WS's Blog: Chaps & Bustles

Review from Jamie –I had low expectations going into this book because I thought it would be another cheesy, predictable romance story.  A few pages in I realized what a mistake I had made in my assumptions about this book because I was already fully absorbed into the story.  I flew through the pages and I just had to know what was going to happen next for Eleanor and the rest of the characters.  I could feel all the emotions the characters were feeling while reading. When Eleanor wanted more of McCrea, I wanted more also....Read review

When Bernadette asked me to talk about my favorite romantic comedy several came to mind. The Ugly Truth ─ “Yeah, it is scary. It's terrifying. Especially when I'm in love with a psycho like you.” Pretty Woman for a perfect tagline. She walked off the street, into his life and stole his heart. The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. These two are perfect together! And Sweet Home Alabama because I know what it’s like to need a passport to visit home. No, really I do!But the subtle way the characters move through the story line, changing roles from good guy to bad guy makes My Best Friend’s Wedding my favorite romantic comedy. It spins a delightful twist on the traditional romantic comedy theme with a very flawed heroine and an unexpected ending. The movie also helps me validate the crazy actions of my own characters from time to time.Julia Roberts plays Julianne Potter, a leading Chicago food critic who is in love with an ex-lover from her college years, Michael O’Neal (Dermot Mulroney). I instantly fell in love with Michael just by hearing his voice on the phone. He is a funny and charming leading man who is humble and down to earth with just enough vulnerability to make him sweet.He’s perfect..... (Read more)

Fighting For ControlHosted by Loving The Book


Heat Level: 4 Flaming Hearts!



For Nikko “The Bull” Del Toro, an ex-marine turned MMA fighter, only two things quiet the demons raging inside him—facing an opponent in the cage…and the memory of his hottest one-night stand. But when his PTSD resurfaces, causing him to lose control at a CFA press party, it’s his career that may be KO’d.Dr. Violet Summers is stunned to discover her newest patient is the man who rocked her world—and put her heart in a clinch after her nasty divorce. She’s determined to delve deep into the darkness that haunts him and to keep all further encounters strictly professional.Nikko doesn’t want a shrink. What he needs is Violet. With the memory of their passion blazing between them, it’s only a matter of time before they give in to desire. Can Violet help save this surly fighter from his own personal nightmare? Or will he forfeit his career and his last chance at love?










Lets roll out the red carpet line-up with character casting!


John Cena starring as Nikko DeltoroAndAmanda Seyfried starring as Violet Summers
Perfect! Can I buy my tickets for the movie now? 




Excerpts

Violet could feel her cheeks heating. Her heart rioted in her chest, fight or flight flooding her veins. Right now, all she wanted to do was run out of here and go home where she could put on her fuzzy slippers and drown her embarrassment in a bottle of wine while watching reruns of Gilmore Girls.Nikko’s eyes never left hers, waiting for her answer. Oh, what the hell, her pride and self-respect was already shot to shit. Why not give him the truth? Let him know how ridiculous it was for them to be here together. Maybe then he’d see it for himself, and whatever this thing was between them would disappear. It’d be quick, not so painless, but she’d get over it. She’d dealt with far worse disappointments in her life.“It’s just that if you knew the real me, you wouldn’t like me, Nikko. I’m quiet, safe, predictable and . . . well . . . boring. I always pay my parking tickets, I never use expired coupons, and my biggest pet peeve is when people don’t put their shopping carts away. Why are you laughing at me? I’m being serious, here. You and I, we’re like complete opposites.”“I’m not laughing at you.”He really was.“I just didn’t realize that expiration dates were that important to you.”“Well, they are,” she quipped defensively.“I can see that. I hate it when people don’t put their shopping carts away, too. Pisses me off when they bash into my car. It’s just rude.”A bubble of laughter broke from her throat. It was like a release valve for her tension, and possibly his, too, because his smile broadened. It was the second time he’d done that since she’d gotten here, and he’d better quit because it was doing funny things to her feminine places.“As for the parking tickets, I have a stash in my glove box, and I don’t use coupons, so . . .” He shrugged. “One out of three’s not so bad. I’m not scared off yet. What else you got?” He arched his brow, giving her a flirtatious grin.She never made the conscious decision to sit back down. Her knees just sort of went weak at the sight of him grinning at her. When her bottom touched the chair, he released the corner of the envelope. “Well . . . let’s see. I hate large crowds, keep to myself, and I never get drunk.”“Large crowds make me irritable, I prefer to be alone, and I try not to get drunk because bad things happen when I do.”“Is that how you got in trouble with the CFA?”“Yep. Large crowd”—he held up one finger like it was strike one—“too much whiskey.” Second finger—strike two. “Equals you and me for the next six weeks, baby.” Up went his third finger—strike three.In her attempt to prove to him how wrong they were for each other, he was proving to her how right they just might be. Or was he telling her what he thought she wanted to hear? “I don’t buy it,” she challenged. “An MMA fighter who doesn’t love the attention, the parties, the women?”He leaned back in his chair, stretching out in a lazy sprawl. “That’s not my thing.”“Then what exactly is ‘your thing’?”“Uh-uh . . . We’re not here so you can get into my head. You were explaining to me why we’re incompatible, and I’m explaining to you why you’re wrong. And while we’re on that subject, I’d like to point out one glaringly obvious reason.”“Oh, yeah? And what’s that?”

“The sex is incredible. And you can deny it all you want, Clover, but that was all you.”Her breath seized in her lungs, her response frozen on her tongue. She couldn’t decide whether to be flattered or offended. It pleased her more than it should to discover he thought the sex was as amazing as she had. Especially when she only had one other person to compare it to, while he probably had dozens.“I thought you said that wasn’t why you asked me here.”“It’s not. I’m just countering your argument. Oh, and you should also know that I like puppies, stargazing, and moonlit strolls on the beach.” His top lip twitched, barely suppressing his grin.She gasped in mock outrage and reached across the table, cuffing his shoulder. “You’re teasing me,” she accused.He chuckled, a low and throaty sound that heated the blood in her veins. “Maybe a little bit. That stuff is for chicks. But my point is, would you like me any more if it was true?”She thought about it a moment and shook her head.
“Well, I don’t like you any less for your reasons. Now if you tell me you don’t want to see me because I’m a fucked-up mess, then that I understand, and I can accept it. I’m not saying I’m any good for you, Clover, I’m just saying that as much as I’ve tried, I can’t stop thinking about you. I don’t want to like you, but I do. So if you’re trying to scare me off, you’re going to have to try harder than shopping carts and paid parking tickets.”



AMAZON

GOODREADS


Time to chat it up with the author!

Hello, Melynda! 
Welcome to Chaps & Bustles! I’m excited to be hosting Fighting For Control. The teasers for this book are yummy! Tell me. How hot is it?

Hi Wilhelmina, thank you so much for having me on your blog and helping me celebrate the newest release in my Against the Cage series, Fighting for Control. I’m glad you enjoyed the teasers. It is a hot, emotional read. I’d give it four out of five flames. Last time I checked, Fighting for Control is currently ranking number five is Sports.


Hubba! Hubba! Congratulations on that fabulous ranking! Now I want to know more about Nikko! In the excerpt, he uses the line, “We’re not here so you can get into my head.” He's obviously a very stubborn man. So how did you get into the head of Nikko “The Bull” Del Toro, an ex-marine turned MMA fighter?

Melynda: Oh my gosh, Nikko was such an amazing character for me to write. I fell so in love with him during this story. I don’t know how it happened, but his character truly wrote itself. He had so much to say and developed so beautifully. I look back at his character now and think “How did I ever write you?” I think he is my most favorite character yet. He certainly stole a piece of my heart.

Wilhelmina: What parts of Violet’s personality can you identify with? What did you like most about her? 

Melynda: I loved Violet’s strength. She isn’t afraid to stand up to a man any normal person would be terrified of. She never lets Nikko bully her, despite his harsh and sometimes offensive behavior. I like that she comes with her own hurts, habits and hang-ups, and she too needs to overcome challenges in her past if she wants to claim her future with Nikko. 

Wilhelmina: Fighting For Control touches on PTSD. How did you research this topic?

Melynda: I don’t know what I’d do without the internet. You can find information about anything in the world wide web.

Wilhelmina: I’m curious about your writing habits. Any writing rituals? A pot of coffee and a bag of M&M’s? Lucky socks? Magic talismans?

Melynda: LOL. I love my cup of coffee in the morning and glass of wine at night. My Chihuahua is my little writing buddy and has spent most of his life on my lap. Otherwise, I’m pretty flexible.

Wilhelmina: Against the Cage. A unique and creative name for a series. Why MMA? 

Melynda: I’ve been an MMA fan for years, and it never ceases to amaze me the amount of training, discipline and punishment these fighters put their body through. Every one of them has a story to tell and I thought it would be fun to write about a camp of MMA fighters putting it all on the line, inside and outside of the cage.  

Wilhelmina: You’ve published paranormal romance in the past. What can readers expect with you next book? 

Melynda: My next book is actually coming out in September. It’s a romantic suspense called Beneath the Surface, and intersects with Fighting for Control. It stars Violet’s sister, Quinn, and Nikko’s friend, Asher Tate. At this time I have no plans to go back to paranormal, but that always depends of the readership trends. My Against the Cage series will be at least four more books and with my new romantic suspense series coming out, I’m happy to be hanging out in the contemporary world right now.



Wilhelmina: Win by Submission, Passing His Guard or Fighting For Control. Which book is your favorite and why?

Melynda: That’s a tough question because I love them all for different reasons. But if I had to pick one, I’d say Fighting for Control is my favorite because of the depth and complexity of the storyline. This is a hot, sexy story packs an emotional punch for sure.

Wilhelmina: Melynda, it has been a pleasure chatting with you today. I will certainly be watching for Beneath the Surface in September. Readers, be sure to connect with Melynda on Facebook  Twitter and Goodreads . And Be sure to enter Melynda's Rafflecopter Giveaway at the bottom of the page!


Thank you so much for you wonderful questions and for hosting me on your blog. 
Have a wonderful day!


~Melynda



Rafflecopter Giveaway:https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/330006f8189/

A coincidence is God’s way of staying anonymous.





Buying the 1920s farmhouse south of Phoenix, where the rumors of John Dillinger’s gang hid out in the 30s, is supposed to be Grace Evanheart’s way of escaping an old romance. When she finds an ancient diary with a map under the bedroom’s floorboard, the rumors solidify into fact. She doesn’t know who to trust with the news; Micah Stevens, the handsome deputy and the great grandson of the original landowners with whom she’s attracted, or Jerry, the young historian who seems too intent on learning about her new home?

Micah seems convinced their paths cross exactly at the right time and in the right place for them to fall in love. Now he just has to convince Grace of the same thing before suspicions of his real motive have her running again.   
Excerpt
Dark loneliness sank deep into my stomach as I watched Chelsea’s taillights fade down the highway. Old memories flooded my mind, suppressed visions of watching my parents driving away, leaving my brother and me, yet again, with anyone willing to babysit while she went into the hospital for another test, or for surgery. I could never remember whole events, just bits and pieces, but what never left my memory were the intense feelings of abandonment and isolation whenever something flicked on that mental switch. Mine was the oldest house in the area and still had the original driveway off Highway 84, now renamed East Frontier Street. The only reason anyone would turn at that crossroad would be to visit me, or they’d made a wrong turn. In the darkness I could see my neighbors’ lights burning. The houses were a good distance away. Charlotte said the original land was sold in seven-acre lots. I tried to imagine what the farm looked like before the son greedily broke the land into smaller pieces. Looking at all the houses in the distance, I guessed it had been huge. The whole house had smelled musty when I’d first walked inside. Now it stank of new plastic furniture. It was kind of a unique fragrance, not unlike a recently unpackaged shower curtain. Between leaving the front door standing ajar and opening the kitchen door, I thought nature would bring in the fresh and take out the rank while I pumped up my air mattress. To save money, I’d bought the kind of bed that didn’t have the automatic pump included. Sometimes being thrifty took more work, but for the next few weeks saving every dime I could would have priority over comfort. With the doors opened I couldn’t use the candles, but I left the flashlight off, not wanting to use the batteries up all in one night. The bedroom I’d declared as the Master sat closest to the kitchen. Charlotte told me the house was built in the early 1920s, and although it had been renovated in the seventies, the owners hadn’t thought about adding a master bathroom. A floorboard squeaking froze me in the mid pump. My first thought was Chelsea had changed her mind about staying the night, but why, then, didn’t she say anything? Then I noticed faint illumination in the hallway. Whoever came in must’ve had a flashlight; my heart leaped against my ribs in panic. I listened. Were the footsteps getting closer? Or maybe they got farther away into the dining room? I couldn’t tell for sure with how my pulse beat loudly in my ears, interfering with my hearing. My cell phone was inside my handbag by the fireplace. Considering I only had the plastic pump and a half-inflated vinyl bed, I didn’t have anything to defend myself with—or hide behind. I knew I needed to get outside and run to a neighbor for help.I just had to get my body to agree with my brain. Fear had an ironic way of paralyzing important muscles. With my mouth open, I took a slow, deep breath—at least I took in a breath and convinced my feet to turn toward the bedroom door. The floorboard in the dining room creaked. I took off and rounded the corner, heading for the open front door. Heavy footfalls ran behind me.“Stop!” a man shouted.I didn’t stop. He grabbed my arm, slowing me down. I threw my best punch at what I hoped would be his head. His flashlight hit the floor—and so did I. He tackled me face first onto the dusty hardwood floor with my arm shoved up my spine. When I took in another breath, I realized the frantic screaming I’d heard a moment before had been my own.“Pinal County Deputy Sheriff, ma’am. Stop struggling.”His breath was next to my ear, his heavy body pressing down mine, but his words were spoken softly. “Let me go—you’re hurting me—”“You need to stop struggling.”Nodding, I did what he said. After a moment, he let my hand loose and got up off me. I slowly moved my arm around and rolled onto my side, pulling up my knees. Squeezing my wrist didn’t squelch the pain, but at least I knew my hand was still attached and not lying next to me. I cradled my arm to my chest with my eyes closed and tried not to cry while his hand stayed on my shoulder. I guess he didn’t want to chance me getting away. I didn’t know if I could anymore. A bright light shined in my face. “Do you have any weapons on you?”I shook my head.“How about some ID?”“In my purse... by the fireplace.” I could feel the pressure ease up, if only slightly. The so-called sheriff didn’t want to let me go, but I knew he couldn’t reach it from where we were.  “Why did you run?”He still had his light full in my eyes. I lost my temper and yelled, “What right did you have to come into my home without permission?”“Your home?” The light swept over to the inflated loveseat sitting in the corner.“What did you think?” I yelled that, too. It was that temper thing, and at the moment I didn’t feel like controlling it.  “What’s your name?”“Grace Evanheart.” I closed my eyes again, prompting tears to drip down the side of my face. “And this is my house as of noon today.” He stopped pressing my shoulder and gently lifted me until I sat upright in front of him. With the flashlight pointed at my arm instead of my face, the ambient illumination made it possible for me to finally see the shiny star pinned to his shirt, along with about a dozen dark blind spots floating in the center of everything. I kept blinking, hoping they’d disappear. “Are you injured?”I held my arm closer to my chest. “You threw me to the floor and wrenched my arm. What do you think?”He reached out and touched my hand. “I’ll call for the fire department and get a medic to take a look at you.” He pinched a microphone attached to the top of his shoulder. “No, don’t, I...” I shook my head. “It’ll be... okay.” He grasped my hand and pulled it toward him. I didn’t make it easy. The short tug-of-war we had didn’t last long before I begrudgingly let him win. “Does your wrist hurt?”I nodded. I decided I’d better keep my mouth shut now, since he was a real cop. After all, I did have the right to remain silent.

Changes of the Heart is available for purchase on Amazon
Author Interview




When and why did you begin writing? In 2003 I watched Pirates of the Caribbean Curse of the Black Pearl about 2 dozen times—in the theater. I wanted a sequel, so I wrote one just to see if I could. I was so impressed with that novella, that I continued to write, except I wrote a full-length novel, and then another, and another.
When did you first consider yourself a writer? I actually considered myself a writer after I had my first contract with a real publisher. I was inexperienced then, and I don’t use that marker anymore. I think anyone who has the desire to write a story is a writer—period.
What inspired you to write your first book? After finishing that first novella, I think I caught the writing bug. My first book was inspired by a dream I had. The only part I can remember is one scene of a woman jumping off an outdoor staircase in Paris, trying to get away from someone chasing her. I used that feeling—that scene—and wrote an 800-page manuscript around it. I’m just now publishing that story in 3 parts entitled Window of Time Trilogy.
What books have most influenced your life the most? Several years ago I met a woman named Kerry Blair, who is a mystery writer. She encouraged me even though my writing was less than professional. I’ve read everything she’s written—multiple times. “This Just In”, is one of my favorites. “Ghost of a Chance”, Mummy’s the Word”, I’ve also read every Sarah M. Eden’s historical romance novels: “Seeking Persephone” plus the others in that series. A more mainstream novel that influence me into creating more complicated novels is a book called “Lucifer’s Hammer” by Larry Niven, and Jerry Pournelle. It’s a comet, end-of-civilization book. 
What authors do you like to read? I read Joyce DiPastena, Donna Hatch, Sarah M. Eden, Marsha Ward, Sariah Wilson, Teya Peck, Heather (HB) Moore, Liz Adair, Donna K. Weaver, HB Moore, Dean Koontz, (some of) Steven King, and Ray Bradbury for when I want to be creeped out.
What book are you reading now?  I’m reading Solstice by Jane Redd (Heather B. Moore’s pen name while writing for Kindle Press). This was a Kindle Scout winner!
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? I just finished See Me For Me, by Teya Peck, and Don Carey’s Into The Wind.
What are your current projects? I’m currently working on Window of Darkness, Book 3 in the Window of Time Trilogy. Window of Death, Book Two has just been released, and I’m very excited about the reviews, so far. 
What was the hardest part of writing your book? The hardest part of writing Changes of the Heart was letting the characters be themselves. In it, Grace isn’t so… um, graceful. I’d have to say that she really is a lot like me. Or, I wrote myself, my life, onto the pages of this book. I’m a natural klutz. I’ve sprained my ankle, several times, and all my toes one time or another tripping over stuff, and I drop things all the time. While I may have exaggerated things just a little with Grace, it wasn’t by very much—sadly. 
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? One of the biggest things I learned with writing this story came while I wrote the scene about Grace having the epiphany about her mother dying. My mother died when I was only 24 years old, not much older than Grace when her mother passed. My mother had been sick with cancer since I was 6 years old. I essentially wrote about my mother’s illness and death in this story, but while I did it, I realized that all the innocent prayers of a child that I’d sent up to Heaven to heal her, they didn’t go unanswered. She’d lived—she’d lived long enough to raise her four children and see them all married before she finally died. That was my epiphany.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Write what you love! Write what you can’t get out of your head.
What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing? Kerry Blair’s mystery books have had a big influence on my writing. She’s kept them very clean yet so intriguing that I can’t put them down. While I like reading other books, I can’t say that they’ve influenced me, necessarily.
How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Sometimes I write for only a few minutes a day, but when I’m “on a roll” I can spend up to 12 hours at a time—if I can get away with it. My kitchen suffers for it, though. So does our diet. And the laundry…
Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard? I mostly write on my laptop. But there have been times when I’ve used spiral bound notebooks, like when I don’t have access to my computer and I have ideas for my story. I know better than to delay writing them down. With my memory, I sometimes forget what I walk into another room for.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? I draw. In fact, one of my portraits I entered at our local county fair just won two ribbons: “Best of Class”, and “Outstanding”. Can’t get much better than those. Well, maybe a little better. Last time I entered a portrait, it won “Best of Show” and I received a nice check. Money is always nice.  Here’s a link to my blog’s painting page: http://debraerfert.blogspot.com/p/my-paintings.html
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? I was surprised that I could actually write a book. You know, that had a beginning, a middle, and an end, and they all fit together with a nice cohesive story arch. I surprise myself each and every time I write “The End” on a story.
How many books have you written? My first book, the one that was over 800 pages long, I overhauled and rewrote 4 times. They had the same characters in them, but they were essentially different books. In all, I’ve written 13 books. Maybe 14, not including several short stories and novellas.
Which is your favorite? My favorite book is the Window of Time Trilogy. It’s that 800-page monster that morphed into a 3-part series. Main character CIA Agent Lucy James is my alter-ego—my super-ego. I’m her in my dreams.
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they? We’re all still trying to become better writers—always! I’m going to writers’ workshops, and writers’ conferences, taking copious notes, and absorbing anything and everything that is involved with writing a better story. If it sounds good to me, then I take it to heart and use it. I encourage every writer to attend these conferences and workshops when they can. Even being around other writers can be good for the soul.


What was the hardest part of writing your book? The hardest part of writing my books comes after typing “The End”. That’s when the real work begins. Finding unbiased beta readers to take on the challenge of reading your manuscript, and give you good feedback. And then, and painful as it is—paying a professional editor to edit your book. AND… then, once, twice, and even three times, having good proofreaders go over the edited book to find those typos that inevitably slip by. Even after it is published, don’t take offense when a reader finds even more typos or missing words. Thank them, and, if it’s in your power, correct those mistakes.



Debra lives in Southwest Arizona, and has been married to Mike for 36 years. She's the mother of two awesome sons, who married their forever loves, and she's a grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren with one more on the way.

Debra wrote her first novella thirteen years ago just for grins. That brief taste into the world of an author started an undeniable writing obsession rivaling only her love of chocolate. She's an award-winning fine artist, and loves traveling with her husband.




Connect with the Author:
debraerfert.comstonehorsepress@debraerfert.com http://debraerfert.blogspot.com






Facts About Debra
1) I have an intense fear of flying, bad enough I need medication to even walk toward a plane.2) I have an unreasonable fear of heights. I’m pretty sure this has an impact on my fear of flying.3) I’m terribly claustrophobic. That might have something to do with my fear of flying—maybe. 4) I’m a multiple-award winning fine artist specializing in portraits. I received a drawing kit for Christmas when I was seven or eight years old, with a drawing pad, pencils, one of those silly gum erasers, and an awesome book that had step-by-step examples. I drew a little boy wearing a sombrero, and my mother used the side of a pencil and shaded it, making it pop off the paper. I used this memory in one of my books.5) This little known fact is one that my husband dislikes; I love bags—handbags, tote bags, and messenger bags with sayings on them. I can’t pass by a display of bags without Mike grabbing my elbow and hurrying me by them. The top shelf in my closet is solely for bag and purse storage. I’m pathetic. It could be worse, I suppose. I might have the same obsession for matching shoes with each bag.6) I’m married to a retired cop, who’s brother was a cop/latent identification expert, and who’s dad was a cop for 34 years, and now we have a son who’s in law enforcement. I’m never at a loss for experts when writing.7) I was a volunteer with our local police department for several years. I rode with willing officers, went on calls with them. On occasion, I even helped in taking report information and traffic control. They didn’t let me carry a gun, although I did design their shirt patch.8) I write a little bit of myself into every story. In Changes of the Heart, poor Grace deals with my clumsiness. Really! Once, I sprained my ankle so badly, the doctor told me that it would’ve healed faster if I would’ve broken it. My foot turned black from my toes up to my knee.  9) Changes of the Heart was a top 3 finalist in the 2014 Marilyn Brown Unpublished Novel Contest. Marilyn and her husband have set up an endowment at Utah Valley University to honor superior works of fiction written by literary artists. 10) I dislike coconut. I mean, really, sincerely, honestly dislike coconut.

Official Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/133037203753133


Rafflecopter Giveaway:http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/330006f8182/

Many thanks to Trisha Ratliff, editor and creator of Readers Life Magazine for this interview!How long have you been writing?I have been making up stories since I was a little girl. My imagination has always been an escape for me.  My parents divorced when I was seven and creating a safe, happy place became the norm for me. When the real world became more than I could handle, I zoned out, went into my stories and stayed until I was ready to come back to reality. As I grew older, I created characters, places and plots I could relate to and gave them happy endings. Writing is my therapy, and without it I would go crazy.Why did you decide to publish?I didn’t have any ambitions towards publication. In fact, I kept my writing a secret from my family until a couple of years ago when my husband found out. He read Sullivan’s Way and urged me to submit. I was totally against it, but agreed to do so if he would never bring it up again. I submitted to five publishers and expected five refusals. I was in shock when I received an email from 5 Prince Publishing saying they were interested in the manuscript. I stared at that email for at least a half an hour wondering how to respond. Again, my husband nudged me to take the contract and I did. After I signed it, I received three more emails expressing an interest in it. Who knew?Why did you choose to write romance?It is a fantastic genre to write, and I think it is unique because the endings are always happy. No matter what the hero or heroine go through, as readers we know that ending is coming. For the span of an hour or two, I can take you out of this world and let you live that story. Break your heart, put you through hell and then have you crying with happiness by the last page.How do you come up with your characters?The key ingredient to any good story are the characters. Readers must be able to connect with them by emotion. Any emotion. I loathed the character Shane from the Walking Dead. I wanted him to dye so bad that I actually jumped to my feet and screamed, “Yes!” when he did. The emotion was hate, but I connected. My characters are based on the personalities of the people I know or have known. Each one is unique and I spend a lot of time getting to know them before I start writing. I ask what are their faults, insecurities, hopes and dreams? What has happened in their life to make them the person they are today? This helps me write scenes based on their personalities and reactions. It creates a chemistry between the characters and really revs up the dialogue. In my current WIP, my heroine is terrified of marriage because her mother has been married three times. Her fear helps set the stage for conflict when the hero hits her with an unexpected proposal. As an author, you may think you have control, but you don’t. I am always asking, “What would he/she do?”. Characters drive the story and that’s the way it has to be. Otherwise, you have one dimensional characters wondering through the story chapter by grueling chapterHow did you come up with the "Way of Hearts Saga"?I love history and genealogy. When my children were small, I spent a lot of time combing through our family history and the history of the area we live in. My overactive imagination saw every letter or picture as a “what if”. It was the same way with Sullivan’s Way. It started with an old journal from a distant relative.Do you have a writing process and what is it?My writing process starts with the story. What is the troupe? When I know that, I limit my planning to two sheets of paper. The first sheet has the beginning (time period/ setting/ opening hook), climax and resolution. The second sheet helps me nail down external conflicts, secondary characters, foreshadowing, symbolism, links to other books in the series, and the internal conflicts and physical descriptions of the hero and heroine. Once its complete, I start writing the first draft. I put it away for a couple of weeks, and don’t look at it, read it or think about it. I usually spend this time outlining the next book in the series. With fresh eyes, I read through it, do my re-writes and edits and send it off to my beta readers. When they send it back, I go over it again, make changes if I feel they are necessary and submit it to my editor.How do you deal with writers block?When the words won’t flow, I turn off my computer and read. I take a break, go for a long walk and have lunch with my friends. I make myself forget about the story for a little while.The "Way of Hearts Saga" is historical romance how do you do research for your novels?There are all kinds of ways to research a topic. When I’m working on a historical, I frequent the library and area historical society. Through social media, I am connected with a network of experts, authors and history enthusiasts who are always more than happy to answer my questions and hear my ideas.How do you feel the Sullivan family changed from book one to book two?The saga is about two families, the Sullivan’s and the Coldiron’s. They share a secret and the second book reveals parts of that secret. Sullivan’s Way centered around the Sullivan family while Love Finds Its Way takes Lucas, the adopted son to Texas in search of his past, and introduces the Coldiron family into the saga. Callie Sullivan, the youngest daughter has matured into a strong young woman with aspirations and capabilities far beyond the average woman of 1870. She is instrumental in the day to day operations of the Sullivan Mining Company, the lifeblood of the newly established town of Honesty, Virginia.With two books published in the series and two more to go before your saga is complete what can fans expect from the series?I had planned on six books in the saga, but decided to cut it down to four. The last two contemporaries will bring the story started in 1865 to the present, and will wrap up questions about the secret they share. I’m also working on outlines for Sutton Mackenna and Walter Delaney. Two of my favourite characters from Love Finds Its Way.Way to Redemption is the first contemporary and will be out in the fall. The blurb and an excerpt can be found on my website at www.wilhelminastolen.com It is a continuation of the Coldiron family and is by far my favorite of the three. It also gives readers a peek at Justice Rebel, the leading man in the second book in my Bad Boys of Rebel Road erotic series written under the pseudonym Edee Monroe.

Former Navy SEAL Jake Williams is the newly appointed head of a task force assigned to rescue a kidnapped American diplomat. Their only hope is Mya Amari, the daughter of a notorious Algerian hostage negotiator, but she is full of secrets and complications–something Jake takes as a personal challenge. As they grow closer, the threat to the mission escalates and time runs out for the hostages. Can Jake unravel the web of deception to save them all without getting caught in the crossfire?

Mya Amari has been in hiding nearly her entire life to escape her father’s enemies. But when her sister is kidnapped along with an American diplomat, she’ll do anything to bring her home–including walking into the enemy’s lair. She doesn’t trust anyone, especially the too-handsome-for-his-own-good Commander Williams, but when all her careful plans explode out of control, he’s the only one she can turn to with the truth about her family. Is it too little, too late? 

Book Buy Links:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Captive-Griffin-Force-1-ebook/dp/B019ELX9CQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452127667&sr=8-1&keywords=julie+bellon

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-captive-julie-coulter-bellon/1123145759?ean=2940152525687

Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-captive-griffin-force-1

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-captive-griffin-force-1/id1068570787?mt=11



Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of more than a dozen romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense and Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense.

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Castle, Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

Julie offers writing and publishing tips as well as her take on life on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com You can also find out about all her upcoming projects at her website juliebellon.com 

Author Newsletter http://eepurl.com/g48Pz

Facts About the Author:
1. Readers would be surprised to know my writing desk where I write all my books is in my kitchen.
2. I have always wanted to skydive, but I’m afraid of heights.


Connect with the Author:

Twitter https://twitter.com/juliebellon

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJulieCoulterBellon/?ref=hl

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/juliebellon8/

Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/106488870107173289261

Blog http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com

Author Newsletter http://eepurl.com/g48Pz




Top Ten Fun Facts About Julie Coulter Bellon
1. I have eight children.2. I met Princess Diana when I was twelve years old.3. I have traveled to seven different countries and seventeen U.S. states4.  I taught a Journalism class for fourteen years. My favorite excuse from a student for not doing their homework over the weekend was that they had contracted Mad Cow disease on Friday, but were miraculously cured by Monday, so they couldn’t get it done.5. I am Canadian and have a weakness for Canadian chocolate.6. I love to read historical romance.7. My favorite TV show is Castle.8. I’m learning to play the bagpipes.9. I hate olives.10. I like to pencil draw and work with charcoals.
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Julianne Kelsch is an author and freelance writer who picked up the pen after the birth of her second child. A mother of four, she believes words have a special kind of magic all their own. With a word you can open the heart or break the soul; you can breathe life into love or distinguish the final flame. For her, reading is a place to experience worlds unseen and lives never lived; writing is the place to create them. 



Connect with the Author

https://www.facebook.com/julianne.author/
www.whereshadowsdwell.com
https://twitter.com/Juliek222
https://www.pinterest.com/julianne_kelsch/







For Lily Frost, love is a double edged sword. She craves it, she needs it, but the asking price for love may be her life.
After her mother's apparent suicide, Lily receives a terrible warning: leave California or run the risk of death. Afraid for her life, she flees. Her only hope for safety lies with her father, a man who abandoned her when she was five. But while she searches for him, she discovers love and safety in the arms of James Prescott. 
James is a man tormented by his mother's unsolved murder. More than anything he wants to see her killer lifeless, lying in a shallow grave. When Lily enters his life, he realizes that he hasn't been living. Lily shines for him, a light that finally pierces the darkness. For the first time in years, he feels hope. Their relationship blossoms and Lily discovers that she is worthy of love. However, she soon realizes that the safety she craves and the love she's found may be short lived. 
The past James carries and the life Lily left behind collide, throwing the couple into the path of the murderer. Secrets long buried come to surface and threaten to destroy everything. Will they face their demons together or will they let the past tear them apart?

AMAZON buy link:
   http://www.amazon.com/Where-Shadows-Dwell-Julianne-Kelsch-ebook/dp/B019YMUOXM 




Ready for a snippet!?!
I closed my eyes, breathing in the heavy scent of flowers, immersing myself in the gardens completely.“This place is amazing.”“I hoped you would like it.”“I love it."James pulled me into him, holding me against his chest. “I’m glad you do,” he said, his breath saturating my hair. He kissed me softly then reached down and picked a white lily. “The lily means more than purity," he said, pressing it into my hand. “It also means the return of happiness.” He smiled, gently caressing my bruised cheek with the backs of his fingers. “Having you in my life has returned my happiness, Lily. I was a fool not to see it before, with your father.” He pressed his forehead against mine, eyes closed. “You’ve given me my life back.”And you’ve give me mine, I thought. In more ways than one.
 And here are some great Q&A's with the author! 4. The Best thing about writing is... you get to be many different people and experience a million different worlds. I thought reading was fun, but I didn't know how cool writing could be!5. When I am not writing, I like to... play the piano, read, lay out on my deck and soak in the sun, or watch a really good story on netflix. I pick apart the stories now, and pay attention to the writing. I find it fascinating.6. I am working on... an epic fantasy trilogy. This fantasy doesn't involve elves, hobbits, or any super mythical creatures, but there is a bit of magic and I'm having a lot of fun writing it. The first draft of the first book is done. Next step: a very thorough edit. 


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At the age of fifteen, Carly Sue McCluskie ran away from the family farm to escape her abusive great uncle Ezra and the torment of her classmates only to end up homeless on the streets of Salt Lake City. Eight years later, she reluctantly returns to oversee Ezra’s estate and is not surprised to learn someone killed the old codger. What she didn’t expect is someone attempting to kill her.

Seth Wakely and his family have been feuding with the McCluskies for a lifetime, but that doesn’t stop him from helping a neighbour in need. Seth is as surprised as a pig laying an egg when he learns someone in their little country town might have killed Ezra and now Carly Sue’s life is in danger.

Seth finds himself torn between protecting her and the bitter memories of the past, including what he did to Carly Sue. Good thing he can send his Border collie, Jewel, over to protect her.

Will their Hatfield and McCoy relationship continue, or will Carly Sue and Seth be able to conquer the anger which corrals them and, instead, learn to love?


Book Buy Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/cindydragonfly
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DragonflyLady
Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Cindy+A+Christiansen?_requestid=106594
Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/cindy-a.-christiansen/id600157875?mt=11
Inktera: http://www.inktera.com/
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=cindy+a+christiansen
Oyster: https://www.oysterbooks.com/search/q/Cindy%20A.%20Christiansen


Bestselling author, Cindy A Christiansen, has combined her love of dogs with her joy of writing to create an award winning combination. Her novels always include canine characters both in the pages and on the cover, an extension of the credit she gives to her extraordinary rescue dogs for their part in helping her overcome numerous challenges. In a reciprocal gesture for their love and devotion, a portion of the proceeds from her books are donated to assist abandoned and abused dogs.
She lives in Utah with her loving husband, two creative children with autism, and a pack of rambunctious dogs.


Fly into a good book!
Facts about the Author
1.     When I am not writing, I like to restore antique wind clocks from the 1800s.2.     I am working on a story involving a Bernese Mountain dog, the ski patrol and criminal recyclers. 

Connect with the Author:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/DragonflyRomanceTwitter - http://twitter.com/#!/CindyDragonflyWebsite - http://www.dragonflyromance.com/

Snippet:

Seth felt air swish toward his face as whoever threw another punch. This time, he ducked and dove toward the outline of the person. It didn’t take much to knock the person to the ground. And by the touch, it didn’t take long to realize it was Carly Sue…at least a woman, as he felt her soft damp skin and curves and smelled her musky, spicy, perfumed skin. She smelled of pure romance, and it caught him off guard. It certainly wasn’t anything he had ever smelled in this house before.

“Is that you, Carly Sue?” For good measure, and maybe a little pleasure, he continued to explore her curves in the dark.

“Do you mind?” She shoved him away. “And, don’t call me Carly Sue. It’s just Carly,” she said in an angry tone, struggling against him.

It was her all right.

She scrambled to her feet, a lock of moist hair slapping him in the face.

“What are you doing here this time?” she asked.


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Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.
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When I was a kid I read a book a day, scribbled stories, and dreamed about having my very own book on the library shelf. I grew up in San Francisco, but now live in an adobe house on the banks of the Rio Grande with my husband and sons. I've stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland; sailed the Seine in Paris; ridden a camel in Petra; shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul; and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria, and anything old and musty and ancient with a secret story to tell.

I'm the author of 10 award-winning middle-grade and Young Adult novels, I make way too many cookies when I'm writing - and I've got the best book trailers in the universe - for reals! www.kimberleygriffithslittle.com.

Awards: Southwest Book Award, Whitney Award for Best Youth Novel, Whitney Award Finalist and Association of Mormon Letters of Art Award, Bank Street College Best Books of 2011, 2013, and 2015, a Crystal Kite Finalist, and New Mexico/Arizona Book Award Winner. Three Top 10 Lists from BOOKLIST: Top 10 Romance, Top 10 Historical, Top 10 Religion/Spirituality for 2015. 


Website: www.kimberleygriffithslittle.com
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/484627.Kimberley_Griffiths_Little
Twitter: @KimberleyGLittl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberleygriffithslittle
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KimberleyLittle1




BANISHED is the epic sequel to FORBIDDEN, set in the unforgiving deserts of ancient Mesopotamia. Jayden's courage will be put to the test as she fights for her survival and the one she loves.

Jayden thought she had lost everything. After months of traveling in the desert, she discovers her beloved Kadesh is injured but still alive. However, the two must flee immediately, for the vengeful and jealous Horeb is on their trail, desperate to take Jayden back to be his bride.

The trek to the southern lands comes with heartache and danger, and as Jayden and Kadesh draw closer to their destination, she realizes that even he has been keeping secrets from her . . . ones that will change everything.

Kimberley Griffiths Little's riveting sequel to Forbidden will leave readers begging for the final installment.



http://www.amazon.com/Banished-Forbidden-Kimberley-Griffiths-Little/dp/0062195018/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062195012

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/banished-19

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/banished-kimberley-griffiths-little/1121902238?ean=9780062195012 


Snippet Time!
                With bare toes, I stepped along the spongy bank, making my way to a covert spot along the river. Quickly, I dropped my dress and entered the river.  After traveling for weeks on the desert, immersing myself was a luxury, the water dream-like against my bare skin.      The tamarisk trees rustled and a flash glittered beyond the trees. I scrambled up the bank and grabbed my dagger from its sheath, my breath raspy.    “Is someone there?” I called in a harsh whisper. My thighs were taut with nerves as I threw the dress back over my head just as Asher stepped out of the shadows. My stomach dropped sickeningly. “Have you been watching me?”     “No, my lady, no!” The young man strode forward to reassure me. “I was on watch and heard noises. I had no idea it was you. I apologize for intruding.”     Heat rose like wildfire from my toes to my damp chest, stomach queasy at the sight of him. “Do you speak the truth?”     The young man pressed a hand against his heart. “I do not lie. I had no idea you were out here. But when you walked up the bank you were the loveliest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”     My mouth opened and I spluttered, “Get some sleep, Asher,” I said, making my voice brisk. “Before the camp rises.” I couldn’t get to my bed fast enough. When I lay down, my heart was still pounding.     Asher had denied it, but I knew he’d seen me rising naked out of the river.
And let's get to know the author better! 
4. The best thing about writing is ... typing The End. Haha! While The End gives a huge sense of accomplishment, especially after months of hair-pulling angst, I love those moments when ideas suddenly come pouring into your mind like magic. 5.  When I am not writing, I like to ....besides reading, I’ve always loved to bake, since I was a kid. Cinnamon rolls, brownies, cookies—but mostly because I like to eat them!6.  I am working on ... a Victorian-Era thriller with bits of paranormal and steam-punk.



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Author M.M. Roethig is a 'happily-ever-after' author whose guilty pleasure is a swoon worthy romance. Growing up, she spent her youth on various Air Force bases in many different states, which encouraged her imagination and love of make believe stories with each new city, scenery, and situation. 

Finally settling in Idaho, M.M. Roethig finished her schooling years and eventually met and married her very own Prince Charming. A recent move took her to Northern Colorado, a place she has instantly fallen in love with and embraced as her home. 

Connect with the Author

http://mmroethig.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authormmroethig
https://twitter.com/MMRoethig
http://www.amazon.com/M.M.-Roethig/e/B00901QB44
http://instagram.com/mmroethig/





A dancer and a Marine—two worlds collide. 

Chloe Johnson is no stranger to the spotlight. A prestigious member of the LA Laker Girls, she’s in the public eye regularly. Her world is perfect. 

Eric Taylor, on the other hand, is damaged, both body and spirit. Injured overseas, he returns home with fresh physical wounds, invisible emotional scars, and a bad attitude. 

When Chloe becomes the object of affection to an unknown stalker, she must leave her life behind and rely on a total stranger, and the only man she’s ever met who’s never happy to see her—Eric. Can she trust this hardened soldier with her life? 

Adjusting to civilian life hasn’t been easy for Eric. Swearing off women forever, all he wants is to be left alone. However, his world is thrown into chaos when Chloe appears on his doorstep as an invited guest of Eric’s twin brother. Bewitched by her innocent charms, Eric fights to keep her at arm’s length, putting his No More Women resolve to the test. 

Everything soon changes when Chloe’s stalker trackers her down, making her a pawn in a cat and mouse game of Dangerous Obsession. 

**Included at the end of this book is the short story, Reflections.** 


http://www.amazon.com/M.M.-Roethig/e/B00901QB44
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/m.m.-roethig
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/raine/id991968184?mt=11
https://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=roethig
http://www.inktera.com/store/search
https://www.scribd.com/m.m.8roethig


"I was whisked away into Chloe’s life of glamour, and submerged into the harsh horrors of Eric’s. Suddenly, when a stalker believes Chloe must be his, her life no longer seems so glittery. Thank goodness for safety behind the pages of a book! Thank goodness for excellent writers as Roethig who had me whipping the pages for the next exciting turn!" ~Elizabeth Mueller, author




Here is the author top 10!o    Favorite Color: Burgundyo    Favorite Candy: Bottle Capso    Favorite Drink: Anything with Cherry in it. Cherry Pepsi, Cherry Coke, Cherry Sprint, Cherry Lemonade.o    Newest obsessions: Dirty Diet Coke, (Diet coke with lime, coconut, and sometimes cream.) Brazilian Limeade (Limes, water, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk.)o    Favorite Sport: Football, followed by baseball.o    I got to stay in the same hotel, same floor, as the South Sudan President while visiting Washington D.C. We also got to see all the secret service, which was super cool.o    Favorite Movie: Pride & Prejudice, Keira Knightley , Matthew MacFadyen  version.o    I hate snakes!o    I love all kinds of music, but prefer country.I’m finally going to Hawaii this Christmas
And some fun author information!1.Readers would be surprised to know … that I’d never let anyone read any of my work unless forced.  It was a huge leap to write AND publish my book, but I’m so glad I finally took the plunge.2. I have always wanted to … become a CSI investigator.3. I will never forget … the moment my first book went live. I felt sick to my  stomach, elation, 4. The Best thing about writing is … hearing from my readers. Nothing makes my day brighter than little notes dropped to my inbox or PO box.  I love knowing my readers enjoy my work. 5. When I am not writing, I like to … watch movies, catch up on my TV shows, read, or spend the day downtown. I also enjoy driving through the mountains with my husband and son.6. I am working on … the sequel to my YA Fantasy Elemental Series currently titled Autumn. My goal is to have this done by the summer so I can start the final book in the trilogy.  


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