Author Interview: Suzie Webster

Please welcome Suzie Webster to the blog! We met at the Lust in the Lowcountry conference and am fortunate to have met her! Let's take a look at her story:

Please tell me a little about yourself. 

I am first a mom and wife. I’ve been married to my second husband for twenty-five years and we are having a grand adventure together. I have three children, ages 27, 24 and 18, a son in between two daughters. I am a serial entrepreneur. I’ve started numerous businesses and I never tire of learning new things, although I was never much of a student growing up. I started in real estate in 1993, I owned a hair salon in 1996 and I was a professional decorator for five years in the early-mid 2000s. I have produced events since 2008 and I published my first romance novel in 2019. I also own a building envelope business that I started with my husband in 2009. I have always loved reading and I read just about every book in my middle school library. I was also the editor of my literary magazine in high school. An authentic book nerd in every way.

Could you let us in on what you’re working on now? 

I just finished a short story for an Anthology being published through our local Romance Writers Association and I am diving back into finishing up the third book in my For Me series. The first two books are a duet and a love triangle between two men and a woman.

Which of your stories is your favorite? 

I love my book Stay For Me, the second in the For Me duet. I love writing the men in my books because it’s so fun trying to get inside the male psyche. So writing a book with two hot male leads was so much fun and so sexy! But I will always be partial to my book Revival on King Street because it was my first and I’ll never forget the thrill of finishing it.

What’s your inspiration? 

My husband is my muse and my inspiration. He is my #1 beta reader and he doesn’t hold back when giving me his critique. I rely on him tremendously to make sure I am getting my male characters right. He is also the perfect balance of alpha with a soft gooey center when it comes to his family.

How and when did you begin writing? 

I wrote a book in middle school, it was a hundred pages long and I was so proud to finish it. I never forgot that feeling of accomplishment and I always wanted to write romance novels because I loved them so much in my teens and twenties. Life got in the way for many decades but I finally published my first book at the age of 49! I just made the decision to do it and four months later I had completed my first draft. It was published nearly a year after I first started.

What is one of your favorite books by another author? 

My favorite authors are Jennifer Hartmann, Jewel E. Ann, Pam Godwin and Kate Stewart in the romance genre. But my all time favorite author will always be Stephen King. His books were the cornerstone of my childhood and I adore his twisted mind. My favorite book is Sacajawea by Anna Lee Waldo, I’ve read it numerous times.

Have you considered writing in other genres? 

I think romance is the one for me. I can’t resist an HEA.

What is your writing process? 

Do you need silence or music? I need complete silence so I can live inside my story. I am very easily distracted so it’s difficult to write when other people are around.

How long does it usually take you to write a book? 

Usually about three months if I am focused.

Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block? 

No but sometimes I am in a groove more than other times.

Do you have pets? 

I have the world’s best dog named Seamus, a goldendoodle who is 9 years old. He loves to play ball and swim and he’s just so fun and loveable.

What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots? 

I love the moment when the two main characters connect for the first time. I love to write tension and I really love writing sex scenes.

Anything new on the horizon? 

I have an idea for a paranormal book, a real-life ghost story. I plan to write that after I finish my For Me series and the last novella in my Lowcountry Liaisons series.

Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write? 

Peace and quiet.

Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames? 

My newer books are four to five flames.

Who is your main source of support for your writing?  

My husband is my biggest cheerleader by far. He believes in me more than I believe in myself which always makes me strive to be better. My kids are also a great support system and my oldest daughter, Ryleigh is my personal assistant and social media coordinator.

Is there anything you’d like to add? 

I started writing books because I wanted to inspire women in their forties and beyond. I want women to know that life only gets better as you get older. My husband and I are having the best time in our marriage right now. We both feel like we have made it through the hard part and we intend to enjoy every minute of these years. As a woman, having the confidence that experience brings enhances everything including in the bedroom. So don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Your partner will thank you.

Author Interview: Kelly Finley

Here is yet another amazing author that I met at the Lust In The Lowcountry conference this year. Let's take a look at her story:

Thank you for joining us. Please tell me a little about yourself.

I write sexy, badass women who take on the alpha, and make him crave every second of it. I'm a Southern gal whose wanderlust took me many places until it called me home. I scored a few degrees and many years of teaching along the way. I'm an expert on the history of powerful, shameless women...so I decided to finally write them into fiction too. 

When I'm not smiling over my laptop writing the next steamy scene or fight sequence, I'm driving my happy husband and grown kids crazy with the next story in my head. 

Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?

A duet that will be out this fall. - AFTER HIM & GET HIM. It's a steamy, romantic suspense story featuring a beautiful vigilante and her tragic hero.

Which of your stories is your favorite?

All of them!

What’s your inspiration?

All the women writers who came before me. Probably Toni Morrison and Virginia Wolfe the most. And Jane Austen. There's too many!

How and when did you begin writing?

I started as a kid. I'm an English major who went down the academic path for a couple of decades before coming back to my own creative fiction.

What is one of your favorite books by another author?

I still love To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Have you considered writing in other genres?

Not really. I love romance too much.

What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?

I listen to music and take long walks with it. Then I need silence while I write.

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

Too long. :> I've got it down to 3 months or so.

Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?

So far, not yet. 

Do you have pets?

I have plants. I'm allergic to pets unfortunately.

What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?

I really love the whole process, honestly.

Anything new on the horizon?

Yes. Lots. So many books in my head from this world I'm building of women working in security.

Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?

I really need to be alone. I can't have other people around me. I sense them too much.

Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?

6 flames :>

Who is your main source of support for your writing?

My husband is super supportive. He really takes care of me. My friends have been awesome too. And I've made some on bookstagram that are so inspiring now.

Author Interview: Michele James

Michele James has just released her new book, Warrior Mine and it has fantastic reviews! Let's take a look at her story:

1. Thank you for joining us. Please tell me a little about yourself.

I live in a southern California beach town with my husband, a mini panther, and two

crazy cattle dogs. I am the proud mother of an adult son and daughter and Oma to my

favorite little person, my grandson. I’m a retired veterinary technician and my pastimes

are gardening, cooking, yoga, and beach walks, especially in the winter and always with a

notebook and pen in my pocket.

2. Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?

Boroughs Publishing Group will be releasing my fifth book, a Medieval historical romance titled

Warrior Mine, on Aug 30th , so I will be diving into social media preparing for its release.

I’ve also started the research for a post-civil war romance that takes place in Hell’s Gate,

Montana.

3. Which of your stories is your favorite?

My favorite to write was The Lion & The Swan, the first book of my Destined series, a historical

romance with elements of fantasy that takes place in ancient Mesopotamia. It’s the story of star-

crossed love between a prince and a foreign slave, and I let myself go full swoon, forbidden love

at first sight.

4. What’s your inspiration?

Books, movies, art, nature, history, life.

5. How and when did you begin writing?

My paternal grandmother, who lived on a farm in Nebraska, and I started writing letters to each

other when I was in elementary school, and I’ve always considered that the start of my writing. I

took a creative writing class in high school and was encouraged by the teacher to continue my

writing. I won a couple of poetry contests in school, and then got about the business of life. I’ve

always been a reader, especially of romances, and I fooled around with writing stories for years

while raising my children, but when my youngest went off to college, I became serious about

writing and joined a local writer’s group, which have been invaluable in my journey to published

writer.

6. What is one of your favorite books by another author?

Precious Bane, by Mary Webb, first published in 1926. I love the purity of the love story, the

language, and how the setting is a character unto itself.

7. Have you considered writing in other genres?

No. Never. Historical romance is where my brain and heart go every time.

8. What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?

My process evolves a little with each book, and deadline, as far as time of day, time spent at my

laptop, and kitchen table vs office desk depending on time of year and where the sun shines

through which window, but the one consistent thing is that I write the first draft in thirds. I write

the first third, then go back and edit and write through the second third, then go back to the

beginning and edit and write through to the end. This way I tend not to lose the details and the

threads I’m weaving into the story. Then I revise and edit the entire MS two to three times more,

the last edit always being a “read aloud” edit. One thing I’ve learned is that the habit of writing

regularly helps keep the story in your head, even when you’re not actively thinking about it,

which is why so many “aha” moments occur while walking or gardening or in the shower.

I almost always listen to music as I write, and end up with a very loose playlist for each book.

Though when the words are flowing, I don't always notice when the music ends.

9. How long does it usually take you to write a book?

My first book, The Lion & The Sawn, took three years. My fourth book, The Stag & The Owl,

the fourth book in my Destined series and under contract, was written in four months, and was,

as my publisher commented, much rougher.

10. Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?

Oh, yes. I have learned to “respect the mull”, to take long walks with my little notebook in hand,

to read a book or watch a movie, or three, and then sit back down and open my laptop.

11. Do you have pets?

I have one cat, two dogs, and a colony of lizards in my backyard. I’m a retired veterinary

technician and through the years I’ve also bottle raised hundreds of kittens, dozens of puppies,

and rehabbed raptors and sea birds. I have yet to write a book where the animals weren't

characters in their own right, and probably never will.

12. What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?

I love diving into the characters and their worlds and weaving the different threads of a story

together. I like all plots and tropes; it just depends on the characters and story.

13. Is anything new on the horizon?

Warrior Mine, my medieval romance will be released in 2022.

14. Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?

Tea, iced or hot.

15. Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?

I would say 4 to 4.5, with three to four good, steamy love scenes per book.

16. Who is your main source of support for your writing?

My husband, definitely. Writing a book is very time intensive, and he’s never been anything but

supportive, even if it means cereal for dinner, again. And my SoCal Romance Writers group.

17. Is there anything you’d like to add?

Reviews. Reviews are so important for a book, and so difficult to get. So if you read a book,

please leave a review. The author will be so grateful.

Click the picture below to see all of Michele's books:

Author Interview: Emilia Rose

 

I met International Best Selling Author, Emilia Rose at the Lust In The Lowcountry conference. Thankfully, she agreed to take part in this interview...let's take a look at her story.

Thank you for joining us. Please tell me a little about yourself.

Thank you so much for having me! My name is Emilia Rose, and I’m a USA Today bestselling author of steamy contemporary and paranormal romance. I love writing about bad boys, billionaires, and ruthless alphas.

Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?

Currently, I’m in the middle of writing and releasing my steamy (18+) high school contemporary romance series called the Bad Boys of Redwood Academy. It’s about the bad boys who rule the school and the good girls who rule their hearts! I’m working on the fourth book in the series called Detention, which is a taboo student-teacher romance.

Which of your stories is your favorite?

My favorite story is titled The Bad Boy and is part of my Bad Boys of Redwood Academy series of standalones. Blaise, the billionaire skateboarding punk, finds Vera’s notebook filled with smut! With it, he blackmails her into being his toy, but ends up falling in love with her.

What’s your inspiration?

I find tons of my inspiration in music. Pretty much any genre can inspire a smutty story.

How and when did you begin writing?

I wrote all through middle and high school because I had a bunch of stories swimming around in my head, but I stopped for a couple years in college. Thankfully, I picked it up again and have been writing ever since!

What is one of your favorite books by another author?

Right now, I don’t have a favorite, but I really love these authors: Mia Kerr and Elaine Waters.

Have you considered writing in other genres?

I only enjoy writing steamy romance. At first, I stuck solely to paranormal romance but my readers encouraged me to start writing contemporary romance with mafia bosses, billionaires, and bad boys!

What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?

Usually, I need music for inspiration before, during, and after I write. Coffee shops are great too to help me focus.

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

I write about four stories at once, so I can’t say an exact time. But I tend to release eight books a year, so I would say that I write fairly quickly.

Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?

All the time! Thankfully, I am very driven by deadlines and make sure that I get the story to my readers in time. If I let a story sit for way too long, I rarely come back to it as another idea has begun speaking to me.

Do you have pets?

Yes! I have two sassy cats named Luna and Peanut as well as a duck that we haven’t named yet, but she’s so cute!

What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?

I LOVE my characters! I’m not a plotter or outliner at all, so I experience the story as I write it. My characters just sorta… let loose and take me on an adventure. So uncovering their story and who they are is my favorite part!

Anything new on the horizon?

Currently, I’m adapting my short stories into audio dramas and one of my paranormal romances into a graphic novel!

Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?

My books are usually high heat, between 4 and 5 flames!

Who is your main source of support for your writing? 

My husband! He has supported me from the very start when I had no confidence in my abilities as a writer. He pushed me to publish and has continued to support all my writing goals!

Click the book cover to go to Emilia's Amazon Page! 

Author Interview: J. Sterling

I had the pleasure of meeting Jenn at the Lust In The Lowcountry conference this year. She is an amazing author with a great story. Let's hear all about her...

Thank you for joining us. Please tell me a little about yourself.

My name is Jenn and I write all kinds of romance- new adult, sports, contemporary.  I have one son, he’s a professional baseball player and I’m dating the “real” Jack Carter (after 20 years apart and one heck of a book series inspired by us lol)

Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?

I’m in the middle of writing 5 more stories in my Fun for the Holiday’s Series! That will make a full year’s worth of reads- one for each month! Think Hallmark, but hotter.

Which of your stories is your favorite?

I love The Perfect Game for what it did for my career, but I love Dear Heart, I Hate You for how it challenged me at a time in my life when I didn’t believe in love anymore, but wrote about it for a living. I love Safe at First, and wish it got more attention, for the story I chose to write for that particular athlete. It’s not one I ever see talked about and as a mom to a pro athlete, who didn’t get drafted, it was an important story for me to tell.

What’s your inspiration?

Real life. My heart. My past. My imagination.

How and when did you begin writing?

I started writing in 2010 after getting fired from my job. I thought I only had 1 story to tell, but that turned out to be a lie. LOL

What is one of your favorite books by another author?

I love Claire Contreras romantic suspense books (she writes a lot of genres) and I honestly think Tara Sivec is one of the funniest writers out there. 

Have you considered writing in other genres?

Yes. But there will ALWAYS be a romance aspect to whatever story I tell.

What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?

At the beginning, I couldn’t write without my book soundtrack. Now, I need silence. I still have book soundtracks for almost every full length story I tell, but I listen to them in the car.

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

I usually write and release about 3 books a year. But the holiday books are technically novellas, so this year I’m releasing SEVEN and there will be FIVE next year!  

Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?

Sure. I don’t consider it writer’s block though. I’ve just had times where I don’t feel like writing, or the story isn’t coming, or whatever IT is, it’s not working. I step away and watch movies, or read. 

Do you have pets?

I have a dog named Jack!

Anything new on the horizon?

Fun for the Holiday’s is a collection of stand-alone romance stories with holiday/seasonal based themes. They’re super fun, funny and sexy!  

Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?

Monster zero-sugar energy drinks. LOL  I know, I know….

Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?

I’d say they’re a 2. My books are more about the story, then the sex. There’s always sex IN the story, but it’s never what it’s about.

Who is your main source of support for your writing?

To be honest, I don’t think anyone truly understands what it’s like to be a writer- except other writers. 

Thanks for having me!  

Sign up for her newsletter and get a FREE book each month:

 https://tinyurl.com/Jnewsletter

Website & Blog: 

http://www.j-sterling.com

Author Interview: Gladys Cross

 

I met Gladys at an author event and just HAD to interview her for my blog...Let's take a look: 

Thank you for joining us, Gladys. Please tell me a little about yourself.

I’ve written for myself off and on since the third grade, always putting my dream of being an author on the backburner. It took a friend asking for feedback on a piece they were writing during COVID for me to focus on making my childhood dream a reality. I discovered I had all these stories pent up inside waiting to be told, and once I got started, I couldn’t stop.

When I’m not writing, or begging people to read what I’ve written, you’ll find me hanging out with my eight-year-old daughter and her band of neighborhood friends. I’m perfectly content knowing about Pokémon cards, Nerf guns, pterodactyls, and the latest in barbie accessories. They provide me with endless amusement, which I share on my social media because we could all use a daily dose of laughter.

Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?

Picture it, Sicily, 1927. Just kidding, a little Golden Girls humor. Seriously, picture outlaw bike club meets cartel. Dark, action, drama, suspense, and, as always, sexy.

Which of your stories is your favorite?

Lord, this is like picking a favorite child. Brutal. How about I give you my favorite thing about a few? Devil’s Secretary – the reference to the pineapple. Hilarious, dark, and a little off color. Leave it to Luc, the Devil, to be creative. This Thing of Ours – Rachael and the poker. That girl will do anything for her man. Inked – Charlie. I’ll just leave that right there. The Order Bound Series – the fight scenes. They were crazy fun to write. 

What’s your inspiration?

This varies. It started off being a scene that would come to me in a dream. For example, in This Thing of Ours, it was the diner scene and with Trinity, it was a sex scene between Rhone and Jade in the woods. Inked started out as a project for women’s day that took a dark and gritty turn, but it’s such a beautiful story. With Devil’s Secretary, I just wanted the freedom writing about the devil gave me. Not really sure where my current project came from aside from me wondering what would happen if….

How and when did you begin writing?

I alluded to the third grade earlier, but it was actually a field trip to The Vanderbilt Estate that sparked my ten-page (typed) romance titled The Vanderbilt Affair. Don’t worry peeps, it was totally pg. 

What is one of your favorite books by another author?

Anything and everything by TL Hodel. She’s the queen of the likeable butthole and I love her for that. Not to mention she’s a cool person.

Have you considered writing in other genres?

Honestly, no. Romance is my jam. That being said, I write across every subgenre of romance you can think of. Love to read it all and thus I will write it all.

What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?

People are probably going to hate this, but for me, silence is golden. When my daughter is off for the summer, literally nothing gets done, it's terrible. A fun fact, though, I always start with the cover and title.

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

Depends on the length. I wrote a few shorter ones, like Devil’s Secretary, that I knocked out in a few weeks, but for the most part I put out a book about every three to four months.

Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?

Do not jinx me like that! Lol. Not yet.

Do you have pets?

We have a beloved old lady named Cody. She’s part greyhound and part black lab. Picture the coloring and hair of the lab with the body style of the greyhound. Needless to say, if she gets out, it requires me to drive around the hood with sliced cheese in the minivan cause the girl is fast even at twelve.

What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?

The creative part of seeing where the story takes me. I’m a complete pantser and have been known to shoot a character and call my mom like now what?

Anything new on the horizon?

I’m intrigued with the idea of subscriptions. I’d love reader input as I write.

Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?

Other than a kid who doesn’t hover and say mom, mama, mother, every second like Stewie from Family Guy? Lol, no.

Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?

Oh, gosh, definitely a 5.

Who is your main source of support for your writing? Mine is my husband and children.

My mom plays an integral part of the process because I call her every night and read what I’ve written. When the words are said out loud, you catch clunky sentences and things that don’t come off the way you want them to. After my mom, my daughter is my next biggest fan because she doesn’t hesitate to inform the grocery store clerk I write about smoochy love (her term). Then there’s the hubby, who prefers to stay in the background and tells me to keep writing because he feels like he could get behind a sugar mamma (he’s totally kidding, don’t send him hate mail).

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Romance readers rock and I hope you check out my stories and drop me a line to let me know what you think. Writer’s love knowing you connected with a character or that you thought the story line was creative. Believe it or not, it makes a difference to us. Some of my readers say the sweetest things that make me tear up, so don’t stop doing it!

Thank you for taking part in my Author Spotlight on my blog.

Check out Gladys books by clicking on the book cover below...

Interview with Diane Moat

Please allow me to introduce to you Diane Moat...author, nurse, and dog mom. Let's take a look at her story:

Thank you for joining us. Please tell me a little about yourself.

Hello and thank you for including me in this Blog. I am a southern transplant from New York, although I have now lived in Tennessee longer than I lived up North. I have been a nurse for 35+ years and a dog rescuer for 10+ years.

Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?

Pepper is back! She was on vacation for a bit, but the next installment of The Supernatural Pet Sitter is underway. In this book (The War) Pepper and her friends are pulled into the battle between the magic world and the Trolls. There is excitement sprinkled with life lessons from start to finish.

Which of your stories is your favorite?

I feel as if I am betraying one of my children, but the Dog Gone series will always be closest to my heart. As the story which pushed me into writing, none of the other stories would exist.

What’s your inspiration?

Life. I can see someone walk by while I’m at a stop light, or a funny ad on TV, and I will think “I wonder what…” and I’m off and running.

 How and when did you begin writing?

I didn’t write a sentence until I turned 50. Friends of mine had done exciting things (like camping in Mt. Everest) for their 50th birthday. No way was I jumping out of a plane or climbing a mountain, but I wanted to do something different to celebrate. As I asked myself what I liked to do, I kept coming back to dog rescue and reading. I shied away from writing at first, convinced I couldn’t do it. A friend of mine mentioned a recent dog abuse case and said “If only I could get my hands on the person who did that, they would regret it.” It struck a chord and I wondered what would really happen if she truly got her hands on the dog abuser. The seed grew quickly and by the next day Sam Holden was born and Dog Gone wrote itself from there.

What is one of your favorite books by another author?

All of the Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene. The series was the first time I a young girl as a heroine and I never forgot it.

Have you considered writing in other genres?

I would love to write a historical novel but so far Pepper Neely and Sam Holden have other ideas.

What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?

I write best among strangers and noise in a coffee shop. I can write at home, but the coffee shp works best.

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

Usually three months once I have my outline. Of course, then it take another three months for editing!

Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?

I’ve had it for all of the pandemic! Likely from a combination of anxiety and being stuck in the house, I haven’t been able to write a sentence. I am grateful – for many reasons – we are healthier and Pepper’s voice has piped up.

Do you have pets?

Hahahaha. How long do you have? I take in elderly or disabled small dogs and run between 7-8 dogs at any moment. Currently three of mine are blind (one is blind and deaf), three others are seniors, and another has a spinal cord injury. It makes for a chaotic and entertaining home where no one is ever lonely.

What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?

I love watching a book develop. I am a “pantser” so often don’t know where it is leading until I get there. Currently I am enjoying Pepper’s relationship with one of the young trolls as she works through how to be a friend to someone who has betrayed her. It’s not easy but my bet is she will figure it out.

 Is anything new on the horizon?

The Supernatural Pet Sitter – The War, should be available by the end of the year.

Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?

My laptop. I’ve written on notepads before but then can’t read my own writing.

Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?

The Supernatural Pet Sitter series has zero flames. The Sam Holden series has three flames, and the Hand of Magic series has a five flame rating. There is a rating for all readers!

Who is your main source of support for your writing? Mine is my husband and children.

My friends are my biggest support. The strangers out there who read my books and put in reviews are also more support than they realize.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

I have turned toward other writers and their books at times when I was on vacation at the beach or sitting at my mother’s bedside in the hospital. I am grateful to every one of them and hope that a book of mine may similarly take a reader away for a time. Thank you to anyone who has ever read a book of mine – I see you!

Follow Diane on social media!

Interview with Shannon Stults

 

Today, lets read about author Shannon Stults! I am happy to have this talented writer featured here today. Shannon is a small-town Georgia girl who currently has five published books! 

Thank you for joining us. Please tell me a little about yourself.

Thanks for having me! I’m a (somewhat) socially awkward author of adult and young-adult contemporary romance. I love to travel with my sister and have been to about half of the fifty states, but when I’m home in small-town Georgia, I’m usually either reading, snugging with my dog and cats, or catching up on my Netflix shows. And maybe a little writing when the mood strikes.

Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?

I’ve got my hand in a couple WIPs, the first of which is a YA series centered around four high school boys and childhood blood brothers as they each try to balance friendship and young love. I’m also knee deep in an adult series about three siblings whose parents left them at a young age.

Which of your stories is your favorite?

That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child. I will say that my first published book, Keeping Score from the Willow Creek series, holds an incredibly special place in my heart. It’s where my journey as an author started, and that story, those characters, will always be extra special to me. Not to mention it’s also just a super fun read full of adult pranks, an enemies-to-lovers rivalry, and a seriously swoon-worthy firefighter hero.

What’s your inspiration?

I’d say my inspiration mostly comes from books I read and shows I watch. I’ll see a certain trope or character dynamic and think, This is how I would do it. I’ve had a few ideas start from dreams I’ve had, and several have been extensions of random daydreams while I’m driving or working. My brain’s almost always cooking up something.

How and when did you begin writing?

I wrote my first book (absolute garbage, if I’m being honest) my freshman year of college while playing The Sims. This particular Sim I was playing at the time was a writer, and as she cranked out the pages on the game, the idea for the story she wrote came to me. It became so detailed and specific that at one point I just had to put down the game and pick up the pen and paper. A few months later I had my first completed manuscript and at least a dozen new ideas I couldn’t wait to get started on. Like I said, that first book was complete trash, but it was the first time I thought of myself as a writer.

What is one of your favorite books by another author?

Oh, there are so many routes I could take with this one. One of my favorite books of all time, or maybe I should say one of the most impactful, is A Tale of Two Cities. I love getting into the classics, and that Sydney Carton seriously tore me apart. More recent books? Anything by Cassandra Clare, Kasie West, Tessa Dare (I have eclectic tastes). But you only asked for one book so I think I’ll stop now before this whole thing runs off the rails.

Have you considered writing in other genres?

So far I’ve published adult and young-adult contemporary. I’ve written a few YA paranormal romances that, much like my first manuscript, sucked. At this moment, if I could write in any other genre, it’d have to be regency romance. I could read it all day, every day, but there’s so much historical research that has to go into it. I have so much respect for those authors. I just don’t know if I could do it myself.

What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?

I’m the plotting type. Always have an outline, for the book and for each chapter in it, and I do it all handwritten in a spiral notebook. I write out each scene and chapter by hand before typing everything I’ve got up at the end of the week. When I’m writing by hand, there can be no sounds and no distractions. Same with when I’m editing. Otherwise, I just can’t get the flow right. But I’m not against having music or some show on in the background while I’m typing it all up. 

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

The longest it’s taken me is about three years, though in my defense there was a pretty big hiatus in the middle there after writing the first half in only two weeks. The quickest I’ve written a draft, first page to last, was two months. The biggest factor for me there is whether or not there’s a deadline looming over my head.

Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?

It’s hard to say if what I get is the same Writer’s Block everyone is always talking about, but I do get stumped from time to time. In my experience, it always comes when I’m in the middle of a book and the scene I’m trying to write just doesn’t feel right. When that happens, it means there’s something that’s not working in the story up to that point and I just need to backtrack a little bit and fix it. Once I do, things usually start flowing pretty quickly again.

Do you have pets?

My sister and I have three cats—ironic since neither of us are really cat people—and I’m proud to say only one of them is evil. Turns out naming your black kitten Anakin Skywalker is a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy. He also happens to be my favorite when he’s not being a total jerk. There’s also my dog Dexter who is technically my mom’s (but everyone knows I’m favorite, teehee). My Instagram is absolutely riddled with his sweet face.

What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?

The outlining and planning is always the best part for me. Those initial moments when the ideas come to me for the first time and then I write it all down, more and more details that make it real and funny and sweet. Then there’s that Aha! moment as it all comes together. So much better than having to type it all up and get the wording just right. And a million times more fun than that dumb editing phase. Ugh.

Is anything new on the horizon?

I can’t share a lot of details, but one of my books has been optioned for film. There’s no guarantee the movie will happen since about a hundred tiny details would have to line up perfectly. But just knowing the possibility is there is easily one of the highlights of my career so far.

Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?

Aside from total silence? Not really. I’m all for a comfy pair of pj's and a cushy spot on the sofa, but I wouldn’t say they’re required. If I’m in the right mindset and have a pen, I could write just about anywhere.

Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?

I’d give most of my writing a 3 out of 5 flames. Not clean, but definitely not too spicy either. I do have one book, The Wedding Planner Playbook, that is a Hallmark-type read. Only 1 flame for those clean romance readers.

Who is your main source of support for your writing? Mine is my husband and children.

My parents are pretty supportive, though I’ve had the occasional “real job” conversation with them. But my biggest supporter would easily be my sister. She’s my best friend, my roommate, and my biggest fan. She reads every book, listens to every idea, and is always willing to help me work out a plot issue…which usually consists of her nodding while I talk my way through to a solution. I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without her.

    

Is there anything you’d like to add?

I’m always looking to add to my contacts in the writing and reading community. To see what I’ve been up to and stay updated on new books, find me on Instagram or Facebook (@shannonstultsauthor) or contact me on my website, www.ShannonStults.com, to get in touch.

Thank you for taking part in my Author Spotlight on my blog.

Interview with Melinda Valentine

I would like to introduce a sensational author to you today! Let's take a look at Melinda Valentine:

Welcome, Melinda! Can you start by telling us something about yourself?

I’m married to the same boy I had a crush on in the 4th grade. Our love story sounds just like a romance novel. One day I may try to give it justice. 

I have 3 kids and an amazing family. I’m the youngest child with 3 brothers. No need for condolences though, they’re pretty cool … most of the time. Don’t tell them that though. I guarantee it will go to their heads. 

I’m an extroverted introvert, I’m quiet if I don’t know you. I keep to myself and will have my head in a book whenever possible. If you’re a part of my inner circle, you just laughed at all of that except the part about having my head in a book.

 I believe music and chocolate soothe the soul, and I’ve never met a dirty word I didn’t like to use.  

Could you let us in on what you’re working on now?

Currently, I’m working on Fear Inc.: Volume Three to wrap up the Fear Inc. trilogy. This one has been a long time coming. It’s been a labor of love for sure. 

Which of your stories is your favorite?

My favorite? Moon Awakened. Not only is it my first splash into the paranormal world of werewolves, but it’s also my first full length self-published novel. It was a great learning experience and let’s face it, Riley is H-O-T. I loved writing him. 

What’s your inspiration?

The story lines come from everywhere. A song I hear, a phrase someone says, or for a specific example: I was watching the ID Channel (LOVE this channel) it was a story about a murder suspect who was an identical twin. They couldn’t say for certain which twin was guilty because the DNA was the same. I spun that around in to a mistaken identity/secret baby story in For Your Love.  

As for characters, my husband is a huge inspiration. My heroes all have some quality he does or something that reminds me of him. He was definitely the “Alpha male who met his match”. I may or may not like to rub that in now and again. 

How and when did you begin writing?

I began writing horrible horror stories when I was 12 years old. I had read IT by Stephen King and I knew I wanted to do when I grew up. My tastes in genre changed somewhat as I got older and discovered romance *swoon* and I started writing Happily Ever Afters. However, I didn’t get the nerve to submit anything to a publishing house until late 2016, and in 2017 my first story, For Your Love (then titled Until Eternity) was published. 

What is one of your favorite books by another author?

The dreaded question of any voracious reader. There are SO many. How can I pick just one? How about a favorite out of my recently read pile. Give Me a Reason by A.L. Jackson. Single dad. Enemies to lovers. Listen, the feels….omg. If you haven’t read it, pick it up. 

Have you considered writing in other genres?

I considered it (Thriller/Horror) but when it all boils down, I enjoy writing about love. This world is so ugly sometimes, I want to add some love and happiness even if it is in this one small way. 

What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music?

I am a pantser and a linear writer. When I sit down to write I literally type Chapter One and begin with little to no notes. I know how I want them to start and where I think they will end. 

I prefer to have music playing. However, any background noise will do. 

Now when it comes to editing, I need Raisinets and more often than not, coffee.  

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

It really does vary depending on the project. I have written a first draft in 30 days. I’ve had a first draft take 4 years. 

Have you ever had the dreaded Writer’s Block?

Absolutely! The main reason one project took 4 years.  

Do you have pets?

We do! 3 rescue puppies of all ages. All of them are hound mixes. Bobby (part Bassett) Finn (Bluetick/Cattle dog), and Emmylou (Norwegian Elkhound/Coonhound) I always have my eyes open looking for our next hound rescue.   

What is your favorite part of writing? Do you have favorite plots?

My favorite part is creating a world/characters from nothing. It’s fun to see where my imagination takes me. Having readers fall in love with those stories is a close second though. 

I tend to lean toward alpha heroes with big hearts and dirty minds. A few of my storylines have featured surprise pregnancies. 

Anything new on the horizon?

After I finish up Fear 3, I’m jumping back into Alabaster City (Moon Awakened), and the Fitzgerald family. There are a few more siblings to explore. 

Do you have anything that you absolutely need to have in order to write?

Only some time where no one asks me for anything. That can be hard to come by as a mom. It doesn’t matter how old they are.

Could you tell me the heat rating of your books out of 5 flames?

My books are open door. Even if there is only one actual sexy time, it’s 5 flames. 

Who is your main source of support for your writing? Mine is my husband and children.

My whole family is incredibly supportive. My parents, brothers, and my kids all encourage and cheer me on.  

However, my husband is my number one. Since we started dating, he’s gone to every event with me. He brainstorms with me when I’m stuck. Tells me when I’ve pushed myself too far and I need a break and is there to help with anything else I need. 

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure. 

If you would like to find and follow Melissa on social media:

Website: www.melindavalentine.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/@Author_MelindaV

Instagram: http://instagram.com/Author.melindavalentine

Facebook: http://facebook.com/Author.melindavalentine

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/Author.melindavalentine

Author Spotlight: M. Tasia (Me!)

 

I realized that I never formally introduced myself on my blog...so, today, that is what I will do!

Amazon Author Page

M. Tasia is an author who lives in Ontario, Canada. Michelle is a dedicated people watcher, lover of romance novels, 80’s rock, and happily ever afters (once the MCs have been put through their paces of course), who grew up with a love of reading. Mother of three wonderful children, wife to one understanding husband, and servant to two spoiled furry children who don’t seem to realize, that they’re actually cats.

Michelle writes contemporary mm romance and believes love should be shared and celebrated. After all, you deserve to have romance, excitement, intrigue, and passion in your lives.

To sum things up: I am an author, mom, grandma, wife, friend, lover of wine, animals, and HEA's. 

Author Spotlight: Maggie Mooha

 

Today, we will meet a gifted author by the name of Maggie Mooha

Author Spotlight: Maggie Mooha

1. Thank you for joining us. Please tell me a little about yourself.

I just retired after 40 years in the classroom. I know… yikes! I taught music for most of my career and in a variety of places. I’ve lived in England, Tanzania and the Philippines and traveled quite extensively. I think seeing a lot of the world helped me in my writing… being able to see other people’s perspectives.

2. Could you let us in on what you’re working on now? The book I just finished is called Mr. Darcy and the Suffragette. I set the original Pride and Prejudice story in the Edwardian rather than the Regency period. I had to think of what Elizabeth Bennet might be up to in 1910. She’d be in the Votes for Women movement for sure. It’s kind of a “Pride and Prejudice meets Mr. Selfridge meets Titanic” story.

3. Which of your stories is your favorite? So far, I like my third book the best, In the Eye of the Beholder, because it’s the first one I’ve written with completely original characters. Of course, since I write historical romance, there are real people from the period in the story such as Florence Nightingale, and the men who served in the Light Brigade.

4. What’s your inspiration? I think my inspiration in writing the P&P variations is reading some of the work other people have written. I then to veer off quite a bit from the drawing room drama into more of the historical events and social issues of the time. Some people find that a bit disconcerting, but a little dose of reality never hurt anyone, right? I’m a real history buff, and love doing the research for each book. I’ve really learned a lot.

5. How and when did you begin writing? Actually, I started by writing screenplays. I had a really good mentor, Madeline DiMaggio, who has written a lot of episodes for TV. I would send her my work and she would evaluate it page by page. She taught me how to stay on the path of the storyline. If it doesn’t further the story, get rid of it. That sort of thing was hard for me at the beginning, but I’m better at it now.

6. What is one of your favorite books by another author? I have two favorite books. The first one is Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, a largely unsung genius of the Harlem Renaissance and Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. The stories are sometime tough to read, especially Lolita, but the writing in both books is magnificent. Hurston’s prose is practically poetry.

7. Have you considered writing in other genres? Oh, sure. I’ve written a teleplay for The X-Files, and a Star Trek novel - both unproduced/ unpublished. I got an agent for the Star Trek book, but when she brought it to the powers that be, they told her they wouldn’t take anything from an author that they weren’t already publishing. That was discouraging.

8. What is your writing process? Do you need silence or music? I write best in the morning, and I must have absolute silence. I think the only people who can’t have music playing all the time are musicians. We tend to listen and then get distracted. I don’t even like it at parties. I can’t concentrate on what people are saying.

9. How long does it usually take you to write a book? The first book, Elizabeth in the New World, took me more than four years. Granted, I was only working on it during summer breaks from school, but I thought and rethought that one. Now, I have been publishing one per year, but hope to shorten that in the future.

10. Have you ever had Writer’s Block? I’ve been stuck in the middle of writing a book, but I’ve never been without an idea. Some of them were really terrible. Sometimes, the really terrible idea will lead to something that works. I just have to keep writing. I think I take out as much prose as I put in. I go down a lot of blind alleys before the book comes out right.

11. Do you have pets? I have a dog named Roxy. She’s 13. She lays down on the floor right behind me when I’m writing. That dog is on her own internal schedule. She gets me up to walk her during the day and that has helped me clear out the cobwebs when I’m writing.

12. What is your favorite part of writing? My favorite part of writing is rewriting. Doing the first draft is hard, hard work. Slogging. Once it’s done, though, I love playing with it. As Gertrude Stein once said, “I love having written.”

Thank you for taking part in my Author Spotlight on my blog.

Please check out Maggie's books: Amazon Author Page