It’s October. Time for raking leaves, eating candy corn and making costumes for our children. In a few week’s time, the streets will be filled with ghosts and goblins. To celebrate the occasion, I’ve invited a special guest to … Read the rest →]]>

It’s October. Time for raking leaves, eating candy corn and making costumes for our children. In a few week’s time, the streets will be filled with ghosts and goblins. To celebrate the occasion, I’ve invited a special guest to get you in the mood for the festivities. So pull out your Ouija board, invite a few friends over and serve up some hard hot apple cider.

My guest today, Amazon Best Selling Author Elaine Calloway, writes ghost stories set in Southern towns. Originally from New Orleans, she grew up with a love of Gothic architecture and all things supernatural. She is currently writing the contemporary fantasy Elemental Clan Series as well as the paranormal/humor Southern Ghosts Series.

And so, without further ado, here she is. Take it away, Elaine!

* * * * *

Thanks you Suzanne for letting me guest blog today!

I’ve recently started writing and releasing a Southern Ghosts Series, and that got me to thinking about the ghost stories we told as kids. The things that made us jump in the middle of the night, the eerie feeling we would get on the back of our necks.

At one slumber party, we were asked to bring our sleeping bags but most of us wound up sleeping on the playroom floor. At one point (it must have been during a deep REM sleep) I woke up. Instantly, I felt strange, eerie. The tiny hairs at the nape of my neck were standing on end. My hands shook. Everyone else was asleep, but all I could see was a random shape.

Horror flooded through my veins as my mind reeled with what to do next. I was certain this was a strange person who had broken in. Someone–or something–that would be determined to hurt me. For several minutes, I sat completely frozen and afraid to move. What could I do? I couldn’t even get the screams out.

After waiting several moments in silence, I finally decided I’d had enough. If this person or thing wasn’t going to attack me, I was going to attack it! And I did. Turns out, it was my sleeping bag someone had placed next to me, and the shadowy room made it look like a human being.

We all love ghost stories. They entertain, frighten, and heighten our emotions. I hope you enjoy my first in the Southern Ghosts Series, NO GRITS NO GLORY, Click here to read more.

Connect with Elaine online at http://www.elainecalloway.com.

What about you? What’s your favorite part about Halloween? Do you have any good ghost stories to share?

Mary is here today to tell you about her journey from … Read the rest →]]> My guest today, Mary Chase Comstock, is the founder of Renegade Publications, a boutique publishing company that represents “novels of romance, humor and intrigue—like the ones you used to love.”

Mary is here today to tell you about her journey from renegade writer to publisher.

And she’s looking for a few writers to represent!

And so, without further ado, here’s Mary.

A couple of years ago when I was filling in the information for my first Kindle book, The Fool’s Journey, I came to a field marked “Publisher” and paused. I didn’t have a publisher, (though not for lack of trying!).

The Fool’s Journey was the book of my heart, and even though I’d been traditionally published as a Regency author for several years, I couldn’t get editors or even agents to take this one on. It had won contests and a loyal contingency of fans wanted to see it published. Besides, I’d worked on it for 15 years and I was tired of it gathering dust. I needed to send it off into the world so I could get on with other projects. That’s what led me to self-publishing, something I’d always scoffed at before. It was also the first time I would make significant money on my writing.

“Publisher” was an optional piece of information in the online form, but I typed the first thing that came into my head anyway, RenegadeBooks. It said something about me as a writer—I was a renegade. I’d never really believed that editors knew what the market wanted. In fact, referring to readers as a “market” was a little insulting.

Over the next several months, I followed Fool’s Journey with my backlist of Regencies as the old rights reverted. Then I started thinking about other writers I knew who were renegades too. Renegade Publications was about to be born. My friend and critique group member, Margaret O’Neil, had written several great romances, but editors and agents didn’t want her stories. They broke the rules.

Margaret was my first author, with Million Dollar Wife. We worked together to get her books ready for publication. With the help of digital marketing retail you can further publicize your books. I designed the covers and managed her promotions. Then, she began to find a monthly income coming her way. Next came Carol Duncan Perry’s backlist of Arkansas-set romantic suspense, and I’ve just added Nadine Miller to my group with her backlist of traditional Regencies.

Finally, it occurred to me that I was onto something.  Books were selling. I was taking 10% and liking it. My writers liked getting personal attention. I started thinking about what defined this minuscule publishing house:

RenegadeBooks is small.
I am the only staff member, so small is necessary. I also teach writing, wrangle two dogs and acclimate to having my retired husband at home.

Small is good.
I like being able to respond to my writers immediately, sometimes several times a day. Their writing is important and so is their input.

RenegadeBooks is a little different, but so are its authors.
–Our authors are talented writers.
–They either have a backlist of traditionally published books, or completed novels they—and others—believe in.
–They want to be a part of the publishing process, but they don’t want to deal with the technology.

Our books reflect traditional romance sensibility.
Our books certainly are not prudish, but love is at their center, not sex.  If there are sex scenes, they are central to the plot. If you want to know more, read Peter Jordan’s Marriage by Margaret O’Neil.

I’m finding there are a lot of readers who appreciate a little old fashioned romance, with a little sizzle in all the right places. I’m interested in adding a few more writers who fit the bill—four to five this year and more later. If you’re interested, visit our website:

http://www.renegadepublications.com/

About Mary:
Mary is the author of five Regency Romances. She took a break from writing to vanquish breast cancer, and, fully recovered, is working on five books in a variety of genres using a visual mapping technique. Her newest book, The Fool’s Journey, is a contemporary romantic suspense. Mary holds a Ph.D .in Literacy, Language and Culture, and has taught writing classes at all levels. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her Scottish Terrier, Irish Wolfhound and Brazilian husband. Visit her blog at: http://nulla-mary.blogspot.com/.

What about you? If you enjoy reading romance, what heat level do you prefer? If you write romance, what heat level do you write?

Her new series of chick lit novellas features quirky heroine, Sassy Chance, and mysterious P.I., Devlin … Read the rest →]]> Today’s guest hails all the way from Sydney, Australia.  Janni Nell is the author of the Allegra Fairweather humorous paranormal mystery series (available through Carina Press).

Her new series of chick lit novellas features quirky heroine, Sassy Chance, and mysterious P.I., Devlin Fox. The Bride, The Groom and Me was released August 2014. The second novella in the series, Devlin, A Date and Me, is coming soon.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her line dancing, walking the dog or working in her vegetable garden.

Janni is here today to interview Sassy Chance AND to give away a copy of Sassy’s new novel (digital copy only), THE BRIDE, THE GROOM AND ME. All you have to do to be entered to win is drop a comment in the box below.

And now, without further ado, here’s Janni (and Sassy).

Janni Nell: Welcome, Sassy. Can you tell everyone what your life was like growing up?

Sassy Chance: I was an only child in a single-parent family. Mom was always a little off-beat, so it was no surprise when she dumped me with Great-Aunt Gracie and ran off to join the circus. Poor Gracie. I was fifteen and well on my way to turning rebellion into an art form. But I hadn’t counted on how tough my great-aunt could be. I’ll always be grateful that she never gave up on me. If I amount to anything in life, it’s all down to her.

JN: Is Sassy your real name?

SC: Unfortunately, yes. My mom is off-beat, remember? I think she was hoping I’d live up to it. I’m sure I’ve disappointed her.

JN: You also have an interesting middle name. Would you like to tell us a bit more about that?

SC: Well, I don’t talk about it much. People think I’m kidding. Or worse, they laugh. My middle name is actually my mom’s maiden name. So…um…I guess you want me to tell the folks what it is. Sorry, not gonna happen. I don’t feel like being laughed at today.

JN: Who is your best friend?

SC: Amber Vincent has been my best friend since high school. The only thing that ever threatened to come between us was Ben O’Reilly. She got engaged to him. I didn’t.

JN: How would you describe your personality?

SC: Oh, I don’t know… Amber says I’m brave, caring and loyal, but she’s just being nice.

JN: Do you have a motto or code you live by?

SC: Back in high school, when things went wrong, Amber and I used to say, “Tomorrow is a leap of faith. Only the brave win.” We still say that today.

JN: What one thing would you take to a deserted island?

SC: Since Devlin is a person not a thing, I guess I can’t say him, so it would have to be my favorite pair of designer shoes. I know, I know, they’d be totally useless. But they’re pretty and they remind me of Great-Aunt Gracie.

JN: Where would you go on vacation?

SC: Anywhere I could afford. So there won’t be any vacations in my immediate future.

JN: What is your most distinguishing characteristic?

SC: Even when things get really bad, I refuse to give up. Just look at what I did to find Amber’s wedding ring in The Bride, The Groom and Me.

JN: What is your major skill or talent?

SC: This is kind of depressing, but my only real talent is for getting in trouble. I mean I just seem to attract it. The Queen of Bad Luck, that’s me.

JN: Do you have any hobbies?

SC: Not unless you count shopping.

JN: You sell shoes, if you had to pick another career, what would it be?

SC: Don’t tell Devlin, but I’d like to do what he does. He’s a sort of P.I.—unlicensed—and he’s great at martial arts. Of course, I have no skills that would be useful for a P.I. and as for martial arts… Don’t make me laugh. I trip over my own feet.

JN: What’s your favorite color?

SC: I like most colors. I don’t really have a favorite.

JN: Favorite food?

SC: Salad. That’s weird, right?

JN: Who do you love?

SC: Lots of people. My late Great-Aunt Gracie, Amber, her fiancé Ben—oops I probably shouldn’t mention him. Next question.

JN: What are your future plans?

SC: My immediate future will involve looking for another job. Knowing my luck, things won’t go smoothly.

JN: Thanks for dropping by, Sassy. I hope things turn out better than you think.

Sassy Chance, a shoe sales clerk from San Francisco, is thrilled to be her best friend’s maid of honour. Too bad Sassy is in love with the groom. If that’s not bad enough Sassy is mugged and the heirloom, one-of-a-kind wedding ring is stolen.

Enter martial arts expert Devlin Fox. After saving Sassy from the muggers, Devlin feels compelled—for reasons even he doesn’t understand—to help her search for the ring.

With only days until the wedding, their chance of finding it is slim to zero. Looks like Sassy is going to ruin her friend’s perfect day. Oh, and she’s still in love with the groom.

The Bride, The Groom and Me now available at:
Amazon           Kobo             iBooks

To learn more about Janni, visit here at www.janninell.com . Or find her on:
Twitter
Facebook

Photos courtesy of Janni Nell.

When she was eight, Cindy’s dream was to be a super cool detective like Nancy Drew, racing around town in … Read the rest →]]> Today I am THRILLED to have my friend (and Queen of the Cozy Mystery), funny lady Cindy Sample as my guest.

When she was eight, Cindy’s dream was to be a super cool detective like Nancy Drew, racing around town in a sky blue roadster. At sixteen, she realized her inherent klutziness could be an impediment to becoming a private eye or super spy so her new goal was to become a world-renown mystery writer like Agatha Christie. A few decades and diversions later, she was a newly divorced Mom and CEO, driving her kids to cheerleading and soccer practice. In a sky blue SUV.

Thus began the inspiration for her quirky, loveable heroine in her Dying For… cozy mystery series (all of which I have personally devoured and highly recommend).

Today Cindy is here to talk about her (and Laurel’s) adventures in dating. Okay, Cindy…take it away!

* * *

Looking for love…in all the wrong places. Some of you may recall that line from a famous song. It perfectly describes my dating life and that of my protagonist, Laurel McKay, a newly divorced soccer mom.

Ever since Dying for a Date was released, people assume I’m an expert on dating, which could be why I was asked to guest blog on the subject of romance. I will admit I’ve been brave enough to venture onto a variety of on-line dating sites in search of Mr. Right. And yes, I’ve gone on coffee dates with 44 potential Mr. Rights. My protagonist, on the other hand, was talked into joining a matchmaking agency called THE LOVE CLUB, the safe alternative to on-line dating.

And that’s where our paths diverge. My coffee dates have resulted in interesting conversations with some very cool, mature men, with the exception of the one guy who tried to impress me by sharing that his best friend was an assassin (honest, I wouldn’t joke about that).

Baby boomer dating can lead to unique issues such as your coffee date cancelling your first meeting because he needs a four-way bypass! Maybe I should adopt Kaiser’s policy of requiring they bring all their medications to our first meet!

Now Laurel’s first date enjoyed her company so much he wanted to have HER for dessert. So she did what any resourceful woman would do. She whacked him on the head with the first viable weapon she could find, a cell phone. Things start going downhill when he’s found murdered the next day, with her unfortunately the last person to see him alive. When her second date disappears during dinner, the handsome detective in charge of the investigation can’t figure out if she could be the killer or the next victim

Rumor has it that authors write what they know. I evidently know dating, but so far, no one has died on my watch.

Yet.

I’m dying to know if anyone has ever gone on a date so bad that a few dastardly thoughts crossed your mind? Or maybe you’d like to share one of your protagonist’s bad date stories? Leave a comment and you’ll be entered in a drawing for a $10 Starbucks gift card. For that next coffee date! I’ll be here today to answer any questions you have (about dating or other topics).

For more information or additional dating tips from Cindy, check out her website at www.cindysamplebooks.com.

Look for Cindy’s latest book, DYING FOR A DUDE, due out November 1, 2014.

In addition to Cindy’s generous offer of a $10 Starbucks card, I will sweeten the pot. For every comment you leave, you’ll be entered to win a copy of my upcoming release, THE MANY LIVES OF JUNE CRANDALL. To increase your chance of winning, please subscribe to receive email notification of future posts (by entering your email address in the box above and to your right) and you’ll be entered into the drawing one additional time.

Photos provided by Cindy Sample.

As writers, we are often asked about the inspiration behind our books. The truth … Read the rest →]]> Today I am very excited to welcome my good friend and fellow author, Yvonne Kohano. Yvonne is the author of six novels in the Flynn’s Crossing series.

As writers, we are often asked about the inspiration behind our books. The truth is, motivation comes from everywhere, and often in the places we expect it the least.

Yvonne is here to taunt you talk about fixations and how they serve her in her writing process. And to give you a taste of her brilliant writing style.

Without further ado, here’s Yvonne.

* * *

“The intensity of his gaze never wavered, his body almost vibrating with the need to move. He waits, allowing the seconds to draw out into a full minute, breathing slowly and deeply to contain his exhilaration. Prolonging the moment would only make the end result sweeter, bringing the much-needed release he craved.”

Does that sound like a killer about to strike?  A commando awaiting the order to go-go-go?  A terrorist about to make something go boom?  A lover in the throes of passion?  Read on.

“His fixation couldn’t be explained.  It lived in his DNA, and he was powerless to fight it.  The strength of his obsession overpowered any compassion he might have shown.  There was no other answer for this.  He had to attack.”

Ah, this isn’t sounding good for whatever this guy is focused on, does it?  Truth be told, we all fixate on something, whether it’s a love interest or a promotion, the flavors of our next meal or something darker and more harmful.  It’s in our nature to pursue something, even if it’s the belief that we’re laid back and don’t stress over anything.

I fixate on a number of things.  Writing, photography, travel.  I’ve never met a bookstore I could leave empty-handed and plants in garden nurseries make me weep with joy.  Routines bore me and new experiences are a must.  Luckily, I’m married to a wonderful man who isn’t terrorized when I need to throw things into a state of chaos on a regular basis.

Fixations make for great writing fodder too!  Here’s more.

“Shivers of ecstasy run through him, and his mouth opens slightly, panting.  There is no past, no future.  There is only this moment, the present, and he is poised to strike.  His quarry will never know, never understand, and most of all, never survive.”

Can you feel the intensity of his mania?  As a writer, I observe and experience these kinds of situations to help me create emotions in my characters.  Watch a child about to dig into an ice cream sundae, or wrench jockeys at a drag race when the fuel ignites, or foodies sitting down to a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant.  The anticipation builds and you can see it on their faces and in their body language.  Capturing that fixation makes my writer’s life worthwhile.

What happened to our hero/villain above?

“The cry, a mixture of taunt and promise, pulled the trigger and he leaped forward, covering the distance in three bounds.  The crow gave a flap of its glossy black wings, sounding its jeer to provoke him further, and he jumped high, missing the bird as it cleared the fence and disappeared over the neighboring yard. Tail curled and poised, he scanned the horizon, every vigilant in case another of the intruders waited for his guard to falter.”

Did I mention that the inspiration for this is my hound dog, Flynn, fixating on a crow in the backyard?  Inspiration comes from many places!

Where does your creative inspiration come from, whatever your favorite medium?  I’d love to hear about it! And as an added incentive, I will gift any of the books in my Flynn’s Crossing series to one lucky commenter.

Happy creating – Yvonne

Blunt Cut Justice, Book 7 in the Flynn’s Crossing Series, coming this fall!  Follow Yvonne at www.yvonnekohano.com, on Facebook as Yvonne Kohano, and on Twitter @yvonnekohano.

About Yvonne:
After careers as a management consultant and academic university professor, Yvonne Kohano returned to her first great ambition, storytelling in the fictional realm.  Her current work is in the romance and romantic suspense genres, with an upcoming suspense series in progress as well.

Weighing the benefits and risks in today’s publishing market, Yvonne has chosen to follow the indie press route – for now.  Who knows what next year’s publishing industry trends will bring!  She is a member of the RWA and the Sacramento Valley Rose RWA chapter.

Yvonne and her husband John live on a ranch where they used to raise llamas.  Now livestock-free, they spend their time taking cruises, gardening, creating yummy dinners, and keeping their dog kids happy.  And Yvonne reads – a lot!  Her Kindle Fire is never far from her side, often stacked on top of a big pile of must-read paper books and magazines that serve as ongoing inspiration.

In addition to Yvonne’s gift of a book from her Flynn’s Crossing series, for every comment you leave, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a copy of my upcoming release, THE MANY LIVES OF JUNE CRANDALL. To increase your chance of winning, please subscribe to receive email notification of future posts (by entering your email address in the box above and to your right) and you’ll be entered into the drawing one additional time.

Photos courtesy of Yvonne Kohano