Here are this week’s pics…
As always, I appreciate your comments and if there's something you'd like to see, let me know!
Happy reading,
C.
27 March 2011
Sunday Snapshots - Views 2
Snapshots of Las Vegas through a resident’s perspective.
Here are this week’s pics…
above - A lake in a development. below - palm trees at a community pool.
The rocks and waterfalls outside of the Wynn casino.
As always, I appreciate your comments and if there's something you'd like to see, let me know!
Happy reading,
C.
Here are this week’s pics…
As always, I appreciate your comments and if there's something you'd like to see, let me know!
Happy reading,
C.
25 March 2011
Welcome special guest: author Shannan Albright
Her first story, ‘A Christmas Wish for Laura,’ appeared in ‘'Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas,’ an anthology from Evernight Publishing and Claudia Rhyes of Manic Readers Reviews had this to say about it: This was a great story with some hot sex. The plot and characters were likable and I loved, absolutely loved Elric!
(for the full review, visit: http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=reviews&bookid=9450)
* So, Shannan, what inspired you to become a writer?
Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind started the itch for me but I lay the blame at my English Teacher’s feet in High School. As a matter of fact my art teacher Mr.Bownlee and Mrs. Sorensen got upset with me since one wanted me to continue studying art and Mrs. Sorensen wanted me to take my writing to the next level. So to make a long story short I did both.
* When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
Oh boy, my first novel was in 1982 it was approx. 70,000 words. I did it on an electric typewriter and it was a Star Trek novel. I have no clue where that one went and shudder to think how many typos it had in it. Thank God for computers and spell check! Lol.
* How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
I wrote about ten stories through the years. I have to say that all were very rough as I was learning how to write without benefit of RWA or any way to contact other writers for support, brainstorming or critiques. When I started writing again I became a member of the national RWA in 2007 and then joined my local chapter in 2008. From there I did as many workshops as I could and kept writing until I finally sold a short story.* What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
I write Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Historical Time Travel. Hummm…I see a pattern here. I guess you can say I love living in my own worlds that I build. I do have an erotic contemporary that is in the outline stage but if I had to choose I would go for the dark brooding vampire every time.
* What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
I was told once in a workshop that my voice needed to be lighter. I don’t do comedy and wouldn’t even try. She thought I was too dark and violent. The best writing advice was from Shayla Black author of the Doomsday Brethren books. She said never throw away a work in progress since sometimes you just have to grow into your talent. I liked that because it gave me hope that I even had talent to begin with!
* How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
I celebrate with a happy dance, lots of running around like a crazy woman telling all my co-workers that I got accepted and generally am not much good for anything for the rest of the day - lol. I don’t think I will ever get used to finally getting an acceptance letter or email. With rejection letters I try to learn from what they have to say to me, that is if they say anything at all. I find it frustrating when you get a standard rejection that tells you absolutely nothing about how to improve yourself for the next time.
* In regard to the book you’re promoting, which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine? If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
Gerald Butler as Marcus is my perfect ideal since Marcus is a Spartan. Besides, seeing him in 300 is where I got my idea for Marcus in the first place. Uma Thurman would be fantastic for Tambra Ellis and Ian Somerhalder is my perfect Lycan antagonist Temple Fox.
* Is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
This is the first book in a series and with each book in the Dark Breed series it can be read as a stand-alone.
*** Now for some fun info… ***
* What’s your favorite color?
Black and purple, black and red, black and…The only color I absolutely hate is pink.
* Would you/have you own(ed) a snake or some other exotic pet?
I had several pet rats and a ferret. I loved my rats and believe it or not they can be very affectionate. *most people I know shudder with revulsion now* I am a major animal lover the only thing I can’t stand is spiders.
* Which do you prefer: rain or sun & warm weather or cold weather?
I love the heat. The hotter the better. I’m kind of a wuss with the cold and start whimpering right after Christmas wanting my heat back. The best thing ever for me is a summer rain storm.
* If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
My computer is a must so I would need is a generator, toothbrush, my Kindle and DVD’s and player I am a movie nut!
*** About her book and series… ***
Dark Passion Rising: A Dark Breed Novel ~ The exciting first book in the Dark Breed series by Shannan Albright
Tambra Ellis has just had her world turned upside down! Surviving a bite from a Lycan, attracted to one hot vampire guy and now she has to look forward to turning into something from some bad werewolf movie.
Marcus Valerian has enough on his plate without the added complication of Tambra Ellis. Fiery and independent? Sure. Beautiful with a body made for sin? Oh Yeh. And a human cop. Tambra is everything he needs to stay away from.
As leader of the Tribunal’s enforcers it’s up to him to find out why the Dark Breeds are going feral and killing humans in ever increasing numbers. Tambra’s life is in the balance as the secrets of her past place her in the middle of old deceits and a betrayal that will change the world forever.
Will Marcus and Tambra’s love survive or will it be too late?
Available through: www.evernightpublishing.com and www.amazonkindle.com
The whole idea came to me one night after going to the Fremont Experience. In the opening chapter I set the book there. I never had a book come together as easily as this one did. It was like the characters were really writing the book and I was just dictating it.
* If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
My computer is a must so I would need is a generator, toothbrush, my Kindle and DVD’s and player I am a movie nut!
*** About her book and series… ***
Dark Passion Rising: A Dark Breed Novel ~ The exciting first book in the Dark Breed series by Shannan Albright
Marcus Valerian has enough on his plate without the added complication of Tambra Ellis. Fiery and independent? Sure. Beautiful with a body made for sin? Oh Yeh. And a human cop. Tambra is everything he needs to stay away from.
As leader of the Tribunal’s enforcers it’s up to him to find out why the Dark Breeds are going feral and killing humans in ever increasing numbers. Tambra’s life is in the balance as the secrets of her past place her in the middle of old deceits and a betrayal that will change the world forever.
Will Marcus and Tambra’s love survive or will it be too late?
Available through: www.evernightpublishing.com and www.amazonkindle.com
The whole idea came to me one night after going to the Fremont Experience. In the opening chapter I set the book there. I never had a book come together as easily as this one did. It was like the characters were really writing the book and I was just dictating it.
***Find Shannan here***
facebook: Shannan Albright
Check out her video!
Thank you for joining us here today, Shannan! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your work.
20 March 2011
Sunday Snapshots - Views
In the search to bring you, oh fair reader, something different than what you can find elsewhere, I have decided to share some pics with you. No they aren’t going to be your typical photos of semi-naked or naked men and women. If you want those, I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. :) That’s not to say that I won’t ever have a guy or two on here. After all, there are some tasty male and other adult revue shows that offer opportunities for pictures with the dancers. ;)
Here on this blog, I’ll be sharing snapshots of Las Vegas through a resident’s perspective that have been taken over the last decade.
Here are this week’s pics…
Here on this blog, I’ll be sharing snapshots of Las Vegas through a resident’s perspective that have been taken over the last decade.
Here are this week’s pics…
Let me know what you think of the pics. If you'd like to see something in particular here in Las Vegas (aside from a pic of me since I currently abhor pictures of myself), let me know & I'll see if I can get it up here for you.
Happy viewing!
C.R. Moss
18 March 2011
Welcome special guest: author Kaylea Cross
So, Kaylea, what inspired you to become a writer?
I had some great teachers in elementary school that fired my imagination and fueled the desire to put my words down on paper. I’ve been a writer ever since I can remember.
When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
I wrote part of one in my early teens, and then for some reason when I was pregnant with my first child I decided I had to write my first book. I blame it on the pregnancy hormones :)
How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
Um…one? Don’t hate me! I had to rewrite the book twice to get it ready for submission, so if you look at it that way, it was kind of like my third book.
What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
I write romantic suspense and now some erotic romance (thanks to my editor, who turned me to the dark side – look for my pen name Callie Croix and my first erotic romance release coming soon) and paranormal romance.
What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
Worst would have to be demanding a certain daily word count from myself. I can’t work that way, it scares my muse to death. The best advice I’ve received is to allow myself to write crap in the first draft. Crap can be fixed; blank page…not so much.
How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
Acceptance is awesome. I love acceptance. Rejection? It sucks the big one. My skin’s slightly thicker than it was when I first ventured into the world of writing, but it would sure be handy to add a bit more armor so the negative things bounce right off me. I’m working on it.
Which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine in Cover of Darkness? If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
Cover of Darkness features a yummy Navy SEAL lieutenant named Declan, so I’d love to see someone like The Rock (yum), Ben Afleck, or Gerard Butler (he can’t use his gorgeous accent though). For Bryn’s character, I could see someone like Angelina Jolie.
Is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? What sparked the idea for the story/series? If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
Now for some fun info…
Are you a cat, dog or both kind of person?
I’m actually a dog person whose husband won’t let her have one (because of a certain Golden Retriever from hell that we used to own), so I make do with a cat. He’s nice enough, but it’s not the same as having a dog and I miss it.
Would you/have you own(ed) a snake or some other exotic pet?
I’ve owned two pot-bellied pigs once. That was interesting. Did you know you can put them into a trance and make them tip over by scratching for a minute or two over their chests, right between their front legs? It’s true. Try it next time you’re at a petting zoo.
Which do you prefer: rain or sun & warm weather or cold weather?
I like the sun if it’s not too hot (like say, down in Las Vegas) or humid, but since I live in Vancouver I’m pretty comfortable in the rain. I love hearing it coming down on the roof, and it’s a good thing I think it’s so cozy because we get a lot of it.
About her book and series…
Absolution, the 5th and final book of the series, is my latest release. But today I want to talk about Cover of Darkness.
Blurb: Targeted by a terrorist cell, Bryn McAllister survives a bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut only to be left to die in a desert cellar. When she is rescued by Navy SEAL Lieutenant Declan McCabe and his team, Bryn must rely on the handsome officer to get her to safety. But just when she thinks the nightmare is over, family friend and legendary CIA operative Luke Hutchinson recruits her and McCabe to help track down the terrorist mastermind responsible for the attack.
With Bryn determined to see the terrorist brought to justice, Dec joins up to protect her, prepared to do whatever it takes to keep her safe during their dangerous mission. Battling the explosive attraction between them, Dec fights to keep his distance from her so he can do his job and keep her alive. But when plans falls apart and Bryn is captured, he must make the agonizing choice between his duty as a SEAL and the life of the woman he loves.
I did some really cool research for this one, including taking up belly dance and going up for my first ever helicopter ride so I could pretend I was a SPECOPS soldier just for a few minutes. I watched documentaries about the war in Iraq and recent political tensions in the Middle East, as well as terror groups in the area. Then I read about a half dozen Navy SEAL memoirs and non-fiction books, including Lone Survivor, which I highly recommend.
So far Cover of Darkness has won the 2010 Heart of Excellence Award, placed 3rd in the 2010 Laurel Wreath Award, and finaled in the 2011 EPIC eBook Awards.
Purchasing info: http://www.kayleacross.com — Publisher link: http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89_78&products_id=3890 — Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Cover-of-Darkness-ebook/dp/B003A02OQ0/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&m=AZC9TZ4UC9CFC
http://www.amazon.com/Cover-of-Darkness-ebook/dp/B003A02OQ0/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&m=AZC9TZ4UC9CFC
Which do you prefer: rain or sun & warm weather or cold weather?
I like the sun if it’s not too hot (like say, down in Las Vegas) or humid, but since I live in Vancouver I’m pretty comfortable in the rain. I love hearing it coming down on the roof, and it’s a good thing I think it’s so cozy because we get a lot of it.
Absolution, the 5th and final book of the series, is my latest release. But today I want to talk about Cover of Darkness.
Blurb: Targeted by a terrorist cell, Bryn McAllister survives a bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut only to be left to die in a desert cellar. When she is rescued by Navy SEAL Lieutenant Declan McCabe and his team, Bryn must rely on the handsome officer to get her to safety. But just when she thinks the nightmare is over, family friend and legendary CIA operative Luke Hutchinson recruits her and McCabe to help track down the terrorist mastermind responsible for the attack.
With Bryn determined to see the terrorist brought to justice, Dec joins up to protect her, prepared to do whatever it takes to keep her safe during their dangerous mission. Battling the explosive attraction between them, Dec fights to keep his distance from her so he can do his job and keep her alive. But when plans falls apart and Bryn is captured, he must make the agonizing choice between his duty as a SEAL and the life of the woman he loves.
I did some really cool research for this one, including taking up belly dance and going up for my first ever helicopter ride so I could pretend I was a SPECOPS soldier just for a few minutes. I watched documentaries about the war in Iraq and recent political tensions in the Middle East, as well as terror groups in the area. Then I read about a half dozen Navy SEAL memoirs and non-fiction books, including Lone Survivor, which I highly recommend.
So far Cover of Darkness has won the 2010 Heart of Excellence Award, placed 3rd in the 2010 Laurel Wreath Award, and finaled in the 2011 EPIC eBook Awards.
Purchasing info: http://www.kayleacross.com — Publisher link: http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89_78&products_id=3890 — Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Cover-of-Darkness-ebook/dp/B003A02OQ0/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&m=AZC9TZ4UC9CFC
http://www.amazon.com/Cover-of-Darkness-ebook/dp/B003A02OQ0/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&m=AZC9TZ4UC9CFC
Find Kaylea here:
Website: www.kayleacross.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Kaylea-Cross
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kayleacross
Giveaway! 1 digital copy of Cover of Darkness (though if she has any paperbacks left she can send one of those if the winner prefers) – or - entrant may choose a digital copy of one of her other books if they prefer. Please leave a comment telling Kaylea what you love about Special Ops heroes in romantic suspense or something interesting you’ve learned about Special Ops soldiers. Contest will run for 1 week from blog appearance, and winner will be chosen via drawing by C.R. Moss. Please leave your email with your comment or email contact@crmoss.net with your email, this way Kaylea can contact the winner about sending the book.
13 March 2011
Some Great News!
Angela Waters, the cover artist for my book, 'Beautiful People,' won the EPIC Ariana Art Award (tm) in the Horror category! Congrats Angela! Information on EPIC and my book can be found in the following locations:
www.epicauthors.com
and
http://www.crmoss.net/BeautifulPeople.htm
For a limited time, select Kindle books are on sale at amazon for only 99 cents!
Find the books here:
http://www.amazon.com/C.-R.-Moss/e/B002DBE49W
11 March 2011
Welcome special guests: the writing team AP Miller
Welcome to AP Miller, the multi-published, best selling, award winning husband/wife author team. They are published in many different genres that include: Paranormal, historical, fantasy, science fiction, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, YA, gaslight Victorian, urban fantasy, mystery, children’s, horror, bdsm, contemporary romance, mainstream. Patti is co-producer with Riwayat Films where their books will be turned into movies. She is also the novelist for the vampire movie script “Night Life”. They live with their three dogs in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Looking for some hot, sexy reads with likeable and identifiable characters? Try a book by this wonderful writing team!
What inspired you to become a writer?
Patti: At a young age I always wanted to write. I was most inspired by stories like Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Middlemarch and the Buccaneers. I was always writing at a young age and had my nose in a book, When I was older I was on the high school news paper and my college newspaper where I went on to write short stories for a local magazine.
Andrew: Growing up I always had my nose in a book. I used to go to public school and wait for the dreary day to end so I could go home and trade my boring textbooks for novels by Anne McAffrey, Harry Harrison, Piers Anthony, Robert Heinlein. The worlds they evoked were so vivid and rich, and when I began to try my hand at telling my own stories, I found that people felt the same about my work, so I kept on going.
When did you attempt your first story?
Patti: I wrote my first REAL story back in the early 80’s where it was published as a trilogy and contracted with a small press in NYC.
Andrew: My first stories were in fact fan fiction, stories based on the works of others. Video games, mostly – after writing a novelization of Shining Force I, I felt my literary skills had been honed well enough to attempt professional writing of original creations.
What length was it?
Patti: They were full novel length in print.
Andrew: A series of short stories, one for each Chapter of the game, accumulated into a full novel.
What's become of it?
Patti: It has sat on the shelves collecting dust until now. I will be bringing it back out to revise and re-submit.
Andrew: It’s still there online, as far as I know. It’s hardly representative of my best skills, and I’m actually rather embarrassed by some of the author’s notes at the end of each chapter, but it’s the first thing I wrote that I’m not literally ashamed to have people know I’ve written.
How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
Patti: That was the first and only REAL story I ever wrote that actually was accepted the first time I submitted. As far as unpublished work I had probably written well over one hundred and fifty stories.
Andrew: I wrote a great deal of fiction before I attempted submitting anything, after meeting and joining my career with Patti’s. All of it fan fiction and therefore not something to publish for pay. It helped me tremendously in finding my own literary voice.
What genre(s) do you write in?
Patti: I write in paranormal romance, historical romance, (Medieval, westerns, regencies) romantic comedy, romantic suspense, mystery, horror, YA, children’s, gaslight Victorian, bdsm, steam punk, cyberpunk, contemporary, erotica, urban fantasy, Opera erotica.
Andrew: I mostly write in the science fiction and fantasy genres, as well as bdsm and erotica of various sorts. I appear to be one of the first to have written a story that might be classed as Biblical Erotica. I’m strongly contemplating diving into westerns, next.
What drew you to write in it/them?
Patti: I enjoyed entertaining people who were willing to read my stories. I have always loved writing and since I had the knowledge to write in many different genres that’s what I decided to do to become professional.
Andrew: Science Fiction is all about asking big questions: What If? About exploring the future, the outer limits of reality, the inner workings of the mind. Fantasy, good Fantasy, is much the same, spinning worlds of fancy in which deeper truths may be explored.
What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
Patti: I really don’t have a favorite I have fun writing in all of them actually. But if I did have to choose right now? I’d say my horror books. I am writing one now titled “HUSH.”
Andrew: It depends on my mood, really. I just sit back and see what inspiration strikes.
What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
Patti: LOL! I’m usually the one giving the advice. I can honestly say I have never had any of my writing received in a negative manner.
Andrew: The best would be from my older brother Daniel, when he warned against making my characters too powerful in comparison to the challenges presented to them. Mary Sues are boring. The worst would be to give up writing.
How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
Patti: Well, of course we are thrilled when we receive a contract or an invite from a publisher, but we don’t celebrate. I honestly can’t remember when we had our last rejection letter.
Andrew: When we receive a contract we smile and then get back to work. When we receive rejection notices Patti attempts to talk me out of slitting my wrists.
In regard to the book you’re promoting, which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine?
Patti: Well at the moment since our books are in pre-production that’s hush hush…
Andrew: You’ll never get me to squeal! Do your worst, interrogators!
If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
Patti: We have many Villains in our books. The stories are stand alone films.
Andrew: Anyone suitably villainous onscreen. Since villains usually steal the show anyway.
In regard to the book you’re promoting, is it a stand-alone story or part of a series?
This is a series of romantic comedy Christmas stories.
What sparked the idea for the story/series?
Patti: I love Christmas! What would go better then Christmas and romance?
Andrew: It kept her from going overboard with the Christmas decorations! Is there anything better than an excuse to keep this woman from covering the entire house with enough decorations to be mistaken for a festive lighthouse?
If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
Patti: Book Two is: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy; Book Three is: It’s a Wonderful Life
Now for some fun information…
Are you a cat, dog or both kind of person?
Patti: I prefer dogs. As a child I had both dogs and cats, along with birds, rabbits, tropical fish including Pirrana, guinea pigs, hamsters and a skunk…yes you read that right…
Andrew: I prefer… both, really. Each have their own merits. I will note this: if you treat a dog the way a cat expects to be treated, the dog becomes insanely loyal. Then again, both deserve such treatment anyway.
Would you/have you own(ed) a snake or some other exotic pet?
Patti: Yes I actually owned a skunk when I was very young HIS name was Wilma…my mother swore he was a female…
Andrew: My brother Ed was encouraged to keep tropical fish, since he was said to be more responsible than I was. It was morbidly fascinating, watching the angel fish swim through green water with its tail being devoured by its hungry fellow prisoners…
If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
Patti: I’d have a fishing pole, knife, tooth brush, bikini, and a good book. Believe me I would be able to make shelter, fire and survive in peace and quiet.
Andrew: A working cell phone, a fully fueled motorboat, a GPS, a map, and a radio.
About their book…
Under the Mistletoe is the prequel to Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. It’s a story about a woman who is down on her luck with men and they usually dump her right around Christmas time. All she wants is someone who is loyal, honest and who will love her.
EXCERPT for UNDER THE MISTLETOE
Rain pelted the streets of Manhattan. The wind blew hazardous gusts, taking several umbrellas with it while people scurried for places to hide inside storefronts and under awnings, anywhere that would shield them long enough for the wind to die down.
Miranda Harris was no different from the bustling NY crowds who more often than not found themselves stranded in the current situation.
She held firm to her overly large umbrella, its size akin to that of a patio umbrella… she wasn't taking any chances this time.
The umbrella wobbled in her grip, but she turned it just a bit against the wind. She wasn't about to get wet… no sir… and she would remember to shoot the weatherman once she left the office. Typical Christmas weather, she thought. The streets were decorated, the Rockefeller tree was up and Macy's storefront was decked and ready. Yet she wasn't, seemed she never was. Christmas always left her lonely, and she was never able to hold on to a solid relationship with a man.
So once again she'd been dumped right before the holiday.
Wishing the rain would have been snow instead, Miranda stood anxiously at the curb on West 52nd Street. Bundled up in her best coat with a few layers under that to try and beat the frigid air of the Northeast climate, she watched as the cars drove past her in an unorderly frenzy. She glanced at the light several times in sheer frustration then counted… "One, two, three." As she began to step off the curb, a New York cabbie flew past her, sending a shower of water that soaked her to the skin.
There she stood, drenched from head to toe. "You stupid moron!" she bellowed after him, but he just kept driving. She began to cry. "Why is it always me?" She trudged through the puddles in her new weatherproof rain boots. The streets always flooded, which was a huge problem for anyone who had no choice but to walk the long street from the subway.
Her mousey brown, neatly coiffed curls were now wet dirty tangles hanging over her eyes. She slapped at her hair, pushing it away from her face. Holding the umbrella, realizing it now served her no purpose at all, she handed it to a homeless man who was sheltered inside of a cardboard box under the awning of a small store. "Here, you need this more than I do," she suggested as she stomped away in a sopping wet mess.
Four long blocks to go, that's all… "Bah Humbug!"
"Merry Christmas and ho, ho, ho my ass!" She spoke through clenched teeth that chattered more from the cold. Miranda was freezing and wanted nothing more than to get into the building where she would find warmth and her devoted friend and secretary, Chelsea, who would undoubtedly be waiting with a nice cup of hot chocolate for her and the morning's messages.
* * * *
"Good morning, Miss Harr…" George the doorman paused. "What happened to you? Oh my, come inside quickly before you catch cold." He shielded her with his own body against the rain then opened the door.
"Can I get you anything?" he asked.
"No, George, thanks. I'll be fine once I get to my office."
"All right then, good day." He tipped his hat.
She reached the elevator and pressed the button. The door didn't respond. She pressed it again, still nothing. She pressed it several more times in succession before finally kicking the door and walking toward the stairwell.
"Dammit!"
Twelve flights of stairs… Looking up, she screamed, "Son of a bitch!"
The book can be purchased through Silver Publishing at: http://silverpublishing.info/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/under-the-mistletoe-p-118 — On Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=under+the+mistletoe%2C+ap+miller&x=0&y=0 — On Barnes and Noble Nook: http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=BOOK&WRD=under+the+mistletoe%2c+ap+miller&page=index&prod=univ&choice=book&query=under+the+mistletoe%2c+ap+miller&flag=False&hgg=y&hgg=Y&ugrp=1
Find AP Miller at:
Website: www.apmiller.weebly.com
Film site: http://www.produceronamission.weebly.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=142016292523287&set=a.106341132757470.3906.100001447525319#!/AP.Millerauthor
Thank you to CR Moss, who by the way happens to be one of my own favorite authors…you can find her books at “eXtasy Books.”
Thanks for doing the interview and being a fan of my work! It was a pleasure having you both here and learning about you and your work.
Giveaway! 1 digital copy of Under the Mistletoe. Please leave a comment telling AP Miller what you enjoyed about their interview and/or stories. Contest will run for 1 week from blog appearance, and winner will be chosen via drawing by C.R. Moss. Please leave your email with your comment or email contact@crmoss.net with your email, this way the winner can be contacted.
Looking for some hot, sexy reads with likeable and identifiable characters? Try a book by this wonderful writing team!
What inspired you to become a writer?
Patti: At a young age I always wanted to write. I was most inspired by stories like Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Middlemarch and the Buccaneers. I was always writing at a young age and had my nose in a book, When I was older I was on the high school news paper and my college newspaper where I went on to write short stories for a local magazine.
Andrew: Growing up I always had my nose in a book. I used to go to public school and wait for the dreary day to end so I could go home and trade my boring textbooks for novels by Anne McAffrey, Harry Harrison, Piers Anthony, Robert Heinlein. The worlds they evoked were so vivid and rich, and when I began to try my hand at telling my own stories, I found that people felt the same about my work, so I kept on going.
When did you attempt your first story?
Patti: I wrote my first REAL story back in the early 80’s where it was published as a trilogy and contracted with a small press in NYC.
Andrew: My first stories were in fact fan fiction, stories based on the works of others. Video games, mostly – after writing a novelization of Shining Force I, I felt my literary skills had been honed well enough to attempt professional writing of original creations.
What length was it?
Patti: They were full novel length in print.
Andrew: A series of short stories, one for each Chapter of the game, accumulated into a full novel.
What's become of it?
Patti: It has sat on the shelves collecting dust until now. I will be bringing it back out to revise and re-submit.
Andrew: It’s still there online, as far as I know. It’s hardly representative of my best skills, and I’m actually rather embarrassed by some of the author’s notes at the end of each chapter, but it’s the first thing I wrote that I’m not literally ashamed to have people know I’ve written.
How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
Patti: That was the first and only REAL story I ever wrote that actually was accepted the first time I submitted. As far as unpublished work I had probably written well over one hundred and fifty stories.
Andrew: I wrote a great deal of fiction before I attempted submitting anything, after meeting and joining my career with Patti’s. All of it fan fiction and therefore not something to publish for pay. It helped me tremendously in finding my own literary voice.
What genre(s) do you write in?
Patti: I write in paranormal romance, historical romance, (Medieval, westerns, regencies) romantic comedy, romantic suspense, mystery, horror, YA, children’s, gaslight Victorian, bdsm, steam punk, cyberpunk, contemporary, erotica, urban fantasy, Opera erotica.
Andrew: I mostly write in the science fiction and fantasy genres, as well as bdsm and erotica of various sorts. I appear to be one of the first to have written a story that might be classed as Biblical Erotica. I’m strongly contemplating diving into westerns, next.
What drew you to write in it/them?
Patti: I enjoyed entertaining people who were willing to read my stories. I have always loved writing and since I had the knowledge to write in many different genres that’s what I decided to do to become professional.
Andrew: Science Fiction is all about asking big questions: What If? About exploring the future, the outer limits of reality, the inner workings of the mind. Fantasy, good Fantasy, is much the same, spinning worlds of fancy in which deeper truths may be explored.
What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
Patti: I really don’t have a favorite I have fun writing in all of them actually. But if I did have to choose right now? I’d say my horror books. I am writing one now titled “HUSH.”
Andrew: It depends on my mood, really. I just sit back and see what inspiration strikes.
What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
Patti: LOL! I’m usually the one giving the advice. I can honestly say I have never had any of my writing received in a negative manner.
Andrew: The best would be from my older brother Daniel, when he warned against making my characters too powerful in comparison to the challenges presented to them. Mary Sues are boring. The worst would be to give up writing.
How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
Patti: Well, of course we are thrilled when we receive a contract or an invite from a publisher, but we don’t celebrate. I honestly can’t remember when we had our last rejection letter.
Andrew: When we receive a contract we smile and then get back to work. When we receive rejection notices Patti attempts to talk me out of slitting my wrists.
In regard to the book you’re promoting, which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine?
Patti: Well at the moment since our books are in pre-production that’s hush hush…
Andrew: You’ll never get me to squeal! Do your worst, interrogators!
If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
Patti: We have many Villains in our books. The stories are stand alone films.
Andrew: Anyone suitably villainous onscreen. Since villains usually steal the show anyway.
In regard to the book you’re promoting, is it a stand-alone story or part of a series?
This is a series of romantic comedy Christmas stories.
What sparked the idea for the story/series?
Patti: I love Christmas! What would go better then Christmas and romance?
Andrew: It kept her from going overboard with the Christmas decorations! Is there anything better than an excuse to keep this woman from covering the entire house with enough decorations to be mistaken for a festive lighthouse?
If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
Patti: Book Two is: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy; Book Three is: It’s a Wonderful Life
Now for some fun information…
Are you a cat, dog or both kind of person?
Patti: I prefer dogs. As a child I had both dogs and cats, along with birds, rabbits, tropical fish including Pirrana, guinea pigs, hamsters and a skunk…yes you read that right…
Andrew: I prefer… both, really. Each have their own merits. I will note this: if you treat a dog the way a cat expects to be treated, the dog becomes insanely loyal. Then again, both deserve such treatment anyway.
Would you/have you own(ed) a snake or some other exotic pet?
Patti: Yes I actually owned a skunk when I was very young HIS name was Wilma…my mother swore he was a female…
Andrew: My brother Ed was encouraged to keep tropical fish, since he was said to be more responsible than I was. It was morbidly fascinating, watching the angel fish swim through green water with its tail being devoured by its hungry fellow prisoners…
If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
Patti: I’d have a fishing pole, knife, tooth brush, bikini, and a good book. Believe me I would be able to make shelter, fire and survive in peace and quiet.
Andrew: A working cell phone, a fully fueled motorboat, a GPS, a map, and a radio.
Under the Mistletoe is the prequel to Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. It’s a story about a woman who is down on her luck with men and they usually dump her right around Christmas time. All she wants is someone who is loyal, honest and who will love her.
EXCERPT for UNDER THE MISTLETOE
Rain pelted the streets of Manhattan. The wind blew hazardous gusts, taking several umbrellas with it while people scurried for places to hide inside storefronts and under awnings, anywhere that would shield them long enough for the wind to die down.
Miranda Harris was no different from the bustling NY crowds who more often than not found themselves stranded in the current situation.
She held firm to her overly large umbrella, its size akin to that of a patio umbrella… she wasn't taking any chances this time.
The umbrella wobbled in her grip, but she turned it just a bit against the wind. She wasn't about to get wet… no sir… and she would remember to shoot the weatherman once she left the office. Typical Christmas weather, she thought. The streets were decorated, the Rockefeller tree was up and Macy's storefront was decked and ready. Yet she wasn't, seemed she never was. Christmas always left her lonely, and she was never able to hold on to a solid relationship with a man.
So once again she'd been dumped right before the holiday.
Wishing the rain would have been snow instead, Miranda stood anxiously at the curb on West 52nd Street. Bundled up in her best coat with a few layers under that to try and beat the frigid air of the Northeast climate, she watched as the cars drove past her in an unorderly frenzy. She glanced at the light several times in sheer frustration then counted… "One, two, three." As she began to step off the curb, a New York cabbie flew past her, sending a shower of water that soaked her to the skin.
There she stood, drenched from head to toe. "You stupid moron!" she bellowed after him, but he just kept driving. She began to cry. "Why is it always me?" She trudged through the puddles in her new weatherproof rain boots. The streets always flooded, which was a huge problem for anyone who had no choice but to walk the long street from the subway.
Her mousey brown, neatly coiffed curls were now wet dirty tangles hanging over her eyes. She slapped at her hair, pushing it away from her face. Holding the umbrella, realizing it now served her no purpose at all, she handed it to a homeless man who was sheltered inside of a cardboard box under the awning of a small store. "Here, you need this more than I do," she suggested as she stomped away in a sopping wet mess.
Four long blocks to go, that's all… "Bah Humbug!"
"Merry Christmas and ho, ho, ho my ass!" She spoke through clenched teeth that chattered more from the cold. Miranda was freezing and wanted nothing more than to get into the building where she would find warmth and her devoted friend and secretary, Chelsea, who would undoubtedly be waiting with a nice cup of hot chocolate for her and the morning's messages.
* * * *
"Good morning, Miss Harr…" George the doorman paused. "What happened to you? Oh my, come inside quickly before you catch cold." He shielded her with his own body against the rain then opened the door.
"Can I get you anything?" he asked.
"No, George, thanks. I'll be fine once I get to my office."
"All right then, good day." He tipped his hat.
She reached the elevator and pressed the button. The door didn't respond. She pressed it again, still nothing. She pressed it several more times in succession before finally kicking the door and walking toward the stairwell.
"Dammit!"
Twelve flights of stairs… Looking up, she screamed, "Son of a bitch!"
The book can be purchased through Silver Publishing at: http://silverpublishing.info/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/under-the-mistletoe-p-118 — On Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=under+the+mistletoe%2C+ap+miller&x=0&y=0 — On Barnes and Noble Nook: http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=BOOK&WRD=under+the+mistletoe%2c+ap+miller&page=index&prod=univ&choice=book&query=under+the+mistletoe%2c+ap+miller&flag=False&hgg=y&hgg=Y&ugrp=1
Find AP Miller at:
Website: www.apmiller.weebly.com
Film site: http://www.produceronamission.weebly.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=142016292523287&set=a.106341132757470.3906.100001447525319#!/AP.Millerauthor
Thank you to CR Moss, who by the way happens to be one of my own favorite authors…you can find her books at “eXtasy Books.”
Thanks for doing the interview and being a fan of my work! It was a pleasure having you both here and learning about you and your work.
Giveaway! 1 digital copy of Under the Mistletoe. Please leave a comment telling AP Miller what you enjoyed about their interview and/or stories. Contest will run for 1 week from blog appearance, and winner will be chosen via drawing by C.R. Moss. Please leave your email with your comment or email contact@crmoss.net with your email, this way the winner can be contacted.
04 March 2011
Welcome Special Guest: author Yvonne Walus
Please welcome author, Yvonne Walus!
Yvonne Walus, award-winning novelist, poet, freelance writer, business analyst, mathematician, corporate trainer, wife, mother, joins us on her blog extravaganza tour. Yvonne will be visiting blogs today, March 4, and will give away a $10 Amazon gift certificate to the host with the most comments and to a randomly drawn commenter. So be sure to comment so you’re put in her drawing!
Hello Yvonne! What inspired you to become a writer?
When I left university, I started working as a computer programmer, gradually moving to a managerial role. Although parts of the job were fun and I worked very hard to get new clients and meet deadlines, I always had this distinct impression that it didn’t matter in the greater scheme of things. You know, one report more, one report less - who cared?
A nurse who bandages someone’s injury brings relief from pain. A farmer grows food. A garbage man keeps the streets clean. What did I do to make the world a better place? Nothing.
As a writer, I hope to inspire my readers, to make them laugh or think, or both. I want to make a difference to their day. I want them to be glad they’d read my book. It’s a lot to ask, I know. I may not always get it right. Still, it’s better than writing software packages that become obsolete three months after they hit the shelves.
When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
My first story was called “The Wedding Night”. The suggestive title was followed by suggestive text, following the happy couple into their honeymoon suite where they spent the night… unwrapping their wedding gifts.
It was about 1,000 words long. It never got published.
How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
About 5. I was lucky enough to find a science-fiction market hungry for stories.
What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
I write chiefly murder mysteries, because I love reading them, as well as romance, because romance sells. I enjoy new challenges and variety, so I’ve also dabbled in literature and futuristic settings.
What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
The best advice, which I swear I’ll follow religiously from now on, is: “read it aloud”. Amazing it all sounds different to the way it reads in your head! There is nothing like reading your new book to a hundred people at a signing to make you wish you’d done it before you submitted the manuscript.
The worst advice ever, has to be: “Don’t quit your day job”. I mean, the advice is 100% correct. Most writers, even published writers, don’t make a living out of their books. It’s just that, if you have a day job, you don’t have enough time or energy or sheer drive to pour into your novel.
How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
Back when I started submitting to editors and publishers, I used to wait around the post box. Nowadays, I make sure I send out so many submissions, I get a few hits among the many misses. There is only one cure for a rejection letter: an acceptance from elsewhere.
In regard to the book you’re promoting, which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine? If there’s a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
My amateur detective, Christine Chamberlain, I’ve always imagined as a fiesty blonde. Emilie de Ravin, perhaps (Clair from LOST), or Kate Bosworth. Her husband is a Johnny Depp type. MURDER @ PLAY also has great roles for Leo di Caprio and Nicole Kidman, Hollywood agents please take a number and form an orderly queue. ;-)
In regard to the book you’re promoting, is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? What sparked the idea for the story/series? If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
MURDER @ PLAY is a prequel to MURDER @ WORK and it’s best to read them in this order.
I got the idea for the series from a highly feminist friend of mine who berated today’s literature for its lack of good female role models for our generation. Most heroines were James Bond bimbos or Bridget Jones lovable klutzes. He wanted to see an intelligent heroine, intelligent in a brainy way. Dr. Christine Chamberlain, with her mathematical mind, is my answer.
Now for some fun stuff…
Are you a morning person or night owl?
Definitely a night owl. The night, with its silence and shadows, makes a lovely place to be.
If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be and why?
Definitely here on earth. I like the atmosphere…. Seriously though, New Zealand is a lovely country to call home, but if I had enough money, I’d happily spend two of its winter months on a Greek island.
If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
A fully functional bathroom. A computer. Internet. … You know… 3 is all I need!
About Yvonne’s releases & where to find her online:
EVERY MARRIAGE NEEDS A TOUCH OF MYSTERY. OR DOES IT?
In the new free South Africa of 1994, men are still boss, women carry handguns for self-protection and some mistakes can change your life forever.
When a body is found during their weekend away with friends, Christine Chamberlain must use her brilliant mathematical mind to prove her husband’s innocence...
... whether he’s innocent or not.
When it comes to your loved ones, is it possible to know too much?
PRAISE FOR “MURDER @ WORK”:
My first story was called “The Wedding Night”. The suggestive title was followed by suggestive text, following the happy couple into their honeymoon suite where they spent the night… unwrapping their wedding gifts.
It was about 1,000 words long. It never got published.
How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
About 5. I was lucky enough to find a science-fiction market hungry for stories.
What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What’s your favorite genre of all to write in?
I write chiefly murder mysteries, because I love reading them, as well as romance, because romance sells. I enjoy new challenges and variety, so I’ve also dabbled in literature and futuristic settings.
What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
The best advice, which I swear I’ll follow religiously from now on, is: “read it aloud”. Amazing it all sounds different to the way it reads in your head! There is nothing like reading your new book to a hundred people at a signing to make you wish you’d done it before you submitted the manuscript.
The worst advice ever, has to be: “Don’t quit your day job”. I mean, the advice is 100% correct. Most writers, even published writers, don’t make a living out of their books. It’s just that, if you have a day job, you don’t have enough time or energy or sheer drive to pour into your novel.
How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
Back when I started submitting to editors and publishers, I used to wait around the post box. Nowadays, I make sure I send out so many submissions, I get a few hits among the many misses. There is only one cure for a rejection letter: an acceptance from elsewhere.
My amateur detective, Christine Chamberlain, I’ve always imagined as a fiesty blonde. Emilie de Ravin, perhaps (Clair from LOST), or Kate Bosworth. Her husband is a Johnny Depp type. MURDER @ PLAY also has great roles for Leo di Caprio and Nicole Kidman, Hollywood agents please take a number and form an orderly queue. ;-)
In regard to the book you’re promoting, is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? What sparked the idea for the story/series? If it’s part of a series, please list the order the books need to be read in for maximum reading enjoyment.
MURDER @ PLAY is a prequel to MURDER @ WORK and it’s best to read them in this order.
I got the idea for the series from a highly feminist friend of mine who berated today’s literature for its lack of good female role models for our generation. Most heroines were James Bond bimbos or Bridget Jones lovable klutzes. He wanted to see an intelligent heroine, intelligent in a brainy way. Dr. Christine Chamberlain, with her mathematical mind, is my answer.
Are you a morning person or night owl?
Definitely a night owl. The night, with its silence and shadows, makes a lovely place to be.
If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be and why?
Definitely here on earth. I like the atmosphere…. Seriously though, New Zealand is a lovely country to call home, but if I had enough money, I’d happily spend two of its winter months on a Greek island.
If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
A fully functional bathroom. A computer. Internet. … You know… 3 is all I need!
About Yvonne’s releases & where to find her online:
EVERY MARRIAGE NEEDS A TOUCH OF MYSTERY. OR DOES IT?
In the new free South Africa of 1994, men are still boss, women carry handguns for self-protection and some mistakes can change your life forever.
When a body is found during their weekend away with friends, Christine Chamberlain must use her brilliant mathematical mind to prove her husband’s innocence...
... whether he’s innocent or not.
When it comes to your loved ones, is it possible to know too much?
PRAISE FOR “MURDER @ WORK”:
· "A great read. Very witty. Very fresh."
· "An insight into South Africa without being bogged down with facts."
· "Excellent dialogue."
· “... a very hard book to put down, and is a great weekend read. The chapters are short and you quickly make progress. The characters are engaging, and well constructed, the plot is more complex than it first seems, and it will have you guessing until the last page.”
Excerpt:
Anonymous letters are always a cliché. In South Africa, they can also be deadly.
This one would contain no explosives or wires. Just a plain envelope and a photocopy of words cut out from newspapers.
How many copies?
Five. One for every guy at the Election Day after-party.
Or perhaps only four?
Yes, that would be truly brilliant. Only four. ...
LINKS:
website: http://yewalus.kiwiwebhost.net.nz/
blog: http://yewalus.blogspot.com/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yvonne.walus
book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJpbOiFkPkU
buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Play-ebook/dp/B003CT30GC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3QI763M62X7GQ&s=books&qid=1274234575&sr=1-2
publisher: http://www.echelonpress.com/
Thank you so much Yvonne for taking the time to do the interview and sharing your stories and writing life with us!
Excerpt:
Anonymous letters are always a cliché. In South Africa, they can also be deadly.
This one would contain no explosives or wires. Just a plain envelope and a photocopy of words cut out from newspapers.
How many copies?
Five. One for every guy at the Election Day after-party.
Or perhaps only four?
Yes, that would be truly brilliant. Only four. ...
LINKS:
website: http://yewalus.kiwiwebhost.net.nz/
blog: http://yewalus.blogspot.com/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yvonne.walus
book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJpbOiFkPkU
buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Play-ebook/dp/B003CT30GC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3QI763M62X7GQ&s=books&qid=1274234575&sr=1-2
publisher: http://www.echelonpress.com/
Thank you so much Yvonne for taking the time to do the interview and sharing your stories and writing life with us!
01 March 2011
Welcome Special Guest: author Johanna Riley
Please welcome author, Johanna Riley!
Johanna Riley, who also has three stories under Johanna Melaragno, started writing in middle school, bizarre stories to entertain her friends. When she realized she could get paid for listening to the voices in her head—and wouldn't get arrested or committed for it—she knew she'd found her calling.
And we’re glad she found her calling since she provides us with great heart warming stories!
So, Johanna, what inspired you to become a writer?
Even in elementary school I loved creative writing. I remember writing a story in 4th grade about how Paul Bunyon created the Hoover Dam with the help of his big blue ox. My teacher loved it, and encouraged me to keep writing. I hated public speaking even from a young age, and writing allowed me to say what I needed to say, even if it was done in a fictional story, without worrying about tripping over my tongue.
When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
Other than the short stories I wrote in 7th and 8th grade—which to this day are in the original notebook I wrote them in—I wrote a YA story about a boyband that was approximately 60k. I thought this story was going to send me straight to New York and onto the NYT Best Sellers list. Of course after it was finished I learned more about the craft and knew this story should NEVER see the light of day. (Did you know it’s possible to fit four points of view into one paragraph?) So it is tucked away for now to maybe be majorly revised in the future.
How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
Two. The full length mentioned above and then the story that I actually sold.
What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What's your favorite genre of all to write in?
Right now I write sweet and semi-sweet romance. Sweet because I knew my family was going to read the stories and I didn't want to send my wonderful grandmother into an early grave. Though I actually enjoyed reading the sweet boy-meets-girl story. I would say my favorite genre to write is suspense/horror. It's a great (and legal!) outlet to getting my frustrations out.
What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
The best piece of writing advice I received was write for yourself. If you write for yourself you know you'll love the book. And if you love the book, it shows in your writing.
The worst piece of advice…
The worst advice I received was from someone who thought I should change my writing voice to match what she wanted to read. Didn't matter if I liked the style or not, she wanted everyone to write like her and her favorite author.
How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
With every acceptance letter I do a giddy little dance. Doesn't matter how many I receive, it is still a thrill to know someone likes what I wrote. For rejection letters, I keep them in a folder and go back every so often and read those that gave feedback to make sure I have learned and not repeated the mistakes they thought I made.
Which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine? If there's a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
In 'Made to Order', my newest release, I see Orlando Bloom as Todd, Anne Hathaway as Shelby, and Victor Webster as Kevin.
Is 'Made to Order' a stand-alone story or part of a series? What sparked the idea for the story/series?
This story is part of a series called the Flower Basket, which was created by The Wild Rose Press Sweetheart line. My story is a standalone.
Now for some fun stuff…
What's your favorite color?
Blue
What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate marshmallow.
Are you a cat, dog or both kind of person?
I love both dogs and cats, though my cat will not allow us to bring other furry children home to stay.
Would you/have you own(ed) a snake or some other exotic pet?
Nope, unless hamsters are considered exotic. :)
Which do you prefer: rain or sun & warm weather or cold weather?
Ooh, I love rain and thunderstorms.
Are you a morning person or night owl?
A mix. My best amount of energy is from 11am to 6:30pm and then I get my second wind around 9:00pm if I'm not in bed already.
What's your favorite day of the week?
Saturday, first day of the weekend and I still have one more day off work.
What's your favorite number?
Don't have one.
If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be and why?
A remote island with the hubby and an Internet connection. That way I can have human contact if needed but I can also be allowed to indulge in my antisocial tendencies.
If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
Laptop with a never-die battery, endless supply of toilet paper, iPod, contacts, and antibacterial gel.
About Johanna's latest release & where to find her online: 'Made to Order' ~ Between running a diner, refereeing her employees, and pretending she's not in love with best friend Todd Chambers, Shelby Winters has enough on her plate. But when she receives flowers from an anonymous admirer and dinner invitations from her other best friend, Kevin Grady, she can't pass up the tempting opportunity to infuse her life with a little fun. Unfortunately, her new life is alienating Todd. Is Shelby's new joie de vie enough to give her the courage to confess her true feelings? Or will her inherent shyness leave her at a table for one?
'Made to Order' and her other titles can be purchased through The Wild Rose Press: http://tinyurl.com/TWRP-johannariley & http://tinyurl.com/twrp-JM
Readers can learn about Johanna Riley by checking out her website at www.johannariley.com and on Facebook: Johanna Riley author
Thank you so much Johanna for taking the time to do the interview and sharing your stories and writing life with us!
And we’re glad she found her calling since she provides us with great heart warming stories!
So, Johanna, what inspired you to become a writer?
Even in elementary school I loved creative writing. I remember writing a story in 4th grade about how Paul Bunyon created the Hoover Dam with the help of his big blue ox. My teacher loved it, and encouraged me to keep writing. I hated public speaking even from a young age, and writing allowed me to say what I needed to say, even if it was done in a fictional story, without worrying about tripping over my tongue.
When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?
Other than the short stories I wrote in 7th and 8th grade—which to this day are in the original notebook I wrote them in—I wrote a YA story about a boyband that was approximately 60k. I thought this story was going to send me straight to New York and onto the NYT Best Sellers list. Of course after it was finished I learned more about the craft and knew this story should NEVER see the light of day. (Did you know it’s possible to fit four points of view into one paragraph?) So it is tucked away for now to maybe be majorly revised in the future.
How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
Two. The full length mentioned above and then the story that I actually sold.
What genre(s) do you write in? What drew you to write in it/them? What's your favorite genre of all to write in?
Right now I write sweet and semi-sweet romance. Sweet because I knew my family was going to read the stories and I didn't want to send my wonderful grandmother into an early grave. Though I actually enjoyed reading the sweet boy-meets-girl story. I would say my favorite genre to write is suspense/horror. It's a great (and legal!) outlet to getting my frustrations out.
What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
The best piece of writing advice I received was write for yourself. If you write for yourself you know you'll love the book. And if you love the book, it shows in your writing.
The worst piece of advice…
The worst advice I received was from someone who thought I should change my writing voice to match what she wanted to read. Didn't matter if I liked the style or not, she wanted everyone to write like her and her favorite author.
How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
With every acceptance letter I do a giddy little dance. Doesn't matter how many I receive, it is still a thrill to know someone likes what I wrote. For rejection letters, I keep them in a folder and go back every so often and read those that gave feedback to make sure I have learned and not repeated the mistakes they thought I made.
Which actor and actress do you envision playing the roles of your hero and heroine? If there's a villain or other characters who are pertinent to the story, who would play those parts?
In 'Made to Order', my newest release, I see Orlando Bloom as Todd, Anne Hathaway as Shelby, and Victor Webster as Kevin.
Is 'Made to Order' a stand-alone story or part of a series? What sparked the idea for the story/series?
This story is part of a series called the Flower Basket, which was created by The Wild Rose Press Sweetheart line. My story is a standalone.
Now for some fun stuff…
What's your favorite color?
Blue
What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate marshmallow.
Are you a cat, dog or both kind of person?
I love both dogs and cats, though my cat will not allow us to bring other furry children home to stay.
Would you/have you own(ed) a snake or some other exotic pet?
Nope, unless hamsters are considered exotic. :)
Which do you prefer: rain or sun & warm weather or cold weather?
Ooh, I love rain and thunderstorms.
Are you a morning person or night owl?
A mix. My best amount of energy is from 11am to 6:30pm and then I get my second wind around 9:00pm if I'm not in bed already.
What's your favorite day of the week?
Saturday, first day of the weekend and I still have one more day off work.
What's your favorite number?
Don't have one.
If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be and why?
A remote island with the hubby and an Internet connection. That way I can have human contact if needed but I can also be allowed to indulge in my antisocial tendencies.
If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
Laptop with a never-die battery, endless supply of toilet paper, iPod, contacts, and antibacterial gel.
About Johanna's latest release & where to find her online: 'Made to Order' ~ Between running a diner, refereeing her employees, and pretending she's not in love with best friend Todd Chambers, Shelby Winters has enough on her plate. But when she receives flowers from an anonymous admirer and dinner invitations from her other best friend, Kevin Grady, she can't pass up the tempting opportunity to infuse her life with a little fun. Unfortunately, her new life is alienating Todd. Is Shelby's new joie de vie enough to give her the courage to confess her true feelings? Or will her inherent shyness leave her at a table for one?
'Made to Order' and her other titles can be purchased through The Wild Rose Press: http://tinyurl.com/TWRP-johannariley & http://tinyurl.com/twrp-JM
Readers can learn about Johanna Riley by checking out her website at www.johannariley.com and on Facebook: Johanna Riley author
Thank you so much Johanna for taking the time to do the interview and sharing your stories and writing life with us!
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