Thursday, September 30, 2010

Terrific Thursday with Madison Scott:)

Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.

Hi! I’m Madison Scott and I write erotic romance. My newest release is WILD, book one in my Nanny Diaries series. It’s about a shy nanny and her really sexy boss!

Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?

Wow, what a great question. No, I’ve never experienced it, but I can see how a writer would. Even though I don’t write about personal experiences I put so much into my stories emotionally that it can often be scary.

Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?

Kind of. LOL. Little things like my husband is Italian so my first series written under the name Kelley Nyrae, I really wanted to incorporate some sexy Italian men. We’d just moved closer to his family and I was eating so much GREAT homemade Italian food that I decided the series would revolve around an Italian restaurant.



How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?

Depends on the story. If research is needed, I always do it first. Sometimes it sneaks up on me, but even though I’m not a really deep plotter, I like to have the research out of the way first.

Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?

I just want women to know it’s okay to be sexy and to enjoy sex. And that we’re all worth love and you never know where you will find it!

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?

I’m a little bit of both. I don’t do a lot of plotting, but I always have a basic idea and a few key scenes written down. From there I just write and see where the story takes me. That’s part of the fun!

How long did it take for you to be published?

Not too long, actually. It was weird how things kind of fell into place with me. My first book, Getting Lucky with Luciano was actually the first book I finished. I was able to pitch at a meeting for my RWA chapter and the rest is history! I did a lot of research though. I talk to people, joined groups, clubs, spent a lot of time online. It was all a learning process for me that I really enjoyed. I LOVED that book!

If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?

Don’t rush! LOL. Slow down a bit. Also, enjoy the ride!

Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?

Laptop for sure. I don’t have any must haves though. I have two young children at home so I have to be able to write anywhere any time.

Who are your favorite authors? Who would you say influenced you the most?

One of my definite favorites is Lacey Alexander/Toni Blake. I love all her books and she puts such emotion into them. I’m an emotionally reader and she always makes me feel so much. Especially in her erotic books. I love that mix of a smoking hot read, but also the depth of the emotions she can bring from me. Plus, she’s one of the nicest people I’ve met!

I also really look up to my fellow Wicked Writers Anne Rainey and Regina Carlysle. They’re both fantastic authors who work so hard. I want to be like them when I grow up ;) LOL:) I love Regina! I've only read one by Anne, but more of her work is on my TBB list!

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

Gah! That’s a hard one. I feel like I’m so boring. LOL. Um, I write YA too? LOL. I feel like I’m all over the place when it comes to the genres I enjoy writing.

For Fun:

Favorite drink?

Water… see boring?

Do you have any special Labor Day traditions?

Just spending time with my family. We usually bring the girls to the park and grill out.

McDonald’s or Burger King?

McDonalds all the way!

Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books.

Thank you so much for having me! I really enjoyed it. You can always find me at my group author blog www.threewickedwriters.blogspot.com I also have a personal blog at www.writermadisonscott.blogspot.com All my current erotic romances are available from Liquid Silver Books. You can find them at http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&category=Madison+Scott



Newest release: Wild

Blurb:

Catrina Reynolds has a secret. By day, she cares for the daughter of her boss, Hunter James, but by night, she pens naughty fantasies about him in her journal. A man like Hunter, gorgeous, wealthy and confident would never return the affections of a sweet, mousy, nanny like Catrina, so when journaling is no longer enough, she's forced to act out her fantasies alone...

While his daughter is away for the weekend, Hunter plans to get to know his quiet, shy nanny. He senses there's more to the woman than meets the eye. When he stumbles upon her calling out his name while showering, he wants nothing more than to lure the wildcat out of her sugary, sweet shell.

Catrina and Hunter embark on a weekend of erotic fantasies all geared toward bringing out the naughty girl hiding inside her. But is there more between them than their sexual games? Will he make all her fantasies come to life?

Excerpt:

Dear Diary,

Is it bad that I can't stop this burning desire inside for my employer? I not only work for the man, I care for his child, yet I can't stop myself from fantasizing about feeling him on top of me. I ache to feel him inside of me. The apex of my thighs throbs with a painful need as I write this; imagining how it would feel to have Mr. James' hands running up and down the slit of my ... I can't even write the word. What is wrong with me? How would my friends feel if they knew the dirty thoughts that plagued my mind? I have known these women my whole life. All we've ever had is each other, yet I'm risking Playful Nannies, what we've worked so hard to build, by coveting the man who trusts us enough to hire me to care for his child?

I have never, dare I say, lusted for a man like I do Mr. James. I remember the one experience I had with a man, but replace Roger's face with Hunter James'. I (I can't believe I'm even writing this), but I use my fingers and imagine them as his. This man with whom I live while caring for his daughter! The man whom I don't even call by his first name--except in my fantasies, or here, in my journal.

Hunter James. Writing his name sends pulses of desire straight to the apex of my thighs. I'm blushing while I write this! As if a man like Hunter James would ever want plain, homely Catrina Reynolds. Because truth be told, he's not only the most gorgeous man I've ever laid eyes on, but I feel there is more to him. I feel this connection with the man even though I can hardly bring myself to talk to him if it isn't in regards to his daughter. I don't understand it. But then, I guess that's why they're called feelings. They don't always have to be understood ... just felt...

But like I said, this is Hunter James and I'm just the plain Jane who takes care of his daughter.

For once I wish I wasn't Catrina. I long to be a sex kitten. A bold wildcat that can only be tamed by one Hunter James.

* * * *

Catrina ran a washcloth over the black marble countertop in Mr. James' kitchen for what had to be the fifth time in the past ten minutes. She'd already scrubbed the floors, cleaned the grout with an old toothbrush and ironed the curtains. She'd always been a bit anal, okay, maybe more than a bit, but today, she took that to extremes. The main point being, it wasn't even her job to do the deep cleaning around the house. Yes, she did the light, daily cleaning, but Mr. James had a housekeeper who came in once per week for the deep cleaning.

A housekeeper who just visited the day before.

Yet here she was, wiping down the counter like her life depended on it. Well, maybe not her life, but her sanity sure did. Why had she decided to stay home this weekend? She always had weekends off as Mr. James did, but this weekend she really had the weekend off. As in, his daughter was spending time with her grandparents, which left her alone in the house with her employer. Oh, and did she mention she happened to have a major crush on said boss?

If she couldn't handle being around the man without the threat of combustion when his child was present, how did she expect to do it when they had this big, empty house to themselves? A big, empty house with a plethora of bedrooms to choose from?

Catrina slapped her hand over her mouth. Good God! What was wrong with her lately? It's like she moved into the house and he cast some kind of sexual spell over her that made her completely turn into someone she wasn't. Someone who craved sex twenty-four hours a day with her very gorgeous, very out of her league, boss.

She glanced at the kitchen clock. He would be home any minute. Catrina looked down at her old cleaning t-shirt and the old, tattered blue jeans she'd had for years. No, she definitely wasn't Mr. James' type. She'd never seen him bring a woman home. She guessed because of his daughter, Ashley, but a man like Hunter James would only want fine china, and all she was is a plastic Barbie tea set.

So, that left her to her fantasies. Her very real, orgasm-inspiring fantasies, which all sounded very good right about now. Catrina put her cleaning supplies away and jogged up the staircase to her bedroom. She might as well stay in her room tonight anyway, she reasoned. If she didn't see him, she wouldn't risk showcasing her silly crush by drooling over the man. Mr. James never interrupted her when she was behind her closed bedroom door so she was sure to have the privacy she needed for her little--ritual.

Catrina went straight for the bathroom inside her room and turned the designer knobs in her oversized shower. She stripped out of her clothes before stepping inside and closing the clear doors with a light click. A layer of fog from the heat of the shower frosted the doors, giving her a sense of privacy. Not that she needed any more privacy than she already had. She was alone in her room. What more could she want? But then, she'd always been more the shy kitten than the wildcat of her recent dreams.

Like always, Catrina started with her hair, dropping her head backwards under the warm spray of the water, ignoring the tingling sensation of the spray as it splattered over her sensitive skin. She would give herself time for that in a minute. First, she needed to wash and then she would reward herself with a little play. Her naughty showers had become her secret indulgence--an incentive, one might say, for making it through her days of lustful thoughts without jumping her boss.

Here, in the privacy of these fog-frosted doors, she didn't have to be Catrina--sweet little nanny and the consummate caregiver she had been her whole life. It wasn't as if she didn't love what she did. Caring for people, kids especially, was the only thing she'd ever been good at, but in his room, she could pretend to be more. Here, she could give in to the hunger for Mr. James and wash it down the drain when she was finished.

Catrina filled her hand with her favorite, Sweet Vanilla Sugar shampoo, massaging her scalp before rinsing the creamy bubbles from her brunette locks. She used the same sweet scented body wash over every inch of her body.

As she stood under the heavy spray, Catrina palmed her breasts, rubbing and kneading as though the water alone couldn't rinse the soap from her body. They were heavy, already tingling in anticipation of her Hunter-induced play session. She alternated between heavy pulls and lighter caresses, all the while pretending the man who employed her was the one touching her. How would his hands feel rubbing her breasts like this? Would his hands be rough or gentle? She brushed one thumb over one of her nipples and pulled on the other.

Her body shuddered in ripples at the contrast between her hands and the added sensation of the warm water flowing down her body. Catrina's eyes fluttered closed. It took too much energy to keep them open when all she wanted to do was focus on her body and giving it the pleasure she craved from Hunter James. Oh God, even the man's name was hot. "Hunter ... oh yes, Hunter..." She couldn't call him that while working, but here, naked and fantasizing, he was Hunter to her.

"Please touch me, Hunter." As the words fell from her lips her eyes flew open. Catrina froze, listening for the sound she thought she'd heard just a second before. When no noise followed and the ache between her thighs multiplied with pulsing need, her eyes fell closed again. She needed this. No, she needed him, and this was the only way she'd have him.

Her cheeks burned with heat knowing what she would do next, what had become her ritual these past few weeks in the James household. She let her right hand slide down her body--over her breast, down her stomach, and let it settle at the thatch of hair between her shaking legs. This is your body. You can touch it whenever you want. No one will ever know. It always took a little bit of convincing for her to actually do the deed. After years of growing up with a conservative grandmother when her parents passed away, she'd always been raised to believe sex was ... dirty. More of a necessity rather than something that should be enjoyed.

And the Roger situation hadn't helped her in that department either. Not now, Catrina. Not here. Here, she could be the wildcat. Here she could tame Hunter James, and in turn, he would tame her as well.

She parted the lips of her sex and pushed a finger inside. "Hunter... I've wanted you to touch me like this for so long." The fantasy only worked if she completely turned herself over to him. Otherwise, she became too embarrassed and didn't reach that high of ecstasy she did if she made herself believe it was Hunter touching her. Hunter pushing his fingers in the wet channel between her thighs.

Catrina pulled her finger out before pushing it in again. Need pulled at her body. "More, Hunter, I need more." She pushed another finger inside, thrusting them in and out as she dreamed he would do. One hand played with her nipples, while the other teased her down below. Little bursts of pleasure popped in her belly. She felt so naughty, but God, was it nice. The water pelted her, her breasts tingled with each caress of her hand, and crux between her thighs throbbed as she pushed her fingers in deep.

"You make me wild, Hunter. Oh, God, I want to be wild for you. A wildcat." She felt wild right now. Like she was the type of woman who could have any man she wanted. Like she could take her pleasure however she wanted in any way she wanted. Her orgasm hit her quickly. Wave after wave of bliss washed over her as the one name that made this all possible tumbled from her mouth again. "Hunter!"

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

To Give or Not To Give...

That is the question of the day.

This question was posed at out weekly writer's meeting. One of the guys, who has been successful with his How To books on Kindle, asked me how many books I'd given away as freebees. I thought for a moment: I've given away six copies of Love Is Sober; three to contest winners; one as a door prize at a festival; one to a reviewer (who to my knowledge still hasn't reviewed it), and the last one to a neighbor, who then moved away. I did the same with Love Finds A Way, excluding the last one. I gave that particular copy to a relative. The week All She Ever Wanted came out, I gave away two copies as contest prizes; a third was a gift to a friend who had just purchased a Kindle; and the last one to a fellow blogger who LOVED erotic romance. And then I found out she prefered M/M. So not sure if she ever read mine.

The reason he tossed the question to me is the simple fact he passes out free books all the time, and it has apparently generated quite the sales to his back list AND his music CD's. Word of mouth is an excellent marketing tool.

I agree there; many of my books have sold that way. But because I passed out free excerpts, not books.

It costs me over $100 to purchase ten copies of my books. If I gave them all away, I'd have to rob a bank in order to keep inventory on hand. And since I sell them for $10-15 a piece, I make a little bit of money. So yes, I'm reluctant to give away books.

I do hand out a great deal of promotional stuff. This past summer, I experimented with hand sanitizer, lotion, and cologne samples. I also slap my stickers on Smarties and pass them out.

I'm currently trying to find the funds for five copies of LIS and LFAW, since I have three signings coming up: Oct 9th at the Fall Festival; Oct 1oth at the Mockingbird Book Emporium; and on Nov 20th during the Santa Stroll.

Here's hoping the SU gets his disability approved ASAP! Or a nice, fat royalty check shows up unexpectedly....

On Today's Agenda:
Dr's appointment for the SU. Mandantory for his disability evaluation.
Reading. We have to travel to another city for said appointment. So while he drives, I'll be reading:)
Survivor night. Chicken and dumplings are in the slow cooker.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Terrific Tuesday with Lauren Fraser:)

Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.

Thanks for having me, Molly. My name is Lauren Fraser and I write erotic romance. Wow, that just sounded like a 12 step intro. LOL. I live in British Columbia, Canada with my husband, two kids and the requisite dog. I currently have 4 books published and another that will be released around November, I haven’t received the actual release date yet.

That's cool; you live in the same province as my sister!

My latest release is a sexy older woman/younger man story called Aged to Perfection that is available from Total E-Bound.

Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?

Only when I realized how much research was involved in what I was planning to write about. Yowza. I guess that’s why people say write what you know. J But it’s always good to expand your knowledge base and now I know about this subject too.

Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?

Absolutely, I’m a huge people watcher so a lot of my ideas come from things I see around me. Conversations, interactions, all fuel little plot ideas and you run with them. My Ellora’s Cave book, Longing for Kayla, has a main character who works at a Transition House, which I also used to work at, so I was able to just use the knowledge I had from there in her job. It definitely made things easier in the research department. J

How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?

I’m a plotter, so I don’t sit down to write until I have everything planned out ahead of time. If I need to research, I do that first so that I know realistically what my characters can and can’t do. How much research depends on the story.


Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?

Love is a gift. It doesn’t always appear the way we expected, but we have to be willing to accept it in whatever form it takes and cherish it.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?

Plotter. Yes, I’ve had stories take on a bit of their own life. The book I just finished writing, I had originally thought was more her story, but as I wrote it I realized it was more his. Both characters had conflicts and struggles but it ended up being his that were harder to overcome which I hadn’t anticipated when I first thought up the idea.

How long did it take for you to be published?

Not too long really. I’ve been really fortunate so far. I started seriously writing about a year and a half ago and had my first story come out about a year ago now.

If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?

Start sooner. For too long I let fear hold me back from going after what I wanted and I wish I hadn’t. But better late than never.

Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?

Laptop definitely. My writing must-haves are a cup of tea and the right music. I’d be lost without both of those.

Who are your favorite authors?

The usual suspects, Nora Roberts is always an old favorite, Diana Gabaldon’s older stuff not the new, Susan Mallery, Mari Carr.

Who would you say influenced you the most?

Do you mean as a writer or overall? My husband has been incredibly influential to me since he is the one who made me finally chase after my dream of being a writer.

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

Hmm, I’m not sure. I’m not really all that exciting. I guess maybe that I got my belly button pierced when I was sixteen LONG before it was popular. I was actually quite an anomaly at the time. Not anymore. LOL.

Ahhhhh...so you're to blame for the craze, lol:)

For Fun:

Favorite drink?

Tea, plain old boring Tetley.

Do you have any special Labor Day Traditions?

Not really, the kids go back to school right after labor day so we usually try to do one last family thing, whether that’s camping or hiking, just some active last hurrah of summer.

McDonald’s or Burger King?

Umm, eww, do I have to pick one. LOL I guess McDonald’s since that’s the one we usually pick since my kids like it.

Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books.

Thanks again for having me. It’s been a lot of fun. You can find me on my website http://www.laurenfraser.com.

My books can be found at most online book stores or directly from the publisher.

Aged to Perfection ( M/F erotic romance) – Total E-Bound http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=907

Longing for Kayla (M/M/F menage) – Ellora’s Cave http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8518-longing-for-kayla.aspx

Letting Go (M/F erotic romance) -Freya’s Bower http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=247

Undercover Attraction (M/F erotic romance) – Freya’s Bower http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=226

The Geek Next Door (M/F erotic romance) – coming soon from Liquid Silver Books


Aged to Perfection Blurb

There is something so damn sexy about a younger man.

Dumped by her husband of thirteen years for the younger model, forty-year-old Rachel Michaels needs to jumpstart her life. After years of fitting into her husband’s rigid mould, she’s ready to reinvent herself, and a fling with a hot younger man is just what she needs. Her sexy landscape designer is the perfect man for the job.

Twenty-eight-year-old Mark Beaumont is fascinated by the woman in her sexual prime. She's assertive and fun, with a vulnerable core. After giving Rachel her first partner-induced orgasm, he knows he wants more than just a brief fling—he wants to help her explore everything she kept suppressed during her boring marriage.

But can he convince her that there is more between them than just great sex or will she let her fears stand in the way?

Excerpt From: Aged to Perfection

“You want me to do what?” Rachel Michaels gaped at her best friend in horror before turning her attention to the other woman in the room. The cute blonde aesthetician, Tammy, stood off to her right, wearing a smirk and a pink smock.

Rachel eyed the vat of hot wax and gulped. I’m too old for this shit!

“Seriously, Jan.” She laughed, nervously looking at her best friend. “Tell me again exactly why it is you think I need to be completely bald. I’ve lived my entire adult life without having a Brazilian done, and I’ve been just fine.”

“Have you really?”

She scowled at her friend. Alright, so her life had been pretty dull lately, but a Brazilian? That seemed a bit extreme. It wasn’t like anyone was going to see it anyway. Jan walked closer and looped her arm around Rachel’s shoulders in a familiar gesture that had been getting them both into trouble for fifteen years.

“Come on, Rach, live a little. You used to be so much fun. What happened to that wild spontaneous girl I used to know?”

“She got lost, along with everything else in the marriage, before I got tossed aside for the younger model.”

Jan pulled Rachel tighter against her body and squeezed. “Your ex was an idiot. Come on. It’s your fortieth birthday and you’re newly divorced. I thought we decided it was time to shed your inhibitions. You know ‘off with old, in with the new’.”

“Yeah, but when we had that discussion, I didn’t think my bikini line was in question. I thought you were talking just a little spring cleaning.” Rachel blew out a deep breath. “Fine, but you are so buying me a drink when this is done.”

She slowly walked forward like she was heading towards the guillotine rather than a waxing table. Tammy’s bubbly grin made Rachel want to smack her. With her eyes narrowed, she stared down the aesthetician. “You’re getting far too much enjoyment out of my discomfort.”

“I promise you’re going to love the results,” Tammy replied. “I’ll leave the room and allow you to get comfortable. You’ll want to undress completely from the waist down.”

“Jesus,” Rachel muttered. “But if I hear so much as a giggle out of either of you, I’m out of here,” she told them, ensuring her tone left no question that Rachel meant business.

“You won’t hear a peep out of me because I’m waiting for you outside,” Jan told her.

“What? You dragged me in here, and you aren’t even going to hold my hand?” Rachel whined.

“Trust me, honey. This will be much easier on you without an audience.” Jan shuddered. “I know I certainly wouldn’t want you to see me having this done.”

Rachel eyed the door, wondering if she could escape. “Why would it be that bad exactly?”

Jan giggled. “It is going to be completely worth it when it’s done. You will feel like a new woman. Honest.” She reached out and squeezed Rachel’s hand. Instead of reassuring Rachel, it only increased her wariness. Just what the hell had she signed on for?

With Jan out of the room, Rachel removed her jeans and underwear. Eyeing her white blouse, she decided it was probably wise to remove it as well. Clad in only her bra, she lay down and grabbed the towel that was draped on the edge of the table, trying desperately to cover her body.

http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=907


Saturday, September 25, 2010

Saturday's Stupid Saying

Don't Let Depression Kill You;

Let The Church Help.


sign outside a church

Does This Make Any Sense?
A family member brought my honorary grandchildren down late last night from Wisconsin. Their mother is arriving here this afternoon to pick them up and drive them to her house. Later today, the family member will drive north, meet them somewhere, and drive them back to Wisconsin. If she was going to be so late for the festivities, why didn't she just stay home? The kids missed the parade; she herself missed the dance.

In the meantime, today we have to man a booth at the Farmer's Market, taking orders for Boy Scout Popcorn; S has to work; I have to work this afternoon. The kids, after being driven through two states, will be given the option of spending an hour with Uncle Dad or going to the store with Aunt Mommy. I guess I should be happy the guest author today has written children's books!

I finished the self-edits on Chs 4 and 5 of Teacher's Pet, and discovered Ch 6 is rather long. I may have to break it into two chapters. I'll work on it tonight during any down time.

Enjoy your weekend; I'll be back on Monday:)

Friday, September 24, 2010

Flashback Friday: Football Season!

Currently Reading: I managed to catch up on my reading Wednesday, waiting for the SU at his eye appointment. Finished Bron's From the Ruins and Handcuffs and Lies; Cindy Spencer Pape's Stone and Sky (all Recommended Reads, btw!); and now reading Diane Farr's Wicked Cool.

I also finished reading a Star Wars fan-fic book, The Courtship of Princess Leia, and am starting a thriller, Sound Tracks. It has something to do with whales in Puget Sound. I'll start on it tomorrow. I'm also working on self-edits for Teacher's Pet, and am up to Chapter 4.


2000:

I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but son K had joined the football team in July, and had whined about the heat. His dad encouraged him to give it his all, explaining if he didn't show his enthusiasm in practice, then the coach wouldn't put him in the game. So when the heat wave broke in late August, he did a 180 in his practice attitude, and Coach started him on offense, as well as defense. He'd also managed to pluck the jersey out of the pile which had his dad's old HS football number on it. And watching him play, he showed the same talent as his dad.

The SU had volunteered to work the chain gang, and overheard more than one coach complaining about "Number 71. What are we going to do about him? He spends more time in our backfield than our own team!"

K made several friends on the team, and soon four of them became the Dream Team. At several games, it was announced 'Ball carried by TC; Tackle by KH; Touchdown by AM; Extra point kicked by AC'. Our weekends in September were completely taken up by afternoon games.

Homecoming:)
This is our Homecoming weekend; K is arriving home in time for the football game, and the youngling is looking forward to the parade this afternoon after school. He's also looking forward to seeing his big brother again, and showing off his first loose tooth. The Tooth Fairy may end up coming this weekend.

The Boy Scouts start their popcorn drive this weekend; the boys will be at the Farmer's Market bright and early tomorrow, taking popcorn orders. So no sleeping in for anyone:)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Terrific Thursday with M.S. Spencer:)

Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.

Hello readers, I’m M. S. Spencer and I write contemporary action/adventure romances. My first two books, Lost in His Arms and Lost & Found, were released by Red Rose Publishing in 2009 and 2010. I have submitted a third, set in Chincoteague Island and am working on a fourth, about three sisters living in a Victorian mansion above the Potomac River. I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil in my hand (which is why I’ve had a callus on my right hand for decades, only slowly disappearing with my increased use of the laptop). With the advent of e-publishing my submission anxiety diminished and I finally sent the first baby off. I am gratified that both books are bestsellers and have garnered excellent reviews.

I have two wonderful adult children and live in a house that backs on a park and a river next Alexandria, Virginia.

Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?

No, I don’t think so. Sometimes I’ve wondered where they’re off to, and some scenes are emotionally difficult, but not frightening.

Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?

In a convoluted sort of way. I wrote a blog awhile ago about those really good bits you are sometimes forced to delete from your story. Life is made up of many anecdotes, many odd or funny experiences. I think writers tend to retain these more than other people, filed away in a little mental cubbyhole marked “Good bit: use when appropriate.” They never come out (on paper) exactly as they went in, but that’s how we avoid those pesky libel suits, right?

How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?

I do a LOT of research, even though my books are set in places I know intimately. There’s nothing more irritating to a reader I think than coming across a glaring inaccuracy. Most of the time I check facts as I go along (google on standby). But I often take several trips to the place to check street names, distances, etc. in order to make sure the reader could walk the road my heroine walks without running into an unexpected brick wall.

Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?

I hope that my characters will come across as real, but imperfect, personalities. One reviewer said she sometimes wanted to wring my heroine’s neck, and sometimes hug her. I took that as a compliment! The heroine (and the hero) should remind you of that sister or cousin of yours whom you would kill if you didn’t love them so much.

I do not hold with the idea that the heroine always knows her mind or does what’s best for her, or even does the right thing. But somehow, because they are basically decent creatures, they find a way.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?

To be honest, I don’t know what a “pantser” is—do you mean “seat of the pants”? I do both outlining and improvising. I may start off with the best intentions along one path and find myself going down a totally different one. Picture me speaking sharply to my fingers, admonishing them for ripping my plot rug out from under me and sending it flying off toward a new adventure. All good stories take on a life of their own, don’t you think? One could put it down to the creative imp who peers over your shoulder and lets one long, green, reptilian finger snake past you to type in an unexpected twist.

How long did it take for you to be published?

Not that long actually, although it took a lifetime to actually submit anything. I was lucky to find an enthusiastic and energetic publisher in Wendi Felter at Red Rose on only my third try.

If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?

When I first had a garden I wouldn’t pull any bush or flower out, fearing that they were irreplaceable. In the same manner I would keep stuff in a story that didn’t work or was irrelevant to the story. Erasing any of my precious words was worse than cutting a finger off. I’ve learned to let go of that perfect metaphor that really isn’t so perfect, and now—surprise, surprise—I don’t even lose sleep over it! A great editor once advised authors: when you have written five pages, delete three of them and you’ll have a better product.

Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?

Both. I now write almost exclusively on the laptop, but I have several notepads on the desk and by the bed for jotting down ideas etc. I need the internet to check facts as I go (and, yes, email).

Who are your favorite authors? Who would you say influenced you the most?

Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, Margery Allingham, Shakespeare, L. Frank Baum (I have a large collection of Wizard of Oz books), Evelyn Waugh. I am not enamored of modern American chic (I don’t mean chick) fiction—I find the characters so unattractive I lose interest in whatever is going to happen to them which I am positive will be unpleasant and well-deserved.

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

That spending many years living in other countries (which I really enjoyed) has made me even more grateful for America’s amazing freedom and people (and junk food). That I spent 7 ½ years studying Arabic and can barely say hello in it. That I’m an avid birdwatcher, as long as I don’t have to get up too early.

For Fun:

Favorite drink?

An ice cold vodka gimlet, straight up.

Do you have any special Labor Day traditions?

Other than giving birth to my second child?

LOL:) I can relate to that; I have one born on the 3rd of July!

McDonald’s or Burger King?

I have been only once to McDonalds in over thirty years, and then only because we had to leave a cruise ship without breakfast. We had spent the night on it in Baltimore Harbor before its maiden voyage and, having had one heck of a great time lasting into the wee hours, overslept. I refused to let my children enter a McDonalds (although I’m sure they snuck in when my back was turned). I used to love Burger King but haven’t had the pleasure in a long time.

Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books.

My books are available at www.redrosepublishing.com/books, as well as at www.amazon.com, www.bookstrand.com , www.fictionwise.com, and www.allromanceebooks.com


Meredith Ellsworth, writing as M. S. Spencer

Author of:

Lost in His Arms

Published September 2009 by Red Rose Publishing

62,000 words, Contemporary Romance, Action/Adventure, M/F, 3 flames

eBook, ISBN 978-1-60435-375-0

Buy link: www.redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=282&products_id=17

Blurb:

In an era electric with possibility and peril Chloe Gray, political writer, and Michael Keller, CIA troubleshooter, meet under curiously conventional circumstances. Despite the instantaneous sparks, they both sense there is more between them than physical attraction. Chloe's professional detachment from the dramatic world events of the 1990s—a disintegrating USSR, Middle East peace talks, and Vietnam's reemergence on the world stage—dissolves as their love affair intensifies.

Michael appears and disappears at unpredictable moments, leaving her limp and lovelorn. Is he using her or protecting her? In her quest for answers, she is yanked into the dangerous world of Michael's work—in Washington, DC, in France, and in Spain. Looking for safe harbor (for her emotions? or her body?), she submits to the advances of a dashing French diplomat. Will she embrace the luxury and comfort of Emile and his chateau or the romance of international intrigue with Michael?


EXCERPT

Chloe pulled his arm closer. "It is not just a cut. It's a gash. Look at all the blood you’ve dripped on my floor! Come here." She held his arm under the faucet and carefully washed the grit out of the wound. "Now just stay there. Press this paper towel against the cut. I'll go get some Neosporin and a bandage." She slipped up the stairs and through her bedroom to the bathroom. As she came out with the supplies she stopped short. He was sitting on her bed.

"I thought I would save you a trip." He spoke diffidently.

"Oh…that's…okay." Chloe willed herself not to touch his thigh as she sat down on the bed next to him (too close?). She applied the ointment and bandage, trying to keep her hands from trembling. He must have noticed anyway, because he put his larger one over hers and gently squeezed.

"Is the blood bothering you?"

She hesitated, breathless. He looked into her eyes, and before she knew it his arms went around her and she was kissing him. No, he was kissing her. She lost all sense of time and place and clung to his mouth as though she were drowning and it was a lifeboat. She felt herself falling, landing on his chest. He held her tightly, squeezing the life out of her. Or was it her soul he was drawing into his own? How could she tell him it was not his blood that was bothering her but her own, boiling up in waves of desire? He let her go reluctantly, but she held onto his buttons, tearing them off. She opened his shirt and buried her face in the soft black hairs of his chest. His hands went to her arms and gently moved her off him to the side. Slowly he undid her blouse, unhooked the bra and brushed each breast with his lips. She lay back, her eyes unfocussed, waiting for the touch, living for the scent of his hair. He looked up through his bangs and blasted her heart out with a glance of those azure eyes.

"May we?"

She did not need elaboration. She nodded mutely. He kissed her neck, her shoulders, her breasts, and down her stomach. A thousand butterflies fought to escape from her belly. He pulled down her zipper and tugged at the skirt. She still lay quietly, lost in pleasure. It all seemed to pass in slow motion. Everything felt perfect. Then he stopped. She opened her eyes. "What?"

His expression had altered. He was glaring at her, his face only inches away from hers. "What the Hell am I doing? This is nuts!" He sat up, facing away from her. She saw that she had taken his shirt off and his belt and zipper were undone. For some inexplicable reason his shoes were neatly arranged at the foot of the bed. She put a hand on his back. He stood up abruptly.

A sudden flash of panic hit her. He couldn't leave. Not now.


And

Lost and Found

Published June, 2010 by Red Rose Publishing

69,000 words, Contemporary Romance, Action/Adventure, M/F, 3 flames

eBook, ISBN 978-1-60435-707-3

Buy link: www.redrosepublishing/books/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=282&products_id=654

Blurb:

What do you do when David, your husband of a year, ups and disappears? If you're Rose Culloden, a beautiful, wealthy woman in her forties who had despaired of finding happiness, you do anything to find him. The trail takes you first to the North Woods of Maine, then to Florida, and back again to western Maine. Along the way you meet James Stewart--a Maine guide--who vividly highlights the contrast between a real man and your delicate Harvard professor of a husband. Loyal to your marriage despite your powerful attraction to James, it takes the dramatic discovery that David is not just vicious and venal, but insane, to free your heart for true love.

EXCERPT:

Rose would never forget the tight knot of panic squeezing her heart as she looked down, down an almost thousand-foot drop to moss-dusted crags, down through the cold wraiths of mist circling the mountain in the chill September air. Ignoring the fear, she took a tentative step forward, away from the comfort of the cliff face, felt the icy breath of high altitude fan her face, and retreated. What she’d thought was solid rock behind her yielded slightly and she froze, engulfed in a surge of terror. I’m going to fall. I’m going to die in agony, crushed on those distant jagged spears. The rock behind her moved again. She began to totter forward, but a furry paw seized her elbow. The paw tightened its grip, and Rose let it pull her sideways, back into a gap between the damp stone walls.

Okay, Rose, girl. Steady. Take a deep breath. Now, open your eyes and look at the paw. Five fingers encased in a furry glove. Okay. It’s human. She followed the fur up a forearm, then to a broad furry chest. She risked a peek at the dark face, encircled with more fur. It was scrunched up, not with the cold but with a cold fury. The deep brown eyes flashed. She meekly dropped her own. “I was perfectly safe, Mr. Stewart,” she whispered. Did that sound as stupid to him as it did to me?

The face scowled. Her rescuer moved around Rose and knocked lightly with his heel at the ledge on which she’d been standing. A large chunk broke off and tumbled in crumbly bits into the ether. She heard pops and bangs as it immolated itself on the crags below. Still scowling, he turned back to her. “Get back to the others.” His voice was deep and primal.




Contacts: Website: www.meredithellsworth.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mssellsworth

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/mssellsworth#!/pages/M-S-Spencer/132571588515?ref=ts

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mssellsworth

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/M.S.-Spencer/e/B002ZOEUC8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1277387999&sr=1-2-ent

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Welcome Author Melanie Marie Shifflett Ridner:)

Currently Reading: I finished Michael Crichton's Sphere last night; creepy! Next up: Come Love A Stranger by Kathleen Woodiwiss, apparently one I missed over the years. And after spending the past week inventoring every book in our store, I have a stack behind the counter, plus more starred on my personal sheet, so if they sell before I get to them, I can order more copies:)

I love my job!

E-book-wise, I'm still on Bronwyn Green's Best Laid Plans. Sorry Bron; been so
busy I've only picked up my e-reader to show it off!

Today, we're undergoing a surprise housing inspection and I'm taking the SU to an eye appointment. Please pray our house is not condemned, and we'll be able to stay here. Or, if it IS condemned, we'll be able to find affordable housing in the same elementary school district. God is in control; not us. Since so much is going on, I'm turning my blog over to Melanie today. I'll be back on Friday:)

Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.


Hello, Everyone! I’m Melanie Marie Shifflett Ridner and I write Romantic Novels and Children’s Books as well as Newspaper Articles and also Short Stories in many areas. I live in New Miami, Ohio and am a descendant of Appalachian parents on both sides and with music flowing in my blood from both sides of the families well as Shawnee / Cherokee Blood.

Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?

No. really I have all the pieces sketched out in my mind and I flow straight into a mania writing frenzy till finished which seems to be a never ending continuance into other stories that jump into my mind from one works to another.


Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?

Yes, I have as it gives spice to add your own life into certain writings to share with everyone as well as stretching your mind and values in a good write.

How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?

My research has been in my Appalachian up bringing. Patience for knowledge and variety. Romance tweaks my soul as I write in Historical Romance as well jotting back to my ancestor’s in history with both families coming from great royalty backgrounds,

,on the Ridner side of the family in the Courts of Marie Antoinette giving us lands in Kentucky to the Czar of Austria giving us lands in Virginia of the Shifflett Family and the singer cousin the great Patsy Cline and the Shenandoah Valley. With both moving here meeting with our Appalachian Shawnee /Cherokee Heritage makes for great writing in all my works.


Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?

Reading and education is our greatest treasure to give and hand down to future generations and writer’s today. Dreams come hard in these torn times and a book can bring even the poorest person relief with just a swipe of the pen or computer today.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?

I am both a plotter and a pantser. Different books call for strategic measures to capture the one’s heart and mind in todays over flowing marketplace.


How long did it take for you to be published?

I was published in music and books right away as my works reached out to so many in different areas of the writing world. .I started writing in nineteen ninety four and that was Poetry then and went right into music with a trip to Nashville,Tennessee and for my Poetry writing and music writing for two television shows. Then I worked as hard as I could teaching myself as much as I could to do everything I wanted to get my works out there and it has been very rewarding for me-in many ways and with many publisher’s and some Royalties.

If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?

Never let anything stop you from gaining education and wisdom in your work. Never stop and only believe half of what you see and hear because everything is out there for all of us authors and we can make it work for all of us no matter how full the market gets. Our writing is our heritage and something fabulous to hand down to future writers and authors to come. There is no quitting the feel you get when you give of your heart and soul to pen, paper or computer works as we know of the book industry today.
Writing is an art and thank goodness it reaches out and calls us like a siren on the sea with eagerness and anticipation to achieve our reader’s souls.

Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?

I would say clearly all three do me well. Some things need wrote down like my Children’s Books and other’s need ink to look good in strategic ways for the feel and other’s need the laptop and I work with all, always have and always will. A real must have is peace and quiet and a time and place to think which seems to on going in my mind each and every day whether I am a sleep or awake .My dreams come readily and help excel in all.

Who are your favorite authors? Who would you say influenced you the most?

As a child I read Nancy Drew and also The Black Stallion and then onto the Angelique Series. My favorite author or shall I say author’s are Ray Bradbury, Sidney Sheldon and so many other’s that dazzle my mind and life into knowing that writing is a true art and we do what we do and live life to excel in all our own ways.

Favorite drink?

My favorite I drink is water because it clears the mind, body and soul and it helps keep one healthy well and wise.LOL

Do you have any special Labor Day traditions?

Not really I just work and write and relax in the evening with something romantic.

McDonald’s or Burger King?

I for one am a Burger King Fisher, light on the sauce because their fish is the best.

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

That I am a most giving and caring person that helps everyone out in any way I can. Call me if you need computer help or advice or even a donation to worthy causes which I belong to www.modestneeds.org and help them in all ways.

Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books.

Thank you so much for having me, Molly! I had a great time!

My books are available in print and e-book and can be found on my publisher’s web site http://www.lulu.com under Melanie Marie Shifflett Ridner and also at http://www.writelife.com and also at http://www.amazon.com: also at http://createspace.com


The e-book editions are available in multiple formats such as Kindle.

Blurb for “Fairies Towne “Children’s Book Series

“Fairies

This is my introduction to my New Children’s Books “Fairies Towne” Twelve Book Series. These books are fresh for children and the way they see and interact with the living world. They are a twelve book library of stories.

“Fairies Towne”

Series Books # 1-12


Fairies Towne Parent Reading Collector Edition for Parents # 1& # 2

For Children


In a land far, far away comes this delightful twelve book series for children to learn and dream and grow with.

Where fairies live and work and join together to over come many things on their own as they grow with your child.

Where caring, friendship and many other learning tools help your child to understand the politeness or as some say political correctness of the world we live in today.

....Fairies.....Town.... are a place for dreams and a place for education for one growing up.

A lesson for your child in each story.

With many good fairies to help and guide your child as they listen and learn to read.

Welcome to my first twelve book set of Children’s Books.

I made these books for a Child’s heart .It is filled with stories to help parents read and educate their children with many aspects of today’s world. These books are created for parents and children to read and interact with each other .They have been a joy to write for me. I have also inserted a page in each book for your children to put their name and date when they received one so they may keep them as a keepsake for years to come and pass them down to their own children .I hope everyone enjoys them .From my heart to all parents and their children. God Bless all the little children.





“Dear Patsy"

“Dear Patsy” “If I Had Only Known You”

:

ISBN553900

This Book and Story is

“Dedicated “

“To The Great Pasty Cline and my Mother “Lue Grey (Shifflett) Mau.”

The Greatest Women to so many in the Music World.

On March 5 the, 1963 the world lost a most valuable women.

The woman was my Cousin the Great Patsy Cline .A woman who brought so much to the music empire.

Her voice the sounds of a true rich songbird.

A Pioneer of a woman who made her mark and stamped her arts for the entire world

Many still listen to her great works today.

Many still mourn this Great Artist.

I as a Shifflett Cousin wish so much had been so different on that fatal day of her crash.

....Nashville.... still mourns her and so do all her many friends.

“God Bless you my Cousin”

I know you sing for all yet in the kingdom above.

You and your music will forever continue on.

“Always”

Melanie Marie Shifflett Ridner

Live and selling on:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.lulu.com

http://www.createspace.com

Amazon Kindle