Friday, May 29, 2015

Author Interview- Mary Gillgannon

Woohooo, it's Friday!!!!
To kick our weekend off right, I've got author Mary Gillgannon here today with her new book, Wicked Wager. 
I'm betting it's one you'll enjoy!




Welcome back Mary. 
Can you tell me three words that describe yourself starting with A, B, and C?

Adventurous. When I was an adolescent and young adult, trying new things made me very anxious. I lost out on many experiences because I was afraid to take risks. Now that I’m older, I’m much more confident and less fearful of the unknown. I love to travel and to experience new environments and meet new people. But I am still not a risk taker when it comes to physical things and I’m very afraid of heights, so you won’t find me skydiving or mountain climbing. But I have considered parasailing. The idea of falling into water doesn’t bother me as much.

Blessed… for many reasons. I have a wonderful loving family, a comfortable livestyle, a day job I still enjoy after 25 years (I work in a library.) and of course, writing. Somehow when I am writing, the creative process and hyper-focus rewires my brain and makes me calm and happy.  It works better than any drug!

Creative.  Gardening, decorating my house, shopping and putting outfits together, writing, helping patrons at the library find what they need—I enjoy all those activities because of the creative element. I love finding the connections between things and ideas and problem-solving. 

What are your three favorite things?  

My family, of course. My children are the light of my life. I’ve loved watching them grow up and become great people. Of course, there are been some rough times, and they haven’t always had an easy time finding their way. But I am grateful they have allowed me to share their triumphs, and to comfort and support them when they were unhappy and struggling. And my husband of 34 years is still my love and my partner. Writing would come second, because it’s made such a difference in my outlook on the world and my happiness. And finally, I’d have to say my pets. We have four cats and a dog. They entertain us, enrich our lives and help us keep our perspective on life.

Are you self- published or with a publishing company (if so, which one?)?  

I am currently with The Wild Rose Press and have been very happy with them. I’ve had great editors who’ve helped me make my books much better, and they do a good job of giving authors the resources they need to promote their books. I have also self-published thirteen books. Many of them are books that were previously published in the 90’s and I got the rights back and re-released myself. But I did publish three original books on my own, before I began working with TWRP. I’ve found that self-publishing isn’t the best option for me. It’s too much work and takes away my time for writing.

 What for you is the best part of writing?  

The best part is the creative inspiration. The exciting feeling when a story idea or plot point just magically comes to you and everything flows.   

What is the worst? 

I really don’t like revising. I’m not super detail-oriented and I get impatient to have the book finished and move on to the next one.

Is there a process you stick to, or do you just write as it hits you?  

I can’t plot, so I write my books like I’m following a trail of breadcrumbs through the forest. The other way to describe it is a cross-country trip where you know basically where you’re going, but don’t use a map and follow one road to another until you get there. As for choosing what book to write, I have a lot of unfinished stories “waiting in the wings”, and I continue to get new ideas. So the hard part is deciding which book to write. For that, I try to use logic and planning and base it on what seems best for my career.

Will there be more books in your series, or can you tell us about any previous books?  

My latest book, Wicked Wager, is a Regency era historical. It’s the fourth book I’ve written in that time period. I’m sure it won’t be the last, but for now I’m trying to finish up the second book in my time travel/reincarnation series. (The first one, Call Down the Moon, came out the end of last year.)  This book features a Viking metalsmith who travels to modern L.A. to reclaim his soulmate, an Irish herbalist and wise woman he took captive and fell in love with in the eleventh century. It’s tenatively titled The End of the Rainbow.

When writing, which do you prefer to write with, computer or paper and pen? 

I’ve pretty much done everything. I started out writing long-hand, then typed it out on an electric typewriter, finally switched to a word processer (which was basically a typewriter with a memory) and now I use a computer. But I prefer a desktop computer over a laptop, and I’ve never been able to write on an Ipad or tablet. If a tablet was my only option, I think I would go back to longhand!



When hardened gamester Marcus Revington wins Horngate Manor in a card game, he is delighted to finally own property. Even discovering he must marry the heiress of the estate doesn’t deter him. The heiress, Penny Montgomery, is happy with her life raising horses at Horngate and has no desire to wed anyone. When she learns about her guardian’s Wicked Wager, she schemes to convince Marcus she’s unsuitable as a wife so he’ll forget his plan to marry her. Who will win this battle of wits and wills? Or will they both discover the name of the game is love?

Excerpt 

He might have known she’d take hours, Marcus thought with irritation as he waited in the drawing room. Offer to take a woman somewhere, and she fussed and fiddled half the day. He’d thought Penny was more practical than that, but it appeared she was as tardy as other members of her sex. A pity if she’d already been corrupted by Madame Dubonet and lost that ingenuous charm of hers. He rather liked the grubby hoyden he’d met in the drive of Horngate. She’d been a delightful change from the coy, manipulative women of the ton.
He paced across to the window to check on the phaeton and team. Hearing a faint sound, he turned.
For a moment, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His gaze moved down Penny’s slender form, then returned to the expanse of lush creamy flesh exposed by the low neckline of her dress. He swallowed hard, then choked out, “What the devil are you wearing?”
She gave him an innocent smile. “It’s my new daydress. Do you like it?”
Gone was the sweetly pretty young miss he’d brought to London. She’d been transformed into a sensual, sophisticated, breathtaking… goddess. It wasn’t just the lush décolletage the gown revealed, but the color of the fabric. Some subtle shade of pink that made her look edible. He longed to kiss and lick and nibble every inch of the silken, creamy skin the garment exposed. And then move on to the parts concealed by the soft, shimmery fabric. The very thought made him instantly aroused.
He took a deep breath and tried to focus on Penny’s face. “The dress is very fashionable, I’m certain. But if you don’t want to catch a chill, you’d best put on your pelisse.”
Penny hurried to do as he suggested. Despite having carefully planned this moment, when it actually came time to appear before Revington in the skimpy gown, she’d experienced an attack of nerves. It had taken all her willpower to walk boldly into the drawing room, despite feeling half-naked.
Revington’s expression had turned quite strange, almost savage. But then a moment later, his normal reserve had prevailed and he’d carried on in his usual impatient style.
She put on her pelisse and started for the door. Then she remembered the other part of her plan. Turning, she said, “I wondered if rather than driving today, you could have footman take the reins and sit in the carriage with me. That way you’ll be able to tell me about the sights as we travel through the city.”
Seeing a muscle twitch in his jaw, she wondered whether he disliked the thought of spending time with her. Too bad, she thought stubbornly. For her plan to work, she needed to force him into close proximity.

Purchase links:





Bio:  

Mary Gillgannon is the author of fifteen novels, mostly set in the dark age, medieval and English Regency time periods. She’s married and has two children. Now that they’re grown, she indulges her nurturing tendencies on four very spoiled cats and a moderately spoiled dog. When not writing or working—she’s been employed at the local public library for twenty-five years—she enjoys gardening, reading and travel..

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

New Releases

Need to refuel your library, check out these new 

reads from The Wild Rose Press.


Two people, one dream. For the Love of Matty by Johanna 

Riley http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?

main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_143&products_id=6227 #cleanromance 


He's gorgeous and rugged and a dream come true, but she's a woman out of her time. My 

Mountain Man by DeeDee 

Lanehttp://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?

main_page=product_info&cPath=242_176_146&products_id=6226 

Monday, May 25, 2015

Author Interview- Kathy Otten

Happy Memorial Day readers!

Today I have author Kathy Otten and her book, After the Dark.



Welcome Kathy, tell me three words that describe yourself starting with A, B, and C. 

Allergic-I do tend to sneeze a lot this time of year.  
Boring-Yup, that’s me.  I never go anywhere except to work, and I’m not very adventurous. 
Critical-I’m a big self-critique.  I expect my work to be perfect, especially in my writing life.

What are your three favorite things? 

My new grandson, my Nook, and ice cream

What for you is the best part of writing? What is the worst?

The best part of writing for me is when I’m in the zone and I can see the whole scene in my head and hear the characters talking and I can’t write fast enough to get it all down.  The worst thing is when I’m blocked and typing 100 words is torture. On those days I rearrange my paper clips, file my nails, and play solitaire. It’s like going off my diet. I hate myself afterward for not forcing myself to write.
 
Is there a process you stick to, or do you just write as it hits you? 

I’m only home 4 days a week so I try to write for two hours a day.

 Was there any particular inspiration for your characters or story? 

I saw a documentary on the Molasses Flood on TV.  It interested me so a bought a book about the event. It was the only time I didn’t see the characters first. It wasn’t hard next to come with some characters, stick (ha ha) them  in the middle of the disaster, and see if they could manage to fall in love.

Music is a big influence on my writing. I have certain songs that inspire each chapter, or the whole book. What helps to inspire you?

I tend to like quiet. I like to get into the zone with no distractions. I enjoy music, but I tend to listen to it rather than write.

What is the ultimate goal you have for your career? 

I’d like to be published with a NY publisher and be successful enough to be able to quit my day job and write full time. Maybe afford a vacation every year.

 Describe your perfect day? 

A perfect day is one where the words come and I feel good about what I’ve written and I feel like a writer.

Favorite item of clothing in your closet? 

My blue jeans.



Blurb

 Months in the trenches of France have left Liam Gallagher wondering why he has survived when better men did not. His guilt intensifies when he returns home only to come down with the deadly Spanish Influenza sweeping the country. Once again Liam lives when thousands do not.

Now the only bright spot in his monotonous life is the time he spends each day walking with Rosalie Moretti. Their talks give him hope for the future, a future possibly to include this vibrant, loving woman. Until one dark, catastrophic afternoon, when Liam realizes the reason his life was spared has come down to minutes and his ability to perform one selfless act.





BIO

Kathy is the mother of three grown children and lives in the open farm country of western NY with her husband of thirty-two years. She enjoys taking long walks with her German Shepherd Max, through the fields and woods near her home. In the winter she likes to curl up with a good book and one or two of her five cats, while the snow blows outside. In between family, work and animals she can be found at her computer weaving stories of laughter, heartache, and love for the crazy cast of characters swirling around in her head.



Sunday, May 24, 2015

Quick Promo- Misty Simon

Happy Sunday readers!



Join us as we celebrate my pal, Misty Simon's newest release,
Go Ahead, Make My Bouquet


Go Ahead, Make My Bouquet
Kissinger Kisses, Book Three

Dexter Zegray is up to his eyeballs in diapers and formula. That’s what happens when a baby that isn’t even his gets dropped off on his doorstep and his teenage brother – the father – decides to run off to “figure stuff out.” Dex wishes he could run away, too, but that’s not an option.

Zoe Bradley has for months successfully avoided getting caught in the Casanova trap that is Dex Zegray. But when he comes into Decadence with baby in tow, asking for help, she can’t resist the little girl or the man who might just be more than the philanderer name tag she’s assigned him.

Dex needs a nanny, and Zoe’s the only one with the time to do it. But will forced togetherness open Zoe’s eyes to his true charms? And why does it have to be precisely when he’s unavailable?


Excerpt:

He ran a hand over his hair, not knowing where to start but knowing he had to say something to diffuse the tension thickening the air. “Look, I know I handled the other day badly.”
She gave a little snort that could have been in disgust or a short burst of laughter. He had no idea which but had to power on, regardless.
“You do things to me, I admit it. If it were any other time, or a different set of circumstances, you know I would be on you faster than you could take your next breath.”
There was a hitch in that next breath, a sign he was not doing this right, or he was doing it right, but not for the result he knew he should want—for her to go back to professional and friendly, instead of tempting him to break his own rules.
“I really need you to be here for Phoebe. I can’t change how I feel about the best course of action with her. I have to give her my attention and my time. If you and I started anything, I wouldn’t be doing that. I’d be jeopardizing the best thing that’s come into her life recently.”
“Sure.” She crossed her arms over that chest he’d dreamed of. She had his own breath hitching, though more quietly.
“Look at how awkward we’re being, and all we did is kiss. Can you imagine if we slept together and then you decided you didn’t want us anymore? It’s not just my own needs I have to think about.”
“Why do you keep insisting that I’m going to be that fickle?”


Buy Links:





Misty Online!



Twitter: @MistySimon

 *author note- be sure to visit Misty's website so you can sign up for her newsletter and stay up to date on her latest news.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

New Releases and Reviews

Grab your Kindles and get reading!



New Releases

Had his life been spared for one last act?  After The Dark @kathyottenhttp://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_176_145&products_id=6223#Romance #Vintage #Boston #Molasses #Flood

Murder isn’t always committed with magic unless a witch is involved.Witch of Death by Chrys Feyhttp://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_177_139&products_id=6222#ShortReads #Suspense


Reviews

Friday, May 15, 2015

Quick Promo- JC McKenzie

Happy Friday readers

It's release day for JC McKenzie!!!!

Congrats JC!!!!





How can she make a choice that will break one heart and complete another?


Title: Carpe Demon
Series Name: Carus Series, Book Three
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press          
Editor: Lara Parker
Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor of DCA Graphics
Theme(s): Shapeshifters, Vampires, Witches, Demons
SubGenre(s): Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Rating: Spicy (PG13) 
Page Count: 298
Word Count: 69345
Digital Price: $4.99
Print Price: $15.99


Blurb:

As an ambassador with the Supernatural Regulatory Division, Andy McNeilly is responsible for acting as the Liaison for the Vancouver Vampire horde. The problem? She detests the Vampire Master, and the SRD can’t discover the beast she keeps locked inside.

After a menacing Demon throws an important Vampire event into chaos, Andy finds herself sniffing out crime scenes to identify and locate the mystery fiend from the nether realm. What she learns chills her bones.

Threatened by the Master Vampire to deal with the Demon, Andy's complicated personal life doesn't make things easier. She's willing to risk her life and pride to keep loved ones safe. But how can she make a choice that will break one heart…and complete another?


Excerpt:

The Demon’s grin widened. Standing a foot away from him with no room to maneuver and nothing to separate us, the serrated details of his shiny enamel glared at me.
            My fingertips tingled as I started to shift.
Not fast enough.
The Demon lunged. His long nimble fingers closed around my neck as I shot my hands out, inside his arms, and dug my claws into his face. My elbows pushed against the insides of his arms. His hold should’ve weakened, but this Demon possessed uncanny strength. His frame stretched, growing to almost eight feet in height and giving his body an emaciated appearance. He pulled me close, his nose touching mine. I wrenched to the side, but my toes dangled above the floor.
            “Bola sends his regards,” he said, his breath hitting my face.
            My gums stung as fangs protruded and I hissed at him, ready to make the full change and get my fight on. I yanked on the mountain lion and spurred her into action.
            “By all means, little nugget, shift into one of your animals.” He gnashed his sharp teeth together. “I love to rend the flesh of livestock, to mutilate the bodies of creatures, and to smash the bones of beasts.”


BUY LINKS


About the Author:

Born and raised on the Haida Gwaii, off the West Coast of Canada, J.C. McKenzie grew up in a pristine wilderness that inspired her to dream. She writes Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.




Wednesday, May 13, 2015

New Releases



Check out these new releases from The Wild Rose Press

All he ever wanted was a second chance. There's No Place Like Home @peggy_jaeger
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_133&products_id=6211 #romance #ebook

A horse-mad hoyden, a hardened gamester and a WICKED WAGER.http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_176_138&products_id=6209 #Regency #historical #romance #ebook #novel

A psychic and sexy detective must find a serial killer before becoming his next victims. @writesbooks Through My Eyeshttp://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_245_137&products_id=6210

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Quick Promo- GE Taylor

Happy Tuesday readers !
Please join with me in welcoming author GE Taylor, of Someday Lady Publishing, to the blog. 


About the Author

I became hooked on reading romance novels during my teen years and my attempt at writing began in high school. All of my manuscripts were mailed under my bed. Eventually, I threw out most of them. That was painful especially since I’d hand written them first, then typed them on my old typewriter.
In college I majored in English but ended up with a Master in Social Work and a Master in Education.
Though I had these different career paths, I never gave up my passion for writing. Now I’m much more committed to it and writing full time. I’ve drawn on my years of practicing social work to give my work authenticity and realism.
I live in New Jersey with my family.

Website:




BLURB

When beautiful Joanna Huntington left the law firm of Petersberg, Ryan and Cole, she never dreamed the storm would force her into the path of the car driven by Vaughn Gordon, the man whom she thought she would never see again. Coming face –to- face with Vaughn at the hospital brought back memories of their first encounter when she‘d lived in Chester. How she’d boldly asked Vaughn to kiss her after she’d sensed the attraction between them was mutual. His touch made her forget any cautious teachings she’d heard and his kisses had sent so much heat flowing through her that every cell in her body clamored for his full possession. But now she wanted to hide.
Vaughn had everything he wanted, except the woman of his dreams. Joanna had been marked off limits, not because she was biracial and he was white but because that was demanded of him. He agreed to back off…for a time. But then she disappeared. Now here she was lying before him possibly hurt.
 Fate would not be so cruel to take her from him again just when he found her.


EXCERPT

“At last,” said Vaughn’s deep voice.
Joanna was so shocked she flopped down into the nearest chair.
“Are you there, Joanna?”
She cleared her throat. “Yes, I’m here. What can I do for you?” she asked, politely while her heart raced away like an unstoppable train.
“I take it you have fully recovered from the accident?”
“Yes. And it’s not necessary for you to continue to call.”
“It’s not necessary?”
“No. As a matter of fact, I wish you wouldn’t. I think you should forget you ran into me. Forget you saw me.”
“But I can’t do that,” came the husky reply. “We’ve been over this already, Joanna. Please have dinner with me this evening.”
“Now, why would I do that when I just told you−−−?”
“Joanna, I’m picking you up this evening. I’m not playing the waiting game anymore. If you’re not ready when I get there, it will be my pleasure to personally dress you.”
Arrogant bastard! “Why don’t you go harass someone else? I’m sure that banker’s daughter wouldn’t mind. Both of you look like a nice little couple in the papers.”
“I don’t mess around with married women, which she is now. At the time, I was asked to escort her to the function. Besides, I want to be with you, no one else.”
Well, he’d told her he would not waste time, and apparently he’d meant it. He was moving forward with the relationship. Truthfully, she wanted to see him again. They had a lot of unfinished business. Some she couldn’t make go away. Having dinner with him should give her some answers.
“Joanna, is eight okay?”
“Yes, that will be fine. Where are we going?”
“Downtown Newark, to the Neck, to one of the Spanish restaurants. You liked Spanish food, as I recall.”
“You remembered,” she stated quietly, blown away that he would remember such a small thing about her after all this time.
“There’s very little I don’t remember about you, Joanna. Give my regard to your lovely mother, and I’ll see you at eight.”
She replaced the phone in its cradle thoughtfully, a deep frown creasing her brows. There was no going back now. Truth be told, she was excited and was actually looking forward to being with him. There was no denying the fact that nobody else made her heart race with such speed or sing with such joy. The time spent away from him made her body even more responsive to him. She craved his touch and felt so alive when she was with him. She didn’t want to look too deeply into why. She only knew that from the first day they’d met, something special, magical was between them. Apparently that had not changed.
As Katherine entered the apartment, she sensed a change, and she looked at Joanna seated on the chair. “Is everything all right, Joanna?” she asked anxiously.
“Yes. I’m going to dinner with Vaughn tonight.”
“Are you sure this is what you want to do?”
Joanna understood this was no ordinary question.

 Buy Links



Saturday, May 9, 2015

What's inside your head

Happy Saturday readers!!! 

Like most writers, I am constantly dreaming up new book ideas. I know I have at least 10 floating around in my head, waiting on me to put enough thought into them that they become tangible enough to be written down. 

If you were able to look inside my head, I'm sure it would look like a disjointed library threw-up. For example.

I'm still 300 words shy on finishing my short story  (I'm determined to type The End by Sunday evening). And already brainstorming ideas for follow up stories.

Nearly halfway through with Faith's story, a quarter of the way through with Hope's, three- fourths done with Melanie and Everett's story. (If you don't know who Faith, Hope, and Melanie are, I encourage you to go to Love's Battle's page in this blog and follow the buy link to get familiar with these characters.)

I have a finished paranormal manuscript that is patiently waiting for me to take a very sharp editing pen to it. The second book in this series only needs 5,000 words or less in addition to the same sharp pen treatment, and books three thru ten are nothing but whispy thoughts and brief sentences. When I dream, I obviously dream big!

There is also a cozy mystery I'm trying to work my way around.

And yet, I've got this idea for another series floating around in the back of my mind that won't go away! (More on this in future posts)

Crazy, I know. 
Any sane person would look at this list and say, I think you have plenty to keep your mind and fingers occupied for the next several months, why is this not enough?

I have no idea, all I can guess is this is how a writer's mind is supposed to work. Or maybe mine's just broken. Hey, we all have our faults. 
But it begs the questions for all my author friends, 
what's inside your head?


Friday, May 8, 2015

New Releases

Check out these new releases from The Wild Rose Press.


All he ever wanted was a second chance. There's No Place Like Home @peggy_jaeger
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_133&products_id=6211#romance #ebook

A horse-mad hoyden, a hardened gamester and a WICKED WAGER. http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_176_138&products_id=6209 #Regency #historical #romance #ebook #novel

A psychic and sexy detective must find a serial killer before becoming his next victims. @writesbooks Through My Eyeshttp://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_245_137&products_id=6210


Murder and love--A cold case and killer with a new target. Farragut North by Bette McNicholashttp://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_245_137&products_id=6212#suspense #thriller


He's a Middle Easter Prince but can Shelby, an American, be the woman he loves? The Sheik's Ruby by Jennifer Moorehttp://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_143&products_id=6213

Saturday, May 2, 2015

I'm Back !!!

Happy Saturday readers. 


A lot has been going on, so let's catch up.

After a short April hiatus, I'm stepping out of the writing cave and ready to blog again. 
More info on this new short story will be forth coming as soon as I have more news. Just need to write the last chapter, edit, and send it to my editor.  Fingers crossed.

In the meantime I'm scheduling blog guest for May and June, so hopefully we'll have some new authors and new books to introduce you to very soon.

Come July, I'm hoping to celebrate Love's Battle's 1 year anniversary with a 99 cent sale and blog tour. I'm working on getting my ducks in a row and will definitely be letting you know all the details on this as soon as they're set in stone. I am more than willing to take any advice you have concerning this.


As we end, be sure to take a look at these new releases from The Wild Rose Press. 
Remember, feed an author, buy a book!


Dead men may not talk, but dead girls do. #Suspense #ShortReads Ghost of Death
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_245_137&products_id=6181

The new 3 R’s ... Rock & Roll & Romance. Go back to the 50’s with @nfraserauthor in PLAY IT AGAINhttp://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_176_145&products_id=6182#anthology #vintage

Sometimes a girl has to take a guy for all he's got. The Blow Off Mickey J. Corrigan #satire #comedy #darkcomedy
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=244_235_236&products_id=6180