by Angela Smith | May 1, 2014 | Guests
Welcome to today’s tour of Savage Deception, by R.T. Wolfe. Be sure to click the banner and follow the tour for your chance to win! The author will be awarding a $100 Amazon or BN gift card (winner’s choice) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
BLURB:
Busy juggling loan sharks and Amber Alerts, Detective Nickie Savage makes time when the FBI seeks her expertise with a child trafficking ring. But when Nickie discovers that the men running the ring are the same ones who abducted her as a young teen, the case gets personal.
Risking her badge, Nickie goes rogue. Luckily, she has Duncan Reed, along with his wire tapping and surveillance expertise. But Duncan also wants to take their relationship to the next level.
Now, Nickie must choose: break her own rules and risk her heart or forge ahead alone.
EXCERPT:
“This is our hotel.” Those were the only four words Nickie had spoken since Duncan picked her up at Vegas Metro. He’d expected her to be shaken after the day she’d had. He didn’t expect her to be shaking.
Heading for the elevator, he realized they were retiring to their room as the rest of the town was beginning their evenings. He heard them before the elevator arrived. Loud, drunk and male. The doors slid open to a small group of young men. They reeked of marijuana and alcohol. One did a double take at Nickie.
“The cop stripper!” he slurred. “I got your card in here somewhere.” He patted his pockets.
Nickie wore what she usually did. Button-down blouse, this one raspberry-pink, and black slacks … both tighter than most wear. She was never afraid to use her sexuality when it suited her. Her black boots had heels. Her gun was secured on her belt, along with her badge and cuffs.
Duncan saw it all through an angry haze of red.
The one patting his pockets took out some cash. The others whistled as they pulled out more bills.
Duncan stepped in front of Nickie.
“Come on, dude. Share!” they boy said to Duncan.
He wasn’t sure whose arm it was, but before he knew it a hand cupped her breast. As quickly as the arm reached her, Nickie twisted and had it wrenched behind the man’s back. “That’s assaulting a police officer you stupid piece of shit.” Her voice was eerily calm.
“Hey!” another one defended, landing a hand on her shoulder. Duncan took it, bending it back until he heard a crack. The boy bellowed in pain as his friends stepped in to help.
Fists flew and heads bobbed. They were drunk and young. That excuse wasn’t going to help them. Duncan ducked easily taking two down with solid hooks as he heard the soft heels of the security officer running toward them.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
R.T. Wolfe enjoys creating diverse characters and twining them together in the midst of an intelligent mystery and a heart encompassing romance. It’s not uncommon to find dark chocolate squares in R.T.’s candy dish, her Golden Retriever at her feet and a few caterpillars spinning their cocoons in their terrariums on her counters. R.T. loves her family, gardening, eagle-watching and can occasionally be found viewing a flyover of migrating whooping cranes.
R.T. Wolfe Website: http://www.rtwolfe.com
R.T. Wolfe Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/RTWolfe2012
R.T. Wolfe Twitter Handle: http://www.twitter.com/RT_Wolfe
R.T. Wolfe Pinterest Page: http://www.pinterest.com/RTWolfe
Savage Deception for Kindle: http://amzn.to/1csCr5W
Savage Deception for Nook: http://bit.ly/MyS71N
Savage Deception for iBooks: http://bit.ly/1c8IUar
Savage Deception for Kobo: http://bit.ly/1b9QkGF
Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway
by Angela Smith | Apr 30, 2014 | Guests
Hi everyone! My name is Kai Strand. I’m visiting Love Is A Mystery today to share the cover of my upcoming young adult contemporary romance novella, out next month. I’m super excited. After you read the blurb and excerpt, and see the great cover, I hope you will become excited too. Thanks for reading!
Ella Jones is a coward. There is a teen boy living in the alley behind her work and she is terrified of him.
Desperate to leave behind the stereotypical and judgmental world she was raised in, Ella forces herself to make a true connection with seventeen-year-old Ayden Worth. As their friendship grows Ayden’s quiet, gentle ways teach her true courage.
But there’s more to Ayden’s story than Ella knows. When their worlds collide in the most unexpected place, Ella feels betrayed. Will she find the courage to learn who Ayden really is, or will she determine he’s not worth the effort?
Excerpt…
I don’t want to be the girl who wrinkles her nose at a homeless person. I don’t want to be the type of person who judges. So after a couple weeks of shy smiles and polite head nods, I change it up.
Ten minutes after I enter the store, I re-emerge with a cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin. And a pounding heart.
“Here. It’s kind of cold this morning.” With my pulse throbbing in my ears, I realize I might be shouting at him. Maybe that’s why his mouth hangs agape and his eyes are round with shock, or maybe alarm.
Available May 6, 2014
Add Worth the Effort: Ella’s Story on Goodreads. Subscribe to my newsletter.
Excerpt junkies will find a different snippet to read on each of these sites:
Once Upon A Book
Bookscape Reviews
Katie S. Taylor
Paty Jager
Mary Waibel
Ashelyn Drake
About the author:
When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers and short stories for the younger ones, Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults. Learn more about Kai and her books on her website, www.kaistrand.com.
by Angela Smith | Apr 26, 2014 | Guests
Welcome to today’s Guest Interview with Candace Werts!
But first, a little about the first in this series, Made to Love:
Carmen is a successful business owner who is young and beautiful. Carmen lives in Arlington, VA. She shares an upscale apartment with her best friends, Marcia and Giselle. Her life should be perfect, but every day she faces guilt due to the murder of her younger sister. This tragic event has controlled her love life. Carmen meets Cooper at a summer party hosted by the company he works for A.Werts. With one look Cooper has her mesmerized. How could this handsome successful business man be without a significant other? Her first encounter with Cooper was discouraging until they shared an earth shattering kiss.
Cooper Jackson is every woman’s fantasy, tall, dark and handsome. An event from his childhood, which he never discusses, has prevented him from wanting to love anyone, until he meets Carmen Williams. Even though his heart says yes he still pushes her away. After years of no contact, his mother, Beverly reappears.
Carmen never speaks to Cooper about Celeste, they are both trying to protect one another from their past. Unfortunately it cannot be forgotten, therefore, it’s only a matter of time before it comes out. Their relationship is constantly put to the test. Can they hold on knowing they were made to love each other? Or will Carmen’s heart end up wounded by this beautiful creature.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Candace Nicole Werts. I am an author with a passion for writing Erotica Romance for the entertainment of the adult community. Becoming an author has always been a dream of mine and it became reality with the creation of The Made Series.
Due to the lack of books that feature interracial couples, it was exciting to write a series featuring multicultural characters. These stories contain fashion, friendship, love, and the finest things that life can offer. The Made Series focuses on three best friends and the trials they face once love enters their lives.
My first book, Made to Love, features the enchanting Carmen and dashing Cooper. The book will be released on April 26, 2014 and available on Amazon.
What intrigues you about your book?
Made to Love is such a powerful statement. Love is everything and everywhere. It’s something most people, if not all, want in life. When I hear “Made to Love” I think it gives the impression that we were created to LOVE.
Who are your main characters in the story and how would you describe them?
In Made to Love, the main characters are Carmen Williams and Cooper Jackson. Carmen is a successful business owner who is young and beautiful. Carmen lives in Arlington, VA. Her life should be perfect, but every day she faces guilt due to the murder of her younger sister. This tragic event has controlled her love life.
Cooper Jackson is every woman’s fantasy, tall, dark and handsome. An event from his childhood, which he never discusses, has prevented him from wanting to love anyone, until he meets Carmen Williams. Even though his heart says yes he still pushes her away.
Who or what is your greatest writing influence?
I take my hat off to anyone, who has or is in the process of writing a book. It is exciting to read others work and enter the world they have created.
When did you absolutely know that you had to be a writer?
After I kept having dreams about characters, I knew I would become a writer.
What was your favorite part of writing Made to Love?
My favorite part of writing Made to Love was getting to know the characters personalities, their likes and dislikes and all of their secrets.
What is your favorite aspect of reading a novel?
I enjoy being able to fall in love with the characters. They become my friends and I become a part of their journey, experiencing life and various emotions with them.
What is your favorite aspect of writing a novel? I.e. do you prefer to create characters or to plot?
I dream the scenes; build a detailed bio on every character and then create the description of their surroundings. There is no particular sequence I use while writing. I can start creating a book from the middle or ending scenes and then write around it. There are several dreams that take place and help bring the scenes together. With so many ideas popping into my head, I am never without a notebook and pen. Multiple images, my imagination and some real life experiences help build the story and the characters.
Do you have a certain theme in all of your novels?
Currently, I write provocative romance stories. With The Made Series, the theme is based on friendship, relationship, dealing with the past and love. However, you never know what the future holds; I may crossover to the world of vampires and witches.
Do you have a specific writing style?
My writing style would be considered descriptive. I want the readers to feel like they are in the story and can clearly visualize what is taking place and their surroundings.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
No matter what has happened in your past, don’t let it hold you back; everyone deserves to find love and to be happy.
Do you ever use your life experiences in your novels?
The characters are fictional, but parts of them are a reflection of me and what has occurred in my life. Carmen’s parents interactions are based on my parents and the love they have for one another.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one book with you, what would you take?
This is a hard question, because I would become insane if I could only choose one book, but my decision would be Made to Love. I can never get enough of Carmen Williams and Cooper Jackson.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one song with you, what would you take?
“All of Me”, by John Legend, what can I say I love, love.
Are you working on any projects right now?
‘Made to Love’ is a part of The Made Series, which consists of three books. I decided to create The Made Series, because while reading books you love the main characters but you always want to know what happens to their friends. You have developed a special bond with them and in my series the readers will get to be a part of each girl’s life.
I have completed the second book and currently working on book three. After The Made Series is complete, I have a few ideas for other books.
Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, this is a career that brings me so much joy. It is fun using my imaginations on a daily basis.
If you had the career of your choice, what would you choose and why?
Being an author, would be my career choice. Creating characters and storylines are exciting and knowing that people will enjoy your work is the best feeling of them all.
Who would play your characters if your book was made into a movie?
Having a movie deal would be a dream come true. There is so much talent in the world, I prefer not to share who I would like to have portray my characters. But I will say that they do not have to be well known actors.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
The only difficult part I have experienced is waiting for the editor to get back to me. I am so excited to share Carmen and Cooper’s story and waiting can drive you crazy.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t stop believing, dreams do come true.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
I would love to meet Tyler Perry. He is an amazing man who is the definition of never giving up on your dreams. He had hit rock bottom, but he stayed true to himself and never allowed anyone to stop him from achieving greatness. It proves with hard work and determination, you can accomplish anything you set out to do. Even with his fame, he continues to help people every day achieve their dreams.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
I am so pleased with The Made Series; I cannot imagine writing someone else’s work.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: www.cnbookseries.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cnbookseries.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cnbookseries.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/cnbookseries.com
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/cnbookseries
Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog today! Candace and I definitely have something in common. I LOVE love!
Until next time!
by Angela Smith | Apr 23, 2014 | Books, Guests
Dianna will be awarding EITHER the ebook box set of the first 3 Slye Temp OR a signed copy of ONE of the first 4 Slye Temp books. (Print Books are Continental US Only – Amazon/iTunes/Nook ebook equivalent for international) to one randomly drawn commenter at each stop during the tour, and a GRAND PRIZE of Signed copies of all 4 Slye Temp books – LAST CHANCE TO RUN, NOWHERE SAFE, HONEYMOON TO DIE FOR – plus a MONOGRAMMED SLING BACKPACK, and swag pack of surprise goodies. (Continental US only for print books – Amazon/iTunes/Nook 3 ebook box set for international) will be awarded to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
So be sure to comment, and follow the tour for better chances to win!
Blurb:
Her only hope is in the hands of her enemy.
Slye Temp operative Margaux Duke is chasing an international terrorist who murdered the last of her family. But her plans go up in smoke when her agency is in the crosshairs of the dangerous killer, forcing her to turn rogue to protect the only family she has left – her team. This is no time to get involved, especially with an enemy who steps between her and the terrorist she has to stop.
Logan Baklanov has been known by many names in the underbelly of international terrorism and will do whatever it takes to shield those he loves from the treacherous world he lives in. When his brother’s life is in jeopardy, Logan takes on a role that places him at the top of the most-wanted lists of government security agencies in every country. He accepts the no-win situation, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice until a long legged beauty draws the attention of his deadly target and screws Logan’s carefully planned mission.
Margaux and Logan must join forces in a dangerous game to save a major city from a powerful psychopath, but their ruse escalates out of control when the heat smoldering between them threatens to explode.
Excerpt:
Margaux’s fingers touched his battered face in the darkness. She might be just as hardheaded as he was, but her words were softer this time. “I’m not leaving alone no matter what you say. Whatever we have to face, we do it together.”
Where had she come from?
Women in the covert business were normally cutthroat and came with a natural survival defense mechanism. They weren’t selfless when it came to a choice of walking away alive or not.
He gave in. “Okay, help me up.”
She moved her hand down his naked, beaten-half-to-death body and reached around him, lifting. The pain that shot through his chest, back and head almost sent him to the ground again. Bile rushed up his throat, but he’d be damned if he was going to hurl on her while she was trying to save his ass. She’d been beaten too, and had to be hurting.
She got busy putting a shirt on him, then she worked the pants on one leg at a time. He was doing nothing and panting hard from exertion. How she was managing was beyond him.
When she’d gone as far as she could with the pants, she straddled him, squatting over his thighs. He kept forcing his thoughts away from the pain. Like why couldn’t they be in a plush hotel room with her straddling him for round one hundred of amazing sex?
And he bet it would be. A woman like this would be unforgettable.
Author Bio and Links:
New York Times bestseller Dianna Love once dangled over a hundred feet in the air to create unusual marketing projects for Fortune 500 companies. She now writes high-octane romantic suspense, thrillers and urban fantasy. Her new Slye Temp romantic suspense series launched its first four books in 2013 to rave reviews and more will follow in 2014. Her books are available in print and ebook. On the rare days she’s not in her writing cave, Dianna enjoys touring the country on her BMW motorcycle. She lives in the Atlanta, GA area with her motorcycle-instructor husband and a tank full of unruly saltwater critters. Read excerpts of her books at www.authordiannalove.com or join her Dianna Love Street Team on Facebook and get in on the fun!
Links
Website—- https://www.authordiannalove.com
Street team —- https://www.facebook.com/groups/456015887852513/
Like her on Facebook at— https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dianna-Love-Fan-Page/144494875593699
Follow her on Twitter at — https://twitter.com/diannalove
Buy Links for KISS THE ENEMY:
Amazon Kindle– http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Enemy-Slye-Temp-ebook/dp/B00FZ0YGI2/ref=la_B001HMUWBC_1_18?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382305603&sr=1-18
Nook– http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kiss-the-enemy-dianna-love/1117191697?ean=2940148678243&isbn=2940148678243
Kobo— http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/kiss-the-enemy/huP1vBESdEC7Je-9gUUWDQ?MixID=huP1vBESdEC7Je-9gUUWDQ&PageNumber=1
iTunes— https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id728889359
Google Books– https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Dianna_Love_KISS_THE_ENEMY?id=hi_EAgAAQBAJ&hl=en
For other buy links, to read an excerpt, or to purchase an autographed copy, visit the KISS THE ENEMY page on Dianna’s website: http://www.authordiannalove.com/bookshelf/77/kiss-the-enemy—book-4
a Rafflecopter giveaway
by Angela Smith | Apr 17, 2014 | Guests
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Noelle will be awarding the following prizes via the Rafflecopter at the end of this post:
* One winner will receive a $25 GC to Amazon or BN
* Two winners will receive signed paperbacks of Married for Christmas and A Baby for Easter
* Ten winners will receive their choice of ebook of any title from Noelle’s backlist.
Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Alice Grantham lost her fiancé and her job, so she’s had to come home to Willow Park to live with her parents. To recover some sense of independence and security, she’s cobbled together different part-time jobs, including one as assistant to the pastor of her hometown church. Nothing seems to be going right for her. Even Micah, the pastor’s brother and the first boy she ever loved, is standoffish with her now.
Micah has always been a prodigal son, but now he’s trying to put that lifestyle behind him. Then a five-month-old daughter he never knew existed is dropped on his doorstep, the result of one of his many one-night stands. He needs help from Alice to care for his daughter, but he can’t let himself hope for anything more from her than that. He can’t help but want it, though…
Enjoy an excerpt:
Now, however, Alice was regretting her random impulse to put on a skirt that morning, since she was on her knees in front of the bookshelves, putting the last of the commentaries back in place.
At least no one was around to see her undignified position, with her skirt pushed up to her thighs to give herself freedom to move.
“Daniel,” a voice came from outside the office. “Daniel!”
She recognized the voice, but he was in the office before she could move or pull down her skirt. She froze as she looked over her shoulder, befuddled by Micah’s sudden appearance.
He seemed equally startled to discover her on the floor, after his eyes scanned the room for his absent brother. “Oh,” he said, standing in the doorway.
It took her a minute to pull herself together, but when she did she managed to smile. “He went to the hospital to see Mrs. Cooper.”
“Oh.” Micah was such a self-assured man that it was strange to see him so stumped.
Then there was a different sound in the office. It took Alice a few seconds to even identify it. It was so unexpected that she was sure it wasn’t right.
It sounded like a baby whimpering.
Finally, her eyes drifted down to something Micah was holding. A baby carrier. A baby carrier.
“Is that a baby?” she asked, her voice hoarse with surprise.
He looked down at the carrier as if he’d forgotten he held it. “Yeah.”
She scrambled to her feet, rather clumsily, and hurried over to look at the baby as he set the carrier on Daniel’s desk, right on top of the printed copy of sermon notes for Sunday.
She peered into the carrier and saw the baby—maybe four or five months old—wearing a pink sleeper. Her eyes were blue and grumpy, and her whimpers were quickly turning louder.
Instinctively, Alice reached out for the girl and pulled her up to rest against her shoulder, patting her back in a comforting manner.
Alice had always liked kids. She’d never had baby-fever, but she certainly knew what to do when one was starting to cry.
“What are you doing with her?” she asked Micah, who’d been staring at the baby with that same glazed look of bewilderment.
“I…I don’t know.”
“Well, whose is she?” Surely this baby hadn’t dropped from the sky into the back of Micah’s truck.
His features twisted slightly—maybe anxiety, maybe disbelief. “That’s the thing. I think…I think she’s mine.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
Social Media:
Website: http://noelle-adams.com/Home_Page.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoelleAdamsAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoelleAdams3
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6572847.Noelle_Adams
Book Trailer for A Baby for Easter:
http://youtu.be/HkL8asd5StU
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
All Romance Ebooks
A Baby for Easter will be offered at a special release price of $.99 through Easter day! Regularly priced at $2.99.
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by Angela Smith | Apr 15, 2014 | Introspective
I often hear writers say they can’t read for enjoyment anymore because they try to edit/critique/rewrite the story. I cringe when I hear this because I just don’t understand why. First and foremost, I love to read. When I read, I read for enjoyment. Sometimes I might catch a misspelled word but if the author is doing a good job, I don’t care about those things. In an 85,000 word novel, one misspelled word isn’t going to make or break my opinion.
Reading is so important for authors. Reading for enjoyment and reading to learn more about the craft of writing. Everybody thinks they can write a novel, but if they don’t read for enjoyment, they will likely have a harder time.
I think that’s why I have such a hard time editing novels and having critique partners. I love to read, and yes books do exist that will put me to sleep, but I’ve often read the back of shampoo bottles (at least before cell phones existed) when taking care of business and I didn’t have a book nearby, LOL.
Did you know you should shampoo, rinse, and repeat? LOL.
Seriously, though, I love hearing other authors talk about how important it is to read. Some of my favorite authors (Sandra Brown included) take time out of their writing schedules to read. Read. That doesn’t mean edit or critique or judge what you’re reading. Not that you won’t be judgmental or offer your opinion or a review when it’s appropriate, but just enjoy a well-constructed story without going into editing mode.
I’m strongly opinionated (just ask my father) but one of my greatest strengths and weaknesses is to see ALL sides of a story. It’s a positive and negative trait, but one I urge other people who don’t have it naturally to try to consider. In real life, there are many sides to a story, even from one person’s POV. I don’t try to change things or circumstances to fit my reality. Except maybe my cat when she isn’t behaving the way I want her to behave because I want hugs and she doesn’t.
My favorite part of the story is a character. You might often catch me screaming on a television show that that isn’t how things work, but mostly I can enjoy a story when the characters are important to me. Some people—men are great at this—remember lines from movies that I haven’t seen in twenty years. I can construct a kick-ass character assessment that some people might never have thought of, but I can only repeat two lines out of two different movies …
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn (even though the book ended differently). And “take me to bed or lose me forever.”
by Angela Smith | Apr 3, 2014 | Guests
Welcome to Carolyn Crane on my blog today! She answered some tough questions, and I can’t wait to hear what she had to say. She’s also giving away an ebook of OFF THE EDGE to a random commenter. So be sure to comment!
First, a little about Carolyn and her books:
RITA-nominated OFF THE EDGE
SHE MAY BE HIS WORST ENEMY…For deadly secret agent Peter Macmillan, language is a weapon—one he uses to hunt criminals, destroy plots, and charm enemies. Seducing information out of a beautiful singer in a Bangkok hotel should be easy…except this particular singer has the power to destroy his cool façade, and with it, his last defense against a dark past.
HE MAY BE HER ONLY HOPE…He tricked her. He helped himself to her body and her secrets. He has enemies everywhere. Laney Lancaster should hate Peter, but when she discovers him shirtless, sweaty, and chained up in the hotel’s dungeon, all she can think about is freeing him. Because she knows what it’s like to be trapped and alone. And she could use a dangerous friend.
They might be wrong for each other, but the instant they join forces, Laney and Peter are plunged into an odyssey of hot sex and dark danger. To survive, they must trust each other with their lives—and their hearts.
Carolyn Crane writes romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and other tales of adventure and romance; she also writes erotic romance about bank robbers as Annika Martin. She lives in the American Midwest with her husband and two cats. During rare moments when she’s not at her computer, she can be found reading in bed, running, or helping animals.
http://authorcarolyncrane.com/
https://twitter.com/CarolynCrane
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynCrane
Newsletter: http://carolynjeanjackson.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f2412c16d838ecf6c1fe740a1&id=fc81556a81
What was your favorite part of writing OFF THE EDGE?
I enjoyed the playing with this relationship between these characters. My heroine is very artistic and into emotional honesty, and my hero is a spy who is all about deception and violence, but the place they meet is in language. They both love language and use it masterfully—it’s their battleground, but it’s also what connects them.
What is your favorite aspect of reading a novel?
I read in bed every night, and I just love the feeling of excitement when I have a book waiting for me that is really engrossing. And I know the world can just float away and I’ll be breathlessly caught up in a story. It’s such a luxury to me! So I guess that is just the same as a lot of people!!
Are you a plotter, a pantser, or both?
I’m both. I do a rough outline of events, and sometimes I jot down notes about ideas I have for scenes—some I use and some I don’t. So, I guess I’m a loose plotter. I usually know roughly how a book is going to end, but not always how I’ll get there. And, it sort of depends on the book. I’m a little more specific in my outline with my spy books, because they’re more complex, than with my Annika Martin hunky bank robber books, which are pretty much pantsed.
Do you have a certain theme in all of your novels?
Ooh, that is a good question. I tend to get attracted to themes of honesty and deception. Of being known for who you are, seen for who you are, accepted no matter what. Of flaws and obsessions becoming powers.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I think it can be hard for authors to say how they write. For example, I think I write dark as Carolyn Crane, but I don’t think I’m seen that way. I think my books are always a mixture of dark and light.
Do you ever use your life experiences in your novels?
Yes, I totally do. And I use people I know, too, but usually by the time I’ve finished a book, I’ve twisted everything around so much and loaded in so much made up stuff, nobody would ever know. And, I have a straight job as an advertising copywriter, which means I know a little bit about a whole lot of stuff, from how they make those reflective vests look so bright to how parking ramps are constructed to how people’s personalities relate to their choice of coffee shop. I find weird uses for a lot of that stuff.
Are you working on any projects right now?
I’m working on three projects! The next Undercover Associates (it’s about Thorne, and it has a secret baby in it). And another Taken Hostage by Hunky Bank Robbers book by my dirty-writing alter ego, Annika Martin. And a third top-secret project where one of my pen names is collaborating with another author.
Do you see writing as a career?
Oh, definitely. Well, it already is, considering my copywriter job, but I’m hoping to increase the hours I do fiction writing and decrease my copywriting. Which is one of the great things about a freelance gig.
If you had the career of your choice, what would you choose and why?
Author!! I would do this stuff full time! I love writing.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I’m a slow writer, so I’m really trying to get faster. I’m trying to understand why I write some books faster than others so I can write them ALL fast!! And I want to get better at working on characters, too. Better at writing from character on a first draft instead of stumbling around forever trying to figure characters out.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Read romance earlier. I was too uptight and I read difficult, boring books for too long. I was too hard on myself. I needed to have more fun. I feel like I went through a total Renaissance as a read and writer when I discovered romance. Why wasn’t I reading and writing this stuff all along?
Hey, Angela, thanks again for having me!! And I’m giving away a prize…an ebook copy of OFF THE EDGE to one random commenter…
by Angela Smith | Mar 27, 2014 | Introspective
I received a very special phone call from a former supervisor, whom I hold great deal of respect for. She said she read my book and it was wonderful. (And she gave me reasons for why she felt it was wonderful, commented on my descriptions, etc). She gave it to someone else to read who said it was the best book they’ve ever read. I truly believe she meant what she said and wasn’t just saying that to make me feel good. Sometimes those types of reviews are better than any I’d see written.
You know, I wrote doing the time I worked for her over 15 years ago, but never shared that fact with anyone else. I wasted a lot of years not following the dream I had imprinted on my heart for many reasons, and I regret that. I regret not trusting others to believe in and support me. But as much as I regret that, I truly feel it has made me a stronger person, and a better writer.
Judy Reeves, a writer and teacher, says: “Those of us who are marked a writer (or as musicians or painters or dancers) but have pushed aside the calling of the Muse might as well surrender and do the thing we’re meant to do. Otherwise, that longing inside our hearts will never be stilled.”
I love that quote, and I know it to be true. It applies to anything in your life, whether you want to bake pastries, build an airplane, or raise your children. My husband used to talk about writing this story idea he has, but he has never followed through because he never had that push, that feeling that he must write (or else he’ll go crazy). If you’ve ever had the feeling you must do something and it doesn’t go away, I believe it is God’s calling (or the universe, your muse, or whatever you choose to believe.) Although you can ignore it, something will always be missing in your life.
So stop ignoring it! Now is the time, and time is short.
by Angela Smith | Mar 25, 2014 | Introspective
The other day, I was organizing my home office (mostly because books were taking over my writing space) and I came across the baby book my mom had preserved for me. This baby book is the type of book that grows with me, a place for me to add insights, information, and even pictures as I age. Thumbing through it, I stopped at the “Plans for the Future” page, wondering if it would give me insight into the day I discovered I wanted to be a writer.
I only had three dates written down. The first was when I was about nine or so and said: “I want to be a secretary (or business woman), a movie star, or a model like Christie Brinkley.” What young child doesn’t want to be a movie star or model, right? And I thought secretaries got to design and create fun and interesting things! I always loved to create fun and interesting things! By the time I was fourteen, my love for fashion (as for many children) blossomed and I thought I wanted to be a fashion designer. When I was fifteen years old, I finally admitted these words: “I am very interested in writing. Hopefully someday I will have published a popular novel.”
I can say with pride that I am a published author now, and I let so many things get in the way of those dreams for so many years. Almost twenty years if I’m counting! My one piece of advice to would-be writers is to never ever ever give up!
As Judy Reeves, a writer and teacher, says: “My grandmother used to tell me that when we’re born God puts His big thumbprint in the middle of our forehead and says, “You’re a musician,” “You make pottery,” and so on. To some of us, He says, “You, you’re a writer.” Those of us who are marked as writers (or musicians or painters or dancers) but have pushed aside the calling of the Muse might as well surrender and do the thing we’re meant to do. Otherwise, that longing inside our hearts will never be stilled.”
It’s a longing I never should have ignored. I wasted a lot of years ignoring the calling, hoping it would go away because I already had a fulltime job and didn’t have the emotional energy it takes to pour into my writing. There are still days I question my sanity, but I love what I do.
“Writing is the only thing that when I do it, I don’t feel I should be doing something else.” Quote by Gloria Steinhem.
I am a huge supporter of following your dreams, and I think that is true of any calling that you have which is inscribed upon your heart.
by Angela Smith | Mar 17, 2014 | Books
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day and Fatal Snag’s release day, I’ve posted an excerpt of Burn on the Western Slope below. In this scene, Chayton, who was a secondary character in Burn on the Western Slope and the hero in Fatal Snag, has learned that Naomi left without saying goodbye. That is one of the conflicts faced in the opening scene of Fatal Snag.
Because they are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, his special drink of the day is a Hot Irish Nut. I’ve posted the recipe below.
Enjoy!
She had every intention of telling him she was leaving. Hopefully temporarily, but right now she wasn’t sure how long she’d be gone. She had to see to her accounts, she had to talk to her mother face to face, and she had to know if she’d stop mulling over Garret so much if he wasn’t around all the time.
“Ladies,” Chayton said as Reagan approached the bar. He attempted to smile a polite acknowledgement, but his lips remained tight. He grabbed a glass from the counter above him. “Or should I say lady?” His eyes darted the room, as if glancing for Naomi, but that was only Reagan’s suspicion, she couldn’t be entirely sure. “Can I talk you into my special? Hot Irish Nut?” Reagan nodded, laying some bills on the counter. “No, this is my treat.” He glanced around again. “Where’s Naomi?”
“She left.”
“She left?”
Reagan nodded. A brace surrounded his right arm all the way down his hand and up past his elbow. “What happened?”
“Oh this?” Chayton jiggled his arm. “Just an accident.”
“What were you doing?” Reagan asked.
“Ice climbing.”
Her heart sunk. That was how Ray had died. “Ice climbing?”
Chayton huffed out a loud breath. “Yeah, Garret and I went ice climbing yesterday, and I had a little accident. Really, it’s no big deal. Just a sprain. It’s not broken, but the doctor says this will make it better faster. Worth every second of the exhilarating experience. Where did Naomi go?”
“Home.”
Chayton pivoted, as if to hide the expression on his face, but she didn’t miss it. Licking his lips, he awkwardly prepared her drink, taking longer than usual, she assumed because of his arm. He kept his eyes away from hers, but she noticed the compression of his lips and the rut between his eyebrows. He handed her a green drink. “Without saying goodbye?”
Regular Hot Irish Nut Recipe:
Ingredients
1 Part Irish Cream
1 Part Frangelica
1 Part Amaretto
Coffee
Chayton’s Hot Irish Nut Recipe:
1 Part Irish Cream
1 Part Frangelica
1 Part Amaretto
1 Part Crème De Menthe
Ginger Ale, to taste
Splash of green food coloring
Splash of Coffee Liqueur
by Angela Smith | Mar 17, 2014 | Books
Today is the day! Fatal Snag is available in e-book format! And how am I going to celebrate?
I’m going to celebrate by continuing to write, so I’ll have more release days for you.
If you’ve read Burn on the Western Slope, you’ve already met Chayton and Naomi. This is their story.
by Angela Smith | Mar 13, 2014 | Guests
Today, I’m interviewing Allyson Lindt author of Holding her Close, part of her Bits and Bytes stories.
But first, let’s talk about her giveaway! Allyson will be awarding:
* Grand prize at the end of the four week tour – a Kindle paperwhite to one randomly drawn winner.
* Each week, one randomly drawn commenter will win a $10 Amazon GC
So be sure to enter, and click the banner to follow the rest of her tour for more chances to win!
Zach is haunted by ex-girlfriends. The day his fiancée dumped him, she also sold her shares of his multi-billion dollar corporation. On top of that, the girl who broke his heart in high school—the only woman he’s never been able to forget—is back in his life. She’s filling his business partner’s head with delusions of recovering from the hostile takeover, and haunting Zach’s most vivid fantasies. But Zach’s got a plan to solve half the problem: one night with her, and he can put the past behind him.
It’s been years since Rae talked to her high school sweetheart. But her best friend is his business partner, and running in the same circles has caught up to her. Rae is seeing Zach everywhere, including her explicit, rampant imagination. When he proposes a single night together for closure, she hopes it will be just what she needs to move on.
The past and the present intertwine as “Just this once” becomes “Just one more time.” When Rae discovers the solution to Zach’s business problems the entire situation becomes one giant knot. Can he trust her enough to risk his heart and livelihood a second time, or will experience convince him to walk away from everything?
Excerpt…
Zach locked the door, closed the remaining distance between them, and dipped his head. His lips hovered millimeters away, and then he kissed her.
The sensation was so light, Rae wasn’t sure she felt it. She leaned in, mouth opening, and a whimper escaped when he traced his tongue over her bottom lip. Every nerve ending was on fire, screaming for more. His hand rested at the base of her neck, holding her in place. He deepened the kiss, going from gentle to hungry in an instant.
His tongue twisted around hers in a desperate dance, and desire blossomed in her gut. God, this was incredible. Had it been like this before? No, neither of them had been so experienced. She rested her hands on his chest, heat searing her palms.
She fumbled to find her breath when they finally broke apart. His finger caressed her swollen lips, dancing over the sensitive flesh.
“You’re sure this is a good idea?” She didn’t want to question it, but she needed reassurance. Another voice to tell her the lust screaming through her veins wasn’t misplaced.
He nudged her back, hands on her hips, guiding her until she bumped into the desk. His soft growl echoed in her ear as he kissed along her lobe. “Possibly the best idea I’ve had all week.”
Author Bio and Links:
Allyson Lindt is a full-time geek and a fuller-time contemporary romance author. She prefers that her geeky heroes come with the alpha expansion pack and adores a heroine who can hold her own in a boardroom. She loves a sexy happily-ever-after and helping deserving cubicle dwellers find their futures together.
Find Allyson Lindt
Website: http://allysonlindt.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allyson-Lindt/116062025108551
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllysonLindt
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7024176.Allyson_Lindt
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/allysonlindt
Buy Holding Her Close:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DFTUP94/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DFTUP94&linkCode=as2&tag=itsalwabothej-20
Buy Conflict of Interest:
Liquid Silver Books: https://www.lsbooks.com/conflict-of-interest-p782.php
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CKYEPK0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CKYEPK0&linkCode=as2&tag=itsalwabothej-20
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/conflict-of-interest-allyson-lindt/1115273894?ean=9781931761857
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-conflictofinterest-1186277-149.html
Buy Toeing the Line:
Liquid Silver Books: https://www.lsbooks.com/toeing-the-line-p820.php
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EN8QAMM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EN8QAMM&linkCode=as2&tag=itsalwabothej-20
All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-toeingtheline-1269561-149.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/toeing-the-line-allyson-lindt/1116789055?ean=9781622100194
Buy Learning New Tricks:
Liquid Silver Books: https://www.lsbooks.com/learning-new-tricks-p862.php
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HC1CZ3A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HC1CZ3A&linkCode=as2&tag=itsalwabothej-20
All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-learningnewtricks-1374823-149.html
What intrigues you about your book, Holding Her Close?
I’m fascinated by the idea of someone with an idea, a big, epic, sweeping idea, who comes from nothing and becomes something. Who has the strength and the power to pursue their dream and make it reality. In Holding Her Close that’s what the characters’ success is based on: following this powerful dream.
Who or what is your greatest writing influence?
There are two authors who influence my writing, and my drive to tell the stories I do, more than any other. Neil Gaiman and Richelle Mead. Two very different story-telling styles, and two unique and wonderful interpretations of the world.
When did you absolutely know that you had to be a writer?
I was talking about this the other day with my spouse. The question was “what did you want to be when you grew up?” I had a huge list. Astronaut, teacher, lawyer, photographer. Then she asked, “where’s writer in all that?” When I thought about it I realized it wasn’t in the list because it’s always been there. I’ve always just assumed I would write (always being since I was six or seven), regardless of what else I did with my life.
What was your favorite part of writing, Holding Her Close?
I’ve written and rewritten Holding Her Close so many times I can’t even count. My favorite part was finally finding the real story I wanted to tell underneath everything else I’d created. Peeling away the layers and digging out what the book has become.
What is your favorite aspect of reading a novel?
Falling into another world, and living it through someone else’s eyes. Feeling life the way they feel it, gaining new experiences, and losing myself in the alternate reality the author has created, whether it’s romantic, fantastic, or anything else.
Are you a plotter, a pantser, or both?
I’m a pretty solid combination of both. I can’t start writing unless I know where the beginning, middle, and end of my story are, and have a basic idea of how to get there, but the majority of the plotting I do gets tossed out the window once I actually get into the meat of the story and realize who my characters actually are, and how they’d really react in any given situation.
Do you have a certain theme in all of your novels?
That’s a tough question. I’d like to say something grand and sweeping like “down with Corporate America, up with dreams.” But my theme is more basic than that. I write about acceptance. Characters living in a world that they don’t quite think they fit in, who figure out where they belong somewhere along the way.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Err…um… I suppose so. I’ve been told I have a very distinct voice. And regardless of what I write, it always tends to be either contemporary or near future. I’m fond of sentence fragments, internal narration, and random acts of swearing.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Beyond the standard theme any of my books carry, I don’t tend to write to a message. I do hope that people will read Holding Her Close, enjoy it, and feel warm and fuzzy after they’re done.
Do you ever use your life experiences in your novels?
Absolutely. There’s always something there. In Holding Her Close, there are some heavy influences from past jobs. I’ve worked for a lot of companies over the years that have been bought out by bigger corporations. The changes don’t tend to be good, and the truly experienced employees get trampled in favor of ego and saving money.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one book with you, what would you take?
I’m going to steal this from something I saw the other day. “How to build a raft.”
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one song with you, what would you take?
There’s one song I never skip, regardless of my mood. Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time.
Are you working on any projects right now?
I’m working on a short story anthology with my critique partner, Sofia Grey, that’s loosely based on the Wizard of Oz. Right now we’re calling it Emerald City, but that’s more of a code name than anything. Thing sexy, futuristic with a hint of sci-fi, and retellings for Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow.
Do you see writing as a career?
I do. Right now, it’s a second job, and it’s a time consuming one. But I have goals for which books I need to write when, how quickly I need to finish them, and where I need to go next after I make my way through that list. I’m not a goal making person, so that’s a big deal for me. And of course, I wouldn’t complain if I was able to leave the day job behind in the next five years and make writing the primary job instead.
If you had the career of your choice, what would you choose and why?
Lol, writing. But outside of that? Something that allowed me to create (I’m assuming if I can pick any career, I can pick the skills to go with it too). Creating commercials, graphics, anything that allowed me to put the images in my head onto a medium where I could share them.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
My mother was a writer. I remember watching her and thinking I wanted to do that. But I think more of it came from my love of reading. I would devour everything in the library, and then there wouldn’t be anything else left on the shelves that appealed to me, so I started to make the stories up in my head instead.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
There’s always the self-doubt, the biggest challenge is ignoring that. Beyond that, description. I tend to write very sparsely, so it’s difficult for me to know what to include. My first drafts are frequently a lot of dialogue and read more like a screenplay than a novel. “Character yawns, is frustrated, says: why did you wake me up.”
What advice would you give to your younger self?
At the risk of sounding cliché, I’d tell my younger self that it gets better. That the way we deal with life determines as much about our future as the experience itself. Oh, and probably that she doesn’t need to max out that sixth credit card, or even the first one, because those jeans will be on clearance in just a few weeks.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
I never know how to answer this question. So many people have these great answers of wise people throughout history they’d meet, and some incredible reasons for their logic. But I don’t have vast, epic, grandiose plans for the world, and I suspect the knowledge of those great people would be better spent on someone else. So instead, I’m going to say Joss Whedon. Because… that imagination… that could be fun to pick at for a while.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
Going back to the whole Neil Gaiman inspired my writing, I’d have to say American Gods. The concepts introduced, the story line, the way it all blends together into a compelling read, it’s the perfect balance of all the elements I enjoy in a book.
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