A Look At Tim Smith & 'Warning Shot' ( #romanticthriller #adventure )

Today we have author Tim Smith visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?
* I’m an award-winning bestselling author whose books range from romantic mystery/thrillers to contemporary erotic romance. I’m also a freelance photographer. When I’m not indulging in those two passions I can often be found in the Florida Keys, doing research in between parasailing and seeking out the perfect Mojito.

What book are you going to tell us about today?
* My newest release is the romantic thriller Warning Shot, featuring my two most popular characters, Nick Seven and Felicia Hagens. They’re both a couple of former CIA spooks living in Key Largo, Florida, trying to stay out of the intrigue and adventure that was a part of their former lives, but always getting dragged into something.
* Warning Shot is the third in this series, following the best selling books Memories Die Last and Never Look Back. The books do not need to be read in order, because each one recaps the character’s backgrounds while giving a few new hints into their personalities.
* I think this is one of the most action-packed, romantic thrillers I’ve written, with a topical theme, plenty of fast-paced adventure, humor, realistic atmosphere and some interesting characters. There’s also enough heat between Nick and Felicia to make Key West in July feel like Alaska.

How'd you/your muse come up with this story?
* The Nick and Felicia spy adventures typically draw from current events. I had wanted to do a story about these characters that began when they were both still with the CIA then flash forward to the present. Recent revelations about the secret snooping used by the Feds found their way into the plot, when I realized how easy it is to spy on people without their knowledge. It gives a real feeling of paranoia, which I incorporated into the characters. Nick has always come across as very confident and self-assured, but things happen that make him look over his shoulder and question everyone’s motives.
* One of the hallmarks of each installment is the internal fight Nick Seven wages when something from his past always pops up to bite him on the ass when he least expects it. He just wants to run his bar and restaurant in the Keys with Felicia and enjoy the sunsets. In this installment he ends up helping a friend from his spy days who may have gotten involved in a political assassination, and Nick feels obliged to stop him before it’s too late.

Describe the hero in five words.
* Rugged, handsome, romantic, funny and cool.

Describe the heroine in five words.
* Tough, beautiful, sex on two feet.

Who's your favorite character in the book & why?
* They’re all fun, but the one I found the most challenging was Nick’s former mentor. This character has gone to great lengths to make everyone think he’s turned into an eccentric paranoid recluse to cover up what he’s really doing. I had to show how erratic his behavior is and some of the things this character does provided the humor.
* The biggest hurdle I had to jump was with the two leads. Since each book in this series is a stand-alone title, it was challenging to recap their backgrounds for new readers who hadn’t read the first two, while not turning off followers who already know where these two people came from.

What's your favorite line in the story?
* “You know what they say about old soldiers, Nicholas – they want to die with their boots on. It gives them a sense of dignity and purpose, like their lives were worthwhile.”

A look into the story

~ Blurb ~ * Nick Seven and Felicia Hagens left the CIA for the laidback ease of the Florida Keys, leaving behind a life of intrigue. When Nick’s former mentor becomes part of a conspiracy with international repercussions, Nick breaks his self-imposed exile to stop him. The case throws Nick and Felicia into a juggernaut of espionage, government cover-ups and political assassinations. Will they succeed in stopping the plan in time? Can their relationship survive another unwanted adventure?

~ Excerpt ~ * Nick brought Felicia’s hand to his mouth then kissed it. “This is one of the reasons I’m glad I have you around. You always keep me focused.”
* “Is that the only reason you’re glad I’m around?”
* “No, but it’s a long list.”
* She sat in his lap and kissed him. “I’ve got nothin’ but time, Tough Guy.”
* He caressed her cheek. “You’re resourceful, self-confident and independent.”
* “You just described a Boy Scout. Can’t you do better than that?”
* “You’re incredibly hot, passionate about everything and waking up next to you makes all my teenaged fantasies come true.” He paused. “Plus you make a mean stir-fried shrimp.”
* Felicia laughed. “Is that the best you’ve got? You were always better at foreplay.”
* Nick kissed her. “You make me feel alive and I can’t wait to start every day all over again with you.”
* She cupped his cheek and peered into his eyes. “That’s what I was gonna say. It’s kinda hard to explain but when I first saw you, all that time ago in London, it was like a jolt of electricity went through me. When you quit the Agency and I went back to Barbados, I felt this big empty inside, like somethin’ vital had been taken away.”
* He traced her jaw with his fingers. “Same thing I felt.”

Find Tim Smith & his books here...
Website | eXtasy Books | Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Bookstrand | Barnes and Noble

Welcome special guest: author Tim Smith ( #mystery #romance )

Today we have author Tim Smith visiting. Tim Smith is an award-winning bestselling author whose books range from romantic mystery to contemporary erotic romance. He is also a freelance photographer. When he isn’t pursuing those two passions he can be found in The Florida Keys, doing research in between parasailing and seeking out the perfect Mojito.

So, Tim, what inspired you to become a writer?
* I’ve always had an active imagination and thanks to my mother’s influence, I became an avid reader at an early age. I also became an old movie buff and really liked the film noir crime capers of the 40’s and 50’s. When I began reading the books some of those flicks were based on, by writers like Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Jim Thompson, I was hooked on that style of writing and knew I wanted to emulate it.

When did you attempt your first story? What length was it? What's become of it?

* I’d been writing short stories since high school but the first full-length story I attempted was written over a dozen years ago, titled Memories Die Last. It was around 60,000 words. It was traditionally published in print in 2002, did very well and won a couple of awards. When the rights reverted back to me I rewrote it cover to cover then released it as an e-book. It became a best seller.
* I’m still amazed that a story I conceived so long ago continues to draw new readers and fans. The sequels to that one did pretty well, too. I suppose if you have a couple of strong characters that people find appealing, they really can live forever

How many stories did you complete before you sold your first?
* I got lucky in that my first full-length story found a traditional publisher who was willing to take a chance. A dozen-plus books later, I’m still at it. We won’t bring up the creative writing dreck I first attempted in high school, which was pretty bad. A few years ago I found one of those stories in a box and ceremoniously burned it at midnight, complete with a bugle playing Taps.

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 contemporary erotic romance, with an emphasis on romantic mystery/thrillers. I’ve also written a few romantic comedies. The mystery/suspense genre is my favorite because these are the kinds of stories I’m drawn to as a reader. I like taking the classic style of Chandler, Westlake, et al and adapting it to a contemporary setting with plenty of hot sex. I have a lot of fun creating the quirky characters and situations you find in those pulp stories – the tough but tender hero, the femme fatale who may or may not be on the level with him, the shady sub-characters who usually have some type of mayhem in mind, the moody atmosphere and the wisecracking, humorous dialogue. If I could include a cool jazz soundtrack by Henry Mancini, I would. Did I mention the sex?

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
* The best advice came from an editor I worked with early on. She advised me to include a brief physical description whenever I introduce a character, no matter how small their part may be, so the reader can get a mental image. Since I visualize each character when I write them, that made sense.
* The worst advice came from a friend who suggested – with a straight face—that since I wrote thrillers, I might sell more if I wrote under the name Tim Clancey. I never asked for his opinion again.

How do you celebrate/deal with acceptance/rejection letters?
* Acceptance is usually celebrated with an evening out with someone special. Best sellers and better-than-average royalty checks rate the same treatment.
* I treat rejection as one less “no” I have to hear on the way to a “yes.” With a bazillion-and-one new books released every year, rejection is the natural by-product.

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?
* Nick Seven is a tough character, hard on the outside but with a soft romantic middle he likes to keep hidden. He’s also a grade-A smartass and world-class lover. That’s a tough combination to find today, but I could see George Clooney, Michael Weatherley, Mark Harmon or Brad Pitt doing a decent job.
* As for Felicia, the tough Barbadian beauty who lives with him, I’m holding out for Khandi Alexander, since she was the mental model I used when I created the character.

The book you’re promoting, 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.
* The stories in both of my series are stand alone entries. I always recap the character’s history while adding a little something new in each installment. You can read the second Nick and Felicia adventure Never Look Back without first reading Memories Die Last and still understand who the characters are and where they came from. The same with my Vic Fallon private eye series – one can easily pick up Lido Key without reading The Bundle and know immediately who this guy is and what makes him run.

*** Now for some fun info… ***
What’s your favorite color?
* Blue. It usually reflects my mood, whether it’s bright sky or deep midnight.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
* Chocolate and peanut butter. Add some whipped cream and a little extra Hershey’s syrup and I’m hooked.

Which do you prefer: rain or sun & warm weather or cold weather?
* I’m definitely a warm and sunny person, which is why I spend so much time in The Florida Keys.

*** About Tim Smith’s book ***

~ Blurb ~
“Never Look Back” – Nick Seven, Book 2
* A former CIA spook and his lover are pulled into a deadly masquerade by a rogue agent from their past. Who will win?
* Nick Seven and Felicia Hagens left the CIA to carve out an idyllic anonymous life in The Florida Keys. The last thing they wanted was to be used by their former employer as pawns in America’s war on terror. Nick and Felicia navigate a complex maze of intrigue and double-crosses while dealing with a rogue agent from their past who has a score to settle. When Felicia becomes part of the scheme the stakes get higher and more personal. Can Nick keep her out of harm’s way or will he finally be outwitted? Will Felicia stay with him or return to Barbados?

***Find Tim Smith here***
Visit my webiste to learn more about my books and view samples of my photography.

Thank you for joining us here today, Tim! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your work. Readers, see below for his contest info!

I will give away a PDF copy of my contemporary erotic romance Snowflakes and Palm Trees. To enter, go to my webiste, click on the “Scrapbook” link and find the answer this question – In which year was I the keynote speaker at the Indianapolis Book Festival? Go to the contact link, put “Contest” in the subject line then send me the answer. I’ll draw the winner on July 19th.