Welcome my Latest Guest Penny Estelle! @Pennystales #interview

I want to welcome Penny Estelle.  First I’d love you to introduce yourself.

Good morning, Barbara, and thanks so much for allowing me to barge onto your blog!  My name is Penny Estelle and I write in many genres.  I started out writing for the middle grade kiddos.  I have 8 books out that include fantasies, time travel adventures, and a puppy love contemporary.

I then decided to give writing for the older crowd a shot.  Under P. A. Estelle, I have a family drama, 6 historical western romances, 4 contemporary romances, and a paranormal romance.

My latest attempt were picture books for the beginning reader.  Fox Tots picked up both of my picture books, and I’m waiting on a third to be illustrated.

Tell us about your latest release.

Years ago, and I’m talking forty years, I wrote the great American novel (at least I thought it was!)  It took me five years to finish on my electric Brothers typewriter.  I sent out several queries and was politely told, thanks, but no thanks.  I put it in my closet and it sat there for forty years.  Once I got a few things published, I decided to take it out and have a look.  IT WAS HORRIBLE WRITING!  I took it out and rewrote the whole thing.  Revenge, the Cowboy Way was picked up by Rooster & Pig Publishing.  It’s been out for several years. 

Now to your question – My latest release is Gabe, The Thornton Trilogy.  Gabe is the number one son of the couple in Revenge, the Cowboy Way.  Two more stories will be coming out later this year – Colt, The Thornton Trilogy, Book 2, and Rebecca, The Thornton Trilogy, Book 3.

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers.

1.) Who is your favorite villain – it can be from a book (even one of yours), movie or TV show. And why?

Supernatural – Crowley (the devil)

2.) Who is your favorite character out of your books? Why? 

UGH…..That is a hard question!  If I have to pick one I would probably go with Joanna Thornton in Revenge, the Cowboy Way.  She’s put in some horrible situations and she does what has to be done.  She’s spunky and loving and takes the bull by the horn and runs with it!

3.) What do genre do you write? What made you pick that one?

As I said earlier, I write in many genres.  I am mainly writing now in the historical western romance genre.  It’s a popular genre with many people and it’s a great escape for me!

4.) What are you working on now?

Jesse’s Heartbreak, Book 3 of the Jesse Series.

5.) What got you to start writing?

I worked as a school secretary for 21 years.  It was a K-8 school and I heard every excuse from the kids when they were sent to the principal.  I thought it would be great to write about these kids.  All my kid stories have plenty of action and sarcasm. 

6.) Where do you get your ideas from?

I get asked that a lot.  It was easy coming up with MG stories as I have seven grandkids.  I watched my grandson play with a flying dragon.  It was a perfect ending for Hike Up Devil’s Mountain – all I needed was a beginning and a middle!  LOL  

I have 5 stories in The Wickware Sagas.  Kids go back in time and meet legends of the past.  One day I asked my 5^th grade granddaughter and her friends if they knew who William Tell was – and they didn’t.  WHAT???  Billy Cooper’s Awesome Nightmare was conceived.  He goes back and meets William Tell.

As far as my adult stories….I have nuttin’ to share.  They just come to me.

7.) What would people who read your work be surprised to find out about you?

Most of my stories need to have a lot of research done.  I do that research because I want it historically correct.  Between you, me and your readers – history and I were never friends.  I wanted no part of it in any grade!  Now I love it!

8.) Do you have any special talents?

Absolutely none!!!  I used to be on a variety TV show with my sister where we danced and did gymnastics.  That was 100 years ago!

9.) What was the one piece of advice you received when you were an aspiring author that has stuck with you? Why?

Don’t write to make money.  Write because it’s something you enjoy.  So true! So true!

10.) If you could talk to any famous figure (present, past or fictional) who would it be and what would you talk about?

John Wayne – He’s always been my man and he could give me tons of info on my western genre!

11.) What song would you say describes your life?

“Friends In Low Places” by Garth Brooks

12.) If you could come back as any animal – what would it be?

An eagle

Blurb:

Gabe Thornton inherits the Double Bar Ranch from good friend and neighbor Bill (Pappy) Thomas, but there are conditions.   Last Will and Testament states five hundred acres have been set aside for his only niece, or interested heirs.  The property must be lived on for a year or said acreage will revert back to Gabe.

Molly Blackburn shows up in Bastrop, Texas, to claim the land her great uncle has left her.  Though she knows nothing about cattle ranching, she has no other choice when her father passes away.

Gabe is sure she won’t last a month and he tells her so, but greenhorn or not, she swears she will be there till the bitter end, no matter what! 

Will she give up her land or will she find more than just a cattle ranch in Bastrop?

http://www.amazon.com/Gabe-Thornton-Trilogy-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01CC4OAKM

Excerpt:

“I happen to also own a hand gun but..well I didn’t think to purchase bullets for it.”

“Perfect!” Gabe said, shaking his head.  “There’s also wood to be cut and hay and water to be hauled, plus a million other things.”  He laid the gun against the wall, opening the door.  “You won’t last the week and if you had half a brain you’d know it!”

“Get out of my house,” she hollered.  He walked out into the cold morning, but she was right on his heels, taking his coat off.  “Wait!”  He turned and she threw his coat in his face.  “Thank you for the use of your coat, but I’ll thank you to stay off my property!”

Gabe advanced a step her way, but a discreet cough stopped him.  There were his mother and sister, sitting on their horses.  He swung up on his horse, staring at his new neighbor.  “See if you can’t talk some sense into her!” he ground out before riding away.

For more information about me and my stories check out the following links:

www.pennystales.com

www.pennyestelle.blogspot.com

http://www.amazon.com/Penny-Estelle/e/B006S62XBY

https://twitter.com/Pennystales

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820078.Penny_Estelle

http://www.facebook.com/pennystales

http://www.pinterest.com/pennyestelle

I have a newsletter that goes out for new releases or sales.  If you would like to be notified, please sign up @ http://eepurl.com/388Xr

Welcome My Latest Guesr Caroline Clemmons! @CarolinClemmons #interviews

I want to welcome Caroline Clemmons.  First I’d love you to introduce yourself.

Thank you, Barbara, for having me as your guest today. I live in North Central Texas with my husband and our menagerie of rescued cats and a dog. Our two daughters are grown but live near us. I’m an Amazon bestselling and award winning author who has given seminars and classes on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel. When not indulging my passion for writing, I enjoy family, reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, and getting together with friends. Find me on my blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, WattPad, Shelfari, and Pinterest. Subscribe to my newsletter here to receive a FREE novella of Happy Is The Bride.

Tell us about your latest release.

My latest release is Amanda’s Rancher, part of Debra Holland’s Montana Sky Kindle World. Here’s the blurb:

One desperate young woman.

A chance meeting.

A life-changing outcome.

Growing up in a brothel, Mara O'Sullivan battled public disdain and contempt, but always remained kind-hearted and virtuous. After testifying against vicious bank robbers, her life is threatened and Mara must find sanctuary far from everything she knows.

One train ride changes her life as she fatefully meets a half-sister and a niece she never knew existed. But when circumstances end her sister Amanda's life, Mara makes a promise that she'll raise her niece Iris as her own and take her sister's place as Preston Kincaid's mail-order-bride. As Mara and Preston grow closer, their marriage no longer seems like a ruse, but a relationship of love, passion, and desire.

Mara's past comes back to haunt her and she finds herself in danger—will her new husband forgive Mara's deceit and protect her as his own?

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers.

1.) Who is your favorite villain – it can be from a book (even one of yours), movie or TV show. And why?

From my book The Most Unsuitable Wife, the assistant villains Burris and Willard Ainsley. They caused terrible problems for the heroine but I couldn’t help liking them. They were simple-minded and meant well, but were forced to help the main villain through intimidation and fear.

2.) Who is your favorite character out of your books? Why?

That’s hard because I love all of my characters. If I have to choose just one, I suppose it would be Zach Stone from High Stakes Bride. He had terrible things happen to him, but he persevered. He’d done so many courageous things even before he helped the heroine. The heroine, Mary Alice Price, is another of my favorite characters. No matter what she tried, odd things happened to her.

3.) What do genre do you write? What made you pick that one?

Western romance, both historical and contemporary. Most of my books are historical. I love history, especially Texas history. When I was a little girl, my dad (who was old enough to be my great-grandfather) talked about his ancestors coming to Texas from Georgia in 1876 and all their adventures. I guess you could say I grew up loving history.

4.) What are you working on now?

Right now I’m completing a novella for a contemporary western anthology titled Come Love A Cowboy.  This will be released around the first of April. Usually I’m ready early, but this novella is the last one ready for the anthology. First I was writing another book which I completed on time, but then life interfered with my plans.  I’ve almost completed the story, though. Mine is set in West Texas near Post and is titled Grant Me the Moon. The hero is a rancher, but that makes him a cowboy, doesn’t it?

I just released book two in the Bride Brigade series, Angeline, on March 1. With so many mail-order bride books (and I’ve written several), I decided to go a different route and have a wealthy young widow go east and bring back several young women to marry and settle in the town of Tarnation, Texas to prevent the town’s men from moving away to find wives. Angeline is one of seven young women who accompany the widow to Tarnation.

5.) What got you to start writing?

As a child, I wrote little stories and illustrated them. The heroine was always blonde with blue eyes and wore beautiful dresses, usually blue. I patterned her after a slightly older relative I wanted to be like. Then later in school, I drifted toward journalism and was the newspaper editor. From there, I just wrote stories for whatever church or club I was in and turned them into the local newspaper. That’s how I acquired a job working for a newspaper. The editor liked my stories and I always had a captioned photo to go with them. One day she asked me to replace a columnist they’d just let go. That was a fun job and I met so many interesting people.  Then, my mother-in-law brought me a grocery bag of romance books and told me I could write them. I read some and decided I wanted to try. Several years passed before I was published by Kensington. Now I am self-published and loving the control I have.

6.) Where do you get your ideas from?

I have a friend who answers that question by saying she buys them from a small factory in Ohio. Actually, the answer is EVERYWHERE. When I first began writing fiction, I worried that I would run out of ideas. I kept a notebook of ideas as they occurred to me. Things I see from the car window or I hear on the news might spark an idea. Sometimes just sitting in my office, these characters pop into my head and want me to tell their story. I have so many ideas for books that I’ll have to live to be two hundred to write them all. Thanks heavens!

7.) What would people who read your work be surprised to find out about you?

Maybe that I’m basically shy (although I can fake being outgoing for short bursts of time) and that I don’t like writing sex scenes. There are only so many ways to insert tab A into slot B so it’s difficult to find a fresh way to write a sex scene. And remember, the characters are real people to me, so I feel like a voyeur. Yes, I know that’s crazy.

8.) Do you have any special talents?

My mother-in-law asked me to put together a book about her family for her grandchildren and I did. Then we had to order more printed because her nieces and nephews wanted copies. Naturally I had to do one for my mother to keep from hurting her feelings and print enough for her nieces and nephews. Now my brother and I have just finished a larger family history for our father’s family. I don’t know if that’s a talent or a curse.

9.) What was the one piece of advice you received when you were an aspiring author that has stuck with you? Why?

The usual things made an impression but something you might not expect was to do enough research that I didn’t use anachronisms. I always do more research than absolutely necessary to be certain I understand the history of the time and location. Even in fiction, I believe an author owes her readers a story truly representative of the time and place. When I read a book that has something out of time or context, I don’t enjoy the book as much because the error takes me out of the story.

10.) If you could talk to any famous figure (present, past or fictional) who would it be and what would you talk about?

There are so many that come to mind so choosing is hard. Maybe Mother Theresa. She made such a vivid impression on me when I saw her interviewed on television. I’m a Protestant, but I have great respect for most other religions. Mother Theresa was from a wealthy family and gave up everything to serve. She must have been a remarkable woman.

11.) What song would you say describes your life?

“I Will Survive”. So far, that’s true. ;-)

12.) If you could come back as any animal – what would it be?

A house cat. Our three certainly lead a luxurious and pampered life.

Excerpt of Amanda’s Rancher:

They reached the church and Preston jumped down from the wagon and came around to help her alight. With a smile, he lifted Iris high over his head before he set her on the ground. Her giggle brought tears to Amanda’s eyes.

That was the first time she’d ever heard her daughter make the girlish sound. Iris had smiled, spoken, but never laughed until she met Preston Kincaid. For that alone, Amanda would be the best wife she knew how to be.

Inside the church, Mrs. Norton handed Amanda a bouquet of daisies secured with a white ribbon. The interior was plain with wooden benches and an altar raised one step above the rest of the floor. Although there were several windows, none had stained-glass as did the churches she’d seen in Georgia.

The minister was waiting at the front of the church and wore a black frock coat and matching string tie. His brown hair and beard were thickly streaked with gray. He stood at a simple lectern with what looked like a Bible in one hand while he conversed with another man.

Amanda was surprised only one other person besides Reverend and Mrs. Norton were in the sanctuary. She’d supposed Preston had many friends in the area and thought at least his ranch hands would attend. The second man turned and proved to be an older version of her groom who came forward to greet her.

Preston cupped her elbow. “Amanda and Iris, this is my father. Most folks call him Tom, but I call him Papa.”

Amanda smiled at the handsome man who must be around fifty. He was tall, but maybe an inch shorter than his son. Silver sprinkled the same dark hair. “May I call you Papa, too?”

He beamed his pleasure and his blue eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’d be honored. And in the absence of your father, may I walk you down the aisle?”

“Would you? I’d be ever so grateful.” She laid her hand on his arm. Nerves had set in and she needed his support or her knees might give way.

Preston said, “Iris, why don’t you stand with me while my papa walks Mama to meet us?”

Iris shook her head. “Mommy, not my old mama?”

Preston frowned. “Old mama?”

Panic sent bile into her throat that threatened to choke her. Don’t throw up on your wedding dress. “Perhaps you remember my mother recently died.”

Sympathy shone from his blue eyes. “Of course.” He took Iris’ hand in his and strode to the front.

Mrs. Norton began playing the piano. She nodded toward Amanda. Papa Kincaid gently led her up the aisle.

Walking toward her husband, Amanda was conscious of Preston’s stare, as if he could see into her mind and knew her for an impostor. Although he held Iris’ hand, the intensity of his blue gaze unnerved her. She wondered if he was disappointed or if he were as numb as she.

Thankful for the presence of her future father-in-law beside her, she tightened her hold on Mr. Kincaid’s arm.

In response, he patted her hand her where it laid on his sleeve. Without looking at her, he whispered. “Steady as you go. We’re almost there.”

Iris gave a tiny wave and Amanda couldn’t resist smiling at the child. The little girl truly was a blessing. Focusing on Iris gave Amanda a target she could face.

When they reached the front, Mrs. Norton ceased playing. Preston took the bouquet from Amanda’s hands. “Iris, would you hold this for Mommy so she and I can be married?”

Iris looked at him adoringly and reached to receive the flowers. Reverend Norton opened his Bible and began the ceremony. Preston took Amanda’s hands in his. She was conscious of his calluses, but also of the size and strength of his palms dwarfing hers.

When the minister indicated, Preston slipped a ring onto her finger. This new one belongs to me, even if my groom doesn’t know my true name.

After the ceremony, Preston brushed his lips gently against hers.

Iris clapped a hand across her mouth in surprise then said, “Mommy? That man kissed you.”

Preston knelt eye-to-eye with her. “I’m your new Daddy, remember? Mommy and I were just married and now I can kiss her whenever she says it’s okay. Do you think you can call me Daddy?”

Iris nodded. “Are you gonna kiss me too?”

He smiled broadly. “I certainly am.” He leaned forward and gave her a loud smack on the cheek.

The child giggled. Twice in one day this kind man had made Iris happy. Amanda owed Preston all her wifely devotion.

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01BL0HKPK 

She hopes you’ll give AMANDA’S RANCHER a try and let her know how you like it. If you like it, please leave a review on Amazon! Positive reviews are so helpful to authors. Many venues won’t let anyone promote unless they have a certain number of 4 and 5 star reviews.

Welcome back Jacquie Biggar! @JacqBiggar #amwriting

I want to welcome Jacquie Biggar! First I’d love you to re-introduce yourself.

I’m happy to be back on your blog, Barbara, thanks. I live on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada with my DH of thirty-one years. We have one daughter attending university who has made the Dean’s list three times (proud parents here!) and an eight-year-old grandson who developed type 1 Diabetes this year. It’s made us revaluate what’s important in life. We’re so grateful that we were given the opportunity to be close enough to them to help with his care.

I write romantic suspense novels with a small town theme. My first four novels are set around the fictional town of Tidal Falls, Washington. They feature strong military heroes and the women who turn their lives inside out. J

Tell us about your latest release.

The Sheriff Meets His Match is about Jack Garrett, the sheriff of Tidal Falls. He’s been stung by love in the past so he's not in a hurry to get burnt again, but he can't deny his attraction to the new receptionist, Laurel Thomas.

When trouble comes to Tidal Falls, Jack worries that Laurel is in over her head.

Laurel loves her dysfunctional family but dreams of a place to call home. Just as she settles into a new life, her old one catches up to her and delivers chaos to the town.

Can these two strong personalities find a way to trust in each other and find their happy ever after?

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers.

1.) Who is your favorite author? Do you feel you write like them?

My favorite is Suzanne Brockmann. Her books are filled with characters you can’t forget. People you laugh with, hurt with, and cheer for, it doesn’t get better than that. I try to bring what I’ve learned from her into my stories, I hope I’ve succeeded, at least in some small measure.

2.) What was your favorite book growing up?

Black Beauty, it still is J

3.) Are you a plotter or a pantser and why did you choose that method?

I’m a pantser and it chose me. I’ve taken plotting classes, but when it comes to putting the ideas down on paper it feels forced. I work better if I can just write the scene as it forms; the flow is better that way.

4.) Do you consider writing a career or a hobby? Why?

It’s a career for me. I gave up my restaurant to move closer to my daughter and needed to do something to help financially. This is my job, I’m lucky though because I love what I do.

5.) What are you working on now?

I’ve just started something new to me, a paranormal romantic suspense.

The premise is that a couple of free living movie stars have their lives changed forever when they are involved in a horrific car accident. One dies, Lucas Carmichael, and seeks redemption for his carelessness by vowing to help those he left behind.

Scott Anderson is lost and bitter without his best friend and blames himself for the accident. When the ME charged with investigating the case is harassed, Scott tries to help and finds himself caught up in a dangerous web of lies and deceit.

Cook County Medical Examiner, Tracy York, has seen the extreme violence humans can inflict on one another. Her sister was murdered when she was a teenager and it has made her wary of the male population. When she is tasked with the investigation into a suspicious crash that killed one mega-star, and injured the other, Tracy must put aside her reservations and accept the hand of a stranger.

Can these two lost souls come together to stop a madman and find love and peace in one another with the help of a sarcastic angel, or will fate deal them a losing hand?

6.) What one piece of advice would you like to pass on to an up and coming author?

Always be willing to accept a helping hand. The writing community is warm and supportive of each other. They are more than willing to share their knowledge with new writers. That’s a resource you can’t afford to ignore.

7.) If you had the ability to time travel and your first visit was to see a younger version of yourself what would you say to that younger self?

Don’t sweat the little stuff. Take more time for your family, the rest will work itself out.

8.) You just got a million dollars, whether it’s from an inheritance, the lottery, or a sweet book deal doesn’t matter. What would be the first thing you would buy for yourself?

A sailboat J

9.) If you could un-invent one thing in the world what would it be?

My first reaction was cell phones. People have those things glued to their hands these days. But, there’s also the fact that because everyone has them, help can be called in an instant in case of emergencies. My second choice would be plastics. Plastic kills thousands of animals each and every year, it’s sad.

10.) What is your favorite movie/TV Show? Why?

I don’t watch a lot of TV but Blacklist is my favorite. I love the antagonist, Raymond Reddington, played by James Spader. He’s got a heart of gold and a soul black as hell. Great TV J

The Sheriff Meets His Match

By

Jacquie Biggar

Blurb:

When a jaded sheriff is drawn to an exasperating woman in trouble, anything can happen

Laurel Thomas has always experienced life from the outside looking in. She likes the warm welcome she's received in Tidal Falls and wants to make a home in this friendly little town, far away from her egocentric family. But then her uncle arrives and she learns the past has a way of catching up to her.

Jack Garrett is satisfied with his uncomplicated life. He has a good job as the sheriff of his hometown, a nice home, and a beautiful teenage daughter. So why is he struggling against his attraction for the disorganized new hire at the department, Laurel Thomas? She threatens everything he's worked so hard to avoid—like falling in love.

Can two people with enough emotional baggage to sink a ship find a way to give each other a chance, or is this match doomed to drown?

Excerpt:

Jack hesitated with his hand fisted to knock on Laurel’s pumpkin-colored door. His aunt had this thing about brightly painted doors being good luck, or some such hogwash. The murmur of a voice from within told him Laurel had company. Male company. He tapped the file in his other hand against his thigh and glared a hole through the door.

“Guess it can wait ’til morning,” he grumbled, turning to step gingerly down the snow-covered stairs. Whoever-the-asshat-was, he could have at least shoveled them off for her. Just as he reached the sidewalk an angry shout coming from inside the house startled him. Jack grabbed for his service revolver and jumped for the door. He missed the stairs entirely and dropped the file, allowing it to fall unheeded into the snowbank. The papers from within tobogganed down the slope.

He rammed a fist against the wood. “Sheriff’s department, open the door.” His heart thundered in his chest and there was a ringing in his ears. Was he having a frigging heart attack for crying out loud? He’d never reacted like this before, not even when he’d chased after a murderer a few months ago. But the thought of someone hurting…

“Laur…el,” he shouted, panic clawing the back of his throat. Jack tried the knob but it was locked. He took a step back, angled himself sideways, and prepared to slam his shoulder into the wood. He started forward, slipping a little on the icy deck boards. Good thing, because it slowed him down just enough to narrowly avoid ploughing Laurel over when she pulled the door open.

“Hello?”

When she saw him barrelling toward her with a gun in hand her beautiful eyes took over her face. “Yee…ahh,” she cried, tumbling backward and smacking her head against the now swinging door.

Fuuuck.

Jack tried backpedalling, but the slippery footing beneath his cowboy boots—dumb choice of footwear—had him sailing right into her already off-balanced body.

“Laurel, holy shit.” His hand reached out to grip her shoulder, conscious of the soft womanly feel of her plastered against his rapidly hardening body. Great. “I’m sorry, honey. Are you okay?”

Buy Link:

http://authl.it/3qq

Author’s Bio:

Jacquie lives in paradise along the west coast of Canada with her family. She loves reading, writing, and flower gardening. She spoils her German Shepherd, Annie, Calico cat, Harley, and swears she can't function without coffee.

Learn about upcoming news, contests, recipes, and more from my newsletter.

You can follow me on:

jacquiebiggar.com

http://Facebook.com/jacqbiggar

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And don’t forget to check out my blog: http://jacqbiggar

I have many giveaways that run each and every month from myself, The Authors’ Billboard, and Sisters of Suspense, so you don’t want to miss out!

Meet My latest Guest:Helen Henderson!

I want to welcome Helen Henderson. First I’d love you to introduce yourself.

Tell us about your latest release.

Thank you for having me. My latest release is, Hatchlings Curse, the second volume in the Dragshi Chronicles. Hatchlings Curse continues the tale of Lord Branin and his twinned dragon soul Llewlyn. The awakening of his dragon soul twin brought Dragshi Lord Branin the freedom of flight and near-eternal life, but not happiness. Branin means to break the hatchling’s curse and end the childlessness of his kind. A mating flight offers hope. However, when he flies, it is in a competition with his best friend—and not for the woman he searched the world to find. Winning the mating might save his kind, but lose him all that he treasures. Throwing the competition is not an option.

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers.

1.) Who is your favorite villain – it can be from a book (even one of yours), movie or TV show. And why?

Pulling from the past (and dating myself,) my favorite villain is Captain Hans Dietrich from the television program Rat Patrol. And as to why? Dietrich was tall, handsome, a skilled fighter and tactician, and even more important--an honorable man.

2.) Who is your favorite character out of your books? Why?

While I would say Glyn of the upcoming Hatchling’s Mate, my heart says my favorite character remains Ellspeth, captain of Sea Falcon. The tale of Ellspeth and the archmage, Lord Dal, is told in Windmaster, the first book I ever had placed under contract so there is a sentimental aspect. However to be honest, the why is more complex, like the character herself. Despite being a female, Ellspeth was an experienced fighter. She also had an artistic side in that she was a skilled musician. A skilled leader she was respected by the men who served under her. The pain of losing one sent Ellspeth on the vengeance trail.

I always wanted some special ability and in Ellspeth’s case, besides the musical talent, she is an untrained mage whose powers remained to be awakened. Having reached the point in life where decisions have had to be made and the results lived with, the decision that Ellspeth has to make resonates with my soul. She is determined to make her own destiny, but fate decrees otherwise and she has to decide between the sea, magic... or love.

3.) What do genre do you write? What made you pick that one?

I’m proud (and terrified) to say that I write in several genres. The tales of a female gunslinger named Hell Lost have haunted me for years and maybe someday I’ll ride the high mountain trails with her and tell her story in a historical western. Romance crept into the adventures and action that fills my stories when a few years back I joined the critique group that included the multi-published, award-winning author Carol McPhee whose numerous titles include Spirited Liaison, Shadowed Pursuit, and Alaskan Magic. After being involved with several of her projects, the romance that lingered through some of my fantasy and science fiction stories blossomed to demand its own emphasis.

Among all the genres, fantasy is my heart home. I've always loved to escape into other worlds. Fantasy allows me to create environments where magic lives and heroes rule. Being able to hang out with dragons or horses with a touch of magic in their souls are other reasons why I write fantasies.

4.) What are you working on now?

At the moment, I’m still enjoying flying with dragons in the romance fantasy series, the Dragshi Chronicles. Hatchling’s Mate is nearing publication later in 2015. The fourth and fifth volumes, Dragon Redemption and First Change: Legends of the Dragshi are being finalized. Then it will be time to again set sail with Ellspeth and Dal in Windmaster and return their stories to print.

5.) What got you to start writing?

Reading got me started as a writer. I inherited a love of reading from my grandmother and mother. I honored the one by taking her name as my pseudonym when I write in the western genre. The other's reward is more prosaic—bragging rights.

After the works of authors such as E. E. Doc Smith and Barbara Hambly sent my imagination to places beyond the stars and on journeys to worlds of fantasy, I couldn’t stay earthbound and started writing my own tales. However, they were just for me. In my earlier stories, I solved cases with Napoleon Solo and Ilya Kuryakin (the men from U.N.C.L.E), travelled outer space, drove a jeep in the sands of Africa with the Rat Patrol, and flew Corsairs with the black sheep of VMF-214. At the time I wanted to be a pilot. Not surprising since I learned to read by keeping a flight engineer's manuals up to date.

No computers or word processors aided (or interfered) with the creative process. A number two pencil and lined paper captured my imaginary adventures dreamed of while sitting in the shade of a huge weeping willow tree. That is until school-taught grammar and the forced structure required in writing classes clipped the muse’s wings. It took years for her to regain flight.

Writing managed to permeate my adult careers. Computer code and ‘how-to’ manuals gave way as the technical writer shifted focus to a more public audience. Non-fiction was added to my portfolio when a feature story on New Jersey stoneware was picked up by an antiques publication. That story led to a hundreds more and a career as a feature-story writer and correspondent.

When the bubble burst, I returned to fiction, only this time more skilled. One contract led to another, and eventually to independent publication.

6.) Where do you get your ideas from?

A verse of music, a few notes of a tune, or a photo from some exotic place can trigger an idea. Sometimes it is a dream that awakens me in the middle of the night.

7.) What would people who read your work be surprised to find out about you?

That I also have a background in non-fiction, especially military history. And that I have worked archeological sites including using those new-fangled tools, metal detectors. My non-fiction credits include two local histories, Around Matawan and Aberdeen, and Of Town and Field: Matawan and Aberdeen. The other surprise, I’m not from either town.

8.) Do you have any special talents?

I am artist enough to be able to create a minimal cover or help a niece with her homework, but am proud to have been called a storyteller.

9.) What was the one piece of advice you received when you were an aspiring author that has stuck with you? Why?

Something an instructor in a class I took quite a few years back stuck with me. She went beyond the usual supportive cliché of, “keep submitting” to make it her own. Her variant? “Keep submitting. There is a home somewhere out there for your work.”

10.) If you could talk to any famous figure (present, past or fictional) who would it be and what would you talk about?

Han Solo would be a nice dinner companion. And as far as topics, I’m sure he’d be happy to talk about the Millennium Falcon. And with a little luck he’ll dish on some of planets he’s visited and if I’m really lucky, divulge some secrets about his famed accuracy with weapons and take me for a spin on the Falcon.

11.) What song would you say describes your life?

Ireland’s Call by Celtic Thunder. The tune moves the heart while the lyrics speak to the honor that calls to my soul.

12.) If you could come back as any animal – what would it be?

It is hard to decide. The strong side of me says a horse, especially one of the magical breeds that inhabit the worlds of the Dragshi Chronicles or the Windmaster tales. Typical Gemini, there is a different side that the independent (or should I say leisurely catered to) life of a feline appeals to.

Excerpt:

A dark spot emerged from the near solid wall of heavy fog and hovered in place. Urgency unrelated to their mission added strength to Branin’s wings and he pulled ahead of the others. He knew, even before he closed the distance enough for his dragon long vision to confirm it. Anastasia awaited him. However, instead of warm greetings, he sensed a strange hesitance in his mate. Even in Jessian’s dragon form, the redness of Anastasia’s eyes showed unshed tears.

On a tight link excluding the others, Branin reached out. <What is the problem, Stacia?> Her continued silence tore at him. <Tell me, Stacia. Please. Let me help.>

<The valley beyond the barrier is the land of the ancient ones. Even though the buildings would provide shelter, Griogal and Uaine refuse to enter and camp outside the valley. But,> she sobbed, <this place called me. I could not help it. I entered without permission.> She resisted Branin’s attempt to twine necks and the comfort it would have provided. <What will happen to me? To us?>

Click here for more excerpts and a free read of the first chapter of Hatchlings Curse.

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Welcome My Latest Guest: Starla Kaye!

I want to welcome Starla Kaye. First, I’d love you to introduce yourself.

I’m very happy to be here today, Barbara. I wear many hats professionally and as a writer. I am the community coordinator for a Midwestern accounting firm, a gerontologist who volunteers with an active group of senior adults, a mentor/teacher of writing, and a multi-published author. I write romances of many sub-genres: contemporary, historical Western, medieval, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, and Regency. To date I have published 20 novels, 38 novellas, 8 anthologies, and 18 short stories.

Tell us about your latest release.

Cowboys in Charge is a short story collection, which includes seven stories of strong, loving cowboys and the women who try their patience. This is actually a new, updated, much revised version of the collection first published in 2011. The stories are contemporary, erotic romance, western, with bdsm that is basically discipline spanking in loving relationships.

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers.

1.) Who is your favorite villain – it can be from a book (even one of yours), movie or TV show. And why?

I have many favorite villains in movies, but I’m going to admit I have a favorite villain from one of my own stories: The Great Scottish Devil (a medieval romance, from Blushing Books), Alastair Sutherland. In a vengeful act against Braden MacKay he stole Annabel (the heroine) as a baby and gave her to some traveling tinkers. Let’s just say he was not a nice person.

2.) Who is your favorite character out of your books? Why?

That is a hard question because I like all of them. During the writing process, each of them become friends, family, and special to me. Brody Durward, The Great Scottish Devil, is probably my favorite hero. He faced so many trials in his life: fighting in the Crusades, believed dead, returning to his home in Scotland without his memories, and finding Annabel, who doesn’t understand the word “cooperate.”

3.) What do genre do you write? What made you pick that one?

As I said earlier, I write in many romance sub-genres. I will admit that the majority of my stories involve cowboys, whether in the American West or contemporary. There is just something appealing to me about a good-looking man in worn jeans, a sexily tipped hat, scuffed boots, and having a somewhat gruff, stubborn personality. My women have got to bring them to their knees.

4.) What are you working on now?

I work on multiple projects at the same time, because I slip from one story line to another when I reach a “thinking point” while writing. At the moment, I am nearly finished with Trusting Love Again for Black Velvet Seductions. This is a contemporary story about an emotionally abused divorcee trying to start a new life by returning to her hometown. The hero suffered a cruel loss from his ex-wife’s betrayal. This is a story of challenge and recovery.

I am also working on a third story to go with my first two medieval books for Blushing Books (Maggie Mine and The Great Scottish Devil). The Highlander’s Rose is actually a contemporary story with ties back to the medieval stories.

5.) What got you to start writing?

I’ve been writing for a very long time, but only seriously for the last twenty. I inherited my father’s imagination and just have to do something with it. I also mentor a lot of local writers and love doing it.

6.) Where do you get your ideas from?

My ideas come from things I’ve read about, places I’ve traveled to, or people I’ve observed. Story ideas are never something I lack. What I lack is the time to write about everything and everyone.

7.) What would people who read your work be surprised to find out about you?

That I also write a cow romance series. My Blossom the Cow stories started out as writing exercises in a writers group I belong to and have continued on (per their request) just for fun. They’re really great fun to write. Now I’m rewriting them as children’s books.

8.) Do you have any special talents?

I’m not sure I’d call them “special” talents, but I make small art quilts based on travel photos. I also make other small quilts: family collages, quilts of my books covers, and others.

9.) What was the one piece of advice you received when you were an aspiring author that has stuck with you? Why?

Write because you enjoy it and don’t count on getting rich doing so. Sometimes writing is stressful, but I wouldn’t continue with this if I didn’t enjoy it. And I just want to make enough money to pay for the traveling I like to do. So far that is working out fine.

10.) If you could talk to any famous figure (present, past or fictional) who would it be and what would you talk about?

I know she is somewhat controversial, but I’d like to talk to Angelina Jole. She fascinates me with how she combines a big family life, her work as an actor, and with her work for others.

11.) What song would you say describes your life?

Let it go. Maybe that isn’t the actual title, but I love it. I don’t like to dwell on the bad things that happen to us all or in the world. I try to get along with everyone and them for who they are. And I forgive myself for my many, many mistakes through the years. I’m not perfect. So what?

12.) If you could come back as any animal – what would it be?

I love so many different animals that this is actually a hard question. Maybe a cat. I’m pretty independent, but I like being with people, too. When I choose, how I choose. I’m free-spirited, but protective of those I care about.

BLURB:

Snowed in with Her Cowboy

James wants Kelly to quit work and start a family, but she resists the idea. Will he give up the idea of a family or will he give up Kelly?

Too Much Red at Christmas Time

Lizzie has a bizarre addiction to Christmas shopping and she can’t help herself, even knowing she will face the wrath of her husband who believes in domestic discipline.

For the Love of His Cowgirl

Amber missed the fun little games she and Adam used to play. There never seemed to be time for steamy sex, or even the spankings he’d occasionally given her for various infractions of rules or for misbehavior.

Could she entice him back, get the dwindling fires of their love going again?

Cowboys and Their Toys

Jennifer loved Jason and she’d trusted him as he led her into the BDSM lifestyle. But now he wanted to take things to a more intense level and she balked at it. Would she lose him if she didn’t agree to go 24/7?

Naughty, Naughty Cowgirl

Spankings had not solved all of their problems. Justin had known something was wrong with Nicci. He knew he should have tried to talk to her sooner, but he’d avoided that until she moved out and shattered him.

All I Want for Christmas (Biggest Prize Ever)

Krystal loved the bad-ass bull rider, but she wasn’t into sharing Ryan with all of the rodeo bunnies who lusted after him. She’d spent too many years living for his visits home. It was time to move on and find someone she could depend on to be there all of the time.

A Special Gift for Her Cowboy

Christina wanted time and attention from Joshua but he’d become sour, lost his sense of humor, rarely made love to her. He hadn’t even spanked her in months. She’s not willing to give up on her cowboy. Maybe a Christmas gift on the edgy side will help win him back.

EXCERPT – Snowed in with Her Cowboy

“Kelly, honey…” He hesitated because he didn’t want to fight with her, especially before she went into Kansas City for another long day of work.

“Don’t ‘Kelly, honey,’ me!” She stepped back into the closet. “We are not discussing this again! I’m not doing this to trample on your ego, cowboy. This isn’t about you. It’s about me.”

After three years of marriage, he had a pretty good handle on his wife. She liked her independence and he gave her as much as possible. She spoke her mind without much thought first, which he also tolerated for the most part. She was easily twice as smart as him in many ways, which he admired. Her biggest flaw was once she made a decision, she stuck to it, even if that decision proved to be a bad one. Like this job. He was tired of watching her come home exhausted from the tension of a frustrating day at the office. He worried about her on the hour drive back to the ranch.

“You’re wrong.” He set the steaming cup of coffee on the dresser next to the door. “This is about both of us. You’re my wife, dammit. It’s my job to watch out for you, to step in when you’re—”

“Watch it, macho boy!” She stormed out of the closet and tossed a skirt and blouse on the rumpled bed. Her brown eyes sparked with fire as she faced him. “I don’t have time for you to go all Man in Charge on me this morning. I still need to take a shower and get dressed.”

He curled his hands into fists at his sides. She’s tired. She’s stressed. But, damn, so am I! “Watch yourself. You’re pushing this old boy right to his limits.”

Her eyes continued to flash with irritation, her posture rigid. Then slowly she seemed to go limp. Her lower lip quivered. Tears glimmered in those weary eyes. All of the spit and fire went right out of her. “James,” she whispered.

What the hell? Her sudden change surprised him as much as it worried him. He moved in front of her, his irritation gone. He wrapped his arms around her and clutched her to him. He could stand a lot of rough things in life, but the sight of his woman in tears gut punched him. Tears after he spanked her for one reason or another was different, those he expected and understood. For any other reason, though, they unmanned him, made him feel helpless.

“Baby, I’m sorry.” He stroked her bare back, smoothed his hand over the wavy mass of long dark hair. Its silkiness, its sweet scent always got to him. But not anymore than the feel of her much smaller body in only lacy bra and panties did. His erection beneath his jeans immediately pressed between them. “It’ll be okay. I’ll make it okay.” How, he didn’t know.

She snuggled even closer, trembling. “I don’t deserve you.”

Book Title: Cowboys in Charge

Publisher: Black Velvet Seductions

Date Published: February 5, 2015 (original December 2, 2011)

Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, western, bdsm

Heat Rating: 4

BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cowboys-Charge-Starla-Kaye-ebook/dp/B006HCWU30/ref=sr_1_34_twi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423750288&sr=8-34&keywords=starla+kaye

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cowboys-in-charge-starla-kaye/1107923054?ean=2940014645508

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cowboys-in-charge/id490080510?mt=11

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/cowboys-in-charge

Social Media Links

Website: http://starlakaye.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/starla_kaye

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlaKayeWriter

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/starlakaye/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Starla-Kaye/e/B002ZH8K3U

Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5494986-starla-kaye

Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=151725