Writing Down the Bones: Interview Questions - In Relation to Others

Here's another segment of the flyer I've been working on. How your character deals with others. Again I don't know who the author is. but felt this was a good one to share so enjoy.

1.) How is your character(s) different with their family(s) than with their friends? How?

2.) How are they different with their lover(s) than anyone else? Do they like being this way?

3.) What scares them about their lover?

4.) What does their lover do for them that no one else does?

5.) Did they have a happy childhood? Has that affected their adulthood?

6.) When they ask for advice, do they normally take it? Why or why not?

7.) What is their initial perception if a stranger? Potential friend? Potential enemy? Someone to be charmed? To be deceived?

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.

Buy Links:   Amazon  Kobo iTunes  Barnes and Noble 

Connect with Helen on the web at:

Website /  Blog  /  Facebook  /  Amazon   /  Google+  /  Goodreads  

Writing Down the Bones: Interview Questions for Your Characters - The Quest

Here's the next section of the handout. This segment is smaller than the others.Sorry about that. As I said before I don't have an author for this flyer. Date wise I believe it is from the 80's or 90's.

Hope you enjoy.

1.) What does your character want to accomplish, find or become by the end of the book? Why?

2.) What in the outside world (external obstacle) is preventing your characters from reaching this goal?

3.) What in your character's self (internal obstacle) is preventing them from reaching this goal?

4.) What will have to happen for your character to overcome these obstacles?

Meet My Latest Guest: Ann Raina!

I want to welcome Ann Raina! First I’d love you to introduce yourself.

Tell us about your latest release.

Kisses and Chains tells the story of Shian Crayn, who is fleeing from his pursuer, Culma Verde, to the planet Radavé. He doesn’t know that all foreigners are considered workers and he consequently ends up owned by a wealthy trader. To his luck, the daughter of the house finds the young man very attractive and soon they escape together. But that’s only the beginning of their adventure.

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?

The villains have the better parts in a movie. They can be reckless, mean, full of irony and condescence. They have the wider range of emotions and options throughout the story. The best villains have their positive moments and thus become more believable. See Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean) in Bond’s Goldeneye. He gives the villain a very human touch, a man to hate but also to be sorry for. Or take Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries. He’s smooth, eloquent, an excellent lover and still he’s a bad boy. A man with charisma and unpredictable. That’s what makes a good villain.

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

I loved to write Project: Recruitment. The main character, Sidarra, is confronted by a new people with different backgrounds and different cultures. First, he’s set aback, but soon realizes he can be a valuable part of their society and still remain the man he was. Not to forget that he keeps his humor intact.

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

I write erotic romance, set in science fiction surroundings, and add some funny moments to every story. I love to develop strange living conditions, foreign cultures and completely different behavior rules. Science fiction offers a wide range of possibilities if you stick to the rules you set. In Kisses and Chains all families are traders and deal with workers as well as gems, water or food. There are no police forces, no judges, or military personnel. Consequently, they all employ guards and have to take care of their possessions but still there’s a strict code of accepted behavior, and every neighbor is eager to fulfill those rules up to a point where’s it’s only funny.

I also wrote two contemporary romances, Spice for Your Life and No Fool. I just follow my mood and the ideas coming to my mind.

4.) What are you working on now?

I did a report about a rich young man, who angered his parents by wasting money all the time, which triggered a short story about how to deal with such a man if all other measures fail. I’m two thirds through the story and, yes, the young man learns his lesson. Not easily, but in a way he had never thought about.

5.) What got you to start writing?

The wish to write stories has accompanied me since I attended school. Then Star Wars was released. Two hours of impressive, new ideas were suddenly offered, but it wasn’t enough for me. My mind spun around the characters and what more they could live through. It was the beginning of fanfiction though no one knew that term back in those days.

6.) Where do you get your ideas from?

Ideas hit me. They follow me. They come to my mind and want to be regarded and weighed and judged. And then there’s my muse, who also plays around with those ideas and scenes. And if she says, the idea could work out for a whole story we outline the plot and the characters. It’s always the funniest part – brainstorming. We’ve spent whole afternoons with plotting, accompanied by a lot of coffee and cookies. Oh, some good ideas come while I’m in the kitchen, baking bread or cake. Or cookies. And, no, I haven’t ruined a recipe because my thoughts wandered through strange landscapes…

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

None of the characters I describe in my books reflect on my real life.

8.) Do you have any special talents?

Besides writing, I love to ride. I bought a horse two years ago spend many hours in the woods with it. At home, I have a tendency to work in the kitchen, baking. My collection of recipes would fill a library.

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

My teacher at high school taught me that the characters’ idioms reflect their social status. A bank director speaks another dialect than a worker at the harbor. The characters an author creates are only believable if they fit their role in every detail.

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

I would have loved to meet with Sir Peter Ustinov, no matter the subject. I’m sure I could have learned so much from him. He was such a talented man, who left us too early. I admire him very much.

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

Always look on the Bright Side of Life. People tend to make their lives much more complicated than it usually is. If you can sit back and relax, take a step back and try another angle to weigh the problem at hand, you might be able to find a solution without cramps in your brain.

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

I’d like to be one of my cats – days filled with games, food, and, yes, sleep. I sometimes miss hours of sleep and envy my cats, which can stay on my bed while I have to leave it. Darn.

Blurb:

On the run, Shian takes a spaceship to Radavé, not knowing that his life will be turned upside down. Culma Verde, a headhunter, is on his heels and known to never give up. Can his new love Keila help Shian out?

Excerpt:

Shian wanted to embrace her, but the chains did not allow it. He cursed without words. The restrictions reminded him every minute that he was nothing but a piece of Delion’s valuable collection.

Keila sighed. “So I sit here on the estate of my father, wait for the right man, and until that happens, I have not much to do.” She put away the glass and caressed Shian’s face. She smiled through sadness. “I should not bring this upon you. I’ve been bored and frustrated for a long time. You’ve brought some light back to my life. So you’d better forget what I said.”

“I guess I understand you better than you think. You sit in a cage, too, and don’t know how to escape. It’s just that you don’t wear the chains in the open.”

Keila kissed him tenderly, playing her tongue in his mouth. When he went along, she slipped from the couch to get closer and the kiss got wilder.

“I want you,” she whispered. “I wanted you from the first day. I haven’t felt so alive for a long time.”

“But I’m not allowed to—”

“I know, but I want you. Please, Shian, please.”

Shian had never been asked more nicely, but still her father’s threat rang in his ears. He should not try and get closer to any woman, especially not the most valuable firstborn daughter. Get your hands off her! That’s madness!

When he didn’t respond, Keila drew back.

“It’s not that I don’t want you,” he confessed quietly, looking down at the chains holding him. “But I’m not out for castration if your father finds us.”

“You are right.” She licked her lips and a mischievous smile played around the corners of her mouth. She was blushing and looked very lovely. “I have to make better preparations.”

“You will—”

She put a finger on his lips. “I will find a way.”

Author Bio:

Ann Raina lives and works in Germany. Besides writing, riding is one of her favorite hobbies. She loves to be outdoors and enjoy the woods in her region. She’s also a gardener and a baker if time allows. With eXtasy Books, she has published eight novels so far, and a new erotic romance is a work in progress.

Carpe diem!

Buy Links:

http://www.extasybooks.com/?route=product%2Fauthor&author_id=111

It’ll also be available via Amazon etc. later. The URL does not yet exist.

Writing Down the Bones: Interview Questions For Your Characters - The Secret Self

I found another great handout. This one is going to be hard to put in my own words because they are interview questions for your characters. The worst part is there is no author listed. I know it is from the 80-90's. So lets dive in. This is another one I'm going to break up into sessions so I don't overpower with too much info.

The Secret Self:

1.) What is your character keeping secret?

2.) What is your character lying about , ven if it only to themselves?

3.) How well does the character know themselves? Do they like themselves?

4.) What does your character secretly love?

5.) A casual acquaintance describes your character's personality? How would that discription be wrong? Why?

6.) In what situation is your character's self-esteem most at risk?

7.) In what sort of situation is your character scared?

8.) In what sort of situation is your character brave?

9.) How well do your character's friends know your character? Are they easy to know?

10.) What does your character's lover know about the character that no one else does? What kind of power does this give your character's lover?

Meet My Latest Guest: Iris Blobel

I want to welcome Iris Blobel. First I’d love you to introduce yourself.

A big hello to you, Barbara, and all your readers from this end of the world.

Who am I?

I’m a German girl who escaped the German way of life and is now enjoying the laid-back life style in Australia. I’m married and have two beautiful girls.

As you’d guess, yes, in my spare time I write and write some more, I read a little, and present a German radio program on our community radio.

Life’s busy, but fun.

Tell us about your latest release.

“Let Me Love You” is the second book in the Australian Sports Stars series. It’s all about baseball player Oliver, who’s met his coach’s niece, who he can’t get out of his head anymore. Even though his coach warns him “She’s off limit”, he’s never been one to play by the rules.

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?

The person that came straight to mind is the character Silva played by Javier Bardem in the Bond movie Skyfall. The long –uncut- monologue about the cannibalistic rats is intense (although creepy), his seductive tone when he talks to Bond is brilliant. He’s clever and intelligent, and a former secret agent.

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

I love each of my character, they’re like children to me. But if I really had to choose, I’d say Daniel from my first book Sweet Dreams, Miss England. He’s Irish, he’s a charmer, he’s caring, and he’s sexy … I loved him from the very start.

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

I write Romance.  The idea of bringing two people together makes my day. Even though I’d love to write crime or mystery as well, I’d be useless at it. I have the greatest respect for crime / mystery writer … any writer obviously, but more so those who are able to come up with an awesome ‘who dunnit’ story.

4.) What are you working on now?

I am currently writing on the third book in the Australian Sports Stars series. It’s the story about Markus, the third friend in the series.

I’ve also started a book, tentatively titled Echoes of the past, which is about a man who was born in Australia, grew up in the UK, but returns to his hometown in his late twenties, only to find out that most of his memories of this place is based on lies.

5.) What got you to start writing?

Boredom? Basically. I’d never considered myself as a writer / author. But one day I put my daydreams to paper and … voila …. years later I’m still writing. And loving it. English is my second language, so there are heaps of hurdles to overcome, but I work with two very generous and patient publishers who’ve given me a chance.

6.) Where do you get your ideas from?

Life around me. You get ideas watching or listening to people. But I’m also in a small group called Tuesday Tales. It’s a group of authors writing to a prompt every week. I love it. It gives me heaps of ideas.

9.) Do you have any special talents?

I wish. I’ve got a photographic memory for faces. Does that count?

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

Never give up. Never ever give up. If one person doesn’t like your manuscript, so be it, if ten don’t like it, so bit it, but one day there’s that person who will … your time to shine will come!

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

Possibly Lee Child – asking him how he comes up with all the Reacher ideas, about his research, writing techniques etc.

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

Nena’s “Fragezeichen”

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

I love Dolphins, so I’d go with Dolphins.

 Let Me Love You

By Iris Blobel

Blurb:

Oliver Dempsey, pitcher for a Melbourne baseball club, loves the women, and they love him…

But he keeps them at an arm’s length, and when he meets Tamara, he’s unprepared for the attraction he feels for her.  Told by his coach that she’s off limits, only draws him in more.

Tamara Amis moved to Melbourne to find some distance between her past and herself…

With the help of her uncle, the coach of a Melbourne baseball club, she quickly finds a job, and a place to live. Yet, one meeting with the handsome pitcher stirs unexpected emotions that threaten to overwhelm her.

It’s Oliver’s injury that brings them together, but as they find out about each other’s pasts, how can they be ready to share a future?

Author:

Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and only immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent some time living in Scotland, London, as well as Canada where she met her husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper only emerged a few years back, but now her laptop is a constant companion. Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her beautiful two daughters as well as their dog. Next to her job at a private school, she also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.

Buy Links:

Publisher: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/product/let-me-love-you/

Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1Aq2J7r

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1AzCCfB

Where to Find Me:

My Blog: www.iris-b.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/irisblobel

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4067254.Iris_Blobel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Iris_B

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/iblobel/

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/107759085454255573026/posts

Excerpt:

Sweat ran down Oliver’s back, soaking his shirt. He’d been on the field for a couple of hours, but frustration grew in him with every ball he missed. He placed his hands on his knees and took a deep breath, fixing his stare at the ground. For Pete’s sake, he was a pitcher, not a hitter, and well known for his fastballs as well as his perfect curveballs. Alas, he had neglected his hitting. Today, his swing was below average, and, unable to focus, he walked over to the bench where he spotted Coach Becker shaking his head towards him.

Pointing his finger back towards the field, the coach said, “Head right back out there, Oliver. You need to improve your hand-eye coordination. I want to see more, and better.”

Oliver cursed under his breath. “It’s not going to happen. My shoulder’s killing me. It’s been a long day.”

Coach Erik Becker rubbed his face.

“It’s not gonna happen today,” Oliver persisted.

With a grimace on his face, his coach nodded.

"Righteo, call it a day. But I want you back out there again in the morning, though.”

Oliver eased off his gloves and shoved them into his back pocket, before removing his helmet.

The coach gave him a gentle slap on his back. “I need you to concentrate more tomorrow. Remember what I told you. You need to focus on your proper stance as well as swinging the bat. Keep your eye on the ball as it comes towards you. Try to connect the bat with the ball, preferably at the fat of the bat. We have a game coming up soon. Go and deal with the shoulder issue. Check in for a massage.”

Oliver wiped his forehead with his arm when he noticed a woman standing in the coach’s shadow. Raising his eyebrows, he nodded towards her as to ask who she was.

Erik turned slightly. “Oliver, this is my niece, Tamara. She’s moved here from Perth. Tamara, this is Oliver.”

Oliver extended his hand towards her. “Nice meeting you.”

She ignored his hand and took a step back. Taken aback by her reaction, Oliver instinctively checked his hand for dirt or sweat. Questioningly, he looked at his coach.

Erik ignored the situation and simply said, “Have your shower and see me before you head off to discuss your training schedule.”

Nodding, Oliver took another quick look at Tamara. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and he was puzzled by her expression. It seemed as if her intense blue eyes were trying to hide something. The distant look in them was almost mysterious, and combined with her body language, he couldn’t help but get the impression something was wrong. She was very guarded.

With one last look towards Tamara, Oliver turned and left.

As soon as he got to the locker room, he peeled off his t-shirt. Pain shot through him the instant he lifted his right shoulder. He’d been ignoring the twinge during the training session, but knew he had to have it looked at. The fucking skateboard rider had nearly knocked him over the previous day when he came out of nowhere. Oliver hadn’t had a chance to move out of the way fast enough and slammed his shoulder into a post.

He slowly stripped out of his track pants before grabbing a can of Coke out of his bag. Leaning against the wall, he chugged half of the drink while enjoying the quietness around him. Everyone else was still out on the field trying to please Coach Becker. He choked a laugh, hoping his mates would put Erik in a better mood than he had. They had a few important games over the next few weeks before the season ended, and for the first time in years, the club was doing well.

As he walked to the showers, he thought about his training session and wondered whether his shoulder was to blame for the bad hits, or his lack of training. But who was he kidding, he always liked to throw everything he had at people, yet was hopeless in receiving anything thrown at him. That applied in baseball and in life. When he’d been to see his first baseball game as a kid in Los Angeles, he’d known he was born to pitch.

Writing Down the Bones: The Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - Last post

Well here is the last two. I hope my comments helped you. Writing is always a learning process.

9.) Trust Your Editors: As an editor of a small press I agree. We work hard to make your book as good as it can be. I’ve been lucky enough to have a few authors win or final in contests with the books I edited. That lets me know I’m doing my job. I will put an author be aware on this. When you hire an editor for self-publishing be sure to do your homework. See who else they have edited. Make sure they are a good fit for you.

10.) There are no Certainties: This is so true. You could right the next Pulitzer and not be able to get a publisher to buy it. And as sad as this is you could write a ton of books, but not make what you thought you would and decide not to write anymore. I’ve heard some authors are making this decision. It breaks my heart. We all know writing is subjective. Someone will love your book no matter how many flaws and others will nit-pick every little detail.

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

Writing Down the Bones: The 10 commandments of Fiction Writing - Session 4:

7.) Be Critical of your work: You know others will be so you need to be too. The editing process (not the writing process - while in that process you just write) is where you have to use a critical eye to look at your work. Look at every scene and make sure it moves the story along. Make sure the words you’re using are the best ones to say what you want it to say. Does it flow properly? Are your words concise? Are your Characters likable? Is your villain strong? Is it three dimensional? Are you using all the senses? And the questions keep going...

8.) Develop Thick Skin: The writing world is filled with rejection. Editors will do it. So will readers and reviewers. If you don’t develop a thick skin some of those not so kind words will hurt and make you question your talent. People will cut down your work and sometimes is doesn't make sense. I once got a rejection letter from a publisher that was addressed to my husband. They took the name off the mailing label, totally ignoring the cover letter and cover sheet on the partial I mailed in. I've had not so nice reviews as well. Do they bother me, sure, but everyone is allowed their opinion and I try not to let them get to me.

Welcome My Newest Guest: Chris Redding!

I want to welcome Chris Redding. First I’d love you to introduce yourself.

I’m a published author of romantic suspense and romantic comedy.

Tell us about your latest release.

A View to a Nerd

Waking up next to a dead guy can ruin your whole day. When a wise-cracking interior decorator wants to put her past behind her, the dead body of the mayor’s son makes it pretty clear that won’t happen too easily. A conservative former computer geek for the FBI is holding on too tightly to his past. His wife died under suspicious circumstances and he believes the decorator has the information to solve the case. Unfortunately for him, she isn’t talking… until a series of events convinces her she needs protection, especially when her biggest secret threatens to destroy both their lives.

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?

Lisa Gardner wrote a book called The Perfect Husband. The so called perfect husband is such a great villain that if I were to say his name many years after I’ve read it, it would still give me chills. No, I am not naming him.

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

I think Miriam in A View to a Nerd. She is most like me.

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

Mostly I write romantic suspense. I kept trying to write straight romance and people kept getting killed. I think it chose me. All those Agatha Christie books I read as a kid.

4.) What are you working on now?

Right now I am working on book one of a trilogy set on a winery. Three brothers in inherit a winery, but have to work there part of a year before they can do anything with their inheritance. Each brother gets a book and he has to find his place at the winery. Of course they will each find love.

5.) What got you to start writing?

I’ve been writing so long that I can’t remember that.

6.) Where do you get your ideas from?

Everywhere. I work part time at a winery so that’s where I got the idea for the winery trilogy.

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

That I can talk. A lot. My writing tends to be sparse so it does not reflect my personality.

8.) Do you have any special talents?

I say what everyone in the room is thinking, but is unwilling to say.

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

Write every day. I did not believe it until I began doing it and it really does work.

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

Julia Child. I’d have her teach me how to debone a chicken.

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

Not sure there is just one song. Sorry.

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

A house cat. No one expects them to do anything, but sleep.

Blurb:

Waking up next to a dead guy can ruin your whole day. When a wise-cracking interior decorator wants to put her past behind her, the dead body of the mayor’s son makes her realize that won’t happen too easily. A conservative former computer geek for the FBI is holding on too tightly to his past. His wife died under suspicious circumstances and he believes the decorator has the information to solve the case. Unfortunately for him, she isn’t speaking until a series of events convinces her she needs protection, especially when her biggest secret threatens to destroy both of their lives. This was originally published as A View to a Kilt.

Excerpt:

“I just got a call from the Commissioner. He talked to the Mayor. If you weren’t finished, you would be now.”

The detective grumbled, but obeyed the order, turning off the recorder.

The Lieutenant shook his head as he ushered Miriam out of interrogation and down the hall to his office. “I’m sorry, Mim.  He’s a little overzealous. He’s new at this.”

“I’m sure he’s just doing his job, and considering what the situation looks like, I understand his position. By the way, someone hit me on the head.”

Bob stopped to examine her. “Guess the killer wanted you out for the count. I’ll get someone to take you to the hospital to get checked out.” He paused. They both stopped to face each other in the drab gray hallway. No pictures adorned the walls. He shuffled his feet then looked at her. “May I ask what your relationship with Joe Waltney was?”

She stared up at him. His eyes found a spot on the wall behind her to look at then the floor.

“I’ve given you no reason to believe you have the right to be jealous. Haven’t I made things clear? I’m only interested in friendship.”

They stared at each other for a moment before he nodded his head as if in agreement.

Links:

Website: www.chrisreddingauthor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/253606058045505

Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrisredding

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/101743269602364199911/posts

Skype: Chris.Redding.Author

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/chrisredding/