Thursday, July 30, 2009
Today I have romance author Lex Valentine, who I met through Katie MacAlister's forum, guest blogging about her current release, Fire Season. She contacted me about reviewing a couple of her novels if possible as well as to schedule an author interview and author guest blog. I'll be reviewing the first three books in her Tales of the Darkworld series, Shifting Winds, Hot Water and Fire Season so keep coming back for the reviews. Lex was also interviewed by me this past Tuesday if you want to read it and learn more about her, her writing and more. Now onto the author guest blog:
* * * * * *
Most people don’t handle it well when their world is turned upside down. I took that concept to a sexual and emotional level with my latest Tales of the Darkworld book. In Fire Season, black dragon Holden Antaeus is straight. He’s never thought men were attractive at all…until he meets green dragon Garret Renquist. Something about Garret pulls at him both emotionally and sexually. The reason for it is that they are mates. Fire Season is a journey through Holden and Garret’s emotions as they learn to be mates. It’s a difficult transition for the straight black dragon. For Garret, who is bi-sexual, it’s more cut and dried. However, fear runs through both of them and working things out is an exercise in patience and acceptance. Writing my first full length novel wasn’t difficult. I’ve done it before (in long hand even!). But writing my first full length M/M story had its challenges. Prior to Fire Season, I’d only ever written short snippets of M/M story at The Bar—a paranormal serial story where I write with a dozen other people—and for Pink Chair Diaries. Fire Season gave me the opportunity to delve into the minds and hearts of main characters, show their fears, their deepest emotions, and expose the raw sexuality of the dragons. At the same time, this story began to feed the other stories in the series. While working on Fire Season, the next book, Ride the Lightning, came full blown to my brain. If I can get it all down in time, it will be out in the late fall or early winter. When characters and storylines come so easily to me, I know I have to write the story soon. Otherwise, those characters haunt my dreams until I do. Since I could only work on Fire Season on the weekends, it took about a month to finish. All during that time, the characters from Fire Season and Ride the Lightning stayed stuck in the front of my brain. It’s weird to have so many people inhabit your head, but at the same time I’ve always got something to do, even if I’m sitting in the doctor’s office waiting room without a magazine. All I have to do is turn my mind down the path where these characters reside and start working out the details of scenes inside my head. Despite the oddness of it, there’s a comfort in the fact that these characters are always there to fill my downtime and I can work on them even without a computer or pen and paper. I’m sure a shrink would think I’m psychotic or something, but I’d much rather call it creative genius!
* * * * * *
Blurb for Fire Season: Fire Season by Lex ValentineBlack dragon Holden Antaeus isn't looking for a mate. His life is filled with family, work, and dating. Women adore him and he's never short of offers for sex, but a relationship isn't something he's interested in. When Holden's brother Sean hires a new executive for Antaeus International, Holden's whole world, and everything he's ever believed about himself, is blown to bits. Garret Renquist is a green dragon, intelligent, witty, bi-sexual, and hot for Holden. Despite the fact that Holden is positive he's heterosexual, the moment he meets Garret, something happens inside him. What follows is a journey through stereotypes and ingrained beliefs as Holden struggles with the fact that his destined mate is a man. Excerpt from Fire Season: Holden wanted to look over his shoulder to see Garret’s reaction. He didn’t. He returned to the main room of the suite and picked up his water, wandering out to the balcony to watch the sun rise. It couldn’t have been more than ten minutes later that he heard a soft sound that told him Garret had joined him. “Holden, I’m sorry.” The softly spoken words caused Holden to release his breath on a sigh. “I am too, Garret.” He turned, his gaze caught and held by Garret’s. A wave of emotion, mostly indefinable, rose within him, causing an ache in his chest. Garret swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly. “I shouldn’t have done that.” Holden sensed Garret’s discomfort, but stayed silent, waiting for him to finish. He gave the man points for holding his gaze when by rights he probably wanted to look anywhere else. “I was angry and disappointed and confused. When Rob came on to me in the bar…” Garret broke off and swallowed again. “I didn’t think you would care what I did, but that is no excuse. It’s just an explanation of my motivation. I know it was wrong of me to bring him back here on the day I found you. I’m so sorry.” It had been a long time since Holden had met someone with the level of integrity that Garret had just shown. “I’m sorry too, Garret,” he replied in a low voice. “This whole thing was such a shock. And I know that’s not an excuse for my behavior. It’s just an explanation.” He smiled as he repeated Garret’s words. The British man’s eyes lightened as a smile curved his lips. Holden caught a glimpse of brilliant white teeth as Garret’s smile flashed out and he suddenly felt sucker punched, his gut twisting with emotion. The urge to reach out and touch Garret overwhelmed him, just like the man’s scent filled his senses, until all he could think about was asking him to repeat yesterday’s kiss. Garret’s eyes flickered. “You realize that a lot of what you think and feel bleeds out to me now,” he murmured. “Despite your natural shielding.” Holden sucked in a breath. “If you know what I’m thinking then just do it, Garret, ‘cause the gods know I can’t yet,” he said in a shaky voice, feeling his heart begin to race. Garret took the three steps needed to bring their bodies within inches of each other. Holden began to shake a little with fear and anticipation. The first kiss had been a surprise and filled with anger on both sides. This would be their first real kiss. They both acknowledged that they were mates, and that they felt some emotion pulling at them along with a steadily growing attraction. Regardless of the previous kiss, Holden didn’t know what to expect and when Garret’s hand came up to wrap around the back of his neck, he stiffened a little at first. Then fire licked through his veins at the feel of Garret’s warm palm on his bare skin. He shook harder. “Don’t be afraid, Holden. It’s just a kiss.”
* * * * * *
You can find out more about me by going to my official author website, Sunlight Sucks (personal blog), Tales of the Darkworld (series website), Flirty Author Bitches (group blog), Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, The Bar (A Paranormal Serial Story) and my Graphics & Web Design website.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Today I have romance author Lex Valentine, who I met through Katie MacAlister's forum, today being interviewed by me. She contacted me about reviewing a couple of her novels if possible as well as to schedule an author interview and author guest blog. I'll be reviewing the first three books in her Tales of the Darkworld series, Shifting Winds, Hot Water and Fire Season so keep coming back for the reviews. Lex will also be coming back this Thursday, July 30 for her author guest blog about her new release, Fire Season, so come back to find out more about the book and the series. Now onto the interview:
* * * * * *
Phoebe Jordan: When did you know that writing romance was going to be the thing that you would do with your life? Which author inspired you to start writing romance? Lex ValentineLex Valentine: I’ve always written, from the time I could string words together. I love words! I don’t think I’ve ever consciously chosen to be a romance writer. It’s just the genre (and sub-genres) that I love. Inspiration came from a lot of places. There are classics I love with an element of romance to them like the Gift of the Magi. And I love Lord Byron’s work. The man was incredibly passionate. When I got into romances, it was the regencies that drew me, starting with Georgette Heyer. The Corinthian is still one of my favorite books of all time. Phoebe: Did you know what type of romance you wanted to write about or did you experiment with different genres before you chose the one that you felt was for you? Lex: I just write what comes to life in my head. I’ve been reading vampires since I was seventeen years old when my sister Jeannette gave me Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice for my 17th birthday. I moved from that to Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s St Germain vampires and many others. More than twenty years ago I started developing the world that has become the Darkworld. Back then it was called the Dark Realms. I still have those original computer documents. Now, I write in multiple sub-genres: paranormal, erotica, contemporary, M/M, urban fantasy… Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you? Lex: The first thing I ever wrote was poetry. Later, I moved into short stories. Mostly, horse and horse racing related little bits. I was a huge Black Stallion fan! I loved Alec and the Black. My first full length novel was written in my 20’s—long hand! Note By Note was a contemporary romance about a rock star. It has been lost since then. In fact, I don’t have any of the early stuff I wrote. The earliest stuff that I actually still have would be the Dark Realm stuff that I started writing before my daughter was born in 1989. Phoebe: How much research do you have to do for your novels and does it take you a long time to gather that research? Lex: Since the Darkworld is my world, research isn’t really needed. I tend to write what I know. It’s easier that way. Occasionally, I need to know something about guns (for an urban fantasy) and I ask my DH who is very knowledgeable about them or I Google it. Mostly, if I need to know something, I Google it. I’m pretty quick when it comes to that sort of stuff. And I don’t center my books around things so much. They are all more about people. Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for your first two novels, Shifting Winds and Hot Water, which is the first and second book in your Tales of the Darkworld Series? Shifting Winds by Lex ValentineLex: I’d seen an open call at Pink Petal Books for dragon shifters. Since I write dragons at the serial story The Bar, and since I’d already been making some notes for the Darkworld, I decided I’d give the call a shot. I already knew Mary, the publisher, because she offered to help me with a short story I was trying to submit, Silver Lining. I delved into my notes for the Darkworld and started reading through them, found a part where I’d made a note about a cemetery owned by vampires and BOOM! The idea of a vampires who’d been burned at love who meets up with black dragon who’s always had a secret crush on her began to form in my head. Once Shifting Winds was done, I realized that Elysia’s brother Colin was a very interesting character. The idea to throw him together with Declan’s sister was born. It’s just grown from there mostly because of the three best friends—Sean Antaeus, Marius Granville, and Alfred Stone—and their machinations. Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for your Tales of the Darkworld Series and how many books did you plan to write when you started the series and do you plan to write any after Fire Season, your upcoming release? Lex: Tales started out with me playing off different ideas about secondary characters as I wrote Shifting Winds and moved almost immediately into Hot Water. I got the idea that it was a trilogy, each title having something to do with an element. By the time Hot Water was done, I knew I had six books in my head. When I started writing Fire Season, I realized that this is a 10 book series that ends with the head of the Antaeus family, Sean. Phoebe: How do you come up with each of your characters for your novels? How do you choose their names out of so many names out there? Lex: They pop into my head. Seriously. Some are names I’ve stolen from my Bar characters or variations on those names. But even with my Bar story characters, most of the names have just popped into my head or I’ve seen them listed or used somewhere and liked it. Colin from my novel, Hot Water, got his name because I love Colin Bridgerton in the Bridgerton Family series by Julia Quinn’s called, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Phoebe: Do you have a favorite character that you really enjoyed writing about in your first two novels, Shifting Winds and Hot Water? Did you have a character that you felt you could really relate to in your first two novels, Shifting Winds and Hot Water? Lex: I think my favorite character has to be Corey Green, Colin’s assistant. Corey is based on a real person that I know, my friend Gooster, whose real name is Corey. Gooster is pithy and amusing just like Corey in my book. I had so much fun writing Corey’s lines and in my head I could hear Gooster saying them! I think I identify with Eden Antaeus a bit more than the other characters in the first two books. I don’t really fit in with my family either. I’m the odd man out because I’m so responsible. Phoebe: Do you have a favorite character that you really enjoyed writing about in your upcoming release, Fire Season? Did you have a character that you felt you could really relate to in your upcoming release, Fire Season? Lex: In Fire Season, I would have to say that I truly enjoyed showing Declan Antaeus’ back story, before he got together with Elysia. I think it gives him another layer that the reader wasn’t exposed to in Shifting Winds. The character I identified most within my current release, Fire Season, was again a secondary character, not one of the main ones. Garret’s boss Emily really grew as a character in my head as I wrote Fire Season. I started thinking about the reasons for her icy demeanor and the pain she eventually shows. Her story and Vahid’s—Ride the Lightning—was born out of how much I identified with Emily during the writing of Fire Season. Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write your novels? Lex: I start with the plot. It’s like a road map in my head. I know how I want it to start and I know how I want it to end. Between the two I come up with “mile markers”, scenes and things that I know I want to have happen. Once those are in place, I let the characters talk to me as I write. Phoebe: Which do you like best, writing a series or writing stand alone novels? How is writing each different for you? Lex: With a series, I know I’ll see those characters again. With a stand alone, I’m usually just glad to be done. LOL I don’t feel like I have a preference, but I do tend to get caught up in series so I suppose they are my weakness. I tend to really concentrate with a stand alone. With a series book, when I’m writing, other ideas and characters for the next few books start popping up in my head. Phoebe: What process did you have to go through to get your first book published and did it take you long? Hot Water by Lex ValentineLex: I decided in August of 2008 that I would try to get published. Jennifer Leeland had been bugging me on my blog for months about trying. So I took this short story I had from a contest and reworked it and subbed it. It was rejected and I was a little tweaked when I discovered the editor didn’t even know one of the words I used in the story. It’s tough to feel as if you got a fair shot when you have proof that your vocabulary outstrips that of the person deciding on your work. Right after that I saw the dragon call and wrote Shifting Winds. On Oct. 30, the day before my birthday, I was offered a contract for Shifting Winds. So I suppose you could say it was a relatively easy process for me. My second sub got a contract! YAY! Later on, the first sub—Silver Lining—got a contract too from a different pub. LOL. Phoebe: Do you ever get writers block? What do you do to get rid of it so you can get back to writing your novels? Lex: I don’t get writer’s block but I get tired. I work a lot of hours in my EDJ (evil day job—not that it’s really evil. It’s not) and I have a lot of other things I do besides write. So sometimes, I just get wiped out and I’m too tired to write for days on end. What gets my juices flowing again are the ladies from Word Wars. We write in a Yahoo conference with someone timing us. When time is up were exchange a paragraph or two and heap praise on each other and do it all over again until hours have gone by and we’ve written 10K. Phoebe: What is your biggest reader pet peeve, if you have any? (stock characters, unresolved endings, predictability, everything wrapped up hurriedly in the end, etc.) Lex: I hate poor grammar and usage. If you don’t know what the word means, don’t use it! I hate run on sentences. I hate it when I buy a book only to find that the best edited part was the blurb and except I saw on the loops. I hate buying and reading books that haven’t been edited well and show that the writer still has a long way to go to learn their craft. Phoebe: Which aspects of writing do you enjoy the most and why? And what is your biggest writing pet peeve? (overuse of exclamation points, adverbs, bad guys named Wayne, etc.), if you have any? Lex: I like seeing the characters come alive. And I like THE END. LOL I have a whole lot of things I do wrong. I write fast and I drop words. I also tell more than show which is evidenced by how many instances of WAS you’ll find in the story. And last but not least, I wonder a lot too. I have to change out the word “wonder” way too much when I go through my first draft. Phoebe: What is the one writing tool can you not live without? Lex: A computer. I have a desktop that I built myself and an Acer Aspire One netbook. I’d be lost without them. Phoebe: How do you handle your writing schedule and your personal life without going insane? Lex: Who said I’m sane? Muahahaha! Seriously, it’s a tough thing. When I’m holed up too much, I get tired and Rott gets pissy. He tells me he can never measure up to all the heroes in the romance books. That’s when I know he needs some attention and I need to walk away from the computer for awhile. Mostly, I try to schedule things. Tuesday nights I do my horse racing sims. I do Word Wars on the weekends. The more I schedule, the better off I am. Phoebe: What do you do to relax after having spent a long while writing? Do you have any hobbies? Lex: I’ve been playing a horse racing sim game online for over six years now. I love the game! I read a lot too. And I like to watch CNN and nap while watching TVG and NASCAR or Indy cars. Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you? Lex: Do your homework before you start subbing your work. Check out the publishers. Check out EREC. Don’t submit your work to a publisher that doesn’t edit well or one with problems that have been talked about across the groups. Those pubs with problems paying out royalties, the ones who’ve been held up as having major editing issues, the ones that have been pointed out as possibly the next to close it’s doors, the ones that pay on net or hold your rights for longer than 3-7 years…all of those things aren’t in the favor of an author. You should know what’s going on in this business before you submit your manuscript. Know who and what you’re submitting your hard work to—a publisher who is reputable, ethical and who cares or one that just wants to make money and doesn’t even see you except as a vehicle it can exploit on the way to making that money. Phoebe: Is there any writing tips, research tips, promotion and marketing tips that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you? Fire Season by Lex ValentineLex: I’ve been lucky in that my friends are multi-published authors who gave me the info I needed to get started. And besides that, I’ve worked with a media consultant for years so I already knew the value of media and branding. I wish all authors knew that they need to have their web presence set up in advance to show publishers that they are serious. Have your domain name and get your site built. The chintzier and cheaper you look (i.e. freewebs and other free sites with crappy URLs) the more that a publisher may think you’re not serious or that you don’t know the value of the internet. Amateurish looking website templates and graphics—cutesy stuff that doesn’t look professional—all on a free website, subdomained URL make an author look completely amateurish. Invest in your career. You can put up a website on your own domain for less than $30. And if you want to be a published author—you should. Besides, it’s a tax write off. LOL. Phoebe: Do you have a favorite genre you like to read? Who is your favorite author(s)? Lex: Paranormals are my favorite but I read anything that catches my eye or is by a favorite author. I love Katie McAlister, Erin McCarthy, J.R. Ward, and anything by my pals Dee Carney (Morgan Sierra), L. Shannon, Eliza Gayle, Moira Reed, Mary Winter, Z.A. Maxfield, Ethan Day, Jason Edding, Bonnie Rose Leigh…really, I love so many authors. Phoebe: What are you reading now? And what do you plan to read after that? Lex: I’m reading P.A. Brown’s The Geography of Murder. I’d seen her posting excerpts from her WIP, the sequel, on a Yahoo group and was intrigued by Alexander Spider. So I had to buy it! After this, I’ll probably pick up something a little more lighthearted and short. Not sure what yet. I’ll have to go browsing at ARe (All Romance eBooks). Either that or it’s time to re-read L. Shannon’s Zeven Ways to Kill Your Lover. I’m insanely fond of that book and Shannon’s writing.

Thursday, July 23, 2009
Today I have romance author Jasmine Aherne here for an author interview. She got in touch with me through my association with the e-publisher Wild Horse Press. She contacted me in hopes of scheduling an author interview, author guest blog as well as a book review for her romance novel, Between the Lines. Remember to come back on Thursday, July 16 to find out more about how she came to write her novel, Between the Lines and keep a look out for my review of the novel as well. Now on to the interview between me and Jasmine.
* * * * * *
I started writing Between the Lines after talking to my lawyer friend Claire. She was saying how she didn't know if she'd ever meet anyone and wishing a man would just walk right into her office off the street. So I wrote Aaron for her—in chapter one he all but waltzes in and demands that she have dinner with him! I wrote the novel in about a month. It sort of poured out—excuse that horribly visual word—and I didn't really break in between, or get writer's block, which is unusual! Blurb: Between the Lines by Jasmine AherneAttorney Victoria Langston loves her job, but realizes she's missing something in her life. She just doesn't know what it is yet. Author Aaron Cooper is pleasantly surprised when he meets Tory. The moment he sets eyes on her, he knows he wants her. The two begin a whirlwind relationship, but where can it possibly go? She lives in New York and he lives in England. As the two get to know one another better, they discover that their feelings run deeper than either wants to admit. Will Tory and Aaron be willing to forget their pasts and give each other a chance? Or will old relationships get in the way of something wonderful? You can find me at my website, The Pen Muse , which is a writer's blog I contribute to and on Twitter .

Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Yesterday I had romance author Jasmine Aherne here for an author interview. She got in touch with me through my association with the e-publisher Wild Horse Press. She contacted me in hopes of scheduling an author interview, author guest blog as well as a book review for her romance novel, Between the Lines. Remember to come back on Thursday, July 16 to find out more about how she came to write her novel, Between the Lines and now I'm going to review her novel. This novel from the start captured my interest because it takes place in my own city of NYC, which I love reading about in novels sometimes since I usually read novels that are taking place in other states or even in other countries. This novel introduces us to attorney Victoria "Tory" Langston who loves her job but realizes that she's missing something in her life and wants to finally find it though she doesn't know what it is yet. Then her cousin from England gives her an unexpected call when she's at work to tell her that she needs her help with her client bestselling thriller author Aaron Cooper. Now Aaron Cooper is a British author who loves to travel all over the world researching about different cultures and places for his best selling novels.
Then that all started to change when he sets eyes on attorney Tory who is going to help him with his research for his new novel about a female attorney. The two begin a whirlwind relationship that starts out innocently and with each day they are together they grow closer but where can it possibly go? She lives in New York and he lives in England, so what kind of relationship could they have with such a long distance problem they have now. As the two get to know one another better, they discover that their feelings run deeper than either wants to admit to each other or themselves. Will Tory and Aaron be willing to forget their pasts and give each other a chance to be happy together forever? Or will old relationships get in the way of something wonderful that could very well be their last chance for the true love and happiness that they deserve? Well those are some heavy questions that I really enjoyed finding out about while I was reading this novel. I really fell for the hero, Aaron, and the heroine, Tory, because they seem like opposites but they really have so much in common. After finishing this novel I really couldn't believe that I finished it so fast and was left in awe as well as wanting to get my hands on another of Jasmine Aherne's novels. I give this book 4 Open Books:
4 Open Books
Here is the description of the book from Jasmine Aherne's website and picture:
BETWEEN THE LINES by Jasmine Aherne $ 5.98 (148 Pages)
Between the Lines by Jasmine Aherne
Attorney Victoria Langston loves her job, but realizes she's missing something in her life. She just doesn't know what it is yet. Author Aaron Cooper is pleasantly surprised when he meets Tory. The moment he sets eyes on her, he knows he wants her. The two begin a whirlwind relationship, but where can it possibly go? She lives in New York and he lives in England. As the two get to know one another better, they discover that their feelings run deeper than either wants to admit. Will Tory and Aaron be willing to forget their pasts and give each other a chance? Or will old relationships get in the way of something wonderful?

Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Today I have romance author Jasmine Aherne here for an author interview. She got in touch with me through my association with the e-publisher Wild Horse Press. She contacted me in hopes of scheduling an author interview, author guest blog as well as a book review for her romance novel, Between the Lines. Remember to come back on Thursday, July 16 to find out more about how she came to write her novel, Between the Lines and keep a look out for my review of the novel as well. Now on to the interview between me and Jasmine.
* * * * * *
Phoebe Jordan: When did you know that writing romance was going to be the thing that you would do with your life? Which author inspired you to start writing romance? Jasmine AherneJasmine Aherne: Nora Roberts, without hesitation. The first book of hers I ever read was Born in Shame, and it took me through the whole gamut of emotions—joy, laughter, pain, heartache—and I thought, this is what I want to write, to make other people feel like this. Phoebe: Did you know what type of romance you wanted to write about or did you experiment with different genres before you chose the one that you felt was for you? Jasmine: I’ve always liked contemporary. I want to show that love can give you a totally different outlook on life, especially in a cynical, too-busy modern world. Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you? Jasmine: Now you’re asking! One of the first stories I ever wrote was called by the name of Treasures Lost, Treasures Found. It was about an archeologist called Mark who falls in love with a Peruvian woman. I wrote it when I was 16 and if I read it now I’d probably be horrified. Phoebe: How much research do you have to do for your novels and does it take you a long time to gather that research? Jasmine: I use a lot of Google Street map. I try and talk to people, too. For example in my first novel, Stranded, the main character Rachel gets her passport stolen in New York. She’s British, so she had to go through a lengthy process at the British Embassy to get a new passport. Luckily one of my friends is married to a guy who used to issue new passports to unlucky travelers! Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for your current novel, Between the Lines? Jasmine: My friend is a lawyer. She was always saying how she never had time for a relationship and how would she ever meet anyone. So I wrote it for her! Phoebe: How do you come up with each of your characters for your novels? How do you choose their names out of so many names out there? Jasmine: That’s a hard question. I normally choose a name at random, usually one I like or have heard bandied around, and then eventually the characters will name themselves if they don’t like it! Phoebe: Do you have a favorite character that you really enjoyed writing about in your novel, Between the Lines? Did you have a character that you felt you could really relate to in your novel, Between the Lines? Jasmine: My favorite character is Aaron, because a lot of my test readers (or friends, haha!) said that they thought he was adorable. There’s a lot of one of my male friends in him, too, but I shall say no more on that subject!! Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write your novels? Jasmine: No, I don’t. I’ve tried to plan, but it never works for me. I normally just sit down with an idea and write a first draft straight off the cuff. Phoebe: Have you ever considered writing a series or are writing stand alone novels your preference? How would writing each be different for you? Jasmine: Hmmm. I wouldn’t like to commit to a series just yet—I don’t know if I have the stamina! What if I started a series and fell out of love with the characters? I tend to have too many ideas in my head at once to have the patience for a series, but never say never. Phoebe: What process did you have to go through to get your first book published and did it take you long? Jasmine: I shopped it around a lot and waited for each publisher to respond. Some don’t accept simultaneous submissions so it’s polite to wait. So it can be lengthy. It took me about three months to get my first novel, Stranded, accepted for publishing. I signed with the e-publisher Pink Petal Books and I’ve had a wonderful experience with them. Phoebe: Do you ever get writers block? What do you do to get rid of it so you can get back to writing your novels? Jasmine: Always! And always at very irritating times, too. I normally do something else. I’ll call a friend, read something someone else wrote, or just watch a film. I highly recommend the movie theatre. I always come out bursting with ideas. Phoebe: What is your biggest reader pet peeve, if you have any? (stock characters, unresolved endings, predictability, everything wrapped up hurriedly in the end, etc.) Jasmine: Loose ends. For example a character that appears to be brought in for no reason, or a huge revelation that is ignored. Unless it’s a series, and even then, it just seems rude and sloppy. Phoebe: Which aspects of writing do you enjoy the most and why? And what is your biggest writing pet peeve? (overuse of exclamation points, adverbs, bad guys named Wayne, etc.), if you have any? Between the Lines by Jasmine AherneJasmine: I am terrible at using too much passive voice—for example “she was hungry.” This is boring. It’s better to say “her stomach growled.” It’s more active. I enjoy dialogue. I like giving my characters real voices, giving them phrases they rely on, speech patterns, colloquialisms etc. Making the people in my head real! Phoebe: What is the one writing tool can you not live without? Jasmine: Can I say my laptop? It’s like a child!! I could not function without it. Phoebe: How do you handle your writing schedule and your personal life without going insane? Jasmine: I try to write for an hour a day, or write 1000 words a day. If I stick to it I feel like I’ve done something, but it doesn’t eat the rest of my life. Phoebe: What do you do to relax after having spent a long while writing? Do you have any hobbies? Jasmine: I’ll watch a film or go hang out with my boyfriend or my friends. My hobbies include baking, salsa dancing, writing poetry, archery, and making jewellery. Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you? Jasmine: Be patient, be patient, be patient. Publishers will not reply to you within one or two days, so quit checking your emails. Phoebe: Is there any writing tips, research tips, promotion and marketing tips that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you? Jasmine: You can never do too much research. As for promotion, you can never do too much of that either! But promoting an e-book is hard, as you don’t have a physical “book” to promote. Make the most of word of mouth and readers’ groups. Phoebe: Do you have a favorite genre you like to read? Who is your favorite author(s)? Jasmine: I like contemporary romantic comedy, sci-fi romance, and historical, pre-1800. Favorites: so many. Nora Roberts, Kathy Love, Shannon K Butcher, J D Robb, James Patterson, Robin T Popp… Phoebe: What are you reading now? And what do you plan to read after that?
Jasmine: Right now I’m reading Superstition by Karen Robards. I’m only 20 pages in but it’s already very suspenseful. After that I plan to read No Control by Shannon K Butcher.

Thursday, July 16, 2009
Today I have romance author Lisa M. Campbell here for an author guest blog. She got in touch with me through my association with Jessica Coulter Smith and the e-publisher that I have found publishings wonderful novels, Wild Horse Press. She contacted me in hopes of scheduling an author interview, author guest blog as well as a book review for her historical romance novel, Superstition's Desire. Remember to stop by her interview with me that was posted on Tuesday, July 14 and keep a look out for my review of the novel as well. Now onto Lisa's guest blog about her writing her historical romance novel Superstition's Desire.
* * * * * *
I'm a bit eclectic. At least that's what my friends tell me. Whether it's a night in watching TV, dinner at a new restaurant, different hairstyle, or reading material, I tend to be diverse in my tastes, and Superstition's Desire was born out of my divergent nature. When my curiosity is sparked, I'll read everything I can about a topic until I've exhausted said interest, and then never pick up the subject again. Yet, as much as Superstition's Desire emerged from this curiosity, the story is really about acceptance. How many people in your life really accept you for who you are? Not just the impersonal mask we show to the world, but the real "you" deep down in your darkest hours. When I began writing SD, I was struggling with clinical depression so it's kinda ironic I gravitated towards Romance. Now, after reading the book, I see my husband in Connal's accepting nature. Of course Connal thinks Arabella is a bit off the beam with her misconceptions, but he never really tries to change her, only, tone her down a bit so she isn't hanged for witchery. Nonetheless, he loves her for who she is barmy behavior and all. It took me ten years to write this book. I'd come back to it again and again, never really thinking I would ever publish. My husband is the person who thought I should give it a go. He knew I'd always harbored the dream of seeing my name in print, and after years of self-doubt, Kevin made me believe in myself again. To all aspiring writers I say this; dream as big as you can, push past your comfort zone, but most importantly have fun. Whether you're up or down in this business, it's one hell of a ride. Blurb: Superstition's Desire by Lisa M. CampbellThe lush landscape of the Scottish Highlands holds great beauty, but also great peril. Therefore, when Lady Arabella Wyndmere is spirited away from her English home, she is right to fear for her heart and her welfare. Held to a deathbed vow, Laird Connal MacRae is honor-bound to deliver Lady Arabella unsullied, to his deposed older brother, as a prize to soothe his ego. Nevertheless, Connal cannot deny the burning ache the spirited beauty has awakened in him. However, something far more dangerous stalks from the shadows. And in a climate of treachery and betrayal; the greatest risk of all could be surrendering to the depth of feelings of unexpected love. You can find me at my website, MySpace and Twitter.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Today I have romance author Lisa M. Campbell here for an author interview. She got in touch with me through my association with Jessica Coulter Smith and the e-publisher Wild Horse Press. She contacted me in hopes of scheduling an author interview, author guest blog as well as a book review for her historical romance novel, Superstition's Desire. Remember to come back on Thursday, July 16 to find out more about how she came to write her novel Superstition's Desire and keep a look out for my review of the novel as well. Now on to the interview between me and Lisa.
* * * * * *
Phoebe Jordan: When did you know that writing romance was going to be the thing that you would do with your life? Which author inspired you to start writing romance? Lisa M. CampbellLisa M. Campbell: I fell in love with Mr. Darcy at the age of thirteen. Pride and Prejudice had been my first foray into the world of romance and I was hooked! From that point on I wanted every story to have a happy ending, it just felt so satisfying. After awhile the feeling wasn't enough; I wanted to create my own characters and worlds. Phoebe: Did you know what type of romance you wanted to write about or did you experiment with different genres before you chose the one that you felt was for you? Lisa: When I was a kid, my favorite movie was the 1938 film, 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' starring Errol Flynn. I would watch it every time it aired; I had the dialogue down pat. I was completely fascinated by the courtly rituals, chivalry and politics of the time. When I began to write, historical romance was a natural choice for me. Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you? Lisa: What a good question! I remembered my first story, but uncertain I still had it. I started searching through closets, drawers and finally happened upon an old hat box full of old stories (I know, it sounds too cliché). But the hat box was where I found, 'Androchma's Fury.' Phoebe: How much research do you have to do for your novels and does it take you a long time to gather that research? Lisa: I do the bulk of the research upfront so I can write with knowledge and ease of the time period. I don't want the reader jarred from the story, because I had my medieval warrior plopping his tight buns into a lay-z-boy recliner after a day of pillaging. Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for your debut novel, Superstition’s Desire? Lisa: Early superstition's have always held a fascination for me. Did you know bathing in the warm blood of a freshly killed mole was thought to clear up warts? I mean, who thought up this stuff? And more importantly, who was the first to try it? Given that some superstitions trace their roots to early religion, I thought it'd be interesting to have Arabella believe she was practicing Catholicism, while everyone else believed her to be a witch. Phoebe: How do you come up with each of your characters for your novels? How do you choose their names out of so many names out there? Lisa: I search through fashion catalogs for models I find attractive, then once I have the physical characteristics I'm looking for, I research names to match their looks. Phoebe: Do you have a favorite character that you really enjoyed writing about in your debut novel Superstition’s Desire? Did you have a character that you felt you could really relate to in your debut novel Superstition’s Desire? Lisa: I really loved writing Uncle Angus; he always had a quip or witticism, and an optimistic outlook no matter the problem. I can't say I related to one character alone, though. There's probably a little bit of me in every character I write. Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write your novels? Lisa: Beating my head against the wall, arguing with my husband and tearing my hair out—okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration. I don't really argue with my husband. I'm always jotting down snippets of things I've read or heard about, let them kinda ferment a bit, and then come back to them and see if I can salvage a plot idea from it. The majority of the time it works. Phoebe: Have you ever considered writing a series or are writing stand alone novels your preference? How would writing each be different for you? Lisa: I really love the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris, but it takes an awful lot to sustain a world like hers from book to book. I would love to do that, but at this point I don't think I have the chops for it. Right now I'm giving a secondary character from my current book a story of his own. Phoebe: What process did you have to go through to get your first book published and did it take you long? Lisa: I started submitting in April 2008, and despite three rejections before I signed with Wild Horse Press, each letter had given me clear insight as to where my story broke down. John Scognamiglio, Kensington's Ed-in-Chief, gave me a great critique on my MS. I didn't expect that, and despite his eventual rejection, I didn't consider it as such. Phoebe: Do you ever get writers block? What do you do to get rid of it so you can get back to writing your novels? Lisa: For me, writer's block is continually writing and hating everything on the screen. Eventually, I manage to push through, but sometimes it takes a few weeks. Phoebe: What is your biggest reader pet peeve, if you have any? Superstition's Desire by Lisa M. CampbellLisa: Overly descriptive narratives! I really don't care to know the character prefers dental tape to wax floss unless someone in the story has been strangled to death with it. Phoebe: Which aspects of writing do you enjoy the most and why? And what is your biggest writing pet peeve? (Overuse of exclamation points, adverbs, bad guys named Wayne, etc.), if you have any? Lisa: I love being hit over the head with the seed of an idea. Especially after a dry spell when every concept seems lame. I also tend to come up with my best scenarios at the most inconvenient moments. As for pet peeves, I'm tired of reading shifter stories where the hero/heroine's name relates to its animal form. Naming the guy, 'Rex Wolferton' seems a tad redundant. Phoebe: What is the one writing tool can you not live without? Lisa: My Etymology dictionary. Phoebe: How do you handle your writing schedule and your personal life without going insane? Lisa: I try, and I mean try to give myself four hours in the morning to answer any emails, update my websites and post to any blogs or groups I'm active with. After I left the military, my husband (a career Air Force Officer, with 23 yrs active duty service, and going strong) and I decided I would stay at home. We're now in our twentieth year of marriage and our arrangement still works well. Good thing too, as I'm the type of writer who doesn't adhere to a writing schedule. I write whenever I feel the urge. Phoebe: What do you do to relax after having spent a long while writing? Do you have any hobbies? Lisa: The treadmill helps when I really need to unwind, and then there's always a steamy sex session. A couple of O's takes the edge right off—heehee—just making sure you're paying attention! Hobbies…hobbies. Hmm, besides the sex? I love to cook and bake and I play a mean Tenor Sax. Of course there's always down time with the family, to include the doggies. Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you? Lisa: I have an author/friend who is a mystery writer with Simon & Schuster. In our writer's group we were talking about promoting. She told me she promotes just as much with a NY house as I do with a smaller Press. Don't come into the business thinking if you land a big House right off the bat you won't need to do much to promote your book; because you will be expected to do just that. Come in with a business plan. I floundered for months until I asked for advice. Also, get a critique partner. Phoebe: Is there any writing tips, research tips, promotion and marketing tips that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you? Lisa: Stay true to your voice. It'll save you a lot of grief. Phoebe: Do you have a favorite genre you like to read? Who is your favorite author(s)? Lisa: My favorites change with the wind, but right now I'm loving Charlaine Harris, Sarah Addison Allen, Karen Marie Moning, Katie Fforde, Stuart Woods, L.M. Romagnoli and always, Jane Austen. Phoebe: What are you reading now? And what do you plan to read after that? Lisa: I finished the latest Sookie Stackhouse and too quickly at that! Now I have to wait another year for the next installment. Recently I re-read, Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter, and I'm patiently waiting for the next Sarah Addison Allen book. I'm also looking forward to digging into Katie Fforde's latest offering, Wedding Season.

Thursday, July 9, 2009
Today we have another romance author with us who I've seen in the various writing and reading communities that I'm a member of and she is also a member of the blog group called The Girls on Books. Moira contacted me about wanting to be interviewed on my blog so she could promote her debut novel, Buckling Down, and though it took us a bit to get a date down it is finally her day. She also scheduled an author interview that I posted this past Tuesday where you can find out more about her, her writing process and more but for now read about how she came to write her debut novel, Buckling Down.
* * * * * *
One would think living in a town nicknamed Sin City and known for its somewhat checkered past, would inspire many a sordid tale for an aspiring author. The muse rarely cooperates so freely (or at least mine doesn’t). My first published novella, Buckling Down, started off based on little more than a bar, a sassy heroine, and a bull rider for a hero-an idea that blossomed while I drove to work one morning. It was meant to be nothing more than a mere escape as I pulled myself out of the evil clutches of Mr. Writer’s Block. Then there was my mother. In the past, she hasn’t been a huge fan of paranormal romance. So the idea of writing a story my mother would enjoy, provided another source of inspiration. Granted, writing sex when I know that dear mom will be reading the book does tend to bring out the prude in me. Then there was the research. I mean really…bull riders and rodeos? Las Vegas may play host to the National Finals Rodeo every year, but I knew very little about the rodeo when I began to write the story. Thank god for the internet, the PBR website and ESPN for broadcasting bull riding. Without those, I am not sure I could have pulled off that part of the story. In truth, Buckling Down was originally meant to be a longer story. I had to trim the fat so to speak, which in turn, made the story flow better. Needless to say, ten months later, the novella was finished, contracted, endured a title change, and was on its way to revisions. It is a short period of time when you hear stories of other aspiring authors. My next story has been in the works for over a year now, so while I am proud of the fact it took me so little time to have Buckling Down reach publication, I am also humbled by that same knowledge. Buckling Down may have started out as a derailment from the paranormal story I wanted to write, yet it captured a special place in my heart and will remain there.
* * * * * *
Blurb: Buckling Down by Moira KeithWhen two hearts are on the line, it’s double or nothing. A Wild Ride story. Levi McKenna heads to Las Vegas with one simple goal: win the rodeo and cement his place in rodeo history. Then Lady Luck throws a wild card into the deck—Sydney Hart. Time and distance haven’t dulled the sharp edge of their attraction, but thanks to a long-ago promise, she will always be forbidden fruit dangling just out of reach. Sydney wants to believe in fairy tales and happily ever after, but her past relationships leave her doubting such things exist. She’s ready to give up on love…until Levi walks into her bar. The man who’s always held the missing piece of her heart. Love may not be in the cards, but that doesn’t mean a girl can’t flirt. Neither expected passion this hot, this fast. Yet once the cards are dealt, the only thing left to do is play them out—and see if they have a winning hand. Warning: This book contains a sassy heroine, a scrumptious hero, blood, sweat, tears, not to mention…sex laced with Vegas heat. Where I can be found online…MySpace, my official fan page on Facebook, my official author Website and Twitter.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Today we have another romance author with us who I've seen in the various writing and reading communities that I'm a member of and she is also a member of the blog group called The Girls on Books. Moira contacted me about wanting to be interviewed on my blog so she could promote her debut novel, Buckling Down, and though it took us a bit to get a date down it is finally her day. She also scheduled a guest blog that you should remember to stop by for on Thursday, July 9 to learn more about her debut novel, Buckling Down, but for now read more about her, her writing process and what she likes to read in my interview with her.
* * * * * *
Phoebe Jordan: When did you know that writing romance was going to be the thing that you would do with your life? Which author inspired you to start writing romance? Moira KeithMoira Keith: To be honest, I didn’t want to be a romance writer. Not in the vein of Harlequin anyhow. I knew I wanted to write though and had been writing on and off since I was in junior high. As far as authors who inspired me, there were many. Jeaniene Frost, Vicki Petterson, Nora Roberts, Laurell K Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Lori Devoti, and Teresa D’Amario are among my inspirations. Paranormal inspires me, some with more romance than others. Phoebe: Did you know what type of romance you wanted to write about or did you experiment with different genres before you chose the one that you felt was for you? Moira: As an author, I like to think I am always evolving. I wanted to write paranormal. Romance just seemed to be part of the equation. My first release is all contemporary romance which is way off of what I thought I would write. My heart still calls to the paranormal genre, but I am a firm believer that you go where the story takes you. Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you? Moira: My first piece of fiction was a story that fell along the lines of Sweet Valley High. I never allowed anyone to read it. There is no printed version of the story in existence, however I do believe it is on a REALLY old floppy disk. (You know the very flat and flimsy ones.) Phoebe: How much research do you have to do for your novels and does it take you a long time to gather that research? Moira: The depth of research and time depends on the novel and subject matter in my opinion. Some information is easily found these days thanks to the internet, but I would love to be able to do more hands on research. I am a firm believer that it is easier to write about what you’ve experienced firsthand. Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for your debut novel, Buckling Down? Moira: Well, I was stuck in the middle of a paranormal story. Flat out hit a brick wall and could not find my way over, under, or around it. So one morning, while I was driving to work, I passed a bar with a fabulous sign befitting the Las Vegas Valley I call home. The seed was planted for Buckling Down and it grew from there. I looked at it as an escape…just something fun I wanted to share with my mother. Phoebe: How do you come up with each of your characters for your novels? How do you choose their names out of so many names out there? Moira: Wow. Kind of a difficult question to answer, but I will do my best. The characters just come to me on their own terms. Sometimes they appear with the story idea, sometimes before. In Buckling Down for instance, I had the inspiration of the bar and with it came Sydney Hart, my little bar girl next door. The story I am working on now? Well the hero and heroine came to me first, the story just kind of developed around them. Names… I am a name junkie. I see a name I like and I put it into a spreadsheet. Girls names, guys, and last names in a column down the middle. I try them on for size. There are characters that show up with name and all, then I have the others who keep their names under wraps until they decide to share them with me. There are so many great names out there, but I honestly have a thing for Celtic names so I tend to pull from there. Phoebe: Do you have a favorite character that you really enjoyed writing about in your debut novel, Buckling Down? Did you have a character that you felt you could really relate to in your debut novel, Buckling Down? Moira: Sydney Hart, the heroine in Buckling Down, would actually be the answer for both. Though I enjoyed writing both my main characters, Sydney was both a challenge and enjoyable at the same time. I relate to her, but not through the loss she has suffered. I think most of us can relate to her basic desire to find a love that will stand the test of time and hold up against the trials and tribulations we all face in our lives. Plus she is a real smart ass, which if I were being honest is probably the main trait she inherited from me. Yes, I do brag about that. Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write your novels? Moira: No real process. I am so unorganized when it comes to writing. I get ideas, jot them down in one of about fifty notebooks or scraps of paper I happen to have lying around, eventually they make their way to the computer. I brainstorm. I write. Delete. Write. Get aggravated. Ask for opinions from trusted friends and colleagues. Tell them they have all lost their minds when they say they like what I have done. Go back and write some more. (On a side note…I have a real issue with my internal editor. I can’t seem to get her to shut up once I see something out of whack, which doesn’t bode well for the creative writing process.) Phoebe: Have you ever considered writing a series or are writing stand alone novels your preference? How would writing each be different for you? Moira: The idea of a series appeals to me, though I do believe a series has to be done well and with fresh ideas that continue to drive the series forward. There are authors out there, some of whom I hold in high esteem, whose fans believe that the series veered way off the path. Stand alone novels have their benefits. I think stand alone novels do allow the author to test the waters in a new genre if they are so tempted. They also can offer a break from the series. Nora Roberts is a great example of this in my opinion. She writes both. I love when she does trilogies, but her JD Robb In Death series is by far one of my favorites. (No she is not who I was referring to above if you were wondering.) Phoebe: What process did you have to go through to get your first book published and did it take you long? Moira: Oh so many people will hate me for saying this. The story was written in less than a year. It just so happened that Samhain had a submission call for a western anthology they were publishing, so I submitted the book on the very subtle demands of my critique partners and best friend. The story was submitted in October and I received notice that they were interested in mid December. Phoebe: Do you ever get writers block? What do you do to get rid of it so you can get back to writing your novels? Moira: Writer’s block…schmiter’s block. Yes, I do on occasion, suffer from this affliction. Reading, watching a movie, playing Rockband, spending time with my boys—each of these things has helped me overcome the dreaded writer’s block. Phoebe: What is your biggest reader pet peeve, if you have any? (Stock characters, unresolved endings, predictability, everything wrapped up hurriedly in the end, etc.) Moira: My biggest pet peeve as a reader is characters that fail to pull me in. I really have to connect with a character. They don’t have to be deep and complex for me to like them, but they do have to feel real. Phoebe: Which aspects of writing do you enjoy the most and why? And what is your biggest writing pet peeve? (Overuse of exclamation points, adverbs, bad guys named Wayne, etc.), if you have any? Buckling Down by Moira KeithMoira: The aspect I enjoy most is the telling of the story. Bringing it to life on paper and managing to recreate it the way I see it in my mind. My writing pet peeves? Since I am assuming you mean what I struggle with, I will be honest and say tense is my enemy. I tend to switch back and forth between past and present without realizing. Phoebe: What is the one writing tool can you not live without? Moira: Besides my laptop? Okay, critique partners. I find they are an invaluable tool if you have the right match. I am fortunate enough to have CP’s that actually understand my writing style, and even though they may not be huge on the paranormal side of things, they do pick up on little things that my more paranormal versed beta reader misses. (Beta readers were up there on the list as well but since you made me choose only one… and I snuck the laptop in…well you get the picture.) Phoebe: How do you handle your writing schedule and your personal life without going insane? Moira: Handle?! Who says I am handling it?! I think I am still trying to find that balance. Not sure if the perfect balance is ever really discovered because both writing and life will throw you a curve ball once in a while, leaving you scrambling to make adjustments. On that note, when I sit outside with my kids, I take a printed version of my WIP to refresh my memory of story details or hash out new scenes. Then I try to do a little writing every night before I go to bed. Sometimes it works out sometimes not, but I find it is important to do something for the creative process everyday no matter how you sneak it in. Phoebe: What do you do to relax after having spent a long while writing? Do you have any hobbies? Moira: I am not sure there is such a thing as relaxation with twin boys that give me a constant run for my money. However, when I manage to steal some time, I enjoy watching movies and hanging out with my friends and family. Karaoke? (Yes I do like to pretend that I am a rock star, though others around me may wish for earplugs. Just a little tidbit of information should we ever meet in a bar on karaoke night.) Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you? Moira: I was fortunate enough to receive a lot of helpful advice and as of yet, I have not discovered anything that I wish I had known prior to now. With that in mind, I will share something that I found the most valuable in my endeavor. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, but aren’t afraid to offer you advice and honest opinions. This includes mentors, critique partners, friends, and family. I was fortunate to have all of the above. Phoebe: Is there any writing tips, research tips, promotion and marketing tips that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you? Moira: The biggest tip for writing is one I have heard so many times over, but it never gets old. Just keep at it. Write your little heart out. Do not let yourself be discouraged by opinions and feedback if it will change your voice and story. In the end it is your story and you have to believe in it just as much as the story has to feel right to you. Promotion and marketing tend to be a tricky animal for me. The biggest bit of advice I can offer there is that to take advantage of any and all opportunity to promote yourself. There are so many authors and readers out there who are more than happy to help you promote your work, you just have to be willing to put yourself out there. Phoebe: Do you have a favorite genre you like to read? Who is your favorite author(s)? Moira: My favorite genre to read is paranormal romance followed closely by young adult. My favorite authors are Laurell K Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Kelley Armstrong, Vicki Pettersson, Lori Devoti, Melissa Marr, and Jeaniene Frost. Truly the list could go on and on. Phoebe: What are you reading now? And what do you plan to read after that? Moira: Currently I am reading The City of Glass by Cassandra Clare after that, I think I might read Accidentally Dead by Dakota Cassidy.

Thursday, July 2, 2009
Today I have a special author who writes M/M Erotic Romance for Noble Romance Publishing and his name is Reese Johnson. His debut release, Sex & Chocolate, was one of the reason he contacted me because he heard about me through Rie McGaha that I do author interviews as well as book revies. Well I was all to happy to help him out because I have found that I liked reading M/M Erotic Romance and wanted to give his work a try. So I will be reviewing his debut novel Sex & Chocolate as well as his second novel Soul Searchers which is a M/M paranormal erotic romance. He was here on this past Tuesday, June 30 for an interview about him, his novels and his writing if you still want to leave your comments. Now here is his guest blog about his two current releases.
* * * * * *
Sex & Chocolate was my first attempt at writing in the m/m genre, but I wanted to try and convey a message as well as entertain. I spent a lot of years in prison and I've seen a lot of things, but one thing that really stood out was the increase in the cases of AIDS and the way prison officials handled the situation. (Or rather their lack of handling the situation). The gay community seems to have gotten the message that AIDS is a reality, since statistics show that while new cases of AIDS is decreasing among homosexuals, new cases are still rising rapidly among heterosexuals. While still thought of as a "gay disease", I wanted to use the opportunity to show the importance of using condoms no matter what your sexual preference might be. I used the lead character, Jim, to this end. There is one scene where he has sex with a woman he works with, and even though the sex is spur of the moment, he takes the time to use a condom. Later on, he and his new lover, Steve, have the conversation about being tested for AIDS because even though at first they did use a condom, there is a scene later on where they didn't. I wanted to try and use a work of fiction to make a point and I hope I've done that. Blurb: Sex and Chocolate by Reese JohnsonJim Williams is tall, black and beautiful and when he meets gorgeous Steve Wheeler, the attraction is instantaneous and hot! Steve Wheeler hasn't been with a man in more than seven months, but when he meets his new associate, Steve wants to know more about Jim. As the two men get to know each other over golf and beer, they realize their chemistry is right on target and when they have dinner together at Steve's house, the sex is hotter still. But when Jim's ex-lover, Alan, comes back into his life with devastating news, will it be more than Jim and Steve's new love can survive? Special Content Alert: M/M, gritty language, interracial
* * * * * *
Soul Searchers was fun to write. I love werewolves and vampires and things that go bump in the dark, so I took what I know of werewolves and coupled that with gay bashing, and have hopefully made a statement that addresses prejudice in all its forms. I have tried to throw in a little humor and hopefully succeeded! I'd like for what I write to be something that everyone will want to read and not thought of as a "gay writer" or a "black writer", but as a person who writes entertaining books that carry a message. I don't particularly jump on a soap box to make a point, that’s just not who I am. I'm a very private person who has managed to get by in a world that promotes violence and prejudice. Prison is a very racial oriented environment, as well as very prejudicial against anyone who is different whether it's sexual orientation, race, religion, nationality, you name it, someone is going to hate you and try to get others to hate you too. I spent my years in prison trying not to get caught up in that kind of trash and I do the same now. I just have another venue in which to accomplish that goal. My writing. And I hope people get that when they read my books. Blurb: Soul Searchers by Reese JohnsonTurned into werewolves hundreds of years ago, Timber and his lover, Micah, have finally found peace high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Their clan is made up of werewolves from every walk of life and every sexual orientation. Far across the valley is another clan, and their leader, Jack, isn't happy about the abomination going on in Timber's neck of the woods. When Jack declares war, Timber attempts to reason with him and find a peaceful solution. The reasons behind Jack's hatred aren’t clear, and Timber tries to learn his secret, but how many will die before he does so? Special Content Alert: Male/Male You can find Reese Johnson at various place such as his website, MySpace, YouTube and Twitter.

Labels

A Tale of Shar Series (1) Abby Cooper Psychic Eye Mystery Series (1) Adrianne Brennan (2) Advance Readers Copy Reviews (31) Aisling Grey Series (1) Alexis Duvall (1) Alison Kent (2) Ally Carter (2) Alyson Noël (2) Amanda Ashby (2) Amanda Matetsky (1) Amy Redwood (4) Anastasia Rabiyah (1) Anastasia Steele (1) Angela Cameron (5) Angelis Family Series (4) Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series (3) Ann DeFee (1) Anne Elizabeth (1) Aphra Connolly Death Mystery Series (2) Apple Products (1) April Bostic (3) Argeneau Family Vampire Series (1) Ashen Twilight Series (1) Ashlynn Monroe (2) Ashton Grove Werewolves Series (5) Australian Series (2) Authors (21) Ava Rose Johson (1) BDSM (1) Betty Smith (1) Beverly Barton (1) Bitter Creek Series (1) Black Daggar Brotherhood (3) Blog Talk Radio (18) Blogs (11) Blood and Sex Series (3) Bonnie Dee (1) Book Blogger Appreciation Week (6) Book Bloggers and Publishers Online Conference (3) Book Challenge (1) Book Expo of America (2) Book Reviews (177) Book Trailers/Videos (6) Books turned to Movies (6) Bragg Saga Series (4) Brenda Joyce (18) Bridgerton Family Series (1) Brody Crossing Series (1) Broken Heart Oklahoma Vampire Series (1) Brotherhood of the Sword Series (5) Bubbles Yablonsky Series (1) Buchanan Family Series (3) C.H. Admirand (2) Cajun Contemporary Series (1) Cameron Sisters Series (1) Captive Hearts Series (1) Cara Summers (4) Casa Dracula Series (3) Cassandra Curtis (1) Catherine Anderson (7) Catherine Coulter (8) Catherine Lanigan (1) Cathy Maxwell (3) Cathy McDavid (1) Cavendish Square Trilogy (1) Cecilia Tan (2) Celestial Lovers Series (2) Celia May Hart (1) Celina Summers (1) Centurion Series (1) Charlaine Harris (9) Charles Towne Belle Series (1) Charline Ratcliff (3) Charlotte Dillion (1) Charlotte Hughes (3) Charlotte McClain (2) Chelsea James (1) Chesapeake Bay Saga Series (1) Chicago Stars Series (1) Christian Grey (1) Christian Romance (3) Christina Dodd (1) Christine Feehan (2) Chrysalis Series (2) Ciar Cullen (1) Circle Trilogy (1) Clare Austin (3) Claudia Dain (1) Comanche Series (1) Contest (12) Coulter Family Series (1) Courtesan Series (1) Courtship Wars (3) CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (1) Crossroads Series (3) Crystal Green (6) Crystal Jordan (6) Cynthia Eden (2) Daddy in Progress Series (3) Dakota Johnson (1) Dallas Duet Series (1) Dara England (1) Dark Gate series (1) Dark Hunter Series (1) Dark Moon Series (1) Dark of kNight Series (1) Dark Ones Series (1) Dawn Atkins (1) Dawn Thompson (1) Dead World Series (1) Debbi Rawlins (1) Debbie Macomber (1) Debora Dennis (1) Debra Cown (1) Dee Tenorio (2) Deirdre Martin (1) Demon Princess Chronicles Series (1) Dena Celeste (2) Denise Lynn (1) Desert Secret Series (1) Devil's Duology Series (1) Devyn Quinn (1) Diana Castilleja (1) Diana Holquist (1) Dirk and Steele Series (1) Dolan Brothers Family Series (1) Dollaganger series (1) Dorothy Garlock (8) Drake Family Series (2) Dukes of Wyndham Series (2) E. L. James (3) eBooks (177) Eden Bradley (1) Elizabeth Lowell (2) Elle Amery (6) Emily Bryan (2) Erica Orloff (2) Erotic Horror Romance (1) Eva Gordon (5) Fadó Trilogy (2) Fae Sutherland (4) Federation Series (3) Fever Series (5) Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy (3) Final Prophecy Series (3) Firehouse 59 Series (1) Francesca Cahill Deadly Series (1) Fred the Mermaid Series (3) Friday’s at Luciano’s Series (1) Gabriella Hewitt (2) Gail Roarke (1) Gallagher Girls Series (2) Genella deGrey (2) Gerry Bartlett (4) Ghostwalker Series (1) Glory St. Claire Vampire Series (4) Goddess Fish Promotions (4) Grace Coopersmith (1) Graphic Novels (1) Guest Blog Reviewer (7) Guest Blogger (59) Gwen Hayes (1) Gwen Rowley (1) Gwynne Forster (1) Hailey North (5) Harlequin American Romance Series (10) Harlequin Blaze Series (25) Harlequin Special Releases (1) HarperCollins Publishers (1) Harry Potter Series (1) Highlander Series (9) Historical McKettrick Series (4) Hope Tarr (1) Hot Cops Series (1) Hotel Marchance Series (1) House of Night Series (5) Houston Family Series (1) Immortals After Dark Series (4) Immortals Series (2) Imprint William Morrow (1) IN DEATH Series (2) In The Garden Trilogy (1) Indencent Proposals Series (2) Indie Publishing (1) Inez Kelley (1) Inspirational Romance Series (1) Interview (74) Irish Trilogy Series (1) Irish Western Series (1) Isabo Kelly (1) J.D. Robb (3) J.K. Coi (2) J.K. Rowling (1) J.L. Oiler (1) J.R. Ward (5) Jacquie D'Alessandro (1) Jade Lee (1) Jaid Black (3) Jamie Dornan (1) Jane Austen (1) Jane Feather (2) Janet Chapman (10) Janis Reams Hudson (1) Jasmine Aherne (3) Jax Cassidy (1) Jayne Ann Krentz (2) Jeanne St. James (1) Jeannie Ruesch (1) Jenna Bayley-Burke (3) Jennifer Crusie (1) Jennifer Haymore (1) Jennifer Leeland (1) Jeri Smith-Ready (1) Jess Granger (1) Jessica Andersen (3) Jessica Barksdale Inclán (3) Jessica Brody (1) Jessica Coulter Smith (12) Jessie Colter (1) Joan Johnston (6) Joanne Rendell (1) Jodi Lynn Copeland (1) Johanna Lindsey (1) Joie Cain (1) Joneses Family Series (1) Jordan Summers (1) joy nash (1) Judith McNaught (4) Judy Christenberry (1) Julia London (2) Julia Quinn (4) Julie Garwood (6) Julie James (2) Julie Kimbrell (1) K. Celeste Bryan (1) Kane/Cabot Vampire Series (1) Kara Lennox (3) Karen Anders (3) Karen Erickson (1) Karen Marie Moning (8) Karen Robards (3) Karen Rose Smith (3) Karin Tabke (1) Karoline Barrett (1) Kate Holly Case Series (2) Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (7) Kathryn Caskie (3) Kathy Lyons (1) Kathye Quick (3) Katie Alender (1) Katie MacAlister (11) Kazuo Ishiguro (1) KB Alan (1) Keisha Mennefee (1) Kelley Nyrae (2) Kelly Jones Thriller Series (2) Kelly Marcel (1) Kendra Ballantyne - Pet-Sitter Mystery Series (6) Kerrelyn Sparks (8) Keta Diablo (13) Key Trilogy Series (1) Kiki Howell (3) Kim Knox (1) Kimberley Troutte (1) Kinley MacGregor (7) Klaus Brothers Series (2) Kresley Cole (7) L.L. Foster (2) Lara Adrian (1) Laura Bickle (1) Laura Marie Altom (2) Laurell K. Hamilton (6) Lauren Dane (5) Lauren Fraser (2) Lauren Murphy (1) Laurin Wittig (1) League of Sensational Abilities (LSA) Series (2) Legacy Series (1) Leigh Ellwood (1) Leigh Michaels (1) Leslie Wainger (1) Lex Valentine (2) Lilli Feisty (1) Linda Francis Lee (1) Linda Gerber (2) Linda Howard (3) Linda Lael Miller (20) Linda Mooney (1) Linda O. Johnston (6) Linda Palmer (8) Linda Windstead Jones (1) Linore Rose Burkard (2) Lisa Jackson (5) Lisa Lane (6) Lisa M. Campbell (2) Lisa Marie Wilkinson (1) Lisa Whitefern (1) Lissa Matthews (2) Logger Series (1) London Undead Series (1) Lone Star Sisters Series (3) Look Book Series (1) Lorhainne Eckhart (3) Lori Borrill (1) Lori Foster (12) Lori Handeland (3) Lori Perkins (1) Lori Wilde (3) Love at Stake Series (6) Lucinda Betts (1) Lust in Space Series (1) Lust in Translation Miniseries (1) Lynsay Sands (1) M. Jean Pike (2) M.A. Ellis (1) M.G. Braden (2) M.J. Holliday Ghost Hunter Mysteries Series (2) M.L. Lacy (3) MacAlister Series (5) MacBook Pro (2) MacKade Brothers Series (1) Madonna Lacy (3) Maggie Shayne (1) Magic Series (1) Male/Male Erotic Romance (4) Manic Readers Review (10) Margay Leah Justice (2) Marguerite Labbe (1) Maria Murnane (1) Marine Series (1) Mario Puzo (1) Marisa Chenery (3) Marjorie M. Liu (1) Marta Acosta (4) MaryJanice Davidson (4) MaryLu Tyndall (3) McKettrick Series (9) Megan Hart (1) Melissa and Christopher Golliday (2) Men of Mercy Medical Series (2) Men of the West Series (1) Merry Gentry Series (1) Message Boards/Forums (5) Michele Bardsley (2) Michele Dunaway (1) Michelle Gagnon (2) Michelle Lauren (3) Michelle M. Pillow (5) Midnight Breed Series (1) Millie Criswell (1) Minnette Meador (2) Missy Lyons (1) Moira Keith (3) Mojo Sheepshanks Books Series (2) Monère Children of the Moon Series (3) Montana Brides Series (2) Montana To Die Series (2) Morganville Vampires Series (5) Movie (2) Nancy O'Berry (3) Nell Dixon (1) New Books (3) New Moon (1) New Orleans Series (1) Nicole Jordan (5) Nicole Morgan (2) Nightcreatures Series (1) Niki Green (1) Non-Romance (1) NOOKbook (1) NOOKcolor (1) Nora Roberts (22) Norah Hess (1) Northbridge Nuptials Series (5) One True Love Trilogy Series (1) Orphan Train Series (1) P.C. and Kristin Cast (5) Paige Turner Mystery Series (1) Paige Tyler (5) Paige Warren (3) Pamela Clare (1) Pamela Palmer (1) Paradise Series (1) Patricia Sargeant (1) Patti Berg (1) Penguin Publishing Group (1) Penny McCall (1) Penny Watson (3) Perfect Anatomy Series (3) Personal (44) Phoenix Chronicles Series (2) PJ Schnyder (1) Podcast (18) Portia da Costa (2) Promotional (88) Puffin Harbor Series (1) Pump Up Your Book Promotion (5) Quaid Horses Series (1) Quartzton Series (4) Queen Betsy Undead Series (2) R.F. Long (4) R.G. Alexander (2) Rachel Caine (5) Rachel Vincent (1) Rae Lori (5) Raintree Series (1) Rating 3 Open Books (6) Rating 3.5 Open Books (18) Rating 4 Open Books (78) Rating 4.5 Open Books (39) Rating 5 Open Books (6) Ravenous Romance (1) Realms Beyond Series (1) Rebecca J. Vickery (3) Reese Johnson (2) Requested Reviews (117) RG Alexander (1) Rhiannon Leith (2) Rie McGaha (3) Rikki Donovan (1) Rita Gerlach (1) Rita Sawyer (3) Rob Graham (1) Robin Shope (1) Romance Divas Promo (15) Romantic Suspense (1) Romantic Times BOOKlovers Convention (2) Route 66 Series (1) Royle Sisters Trilogy (3) RT BOOKlovers Convention Special (16) Russian Series (1) Saint Georges Series (1) Salamander's Tales Series (1) Sam Taylor-Johnson (1) Sandra Hill (1) Sara Taney Humphreys (2) Sarah Strohmeyer (3) SBC Fighters Series (5) Second Romance Series (2) Secret Lives of Cowboys Series (1) Seeds of Oden (1) Sela Carsen (1) Servant Series (2) Sexy Series (1) Sharon Sala (3) Shayla Black (2) Shelley Munro (3) Sherbrooke Bride Series (2) Sherrilyn Kenyon (4) Shiloh Walker (3) Sign of Seven Trilogy Series (3) Silhouette Nocturne Series (3) Silhouette Special Edition Series (15) Silver Dragons Series (2) Sinclair Brothers Series (1) Sisters of the Lone Star Series (1) Small Town USA Series (1) Song Series (2) Sookie Stackhouse - Southern Vampire Series (8) Soul Screamers Series (1) Stella Bagwell (1) Stephanie Adkins (2) Stephenie Meyer (4) Sunny (4) Susan Andersen (2) Susan Elizabeth Phillips (1) Susan Johnson (1) Susan Mallery (5) Sutherland Brothers Series (1) Sweetbrier Academy Series (2) T.A. Ford (1) T.L. Mitchell (2) Tales of the Darkworld Series (1) Tall Dark and Dangerously Hot Trilogy Series (3) Tamela Quijas (2) Tami Hoag (2) Tanya Michaels (1) Tara S. Nichols (4) Tatiana Caldwell (1) Tawny Taylor (3) Tawny Weber (6) Teresa D'Amario (1) Teresa Medeiros (3) Teresa Southwick (2) Terisa Wilcox (1) The Darkness and the Night Series (3) The de Warenne Dynasty Series (9) The Doomsday Brethren Series (2) The Masters of Time (1) The Scandal Series (1) The State of Parenthood Series (2) The Suds Club (4) Theresa Scott (2) Thursday Thirteen (11) Tori Carrington (2) Tracy Cooper-Posey (3) Triton Experiment Series (1) Twilight Saga (1) Twilight Series (6) Two Showgirls Series (1) Undercover Lovers Miniseries (1) V.C. Andrews (1) Vampire Bite Series (2) Vanessa Jaye (1) Veronica Wolff (3) Victoria Chancellor (1) Victoria Laurie (3) Victoria Pade (5) W. Somerset Maugham (1) Wasteland Series (3) Websites (14) Wendy Ely (4) Widgets (1) Wild Horse Press (22) Winston Family Series (3) Wolf Maiden Chronicles Series (4) Wolf of My Heart Series (1) Writing (3) Writing Romance (10) WVMP Radio Series (1) Young Adult (28)

Total Pageviews

Featured Post

Fifty Shades of Grey Movie

Fifty Shades of Grey Movie Poster It was more than year ago that we had heard rumors that there would be a Fifty Shades of Grey movie com...

My Favorite Quotes

2018 Reading Challenge

2018 Reading Challenge

2018 Reading Challenge
Phoebe has read 0 books toward her goal of 20 books.
hide

My Loyal Readers

Social Media Profiles

Amazon ProfileBlogger ProfileFacebook Fan PageGoogle ProfileLinkedIn ProfileMySpacePhoebe Jordan’s PayPal Verified!SkypeTwitterIn the Life of…An Aspiring Romance WriterYahoo! ProfileYouTube Channel

I'm Currently Reading...

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

To Be Read Pile

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

*

Goodreads Updates

TAMFA Podcast

Listen to internet radio with Phoebe Jordan on BlogTalkRadio

FeedBurner

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner


Popular Posts

Blogs of Interest