoying as shit sometimes. But I’ll put up with the annoying part as long as I can have the rest of him too.

Tell us a secret. What’s something others might not know about you? You already made me tell my most embarrassing moment. I think you’re out of freebies.

Do you have a nickname? Lon calls me Sunshine. But if you do it, I’ll clock you.

Any pet peeves? Too many to list.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? I’d look good in dresses. I had to wear one for the, um, above-mentioned dinner party and I looked like crap. Of course, it might have helped if it wasn’t such a yuck shade of green.

Any pets? Just my horse.

How about allergies? Allergies are for sissies.

Do you support any charities? Sure. It’s called the Buy Lon’s Mother-In-Law A One-Way Ticket to Outer Mongolia Fund.

Is the glass half full or half empty? If it had alcohol in it, I guarantee you it’s ALL empty.

Where would you like to go next?

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Tell us about yourself. Where were you raised? What’s your family
like? Where do you live?
Most of my upbringing was in New Orleans where my father is a Judge and my mother is from long line of strong southern women. But most of our summers were spent at the family cottage on the coast of Maine… Or at least they were until my brothers death. Now, I live in a house in the keys of Florida. I don’t spend much time there since I’m always working and it’s small, but it’s got the most incredible views of the sunset.
What are your short and long term goals? What do you want out of life?
I don’t know. This accident has put my life on hold and the death of my best friend has made me question what I really want. But with so many unanswered questions about David’s death I can’t think of anything else until I find out who is responsible.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Hard to say, I’m sure that there have been so many. Probably the time I ripped the seat of my shorts while fishing with my buddies off Vaca Key.

Biggest regret?
Not being able to find a way to deal with my father. He’s a bit hard headed, but then, so am I. Maybe with time.

Every been convicted of a crime?
No, but then I’ve been responsible for a few others being convicted… better to be on the right side of the law.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be
and why?
Tough one… probably Mel Fisher, the man responsible for finding the wreck of the Atochia. That is a man with a lot of perseverance and guts. It takes a lot to hold onto your dreams for so long.
Are you single? Married? Looking?
Definitely single. I haven’t given much thought to settling down and frankly, I don’t think I ever will.

What’s your ideal mate like?
Well I’ve dated my fair share, but I’ve yet to find a woman who could meet me squarely, toe to toe with the same amount of determination as I, someone with enough patience to put up with my choice of career and someone who could put up with my bad habits for longer than a couple of weeks.

Tell us a secret. What’s something others might not know about you?
I love nothing better than to sit on the beach and watch the sun go down.
Do you have a nickname?
Jamie, but some of the guys on base call me Rivard.

Any pet peeves?
I can’t stand people who aren’t what they claim to be and I dislike people who put others at risk because of their own stupid motives.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
Probably make myself into someone that my father could be proud of…
Any pets?
I cat, a long hair stray named Mip.

How about allergies?
None that I know of…

Do you support any charities?
I support anyone who needs help. But no specific charities…
Is the glass half full or half empty?
Always half full… but who knows what’s in it…
——-
Thanks, Jamie, for the interview. Comments are open if you have any questions for Jamie.

Where would you like to go next?

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MC: Hi Michelle. Welcome! Make yourself comfortable and tell us about you. Who is Michelle M. Pillow?

MP: That’s right up there with “Why are we here?” LOL Hmm, I’m a published author since mid-2004, writing in many romance subgenres. I’m a family woman, movie lover, successful business owner, freelance photographer, a horrible gardener who won’t give up and pajama pants addict.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors? Books that have inspired you?

MP: I’ve read, and still do, a lot of classics—Oscar Wilde, Steinbeck, Jane Austin, Tolstoy, Poe, ect. As for romances, there are just too many, but I’m very inspired by my friend and sometimes co-author Mandy Roth. There have been many times she’s talked my characters off the ledge. I don’t know what I’d do without her insanity to fuel mine.

MC: Tell us about your books. Your bookshelf page is huge. How many have you published so far?

MP: I have 45 ebooks, most novels but some quickies, anthologies and novellas. 4 more ebooks are contracted. And there are 20 print titles with 15 more coming soon. This is all in 2 ½ years of being published. And there is more stuff pending contract. A few of them were written before that first contract. It helps that my mind naturally stays organized, even if my office isn’t. I also have a great network of people from editors to proofers.

I tend to do everything full force, so that could account for the last couple of years of constant work. Now that I’ve learned a lot and have a big backlist built up, I’m taking it slower, maybe cutting my release amount in half.

I’ve tackled almost every romance genre and subgenres, except for Romantic Suspense and Inspirational. Genre hopping is another way I keep my stories fresh. The different genres help me to keep going. If I was doing only historicals, or only paranormal, I’d be much slower.

I’ve been blessed to have publishers who allow me to write what I want to write. Though my backlist is big, in many ways I’m still new to the publishing world.

I keep an updated website where readers can see my entire booklist www.michellepillow.com

MC: You must write incredibly fast. What’s coming up from you?

MP: I work hard and put in a lot of hours, but I’m also the queen of multitasking. I always have many things happening at once.

As for my coming soons, I’m working with nearly all my publishers on future releases.
New Concepts—Zhang Dynasty 2: Temptation of the Butterfly. I just finished this one. It’s part of the NCP Harmony line (multicultural), but also a spin off of my popular futuristic series there- Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var. I’m planning many more in the futuristic series as well as the Tribes of the Vampire and Lords of the Abyss.

Ellora’s Cave-Call of the Lycan 2: Call of the Untamed is due out the beginning of next year.

Virgin Books—I’ve started a new erotic contemporary series here, Matthews Sisters. Book one Bit by the Bug releases in Feb ’07 and book 2, Along for the Ride is actually what’s on my computer being written. I’ve also recently found out that my first two titles, Fierce Competition and Opposites Attract are re-releasing in mass market 2007.

Samhain—Realm Immortal 3: Stone Queen is contracted and my next book to be written. That series has been doing really well for me and I have quite a bit planned for it. Talons: Seize the Hunter was just released and we’ve discussed continuing the story.

MC: Who are you published with?

MP: I got my start at New Concepts Publishing. I’m also at Ellora’s Cave, Virgin Books, Samhain Publishing and Pocket Books.

MC: Quite a list! Any upcoming contests you want readers to know about?

MP: Contests can be found on my website here: http://www.michellepillow.com/contests.htm

MC: What advice do you have for new authors & writers?

MP: I get asked a lot for advice. Really, the only thing I have is to do the work, do the research, do the writing, but mainly do your research. Research the books, the industry, business and contract law, everything.

MC: If you were to compare your work to other authors, who would you say that your work most resembles in plot, tone, or voice?

MP: I really wouldn’t compare myself. Reviewers have a few times. Some say Nora Roberts on the futuristics. Some say Anne Rice on the Tribes of the Vampire series. But these comparisons always come with a big ‘BUT’ stating how I’m different. A few times I’ve been compared to authors I’d never even heard of, LOL.

MC: What’s something readers may not know about you?

MP: I’m an animal lover by force. My family loves animals and we have a ton of pets. I resisted for years, but they’re growing on me. Currently, we have two very adorable AKC registered English Bulldogs, Winston and Annabelle, who believe they are 60 pound lapdogs. Onyx, a half black lab, half boxer who everyone thinks is a pit-bull but I know better because we know his parentage. Fiona the schipperke. Cats, Rocky and Lily. Marc the fish. Mr. Whiskers the bunny.

MC: How about some fun questions? Do you have a motto?

MP: No, but I have a tattoo.

MC: How about a favorite phrase?

MP: “My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die” has been stuck in my head for three months now.

MC: I completely understand! Give us five words that describe you.

MP: slightly neurotic, forward thinking, multitasked

MC: Is the glass half full or half empty?

MP: If it’s coffee, it’s going to be empty in a second. (lol, half full)

MC: I agree totally. I love Hazelnut coffee. What are your hobbies?

MP: photography, traveling, movies, art shows, tattoo conventions, plays and musicals (any live performances), museums, research

MC: Favorite food?

MP: chicken parmesan

MC: Mine too! How about a favorite beverage?

MP: coffee with French vanilla creamer

MC: Worst fear?

MP: Doing the same exact thing the rest of my life. It’s not for me. I don’t know that the idea scares me, though. I get edgy around spiders and snakes–yeah, definitely creepy crawlies.

MC: Favorite movies?

MP: Count of Monte Cristo, 13th Warrior, Golden Age Hollywood—Fred and Ginger movies, Princess and the Pirate, the old musicals. The old stop-motions are great—Jason and the Argonauts, Clash of the Titans. Or the older fantasies—Beastmaster (only the first one), Red Sonja, Conan, original un-remastered Star Wars, ect… Pride and Prejudice, Practical Magic, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Beauty and the Beast, Last of the Mohicans…

MC: Favorite TV shows?

MP: Buffy and Angel (please give me a spin-off series, Joss!!), Charmed, Weeds, Dexter, Nip/Tuck. I just finished the entire series of Judging Amy and Without a Trace reruns on TNT. I love reruns. I can see the whole thing without having to wait years.

MC: If you could travel to any time and place, when, where and why?

MP: I want to go everywhere in the world at least once. I love to travel. As for time, it’s about the same. Middle Ages, Victorian era, Ancient Rome—this is all considering that there would be certain guidelines like I don’t show up in a gladiator pit or as a peasant about to get whacked by the Lord of the Manor or at the height of the Black Plague.

MC: Do you have a favorite sport?

MP: Bike Jousting, http://www.obscuresportsquarterly.com/ and
Hashing, http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2006-03-14/oneill-hashing
I haven’t played either.

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

MP:
Website: www.michellepillow.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/michellepillow
Newsletter (announcement only): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/michellempillow/join
Blog: http://michellespillowtalk.blogspot.com/
Chat Group with Mandy M Roth, called The Raven: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Raven_Vampire_Nightclub/join
Free online, ongoing story “The Raven” coauthored with Mandy Roth:
http://www.ravenhappyhour.com/raven.htm

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JB: I’m a displaced New Yorker who has, with her hubby and several dogs, traveled around the country chasing the dream. We’ve lived in Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, New Jersey, Maryland and now, finally, Pennsylvania. I’m a music therapist and also a performer. I’ve done community musicals and opera and sung in Irish bars around the country.

MC: Tell us about Tibetan Terriers and your life on the mountain. ☺

JB: We got our first TT, as they’re called, for our first anniversary. Since then, we’ve bred, shown and loved eight TTs (and one Old English Sheepdog). We’re down to two old TT sweeties, Genja Palam Khan (his name means “diamond jewelry” and Dolly — whose name means — Dolly LOL. They get a kick out of chasing the leaves on the lawn. We’ve a great view of the woods and now, during the fall, the scenery is spectacular!

MC: You obviously enjoy music and singing. Do you have a favorite song?

JB: Not really. There are just too many songs from too many different genres that move me. Depending upon my mood, I’ll listen (or sing) anything from folk music to grand opera. Spanish and traditional Irish music does have a tremendous effect on me. I love Country Western music and if you check my website, you’ll find a play list that inspired my latest book, “No One Else on Earth”.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors? Books that have inspired you?

JB: Again, too many to name. I adore paranormal/fantasy authors. I like my stories “hot” — like I write . I don’t want to omit any of the wonderful authors whose books have made me say, “WOW”!

MC: Tell us about your books. How many have you published so far?

JB: Five so far, all for Loose Id. I’m working on one right now for publication in early 2007 for them. My first three were a fantasy erotic romantic trilogy — I like to call it “Lord of the Rings” with sex! LOL The books include “Silver Fire”; “Amber Inferno” and “Sapphire Flames”. My fourth book is a novella inspired by my love of all things Irish. “A Song of the Sidhe” was based, in part, on an old Irish folk song.It truly is a book of the heart for me. “No One Else on Earth” was my first foray into contemporary paranormal. Much of the inspiration for this came from Country Western music. What started the germ of an idea was Tim McGraw’s sexy “Real Good Man” song. Every time I heard it I could just envision a line-up of sexy men stripping to it! The title comes from another CW song. My editor advised that “Bad Boys” was too identified with other books. I did keep the name “Real Bad BOys” for the male strip club where the action takes place!

MC: What’s coming up from you?

JB: A sort of time travel/paranormal inspired by Lucrezia Borgia for a multi author series of books centered around a mysterious character known as “The Collector”. In fact, the first book is out now with Loose Id. It may well be my “hottest” book yet!

MC: Who are you published with?

JB: RIght now, with Loose Id.

MC: Any upcoming contests you want readers to know about?

JB: I will be having several contests. Best thing is to check my website’s contest page.

MC: What advice do you have for new authors & writers?

JB: Write and read in the genre you love to write. See if one particular author’s voice calls to you and try to understand why. When you’ve finished a ms, do the techy stuff — grammar, formatting, editing and then send it off! Don’t let it sit in the drawer and don’t inker with it forever!

MC: If you were to compare your work to other authors, who would you say that your work most resembles in plot, tone, or voice?

JB: I don’t feel really comfortable comparing my work to other authors. I kinda feel a bit presumptuous. But sometimes I think Nora Roberts when she’s doing her Irish stuff. I think I have a pretty good handle on dialogue and that’s one of the things I love best about her. But, I write “hotter” than Roberts, in which case then, maybe Angela Knight. But to be honest, more often than not I’m just grateful to be able to share my voice with my readers.

MC: What’s something readers may not know about you?

JB:I’m a BBCAmerica “Cash in the Attic” fan.

MC: How about some fun questions? Do you have a motto?

JB: Evil to him who evil thinks

MC: How about a favorite phrase?

JB: “Do I have to get off the ‘puter now”?

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

JB: creative, musical, shy, sensitive, bookish

MC: Is the glass half full or half empty?

JB: Half full

MC: What are your hobbies?

JB: Reading, music, cooking

MC: Favorite food?

JB: EVERYTHING!!! LOL Love chicken cooked in a variety of foreign styles

MC: Favorite beverage?

JB: Coffee

MC: Worst fear?

JB: Spiders! YUCK!

MC: Favorite movies?

JB: LOTR and I’m a sucker for Tyrone Power and Antonio Banderas films

MC: Favorite TV shows?

JB: Besides some of the new ones, the old standby Law & Order in its three venures

MC: If you could travel to any time and place, when, where and why?

JB: Oh, man, a toss up among three places. Ireland, Israel and Spain. Ireland during the early 20th century when the fate of the country was being decided. Israel during the days of King Solomon when there was peace in the country, but so many fascinating paths for the Jewish people. Spain because of its history pre the Inquisition with its ties to the exiled Israelites. The why for all three is a mixture of music, culture and the thread with my roots.

MC: Do you have a favorite sport?

JB: I love to watch figure skating, but I’m the original couch potato!

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

JB: silverfire@jeannebarrack.com
——————————————-

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SQ: Wow. I have so many! Jayne Anne Krentz/Amanda Quick, Dara Joy, Madeline Baker/Amanda Ashley, Mary Janice Davidson, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Michelle Pillow, Mandy Roth. I think I’ll stop there. LOL

MC: You gave up a full time job, sold your house and concentrated on writing. That’s incredibly admirable. Were you nervous about the change? Would you do it again?

SQ: I was incredibly nervous, but it felt RIGHT. I had done something similar back in 2000, when I quit my job in Ohio and moved to Arizona without another job lined up. I was working within 3 weeks. When I decided to quit a job again and focus on my writing, I had a year to completely focus on learning and writing and, while I don’t make enough yet in royalties to support myself and so have had to go back to work part-time, I have, I think, made great strides toward my goal. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. (Of course, I’d feel better about it if I had a sugar daddy in the wings but, alas, there is no such creature in my life at the moment.)

MC: Anyone who’s visited you online has seen your trademark red lips. It’s a very strong and recognizable brand. How does it relate to you and your work?

SQ: When I first started writing erotic romance, two of my new author friends and I were kicking around ideas for branding. Initially I came up with “Romance with an edge” because, as my friends pointed out, my writing can be edgy. But the tag/slogan/brand was flat. After taking an online class with Lisa Renee Jones, with her help I finally settled on “Follow your passion to the edge…and beyond.” And the image of shiny red lips, to me, shouts passion.

MC: Tell us about your books. How many have you published so far?

SQ: I’m up to eleven. Five stand alone novellas, and six novellas and short stories as part of duets and/or anthologies.

MC: What’s coming up from you?

SQ: I have two short stories coming in December from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid–Tall, Dark & Naked in Torrid Teasers Volume 18, and Sweet Treats in the Christmas Candy Anthology. Plus my short story, Careful Wishes, which was first published as part of the Torrid Teasers Volume 3 duet, has been selected to be part of the Best of Torrid Teasers Anthology that’s coming out in print in January. I also just had a short novella accepted by Ellora’s Cave. Choosing Madison will be in one of their 2007 Cavemen anthologies. Plus I have a novella scheduled to come out early next year as part of the Edge of Night Anthology at Liquid Silver, and I’m putting the finishing touches on a dragon-shifter novella for Amber Heat that will also be out early next year.

MC: Who are you published with?

SQ: Amber Heat (the erotic romance imprint of Amber Quill Publishing), Liquid Silver Books, New Concepts Publishing, Whiskey Creek Press Torrid and, soon, Ellora’s Cave.

MC: What advice do you have for new authors & writers?

SQ: Read everything you can get your hands on, but especially in the type of fiction you want to write. Take classes–there are online classes out there as inexpensive as $15. Learn. Accept criticism gracefully and grow as a writer from it. Keep going, even when you don’t feel like it. You’re the only one who can realize your goal. No one’s going to beat down your door and beg you to write a book. You have to go after it. Many people say they want to write a book, fewer do it, and fewer still find the road to publication.

MC: If you were to compare your work to other authors, who would you say that your work most resembles in plot, tone, or voice?

SQ: Hmm. My heroes are very alpha, dominant. My heroines are sassy and smart, although not always making the right decisions. I don’t want any of my characters to be perfect, because no one is, right? And I can’t seem to write without some splotches of humor, only because I tend to see the ridiculous in things.

I’m not saying I’m anywhere near the level of these authors, but I think my work is a mix of Mary Janice Davidson, Lora Leigh and Sherrilyn Kenyon. A little dark, a little humor, and hot, alpha males.

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

SQ: Determined. Funny (or maybe silly?). Risk-Taker. Lazy (in the physical sense). Curious.

MC: Is the glass half full or half empty?

SQ: Half full. Who wants a half-empty glass? Well, unless it’s the last of the margaritas…

MC: What’s something that your readers may not know about you?

SQ: I am essentially an introvert. While I like talking to people, meeting people, it exhausts me. I’m happiest when I’m sitting behind my computer by myself. My mother worries about my hermit tendencies, and is very glad I’m working outside of the house again. LOL

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

SQ: They can join my readers group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sherrillquinn or my monthly newsletter at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sherrillquinn_news (or both!), and can email me at sherrillquinn@gmail.com.

Thanks so much for this opportunity, Madison!

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ES: It wasn’t until three years ago that I knew I had to write, or I’d never feel rested, and I’d have to do it no matter if I failed. But I’ve always wanted to be a writer.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors? Books that have inspired you?

ES: Sandra Brown is my favorite, I will buy every book of hers and she is the reason I got interested in romantic suspense. I’m also a big fan of Nora Roberts, Lisa Jackson, Karen Robards, Catherine Anderson, and Suzanne Brockman. I love to branch out into authors I’ve never heard of and have found many new favorites that way.

MC: Tell us about your books. You write romantic suspense. What is it about the genre that attracted you? How many have you published so far?

ES: I’ve published one and am under contract for another. I love fast-paced mystery, but it always seems to be missing something if romance isn’t involved. I love seeing how two characters will make things work despite their obstacles because, even though we don’t all have a cold-blooded killer chasing us in everyday life, we all have our own obstacles to overcome and to deal with regularly when it comes to life and love.

MC: What’s coming up from you?

ES: I have a short story, Christmas Bells, out for the holidays, I just signed a contract for One Wrong Move, my second full-length novel, and I’m currently working on my third romantic suspense.

MC: Who are you published with?

ES: The Wild Rose Press

MC: Any upcoming contests you want readers to know about?

ES: Yes, actually I have a few contests going on right now, available on my website at www.emmasanders.com

MC: What advice do you have for new authors & writers?

ES: Don’t give up. Keep writing, keep submitting, and remember the industry is subjective. What one person doesn’t like, another will love. You just have to keep trying. Take online courses to strengthen your writing, join writer’s groups, find a mentor.

MC: If you were to compare your work to other authors, who would you say that your work most resembles in plot, tone, or voice?

ES: Can I say Nora Roberts without having rotten tomatoes thrown at me? I could only wish to be similar to her…

MC: What’s something readers may not know about you?

ES: I’ve been an insulin-dependent diabetic since I was nine years old. Grew up taking about 4 shots a day until I started on the insulin pump a few years ago.

MC: How about some fun questions? Do you have a motto?

ES: Right now, my motto is: Don’t Give Up. I almost gave up when a publisher finally contracted me. Of course, I’m glad I didn’t, and when I’m feeling my lowest, I remember this.

MC: How about a favorite phrase?

ES: Right now, the phrase I’m stuck on is the one I’ve adopted for my website: Love is a Mystery. But the one I live by, though it’s kind of a cliché, is so true: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

ES: loyal, determined, hard-headed, creative and capricious

MC: Is the glass half full or half empty?

ES: Half full.

MC: What are your hobbies?

ES: Reading, traveling, crafts, photography, scrapbooking, kayaking, swimming, hiking and research (I know, I’m weird, but I love research).

MC: Favorite food?

ES: Good ol’ American food, Mexican and Italian.

MC: Favorite beverage?

ES: Water, tea, coffee and wine. I can’t live without a nice cool glass of ice-water.

MC: Worst fear?

ES: That there’s nothing past this life.

MC: Favorite movies?

ES: Spiderman, The Fast and the Furious series, The Parent Trap, Top Gun, Dirty Dancing, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. I love action, adventure and old-fashioned romance.

MC: Favorite TV shows?

ES: Smallville

MC: If you could travel to any time and place, when, where and why?

ES: Honestly? I’d rather stay in the here and now. The future is intriguing, but I’d rather not know it. The past is…well, the past. I want to see what’s going to happen now. My dream travel would be Hawaii, because I love the outdoors and it seems so beautiful and inspiring.

MC: Do you have a favorite sport?

ES: I like to watch extreme sports. My husband and I never miss the X games.

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

ES: I love to hear from readers. Email me at emmasanders@emmasanders.com

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AS: I originally started writing erotic short stories back in 2000 as kind of a lark. Yes there was a man involved (but when isn’t there? LOL)—that’s another story. Anyway about six months later my mom died. I didn’t write for three years despite the fact I had these people in my head. They were almost like my own tinker toys—or dolls and I put them in a ton of different scenarios. It took me three years after Mom died to finally put fingers to keyboard and get a story out but I did it and it took me three months and it was one of the proudest moments of my life. It was really hot, really bad women’s fiction LOL Now I’m writing erotic and erotic romance but I’d like to tackle women’s fiction and young adult someday.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors? Books that have inspired you?

AS: Oh gosh…Susan E. Phillips, King, Koontz, Kay Hooper, Sandra Brown and Lisa Gardner. I read a lot of suspense, but my keeper shelf is filled with everything from Catherine Coulter and Julie Garwood historicals to almost every John Grisham book ever written. What’s inspired me? I’d say SEP—her characterization is amazing and I admire the way she can make you laugh and make you cry.

MC: Tell us about your books. How many have you published so far?

AS: Can I say gosh again? LOL Two e-books, a short story, and two free e-books I released at Halloween. Dancehall Diaries: Lynette was my first Liquid Silver Books release, followed by Once in a Blue Moon. I made the decision to e-publish after I fired my first agent. Lynette is the beginning of what I hope to be a series, if I ever get back to writing it, and involves an older woman and a younger man (one of my favorite scenarios).

Blue Moon actually comes before Lynette and involves a spousal abuse survivor who happens to be a man. In their own way, both Ty and Betti are survivors.

MC: What’s coming up from you?

AS: Hands On is my first Aphrodisia release and it’s coming out in June 2007. It’s a single-author anthology involving three blue collar women who like to spend their weekends in upscale while-collar bars.

MC: Who are you published with?

AS: Liquid Silver books and Black Lace books (I have a short story in the Sex on Holiday anthology).

MC: What advice do you have for new authors & writers?

AS: The best advice I ever got was from SEP, and I don’t even remember where I found it, but it was this: Protect The Work. Sometimes that means protecting your writer’s sanity from people who don’t have your best interest at heart or from people who just don’t get your writing. At the same time, be open to criticism that will help make your writing stronger. Learning to censor feedback can be a fine line to walk, but one of the things that makes a great writer great is remembering that writing is also an ongoing learning process.

Also this is a business and it’s not personal. I understand that a whole lot better after selling to New York. It really, truly isn’t personal. Trust me on this, after over 100 rejections, I know it’s true. Publishing is not for the faint of heart.

MC: If you were to compare your work to other authors, who would you say that your work most resembles in plot, tone, or voice?

AS: You know this is something I’ve thought about a lot and I don’t know. I guess I’d have to say if you like the tone of chick lit, you’ll probably like my voice. As to plot, I try to look outside the box and not rely on old stand-bys.

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

AS: Opinionated, Mouthy (which might be the same thing LOL), Strong-willed, Loyal and Idealistic.

MC: Is the glass half full or half empty?

AS: Most days, half full J

MC: For a candid introduction, readers can visit your myspace page. What’s that address? And what’s something that your readers may not know about you?

AS: http://myspace.com/onthepatio and I also regularly blog at my website http://amiestuart.com/blog

I’m slightly obsessive compulsive and I have a terrible habit of listening to the same CD over and over again and I love guy movies J

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

AS: amie@amiestuart.com or via my website address above.

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LB: Oh my….hmmm…well, it seems hard to put myself into words, and so much easier to put a made up character into an interview rather than myself. *winks*

Well, I am an easygoing person, for the most part. I like coffee in the morning and all that rot. I am fairly friendly and an open book. But, on the other hand, I am shy and suffer from anxiety disorder. Maybe the reason I like to write about juxtaposition, irony and dichotomy so much is because I am all those things rolled into one crazy woman! *laughs* I tell most people I am mentally unstable, but loveable, so they don’t have to worry. I’m a lot of tongue firmly planted in cheek, and I just hope my manners never offend anyone. Humor and being light-hearted, on the outside at least, is how I deal with my demons.

MC: Ann says you have pet rats. Tell us about them. Do they have names?

LB: Yes—I have two pet rats named Bubble and Squeak, and I love those little fuzz butts to pieces. *big smiles* It is amazing just what an excellent pet a domesticated rat makes! The Norwegian Fancy Rat was domesticated over 200 years ago, and was even a fashionable pet in England, during the Victorian Era, for young ladies.

I was terrified of rodents for years, until one day, spur of the moment, I turned to my hubby and said, “Perhaps, since we are living in an apartment now, and can’t have a dog, we should get a little rodent?” We were going to get a little mouse, but then I went into the pet store and saw this wee hooded fawn rattie boy, all curled up by himself. He came home with me and we named him Nicodemus. We had him for two and a half years before he passed with a stroke.

He was the sweetest little thing! Like having a tiny dog with a hairless tail. *laughs* He would fetch paper, had a special run and play area on the couch, and would go back into his open cage when he needed to use the bathroom, then come back out to fetch more balls of paper. He was a big fan of the band Anthrax too, and would sniff the stereo speakers enthusiastically when hubby played their CDs.

Bubble and Squeak are still quite young, but have already developed their own cute individual personalities. Bubble is the fawn, with stripes of white through him faintly, and he is precocious and full of hell! He is the smaller one—Tiny Bubble is the nickname we’ve given him. Hehe

Squeak is the bigger sable rattie with streaks of white. He lives up to his name and can be quite vocal when he doesn’t get his way, or his brother sticks a foot in his face when they are cleaning! They are excellent pets and very affectionate and clean. The only drawbacks to pet rats are their frail respiratory systems and their short life span—two to four years for most ratties.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors? Books that have inspired you?

LB: The author who has served as the greatest inspiration and mentor to me is Clive Barker. I am also a big fan of Byron and Virginia Woolf, most Romantic Era poets, Tom Piccirilli, Ann Cory and Jude Mason.

Books that have inspired me….hmmmm….tough question, but the first to spring to mind is Clive Barker’s Everville and, also, his novella Cabal. Everville was the first book I had a chance to read by Barker, and his imagery, his imagination, his ability to take the grotesque and make it beautiful, just blew my teenage mind. I knew I wanted to write like that one day.

With his novella Cabal, I saw the movie adaptation of the novella first, which Barker also directed—Nightbreed. That is still one of my all-time favorite horror films. I love the creatures he creates in Cabal, and the hidden world—Midian—they live within. As a misfit teen, I wanted to be a monster in Midian! *grins*

MC: Tell us about your books. What was the first thing you published? How many have you published so far?

LB: My first novel, tentatively titled “The Black Act,” and contracted for release in 2007 from Lachesis Publishing: www.lachesispublishing.com , is based on a short tale I wrote for the “Wicked Karnival – Halloween Horrors” Anthology. I am nervous and anxious about it, and have just started on the rough draft. I was planning on moving into novel territory soon, but I sent Queen of Samhain, the story that inspired the novel in progress, to Lachesis, for consideration for their upcoming Echoes of Terror anthology, and the publisher was impressed with the story enough that she asked the editor, a friend of mine and fellow freelance editor and writer, if she’d approach me about turning the story into a novel. And I said yes, of course!

As to what I first published, the first thing I published that I was truly proud of—a story that I thought stood out from my others, when I was first learning the craft—that would have to be the first version of Feathers, which appeared in Gothic Revue before it was reprinted and reworked for the WCP FEAR anthology. It came out so smooth and seamless, sounding right for a change from my struggling work, back then, and I really felt like the stories I wrote within that time period represent a breakthrough, of sorts, in my work.

So far, I have published roughly eighteen shorts of dark fiction, seven of erotic fiction—some of these are upcoming. And I have had various poems and some articles published as well.

I also have a contemporary erotic novella in the works, a dark surreal novella that is a love story, but of a grittier shade of love and emotion, and an erotic dark fantasy pair of stories I am working on for a certain collection I have in mind.

MC: You write horror, correct? Where do you see that genre in five years?

LB: Hmmmm….I think the face of horror is changing, morphing a bit, like it did, in my opinion, when Barker first arrived on the scene and Stephen King called him the future of horror. I think you will continue to see horror branch out over the next five years, and become more speculative in nature. I think you’ll continue to see the growth of sub-genres or cross-genres—like erotic horror, dark erotic romance, and paranormal romance. I think the horror genre has to learn to bend, to grow and develop new story ideas. While I enjoy traditional horror, I think the sub-genre as a whole is stagnating for ideas somewhat, and new sub-genres like bizarro and the ones I mentioned above can breathe new life into the larger genre of horror as a whole, I believe. So, I think you might see the horror genre open itself up to a lot more options, in terms of story ideas and theme, characters and sub-genres, in the next five years.

MC: You write in several other genres. How do you balance it all and do you have a favorite? We can keep a secret.

LB: Horror, or dark fantasy, whatever you want to call what I write, will always be my favorite. J It goes back to childhood, so it is a nostalgic, comfort thing for me. As to how I manage writing in horror/ speculative, dark fantasy and erotic fiction and its various sub-genres—well, it isn’t easy! *laughs* I also work full-time as a freelance editor and I will be teaching writing workshop with the International Order of Horror Professionals, as well, coming this winter. Plus I am head of fundraising for IOHP and on their board. It is tough to manage my time, and get enough time to write. I don’t sleep great. J I get insomnia a lot, so I work when I can’t sleep.

MC: What’s coming up from you?

LB: The novel, dark fantasy with a touch of dark romance, The Black Act, in 2007. In terms of erotic works, I have a tale coming out in the LUST anthology, from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, called Red Willow, about a country boy who loses his heart to a fiery redhead. I also co-edited that anthology with Giovanna Lagana and Emma Wildes. It is a stunning and spicy collection!

Also, in January, I have Torrid Teasers Volume 20 coming out from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, which includes my erotic tale The Other Woman. The story of a steamy affair between a tall dark Italian and a strong-willed Financial Planner who loves her cigarettes and her Camaro; a gift from the equally feisty Aunt that raised her, and recently passed away. The story has an interesting surprise in it for readers, and I think it is a unique tale of overcoming grief and finding love. I hope readers will enjoy. I appear in this collection with Lily Graison.

Into the Dreamlands Anthology, which includes my dark faerie tale Book of Dreams, comes out in January, too. It also has fiction from some well-known dark fantasy writers, including Bev Vincent and Christa Faust, along with Gill Ainsworth. I am tickled to be a part of that collection!

Also, the promo issue of BLACK INK HORROR Magazine, including my erotic horror Dark Nectar of the Gods, will debut in February 2007. You can only get the promo issue of BLACK INK HORROR Magazine if you pre-order issue # 1 from Sideshow Press now:

http://www.blackinkhorror.com/sideshow.html

MC: Who are you published with?

LB: Right now, I have short stories with BLACK INK HORROR Magazine (www.blackinkhorror.com ), a dark faerie tale coming out from Simian Publishing ( www.simianpublishing.com ) in their Into the Dreamlands anthology, and I have a few tales with Whiskey Creek Press and Whiskey Creek Press Torrid ( www.whiskeycreekpress.com ). Two will be coming out through their Torrid line in January, and those can be found in Torrid Teaser Volume 20, and in the LUST anthology I co-edited, in addition to having a story in the collection, for their WCPT line (www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com ).

I will also have a short tale in BLACK INK HORROR Issue # 2, coming sometime in 2007, and then there is the novel, The Black Act, in 2007 from Lachesis (www.lachesispublishing.com ) ]

MC: Any upcoming contests you want readers to know about?

LB: Most of my contests are run through my forum, Dark Prose ~ Decadent Delights, or through my newsletter, which you can sign up for by sending a blank e-mail to: esoteric_writings-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

To sign up to our forum, you can visit us at:

http://louisebohmer.proboards80.com/

and register today to participate in our new contests and features coming in 2007.

MC: What advice do you have for new authors & writers?

LB: Hmmm…..well, for starters, be prepared for a lot of grunt work. Writing is rarely landing the six-figure book deal and getting to live the dream life with your first novel published. Be prepared to get out there, both online and for conventions and book signings / readings, and promote your work a lot. Publishers only allot so much money per book for promotion, and even then, their promotional availabilities for your book will be limited. Remember, they are publishing a lot of other authors as well as you. So, as a writer, you will have a responsibility to get out there and “hoof it”, so to speak, to sell your works.

Also, constantly work to hone your talent and craft. Remember, every story could be better, no matter how good it is, and we never stop learning as writers, or as humans, for that matter.

MC: If you were to compare your work to other authors, who would you say that your work most resembles in plot, tone, or voice?

LB: Oh, geez, tough question. I have had some people compare some of my tales to Clive Barker, and he is my biggest influence, without a doubt, when it comes to horror. I have also had people pick out themes and images in my tales that are very Cronebergesque, which is also very flattering, as I am a huge fan of Cronenberg’s films.

As for my erotic contemporary works, and erotic works that are less in the veins of horror and more in the vein of dark, sensual fantasy or erotic romance, my main influences there are Ann Cory, Jude Mason, Derek Musgrave, Jamie Hill and Gracie Passette.

MC: What’s something readers may not know about you?

LB: That, at one time in my life, I was planning a career as a Certified Financial Planner. I was a life insurance agent for about six months, when I went to visit my cousin in Richmond (suburb of Vancouver City), and we went to Metrotown Mall.

A lady who read auras there was blown away by the creativity in my aura. She asked me what I did for a living, and when I said I was training to be a CFP, she freaked out, and told me I had to do something with all that creativity. Might sound nutty, but I believed her and followed her advice and here I am. Normally I would have brushed it off, but heck this woman even forgot her sale’s pitch, and I got a free reading out of the deal. She was that emphatic! *grins*

MC: How about some fun questions? Do you have a motto?

LB: Live and let live; to each their own, or what works for me doesn’t have to work for you. I am a big believer in tolerance of other peoples’ lifestyles. Irrational judgment of others is frightening…

MC: How about a favorite phrase?

LB: That’s life…

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

LB: eccentric, philosophical, goofy, good-hearted, easy-going

MC: Is the glass half full or half empty?

LB: For me I’d say half full. I am a cynical optimist. I am rational and a born realist, much to the often chagrin of my sweet, rose-colored glasses mother (but she still loves me!). I can see the terrible things happening in our world today, but I do see good things—the small press and e-book literary communities, for instance—happening as well. You just have to keep your perspective as balanced and aware as you possibly can. That’s tough, and I am guilty of not always being aware of others, but I try my best to pay attention to the world around me, both good and bad, at all times.

MC: What are your hobbies?

LB: I don’t really get too much hobby time, but when I take breaks from work during the day, hubby and I like to watch old metal videos together on YouTube. He is in the process of opening a tattoo shop out of our home, also, so in our break time we slack off and watch old videos.

MC: Favorite food?

LB: Far too much chocolate! *laughs* I also like Italian food and mashed potatoes with gravy. You could strand me on an island with endless mashed potatoes and gravy provided, and I could die happily.

MC: Favorite beverage?

LB: *twitch twitch* Anything with caffeine.

MC: Worst fear?

LB: Irrationality of others. Irrational judgment or intolerance. The lack of reasonable thinking going on in the world! The way a part of me can be so mentally abusive to myself.

MC: Favorite movies?

LB: Clive Barker’s Nightbreed; Hellraiser 1 – 3, The Shining (with Jack Nicholson), Donnie Darko, Evil Dead Trilogy, Bubba Ho-tep, A&E’s version of Pride and Prejudice, Hammer films, Highlander 1, anything and everything Cronenberg has ever made—next to Barker, he is my other god!

MC: Favorite TV shows?

LB: Six Feet Under, reruns of Cheers, Fraiser, Just Shoot Me. Weeds, Dexter, and the now defunct Carnivale *sobs* I loved that show….

MC: If you could travel to any time and place, when, where and why?

LB: Probably to the Romantic Era, so I could meet Byron.

MC: Do you have a favorite sport?

LB: Hockey, of course! Hehe I mean, it is anti-Canadian not to love hockey, right? *winks*

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

LB: Readers can reach the crazy black faerie at:

blackfaery76@yahoo.ca

I try to answer all e-mails as quickly as I can, but at the moment I am a one woman show working two, soon to be three jobs, so please bear with a bumbled headed fae! J When I can get either an agent involved, or some other form of paid promotional backing / services, I hope to have even more free time to respond promptly to e-mails. Be patient with me, and I will get back to you, though!

Thanks, Madison! Great questions!~ J Take care~ Louise xox

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Sign up: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Madisons_Interviews/

Now for the interview…

MC: First off, do you prefer to be called Lori or Loribelle?

LH: Either one is fine really. My family tends to call me Lori Belle and my friends and husband call me Lori, unless it isn’t getting my attention lol.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors? Books that have inspired you?

LH: I love so many. Christine Feehan, Suzanne Brockmann, Jayne Ann Krentz, Gennita Low, Guy Gavriel Kay, Tony Hillerman, Nevada Barr, Anne Rivers Siddons, Pat Conroy…I could obviously go on all day.

As for inspiration, anything that sucks me and turns off my inner editor is an inspiration. All those authors I listed can do that.

MC: Tell us about your books. How many have you published so far?

LH: I have seven available now.

MC: What’s coming up from you?

LH: Books three (Chasing the Moon) and four (Call of the Moon) of the Lunar Mates series should be out in December and January, and I have a short suspense called Fireworks that should be available from Samhain Publishing sometime next spring.

MC: Who are you published with?

LH: Cobblestone Press, Samhain Publishing, and Freya’s Bower

MC: Like many writers, you seem to have a love/hate relationship with writing. What advice do you have for new authors & writers?

LH: Lol, I see my personal blog is catching up with me! I think you have to really love it, have to really know this is what you’re supposed to be doing with your life. Because, seriously, there are some days that are awful. If under the frustrations and the set backs, writing is something that defines you and you love it, don’t ever give up. The hallmark of every best seller is perseverance I think.

MC: If you were to compare your work to other authors, who would you say that your work most resembles in plot, tone, or voice?

LH: I can never answer this question. There’s almost always some suspense in my work, either in paranormal or military or civilian law enforcement. I think I’m not as dark as Christine Feehan and maybe a little darker than Suzanne Brockmann.

MC: What’s something readers may not know about you?

LH: I rarely eat chocolate. I know, that’s evil, huh? But it gives me migraines so I have to have a serious jones to eat it.

MC: How about some fun questions? Do you have a motto?

LH: Never quit!

MC: How about a favorite phrase?

LH: I say alrighty then way too much lol.

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

LH: loyal, nosy, determined, cynical, and opinionated

MC: Is the glass half full or half empty?

LH: Depends on the day really.

MC: What are your hobbies?

LH: Photography, reading, hanging out with the kids

MC: Favorite food?

LH: It should be illegal to turn down lasagna!

MC: Favorite beverage?

LH: I tend to rotate between sweet tea, Diet Coke, and French Vanilla cappuccino.

MC: Worst fear?

LH: Failure because I wasn’t gutsy enough to go after what I wanted.

MC: Favorite movies?

LH: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Four Weddings and a Funeral, the original Star Wars series, Serenity, Buckaroo Bonzai, Underworld, Blade, The Mummy (1 and 2)

MC: Favorite TV shows?

LH: Battlestar Galactica, Lost, Jericho, The Nine

MC: If you could travel to any time and place, when, where and why?

LH: Into the future. I can’t wait to see how technology and society develop.

MC: Do you have a favorite sport?

LH: Fast pitch softball. My daughters’ sport.

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

LH: My website and blog are at www.loribellehunt.com. By email I can be reached at lori@loribellehunt.com

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GM: It’s wonderful to be here, Madison and thanks for having me!

Well, tell you something about me…Let’s see, I’m a cross-genre erotic romance author who loves exploring the possibility of psi abilities in humans and the limits of the human heart. I’m an avid reader who writes what I love to read and vice versa. I’ve been writing since I was a kid and dream of being able to give up my day job to write full time.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors? Books that have inspired you?

GM: Some of my favorite authors in no particular order: Tina Wainscott, Octavia E. Butler, Nancy Kress, Dennis Danvers, Poppy Z. Brite, Sherilynn Kenyon. Lori Foster, Shannon McKenna, Joey W. Hill. Tina Wainscott’s On The Way To Heaven was very inspirational, and directly resulted in my writing my first paranormal romance, New Life Incognita. All of Octavia E. Butler’s books inspire me with their multi-layered characterizations and gripping plots. The innovative premise of Nancy Kress’s Beggars in Spain knocked my socks off, ditto for Dennis Danvers’s Circuit of Heaven. Shannon McKenna writes some of the hottest and most sensitive alpha heroes I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading and some really vicious villains in her romance suspense novels and is an auto-buy for me.

MC: Tell us about your books. You have an incredible list of accomplishments and awards, not to mention a large backlist. How many have you published so far?

GM: So far, Madison, I have ten books published with various publishers.

MC: Is there one particular moment or event that stands out in your career so far?

GM: That would have to be the call I received from the editor of Street News saying that he wanted to publish my novel excerpt in his paper—one of my first paying gigs . That was about a decade ago.

MC: Who are you published with?

GM: My most recent five books are with Siren Publishing, Inc., and the others are with Awe-Struck E-Books and Fictionwise. With Siren (www.sirenpub.com) I have two series—The Matchmaker which includes Siren Top Sellers BENEATH THE SURFACE, TERMS OF SURRENDER and the upcoming MANIFEST DESTINY, and Sisters of Emsharra which includes GUARDIAN SEDUCTRESS, PREDATOR’S SALVATION and upcoming in Siren’s Rapture collection, SENTINEL’S HUNGER. Single titles with Siren include: Siren Top Seller SPELLS CAST IN SHADOWS, and upcoming IN PLAIN SIGHT, BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT, and ETERNAL DESIGNS. DANCING IN THE DARK, FLAMES PAST and MILES TO GO are all available at Awe-Struck E-Books (www.awe-struck.net) and DESERT DREAMS and NEW LIFE INCOGNITA are available from Fictionwise (www.fictionwise.com)

MC: Any upcoming contests you want readers to know about?

GM: I’m running a contest in my newsletter that any subscriber can enter. Readers can subscribe to my newsletter, The G-Spot, by visiting here: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewNewsletter.asp?authorID=623 The next issue of The G-Spot goes out 11/20/06 and the contest runs from 11/20/06 to 12/20/06.

Also, my publisher Siren is hosting a chat at Siren Books http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SirenBooks this Saturday 11/11/06 and will be giving away Siren titles free all day (31 Drawings total!) Readers can come out to meet their favorite Siren authors and win free books.

MC: What advice do you have for new authors & writers?

GM: Network as much as possible, don’t be afraid to ask questions (remember there are no stupid questions), be open to constructive criticism and don’t give up.

MC: If you were to compare your work to other authors, who would you say that your work most resembles in plot, tone, or voice?

GM: Aside from believing that my tone and voice are unique to me…? Wow, I can’t really think of anyone off-hand to compare myself to.

MC: What’s something readers may not know about you?

GM: I have four tattoos and I’m really kind of shy despite the subject matter of most of my writing .

MC: How about some fun questions? Do you have a motto?

GM: Love conquers all .

MC: How about a favorite phrase?

GM: Can I repeat my motto? No? Okay, let’s see… If He sees you to it, He’ll see you through it.

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

GM: Clumsy, quiet, shy, reliable, and nice.

MC: Is the glass half full or half empty?

GM: Half-empty.

MC: What are your hobbies?

GM: I love watching movies, especially action and vampire/shapshifter, sci-fi and fantasy. I love watching tennis on TV, playing handball, swimming and reading.

MC: Favorite food?

GM: Okay, here goes and in no particular order: fried chicken, chocolate, flan, cheesecake (any kind), watermelon, pasta, cheese (any kind)…this list could go on forever if I let it.

MC: Favorite beverage?

GM: Water…yes, seriously, water.

MC: Worst fear?

GM: That I don’t have another novel (or novella, or short story or poem) in me.

MC: Favorite movies?

GM: The Matrix Trilogy (and anything with Keanu Reeves in it), The LOTR Trilogy, Titanic, As Good As It Gets, Blade Trilogy, Interview with the Vampire, Meet Joe Black, Troy, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (anything with Brad Pitt and/or Angelina Jolie), Independence Day, Hitch, I, Robot (or anything with Will Smith) Crash, Underworld, Underworld: Evolution, Phone Booth (anything with Colin Ferrill)…here’s another list that could go on forever.

MC: Favorite TV shows?

GM: Nip/Tuck, Dexter, Desperate Housewives, Lost, ER, Heroes, 4400, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars…

MC: If you could travel to any time and place, when, where and why?

GM: I’d love to travel back to my formative years to meet myself and give myself a piece of my mind about some very important issues (especially the importance of flossing).

MC: Do you have a favorite sport?

GM: Handball, to play. Tennis to watch.

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

GM: Readers can contact me at: gwiz10@optonline.net or visit my websites to learn more about me at: http://www.graciecmckeever.com or http://www.myspace.com/graciecmkceever (don’t forget to add me as a friend !)

Thanks again for having me, Madison, and conducting such a great interview. I enjoyed my time answering your questions!

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Hi Madison! Even though I don’t write erotica any longer per se…I wanted to be a part of this if you don’t mind. I used my newest novel, Michael as inspiration. Reading Michael will let you know why he is so seemingly devoid of emotions.

Name: Michael Paxton

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MC: Hi Mia. Welcome to my front porch. Make yourself comfortable. Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? When did you start writing?

MR: Hi Madison. Thanks for inviting me! Today I live in Alabama. I moved here a little over a year ago from Tennessee. I started writing about five years ago on a regular basis, but I’ve always love to write stories even from a very young age.

MC: Do you remember the first romance novel you ever read? If so, what was it?

MR: I started to read my mother’s Harlequin romances when I was around eleven years old. I’ve always loved reading a happy-ever-after story, and I was hooked after I read the first one. I don’t remember the title of the book, but I know I had a favorite author by the name of Glenna Finley who wrote for a brief time and then seemed to vanish. She didn’t write for H/S, but her books were wonderful! I wish I could find out what happened to her, and if she still is writing under a different name. Her books went on my keeper shelf for years.

MC: You write for Cobblestone Press. Tell us about your books.

MR: I love writing for Cobblestone, and most of what I write has a Chicklit tone. I think that we should have some fun and humor in our life each day. That is what I hope to bring to my readers in my writing. I do writes some romantic suspense as well, and I always like to include a very unexpected twist in those that leaves the reader saying; wow, I didn’t see that coming!

Right now I have two books that have been released with Cobblestone and another one that will be out on October 31st. The first release is called Burnin’ Down Nash Vegas, and it is a romantic suspense. The second one is a fun Chicklit called, My Lips Are Sealed that I had such a blast writing.

MC: What’s coming up next from you?

MR: Next will be a romantic suspense that I just finished called Diamond. I’m currently looking for a home on that one. Right now I’m working on a Chicklit story for Valentines Day called Cupid’s Dilemma. It is turning into a fun romantic paranormal and I’m at around 9000 words on it.

MC: Tell us about Aaron Montgomery and Bailey Carson.

MR: Aaron is a very sexy firefighter who has a soft a caring heart deep down and a burning passion for Bailey, who is a country music singer. Both have been burned in relationships and are hesitant about taking a chance at love the second time around. The sparks that fly between them have them willing to take that risk. There are some unexpected events that take place in the book that really change their lives and the way they think.

MC: Do you have an advice for up and coming writers?

MR: The best advice I could give an up and coming writer is, never give up! Ever!

MC: Tell us about your kitty, Sherlock.

MR: Oh, Sherlock, where do I begin? LOL Sherlock is the most mysterious cat I’ve ever had in my life! I’ve always loved animals and had cats and dogs all my life. Out of all of them, Sherlock has made me laugh more than any other. He has an obsession for anything electronic–really! If I’m not up by five in the morning, he thinks it’s his duty to press the button on the alarm clock. Every morning! He loves to explore and usually gets into trouble. A few months back I caught him turning on the paper shredder in the office. He’s done this twice since then, and he thinks it’s fun to jump on top of it afterwards! It is a wonder he hasn’t caught his tail in the thing. Now I keep it unplugged unless I’m using it. His favorite toys are Beanie Babies. Each time he gets a new one, he carries it in his mouth through his pet door that leads into the garage. Once he gets in the garage with it, he takes it over to the litter box and stand there for a second as if to say, “See, this is the bathroom, I’m only showing you once, so pay attention.” Afterwards, he never takes them out to the garage again. He brings them in the house and places them on his pillow by the fireplace.

MC: What are your hobbies?

MR: I love to sew, cook and write–of course! I also love to do photography and some graphic art on occasion. I used to make wedding cakes, and I’ve sewn everything from my winter coats to curtains!

MC: How about some fun questions? Do you have a motto?

MR: My motto is this: If they say it can’t be done, then I’m going to prove them wrong!

MC: How about a favorite phrase?

MR: When you hit rock bottom, there’s only one way to go–up!

MC: Five words that describe you.

MR: Eccentric, Caring, Mysterious, Loving and Goofy

MC: Favorite food?

MR: Anything fried and fattening!

MC: Favorite beverage?

MR: Latte, Milkshakes, Margaritas

MC: Worst fear?

MR: Dying before I get a chance to write all the stories in my head.

MC: Favorite movies?

MR: Dirty Dancing, The Thomas Crown Affair, Under the Tuscan Sun

MC: Favorite TV shows?

MR: The Food Network

MC: If you could travel to any time and place, when, where and why?

MR: I would love to travel back to the days of the 1940′s in America. I think times were so much simpler then. People were less stressed, family was a priority and even though times were hard, there was a strong bond of honesty and integrity.

MC: Do you have a favorite sport?

MR: Ice Skating

MC: Are you running a contest for readers? Where can the meet you in the coming months?

MR: I will be doing some more contests in October for my Chicklit paranormal, Rain Drops Keep Falling on my Dead. In the coming months I will be traveling to Tennessee and back to Alabama. I am trying to be better about posting daily on my blog, so readers can keep up with what is going on with me.

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

MR: I can be reached at romanobooks@yahoo.com

My website is www.freewebs.com/miaromano and my blog is www.miaromano.blogspot.com

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TK: During the day I’m a mild-mannered, single, professional woman. But when night falls and the earth is shrouded in shadows, the pearly rays of the moon the only light, I sit before my computer to write the most sensuous tales, bringing up erotic fantasies from a world shrouded in its dark veil, and let all the night creatures come out to enjoy the earthly pleasures with humans.

MC: Your bio says that you have an interest in folklore. Can you tell us more about that and how you got interested in it?

TK: Puerto Rican culture, as well as other Latin American cultures, is rich in folklore. Beautiful “tainas” who bewitched the Spaniards sentries at “La Garrita del Diablo.” “La Llorona” in Mexico. You cannot not grow in this country with such rich history and lore that comes from the mix of three cultures – taíno, African, and Spanish – and not be affected by it.

When I was a child, my grandparents used to tell me all these fantastic stories from specters to myths – some from my distant relatives like Pirate Cofresí -, and I just loved hearing them. I’ve always had a very vivid imagination, so every time I heard one of those stories my imagination took flight, and now I can’t help but to draw inspiration from them when I’m writing.

MC: And what about runes and tarot? Could you explain it for the readers who don’t know much about these topics?

TK: Believe it or not people are quite familiar with the runes. Those who saw the movie “Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring” saw the runes etched in the book Gandalf read when they were trapped in the mines of Moria. And of course, those into Harry Potter have heard Hermione complain about her rune course. You know, that’s how my goddaughter got into them.

Now the runes were the Vikings’ alphabet system, but they were also used for divination. Basically, the runes consist of 24 pictographs, each representing a force or object of Nature. For instance, Hagall represents limitations or delays, and Uruz the wild cattle. If you check out websites, you’ll see that the Vikings carved runes into everything.

A friend of mine from high school, whose father was into Freemasonry, had a rune set. Every time she hosted pajama parties at her house, she treated us for a rune session. It aroused my curiosity.

As for the tarot, just like the runes, it’s another divination tool. There are many theories of the origin of the tarot – too many to discuss in such a short amount of time. Suffice it’s to say that there’s evidence that points to tarot decks being about 400 years old. Nowadays you can walk into Borders or occult stores and find hundreds of tarot decks of all sizes and themes, which is totally mind boggling – especially if you’re a beginner. But let’s stick with the one we’re all familiar with, the perhaps most famous tarot deck of all, The Raider-Waite, which set the standards for all other tarots. It consists of 78 cards divided into 2 arcanas: 22 cards in the Major Arcana (which present major forces of nature at work or the Fool’s journey as some prefer to refer to it) and 56 cards in the Minor Arcana (which present the mundane: cups – emotions, pentacles – material possessions, wands – creativity, and swords – will).

I’d heard about tarots when I was younger so my curiosity was piqued. I bought my first tarot deck at the age of 19, and I’ve been studying it since then.

MC: How do these interests influence your writing?

TK: Like I mentioned before, I sometimes draw some of my inspiration from the lore and myths I find in different cultures. Of course, I might twist some of the tales around, change them to suit my purposes. But mostly it helps me when I’m worldbuilding. And as for the runes and the tarot, they’ve become instrumental in some of my stories by becoming an integral part in them.

At other times, when I’m stuck in a story, I use the tarot to get me unstuck. I have to thank my dear friend and fellow writer Lynn Daniels, who sent me all these tarot spread sheets to help me with characterization, plot, and conflict.

MC: You live in Puerto Rico, right? You paint a wonderful picture of it in your bio and I just love learning about new places. Would you mind telling us more about this Island of Enchantment? Where are your favorite places to visit? What are the “must see” sights?

TK: Puerto Rico (or Borinquen), referred by poets and songwriters as “la perla del Caribe” (the Caribbean pearl) and “la isla del encanto,” lays between the Atlantic Ocean, with its restless dark-blue waters, on the North and the peaceful turquoise Caribbean Sea on the south. It’s a small island, 100 miles by 35 miles. During the day, the sound of parrots, nightingales, and other birds can be heard; and at night the “coqui” (a very small frog) lulls you to sleep with its song. The exotic smell and sights of tropical fruits (mangoes, pineapples, and many more), the colors of wild flowers is everywhere, every single day of year. “Flamboyanes” in summer. Ixorians in spring and fall. The beaches with their white sands are a sight to behold. If the sun painting the baby-blue sky and the waters orange as it sets at the beach can leave you breathless, the sunrises over the green folliage of mountains are just as inspiring. Down here nature comes in small yet amazing packages, like “El Yunque,” the dwarf rainforest. We also have “El Bosque Seco” (the dry forest), with its twisted trees. The mighty Caves of Camuy, where many of our tainos lived, are an artistic expression of Creation.

If you prefer to check out the arquitecture, then there’s “El Morro”, San Felipe Fort, La Fortaleza, Serralles Castle, Porta Coeli, etc.

If you’re into the cultural and festivals, you can miss to visit Loiza Aldea. There’s no other place to see people dancing “la bomba y plena” in traditional clothes. Or go to the Bacardi Festival. Just be careful not to get drunk. *lol*

MC: Tell us about your book Enduring Promise from Cobblestone Press. I
love the title! How did you come up with the idea for the book?

TK: Funny you mentioned the title because that’s how I came up with the idea for the story. *g* You see, I have to have the perfect title for a
story before I even begin to write it. So last year, back in mid-July,
some of my fellow writers encouraged me to write a 6K piece for the
writing competition, and at the time I thought it was a good idea. But two
weeks before the deadline, I was sitting in front of my computer with the
blank screen staring back at me. No title, no story. So my cousin called
me and asked me to check for a movie on the Barnes & Nobles website for
her. She couldn’t recall the title of it except it had the word “promise”
in it. So I typed the word and a list of movies came up. As I read the
titles, one of them stuck up, Love’s Enduring Promise. I’m telling
you, I couldn’t get it out of my head. It was like when you hear a song,
and then you can’t stop humming it, even if you hate the song? A total
earworm. *lol* Then later that night, I was watching a vampire movie when
suddenly the whole story hit me. *wg*

Deanna Lee, owner of Cobblestone Press, told me on the Friday’ night chat to celebrate the release of Enduring Promise if ideas for my stories fell on my lap, and I answered, “Oh yes, they always do when I have the right title.” *g*

Now, you want to know about Enduring Promise? Let me just say that it’s a wonderful love story of love lost/love found between Giselle Dubois, a vampire who fell in love with her sex-slave, and Evan Harris. I can’t tell you more. Now you’ll have to read the book to find out the details. For a full blurb, go to
http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/enduringpromise.htm.
*winks*

MC: What’s coming up next from you? Should we mark our calendars? Any
upcoming events, chats, that sort of thing.

TK: Wow, I’ve got so many chats scheduled, so get those red-ink pens and mark your calendars. *wg* My fellow midnight mooners and I will be at Ciar
Cullen Passion on Oct. 14, at Coffee Time Romance on Oct. 17, and at
eBookLove on Oct. 20. I’m scheduling a few more chats for September, so
check out my website for updates. My fellow writers and I at Midnight Moon Café are preparing a lot of surprises for the September and October. Keep tune!

As for contests, on September 24, “Enduring Promise” will be part of the Book-a-Day at The Romance Studio. So some lucky person will win a copy of it. *wg* Speaking of The Romance Studio, I’ll be a featured author for the month of October. I’ll be putting more details on this in my website too.

MC: Your book was recently reviewed by Literary Sass. They’re known for
their brutal honesty. And they gave you two glowing reviews. Care to
brag… I mean, share. :-)

TK: Oh, I know! *lol* They’re really tough readers to please. They know
what they want and not want in a book, and they’re very vocal about it.
I’d seen them rip apart other books, so I almost fell of the chair when I
saw their wonderful reviews. It took me about 10 minutes before it sank
in. Did you know they were the first ones to review my book? Call me
dorky, but I printed out those reviews and framed them.

MC: Now for some fun questions. If you could have any special power,
what would it be?

TK: The power to command water.

MC: If you could be any god or goddess, who would you be and why?

TK: Well, this is going to surprise a lot of you, but I’d say the Morrigan, the Celtic goddess of War, a shapeshifter. I bet you all were expecting me to choose one of the many love and beauty goddesses, like Venus, Aphrodite, or Freyja, since I write erotic romance novels, didn’t you? *lol* Sorry to disappoint you then, but the truth is that I am, as
one of my ex-boyfriends called me, a true warrioress. Like a Xena, the
Warrior Princess. Except that I’m 5’2″. And my eyes are chocolate brown.
*chuckles* Besides, the Morrigu’s symbol is the raven, which she used to
shapeshift into it, and although there are no such birds in my country,
I’ve always have a connection with them.

MC: Five words that describe you?

TK: Loyal, temperamental, fiercely honest, relentless, and anally perfectionist.

MC: Anyone who’s been to my myspace page knows I love two things. First of all, peaches. Do you have a favorite food? Fruit? What beverage do you always have on hand while you’re writing?

TK: Favorite food? Easy. Pizza. I love pizza. Especially peperonni! I could it every day forever and ever. Every Sunday I have to have pizza. If I don’t, beware. I shapeshift into this ugly beast. Pizza is the most erotic food for me.

As for favorite beverage to get me through the writing, I used to have Vanilla Coke. Big fan of vanilla! But it was discontinued. Now I have a glass of water. Yes, I know. Not very exciting, uh? However, I usually have a bowl of pop-corn or a few chocolate chip cookies around to fuel my mind when the tough gets going.

MC: The other thing I love… okay, I’m slightly obsessed with is flipflops. Do you have any obsessions? Collections?

TK: Obsessions? Hm… I don’t know about that. I love men with long hair and great bodies. Does that constitute an obsession? *lol* I collect stuff with dragons, gargoyles, tigers, and wolves.

MC: What’s something that your readers may not know about you?

TK: I was the lead guitarrist in an all-girls heavy metal band back in the 80s. And yes, I had the whole big hair and wore leather pants and spiked necklaces. I still my cherry red Carvin V220 with reverse inline head and black chrome inlays – the last of its kind to be made by Carvin Electric Guitars – and the Mouradian CS 64, also red.

MC: What is your writing schedule like?

TK: Schedule?! What schedule? Honestly, I wish I had one. I envy those who brag about how they can put certain amount of hours into their writing. But working a full-time job with a wacky schedule, I barely scrape a handful of minutes to write when I get home. Even during weekends. I’m lucky if I can have an hour to sit and write. Sometimes days go by without me writing a word. That’s why I write to such a sedate pace to the chagrin of some people in the writing business.

Nowadays I carry my PC Pocket with its foldable keyboard with me at all times, in case I can squeeze a few extra minutes of writing while at work. In the trunk of my car, there’s a plastic box, where I keep a notebook, which I use to jot down notes if I can’t take out my PC Pocket.

MC: How can readers (or anyone else) get in touch with you?

TK: Readers can check out my website at http://www.tempestknight.com/ for
updates and more info. They can also join Midnight Moon Cafe Newletter at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/midnightmooncafe/. But if they’re looking to
have some fun, go by my blog, Midnight Moon Cafe, which I share with three
other excellent paranormal sensual writers, Cora Zane, Cassandra Curtis,
and Brandi Broughton, at http://midnightmooncafe.blogspot.com/. I also
jumped into the MySpace hype and now you can find me at
http://www.myspace.com/tempestknight. You can add me to your list of
friends.

Thanks Tempest!

Thank you for having me here!

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SS: Hi, thanks for having me! Well, I live in the Pacific Northwest where I’m the Vice President of my local RWA chapter. I’m a single mom, and I love to write. I used to do Tae Kwon Do where I’m a second degree purple belt, but I’m taking a break due to time and monetary reasons.

MC: When did you start writing?

SS: I started writing when I was a teenager. My own little romances that we’re maybe seven pages long. LOL.

MC: What was it like auditioning for American Idol?

SS: It was… an experience. LOL. It was tiring. Contrary to what everyone thinks, you don’t just go and audition for Randy, Simon and Paula. There are three stages to the audition, three cuts you have to make. The first part of the audition you have to wait in line for hours on end (we got in line at 3 in the morning) before you even get to audition. You wait it tight, crowded lines. Then you get herded into whatever venue they’ve picked, and you wait for your number to come up. You go down with 5 or 6 people and stand in front of a panel of judges. But the entire floor is full of sections with judges, so at one point you’ll have about 60 people auditioning. That’s the first cut, if you make it through that you go to the second round. Round three is Randy, Simon, and Paula. During the first round they encourage people to be the next William Hung because we can’t all be the next American Idol *rolling eyes* I just went along to support my best friend and decided to audition because I thought it could be great research for a book some day! I got booted first cut. I almost sang The Greatest Love of All with hand motions and as off pitch as possible, but decided it wasn’t worth the humiliation. (I was a music major and I would never hear the end of it!) Overall the whole process is really staged and a bit cheesy.

MC: Tell us about your books. You have two out with Cobblestone Press right now, correct?

SS: I have Tourist Attraction and The Pirate’s Booty both out with Cobblestone Press. They both are contemporary erotic romances and have been receiving great reviews! Here’s the mini premise for each.

Tourist Attraction: Melanie goes to Hawaii on vacation with two major goals. To get a tan, and to have a fling. Then things take a twist–or at least her ankle does–and she finds herself in the care of a sexy doctor. One who’s more than willing to show her his bedside manner.
The Pirate’s Booty: To save her business, Renee crashes a party thrown by the descendant of a pirate. She plans to steal back a brooch taken from her ancestor centuries ago. But what she doesn’t realize is that it’s a sex party, and Devon Murray is as notorious as his pirate ancestor.

MC: What’s coming up next for you?

SS: I have two more books coming out with Cobblestone Press. This Spells Trouble was my first paranormal that comes out in October. My heroine is a witch, my hero is a vampire. This is part of a three book Halloween series, Vegas Magic, I’m doing with Sara Dennis and Loribelle Hunt. I also have a book Silk Hauntings coming out in December. That is fun, sexy little ghost story.

MC: What do you love most about writing?

SS: The freedom of it. I love creating my own stories and giving them my own ending. It’s just like reading a book I love, only I’m in the drivers seat.

MC: What’s your least favorite part about writing/publishing?

SS: Writing a synopsis. That and trying to find some of my earlier works a home. And then knowing it’s possible I may have to just bury the manuscript.

MC: Is there a setting that you’ve wanted to include in a book that you haven’t yet?

SS: I’d like to do a futuristic. And I’ll probably be doing one soon.

MC: Do you have a muse?

SS: I think the muse is the biggest excuse to procrastinate if I’ve ever heard one. I didn’t even know what a muse was until I saw the movie.

MC: Any advice for up and coming writers?

SS: Write a book, and then another one. Keep writing and sending them out. You get better with each book, and you prove to the agent/editors that you’re productive.

MC: How about some fun questions?

SS: What’s your favorite Rascal Flatts’ song? Oooh I just discovered them a few months ago. (I’m a newly converted country fan!) I really like ‘What hurts the most’ and ‘Fast Cars and Freedom.’

MC: Is the glass half empty or half full?

SS: Who cares as long as it’s Diet Coke J Umm… probably ½ full

MC: If you were a flavor of bubble gum, what flavor would you be?

SS: Oooh Pina colada

MC: Who are your favorite authors and why?

SS: Lori Foster, Cherry Adair, Sasha White. All write fabulous for their genre.

MC: What’s your idea of the perfect date?

SS: Probably a picnic dinner, under the stars in the country, with a cd player playing various types of music (depending on my mood, lol) Country and Classical.

MC: Do you have a favorite sport?

SS: It used to be baseball, but the Mariners are pissing me off. So it’s now football. Go Seahawks!

MC: Do you believe in love at first sight?

SS: No way. I believe in lust at first sight, but I think the love comes later.

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

SS: You can visit my website at www.shellistevens.com, my blog at www.shellistevens.blogspot.com, or email me at shellistevens@shellistevens.com

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AC: Ann is the fun and saucy side of me who enjoys writing hot and sexy scenes for her oh-so deserving characters. Ann cringes at writing about herself so she kindly smiles and points you to her bio page: http://www.anncory.com/bio.htm

AC: Breaking in Levi is my bad boy novella with a little fun, suspense, banter, and some steamy sex scenes. http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/breakinginlevi.htm

Butterfly Kisses is a Tryst about a swimmer who goes through a life-changing event and contemplates breaking up with her longtime supportive fiancé. It will make you laugh, cry, and oh yes, there is some light bondage to shake things up. http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/butterflykisses.htm

MC:  What’s coming up from you next?

AC: My website: http://www.anncory.com My blog: http://anncory.blogspot.com Moonglade Elite Authors blog http://www.moongladeeliteauthors.com/blog and my group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anncory

Thanks Ann!

Thank you Madison, I had fun!

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CJ: It is! As much as I love the books, that’s really not what I work with all day. I work with people who need information. Students, teachers, kids, people who wander in and want to know where the bathroom is.

MC: What’s the toughest thing about being a librarian?

CJ: Not being able to help people! Sometimes the all-knowing librarianista just has no clue how to find something.

MC: You say you’re an alphabet person now. Can you tell us what letters follow your name?

CJ: MLS, which stands for Master of Library Science. Though someday I want it to be PhD, just so people have to call me Doctor.

MC: Tell us about your book Full Swing.

CJ: *sigh* This was the first story I ever finished and I still can’t believe I sold! It just blows my mind on a daily basis. I have a book. And a pretty cover! With my name on it and everything! So, about the story. Jill is a woman with everything. She’s the Tiger Woods of women’s golf and has a hot Army Ranger husband. They have a solid marriage and have been together for years. Then he’s injured in combat. Life altering-type injury and suddenly her perfect life is unraveling at the seams. He wants her to have better than a broken man, and she wants them to do more than have sex to avoid talking to each other. No matter how hot the sex is (and it really, really is). This is the story about life getting in the way of love.

MC: Do you play golf, yourself?

CJ: I used to. I was on the varsity girls’ golf team my senior year of high school. I was part of the group that started the program. And I was really, really bad at it. I haven’t played since then, and I don’t even want to know what my handicap is now, but I had a lot of fun way back then.

MC: Tell us a little about IN ICE, your Octoberfest release.

CJ: This is the first in my four-part Wereplanets series where humans are extinct except for genetically altered humans who were developed to adapt to the harsh environments of colonized planets. Basically, humans were gene-spliced to become wereanimals. I’ve got dragons and mermaids and tiger and bears. Oh, my! In Ice is the story of Jain and Kesuk. She’s the last surviving human who crashed onto an ice planet after drifting in space in cryogenic freeze for centuries. Kesuk is the bear-shifter who saves her from the snow. Ice planet or not, their romance is pretty hot.

MC: How did you get involved with The Novelty Girls?

CJ: The same way I got involved with Cobblestone Press. Loribelle Hunt and Shelli Stevens made me! They were looking to start a new group blog and they asked me to join in. We have an awesome group of authors over there. We’re all highly motivated and really want to dig into this industry.

MC: Who are your favorite authors and why?

CJ: Oh, hell. I have no idea. My favorites are like my weight: subject to change without warning. Right now I’d have to go with Suzanne Brockmann because her new one, Into the Storm, is freaking awesome. And I met her in real life and she’s so nice!

MC: What do you do in your spare time? Any hobbies?

CJ: Well, writing was supposed to be my hobby, and it kind of turned into a second career. I’m afraid to find any more hobbies or I won’t get to sleep anymore. So, writing, reading, and sleeping are it right now. I lead such a fascinating life.

MC: Where would you like to visit? Any place you’ve always longed to go and why?

CJ: Australia. I have a crush on the cute swimmer from the Olympics. Ian Thorpe, I think his name is. Yeah, he’s way too young for me. But the accent down there is hot. And I hear it’s a pretty country too.

MC: What’s your favorite holiday?

CJ: Halloween. It’s the one day of the year where I get to dress crazy, gorge myself on candy, and not share any of my goodies with anyone else. What more could I ask for in a holiday?

MC: Tell us about your kitty.

CJ: *groan* Horatio is my little Hellcat. He’s a gorgeous little flame-point half-Siamese cat. He has big blue eyes and his points look like an orange tabby cat. He’s also Satan in a fur coat. He’s systematically broken every lamp in my apartment and cornered a mouse in the bathroom with me, but didn’t bother to kill it. So, I had to deal with a scared little mouse while buck naked and dripping wet at 6am. Sometimes I’m really grateful I’m single and no one who has to sleep with me can see me in situations like that.

MC: Five words that describe you?

CJ: Sarcastic, funny, intelligent, creative, driven

MC: Favorite food?

CJ: I have a three way tie for first (Hey, I write erotic romance. A three-way was bound to come up sometime). Enchiladas, chicken chow mein, and BBQ steak. Yep, I’m a carnivore.

MC: Favorite beverage?

CJ: My grandmother is an English immigrant, so I’m a big fan of hot tea with cream and sugar. She raised me right.

MC: Favorite place to read?

CJ: In my chair. It was a present from my mother and it’s a big cushy vintage 1950s armchair. In pink tweed.

MC: Five favorite movies?

CJ: Summer Magic (old Haley Mills musical), His Girl Friday (hot men, hot dialogue, old black & white classic), Pirates of the Caribbean (for obvious reasons), Clerks 2 (one phrase: interspecies erotica–LOL), Chronicles of Riddick (Vin Diesel is hot)

MC: How about TV shows?

CJ: CSI (the original), Grey’s Anatomy (go George!), Gilmore Girls (wholesome family fun), and The OC (my guilty pleasure).

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

CJ: Check out my website (http://www.crystaljordan.com) and blog (http://crystaljordan.blogspot.com) for updates on my writing career and sad love life. Or email me crystal@crystaljordan.com

Thanks for having me Madison! This was loads of fun.

Thanks Crystal!

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MC: You’ve always been a fan of romance, it seems. What attracts you to the genre? And do you read any other genres as voraciously?

KE:  I have always been a fan, ever since I discovered teen romances and then discovered The Flame and The Flower in my mom’s bookshelf.  I was hooked!  I also enjoy reading mystery, some chick lit and I also really love true crime (Ann Rule).  I have a morbid fascination with serial killers, I guess.

MC: Can you tell us a little about yourself? You’re married, with kids and cats. What makes Karen Erickson tick?

KE: You know your stuff!  Yep, I have 3 children, ages 12, 3 1/2 and almost 2.  And 3 cats.  And a husband.  I’ve lived in CA all my life, I have wonderful, supportive parents and a younger brother.  What makes me tick?  My husband and my children.  Though they all drive me nuts at some point in time, I wouldn’t know what to do without them.  My family brings me joy.  And my writing.  And my reality tv habit.  Ha ha.

MC: Do you have any hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?

KE:  Ha, what spare time?  My life is consumed with my family or my writing.  In the spare time I manage to eek out, I like to have dinner with friends, read a good book or escape to shop by myself sans kids.  That’s a rare moment, but when it happens, it’s bliss!

MC: Do you collect anything?

KE:  I’ve never been much of a collector.  My mom went through a weird beanie baby collecting phase and I thought it was sooooo weird.  The only thing I manage to collect is books…oh!  And candles.  I have way too many candles.  Just ask my husband.

MC: Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

KE:  I love Nora Roberts.  Certain books I can read over and over again.  Same goes for Stephen King.  I believe The Stand is one of my favorite books ever.  I’m also on a serious Jill Shalvis kick right now.  She’s wonderful!  I also love to read her blog.

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

KE:  Talkative, goofy, patient, scattered…did I already say talkative?  Yeah?  Well, I have to say it twice cos I’m really talkative.  Too talkative.  Can’t shut me up.

MC: Tell us about your book, Release Me. What’s it about and what inspired you to write it?

KE:  Release Me is about a woman who is tired of dealing with losers and wants to take control of her love life.  She finds just what she needs in the form of the man who repairs her computer at work, and they have quite the adventure.  Whew, they’re naughty!

I had just written a novel that drained me.  Something I rewrote once and I’m still not happy with it.  After finishing it I wanted to do something different, so I decided to try writing an erotic short story.  I wrote it in two weeks – I saw a show on late night tv that inspired it, and the words just flowed out of me.  I got up the nerve to submit it (my first submission!) and the rest is history.

MC: Do you have a muse?

KE:  Interesting question…I always start out my stories with the same hero in mind.  I can’t help it, I can’t kick the guy out of my head.  But they always morph into someone else and become their own person, so to speak.  So I guess he’s my muse.  Weird.

MC: What’s your writing schedule like?

KE:  I mostly write at night.  With two small children it’s hard to make time during the day, but sometimes I can squeeze it in.  It’s amazing how well I can write with interruptions, if I really put my mind to it!  My dream is all the children are in school and I can write all day.  That will be nice.  Someday…

MC: Have any advice for up and coming writers?

KE:  Write, write, write.  And learn your craft.  Take classes if you can.  Join RWA – join a chapter.  Find a critique partner – they’re invaluable.  Let your voice shine and don’t sweat the small stuff.  And if you really want to write, do it!  I’ve been writing off and on for years, but never got serious about it until last year.  I wish I would’ve done it sooner….

MC: What’s the best thing about being a published author?

KE:  Well, I was never more thrilled than when I saw my bookcover for the first time.  So exciting!  Of course, getting the email that Cobblestone wanted to buy my story.  That was cool.  And it’s so funny – people from high school have found me on myspace, cos I’m writing under my maiden name.  So now they want to be my friend cos they think I’m famous or something?  I don’t know – people are coming out of the high school woodwork – people I was never even that close to and emailing me, etc.  Too funny!

MC: Any downsides to being a published author?

KE:  Nope, not so far.  I’ve enjoyed every minute of this process.  It’s been a real eye opener.  If there’s been any downside, it would have to be the pressure I’ve put on myself to produce.  To keep producing quality writing.  Of course, I just need to keep writing every day and it should happen.  Right?  Right?  Ha ha ha.

MC: How can readers get in touch with you?

KE: You can visit my website – www.karenwritesromance.com.  You can visit my blog – http://kdid210.blogspot.com, or you can email me at karen@karenwritesromance.com.

Thanks Madison!

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CS: I was born in New York, but consider myself a California girl after having moved to southern California when I was seven years old. I’ve been reading romance since my late teens and many years later, after reading hundreds, I realized there was one componet missing in my very happy, active life – writing. I sat down to write, took workshops, joined RWA and three years and several rejected manuscripts later, I was finally rewarded with making my first sale to Kensington.

MC: Now about those books. You’re published by both Harlequin and Silhouette, right? And now you’ve made the jump to ebooks with Cobblestone Press. I’m just going to let you tell us about them all, because I know my visitors would be disappointed if I singled one book out.

CS: Three of the four books out this summer are contemporaries. Heiress Beware is a Desire Continuity, the story is one of a 12 part series with a different author writing one book per month that ties into the Elliott family saga. It’s fun and a challenge working with the other authors to keep the characters and storylines consistent. August I have Bunking Down with the Boss, another Desire, my favorite so far, the story packed with emotion and lots of sexual tension and my sexiest hero to date. That book was chosen for Harlequin’s Ebook format as well. The Way to a Man’s Heart is a reprint of one of my earlier Kensington books, originally published in 1999, and it’s a fan favorite, now available through Cobblestone Press. In September, Abducted at the Altar is a rollicking western starting from page one, as the title implies.

MC: So how did you make the jump to Cobblestone Press? And how are you liking the epublishing side of the industry so far?

CS: I found out about Cobblestone while reading posts from Sable Grey on Cataromance. I checked it out and found the site to be beautiful and organized. I have the rights back on three of my books and thought Cobblestone Press would be the perfect place for those re-issues. I’ve found it to be very professional and I enjoy working with my new editors and friends I’ve made there.

MC: Often we hear writers refer to their voice. This is what they believe sets them apart and makes them special. Is there a central theme in some or all of your books? And what makes them different than say another Desire or Historical that a reader might pick up?

CS: My books all have themes that are worked into the story is subtle ways and the themes are often different, too many to name. What I enjoy doing in my books is to have my characters come full circle by the end of the story. It’s been said that my characters have wit and charm, and my stories are quick reads. I write, how I like to read and that means I kept the pace fast, with lots of action and romance.

MC: You’ve taken the leap into blogging I see. How are you liking that?

CS: I like blogging. Often, it’s hard to find the time, but I try really hard to keep my blog going, whether spending ten minutes or an hour a day writing them. I like to post when I have something relevant to say.

MC: Tell us about Skittles. She sounds like a character. And what an adorable name!

CS: Skittles, the “devil” cat? She’s my mascot. She follows me around the house all day long. Right now, she’s sleeping beside the computer screen. When she was younger (and smaller) she’d jump atop the computer and sleep, while I was writing. She’s my friend, but she’s also very protective and thus the title “devil cat.” She doesn’t allow intruders, whether they be friends or family members, into our house. She’s been known to hiss, growl and strike unprovoked, at our guests. There are about five people I can think of, that she likes. If not, watch out. But to my husband and I , she’s the best pet we’ve ever had. Go figure. Skittles lives with and barely tolerates Snickers, the other cat in our household. Thus, the candy name. They are both “sweet”.

MC: What’s the most interesting question a reader has ever asked you?

CS: Gee, I can’t think of anything really interesting, but the question we all get seems to be, “Where do you get your ideas?” I guess for non-writers, ideas are hard, but when you’re creative, the ideas often time flow so fast you can’t wait to finish one story, so that you can begin the next.

MC: Do you have any favorite romance novels or authors? What makes them special?

CS: I grew up reading LaVyrle Spencer, Sandra Brown and Nora. They inspired me to write and will always be special to me. Now, I have so many friends that write great books, I have to add them to my list. I read Maureen Child, Barbara McCauley, Bronwyn James, Cheryl St. John. I do love the Janet Evanovich series too. I love to “feel” something when I read, and I think both LaVyrle and Sandra Brown were dynamic in that way.

MC: Since you write historicals, I’m sure you’ve thought about this question before. If you could live in any other time period when would it be and why?

CS: While I love my westerns, I know I can’t live without indoor plumbing. So, no. I’m not THAT adventurous. I like the 21st century, honest!

MC: How about a few fun questions? What’s your favorite color?

CS: peach

MC: Five words that describe you.

CS: loyal, dedicated, hard-working, creative and passionate

MC: Paper or plastic?

CS: Paper

MC: If you could be any animal, what kind would you be?

CS: A cat!

MC: Do you have a favorite reading spot? A favorite chair perhaps?

CS: Anywhere where the light is good, outside on my patio, on the beach, in bed, in my office.

MC: Do you have any advice for up and coming writers?

CS: I guess I can only go by my own example and say to them that hard work, persistence and learning the craft is essential. I’m still learning and I don’t think I’ll ever stop. Keep challenging yourself to do better, write more, and most of all, enjoy the process!

MC: What do you think are effective forms of promotion?

CS: I feel having a strong presence on the web is very important. I’ve tried booksignings, advertising etc, but ultimately they are time-consuming and I don’t know that they help all that much. But, getting your name out there on the internet is something that has paid off for me. I send out newsletters to my growing mailing list, have discussions and chats and do online classes. That all seems to help with name recognition. Uttimately, writing the best books you can, might be all that’s needed, as well. Word spreads like wildfire when someone has a great book out.

MC: What’s coming up next for you? Should we mark anything on our calendars?

CS: On August 12th I’ll be moderating a panel on “What’s Hot in the Market,” with some wonderful Rita-winning authors at my Chapter Meeting in Orange County. And in September, I’ve been invited to sit on a discussion panel at the Cerritos Library in their “Skyline” room for Afternoon Tea. Everyone is invited to come on September 17th at 2 PM, and sip some tea with me.

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I decided that it might be fun to interview fellow authors for my journal. So, to start off this new venture is the author of Shadows of Midnight, Stacy Dawn.

MC: Let’s start off with a little bit of background info on you. You’re Stacy Dawn. Romance author. Wife. Mother. But that’s of course the short and sweet version. Care to introduce yourself and give us a peek at the ‘real you?’

SD: I am all that. I waited a long time to find my soul mate and now we live in a century home out in the country with two beautiful young sons.

That’s the truth.

The reality is our house is in constant need of repairs and filled to the brim with way too much testosterone (even the dog is male). My husband is a sports-aholic to which no twelve step program will cure and happily sharing the obsession with his eager children. Is it any wonder I write romance? It’s to remind me I have a feminine side LOL.

MC: Were you ‘born a romance writer’ or did you ‘become a romance writer?’

SD: Born a romance writer. I believed in knights in shining armor and love conquers all. Still do.

MC: On your website you have a page called Mommy Writers and at the bottom you remind us that “as mothers we look after everyone 24/7 but who looks after us? Exactly, we do. So remember, while taking care of everyone else, don’t forget to take care of yourself.” That’s excellent advice, perhaps advice that should be shared more often. What do you do to take care of yourself? How do you recharge, relax and unwind?

SD: Wow, thank you for mentioning that. When I first came onto the internet and read comments etc from other writers, time and children came up regularly. I strongly believe in the above advice because, as women, we tend to lose who we are in who we take care of. My writing is actually my choice for taking care of myself. It’s something that no one else in my family does or is interested in doing…it’s all mine and something I don’t have to share if I don’t want to. To relax, I enjoy reading and watching movies—romantic comedies and girlie movies are a special treat for me when the usual consensus is Spiderman cartoons, action thrillers, or anything with cars in it.

MC: On your blog, you have an awesome feature. A game show called Escape the Mondayn. Where did you get the idea for that? And can you tell our readers a little about it? Oh, and the link to your blog.

SD: LOL yes, this is fun. First of all my blog is called Stacy…Sensibly Insane which will explain a lot of the later details.
The idea came to me one night as I tried to get to sleep. I thought it’d be fun to put up a scenario then have my friends in the blogging community finish it off. By the time I woke up in the morning, I had added the idea of offering a prize, started thinking of my favorite game shows and it all just kinda snowballed from there. It happened to be a Monday when I was ready to actually post it and voila! ESCAPE the Mondayn was born.
The game show includes me as hostess (and what hostess would be worth her Colgate smile if she didn’t wear fabulous dresses) and a guest celebrity spinner—always male, hunky, and shirt-less, is there any other kind?—who, after a little small talk, spins the prize wheel to see what gift one lucky contestant will win. Then I give an escape and FREEZE it just before the good part. Previous episodes have included getting off a plane thinking you are in Kansas for a business meeting and the cabbie saying, “You ain’t in Kansas anymore, Dorothy. This here is Vegas, baby!”, and a masquerade ball moments before the unveiling.

The contestants take it from there and tell me what happens next. Very simple, very easy, and all about letting yourself go and writing whatever comes to mind in two lines or twenty, it doesn’t matter because it’s all to have fun. I’ve even had one person continue her escape on her blog after playing because the little bit of inspiration was still talking to her. And I must add being hostess has its perks. I’ve exchanged wit with George Clooney, did a hilarious piece with Brad Pitt, dirty danced with Patrick Swayze in a retro episode, and recently been swept away by a Tango with Antonia Banderas. Yep, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

Anyone and everyone are welcome every Monday! www.stacyholmes.blogspot.com

MC: Tell us about your latest book, Shadows of Moonlight. It sounds really interesting.

SD: This is a short story and one of my personal favorites. Here’s the basic premise:
Over the centuries, Rick Shayne has loved and lost the same woman four times. Her reappearance only deepens his guilt and he refuses to risk her life or his heart again. Liz Greyson isn’t about to let him off that easy, but will her secret be his saving grace or cast him back into the shadows of moonlight forever.
It is a story about a love that never dies but more importantly, about how we see ourselves versus how others see us. I still get emotional when I read it and I’ve read it over a thousands times LOL. If you don’t normally read paranormal, please give it a try because it’s so much more than that.
It’s available now from The Wild Rose Press. The link is: http://cataurl.com/znwJf

MC: What’s next from you? Should we mark anything our calendars?

SD: I’m happy to say I just sold my next short story, A Matching Fancy, also to The Wild Rose Press. A light and funny story about how love isn’t just for the young. I don’t know the exact date yet but it will be out soon.

MC: What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

SD: I have a large, 2-dimensional cow at the end of my driveway that I dress up with the change of seasons and holidays. It used to be the advertisement for a local dairy store. I love cows. Seriously, don’t ask me why but to me they are a simple, funny animal and makes me smile. I’ve got oodles of them between my kitchen and my office.

MC: How about some fun get to know Stacy type questions? Is the glass half full or half empty?

SD: Now this is funny because I was thinking of blogging about this exact question. I’m actually a half-empty kinda gal looking at it as a glass that needs to be refilled and more than willing to do so.

MC: Give us five words that describe you.

SD: This could take a minute. Good thing it’s a reading interview or they’d be playing the Jeopardy theme right about now (did I mention I like game shows LOL) Okay, five words: honest (can’t lie worth a darn), reliable, compassionate, daydreamer, and left-of-centre.

MC: Paper or plastic?

SD: Paper

MC: If you could take a year off, travel anywhere in the world (money is not an issue)… where would you go and why?

SD: I’ve always wanted to visit England…goes back to that knight in shining armor thing and Hawaii because it is just so gorgeous and laid back.

MC: Tell us about your favorite authors and books. Why are they your favorites? What makes them special?

SD: I love the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich because it makes me laugh out loud. That is one of my main criteria for favorites. I’m a huge romantic comedy fan. I also enjoy the earlier Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake books for the paranormal aspects along with the sardonic humour.

MC: And for the writers out there, what’s your advice for them?

SD: You ARE a writer. The fact that you may or may not be published is secondary. Write, keep writing, and submit it somewhere, anywhere. It’s not easy, it’s scary as hell, but it is so worth it when you can finally share your passion with others.

MC: How can readers (or anyone else) get in touch with you?

SD: Through my website: www.stacydawn.com
Daily at my blog, www.stacyholmes.blogspot.com. Every other Tuesday I blog at Word Flirts www.wordflirts.blogspot.com –great bunch of girls here.
E-mail me at stacy@stacydawn.com, I’m very approachable and would love to hear from you.
Speaking of approachable, I’m on myspace at www.myspace.com/stacyholmes send me a friend request!
I also frequent the forums at Romance Divas (www.romancedivas.com) and The Wild Rose Press (www.thewildrosepress.com )

Thanks Stacy!

No, no, no, thank you Madison for letting me be here and to everyone else for listening to my sensibly insane musings!

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