Today I’m interviewing a newly published writer, Diamond Taylor. She’s doing a giveaway for the first person who can tell her where Total Package is set.

Enjoy!

Jane E. Jones

***

JJ: First, give us a little background on Diamond Taylor

DT: By day I work with a non-profit organization by night I [...]]]>

Today I’m interviewing a newly published writer, Diamond Taylor. She’s doing a giveaway for the first person who can tell her where Total Package is set.

Enjoy!

Jane E. Jones

***

JJ: First, give us a little background on Diamond Taylor

DT: By day I work with a non-profit organization by night I write as Diamond Taylor creating hot erotica filled with kick sass heroine and supreme alpha males that will keep my readers wanting more. I still fondly remember the day when I told my mom I’d rather write than become the lawyer everyone thought I’d be. And Mom’s only reply “what took you so long to figure it out.” It was apparent to everyone who knew me that I had a gift for gab and a sometimes overactive imagination.

When I’m not writing I like to spend time with friends and family, support my brothers and sisters in the disability movement and reading my favorite authors. My tiny lakeside apartment provides me with beautiful scenery to weave realistic characters and intricate plots.

JJ: How long have you been writing?

DT: I’ve been writing about eight years.

JJ: How long have you been published? Tell us about getting that first contract.

DT: I became a published author May of this year. I had actually given up on writing about two years ago and one day I was sitting at home with this story feeling sorry for myself and figured I’d already been rejected a ton what’s one more time. LOL. So I polished the story one more time and sent it to Cobblestone Press and waited. One month later they offered me my first contract and the rest as they say is history.

JJ: Do you have a certain word count you meet every day? How long does it usually take you to write a book? Do you find that shorts or full lengths are your favorites to write?

DT: My writing is very compulsive and spontaneous. Whenever I’m really pressing to get a story finished I try to do 500 words a day during the week because I have a day job and 1500 words on the weekend to play catch up. It usually takes me months to write a book I’m happy with. The shortest time I’ve ever taken to write a book (a story entitled Love of a Lifetime) was three weeks. The longest time it’s ever taken me to write a book (a story entitled The Redeemable Dog) would be three years. Surprisingly enough I’m still working on that book. We have developed a wonderful love-hate relationship. Right now we aren’t speaking to each other. Redeemable Dog is the first full length I’ve ever attempted but I definitely like doing novella way better. I love the instant gratification. But because my ideas are now becoming too complex for novella style books I’ve decided to try full length. I’ll let you know how it goes.

JJ: Do you tend to write one book at a time, or have several manuscripts going at once?

DT: When I first started writing I would only focus on one book at a time but now I work on as many as two to three projects at a time. One novella and one full length.

JJ: Will you do NaNoWriMo this year?

DT: I’ve attempted NANOWRIMO once and wasn’t very good at it so I usually work with a smaller group and do timed writing sessions.

JJ: What genre/s do you write? Tell us about the current book/s you have out.

DT: I write mostly contemporary erotica though I’ve just completed my first paranormal erotica. I’d like to also go back to romantic suspense. My first novel Total Package was released in August ’09 through www.Cobblestone-press.com . It’s a contemporary erotic novella:

Rachael Thomas’ career is jeopardized when a bachelor drops out of the professional bachelors’ spread. Frantic to find a replacement, she turns to neighbor, James Carrington.

James wants more than just being Rachael’s ‘good friend’ and seizes the opportunity…with one condition–she must spend the night with him!

JJ: What is your writing process?

DT: Oddly enough I don’t write everyday. When I’m not looking at a deadline I’ll go weeks or even months without having written one word. But when the mojo strikes I’ll write for about two hours a day during the week. Then starting Thursday night I’ll stay up all night with coffee, some chocolate and my MP3 player blasting and write all night, cop a few zzz’s Friday morning then start the same process over again. I don’t write on Sundays or during the day. Sunday is my lazy day and during the day I find they’re just too many distractions to write.

JJ: Do you ever include real life experiences in your books?

DT: I always inject real life whether big or small in my stories. It makes things more real and it’s just plain fun to rewrite history in my own way. At least one character is always named for someone I know and share some of the qualities of that person.  I won’t say the names to protect the guilty. J

JJ: What do your family and friends think about your writing, and being a published author?

DT: Everyone was so supportive and happy for me. My mom doesn’t like to read but bought my book anyway. But I made her promise not to read it. And she goes on and on like a proud momma. Only a couple of my co-workers know I’m an author. My siblings seem happy for me but don’t make a big fuss. Very few members of my family weren’t thrilled when I told them the genre I wrote but they’re warming to the idea.

JJ: What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

DT: That’s a hard one. If I had pick one thing it would be I get to hopefully give the same thing to my readers that my favorite authors gave to me. An escape. A few hours to be somewhere else and be someone else.  Sleep with someone else. LOL

JJ: Where do you see yourself in five years?

DT: I hope to be published in print in both erotica and romantic suspense. And I’ll take any spot on the best sellers list please.

JJ: What advice would you give a new writer?

DT: Don’t give up your dreams of becoming published.  Know the genre you want to write by reading the latest books by your favorite. Join writing forums, groups and contests to hone your skills. Find a good and frank critique partner. Find someone who will not just tell you what you want to hear but what you need to hear to enhance your story. Most importantly realize every piece of advice you hear is just that, advice. Consider all advice but that doesn’t mean you have to accept.  The only hard and fast rule to writing is to create a kick ass story.

I’ll do a giveaway to the first person that can tell me where Total Package is set. (Hint: you have to read the story to find the locale)

JJ: Thank you so much, Diamond, for being our guest here today at Textyladies. I enjoyed getting to know more about you.

http://www.diamondtaylor.net

BUY ME!

Send comments and questions to diamondtaylor0@gmail.com

Hi everyone! Today I’m posting the interview I did with Freya’s Bower publisher, Marci Baun. Enjoy!

Thanks so much for doing the interview, Marci, and welcome to Textyladies!

~Jane

******

JJ: Are you a writer as well as a publisher?

MB: Yes, although I don’t have a lot of time to write. I have three pseudonyms: Rosa Orrore for [...]]]>

Hi everyone! Today I’m posting the interview I did with Freya’s Bower publisher, Marci Baun. Enjoy!

Thanks so much for doing the interview, Marci, and welcome to Textyladies!

~Jane

******

JJ: Are you a writer as well as a publisher?

MB: Yes, although I don’t have a lot of time to write. I have three pseudonyms: Rosa Orrore for horror, Kit Wylde, and Alyce Brown. I have a few books on Freya’s Bower by Kit and Alyce and a free story as well as a story in Weirdly by Rosa.

JJ: What kind of attitude within the industry does FB receive, as an ePub? Have you seen much of a change in the way the publishing world reacts to ePublishing?

MB: Honestly, I haven’t had any issues with attitude, at least amongst other ePublishers. I have had a newspapers interested in interviews until they discovered I was an ePub. (shrug) As the popularity of ebooks grows, that will change. Education and patience will change this…I hope. And with the big NYC pubs jumping on the bandwagon, there’s no doubt it will change.

JJ: How do you think eBooks will compare to print books in the future?

MB: I don’t think print books will ever go away, but I do think, especially as the younger generations come up, eBooks will become more dominant than print. That won’t be for a number of years, though, and probably won’t happen until we have an ereader that’s affordable.

JJ: What are some important things you’ve learned about the publishing industry, especially ePublishing, since you became publisher of Freya’s Bower?

MB: How wonderful the Internet community really is. I have made some lifelong friends as a result of becoming a publisher. These are people I never would have met without this experience.

JJ: What are your goals for the company in the next five years?

MB: Big plans. (grin) Dominating the industry. (grin) No, but certainly a force to be reckoned with and where when people think of romance and erotica, they think of Freya’s Bower.

JJ: What can Freya’s Bower authors do to make the process, from submitting to release, easier for everyone involved?

MB: For submitting, follow the submission guidelines. If your editor tells you to submit to them, do it, but format it properly. Make sure you’ve filled out your cover art form and send it to the proper email address. Most importantly, communicate with your editor, let her/him know where you are at and what is happening. Set revision date goals and do your best to stick to them. Make sure these dates are viable for your editor too. If you have any problems meeting the date, let your editor know. Also, have a blurb ready

JJ: Are there any genres you’d like to see more of? YA, for instance?

MB: Well, no YA at Freya’s Bower as we publish erotica, but I would love to see more historicals. I love historicals. (grin) I would love to see paranormal historicals, although there’s a rumor that those aren’t popular anymore. (raised eyebrow at that comment)

At EPICon, I was on a publisherÕs panel. This very question came up. All of us laughed and agreed: if you want a bestseller, write an interracial romance (of any genre). Now, if you want to blow it out of the roof, it should be M/M or mŽnage shapeshifter interracial erotica/romance. Yeah, really. These are really hot right now.

JJ: Do you have any advice for authors thinking of submitting to Freya’s Bower?

MB: Read our guidelines and at least a few of our books so you know what we are looking for and what to expect. Also, know your craft. We edit to NY standards of old, so if you are signed, be prepared.

JJ: What would you like people to know about Freya’s Bower?

MB: While our submissions are closed until May 1, 2009, keep us in mind for future submissions. We are always looking for good material. Oh, yes, come by and see what we have to offer. We have everything from sweet romance to erotica that will set your clothes on fire. (grin)

JJ: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

MB: Just a big thank you for having me here today.

Thank you, Marci!

Freya’s Bower

****

I also want to remind everybody that my contest is still going on to promote my own book with Freya’s Bower. Click here to read the rules, see the prizes, and enter the contest.

~Jane

This weeks interview is with author Teri Wilson, who writes sweet and inspirational romance. From her bio:

Teri Wilson loves romance, dogs and wearing pink. Her stories are often filled with happy endings, splashes of humor and a loveable critter or two. After all, Cinderella never would have lived happily ever after without [...]]]>

This weeks interview is with author Teri Wilson, who writes sweet and inspirational romance. From her bio:

Teri Wilson loves romance, dogs and wearing pink. Her stories are often filled with happy endings, splashes of humor and a loveable critter or two. After all, Cinderella never would have lived happily ever after without a little help from her animal friends! Teri is the winner of the 2008 Spaniel Journal Writing Contest, the 2006 Westminster Kennel Club Angel on a Leash Writing Award and the 3rd place winner of the 21st Annual American Kennel Club Short Fiction Contest. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, son and three delightful dogs.

Thanks so much for being here today, Teri! Now on with the interview.

~Jane

****

JJ: What was your first published book? What was it like when you got that first contract?

TW: My first published book was in 2006 and it was actually a non-fiction book. All Creatures of Our God and King: What God’s Word Says About Animals is a Bible Study book for animal lovers. Eden Publications was the first publisher I approached with the project and they were very enthusiastic about it from the very start. I was in shock when they told me right off the bat they wanted to publish it. Everything about that book was easy as pie, which is very, very unusual in the publishing world. I really believe it was God’s book and I just kind of put it on paper for Him. He took care of the rest.

JJ: What genre(s) do you write?

TW: Now I write romance novels for pet lovers. Yes, that’s right. I’m sorta inventing my own sub-genre. Ha ha. Actually, there are plenty of romance novels with fun animal characters. I am by no means the first to tackle this fun subject.

JJ:  Tell us about your books and who you’re published with

TW: I have one full length book and an ebook short story, both published by The Wild Rose Press. The short story, Bonbons & Truffles, tells the story of lonely chocolatier Melody Sweet, her puppy Bonbon and a mysterious secret admirer. Before being published by The Wild Rose Press, an earlier, shorter version of this story won Third Place in the 21^st Annual American Kennel Club Short Fiction Contest.

My newest book, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Hoofbeats & Heartstrings Book One, is the first of a new series of romance novels I’ve written about miracles, love and horse rescue. Here is a little taste of Do You Hear What I Hear?:

As a child, Simone Littleton adores the European folktale that animals are given the gift of speech at midnight on Christmas Eve. She makes a wish to talk to animals “forever and ever” and, when her pet Dalmatian asks her for a biscuit, she discovers her wish has been granted. Now Simone is all grown up and she uses her unique gift to rehabilitate unwanted horses. When race horse trainer Chet Wallace rolls into San Antonio, with chocolate eyes and dimples blazing beneath his black Stetson, romantic sparks fly. He is immediately drawn to the beautiful woman who has a mesmerizing affect on both his horses and his dog, but his less than enthusiastic response to Simone’s claims threatens their budding romance. It takes a scheming Jack Russell terrier and a fresh batch of rescue horses to convince Chet she just may be telling the truth.

JJ: How do animals influence your writing, and why do you like incorporating them into your books?

TW: I am an animal lover through and through. I literally cannot even picture my life without a dog nipping at my heels, so naturally all my characters have loving pets. And the animals always have an integral part of the plot. They aren’t just there for decoration. In Do You Hear What I Hear, the dog is the matchmaker. In my upcoming book, Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw, the heroine discovers something fascinating about herself when she has an unusual encounter with a stray dog.

JJ: I read about your trip to Mexico to help build a playground for the children. That post was so inspirational! Do you think you’ll go on another mission trip? Any idea where?

TW: I will definitely go on another mission trip. In fact, I just got off the phone with a mission trip leader from…guess where…Alaska! As a lifelong dog lover, I’ve always been fascinated with the Iditarod dog sled race that takes place in Alaska every March. To my utter surprise, I recently found out about two different mission trip opportunities involving the Iditarod. Missionaries deliver dog food to the mushers and pass out hot drinks and Bibles. I am hoping to go on this trip in March 2010. You can bet I’ll be writing about it on my blog. And don’t you think the beautiful landscape of Alaska is the perfect place for a romance novel? Ahhh…

JJ: Who are your biggest writing influences?

TW: This is a fun question. I am an avid reader. Growing up as an only child, my best friends were books. Some of my favorite authors are Judy Baer (especially the books Nora’s Ark and Sleeping Beauty) and Janet Tronstad (love her Sisterhood of the Dropped Stitches series).

I’ve said before – and this is no exaggeration – that I will read anything Kristen Billerbeck ever writes, even if she scribbled her next book on the back of a cocktail napkin.

JJ: Why did you decide to write ‘Sweet’ and ‘Inspirational’ books?

TW: It wasn’t really a decision. Those types of books are what just flow naturally from within. I like to write about characters who love God and want to change the world and make it a better place. When the hero and heroine come together, their faith and lives are made all the stronger.

JJ: What are your writing goals for the future?

TW: Well, this year I hope to sign a publishing contract for my most recent manuscript, Cup of Joe (more on that to follow). I also plan on finishing another full inspirational title by the end of the year and Book Three of the Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series.

Beyond this year… well, let’s just say my wildest fantasy involves my pet lover romances becoming movies on the Animal Planet channel!

JJ: Do you have any advice for new writers?

TW: My advice for new writers is two-fold. First of all, write. You can join all the groups and organizations you want, but none of them will help you if you don’t get the words on the page. Secondly, join a critique group. I belong to a group that meets once a month. There are five of us and we get together and read each other’s pages out loud. We have become great friends and always encourage one another to pursue our writing goals and provide valuable feedback.

JJ: Do you have any upcoming releases you’d like to talk about?

TW: I have a new book coming out for Easter. Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw, Hoofbeats & Heartstrings Book Two releases in e-format on March 11 and in print on April 24. It is part of my Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series of romance novels from The Wild Rose Press that celebrates love, miracles and the beauty of horses. All of these stories take place on a horse rescue farm and a portion of the proceeds from the books goes directly to help horses in need at Saddlebred Rescue. Here is a little sneak peek at Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw:

Christabel Wilde’s life has just turned upside-down. With little more than the clothes on her back and her newly rescued Chihuahua tucked under her arm, she makes a pledge to start over and applies for a job as a groom at a horse rescue farm. Nevermind that she’s never been up close to a horse before, she has a bigger secret to hide. A mysterious gift her new neighbor, Dr. Declan Armstrong, is determined to uncover. When the irresistible veterinarian volunteers to give her riding lessons, Christabel knows it could be the end of her secret. With the Easter holiday approaching, she tries to remember that sometimes what looks like the end is really a new beginning.

JJ: What are your favorite writing/editing/research resources?

TW: I love Faithwriters.com. The Faithwriters weekly writing challenge is the one thing that really taught me how to write fiction. I strongly encourage aspiring writers to check it out.

And, of course, my critique group friends are my favorite editing resource. They’re the best!

JJ: What are you working on right now?

TW: Right now I am chomping my fingernails down to nubs because I submitted a manuscript for a new full-length inspirational romance to my editor three weeks ago and I’m waiting to hear if it will be contracted. It is a darling book called Cup of Joe and it was a really personal project for me so I am eager to see it in print! I came up with the idea shortly after my Grandpa died two years ago:

Goldie thought she was prepared for the death of her doting Grandpa who raised her since childhood. But in the days since his passing, she finds herself curled up on the sofa watching Judge Judy and The Price is Right, feet clad in fuzzy slippers. She knows God has a new plan for her life, but she’s just too tired to figure out what it is. To make matters worse, cups of coffee keep piling up on her doorstep. Sweet, shy coffee shop owner Joe seems determined to pull Goldie out her funk. When she tells him emphatically she does not like coffee, never has and never will, he shows up with a dog instead! Being a proper Southerner, Joe knows he should bring food rather than a live animal to someone who is grieving. But Goldie’s Grandpa was his best customer and, with him gone, he can’t seem to figure out how to tell her he’s been carrying a torch for her for years. As she takes steps to start a new life, with pup Bliss scampering playfully at her side, Goldie begins to realize a cup of Joe just might be what she needed all along.

While I’m waiting to hear back about Cup of Joe, I’m working on a new project called Rodeo Redemption. I find the only way to cope with the waiting is to start something new.

JJ: Is there anything you’d like to add or any links you’d like to share?

TW: Yes, I also write a fun, on-going chick lit column for Chihuahua Connection Magazine called Chihuahuas are Better than Facelifts. Just a couple of weeks ago, this column was awarded the Pet Sitters International Humor Award at the Dog Writers Association of America banquet held in conjunction with the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. I was so excited to win this award because last year it was given to one of my favorite writers – Lee Harrington, author of the popular Rex & the City column in Bark Magazine. I feel so honored to follow in her footsteps.

Come visit me at www.teriwilson.net and you can learn all about my books and even read a snippet of Chihuahuas are Better than Facelifts. Please drop me a line! I love to hear from readers.

Thanks so much for doing this interview, Teri! It was great getting to know more about you.

Be sure to visit Teri’s website and also take a look at her very interesting blog!

~Jane

Today I’d like to welcome fantasy writer RF Long to Textyladies.

Be sure to comment to let her know you were here. Enjoy!

Jane

~*~

Jane: Hi R.F. Tell us a little about you!

RFL: I’m a writer, a specialist librarian taking care of some rare and unusual books, a wife and mother of two, owner of a mad [...]]]>

Today I’d like to welcome fantasy writer RF Long to Textyladies.

Be sure to comment to let her know you were here. Enjoy!

Jane

~*~

Jane: Hi R.F. Tell us a little about you!

RFL: I’m a writer, a specialist librarian taking care of some rare and unusual books, a wife and mother of two, owner of a mad cat and I live in Ireland.

Jane: What genres do you write?

RFL: Mainly fantasy in a variety of forms: high/epic/heroic (whichever flavor you prefer) fantasy, fantasy romance, paranormal romance and urban fantasy. I also write some poetry and my short stories tend to flit around through various worlds including our own.

Jane: How long have you been writing?

RFL: To be honest, (forgive the cliché) as long as I can remember. Certainly when I was about 11. I had written a “novel” in three, highly illustrated copybooks taped together with sequins on the front. I used to draw in the margins all the time (and still do when I am trying to think). My first Holtlands stories stem from about 21 years ago (eek). They came back to me about 9 years ago when I was working in software programming. I think I needed a release. I really started to get serious about it in the last two years.

Jane: Tell us about your books

RFL: My stories (because I tend to see them that way) are fantasy adventures. Whenever I am writing I try to think “what would keep me reading?” and go from there. That said I’ve become a pain to get books for!  I love stories that capture me, pull me in and won’t let go until the end, those stories where you regret reaching the last page although at the same time you couldn’t leave without finding out what happened. That’s what I strive for.

Engaging characters, twists and turns, emotional involvement. I love fantasy because in it I can explore humankind at their most basic, their most desperate. Fantasy stories address fundamental human struggles (even when they don’t involve humans), good vs. evil, light against dark, heroes and monsters.

I’m fascinated by ancient mysteries, legends and how stories grow so many of my own feature this. For example ‘Carrying Keptara’, my story in the Hadley Rille Books’ anthology ‘Ruins Metropolis’, released earlier this year, concerns the struggle of the doomed race of Atlantis to cheat fate and how many world mythologies grew out of their actions. ‘Elements’, another short which appeared in Flashing Swords’ Summer Special, 2008, explored Arthurian myth in a Celtic style, drawing on the Welsh myths of the Mabinogian rather than the French romances.

And The Wrecker’s Daughter, to appear in the Fall edition of Ocean Magazine this year, is the story of a selkie’s daughter, left behind with her abusive family, who yearns for love and the sea.

Jane: Do you have any new releases, or any books about to be released?

RFL: ‘The Wolf’s Sister: a tale of the Holtlands’ is coming out on 11th November from Samhain Publishing. This novella is an early Holtlands story, telling of Jeren, Scion of Jern, the lady of River Holt and her lover, Shan’ith Al’Fallion, a member of the mysterious Fey’na race. The book trailer for ‘The Wolf’s Sister’ can be found here.

As Jeren flees her brother’s increasing insanity, she is saved by Shan, only to discover that her brother murdered Shan’s sister, and Shan wants only one thing: revenge. [Link: http://samhainpublishing.com/coming/the-wolfs-sister]

Then February 24th, 2009, a full length novel set in the same world, ‘The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian’ will also be released from Samhain in which romance, tragedy, and adventure blend in a tale of a magical land on the brink of war, and a group of people who, by putting their lives, and their hearts, on the line, have the opportunity to finally set things right. But at a terrible cost…. The Scroll Thief will also be released in print about ten months later and I think I might hyperventilate until I fall over when that day comes around. Both of these are epic fantasy stories with strong elements of romance, embodying everything I love in a story.

Jane: Tell us about your WIPs, all of which sound amazing, by the way!

RFL: I tend to have a number of WIPs on the go at any one time. In one sense it’s a bad habit, but then again, since I have a few that only speak to me periodically, it’s probably a good idea. It means I usually have something else to turn to.

‘Moy Tura Echoes’ is a bit of a torture. I honestly think its one of the best things I’ve ever written, but it comes in fits and starts so I have to hang on until it’s ready to cooperate.

‘Soul Fire’ is a paranormal romance about a Sidhe Prince trapped in the mortal world who falls in love with the woman holding the key to his return home. Rowan and her Prince Daire also have to deal with his treacherous former lover, Aoife. I drew heavily on Irish folklore for this story and it’s very dear to my heart. *Update: Soul fire has been sold to Samhain and will be releasing in July, 2009 with print release about ten months after ebook release.

I’m also working on a sequel to ‘The Wolf’s Sister’ called ‘The Wolf’s Mate’ which focuses on the continuing love and adventures of Shan and Jeren. And then there are a few short stories as well!

Jane: Do you have a writing schedule you stick with?

RFL: I’m not incredibly strict, though I try to write every evening. I work full time and have two kids so time is understandably tight. Getting a laptop of my own and banning the rest of the family from it was probably the best move I have made as it means I can sit on the sofa and work, leaving the family PC free.

Depending on the story, the first draft is often in long hand, in which case I need a really good quality spiral-bound A4 notepad and a nice pen (preferably nibbed). But others are just coming out so fast I have to type. Writing longhand helps me mull things over, tease the story out (and illustrate the margins with my scrawls). And I need noise. If it’s quiet, I can’t work, so the t.v. or music is usually on. I love listening to film soundtracks and Celtic music.

Jane: What was it like for you when you got your first contract?

RFL: When I got the contract for ‘The Wolf’s Sister’ I was in work. I work in a specialized library and I’m usually on my own, so there was a fair amount of running around and whooping.

Then I rang my husband. Then I whooped some more. I listened to a Natasha Beddingfield CD on the way home and burst into tears while singing along to ‘Unwritten’ (not a good idea on a motorway!).

When I heard about ‘The Scroll Thief’, especially the part about it coming out in print, I was at home with my husband. It was about 11pm here, we’d already shared some wine that evening, so there was a combination of hysterical laughter, hugging, jumping up and down and floods of tears (from me).

Did I mention that I’m a bit emotional?

Jane: Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, what helps you get past it?

RFL: Quite simply, I put aside whatever WIP is giving me the problem and move on to something else. Anything else. If that doesn’t work I’ll try to do something else creative. I’m playing with book trailers these days and just about have one ready for ‘The Wolf’s Sister’ as I write. [Hopefully I can give you a link for it when it’s done]. In a sense I am lucky that I am so busy – I don’t have a lot of time to write, let alone to have writer’s block!

Jane: Walk us through one of your typical days

RFL: It starts early which is a pain because I am not a morning person. The kids however most definitely are, so they arrive in to jump on us by about 6.30 am. The alarm goes off at 7am and we then have the chaotic rush that is breakfast and getting two zombified adults, a hyper seven year old and his slightly less hyper four year old sister out of the door.

My husband does the morning school run so I go straight to work. Thankfully the library is mostly silent so I make myself a cup of tea and try to wake up. I work from about 8.30 to 4.30 (library work, lots of sushing, tutting and wearing my glasses at the end of my nose – there’s a law in librarianship requiring this) and then go to pick up the children.

Choas and havoc ensues until bedtime. And then I cook dinner for my husband and myself. Em… this isn’t really sounding like a writer’s day, is it? Anyway, usually between 8 and 9pm I can write. I normally have my laptop on the kitchen counter as well during the chaos, havoc and dinner cooking though so that’s my internet email etc time.

I normally go to bed around 10pm (because I’m exhausted) and then I write longhand in bed (if I don’t fall asleep right away). Sometimes I try to read. Honest. At weekends, I write in the morning or have a lie in (we take it in turns – have I mentioned that my husband is my hero in everything?)

Jane: Who are your publishers?

RFL: Samhain Publishing for ‘The Wolf’s Sister’ and ‘The Scroll Thief’. Hadley Rille Books for ‘Carrying Keptara’ in the ‘Ruins Metropolis’ anthology and Ocean Magazine for ‘The Wrecker’s Daughter’ – they are wonderful to work with and I have learned so much from all of them.

Jane: Do you do anything special when you’re writing, like listen to music, scented candles, etc.?

RFL: Just noise. Lots of noise. If music I prefer either movie soundtracks(I really love the recent soundtracks for ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Sinbad’) or Celtic music – from the likes of Lorenna McKenna to my all time Celtic-Rock glammer, Horslips. When it comes to ‘Moy Tura Echoes’, Horslips-‘The Book of Invasions’ is essentially the soundtrack and the song ‘King of Morning, Queen of Day’ makes me cry. (Yes, I have mentioned that I am emotional!)

Jane: I know you also write poetry. Can you tell us a little about your poems?

RFL: I find the difference between poetry and prose fascinating. When writing fiction I tend to plan things out – I get an idea for a story, I build on it, I research, I might plot (depends on the story), but it takes a while before I can write it down.

With a poem a phrase gets stuck in my mind, a refrain or a few words and after a while it starts to feel like I have to get it down on paper before I go nuts. That said, I have had some short stories like that, where the voice of the main character just wouldn’t go away.

Poetry comes as a rush of words and sounds, a release of something I have got to get down on paper and out of myself. I don’t plan poetry. I can’t write it on demand. My poems usually have a great deal of emotion and personal significance behind them.

Jane: Give us five random facts about RF Long

RFL:
I grew up sailing small boats.
I played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz on stage twice.
I’ve seen a ghost (more than one actually).
I’m addicted to digital photography and I love my camera.
I have a cat who thinks he’s a dog.

Jane: I think you should tell us more about your ghost sightings soon! What are your writing goals for the future?

RFL: Well, the sequels to ‘The Wolf’s Sister’ take priority. I’m planning two which I think will cover the full arc of Jeren and Shan’s story. I’d also like to return to some of my original Holtlands stories. There are some characters there that I will always be in love with and just cannot forget. Bareda Merlot from ‘The Scroll Thief’ will definitely make a reappearance. I have some other ideas in the offing, some of which tie to things already written like ‘Soul Fire’, some of which are all new. Oh, and finish Moy Tura Echoes of course. One day.

Jane: Is there anything you’d like to add?

RFL: I just wanted to say thank you so much for having me here today. I’ve really enjoyed the questions. And I’d like to invite your readers to come and check out my website (www.rflong.com) or find me on livejournal (as rflong). I hope you enjoy the stories and find the people in them as fascinating as I do.

Jane: Thank you, RF! It was a pleasure to have you.

~*~

Excerpt of The Wolf’s Sister

Mina was dead. Mina Roh, her guardian, who had watched over her all her life. It left a hollow place inside her, a place she never imagined could be emptied so easily.

“Who are you?” Jeren asked.

“Shan,” he told her. “You can call me Shan.”

She shivered, sick with loss. “They were all dead? You’re certain? I travelled with a woman, a lady…”

“Your companion broke her neck, little one, when your carriage left the road.” Her eyes were unaccustomed to darkness, and it hid him from her. It would have been easy to start a fire, but he hadn’t done so. Why?

Oh, but what did it matter now? Mina was dead.

She pulled her arms closer around her chest. “She…she’s dead. You’re sure?” In her own voice she heard the desperation of a child.

“Yes,” he replied simply. “Had I left you there, you would have joined her. Men were coming to kill any survivors.”

Her body tensed. Maldrine’s men? Who else would dare? Suddenly she found herself eager to hear of vengeance. “Did you kill them? Are they dead?”

“No,” he said. “I took you and left. Thus, we are both alive. Anala thought I was a fool to get involved.” The timbre of his voice resonated through her, tainted with pain. That wasn’t a good sign, Jeren thought. It wasn’t good at all. He’d been wounded saving her. And yet, he hadn’t saved the others. Mina was dead. She shook aside her concern for his obvious pain as an irritant in the way of her anger.

“You should have killed them. You should have stayed like a man and fought.”

He wasn’t annoyed. He seemed more curious than anything else. “For what purpose? To defend a pile of corpses?”

“For honour…”

“You’re young to speak of death in such a way. There’s no honour in fighting without reason. Why do they want you dead?”

Jeren retreated into herself, recoiling without moving. How could she tell him the truth? The best scenario would be that he would hold her hostage. River Holt would ruin itself in order to win back Lord Gilliad’s little sister. Gilliad wouldn’t even have to enforce the collection of the ransom.

“I…I’m Jeren…” she began slowly. When he gave no reaction, she drew in a wavering breath. If he didn’t recognise the name, there might be a chance. Although she’d always been taught not to lie, she now had no choice. But could she look into the shadows where he nestled and spin falsehoods to the man who had saved her? At least she didn’t have to look into his face, his eyes. That would be impossible. She hung her head and continued, “I’m servant to the Lady of River Holt, Lord Gilliad’s sister. She was with me, in the carriage…”

He surged forwards as if to leap to his feet, but then fell back, with a gasp of pain. His anger came out in his voice. “She looked nothing like him!”

Jeren shied back again. He moved so fast, even wounded, and his voice held such hatred. She nodded slowly, biting down on her lower lip. “You know Lord Gilliad?”

Of course he did. There could be no other explanation for that reaction.

The seed of madness had lurked within Gilliad all his life. Even as a boy, her brother had cared for nothing but his own pleasures, and everyone had quickly learned to deny him nothing. Except for Jeren and their father. Her father had recognised the trait and sought to curb it. He had failed, as she had failed.

But who would believe her if she told? The River Holters’ loyalty to the Scion of Jern was as much a part of them as their skin. Shan must have seen it firsthand to react in such a way.

“I know he’s a curse to the world,” said Shan, “as are all True Blood. The magic in their veins makes them serpent-born.”

Gods, was that what he thought of them? She closed her eyes, thinking of her gentle father and the way he had held her, spun her around until she was dizzy and laughing. The image shifted in her mind, to Gilliad watching her with jealous eyes, to Gilliad as he had become, his grip on her arms when he had turned her around to face Maldrine. How wrong was Shan, if of all her family, he only knew Gilliad?

Jeren’s voice cracked as she spoke, deadened with exhaustion, though she took care with her words. “He’s the Lord of River Holt now. His sister was to marry the Lord of Grey Holt’s nephew. But Gilliad became reluctant…recently his behaviour…” She struggled to find a polite way of saying Gilliad was spiralling towards madness. It was too hard to express that, even to one who clearly hated her brother. After all, she was a River Holter too.

“Small group for a wedding party, wasn’t it?” he asked. His voice sounded sharper, as if he sensed the further concealment within the lie. She glanced away, hiding her secrets. However he took her silence, she didn’t know, but he conceded, his voice gentling. “Jeren, I wasn’t lying when I said you should rest. In the morning, you can decide what to do.”

Shan retreated further into darkest part of the cave. Jeren closed her eyes and closed off the world outside. The last thing she wanted to do was dwell on her own situation, to think about Gilliad and Maldrine, or the deaths of her only friends. She hated lying to Shan, though she could not say why. Perhaps, if he knew her true identity…

No. Now was not the time to think on such things. Instead, she focused on Shan and, as she always did when distressed, she allowed the magical faculties she inherited from her father to surge to life, sensing him out, feeling what he felt.

Like a firefly in the darkness, Shan’s body filled with shimmering light. His emotions were laid clear to her. Unused to pain, or to bearing physical damage, he would endure it, but deep down, he was afraid. And that was also alien to him.

“You’re hurt.” She struggled to bring her abilities under tighter control. Opening her eyes, she could almost see him now. Sunrise started to filter in from the outside. She welcomed its arrival at last. She longed for a new day to put the horror of the last one behind her, for warmth and light to drown the shadows clinging to her heart. “Let me help, Shan. I studied with the Holt’s healers and helped them on a number of cases.”

“You’re a healer now?” He shuffled farther away from her.

“What are you so afraid of?” she persisted.

His voice came out harsh with false bravado. “I’m afraid of nothing, least of all you.”

“Then why hide?”

Sunlight crept through the cave mouth. Anala scrambled to her feet at their raised voices, her claws scratching at the bare stone. The owl cried out in alarm at the sudden movement. Light stretched across the floor, illuminating his finely crafted, well-worn boots of soft grey leather. She could see the dried blood caked on his calf and fresh blood staining the soft fabric around the arrow shaft. Its broken stub projected like a jagged tooth.

Jeren stilled as the sun revealed yet more of him. He wore a tunic of the same grey-white suede. Even his skin was pale. His fingers, long and elegant, curled helplessly at his side.

Jeren’s jaw fell open. A cry of alarm came stillborn to her lips as she looked on skin as fair as one snow-touched, the veins a tracery of blue, like lines in marble. His white-blonde hair was finely braided, each strand no thicker than a child’s bracelet. His silver eyes slanted beyond those of a human and his long lashes were the same white gold. Paler than an albino, as handsome as the images of her god, this Fair One warrior had saved her life. He was younger than Ha’ledren, broader in the shoulders, but just as pale and beautiful, heart-wrenchingly handsome—and just as unapproachable.

The image of what her brother had done to the captive warrior burst like wildfire in her brain—his ruined face, the snarl of his mouth, the monster behind just such an austere mask of perfection.

“Jeren,” Shan whispered. In his musical voice she could now hear more than pain, she could also detect the first hint of panic. “Jeren, remember they’re close…little one, please…”

She couldn’t help herself. His endearment was the final straw.

Her scream pierced the spell, and she burst from the cave, running as fast as her exhausted body would allow.

Suddenly men were running towards her. The primal part of her soared with relief before she recalled why she had been hiding.

They weren’t going to help her…

~*~

R.F. Long’s Links:

Website

Blogspot Blog

Live Journal Blog

I’d like to welcome Cathie to TL today. I love interviewing readers, finding out what they like and look for and dislike. Cathie is a voracious reader who has graciously agreed to help me out by answering my questions. Thanks so much, Cathie, and thanks for giving such amazing answers!

~Jane

~*~

Jane: What makes you buy [...]]]>

I’d like to welcome Cathie to TL today. I love interviewing readers, finding out what they like and look for and dislike. Cathie is a voracious reader who has graciously agreed to help me out by answering my questions. Thanks so much, Cathie, and thanks for giving such amazing answers!

~Jane

~*~

Jane: What makes you buy a new-to-you author?

Cathie: Its the whole package for me. First, reading a new to me author is exciting.  I love reading a new authors voice and the creativity.  And honest, I think every author deserves a chance! First it needs to be a romance (Other than romance I do read historical mysteries and urban fantasy).

I love reading the back blurbs to get what the story is about and if it interests me (almost always it does because I love reading a variety of genres, historical, paranormals, fantasy, contemporaries, romance suspense and erotic romance).

The only genres I don’t read are inspirational and horror romance. The only thing that would make me put a book back on the shelf after reading the blurb if it seems complicated and I would then go on line to check authors site and ask author questions to get more info.  That only happened a couple of times with SF romance because its a newer genre for me to read and I like it to fall into place where someone who hasn’t read SF romance can fall right into the story.

I also love a great cover that’s appealing, fits the genre and gives me a feel of it being a romance.  Most say that some judge a book by its cover and I always say for me its part of the whole package that makes me decide.  And I love then to share with others what I’ve read by telling them at chats and on loops and my blog.

Jane: What is your favorite sub-genre of erotic romance?

Cathie: It varies, because I love a variety and right now its October so my favorite has been paranormal this month! Love vampires, werewolves, dream lovers, all sort of shape shifters.

I really love when they are combined with historical, (Which is one of my favorites all time to read) So in other words like a regency vampire, or medieval werewolf (mmm, don’t think I read a medieval werewolf yet but would love to!)

I’ve read quite a few of historical, mostly regency and Victorian vampires and love them!  and Time Travels!

Jane: What makes you stop reading an erotic romance book?

Cathie: Mostly if its too complicated for me, or if it has gory graphic parts.  Mostly that is like murder in gory details. I would then skip over it and find my place elsewhere in the book. I have had a time that it was happening repeatedly in the book and I put it down totally. I just don’t like horror and for me that part is horror.  I’m a wimp (but love my vampire erotic romances!!)

Jane: Do you read other genres in ebook form, or just erotic romance?

Cathie: I read erotic romance and alot of historical romances in ebooks.  With historical, they are really the only genre I read of sweet to erotic in sensuality.  I think its because the historical has the background that I love to read too (regency, medieval, western, etc).

I don’t read contemporaries and romance suspense that are not hot or erotic.  I love the sizzling sexual tension of those romances in those two genres.  Its not that I won’t give a chance with a warm romance, but before the Internet, I used to read alot of suspense, looking for the romance and got stuck with reading alot of straight suspense because then, there was not much information or a way to determine if the book had a strong romance in it like we can find now.

Jane: What would you like to see more of in an erotic romance?

Cathie: With the genre, definitely more historical.  I too would like to see more m/f reads.  Sometimes I see that the releases have 4 books out and 3 are m/m. I love to read a variety so I like to see a variety more evenly released or there’s not as much to choose from.

I love to read m/m and I understand that there is a strong request for these, and I have read some of the most wonderful romance of m/m (I used to not separate them because they are all a romance story, no matter who the partners are) but at times its hard for me to find a new release of m/f.  So I love to see it more equally out around.

Jane: Do you have ‘pet peeves’ concerning erotic romance?

Cathie: I once read a HEA and the next book came out and I couldn’t understand why the hero was in the second book and found out that the heroine died so the hero had a new book, oy.

For me I love a HEA and yes I do read those that are not HEA, but more of HFN (Happily for now) but hate sad endings unless I know it will continue to another book and they will be back together (like some Urban Fantasy series).

The other thing is that when a book is re-released, its not labeled as re-released and I end up buying the book again because of that and find out I already read it.  And also if its re-released under a new authors name or a new book title and it didn’t let me know that before I bought again.

I just love the creativity, may it be a unique book or may it be a usual theme like friends to lovers, but they all have their own story and its own voice that makes it special for itself.  Oh I almost forgot, I don’t like a TSTL heroine. That’s when they do things to put the hero in jeopardy by their  being ’stupid’

Jane: Do you prefer short stories or full length?

Cathie: Love them! I like the different lengths. I go with my mood.

Jane: What do you look for when you’re browsing the publisher’s site for a new read?

Cathie: The story!  I love to see what else the author has written and see what other stories they have.

For example, I’ve read all the authors paranormal books but never read their contemporaies.

I would look at the theme and story to see if it’s something I’d enjoy reading.  I will check the sensuality because I may be in the mood for a certain one.  I do like to see the reviews but that’s more for getting an idea what the story is about.  I find more about the sensuality level there than at the publisher at times.

Jane: Do you buy based on the cover?

Cathie: As I mentioned above, I think this is part of the whole package of the book and I do think that it’s important.

I know I’ve seen covers that had like cartoonish covers and assumed it was not a romance and that it may be something I wouldn’t read but then check the back and find it doesn’t fit.

So I’m not one who likes the cartoon covers and probably have missed some good reads because of that but never saw them as a romance.

Jane: Do you buy based on reviews of the book?

Cathie: Reviews for me are other readers thoughts on the books.  I think readers in general are reviewers and vice Versa.

For me a book/story for one person may not get the same interest as another.  So for me, reviews, when I read them, are to give me info about the story and about the sensuality that I might not be able to get from the publisher or elsewhere.

Too, if I’m reading a book and not enjoying it, its personal. Its not about the author. So I don’t think it would be right for me to write a ‘bad review’ because that’s a personal taste about the book.

It would have nothing to do about the authors English structure and all that. I don’t have the skills to evaluate that so I wouldn’t review on that.

But I do think its important for readers to spread the word about reads they enjoy.  I know I’ve found numerous of new authors and books from other readers who told me about them in chats and groups.

Jane: How often do you buy an erotic romance book?

Cathie: Oh definitely weekly.  I’m truly an bookaholic

Jane: How do you most often hear about a new ebook?

Cathie: Publishers promo on new releases (some don’t do that so I do miss some because I had no idea), authors newsletters (that’s one way I find out about new publishers!), and even more from chats and groups that readers and authors post about the books they read or wrote.

I definitely love going to chats in evenings (I have too hard a time keeping up with loops/group chats) and enjoy the evening chats and find out about authors and books there.

Love blogs but I’m so bad at keeping up. I mostly end up reading late but do find the news there but don’t get to post as much as I’d love to.

Jane: What reader do you use to read ebooks?

Cathie: I’m using the EBookWise reader.  I absolutely love it! Its the size of a bit bigger than a paperback size and just the right shape to hold it comfortably.

I usually get HTML in books or PDF and convert the PDF to text.  I’m so not a techy person so I thought this would be hard but its not.  Its the perfect size too so easy to read. I know there are newer models out but until the ‘perfect’ one comes out, this is it!

Jane: What kind of hero can you absolutely not resist?

Cathie: A rogue (rake, rake-hell!), alpha!  I so can’t resist a cowboy hero be it historical or contemporaries!

I love both the strong and silent type of cowboy to the stubborn and tortured one.

Then there is the irresistible vampire that absolutely has me believing

And bodyguards, because they too are ones not to cross that line because they are in the role of protection but also in love, and bounty hunters, sheriffs, and Greek gods!

Jane: What kind of heroine do you like to read about?

Cathie: Strong ones, but not over powerfully that they seem unreal or inhuman (depends on the theme).

So I do enjoy those that are independent but I love when they depend on the hero, too, for some of their protective needs.  I don’t see that as a weakness but a huge sign of their love for each other.  I rather enjoy them alot in historical but love to see the heroine being stubborn.

Jane: Do you prefer books written in first or third person?

Cathie: Enjoy them both!! Really!  There are some great first person reads that have had me literally changing my position while reading the book as if I was the heroine!

At first I resisted the first person books because of what others told me but I remember the first time I read one and realized all I was missing because of my attitude and not even having tried it.

Jane: What is your favorite plot device?

Cathie: Love friends to lovers stories!  Its so catching to see how they break through that barrier to let the other know of their true feelings and more.

Others I enjoy are, I believe its called Cougar romance now (with older female, younger male and vice versa), small towns, menage (especially enjoy m/f/m), fairy tales that tell like Cinderella and other popular fairy tales, stories around the holidays (Halloween and Christmas) even though I’m not one who does much for holidays but I do enjoy reading them and it kind of takes the place of that in ways.

~*~

Jane: Thank you, Cathie, for giving such thoughtful answers! I really enjoyed interviewing you. I hope everybody enjoyed today’s interview. Why not tell us your thoughts on romance, erotic and otherwise? What do you like and dislike reading? What throws you out of a book, or makes you want more?

Cathie’s Blog

Born with a near-pathological hatred of criticism or rejection, Imogen Howson took up fiction writing and found that this ensures she receives plenty of both. Nevertheless, she continues to write—mostly so she can play with re-imagined fairy tales and myths.  Her stories are populated by shape-shifting panthers, mutated teenagers, malevolent sentient shadows, and heroines with [...]]]>

Born with a near-pathological hatred of criticism or rejection, Imogen Howson took up fiction writing and found that this ensures she receives plenty of both.
Nevertheless, she continues to write—mostly so she can play with re-imagined fairy tales and myths.  Her stories are populated by shape-shifting panthers, mutated teenagers, malevolent sentient shadows, and heroines with beautiful names.
Imogen lives near Sherwood Forest with her partner and two daughters.  Fortunately, none of them seems disposed to reject her.  Training them not to criticise is taking longer, but she feels confident of eventual success.

***

JJ: Hi Imogen, and welcome to Textyladies! I want to thank you again for allowing me to post your articles on ebooks and passive voice in TipBits. And thank you for doing this interview, as well!

IH: My pleasure!  Thanks for having me.  And, seriously, the more I get to tell people about what passive voice isn’t, the happier I am.

JJ: First, will you tell us a little about you?

IH: I live near Sherwood Forest in England, with my partner and our two daughters (they appear on my blog under the names Abstract, Sparkler and Gloworm).  I work from home, as an administrative assistant for Samhain Publishing, and I write romantic fantasy and science fiction (emphasis on the fiction rather than the science), most of it equally suitable for young adults and adults.

JJ: Tell us about Fire and Shadow. I love that title, by the way.

IH: Thank you! Fire and Shadow is a fantasy romance, set in a world in danger from malevolent creatures like living shadows. If a Shadow touches you, you become a Shadow yourself, and the only way to stay safe from them is to keep in the light all the time.  Any patch of darkness—in a wardrobe, behind a door—can hold danger.  When my heroine, Fern, discovers she’s one of the legendary fire-starters, she knows she holds the power to defeat the Shadows.  But to learn to use her power she needs the help of Nik, an enigmatic magician who may know more about the Shadows than he admits.

*

JJ: Tell us about Falling

IH: Falling is a futuristic version of Rapunzel—with a lot of twists!  My heroine, Linnet, thinks of herself as a freak—in a world filled with perfect, beautiful people, she’s bald, and her mother makes her wear a wig to cover up her “deformity”.  It takes someone from her society’s underclass to show her she needn’t live by those rules any more.

JJ: And Frayed Tapestry?

IH: Ah, with this one I daren’t tell you the myth it’s based on, because it’ll spoil the ending!  It starts with Candy, who’s living what seems like her happy-ever-after…except that, in the words my clever publisher thought up for the blurb, “her husband is a little scary, she doesn’t remember how she got here, and she’s pretty sure that’s not her real name.”

JJ: Do you have a minimum word count you write each day?

IH: I’m pretty much the slowest writer I know, so this is always kind of embarrassing!  If I’m working to a deadline—personal or imposed from elsewhere—I do about 1000 words a day.  That’s quite hard for me, though—if I don’t push myself I’m more likely to write around five to six hundred.

JJ: Have you always written?

IH: Definitely.  I’ve got a weird old collection of some of my “early works” up in the loft.  Some of them, I’m sorry to say, are written in maths books, which I’m not sure I was supposed to be doing!

JJ: When you started writing for publication, how long after did you get published? How did that first contract make you feel?

IH: The first book I wrote seriously pursuing publication—this was Fire and Shadow, and I wrote it for a specific contest and submissions call—took about three months to write, and was accepted about two months after I submitted it.  I was on tenterhooks that whole day, and posting on Romance Divas that I just wished the publisher would post the results so I could move on (see my confidence?).  Then the email came though, and I’d won first prize—some money as well as the publishing contract—and I just started screaming.  My children were highly amused, and once I’d stopped screaming we danced around the kitchen together.
Sadly, that publisher closed before my book got published, but my current publisher, Drollerie Press, picked it up straight away, and it came out this summer.

JJ: Why did you decide to go the epublishing route?

IH: I really like ebooks as a product—their availability, the lower prices, the instant gratification of being able to see a review on the net and be reading the book ten minutes later.  So it’s an industry I’m happy to be part of.  As an author, the faster turnaround is also very appealing.  My books take so long to write that I really like the fact that the production process of ebooks is so fast—it might take me a year to write the book but it can be out just a few months after it’s contracted!  Primarily, though, I’ve gone for epublishing because I was going through a phase of writing quite short books—short stories and novellas—and they’re generally not long enough for print publishers.

JJ: Do you have a book due to be released soon?

IH: My futuristic version of Red Riding Hood is to be released as part of Drollerie Press’s Red Riding Hood themed anthology, Straying from the Path.

JJ: What are you working on now?

IH: I wrote just the first chapter of a book for this year’s Elizabeth Goudge Award (awarded by the Romantic Novelists’ Association), and it won.  So I’m carrying on with that at the moment.  It’s called A Cloak of Feathers, and it’s about a faery who gets trapped in marriage to a human man when he steals her cloak.  It’s initially based on an old Celtic fairy tale, but it becomes a classic “abused wife on the run” story—well, classic apart from the whole “she’s a faery” thing.

JJ: Which of your books did you enjoy writing the most?

IH: I’m enjoying this one a lot!  I have bunches of ideas, and I’m going more all-out for the romance than I have with other books.

JJ: Are all your books shorts, and do you have plans on writing longer books?

IH: One of my earlier books was long—one of those Big Fat Fantasies—and I’m still pursuing print publication for it.  I figure with that much work I want to be able to put a copy on my shelf!  After I wrote that one I did go through a spell of writing shorter stories, but A Cloak of Feathers is going to be longer.

JJ: What are your plans and goals for the future?

IH: I’d like to write some more short pieces for epublication—I’m addicted to getting cover art from Drollerie Press—but I’d also like to place books at some bigger epublishers.  A Cloak of Feathers is going to be my “try to get an agent” book.  But agent or not, I’d love to see it published with Luna, Harlequin’s fantasy imprint.

JJ: What are five random facts about you?

IH: I will jump through hoops to avoid phoning people.  Email, text, Twitter, or even calling on them in person—all fine.  Phoning, no.

I have the thinnest skin in the world.  I haven’t had any really bad reviews for my books yet, but Fire and Shadow has one “OK” rating on Fictionwise, and I sometimes go and stare at it and think “Why?  Why?”  Which I do realise is ridiculous.

I am intensely arachnophobic.  Irrationally but inescapably, I don’t see spiders as animals at all, but as small pieces of evil incarnate.  Which means I become very irritated when people try to be helpful by saying, “But they’re so small, they can’t hurt you.”  Evil incarnate, hello?  Size is not the issue.

When I’m cooking or washing up my most comfortable position is balanced on one leg.  I do it unconsciously, and only notice when my partner starts to laugh at me and calls me a flamingo.

I have to regularly remind myself that it’s no good getting excited about the US elections, because, being in the UK, I can’t vote.  I am, however, quite excited.

JJ: Do you find it difficult to do worldbuilding?

IH: I sometimes find the rules difficult.  You know, it’s easy to say “Yay, fantasy/ science fiction, we’ll have magic there and clever advanced technology there and it’s all shiny”.  But if the way the magic behaves doesn’t have some kind of logic no one’s going to be able to suspend their disbelief while they’re reading the story.  So generally, part way through a book I’ll have to stop and work out what the rules are before I can carry on.

JJ: Are you a plotter or pantster?

IH: I’m awkwardly in the middle of both.  I have to have some idea of where the plot is going, even if it’s just “Boy meets girl, boy is horrible to girl, unspecified danger throws them together, girl is brave, boy is sorry he was horrible to girl, they fall in love, defeat danger, HEA”.  But a lot of the specifics—and the characters, particularly—I just don’t know until I’m writing the book.

JJ: Do you have any advice for new writers or any words of wisdom on worldbuilding, plotting, or getting through writer’s block?

IH: My best advice for new writers is to take all advice with a pinch of salt.  Rumours and misleading “rules” abound in the world of writing, and you can waste an awful lot of time worrying about them.  Also, some advice may be perfectly sound, but if it’s not appropriate for you then it won’t help.

JJ: Do you have any links you’d like to share?

IH: www.romancedivas.com is a wonderful writers’ website, full of useful information, discussions, help, advice and support. http://absolutewrite.com/forums/index.php has an invaluable resource on publishers and agents that can help save writers from getting conned by an unscrupulous organisation or individual.

http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/index.html is another invaluable resource, to help you work out whether your interest should be peaked, peeked or piqued, your appetite whetted or wetted, and your breath baited or bated.

JJ: Is there anything you’d like to add?

IH: I’m running a contest on my blog now to help me title my Red Riding Hood story—it’s currently just called The Path, which is so lame it hurts.  So please, come over to http://imogenhowson.blogspot.com if you have any good ideas for titles!

JJ: Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you, Imogen! It was such a pleasure.

IH:Thank you for having me!
***
Imogen has some fantastic free reads on her site. You can find them here.
Imogen’s Website: www.imogenhowson.com
Imogen’s Publisher: www.drolleriepress.com
Imogen’s Blog: www.imogenhowson.blogspot.com

Imogen’s Reviews

Imogen’s Books

Today I’m interviewing Daisy Dexter Dobbs, a talented writer and exceptional woman. Enjoy! ~Jane

Daisy Dexter Dobbs has a valid reason for lying when she’s asked where she gets the ideas for her books. She knows most people wouldn’t believe the truth about the madcap mayhem that goes on in her daily life. Case in point: [...]]]>

Today I’m interviewing Daisy Dexter Dobbs, a talented writer and exceptional woman. Enjoy!
~Jane

Daisy Dexter Dobbs has a valid reason for lying when she’s asked where she gets the ideas for her books. She knows most people wouldn’t believe the truth about the madcap mayhem that goes on in her daily life. Case in point: Imagine frantically trying to file your way out of a locked bathroom door with a teeny nail file, dressed in nothing but a too-small towel while you’re waiting for a real estate agent and a family with three small kids to arrive for a showing of your house. Okay, now picture the contents of a box of just-delivered sex toys (purely for research purposes, you understand) strewn on the bed just outside that locked bathroom door. Mmm-hmm, it really happened.

Happily married to her soulmate, the award winning artist and writer believes in love, happily-ever-afters and the wondrous, magical escapism of reading and writing.

***

JJ: Hi Daisy, and welcome to Textyladies! Why don’t you start by telling everyone a little about you?

DDD: I’m a slightly off-center creative soul born into a robustly dysfunctional family. But we won’t get into all the angsty stuff. Let’s just say that once I discovered the self-protective mechanisms of humor and self-created fantasy worlds, there was no turning back. I was destined to become a writer with an inclination toward humor.

Writing humorous fiction and romantic comedy is therapeutic. Steeping myself in something that makes me feel so good uplifts my spirit. My favorite emails are those from readers telling me something I’ve written has brought a smile into their day when they’ve needed it most.

The most important, cherished, precious part of my life is the close, loving relationship I have with my wonderful husband and daughter. They’re my best friends and greatest supporters. We love to laugh together and thoroughly enjoy getting witty, philosophical and often quite ridiculous over copious amounts of wine.

I’m filled with gratitude because I’m truly living my dream, working as a fulltime writer and artist. I am a fortunate woman, indeed.

JJ: Tell us about the first book in your Guardians of Zalvanus series, Last Strathulian Standing and when it’ll be released.

DDD: I’m so excited about this shape-shifter fantasy series, Jane. It’s quite a departure from my other books, and definitely not romantic comedy. Last Strathulian Standing releases from Ellora’s Cave October 10.

Some background: Before Samantha and her Genie was released, I posted the entire prologue (which takes place in ancient Sumer) on my website. I was surprised and delighted to get emails from readers telling me how much they enjoyed what I’d written and saying they’d like to see more of the same.

During my exhaustive SAHG research I kept thinking about creating my own ancient world, even earlier than ancient Sumer–something antediluvian, a time before recorded history. So that reader feedback I received was perfect. I imagined richly detailed fantasy books with war and treachery; magic and mystical happenings; dragons, fearsome beasts and malevolent sorceresses; bold, brave men and valiant women bonded together in love as well as determination to overthrow the evil, malicious beings set on destroying mankind. And, of course, plenty of soul-satisfying love, romance and scorching hot sex. Each book in the Guardians of Zalvanus series involves a ménage.

JJ: What can you tell us about Dragon by Day?

DDD: It’s the second book in the Guardians of Zalvanus series. In this fantasy, a bond of loyalty, affection, lust, desire and love is forged between a princess’ handmaiden, a healer-priest who serves a goddess of fertility and a shape-shifting Guardian of Zalvanus who lives as a dragon by day. The story details their journey to Zalvanus to join the queen and her princes in their quest to triumph over Tordanuk, a diabolical tyrant. Along with ménage, this book also offers gay interaction.

JJ: How many books are you planning for this series?

DDD: I’m pretty sure there will be four. The third book, featuring an empath as the heroine, is titled Embracing the Tiger and the forth is untitled as yet.

JJ: Let’s talk a little about your other books as well. Can you tell us a little about each of them? (I’ll put in links to each book)

DDD: This question made me laugh, Jane. Asking a wordy writer to talk about her books is bliss for the writer. Not so much, maybe, for the reader! LOL Okay, since you twisted my arm…

Polly’s Perilous Pleasures was a hoot to write, as well as a learning experience. It was my first erotic romance. I shocked myself with the gleeful profusion of naughtiness spilling forth as I wrote. Being part Greek, I had no problem whatsoever when it came to crafting those sexy Mediterranean twins, and being a lifelong yoyo dieter cave me plenty of insight into Polly’s character. I was floored by the enthusiastic response to PPP, asking for George’s (the second twin) story. That’s how PPPs deliciously naughty sequel, Accidental Foursome, came about.

Just Like a Dame is a classic battle of the sexes. Two people who are all wrong for each other, she’s a vegetarian feminist, he’s a writer of hardboiled sexist crime fiction, find themselves thrown together. The result is hot and hilarious. Oh boy did I have fun crafting the hero’s Mickey Spillane-inspired internal dialogue!

I adore stories with supernatural elements, so writing Caroline’s Christmas Viking was a joy. While his broken English makes little sense, garbed in fur pelts, Brunhilda helmet and equipped with sword and shield, the Viking on Caroline’s doorstep is the embodiment of her sex fantasies. A major misunderstanding, a chocolate disaster, and dazzling Christmas magic make this one holiday she’ll never forget.

In Wicked Payback a modern-day fantasy, poor Meredith’s vengeful plans go terribly awry. She suddenly finds herself face-to-face with a sexy woman in a slinky red dress. A devilish woman–with a pair of horns sprouting beneath her bangs. A mix of evil and mischief, “Dev” was a wild, crazy and outrageous character to write. I laughed out loud in places as I wrote and I cried in others, which is always a good sign.

Wednesday Nights with Jamie is an interracial romance mixing humor and pathos. The hero and heroine’s mothers are small-minded and strongly opinionated. In this story, Lyla’s favorite day of the week is Wednesday, the day she allows herself to indulge in chocolate truffles, fine wine and scintillating sex with Jamie. Well, with her vibrator, Jamie-2, that is. The real Jamie, her boss, has no clue Lyla lusts after him or that he’s the featured player in her fantasy sex scenarios. Readers have been asking for a sequel featuring Jeff and Julie’s story, which is on the horizon.

I’m addicted to old movies. Forever, Blue Eyes, a tale of love and enchantment, is a tribute to the wonderful WWII era films I’ve enjoyed. In this story, the few precious days the hero and heroine shared before he shipped out on Christmas Eve were infused with more passion than most couples experience in a lifetime. One final night of sizzling hot sex bound their hearts together forever. Johnny promised Betsy he’d come back to her and he will keep that vow…somehow…in some way.

While writing the modern-day fantasy, Finding Cupid, I knew I’d have a difficult time saying goodbye to the characters at the end because I’d fallen in love with them. In this book (the first in the Cupid Academy series), when Lula, a beautiful, capricious 350-year-old nymph, arrives on Earth in search of Cupid and her classmates, she stumbles into Cupid’s Headquarters, a flower shop. Mistaking macho, hunky Dake (the gay shop owner’s brother) for Cupid, a wild, sexy and hilarious romp ensues.

Absolutely Not, a full-blown, madcap screwball romantic comedy, was first published as Shipping Sharon. My editor had read the original version and asked if I’d consider transforming it into an erotic romance for Ellora’s Cave. Dubious at first (because I hate it when writers haphazardly stick sex scenes into a regular romance trying to make it erotic), I was amazed at how easy the changes were and how thrilled I was with the (major) rewrite. In this book, catching her husband in bed with one of his skinny coworkers turns chunky Maisy Morganfield’s life upside down. Finally, transformed through a significant weight-loss, Maisy is set to exact her long awaited, sweet revenge on her rotten, cheating ex-husband. The fact that the SOB has dropped dead of a heart attack in the act of cheating on his new skinny wife complicates matters.

The combination of magic, humor, passion and tears made Samantha and her Genie a pleasure to write from beginning to end. It also required tons of research to make certain the historical elements were accurate. Since I’m a born research junkie I didn’t mind at all. In this story, while digging through musty old junk at an estate sale, weight loss counselor Samantha Rutledge discovers a curious stone box with what she thinks is a perfume bottle inside. When she gets it home she’s in for one hell of an eye-popping surprise!

JJ: Which has been your most popular book so far?

DDD: Lately Absolutely Not and Samantha and her Genie, actually my two longest books at over 100k each, have been running neck and neck as my top sellers. However, it never fails to surprise me that my first Ellora’s Cave release, Polly’s Perilous Pleasures, as well as its sequel, Accidental Foursome, continue to be best sellers after all this time.

JJ: Which is your favorite?

DDD: It’s usually whatever manuscript I’m working on at the moment. I think that’s because I get so deeply immersed in the story’s world and characters and what happens to them. When I’m between manuscripts, I don’t honestly have a favorite. The experience of writing each book has been unique and special and provides wonderful recollections whenever I think of the writing process.

JJ: Do you have a writing schedule you stick to, or a certain word count you like to reach each day?

DDD: I try to write every day, usually seven days a week. On weekdays it’s from about 6:30 a.m. until dinner, and sometimes after that if the ideas are flowing. On weekends it’s less. When characters wake me in the middle of the night, nagging about new plot twists, I’ll get up and write a while. Some days I end up with a 9,000 word count while other times it’s 300. I’ve learned to be happy with what I produce and not to force it because then the work suffers.

JJ: Who is/are your publishers?

DDD: Currently, Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing.

JJ: Give us five random-and perhaps little known-facts about Daisy Dexter Dobbs

DDD: I’m hopelessly addicted to reality TV and my DVR is filled to capacity. I’ve had more than forty (yes, 40) jobs in my life. I’ve been married longer than many of my readers have been alive. I’m a natural born gourmet cook who doesn’t use recipes and who can easily replicate almost any dish I taste. My artwork is in private collections and galleries throughout the world.

JJ: What are your strengths when it comes to writing? Your weaknesses?

DDD: Strengths–a prolific imagination with endless ideas. Weaknesses–endless ideas combined with a lack of focus. I have so many manuscripts in various stages of completion, yet I keep starting new ones before finishing the last.

JJ: What is the most romantic thing that’s ever happened to you?

DDD: Recently my wonderful husband told me that I’m far sexier and more beautiful now than I was when we first met as teenagers. It was such a beautiful, thoughtful fabrication and my middle-aged self truly loves him for it.:)

JJ: Let’s talk about chocolate! What’s your absolute favorite chocolate?

DDD: Rich, creamy Belgian milk chocolate. Nuts, nougat and caramel are good–creams, jellies and fruits, not so much. Uh…excuse me for a moment while I wipe the drool from my keyboard…

JJ: What advice can you give a beginning writer?

DDD: Write what you love to read. If you hate reading science fiction, there’s a good chance you won’t write it well and, believe me, it will show. Read your dialogue aloud to make sure it sounds believable rather than stilted or contrived. Reading books (especially in your chosen writing genre) is the best schooling a writer can get. Learn to spot sagging middles, flawed plots, unsympathetic characters, poor grammar and tendencies to overuse certain words or phrases. Distance yourself from toxic people who’ll do their best to snuff out your dreams and infect you with self-doubt, envy, jealousy and negativity. Remember to be nice, be kind and be generous–and never get too big for your britches. It makes me cringe when I see writers damaging their careers by foolishly badmouthing other writers, readers or industry professionals. What you say online lives in cyberspace forever!

JJ: Do you have any tips on promoting a book once it’s published?

DDD: It’s important to have an attractive, user-friendly, up-to-date website and a friendly, welcoming blog so readers, as well as reviewers, editors, publishers and agents (oh yes, they do look), can learn more about you and your books. MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, posting on other blogs, etc., are also good, as are interviews, an occasional contest, chat groups, newsletters, etc. Make yourself known but avoid beating readers (or other writers) over the head with endless bouts of self-promotion. You’ll just turn them off. Most sales come from word of mouth, which means that working hard to build a strong backlist is your single greatest promotional tool. Once you captivate readers with that first book, they’ll be sure to come back for whatever else you’ve written.

JJ: Do you have some links you’d like to share?

DDD: Google Reader (http://www.google.com/reader/), a web-based aggregator that reads Atom and RSS feeds, saves me time because I can access all my favorite blogs together in one handy place. Go ahead, try it. Subscribe to my blog!

JJ: Is there anything you’d like to add?

DDD: Just my thanks for inviting me to do this interview, Jane. I really had fun and I’ve enjoyed reading through the very interesting Texty Ladies archives. You’ve got some wonderful material on here.

JJ: Thanks so much, Daisy!

TL post on Daisy from June can be found here

JJ: Thanks so much for doing this interview!

DDD: It was my pleasure, Jane!

***

Excerpt from Daisy’s soon to be released Last Strathulian Standing

Last Strathulian Standing is a shape-shifter fantasy and ménage à trois from Ellora’s Cave:

Alone among a sea of bodies, Jia-Nian sets a funeral pyre, chanting over her dead brother. Bone-weary after suffering days of carnage, the last surviving Strathulian has been cruelly robbed of her people, her hopes, her dreams…her virginity.

When Aydon the Bold, Guardian of Zalvanus, spies a bloodied, mud-caked, half-naked woman at a clearing, the mournful wailings of the grieving female touch long forgotten remnants of his battle-scarred heart.

In an instant their destinies collide as Aydon saves Jia-Nian from certain death, unwittingly setting an ancient prophecy in motion.

Healing begins. Trust is built. Lust seizes. Passion ignites.

While Jia-Nian, her handsome rescuer and his closest friend combat evil foes by day, their nights are spent sharing the exquisite joys of triad sex. The intense, passion-charged encounters nurture what becomes a soul-deep love so unparalleled, it is destined to change the fate of the world.

Note: This book contains scenes of graphic violence and references to rape.

Excerpt from chapter one:

In the Distant Antediluvian Past, When the World was Young

The waning sun seared the horizon with liquid shades of red and orange, burnishing the forest with tones of gold. Aydon surveyed the land, eager for tendrils of the night sky’s deep purple to descend, providing a measure of asylum from those in pursuit. As he neared a clearing, the stench of days old death mixed with smoke assailed his nostrils. Layered over the sounds of crackling fire, he heard a woman’s voice raised in entreaty.

Aydon crept closer, employing well-honed hunter skills avoiding any noise that might signal his presence. The dense brush provided adequate cover as he crouched, spying the scene of abject grief before him. While hardened by recurrent confrontations with death, the mournful wailings of a female grieving still touched what was left of his battle-scarred heart.

“O great Shorana,” the woman cried to the heavens. “Goddess of the spirit world, ruler of the dead, receive Runako into your fold. Keep this good and venerable man close to your breast. Let him suckle your soothing milk of tranquility to ready him for his journey to Niranjan.”

As near as Aydon could tell, the bloodied figure of a young man lay in the midst of dry brushwood, arms—what was left of them—crossed over his chest. The woman, who held a blazing torch in one hand, became almost inaudible as she leaned in close, speaking words that Aydon imagined were loving and tender.

Before she could set the kindling alight, a heinous roar pierced the air. From the other side of the clearing, a pair of ragged, hairy giants raced toward her, brandishing crude weaponry. The cold malevolence in their eyes was clearly visible to Aydon, even from a distance.

The gray cast to their flesh, raised purple veins pulsing beneath their skin and third eye in the center of their foreheads clearly delineated the formidable duo as Pushgans.

The woman sprang to her feet with swift, catlike precision. Aydon expected her to run but she stood firm, chin raised in defiance.

“By gods, can I not even be allowed to send him to Niranjan with a proper farewell before you do your evil bidding?” she yelled with unconcealed bitterness, motioning to the man’s body with her torch.

The pair, whose visages seemed devoid of the light of intelligence, spared a brief glance at each other before continuing to lope toward the woman.

“We thought we finished the job,” one of the men said as he reached her, dragging her close and knocking the torch from her hand. Though dwarfed by his mass, she fought valiantly, kicking, elbowing, punching and scratching.

“She must be a witch to have survived the onslaught,” the other man said.

“Then we’ll fuck her witch cunt and burn her,” the first man said with unfettered zeal. His fingers went to his breeches.

Acting on impulse long ingrained, Aydon broke through the brush, his long sword held high as he let forth a battle cry. All three became motionless for an instant, caught in surprise. The Pushgan who sought to overtake the woman seized her, clamping his arm in front of her neck and holding a knife to her flesh.

The other behemoth growled and headed for Aydon, a knife in each meaty hand. While regarded as a man of considerable height, iron muscle and intimidating presence, Aydon was no physical match for the monster-man’s bulk. However, quicker, lighter on his feet and unquestionably more clever, Aydon proved to have the advantage.

In little time and sustaining only a few bloody gashes to his arms, chest and legs, Aydon had conquered the Pushgan. With one mighty disemboweling slash of his sword from skull to groin, he split the giant open like a plump sheep, sending him straight to the pits of hell where he belonged.

“One step in her direction and I’ll slit her open, just as you did my brother,” the other man threatened, his voice warbling with emotion as he eyed his fallen kin sprawled atop a grim heap of bloated corpses.

His knife point was pressed firmly enough against the woman’s neck to draw a trickle of blood. Though she maintained incredible calm, Aydon knew the woman had little chance to free herself. Her captor’s blade could easily sink into her flesh, severing her head with a swift sidelong stroke.

“Release the wench and come face me like a man,” Aydon goaded. “Or are you fearful that I’ll spill your innards all over the earth just as I have your dull-witted brother’s?”

A corner of the Pushgan’s mouth curled into a foul smile as his eyes locked with Aydon’s. With his free hand he fumbled with his breeches.

“So, you are eager to taste the point of my blade, puny one,” he said to Aydon. “Fear not. Your turn will come, as soon as I satisfy myself in this wench’s hot hole. Then I’ll let her watch as I slice your belly wide.”

The woman’s eyes widened briefly. She guarded her fear well. Aydon gazed at the pair, focusing his attention on the woman, who looked as filthy, matted and unkempt as her subjugator and his dead brother. But, grime aside, he sensed she possessed some sharpness of mind—more than the other man, at least.

“Go ahead, take her,” Aydon bluffed. “She is no concern of mine.”

***

Reviews

Some reviews for Absolutely Not

“(Reviewer Top Pick!) Though Maisy tries her best to not mess up in this new relationship it is hysterical the situations she finds herself in. There’s a gay funny Arnold Schwarzenegger wannabe, a boss who won’t stop at matchmaking and a sister who constantly reminds you of your past that makes great secondary characters. Not to mention the oh so delicious seductive scene of chocolate cookies that you so got to read. Loved it all and can’t wait for another Daisy Dexter Dobbs book for where there’s sex, passion and comedy you know it will be a winner with Daisy.”
–Night Owl Romance

“Absolutely Not by Daisy Dexter Dobbs is a great read. There’s nothing better than watching a woman kick back after being kicked for so long. I loved Maisy’s I’m-no-longer-a-doormat attitude and the taking back of her self esteem should be applauded. But the best bit about Maisy is her sense of humor. The woman knows how to laugh at herself. Watching her fight herself on the issue of Keller I found myself laughing and wanting her to win and not in equal measures. Keller is one fine man and I don’t care whose camp he’s in, I’m jumping him. If some tramp tries to steal my hubby she better come with a brother like Keller. I loved all the secondary characters, all quirky and fun. Maisy’s boss was the one I loved the most. Daisy Dexter Dobbs has managed to score a fan with Absolutely Not, her sense of humor appeals to me and I enjoyed this book very much. Miss Absolutely Not? Absolutely not!”
–Fallen Angel Reviews

“Absolutely Not had me going from chuckling to out loud laughing throughout the entire book. Daisy Dexter Dobbs has a crazy sense of humor and I love that in an author. Maisy and Keller’s attempts to get together result in some funny, sometimes embarrassing and cringe inducing situations thanks to their own antics and the interference of friends and family. Norman, whom I loved, Rudy, Big Willy and Sharon the husband stealer and their own romantic and not so romantic side stories added to the hilarity of Absolutely Not. This is a great read for anyone looking for something fun to brighten their day.”
–Joyfully Reviewed

“Daisy Dexter Dobbs does it again! Her incredible humor and her realistic heroine take center stage in this tale of revenge gone wrong. Maisy is like every woman-she battles the same cravings and hang-ups that all women face. Just like many women today, she is not model thin, yet she embraces her size and owns her sexuality completely. She is truly a romance heroine for the masses. Coupled with a sexy hero, her over flamboyant gay boss, best friend, and her ex’s cruel and skinny new wife, ABSOLUTELY NOT is hilarious from start to finish. Full of her trademark witty dialogue and madcap situations, Daisy Dexter Dobbs has managed to pen another novel that will have you laughing out loud. ABSOULTELY NOT is a definite keeper and once again cements Ms. Dobbs as a true genius when it comes to the romantic comedy genre. ”
–Romance Junkies

For more reviews, visit Daisy’s Website

Reviews for Samantha and her Genie:

“…A twist at the end will surprise as everyone tries to figure out a way for Sam and Lugal to stay together. … I absolutely loved Samantha and Her Genie! The love scenes were smokin’ and the characters in general were well written and extremely likable. The parts where Lugal was taught or introduced to modern technology had me laughing out loud and were some of my favorite scenes. If you are looking for a solidly written book with humor and romance, this is for you and I can’t recommend it enough.”
–Bitten by Books

“…This book was hilarious. I love Daisy’s work, and I love the fact that the gorgeous hero falls for the life sized woman and not the anorexic teen queen types. This book was magic and the amount of research that went into it must have been phenomenal. Reading it was like taking a really fun history class on the lesser known Sumerian gods and customs. I love the humor in the book. It is a perfect example of what a love story should be!”
–ParaNormal Romance Reviews

“…Daisy Dexter Dobbs has created another humorous, fanciful tale filled with real people and emotions in SAMANTHA AND HER GENIE.  Though he hates the confinement of the bottle and dark void of his existence while trapped there, Lugal has accepted his fate, and given up on hoping that the goddess Innana will ever hear his pleas. It’s a bit of a challenge to not attack all of the gadgets Sam has in her home, and this leads to some very funny situations, but Lugal also wants to learn about his temporary home.  Samantha is a compassionate woman who hates to see others hurting, so the fact that she falls for Lugal so quickly isn’t difficult to believe. Between incredibly erotic and adventurous sexual encounters, Lugal and Samantha get to know each other fairly well, and it doesn’t take her long to realize that Lugal doesn’t deserve his fate.  But will she be able to break his curse? I highly recommend picking up a copy of the very amusing SAMANTHA AND HER GENIE to find out.”
–RRTErotic

“(Outstanding Read!) …This was a fabulous read. Sexy, sad, funny, thought provoking and smokin’ hot. The situations the author thought up for Lugal to react to had me laughing out loud. She also brought into focus health concerns and solutions, as well as providing a suitably evil nemesis. There wasn’t much missing from this book, and I really can’t think of anything that could have possibly made it more entertaining. A true love story, full of laughs, tears, and that moment, when the book has been finished, where you look into the distance and think “what if.”"
–Simply Romance Reviews

“…When I chose Samantha and her Genie to review, I half expected to read the usual clichés often found in genie stories. I was delighted to find I was so wrong. Daisy does a truly amazing job of creating a story that was totally uplifting and entranced me with its uniqueness. Her superbly-written graphic depiction, dialogue, and characterization were endearing, emotional on various levels and utterly engrossing. The love scenes are scorching and enough to raise the temperature of the reader to incendiary levels. Mine sure did. The interaction between the characters was highly entertaining and often a great source of amusement. Especially Lugal. His thirst for knowledge led to some hilarious scenes that had me virtually rolling around laughing. Though, undeniably sad at times, there are plenty of humorous moments to lighten the mood. I highly recommend this novel to those that love sexy, romantic, hot stories that will have the reader running a gamut of emotions as the story evolves. Furthermore, I was so impressed with this novel that I will be looking to add more books by Daisy Dexter Dobbs to my virtual library in the very near future.”
–The Romance Studio

For more reviews, visit Daisy’s Website

Hi everyone. Today, I’m interviewing writer Lisa Burke, author of The Invisible Visitor. Enjoy!

~Jane

*

JJ: Hi Lisa! First, I’d like to welcome you to Textyladies, and to thank you for doing this interview. Why don’t you start by telling us a little about you?

LB: Hello Jane and Texty readers!  Thank you for having me! I’m a [...]]]>

Hi everyone. Today, I’m interviewing writer Lisa Burke, author of The Invisible Visitor. Enjoy!

~Jane

*

JJ: Hi Lisa! First, I’d like to welcome you to Textyladies, and to thank you for doing this interview. Why don’t you start by telling us a little about you?

LB: Hello Jane and Texty readers!  Thank you for having me!
I’m a 31-year-old writer from Connecticut.  I enjoy vegetarian cooking, yoga and jogging.  I spend a lot of time working on improving myself spiritually, with limited but measurable success.  I tend to focus on the end result rather than the journey.  I classify myself as a cynical idealist.  I favor Buddhism but consider myself Agnostic.

JJ: Tell us about The Invisible Visitor.

LB: “The Invisible Visitor” is my debut novel about Nora, a young woman despairing over the death of her childhood boyfriend.  The novel begins with her attempt at suicide.  However, instead of waking up dead, she finds a crass, cigarette-smoking ruffian named Cassock in her apartment proclaiming to be her guardian angel.  He says he’s going to help her, but she has her doubts.  Cassock drags her around to strange places, haunts her when she wants to be alone, ogles her friend Ella, snuggles with her in bed, and finally ingratiates himself to Nora.  Eventually things are forced to get very serious and very heavy if he is really going to save Nora, and it isn’t clear whether she’ll make it through his tests alive.

JJ: Have you been writing long?

LB: I’ve been writing on and off my whole life, but I took some time off to focus on being “normal”, i.e. have a full time job, get married, save money and be responsible.  When my job offered me no fulfillment and my husband divorced me, I thought I might as well spend more time doing something to provide an everlasting and positive accompaniment to my life.

JJ: What is your favorite thing about being published, and your least favorite thing?

LB: What isn’t to love about being published?

My childhood dream was to see my name painted on the front of a novel.  Authors create a world entirely of their own design, immortalized on paper and inside readers’ minds.  Nothing else could be more gratifying because I can correct my own internal and/or external conflicts with no real-life repercussions or barriers.
What I don’t love about being published is the immense vulnerability of sharing my inner thoughts and fears with basically the whole world.  I also do not enjoy the obligation of taking these frailties and then selling them to others – in essence having an emotional breakdown and breakthrough on paper and then asking someone to pay you to read it.

JJ: Who is your publisher? What made you decide to go with this particular publisher?

LB: I am currently working with Cacoethes Publishing House, www.cacoethespublishing.net.  I chose them because they appear to be exponentially expanding their titles each passing year.  They have quite an impressive roster for a relatively new publishing firm.  They also allow for a lot of creative flexibility for their writers.
Also, Random House just wouldn’t give me a large enough advance.  (That’s a joke, of course!)

JJ: Are you working on a second book?

LB: Right now I’m trying to develop some new characters in my head.  Once the characters are solid, have a real backbone and voice, the story will immediately follow.  For now I’ve got three characters that haven’t sank into their bodies quite yet but I am hoping that they find their tune soon.

JJ: Who has been your biggest influence?

LB: I enjoy the classic, but darker writers.  My favorites are Kafka, Nabokov and Poe.  Kafka is just an endearing man; I find him more personally fascinating than anything.  Nabokov has a way with words that is just stunning – and English isn’t even his first language.  Poe can really tell a story, and provide a strong and eerie emotional vibration to it.

JJ: What are your writing goals for the future?

LB: That’s a good question actually.  I try not to project too far into the future because writing is pretty daunting since there is no job security!  My ultimate goal is to be able to write books that can positively influence others in the same way I’ve experienced.  To write a great book is to be the narrator inside another’s head without ever even meeting them.  A great book will continue reading to you in the hours away from the manuscript, and the days after you’ve completed the last page.  If I can do that for people, I think I’ve succeeded.

JJ: Do you have a writing schedule you stick with? A certain word count you reach before stopping for the day?

LB: When I’m in the middle of a novel or a longer work, I try to do 1,500 words per day.  I don’t believe there is one right way to go about writing, but I personally need numeric deadlines or else I will stray too much.  I’m a very regimented person and if I don’t keep up with schedules I get panicked.  However, if I’m not in the middle of a big project, such as right now I’m working on promoting my novel, I don’t write nearly as much because I’m in left brain mode and my creativity center is dormant.  I compartmentalize almost everything in my life.

JJ: What do you do to motivate yourself to write when you’re just not feeling like it?

LB: Have a glass of wine, actually!  That’s terrible advice, but it works for me.  I think what holds me back when I don’t feel like writing is fear, inhibition and negative self-talk.  A glass of wine quiets a lot of that negativity and allows more creativity to flow through in its place.

JJ: Plotter or pantster or somewhere in between?

LB: Pantster, absolutely!  Even though I have said I am very regimented, in terms of creativity I have to work with my subconscious or maybe even glean from beyond this plane.  So when those aforementioned characters gain their voice, they get going and forward the plot as fast as my fingers can type.  Truthfully, I usually have a vague idea of how things will end for the folks, but they provide the fantastic journey.  I just sit quietly and let them speak.  Usually they have more interesting things to say that I could ever think up.

JJ: Give us five random facts about you

LB:

1. I played the Wicked Witch in my second grade’s performance of “The Wizard of Oz”.
2. My favorite TV show is Arrested Development.
3. I hate most slang words.
4. I use google constantly as if it was my own personal assistant.
5. I found this the hardest question out of all of the ones you’ve asked me!

JJ: Do you have any links you’d like to share?

LB: Don’t mind if I do!  My personal website is: www.theinvisiblevisitor.com.  You can buy “The Invisible Visitor” in ebook format at www.cacoethespublishing.net October 15, 2008 and the print version will be available in November 2008.

JJ: Anything you’d like to add?

LB: Yes, I’d like to wish the Texty Ladies and their readers happy reading!  Also, I hope you all go out and vote November 4th!  If you’re undecided, shoot me an email at lisa@theinvisiblevisitor.com and I’ll let you know exactly who to choose!  : )

JJ: It was wonderful having you, Lisa! Thanks so much for doing the interview. I’ll be watching for your next book

*

Excerpt from The Invisible Visitor:

As he set the food down, I blurted out, “Why do you work here?  You could be a beacon with that smile you have.”  Surprised at myself, I presumed this was an unconscious urge to be someone else, and therefore I had acted completely different from myself.  Or perhaps it wasn’t, maybe it was just pure self-destruction.  Regardless, at the moment I was on auto-pilot.
Somehow I went on, not even looking for his reaction.  “I’m certain that a lost and confused mermaid would be pleased to find her way through your direction.”
He smiled.  Oh, how he smiled.  He smiled at me.  Then, he even did something fantastical.  He sat down at my table.
“I love mermaids.”  He broke his eye contact with me and glanced at the sea wistfully.  “I look out there a lot hoping I’ll see one jump out.  I know it’s kinda stupid, but while I’m working here, sometimes it’s all I can come up with.”
Dear Lord in Heaven, praise thee.  Praise thee, praise thee, praise thee.
“I’m Nora.”  I extended my hand.
He did as well.  “John.”
“It’s very nice to meet you John,” I said with a grateful smile.  He knew not how grateful.
“You too Nora.”  He even paused to look at me for a moment.  He interrupted himself to say, “Listen, I’m off work in,” he looked at his watch, “ten minutes.  Maybe I’ll come back and have a beer with you?”
Oh my Lord, praise thee.  “Yeah, sure.”
He rose from the table.  “Okay, I’ll be right back.”
Suddenly I was on a date.  This handsome man with a world of summer thunderstorms in his eyes was going to come back and sit with me.  I was pleased at how things had turned around so quickly.  I didn’t pause to reflect; I knew I’d ruin it for myself.  I tried to just sit and wait for him; not overanalyze it.  Instead, I just watched him finish his work.  I watched him push his wavy dark hair out of his eyes.  I watched him wipe the sweat from his face again.  I watched him look out in the ocean’s direction, checking on patrons, or checking on mermaids?  Now I didn’t feel so ignored.  Watching for mermaids was serious business.  I smiled, thinking about how cute he was, as if I knew him at all.  I thought about his sweet, tender voice.  He was somebody I wouldn’t mind getting to know.  He seemed sugary but a little odd at the same time.  That was always my favorite combination.
*

Hi everybody! I’m excited to bring you an interview today with Laura Benedict, the talented author of Isabella Moon. Enjoy!

~Jane

***

JJ: Hi Laura and welcome to Textyladies! I want to thank you again for doing this interview. Why don’t you start by telling us a little about you?

LB: I was born in Cincinnati, [...]]]>

Hi everybody! I’m excited to bring you an interview today with Laura Benedict, the talented author of Isabella Moon. Enjoy!

~Jane

***

JJ: Hi Laura and welcome to Textyladies! I want to thank you again for doing this interview. Why don’t you start by telling us a little about you?

LB: I was born in Cincinnati, but spent much of my life in Louisville, Kentucky, so I consider both my hometowns. (And I’ve given birth to two Virginians to solidify my Southern creds!) I didn’t start out to be a writer—in fact, I have a degree in business administration. I’m a mother and wife, first, and my family is the most important thing in the world to me. (If it weren’t, I’d probably have way more than two books!) My fiction is dark, full of sex and secrets and suspense. I spend much of each day imagining disasters and crimes, making sure my doors and windows are locked, and warning my children about the dangers of talking to strangers and not washing their hands. But I’m actually a very cheerful person.

JJ: I read that you wrote fiction for nearly twenty years before selling to Ballantine books. What kept you from getting discouraged about being published? Obviously you never gave up

LB: Even though I consider Isabella Moon my third first novel, I don’t think I ever considered giving up being a published novelist. I had published essays, short stories, (bad) poetry, then book reviews for about twelve years—so I was published, just not widely. I think I just wanted it so badly, and I always suspected that the novel would be the form that suited me best. I have a hard time writing shorter! Also, my husband Pinckney is a terrific cheerleader. He wouldn’t let me give up!

JJ: Tell us about Isabella Moon

LB: IM is a kind of love story to small town life. Okay. Maybe it’s a creepy kind of love story. When the ghost of a little girl who has been missing for two years appears to a young woman with secrets of her own, it sets off a series of terrifying events that threaten to destroy the town.

*

JJ: And Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts

LB: I’m tickled every time I read the catalogue copy that Random House put on Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts’s page! “The devil comes to Cincinnati in this dark and gripping thriller that is as scary as classic Peter Straub and as sexy as Nora Roberts.” (I think Nora Roberts is quite attractive, but don’t you thing they mean her work?) I hope it’s both those things. It’s the story of three young women who find their lives crumbling when the young priest whose career they ruined years before takes his deadly—and supernatural—revenge.

JJ: What was it like for you when you had your first novel published?

LB: It was totally surreal! I had no idea how to respond when my dream finally came true. So I spent several months promoting and doing the Happy Dance. The promotion was critical because I was a first-time author, but I needed to spend more time writing.

JJ: Who are some of your favorite authors?

LB: So many: Margaret Atwood, Patricia Highsmith, Joyce Carol Oates, Elizabeth George, Luanne Rice, Richard Matheson, Jim Thompson, Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, Cormac McCarthy….

JJ: Do you remember the first thriller/mystery book you ever read?

LB: Nancy Drew’s Mystery of the 99 Steps.

JJ: Have you always written thrillers, or did it take you awhile to discover that this would be your genre to write?

LB: It took me forever to discover this—I’m such a slow learner and enormously hardheaded. I thought that I had to be a “literary” writer like my husband Pinckney, but my so-called “literary” books were terrible and didn’t sell. Then, one day, I discovered a Joyce Carol Oates story in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and it reminded me that what was important was that the quality of the writing be good whatever the subject matter. I had always loved Joyce’s darker work, and I’m a huge Shirley Jackson and Patricia Highsmith fan. Still, it was a kind of revelation to me that I, too, could explore that material. It only took me thirteen years of writing to get the clue!

JJ: Has your husband Pinckney, also a writer, influenced your writing?

LB: I had a very hard time accepting criticism from him early on, so he stopped looking at my work so we could stay married. But he is such a superb teacher; I’ve learned a lot just by watching him and taking in the critiques of his students’ work. He often bounces his theories about writing off of me as well. I love to read his stories, but we don’t critique each other’s work at all. He didn’t even read Isabella Moon until it was in galleys!

JJ: What are you working on now?

LB: Reading submissions and finishing up a short story of my own for Surreal South 2009, the next edition of the short fiction anthology series I edit with Pinckney, getting my new website together, and reading a lot in preparation for my next novel.

JJ: Do you have a writing schedule you stick with?

LB: I keep telling myself that I need to do this, but I never stick with one for long. I have to be flexible because my family comes first. Of course, it always happens that when I’m in the thick of a project we end up eating out a lot and the kids wander around looking for clean socks/jeans/underwear. (Note to self: Kids really need laundry lessons!)

JJ: What is different than you thought it would be about being published?

LB: I thought that with every publication, I would be satisfied. At first, I just wanted to have one story published—but when I finally did, the thrill only lasted for a day or so, and then I wanted to do it again. I remember feeling that way when I used to ride roller coasters as a teenager. I was always a little afraid, but I always wanted one more ride. I fear I may be addicted to seeing my work in print!

JJ: I’ve read that you’re shy; does that make it difficult to do book tours and signings and workshops and all the other public things you have to do?

LB: Yes, it is a hard sometimes. Isn’t it funny that writers—who must spend most of their lives engaged in a necessarily solitary activity—must learn to be very social, visible people? But the first time I got up to read and speak in front of a group of readers I was stunned to discover how much I enjoyed it. I feel so blessed that anyone would want to meet me or hear what I have to say, and I always meet so many wonderful people. But it’s critical for me to balance that visible time with time spent reading, reflecting and, of course, writing.

JJ: What are you least favorite and most favorite parts about writing and being published?

LB: Least favorite—Being away from my family. Most favorite—Having the excuse to buy new clothes for when I go to conferences and on tour! (Did I say that out loud?!)

JJ: Give us five random facts about you

LB: I am a Project Runway junkie. My most vivid memory of hanging out with my favorite cousin was when we stuffed a clear-lidded plastic box so full of worms that they started to burst. I can’t whistle. I consider dark chocolate a necessary food group. I’ve never seen a dead person who wasn’t already embalmed.

JJ: Do you have any links you’d like to share?

LB: I love to have everyone check out my website: www.laurabenedict.com. I’ll have a whole new site with a trailer for Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts up very soon. (Though the Isabella Moon trailer that opens the site is awesome, too. I have great web guys!) But I’m at my blog, Notes From the Handbasket (www.laurabenedict.blogspot.com) nearly every day, and that’s the best place to know what I’m up to at any given time and to pick up some goodies, too! I have lots of fun things planned for Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts in January.

JJ: Is there anything you’d like to add?

LB: To all the budding writers out there: Have hope! Just sit down in that chair and do it every day and wonderful things will happen!

I’ve loved doing this interview, Jane. Thank you so much to all the Textyladies for having me here! And I love to hear from readers. My email is laura@laurabenedict.com.

JJ: I so enjoyed interviewing and getting to know a bit more about you, Laura. Thank you very much!

***

Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts and the paperback version of Isabella Moon both go on sale on December 30th!

Buy Isabella Moon

***

Laura’s First and Last Lines blog. Here you’ll find an excerpt from Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts, coming soon, and each day that she works on CMLH, she’ll post the first and last lines she writes. How cool is that!

Surreal South

***

Review for Isabella Moon from Romantic Times:

This debut thriller shines, boasting evocative writing and a well-integrated mix of ethereal supernatural phenomena and gritty violence. Benedict employs that literary novel trademark of a somewhat ambiguous ending, but it works for this lush gothic-tinged potboiler.

***

Review for Isabella Moon from Fresh Fiction:

Ms. Benedict’s debut is a darkly edgy thriller depicting small-town life. She creatively weaves supernatural elements as Isabella’s spirit drives the finely drawn characters to a startling conclusion. The effective combination of supernatural and thriller increases the suspense as layer upon layer peels away revealing the rotten core within the heart of the community.

Read the full review here!

***

Excerpt from Isabella Moon:

Mary-Katie.

The voice is a whisper, calling a name that doesn’t belong to her anymore.

Mary-Katie.

Kate struggles as though she’s escaping from a troubled sleep, her movements slow and exaggerated, as in a dream. But if it is a dream, why does she slip some nearby shoes onto her feet as she gets out of bed? Who thinks of shoes in a dream?

The hillside outside her window is bathed in silver light, and there, beneath the hickory tree shading the back porch is a girl.

Mary-Katie.

The voice doesn’t seem to be coming from the girl, but from inside Kate’s own head. Her breath fogs the glass as she watches, knowing that the girl wants her to come outside.

Suddenly she is following the girl over the hill and across the open pasture on its other side. Her feet are light as she runs—yes, she is running!—through the brittle stubble of the winter grass. The few lights of the town are ahead of her. She doesn’t often go into town this way, usually preferring to stick to the familiar road that runs in front of her own little cottage. But the ground is firm and fast under her and she wonders why she doesn’t come this way every day.

The girl disappears into the dark stand of trees at the edge of the pasture but Kate knows she is still there, waiting. Even if she has run on ahead, Kate understands that she will find her. She is meant to find her.
There she is, standing in the street beyond the trees, her brilliant yellow coat vibrant as a balefire in the night.

Kate runs faster and the girl turns her back and leads her on toward the town, through the grounds of the old medical college, where the buildings stand mute and shuttered, through the backyard of the crumbling president’s house, where a single rusting bulldozer sits as testimony to someone’s forgotten plans.

As the girl runs out into Main Street without pause, Kate’s heart jumps, but there are no vehicles at all, not even a straggling log truck or sheriff’s cruiser. As they pass Main Street’s glassy storefronts, Kate is racing her own mirror image, but she can’t stop, won’t stop, because the girl will not slow now. They cross over to Bridge Street and follow it until it ends in a blinking yellow light. Will the girl go left or right?

When she goes left at the corner and disappears behind a tall hedge, Kate keeps going. As she passes the Methodist parsonage with its stiff wrought iron fence, Kate wishes that she had a stick to hit against its spindles and realizes at the same moment that yes, there is a stick in her left hand. But when she reaches out with it as she runs, there is no satisfying plunkplunkplunk of wood against iron. In fact, there is no sound around her at all except the sound of her feet striking the pavement: no dogs, no sirens, no night birds. She’s not afraid. She is certain once again that she is dreaming.

The girl reappears in the light from the streetlamp at the next corner.

Isabella! Kate calls.

How does she know the girl’s name? She hadn’t seemed to know it when she looked out her bedroom window to see the girl standing in beneath the hickory tree like someone’s lost shadow.

The girl pauses at her voice, but doesn’t turn around. Kate sees that her dark hair is shot with glimmering strands of silver. But she knows the girl can’t be more than ten years old and the silver is just a trick of the light from the streetlamp’s broad halo.

Isabella!

The girl begins to run again.

Kate drops the stick, thinking it might speed her progress. In the next block there is a Rottweiler who growls when she passes on her regular evening walks and she has often carried a stick as a sort of talisman, thinking she would use it on him if she had to. But still there are no animal sounds, no lights on in any of the houses she passes, no cars slowing down to see why a woman is running through the streets in the middle of the night in her pajamas, wearing a scuffed oxblood loafer on one foot and a tan and white nubuck slip-on on the other. She is safe from the dog, at least.

They approach Birchfield Avenue, where Kate’s friend Lillian lives. But instead of going down Lillian’s street, the girl enters the first road, one where there are no streetlamps. This road—Kate doesn’t know if it even has a name—twists through a set of woods for a distance to finally end at the town’s water processing plant. No one lives back here in this no-man’s land, the unofficial divide between Carystown’s small black community and the rest of the town. Amazed that she is not winded—it’s a dream, after all, so why should she be?—she catches up with the girl, who has finally slowed. Without streetlamps, the road is black at their feet and the trees around them are like walls reaching to the sky. But Kate can see well enough; the silver in the girl’s hair is its own light, and Kate follows her easily.

Isabella must want her near. As they slow to a walk, Kate realizes that the girl is as silent as everything else around them. If it weren’t for the scuffing of her own feet, Kate would think she’d gone completely deaf.
Without warning, the girl leaves the pavement and heads across the road’s shoulder.
Wait! Kate calls after her.

As Isabella pushes her way through the brush, Kate tries to keep up. But the girl seems unhindered by the brambles and tangle of slender branches that whip against Kate’s arms and face. The brambles sting and Kate laughs to herself that it must be a pretty pitiful dream if she can’t even keep from getting scratched up in it.

Now they are in a clearing that Kate can’t remember ever seeing before. Part of its ragged circle is made up of an expanse of brick that shines a brilliant white even in the dim moonlight. Kate has the feeling that if she were to put her hand against the wall and push, ever-so-lightly, that it might disappear. She has that feeling, too, about the tall cedars that rise around them, their uppermost branches drawn together in soft, wavering points against the sky. Beneath her feet the ground is spongy and she is surprised to realize that the clearing, though silent, has a distinct smell. She covers her mouth with her hand.

She thinks about those times when she wakes herself to use the bathroom in the night, turning on the light, even pinching her thigh as she sits down to urinate to make sure that she is not dreaming, that she is not about to drench herself and her bed. Now, she resists pinching herself because she has begun to suspect that she is not dreaming. She knows that if she rests her fingers against her thigh and squeezes, the pain will be just as real as the smell of decay filling her nostrils.

She calls to Isabella, who stands in the center of the clearing. But the girl only sinks to her knees, her silvered hair falling forward over her yellow coat.

As Kate approaches her, the wind picks up around them and the smell intensifies. Unafraid, Kate reaches out thinking to touch the girl, to stroke her young head, to reassure her that someone is there, that someone wants to help her. But her fingers touch nothing and Kate is alone in the clearing.

She stands there for a moment as the sounds of the woods and beyond reveal themselves: a screech owl in some distant barn, a rabbit or raccoon hurrying through the brush, a truck downshifting out on Route 12. Suddenly cold in the pajamas that had been fine for a March night spent beneath a down comforter, Kate wraps her arms around herself as though it will make a difference and begins to think about the long walk home.

***

What’s being said about Isabella Moon:

“ISABELLA MOON is a book of secrets and dark miracles. Laura Benedict writes with such tender power and understanding, filling the pages with characters whose mysteries and longings will matter to every reader. She has written an exquisite, closely observed novel that happens to be a great thriller.  It captivated me instantly, and haunts me still.”
–Luanne Rice, Bestselling Author of THE EDGE OF WINTER

***

“Like digging up an unmarked grave in the gloaming, ISABELLA MOON is a tense and creepy hunt for the truth about what lies beneath.  With a missing child, a reluctant medium hiding secrets of her own, and a picture perfect Southern town resting on a foundation of sex, drugs and lies, Laura Benedict’s debut will definitely have readers sleeping with the lights on — if they sleep at all.”
–Lisa Unger , New York Times and internationally bestselling author of BEAUTIFUL LIES and SLIVER OF TRUTH

***

“Told with intelligence, precision, and an essential artfulness, Laura Benedict’s haunting and sharp ISABELLA MOON is not unlike THE LOVELY BONES, but bigger, faster, and with a much broader scope.  You won’t forget these characters, nor the story that fuels them. A joy to read from first to last.”
–Fred Leebron, author of OUT WEST and SIX FIGURES

***

For more, go here

***

Today I’m interviewing writer Danielle Ferries, a writer from Australia.

She’s a delight and very interesting. Enjoy!

JJ: Hi Danielle! Thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed. Will you start by telling us a little about you?

DF:  I have an insatiable curiosity about the dark sides of people’s personalities and also the secrets people [...]]]>

Today I’m interviewing writer Danielle Ferries, a writer from Australia.

She’s a delight and very interesting. Enjoy!

JJ: Hi Danielle! Thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed. Will you start by telling us a little about you?

DF:  I have an insatiable curiosity about the dark sides of people’s personalities and also the secrets people keep, their obsessions and what makes them tick.  I love film noir, gothic horror, romantic comedies and decorating the townhouse I bought last year.

I collect creepy dolls and I love traveling, history, art and gothic architecture.  In my spare time I love seeing the latest movies as soon as they come out, hanging out with friends and my mum, and of course reading.

I’d like to be able to say that I’m disciplined, focused and even tempered, but really I’m clumsy, impatient, and a major procrastinator, but I do like to have a good laugh.

I’d also like to say that I write full-time (I wish) but I work as a Paralegal in a small legal practice run by a good friend of mine.

JJ: Have you been published yet? If so, where?

DF: My first short story “The Lost Hope of Ella” was published last month in an anthology called Darkened Horizons.

JJ: What are you working on now?

DF:  I’m working on a gothic suspense novel “Kiss Butterfly” and I’m about to submit several new short stories to publishers.

JJ: Do you have any new or upcoming releases?

DF: Just “The Lost Hope of Ella” with Darkened Horizons but I hope to have a couple of other new releases very soon.

JJ: What genres do you write?

DF: Dark fiction, gothic suspense.

JJ: What do you do to motivate yourself to write when you’re just not feeling it?

DF:  I get motivated by reading other people’s books – If I’m really enjoying what I’m reading it inspires me to write.  Also, a night with my critique group never fails to inspire me creatively.

JJ: What do you like to read?

DF: Mainly suspense, thrillers, horror, romance, and I also love the classics.

JJ: Did you always want to write?

DF:  I don’t remember exactly when I started writing, but it seems like it’s something I always wanted to do.  I used to write romances when I was in high school (anyone remember Sweet Dreams) and give them to my friends to read.  Of course they thought they were wonderful then but those stories would be cringe-worthy now.  I also remember my mum banning me from writing during the week because I wasn’t doing my homework.

JJ: Who are your favorite authors?

DF:  Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, Daphne Du Maurier, Alice Hoffman, James M Cain, Joe Hill, Jennifer Crusie, Nicci French, Cornell Woolrich, Patricia Highsmith, Dean Koontz.

JJ: Do you listen to music while you write?

DF: Definitely.  I have certain songs I listen to for each story and I’ve put together a soundtrack for the book I’m currently working on.

JJ: Do you use any amazing programs for writing that you’d like to tell us about?

DF: No programs, but I’m part of an amazing critique group of girls who are wonderful and provide endless advice and assistance.

JJ: Plotter or pantster?

DF: A bit of both actually.  I’ve mostly been a plotter but with the book I’m working on now I decided to challenge myself and I got the first draft down in six weeks.  It all started from one idea and I had no clue as to where it was going and I ended up really enjoying pantsing it.  Lately I’ve been pantsing with short stories as well.  The Lost Hope of Ella just came to me out of the blue and I got the story down in one afternoon.

JJ: What are your hobbies?

DF: Reading definitely.  I’ve always got my nose in a book.  I love movies, sketching, traveling and day dreaming about where I’m traveling next.  I also love art and visiting art galleries and I’m becoming increasingly interested in scrapbooking.

JJ: Give us five random facts about you

DF: I’m terrified of the dark, I love to paint but do it very badly, I like listening to jazz music while I vacuum, I prefer night-time to day-time, I’m addicted to coffee.

JJ: Do you have any links you’d like to share?

DF:

My Myspace

My Blog

JJ: Anything you’d like to add?

DF: I’d just like to thank you very much for having me.

JJ: Thank you so much for being here, Danielle! I very much enjoyed The Lost Hope Of Ella and can’t wait to see what you do in the future.

***