New Look!

I've discovered that some of my readers and followers are still following this blog and not my new one!

Please pop over and check out my new blog and website! Follow and explore and don't be shy when it comes to speaking up!

http://www.whitneyk-eauthor.com/ 

As Long as the Coffee is Strong and the Whiskey Stronger...

Yes, I'm still alive and writing. Obviously, I haven't been blogging much other than my interviews as you may have noticed. This post was written a while ago, I just hadn't posted it.
Anywho! I've had a crazy couple of months! Exciting ones at that! I've been busy editing, submitting and yes, as some of you may have heard, signing! I've signed my second contract with Secret Cravings publishing! Deceive Me in Ireland will be released in ebook in January 2014 and between March and June in paperback. As you can imagine! I'm super excited!

And speaking of signing, look at what the postie delivered! I swear I just sat there looking at them, not wanting to touch them for fear of marking them. There's nothing quite like seeing your book in print!!

I was terrified to sign them. My handwriting is dreadful. I know kindergartens with better flourish than me hehe. But at last, I signed them all. :) Good practice for a signing event I am planning in January in Newcastle. But I'll tell you more about that in the future.

What Happens in Ireland has been doing fabulously! And since it's paperback release, it's been popping up around the world.
Here it is in Scotland, so close to the Emerald Isle:

And in Perth with its good friend, The Hostage...

And it joined me and a friend for dinner!

If you yourself have a copy, I'd love to see where it has ended up. :)

So, you may be wondering why I've titled my post "As Long as the Coffee is Strong and the Whiskey Stronger"? Well, I have some busy months ahead of me. This month, I will get my first round of edits for Deceive Me in Ireland (a blessing or a curse, who's to know), I will start my new job, sit my final exams for my Uni year and of course, try squeeze in some writing time (not as easy of late).

To be honest, I'll be waiting for December, as crazy as that sounds!

Other things for you to look out in the coming months is the launch of my new blog and website. I've decided to start over. This blog will still be at your fingertips if you ever feel like backtracking and there will be some re-blogs. :)

Well, this here is my update. A little rushed as I must run off to work, but I think it's about time I broke my blogging hiatus.

Happy Reading!

On The Window Seat With Christina Cole!

Well, it was a scorcher yesterday in Oz, but today, we are in cool, rainy Ireland. Christina and I are rugged up on the window seat and I’m just going to put my book away to have a chat with her! Welcome Christina!

As always, I like to start the interview off by asking you to tell us five things about yourself as a person and as a writer (genre, hobbies, personality, are you a little on the quirky side?)

I’ve always called myself a “behind the scenes” person. I’m not comfortable being center stage but prefer to remain in the background, putting things together and making sure things work. I’m quite the introvert, so needless to say, writing holds tremendous appeal for me. I love spending hours alone in my little writing room...just me and a cast of characters I’ve created for the story I’m working on. Although I love music, I also appreciate quiet, especially as I’m writing. Unfortunately, we have a very noisy Amazon parrot who doesn’t understand the meaning of “quiet”.

Haha, I have a whiny mini foxie. So I understand you frustration completely hehe.

So when did you first start writing, Christina? Was it just an unbridled urge to write or had it been a matter of ‘it’s now or never’?

I wrote my first story -- a ridiculous fantasy about space travel -- when I was about four years old. My first novel, scribbled on a note pad, came along a few years later while I was hospitalized for a week. It was about a girl and a horse. How original, huh? It wasn’t very long, either. I composed a terrible poem about the same time and hid behind the piano when it was published in the school newspaper and read aloud -- thanks to my best friend who stole a copy of it and gave it to the teacher to put in the paper. Hey, what are friends for, right? I’ve written throughout my life and have published essays, inspirational pieces, confession stories and other romantic short stories. A few years ago, I turned to writing full-length romance novels. I wasn’t finding stories on the bookshelves that appealed to me. Most were too violent or too unrealistic for my taste. I’m not into supernatural creatures or paranormal stories, and erotica doesn’t appeal to me. So I decided to write the sort of love stories I wanted to read.

And a writer is born! I’ve heard of this kind of urge to write. You’re looking for that one story and either you stop looking, or you realize that story is yours. Such a wonderful way to become a writer!

Is there a reason as to why you write? And what’s your favourite part about being a writer?  

I write because life is too good to keep to myself. My favorite part about being a writer is that I learn a lot about myself each time I sit down and write a new story.

I’m a firm believer that our characters are not only a figment of our imagination but often, apart of ourselves however small or big.

What inspires you? The novels you read? Other authors? Life itself?

Inspiration comes from all around me...things I read, things I see, things I hear, things I feel. Whenever something strikes an emotional chord with me, I want to share it with others. Writing is the way I do that.

When did your writing dream become a published reality?

As mentioned above, my first published piece was a poem I wrote in grade school. After that, I had other poems and essays published in various school papers. Later, as an adult, I had poetry, essays, confession stories, and other short pieces published in a variety of magazines, from True Confessions to Science of Mind.

That’s quite a history! Well done!

So with all your experience, what is the hardest part of the publishing process for you?

Things are much easier now than in years past, but I’ve always struggled with proper formatting.

Do you have any inspirational words for aspiring writers?

Write what’s in your heart, not what others tell you is popular. There will always be readers who appreciate heart-felt stories, and yes, readers can tell if your heart is in it when you write.

Words that hold too much truth. I know so many people who are afraid to write what they want.

Do you mind pitching your current release to us in ten words or less?

SUMMERTIME: A summer of hope and dreams, a summer of passion.

Who is your favourite character in SUMMERTIME?

Ed Ferguson, the hero of the story, is my favorite character. He’s told he’s too nice, and he worries that his honesty might also be a fault, but isn’t that really the sort of man we want to fall in love with?

 I do like them honest. Even if I am asking them is my butt looks too big. :P

And what’s next for Christina Cole!?

In mid-October, Sweet Cravings Publishing will be releasing “The Wrong Woman”, another historical romance, and in January, Secret Cravings will release “Not the Marrying Kind”, so I’ll have both “sweet” and “steamy” coming up in the next few months.

Lovely! Can’t wait!

Now, for all writers, there’s something magical about creating a novel. What is your favourite part of creating a novel? Are you a Happily-Ever-After kind of writer, a cheeky black moment maker, or a first-sight-and-first-kiss kind of writer?

I love conjuring up characters, digging around in ther pasts, and uncovering their secrets.

Now last but not least, let’s talk about your muse… I think of my muse as some being. An alter ego of sorts. Tell us about yours. Are they male or female? Can you describe three of their personality traits?

My muse is male. His name is Dickins -- not to be confused with Charles. He’s just a “li’l dickins”, you see. Think of a cross between Groucho Marx and Big Bird, and you’ll have a fairly good picture of him. He’s a packrat, insists on having his own way, likes to joke around a lot, but always taps me on the shoulder and lets me know when it’s time to stop playing and finish up a project.

Haha, love it!

So that’s all the time we have today! I hope you’ve enjoyed your stay Christina and now I think it’s time for me and my readers to curl up with a book! Perhaps… a copy of SUMMERTIME?

 

 

GIVEAWAY: Christian will be giving away one e-copy of Summertime to one lucky comment in their desired format! So let’s chat! Do you have a special Summertime memory? A romance? A guilty indulgence? Share it to win!

 

SUMMERTIME is the story of Linn Sparks, a young woman who wanted more than rural Kansas could offer. A talented singer, she craved fame, fortune, glamour and excitement. She found it all as a star of the stage at the Crown Theater in San Francisco.

It’s also the story of Ed Ferguson. For him, life was far less complicated. All he wanted was Linnie Mae, but she left him standing alone at the altar seven years before when she ran off to pursue her dreams.

Now, it’s 1914. War is breaking out in Europe, and Linn Sparks has come home to Brookfield, Kansas. She plans to stay only a few days – just long enough to help negotiate the sale of her parents’ farm.

At first, it seems that nothing has changed in the quiet little country town, but Linn soon learns otherwise.  She’s surprised to find that Ed is now spending a lot of time with Polly Washburn. An even greater surprise comes when she meets six-year-old Thaddeus, Ed’s son. But perhaps the greatest surprise is that the town of Brookfield is now building a theater to honor Miss Tabitha Ann Collier, the spinster music teacher who helped Linn make her dreams come true.

Now that she’s come back, surely she’ll be offered the lead in the theater’s first production — a musical penned by Tabitha Ann herself. But staying in Brookfield means facing a lot of unpleasant realities.  Between her strained relationship with a father who never wanted her, a mother whose grasp on sanity is slipping away, and the feelings she still has for Ed, Linn is overwhelmed by emotions.

She must also find a way to deal with Polly, the woman who was once her closest friend but who now has her eyes on Ed.  And how can she handle Quentin Loonsfoot, the obnoxious son of the man her father crippled in a hunting accident years before? Quentin is determined to make her feel guilty — and to make her pay for her father’s mistake.  Most painful of all, she must accept the truth about Ed and his relationship with Rachel Johnson, the woman who gave him a son.

Ed has a lot to deal with as well. He still loves Linnie Mae, but he knows she won’t stay. How can he spend the summer being near her and not get his heart broken again?

It’s a hot summer in Brookfield…a summer of hopes and dreams, a summer of passion. Could it also be a summer of forgiveness?

You can find Summertime at the following online booksellers:

Secret Cravings Publishing

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookstrand

All Romance Ebooks

 

Connect with Christina:

Christina’s Blog: Seasons of Love

Follow Christina on Twitter @KCChristinaCole

Christina Cole’s Love Notes (Facebook)

Cover art for Summertime attached in separate file.

On the Window Seat with Mark Love!

Today, Mark Love joins me on the window seat to chat about his wonderful Mysteries! Welcome to Ireland Mark!

First things first, tell us five things about yourself as a person and as a writer (genre, hobbies, personality, are you a little on the quirky side?)

I’ve always been a big fan of mysteries so that’s always a big part of what I write. I’m a music junkie, with tastes that range from jazz, blues, classical, soul and rock. So whether I'm writing or cooking, it’s not uncommon for music to be accompanying me. It seems that I’m always writing or thinking about writing, whether at a party, working out or taking a hike through the woods. Sometimes I will work on dialogue out loud, which can be unnerving to some people when the see me talking to myself. I’ve been married to my sweetheart for almost thirty years and we have two adult sons who are our pride and joy.

Haha, ah, yes. The obsession with writing, hehe. I share your embarrassment Mark. And congrats to you and your wife!

So when did you first start writing? Was it just an unbridled urge to write or had it been a matter of ‘it’s now or never’?

While I would write the occasional short stories in elementary school, I didn’t seriously begin writing until I took a creative writing course in college. The instructor kept encouraging me to submit some of my work to a literary magazine. They accepted a short story and that was like tasting your first piece of chocolate. You always crave more. What is difficult for me is finding the time to write, with a full time job and family commitments. There’s just never enough time.

I hear you! Time is always the hardest thing to find. :)

Is there a reason as to why you write? And what’s your favourite part about being a writer? 

I write because I’ve got stories to tell and want to share them with others. It’s the reaction I get from readers that proves to me I can entertain you, even for a little while, as the characters I’ve created stop by for a visit.  My favorite part is when my characters take the idea I have for a story and run with it in a different direction, something I may not have realized would work so well. I don’t work from an outline. I start with some basic ideas and my main characters and just let the ideas flow from there. Of course, it’s always a blast to hear from someone who has read my books and enjoyed them.

I love it when characters do that!

What inspires you? The novels you read? Other authors? Life itself?

News articles about the amazing things ordinary people often do can inspire me. Many of the novels I read growing up, such as the Travis McGee series by John D. MacDonald, inspired me to write. I devoured all of his work as a kid and still read them. There are also great authors like Elmore Leonard, James Rollins, Robert Crais, Harlan Coben, Greg Iles and James W. Hall. Their works can captivate you. Recently I’ve also discovered M S Spencer, John Sanford and Morgan Wyatt. They are great storytellers. I want to get the readers so engrossed in the story they don’t want it to end because they are enjoying it so much. When the readers can identify with the characters, you know you’ve done well.

When did your writing dream become a published reality?

I published a number of short stories in small press magazines years ago, but getting a novel published was always an elusive dream.  In 2009, my son Travis told me about a new eBook publisher looking for novels. I submitted one and they jumped at it. Unfortunately they have since gone out of business but that encouraged me to keep writing. I found a new publisher (Secret Cravings Publishing) for two romance/mysteries and self published two mysteries on Amazon. In July this year, “Devious” became available in print. Seeing one of my books in that format was definitely a dream come true. So that’s motivating me to keep writing.

Mark, funny you should mention the reality of paperback. I just received 50 copies of my novel and just to finally hold my book in my hands... it's amazing. My sister was even more excited than I was! And I must congratulate you on your achievements. :) Seems like you've been able to find some time after all hehe. Well done!

So what was the hardest part of the publishing process for you?

Marketing and promoting. It’s not enough to write a good story and get a publisher to accept it. You also have to constantly promote your work, with blogs and websites and social media. It takes away from the time you have to write, but it is an important part of the process. The more people you reach, the more chances you have of someone buying your works.

Many people struggle with the new marketing age. No one is alone in that boat. :)

Do you have any inspirational words for aspiring writers?

Learn to accept constructive criticism. Find a group of other writers that you can workshop with, or take a creative writing class. Feedback from others can be very helpful, particularly if they are serious about writing. Submit your work and don’t let rejections get you down.  It’s like dating. You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince (or princess) as the case may be. Don’t give up and don’t stop writing.

Now that, is some quality advice. You've got to have a thick skin in this industry and an open mind.

Can you pitch you current/upcoming release to us in ten words or less?

Jamie’s best friend is kidnapped by a stalker. Game on.

And who is your favourite character in “Vanishing Act”?

Malone is the man in Jamie’s life. They are still getting to know each other and he takes a stronger role in their romance. There is still some mystery about him, which adds to Jamie’s confusion about their relationship. And he’s still trying to come to grips with her stubbornness. But the man has soul and can be just as stubborn if the situation warrants it.
 

Ooo, Mr. Mysterious!

So what’s next for Mark Love?

I have finished the first draft of a mystery about a serial killer, whose victims are all found in room 319 of different hotels around a metropolitan area. I’m hoping to find a new publisher for that one. I’m also working on the third book in the Jamie Richmond series, which will involve priceless art work, rekindle old love interests and have a bit of intrigue and suspense.

How exciting! Can't wait to hear more. And now, we get to the fun side of our interview...

Now, I think of my muse as some being. An alter ego of sorts. Tell us about your muse. Are they male or female? Can you describe three of their personality traits?

My muse is female. She is a blend of two young women who I dated many, many years ago. She has a musical laugh, which is similar to glass wind chimes on a gentle breeze. She has an inquisitive nature and when I’m working on a story, she will poke me with a comment like “a real woman wouldn’t do that” or “the carpet and drapes are supposed to match”. And she’s a bit of a smartass, poking fun at me when I’m trying to be serious.

Haha, bet she's always right too hehe. I love what you've said about her. She sounds like a girl I'd like to meet. :)

If you had to write a warning to your readers about your novel, what would you say? e.g. Warning: This novel contains a bounty of Irish Charm and side effects include drooling, terminal daydreaming of naked Irishmen and runaway heartbeats.

Warning: This novel “Vanishing Act” contains numerous romantic scenes, including a May-December couple, intrigue, danger, touches of violence, a stubborn redheaded heroine and a flash of the risqué.

Oh, you've got to love the redheads!
Now, for all writers, there’s something magical about creating a novel. What is your favourite part of creating a novel? Are you a Happily-Ever-After kind of writer, a cheeky black moment maker, or a first-sight-and-first-kiss kind of writer?

Since most of my writing is in the mystery genre, my favorite part is when the protagonist figures out ‘who done it’. While they may not have all the answers to the puzzle, there is something magical when it comes together. Since I don’t write from an outline, I’ve actually changed the villain a number of times in my stories, based on what’s going on with the characters. Sometimes, even I’m surprised at who the villain is.

How exciting for you! I'm a plotter myself but I can definitely see what attracts you to pantsing.

 

Now, that's all for today, lovely readers between Mark and I but not necessarily the end for you! If you like the sound of Mark's novel, leave a comment and you could win a copy of The Vanishing Act on ebook! Tell a friend and share the love!

You can also connect with Mark at the following places:

       http://marklove024.blogspot.com/

 

       https://www.facebook.com/MarkLoveAuthor

 

      And here's more on the prize!

 

 

 

Jamie Richmond is still discovering her way in the romantic relationship with the mysterious Malone when her best friend Linda Davis comes home.  The beautiful Linda suddenly finds herself swept up in a whirlwind romance of her own with an older man, Dr. Vincent Schulte. But not everything is all champagne and flowers for Linda. She suddenly realizes she’s become the target of a stalker. The problem escalates. Jamie is determined to protect her friend, but even she is at a loss when Linda suddenly disappears one cold, snowy day.  The police are searching for clues. Despite Malone’s attempts to keep Jamie on the sidelines, she is driven to find out what happened to Linda and where she could be. Despite her best intentions, Jamie has once again put herself in danger while trying to unravel the mystery.

 

Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vanishing-Jamie-Richmond-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00CWM4I6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381111885&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Vanishing+Act+Mark+Love

 

On The Window Seat wtith Lisa Swallow

Today, the Limitless Publishing author, Lisa Swallow joins me on the window seat! It’s a little dreary here today, but I’m sure having grown up in Europe yourself, Lisa, that you are used to such weather. Anywho! Welcome and thank you for keeping me company!

First things first, tell us five things about yourself as a person and as a writer (genre, hobbies, personality, are you a little on the quirky side?)

I write in the New Adult genre (paranormal and contemporary), I’m a gamer, I’m an introvert who avoids cameras at all costs, I’m originally from the UK and still find it strange when kangaroos hop down my street. One day, when I was writing Soul Ties, I was so engrossed I didn’t notice there was a bush fire heading my way. Not until emergency services knocked on the door an told me to evacuate.

And here I was thinking a career in writing wasn’t life threatening hehe. So when did you first start writing, Lisa? Was it just an unbridled urge to write or had it been a matter of ‘it’s now or never’?

I started aged nine when my poem was published in a local newspaper. By fourteen, I wrote my first book. This was a story of a vampire who fell in love with a girl at high school. Unfortunately I was a bit ahead of my time and it never got published!

Love hearing of people starting young! :) Is there a reason as to why you write? And what’s your favourite part about being a writer?

I write because I love creating characters and worlds to lose myself in, and have other people read and like those characters and worlds too. My favourite part about being a writer is when people tell me they enjoyed my book!

What inspires you? The novels you read? Other authors? Life itself?

Reading inspires me, especially well-crafted stories and characters. Or I might see something or hear something and think what a great idea for a story. My local writing group has been a huge inspiration for me too.

When did your writing dream become a published reality?

My first book was published July this year.

What was the hardest part of the publishing process for you?

Finding a publisher I felt I fitted with. I chose the e-publishing route.

 It’s so important to find a publisher you feel you can work with! Do you have any inspirational words for aspiring writers?

Write and read! I think all writers say this? Practice the craft, learn what other writers have to share and keep going.

I agree with you 100%! Now, could you pitch you current/upcoming release to us in ten words or less?

Because of Lucy their lives won’t be what they planned.

Lovely! So who is your favourite character in Because of Lucy?

Evan. He’s a real mix of personalities and I like them all!

What’s next for Lisa Swallow?

I also write paranormal romance and the second book in the Soul Ties series, Torn Souls, is due for release later this year. I’m also writing a sequel to Because of Lucy. I originally intended the book to be standalone because it has a happy ending, but readers want more Ness and Evan. And as they’re both nineteen, I doubt their story is over yet...

I wish you all the best with everything! Now for some fun!

Have you kissed the Blarney Stone, Lisa? If you haven’t does the thought of dangling over the edge of a medieval castle to kiss a saliva (and good knows what else) covered stone make your head spin?

 

You make it sounds so appealing! Maybe I’ll visit and leave the stone-kissing to others while I go and explore the local countryside (and pubs).

The estate surround Blarney Castle is beautiful. Even if it is bucketing down and the wind’s blowing you away. My characters in Deceive Me in Ireland visit Blarney. My heroine, Cara preferred to walk the ground too hehe.

Now for a question to appeal to our readers visually, but which Hollywood star would you choose to play your hero and heroine? And if not one, are they a mixture?

When writing Because of Lucy, I was also watching a lot of Supernatural so in my mind Evan began to look like Jared Padalecki (but not as tall). Ness is trickier because I don’t have anyone in mind. A lot of the Hollywood stars are too skinny - Ness has curves.

Now, for all writers, there’s something magical about creating a novel. What is your favourite part of creating a novel? Are you a Happily-Ever-After kind of writer, a cheeky black moment maker, or a first-sight-and-first-kiss kind of writer?

I’m a plot twist kind of writer! One of my ARC readers for Soul Ties said she got whiplash from all the twists and turns. I love when readers couldn’t see the twists coming and I hear their reactions. And in Because of Lucy, Lucy’s identity is secret until half way through the book. I’ve only had one person tell me they guessed who she was before she was revealed!

love twists as a reader - as long as they make sense within the plot they definitely keep you reading on.

That’s an answer I haven’t heard! Thanks so much Lisa for joining me. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next! Readers, if you’d like to get to know Lisa more you can contact her at the following links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lisaswallowbooks

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lisa_swallow_au

Website: www.lisaswallow.net

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7091632.Lisa_Swallow

 

And if you like the sound of Because of Lucy, here’s a little more to tempt you!

"In life, there are some people you have to lose in order to find yourself."

Ness’s parents are shocked when she turns down her place at Leeds University and takes on a full-time job in a call center. Determined to begin her adult life the way she wants, Ness moves to Leeds to live with her best friend Abby.

One night she meets Evan, who is everything she hates about guys. He may be hot but he’s also drunken, arrogant, and on top of that, he apparently has sex with girls and forgets about it. But Evan isn't what he seems and Ness soon discovers they have more in common than she thought.

Evan is struggling to escape from his past too, and when Lucy appears she threatens his new relationship with Ness. Unsure if she can deal with the effect Lucy has on Evan, Ness makes a decision about her future which pulls them apart.

When their new lives don't go as planned, Ness and Evan are both faced with difficult choices. All because of Lucy. 

*Recommended 17+ due to strong language and sexual content*

 

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Because-of-Lucy-ebook/dp/B00EUSMJHK

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Because-of-Lucy-ebook/dp/B00EUSMJHK

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18217862-because-of-lucy

On The Window Seat with Tamara Hoffa!

Today, fellow SCP author, and lover of cowboys, Tamara Hoffa joins me on the window seat to enjoy some of Ireland's beautiful sunshine. 'Sunshine in Ireland?' you might ask. Well, yes! Despite Ireland's high rainfall, we get some beautiful sunny days here. I like to think that you appreciate the sunny days more here for a times, they can be rare. :)

And lucky Tamara! You've got your sunny day! Welcome. :)

Now to start things off, tell us five things about yourself as a person and as a writer (genre, hobbies, personality, are you a little on the quirky side?)

I am married.

I have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
I love to read and cook.
I am basically a really shy person.
I write contemporary romance.

When did you first start writing? Was it just an unbridled urge to write or had it been a matter of ‘it’s now or never’?

I wrote angsty poetry in high school, but didn’t start writing for publication until 2012. I kind of fell into it. I saw an ad for a submission and contest and decided to give it a try.

 

An act of fate, me thinks hehe :)

So it started as an opportunity, is there a reason as to why you have continued to write? And what’s your favourite part about being a writer?

I love to read, and I wanted to share my own stories with readers. My favorite part is hearing from readers!

What inspires you? The novels you read? Other authors? Life itself?

Everything. So yes, Life!                      

When did your writing dream become a published reality?

September 2012.

What was the hardest part of the publishing process for you?

Don’t hate me, but I had no problems publishing. I got a contract on my first submission and my second, I’ve never gotten a rejection letter. I’ve been very lucky.

Haha, some say the first rejection is a rite of passage, but hey? I think that's wonderful that you a found a home for your novel the first time round. :) And in SCP no less!

So, do you have any inspirational words for aspiring writers?

It’s never too late to follow your dreams

Can you pitch you current/upcoming release to us in ten words or less?

A hot cowboy gets a second chance at love.

You had me at 'Hot' hehe!

Who is your favourite character in Roping Love? Should I guess?

Chance’s brother Chase. I am writing his story now J

Oh! You are just like me. I was crushing on my Jack's brother whenever I wrote about him in Jack's story. Though, Jack has charms of his own :)

What’s next for Tamara Hoffa?

A lot I hope! I have one manuscript in submission now, A Special Kind of Love, I am working on the sequel to Roping Love, Giving Chase and I am trying my hand at my first paranormal romance, Windy City Dragons, along with my blog partner, Beverly Ovalle.

Big plans! And plans I'm looking forward to! I love a good paranormal and Dragons are so interesting.

 

Are you reading a novel right now?

I read so many novels that I couldn’t begin to guess what I’ll be reading when this posts, so I’ll share with you the best book I’ve read in quite a while, Code Name Ghost. It is by a fabulous new author, Natasza Waters

Now, this author runs on coffee and the occasional nip of whiskey. What refuels your writerly engines?

Coffee, coffee and more coffee! When I am working I drink about 2 pots a day, with lots of flavored coffee creamer

We are kindred hearts haha.

Now, there’s something magical about creating a novel. What is your favourite part of creating a novel? Are you a Happily-Ever-After kind of writer, a cheeky black moment maker, or a first-sight-and-first-kiss kind of writer?

I am happily ever after kind of girl. I love a happy ending!

 

I know few who don't love a HEA! Now, that's our interview over, but I do hope you will come and stay again Tamara. :) Thanks so much for joining me.

 

Now readers, if you'd like to keep up with Tamara, you can find her at the following places:

 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTamaraHoffa

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TamaraHoffa

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6537898.Tamara_Hoffa

Blog: http://sslyblog.wordpress.com/

 

And here's a little about her fabulous books:

 

Ten Years ago love slipped through Chance’s lasso. This time “He was going after her and she didn’t stand a chance, just like a calf in a chute, he was going to rope her with his love and ride back into her life.”

Carrie Stewart is a dedicated horsewoman. She runs a successful breeding and training program. She is a good friend, a good sister and a favorite aunt, but she has been burned by love. Carrie has never gotten over her first love, Chance Ryan. After ten years of absence Chance shows back up in her life. Should she risk her heart again, with the man who left it broken at her feet in the past? Chance has some serious work ahead of him to win back the one woman he could never forget.

 

Excerpt:

Chance felt like he’d been thrown from a bucking bronco. Ten years. He hadn’t seen her in ten years. And it was just like before. God, she was even more beautiful than she had been at eighteen. Time had matured her body, her curves a little fuller than they had been. Her hair was short now, almost boyish in length, but curling softly around her face it looked feminine and flirty. It was a deeper shade of blonde now too, a golden honey color that looked stunning against her sun-bronzed skin. What the hell was she doing here? And who the hell was the kid with her? Chance was busy doing mental math, the kid looked nine or ten. Carrie had called him several times in the months after he left. He’d never returned her calls. Could she have been trying to tell him she was pregnant? No it couldn’t be, she would have told him. Wouldn’t she have?

“I’d say small world, but since it really is a small world and we haven’t run into each other in ten years…”

Carrie arched one eyebrow, he always loved when she did that, it looked so haughty and hot.

“What brings you here?” Chance asked

“Same as you I guess, looking for some brood mares.”

“Actually, we’re selling this mare.” Nodding at the other, nearly forgotten man in the stall. “This is my brother, Chase.”

“Nice to meet you,” Carrie said, looking down at Tyler, “Well, we need to get to the Coliseum, Tyler wants to see the cutting.” Keeping her arm around his shoulders they turned to leave.

“We should talk,” Chance said

Carrie looked over her shoulder and stared him straight in the eye. “I think the time for talking is long past.”

The phrase she was so mad she could chew nails and spit screws ran though his mind at her look. Damn. He had really fucked things up between them. Why hadn’t he taken her calls again?

Oh, yeah, to give her a chance at a good life.

“I really need to talk to you.”

“There’s nothing left to say.”

 

 

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Roping-Love-ebook/dp/B00CO9R68O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368021740&sr=1-1&keywords=Roping+Love

All Romance E-books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ropinglove-1190964-149.html

Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=584

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/roping-love

 

On The Window Seat with Robert Wacaster!

Today, Secret Cravings author, Robert Wacaster joins me to share a nip or two off whiskey! I'm celebrating the release of the paperback issue of What Happens in Ireland and Robert is celebrating the up-and-coming release of his second novel with SCP, A Writer's Proposal! Sláinte Robert and welcome to Ireland!

And now, for the interview to begin :)

 

First things first, tell us five things about yourself as a person and as a writer (genre, hobbies, personality, are you a little on the quirky side?)

1. I not only love to write, but also like to make videos.  Not big productions things, but just small, fun youtube things.  I think those are some of the most fun to watch, too.  Much better than regular tv!  Feel free to take a look.  Quite a bit of eclectic videos!  *chuckle*  http://www.youtube.com/user/lvyoyo

2. Though I’ve written romance, my favorite kind of videos to make involve video games.  I’m not your typical romance author!

3. Though a lot of books that I’ve written involve romance, the most popular book I’ve written is a self published military novel.  It mostly involves a crazy naval crew and a dangerous pirate hunt.  It’s unedited and rough, but outsells all my other books put together!

4.  I’ve written for most of my life, but never really kept anything.  I didn’t start writing seriously until 2007 when I wanted to write a book about my completely insane job in casino security.  That was my first book.  Also rough and unedited it still sells occasionally.

5. I may seem outgoing and loud, but it’s mostly a front.  I can be pretty shy at times.  Quite a few women have inspired my writing without even knowing they have.

Interesting stuff, Robert! :) Typical or not, your welcome here haha. :)

When did you first start writing? Was it just an unbridled urge to write or had it been a matter of ‘it’s now or never’?

I think I’ve always been a writer.  Going back to when I used to beg my mother to let me “play” with an old typewriter, to creative writing in high school.  Something inside me always drove me to write.

Is there a reason as to why you write? And what’s your favourite part about being a writer?

For me I think writing represents a healthy fantasy life.  I’ve used myself in a number of the books I’ve writen and can see myself in the role of the character I write about.  It’s a way to send myself off to another world where I have different problems to deal with.  Usually fun and strange problems.  *chuckle*

I agree. I love my fantasy world. :)

What inspires you? The novels you read? Other authors? Life itself?

Life itself inspires me quite a bit.  I can find inspiration from all kinds of places.  One of the stories I’ve just had published called Beauty and the Bet was actually inspired by the owner of a new publishing company doing an internet radio interview.  She was speaking about how the publisher was looking for “something different” and my mind just went wild.  *chuckle*  I’ve been inspired by women I’ve known.  I doubt they even realized they’ve inspired stories, though.  I can find inspiration all over.

When did your writing dream become a published reality?

I self published my first book in 2007 and it’s still for sale.  A rough title called Adventures in Casino Security.  It’s not for everyone.  *chuckle*  But it does still sell a couple copies a month both in print and digital.  As for being published by a professional publisher, that first story came out 3/21/2012 and is called Kiss the Darkness.  It was published by Secret Cravings Publishing and is the story of a U.S. Air Force Sergeant who is blinded in Afghanistan.  He ends up falling in love with the nurse at the rehab hospital in Germany.  Not your typical love story, it does deal with a few rough topics such as survivor guilt, and some of the horrors of war.  Not really a happy ending, the main character is blinded for life.

What was the hardest part of the publishing process for you?

Promotion.  Definitely promotion.  Writing a book is easy, getting people to read what you’ve written is a bit more of a challenge.  A lot of times I don’t even know where to start.  If you’re a really popular author, getting your books noticed is easy.  If you’re a bit less popular…well...you’ve really got to work.  And even with a lot of hard work sometimes your books just don’t sell.  There is no secret to what makes a best selling book.

You're not the only one! In this new day and age with digital publishing more and more books are hitting the shelves. It's hard to stand out in such a big crowd. :)

Do you have any inspirational words for aspiring writers?

Keep writing!  Don’t think just because your first book wasn’t accepted by a publisher that you’ve failed!  Or if you’ve gotten a book published and it isn’t selling well, or isn’t even selling at all, don’t think you’re a failure!  People just haven’t noticed your book.  Keep in mind there are a few hundred thousand books coming out every week!  Amazon has millions of books for sale!  Keep writing!  There is one quote I like that goes “You only fail if you stop writing”.  So if you want to have things published, keep working!

Can you pitch you current/upcoming release to us in ten words or less?

Ten words?  Robert meets Katie’s parents and finally proposes.  Katie’s very happy.
That’s awful!  Just awful!  *chuckle*  How can you describe a story in just ten words?  I have enough problems trying to write blurbs for my books, let alone being limited in word count.  And this next release is the second book in a three book series.  So how do you only use ten words to describe the upcoming release while getting readers up on what went on in the first book?  *chuckle* 

It's not easy haha. I struggle with blurbs myself. I think it's because you want to tell readers so much. I have always battled with word counts haha.

Who is your favourite character in A Writer’s Wedding?

First, let me say that A Writer’s Wedding isn’t scheduled to be released until around December 2013 I think.  It’s the third book in a romance trilogy.  My favorite character is Matt Smith.  The character of Matt is based on my real life friend Matt and after writing his parts into the book I would send excerpts to him to make sure he felt the character was true to life.  Matt’s character is crude, rude, and just the guy who makes the Best Man role at a wedding fun!  An example of Matt’s character would be this: In the book the main characters have a Catholic wedding.  When Matt sees the priest in his formal wedding outfit and papal hat, he says “Are you the Pope now?  Robert, you’re being married by the Pope!”  Matt was really fun to write!

Haha, I have a few friends worried about what I'm going to do to them in my novels. My characters aren't them per say, as Matt is for you, but they have similar traits and my attachment to the fictional characters and my real friends are much the same. :)

So, what’s next for Robert Wacaster?

I’ve actually been working on (dragging out working on…*chuckle*) a series called The Mailroom Series for Front Porch Romance Publishing.  The first book which was just released is titled Beauty and the Bet.  The stories are kind of Twilight Zone type things and are a bit hard to describe.  The first story has an aging executive who thinks if she had the looks of a young intern, she could easily flirt and sleep her way to the top.  She ends up in the intern’s body, but things don’t work out the way she thought they would.  *chuckle*  The characters are guided through the stories by a mailroom manager named Earl who will appear in the sequel books.  The publisher said they wanted “different” and these stories are definitely different!  *chuckle*

They certainly sound so! Love a good body swap haha.

 

Now, I think of my muse as some being. An alter ego of sorts. Tell us about your muse. Are they male or female? Can you describe three of their personality traits?

My “Muse” is not so much a person as a thing.  Mine would be a projector.  It shows little scenes in my head.  And if I don’t write out the scene or story, they just keep running through my head over and over.  But once I write out the scene, the projector will move on to the next scene.  Strange, huh?  *chuckle*

Connecting it with you love of making films, I would not say so. But definitely a very unique Muse. :)

 

If you were about to encounter the rakish charms of an Irishman, what would you arm yourself with?

An Irishman?  He probably wouldn’t charm me at all.  I’m not an easy person to impress.  *chuckle*  An Irish woman however…well, that’s a different story.  I’m not sure I’d have much defense against a charming, sweet, Irish girl.  Like most American men I think her accent would draw me in and then if you were to add some charm on top of that,  I’d probably be putty in her hands!  *chuckle*


Haha, fair enough! :) You might like one of my sub-characters Jen then. She is a force to be reckoned with. :)

 

Now, this author runs on coffee and the occasional nip of whiskey. What refuel your writerly engines?

Mountain Dew and Pepsi.

 

Now for a question to appeal to our readers visually, but which Hollywood star would you choose to play your hero and heroine? And if not one, are they a mixture? (please provide pictures)

Wow, that’s a tough one!  I think for my romance series Robert should probably be played by Luke Wilson. 
And for Robert’s love interest Katie, I think she would probably look like a news reporter named Katherine Whaley.  Though she’s a reporter and not an actress, I do think she portrays the look that Katie would have.  

 

Now, for all writers, there’s something magical about creating a novel. What is your favourite part of creating a novel? Are you a Happily-Ever-After kind of writer, a cheeky black moment maker, or a first-sight-and-first-kiss kind of writer?

The favorite part for me would be the characters.  Seeing how they react to the situations I put them in, how things don’t go quite as they thought they would.  *chuckle*  My favorite part would be creating the characters.

 

Now, I’ve had some strange encounters where I’ve met my characters in real life. After I’d created them! Has this ever happened to you?

 

No, but I have used people I’ve know as characters.  It does happen.  In one book I took girls that I’ve had crushes on throughout life and mixed up their names for characters. 

 

Hahaha! I always warn people to watch themselves writers. If you're too interesting, they might just use you as one of their characters.

Well, that's the end of our chat for today. Thank you, Robert, for joining me. It's been a pleasure and definitely a very interesting chat.

For my readers, Robert would love to hear from you. :)
And here's the cover and links for Robert's novels! Happy Reading!

A Writer's Love Story:

 

Buy links:

Amazon.com:  http://www.amazon.com/A-Writers-Love-Story-ebook/dp/B00B3VBM1G/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375324804&sr=1-3&keywords=wacaster

Amazon UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Writers-Love-Story-ebook/dp/B00B3VBM1G/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375324959&sr=1-7&keywords=wacaster

Barnes& Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-writers-love-story-robert-e-wacaster/1018396139?ean=2940016021430

Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.sweetcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=122&zenid=18257ff915136b5ba40e7cf358e671c4

 

 

 

 

This sequel is scheduled for a release soon, so I don’t currently have any buy links.  But it’ll be out soon!