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

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Jude Mason Interviews Jenna Byrnes




From Jude Mason's Blog: Welcome Jenna Byrnes

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IXZKWFM/ref=cm_sw_su_dp


This week I'm very pleased to welcome my co-author and good friend, Jenna Byrnes to my blog. Jenna is special people and I hope you give her a warm welcome.  


1.  How long have you been writing? What inspired you to pick the pen up one day and create characters that capture the imagination? 

I started writing when I was about ten, because I loved to read and loved to make up stories. Those first scribblings were really awful, but I'm sure they helped hone my skills as far as who I am today. I began writing seriously about twenty years ago and five years ago actually got my first stories published.

2.  What genre would you like to try that you haven’t yet?

I've been tempted to try young adult (under another name, of course!) There just aren’t enough hours in a day.

3.  Most people envision an author’s life as being really glamorous. What’s your take on this? Can you tell us something unglamorous you did within the last week or so?

Scrubbing toilets? Waxing my eyebrows? Authors are regular people, we hop up in the air and put our pants on both legs at the same time just like everybody else.

4.  Plotter or pantzer?

Speaking of pants, I'd have to say pantzer. I try to plot but usually end up flying by the seat of my you-know-whats. Except when I co-author with Jude Mason- plotting is a must when writing together. She only slaps me occasionally when I don't stick to the plan!

5.  What do you do when you’re suffering writers block?

Whine and moan to whoever will listen *cough* Jude *cough*  then go work on my website or do some other kind of busy work. The writing eventually comes back. Not always as quickly as I hope, and not always the story I had in mind. But it eventually works out.

6.  What would you like to share with new writers? Any suggestions or advice?

Be patient. Nothing happens quickly in this business. Learn the rules of the publishing house you're submitting to. Follow those rules to the T. Polish, polish, polish. Have someone else read your book before sending it in. When you've shined and polished that first book and sent it off, write another one. Never stop writing. The best way to sell a book is to write another one. Promotion is important, but there are too many things online that can become a time suck. Make sure you allow plenty of time for writing.

7.  What do you enjoy doing with your spare time, your non-writing time? 

I wish I could say taking long walks or another form of exercise, but I'm a classic couch potato. I love watching all types of movies and crime drama TV shows.

8.  If you found that, for one reason or another, you couldn’t write anymore, what would you like to do instead?

Something in the business. Publish, edit, review. . .anything to be around books and writers.

9.  What kind of comfort food do you like best?

Italian food comes to mind. Pizza, pasta, lasagna—anything cheesy, gooey, and yummy! Followed by something chocolate, of course.

10.  What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success?

I have some pretty wonderful kids and a great husband, plus a nice collection of books with my name in the author spot. I'm very comfortable with what I've achieved and definitely consider myself a success!


An Excerpt from the Boxed Set Hot Under the Collar by Jenna Byrnes
 
Heads or Tails


Jeff Roberts' life is all planned out for him. He's engaged to the boss's daughter, and eventually he'll run the construction/real estate company he works for. It'll be the perfect life.

When Kurt Lacey joins the construction crew, Jeff is suddenly fighting urges he'd forced himself to repress. There were male lovers in his past, but deciding that wasn't what he wanted, Jeff proceeded to 'go straight'. Kurt has other ideas, and one night together has Jeff rethinking his life. Does he want to be secure, responsible and boring? Wild, exciting and nontraditional seems like lots more fun. It all comes down to the flip of a coin—and whether Jeff chooses Heads or Tails. (m/m erotic contemporary romance)


Chapter One

It wasn't the best sex he'd ever had, but it was decent. Any sex is good sex, his friends would say, and Jeff Roberts tended to agree. But lately, something was different. He rolled away from his fiancée, pretending to be asleep.
When he heard her steady, rhythmic breathing, he rolled back over. Lana Birdwell looked peaceful in slumber, and much quieter than she ever was when she was awake. Long, blond curls framed her face, giving her a deceivingly angelic appearance. He bit back a chuckle at the thought—no one who knew Lana would ever confuse her with an angel.
A 'bubbly personality' was how her father described her, and that was putting it mildly in Jeff's estimation. She was an outgoing, opinionated girl who liked to hear her own voice. Her slight stature might indicate frailty or shyness, but he knew she was tough as nails—a real saleswoman without a shy bone in her body.
But what a body, he thought, glancing at her round, perfectly formed breasts. They sat high atop her slender torso, which also sported bikini-worthy abs. Her legs were long and shapely, converging at a neatly trimmed apex of soft blond hair. Jeff looked at the V-shaped patch of fuzz and wondered why the sight didn't arouse him as much as it used to.
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the sheet and covered her body. Lana sighed and snuggled into her pillow without waking. Jeff rolled over and tugged the sheet up to his neck, willing sleep to overtake him.
"Rise and shine," Lana murmured in his ear, planting a kiss on his temple.
Jeff opened his eyes, unsure of when he actually fell asleep. The last time he noticed the clock it was three a.m. He'd tossed and turned half the night, and now felt like hell. "Ugh," he grunted.
"Didn't sleep well?" She stood, fastening a large earring on her left lobe. "Seemed like you were up a lot."
"Yeah." He threw one arm across his forehead.
She went to the dresser and picked up her other earring. Looking in the bureau mirror, she put the hoop on and glanced at him. "You always stress out about month's end. Running all the paperwork, making sure everything balances—which it always does, by the way. I don't know why you worry so much."
He started to say it wasn't month's end bothering him, but then she'd want to know what was. Jeff wasn't sure he could answer that question, so it was better to let her believe it was work. "Yeah," he answered noncommittally.
Lana double-checked her appearance in the mirror one last time before turning to face him. "I've got to go. I have a seven-thirty appointment to go over some real estate listings, and I want to pick up coffee and rolls first."
"See you later." He waved one hand in the air, and she grabbed it and squeezed.
"You bet you will. Want a bearclaw? I can leave it on your desk."
"Sure." Jeff tried to muster enthusiasm he didn't feel.

Copyright © 2011 Jenna Byrnes

Jenna's Bio:  Jenna Byrnes could use more cabinet space and more hours in a day. She’d fill the kitchen with gadgets her husband purchases off TV and let him cook for her to his heart’s content. She’d breeze through the days adding hours of sleep, and more time for writing the hot, erotic romance she loves to read.

Jenna thinks everyone deserves a happy ending, and loves to provide as many of those as possible to her gay, lesbian and hetero characters. Her favorite quote, from a pro-gay billboard, is “Be careful who you hate. It may be someone you love.”

For the latest news, visit Jenna’s website at http://www.jennabyrnes.com/

and find her Books We Love Boxed Sets here: http://bookswelove.net/jennabyrnes.php



 

Monday, November 11, 2013

Meet Books We Love Author Killarney Sheffield



Killarney Sheffield is an award winning romance author from the rustic Canadian prairies. She lives on a cattle ranch with her five kids. When she is not penning historical romantic adventures she fills her time with her Thoroughbred stallion 'Stamp de Gold', whom she affectionately calls 'Love Monkey', and her herd of AQHA mares.



BWL: How long have you been writing and in what genres? 
KS: I penned my first novel at age 12 called 'Buck'. It was about a wild buckskin stallion and I did all my own illustrations too. However, I signed my first novel contract back in 2010 with a historical romantic adventure called Guilty Kisses now republished with BooksWe Love as The Cracksman's Kiss. Incidentally I also made headlines in many newspapers with the book as I was able to talk 1980's Juno winner/singer/songwriter GOWAN into loaning me a lovely ballad called 'Love Make's You Believe' for the books trailer. AND for those of you wondering who Gowan is or where he ended up, he is the lead singer for the band Styxx. 


BWL: Where you do get your inspiration?
KS: LOL, inspiration comes from so many sources! One of my novel's was inspired by my youngest son's black Holland Lop rabbit, one from a very old Harlequin plot that I thought I could twist even more, one from a show on Animal planet about using mini horses as guide animals for the blind and even a current work in progress inspired by the show Urban Legends. Sometimes it's simply from a snippet of a conversation in my head between two characters begging me to tell their story. 


BWL: Tell us about your book(s). 
KS: I have over 15 published titles now and my 4 original novels have been re written and published here with BooksWe Love. They are historical romances however I am just one of those gals who needs more than crowded ballrooms and pretty manners in a story. I need danger, intrigue, sword fights, damsels and even sometimes heroes in distress! I try to be light on historical info, robust on romance and season with plenty of action so my characters find themselves in ship wrecks, jungles, prisons and lots of foreign countries. In fact, speaking of foreign countries one of my new releases here is called To Love A Horseguard and it is set in Russia, what a wonderful and rich in history country that was to write about! I also try to play around with my heroines a little. They are not all swooning debutantes, for instance in Stand & Deliver Your Love my heroine is a female highway woman, in others words a coach robber who gets herself into a heap of trouble. I love to explore the social politics of the 1800's as well like in The Cracksman's Kiss. It is amazing just how much trouble a young lady to get herself in by allowing one forbidden kiss. Sometimes I like to delve a little deeper into more serious topics of the time period like the fight for Women's Lib in my 2013 Epic Award finalist re-write The Courtesan. So, if you a like a little more to your romances than just boy meets girl and falls in love, happy ever after you might enjoy the books I have on offer here. 


BWL: What about your next book?  Will it be part of a series or a stand alone?  Can you give us a taste to whet our appetites? 
KS:  My next books you mean LOL! I currently have 15 works in progress. I find when a story fizzles on me I like to get the muse going again with another project, what doesn't work for one story often works for another. When the muse gets going really strong is when the book gets finished. I guess one manuscript close to being finished is my first ever apocalyptic romantic adventure 'Imram; A Story Forever.' It is the story of a young woman in a domed city who discovers that the world outside might exist as it did before. It is the tale of her fight for freedom, oppression and for her true love. I hope to finish it by spring 2014. 


BWL: Why did you choose to publish electronically? 
KS: LOL, I didn't, it chose me. Actually, I myself prefer paperback. I have an ereader gathering dust in my closet. I hate it and enjoy curling up by the fire with a blanket and a good old fashioned paperback. According to many of my fans they feel the same way and are eagerly awaiting my releases in paperback. I guess in the small Canadian prairie towns we are a little old-fashioned yet. :) 


BWL: What are your hobbies and interests?
KS: Hobbies? Wow, I seem to remember having those a long time ago... Between 5 kids, writing, workshops, a commercial cattle ranch, my thoroughbred stallion and Quarter Horse mares I have little time for hobbies LOL!


BWL: What does the future hold for you? 
KS:  Well, I hope many more books!




BWL: Where can readers find you?




Sunday, July 14, 2013

Meet Anne Van, author of BWL's latest release Toyko Dare

  

Anne Van is an artist, fashionista, turned writer. She has a Masters Degree in Fine Art and attended Waseda University in Tokyo Japan on a scholarship. She has exhibited her artwork all over the United States and one of her works was displayed in a museum in Picasso’s hometown of Malaga, Spain. After several years toiling as a fine artist, she switched gears to pursue another passion, fashion. Anne graduated from FIDM in Los Angeles and designed sportswear for major retailers. All the while she heard stories in her head. So one day she quit fashion and finally put her stories on paper. Since then Anne has published an article in a national magazine and an award winning travel story about her time living in Tokyo, Japan. She has also published short fiction. Anne continues to write the stories that fill her head. She lives in a Victorian home in a historic landmark district in Pasadena, California along with three rescue cats, including one that has six toes, and her TV composer husband who thankfully doesn’t. Anne loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted through her website: http://annevan.net  


Also visit:


Twitter: @AnneVanWrites






BWL: How long have you been writing and in what genre?

AV: I’ve been writing for six years. My favorite genre is Young Adult. Seems I never grew up.


BWL: Where you do you get inspiration?

AV: I’ve lived in Japan and travel a lot. I get my inspiration from the places I’ve been and the interesting things I discover along the way.


BWL: What about your next book? Will it be part of a series or standalone. Can you give us a taste to whet our appetites?

AV:  I’m working on book two of the Tokyo Dare series. Erin has her dream boyfriend and is doing well in her second semester at Seda Academy. She’s even making progress on her to-do list. But just when she thinks she’s settling into her life in Japan a string of events turns her world upside down.


BWL: Why did you choose to publish electronically?

AV: I like how quickly my stories can reach readers. 

BWL: What are your hobbies and interests?

AV: I love to decorate and have a passion for making beautiful spaces especially in historic homes. The Victorian era is my favorite. I’m an avid collector of decorative objects from the time. I was lucky enough to inherit some wonderful 1880’s furniture from my family. My Victorian house is the perfect place to display the antiques I’ve been collecting since high school.


BWL: What does the future hold for you?

AV: I’m working on the Tokyo Dare series and several other projects. I’m always developing new story ideas. My head is full of them.



Find Anne's BWL page here: http://bookswelove.net/van.php












Sunday, February 10, 2013

What Woman Doesn't Love A Cowboy?


I was sitting on a hard, cold wooden bench, watching a rodeo in Thedford, Nebraska at the time.  This town had been a spot on my usual off-the-tourist radar places I frequent during family vacations.  This was the second time my husband, two young sons and I, had visited the small town and were absorbing the ambiance the western United States offered.  My father,  a fourth-generation Texan, amature rodeoed when he attended high school, so I understood the battering bronc riding had on the body. However, I hadn’t realized how strong the rodeo fan base was outside of the Lone Star State.

Everyone I’d spoken to loved cowboys, though he/she was a cowboy/cowgirl, wanted to become a cowboy, or simply loved the concept of ‘being a cowboy’.
That was when Lynx Maddox entered my life.
What a cowboy! 
With a dangerous reputation for taking chances and tempting, fate, rugged cowboy Lynx Maddox had one goal in life—to win the coveted Silver Buckle rodeo championship.  But when he sets eyes on lovely Rachel Scott, he becomes determined to capture her as well. . .

I hope you enjoy reading my Rodeo Romances.  “Lynx” is Book 1 of the series.
Please log on and watch my book trailer: http://Vimeo.com/57894742
I’ll be back on blog in 30 minutes, and will be blogging throughout the day.  So, grab a cup of coffee, watch my book trailer and read my book teaser—www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATSATM2. Or, visit my website: www.novelsbyconnievines.com
Today’s blog updates:
A recipe for “Cowboy Kisses”.  Nope it’s not a sweet candy.  Interested in other culinary recipes?  Look over my blog: www.naughtynibbles4you.wordpress.com
 An interview with Lynx Maddox.
My own ‘western days’ and photos of my horses.
"Never approach a bull from the front, a horse form the rear, or a fool from any direction,"

Connie

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Meet Author Ann Cory


Ann Cory was born and raised in Oregon with an overactive imagination, and a love of words. With the loving support of her family, she’s able to devote time to her craft.

She enjoys writing sweet and spicy romance in an array of genres including paranormal, contemporary, historical, urban fantasy, ménage, and western.




BWL: How long have you been writing and in what genres?

AC: I’ve been writing for publication about eight years now, though I’ve been writing all my life. Genres I write include horror, erotica, fantasy, paranormal, western, contemporary, historical, ménage, BDSM, sensual romance, and more.

BWL: Where you do get your inspiration?

AC: Inspiration hits me often when I’m baking, decorating, or outside surrounded by nature. Inspiration can be a word or phrase, lyrics to a song, in a conversation my husband and I are having, and many times from a picture.

BWL: Tell us about your book(s).

AC: Penny Serenade: Tokens of the Heart Book One is a contemporary erotic romance that introduces us to Audrey Kessler who runs a new age gift shop – Tokens of the Heart. 

Audrey has worked hard to get where she is, and her shop has been a success with the locals. Love hasn’t been the same success. When Dominic Blume enters her shop, she wonders if he might be the one, but the first impressions are all wrong. This book also follows other characters who readers can expect to follow throughout the rest of the series.   

The shop, Tokens of the Heart, was inspired by a quaint little shop in Gleneden Beach, Oregon called The Crystal Wizard. Whenever I go there I’m immediately swept up in its magic.

BWL: What about your next book?  Will it be part of a series or a stand alone?  Can you give us a taste to whet our appetites?

AC: Currently I’m working on the sequel to Midnight’s Sweet Kiss, the telling of Olivia and Tate’s story, as well as the second and third books in the Tokens of the Heart series. Since I’m generally tackling several stories at once, along with shorter stories, I’m sure there will plenty more soon.

BWL: What are your hobbies and interests?

AC: I enjoy reading, writing poetry, dancing, going to rock concerts, baking, playing board games with the family, watching movies, and interior decorating.

BWL: What does the future hold for you?

AC: I’ll be juggling my first love, writing, with full-time classes at my local college to prepare for a job as a medical office specialist.

BWL: Where can readers find you?


BWL: Thanks Ann! 


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