A couple of weeks a go I was contacted by one of the two ladies who write under the name Gabriella Hewitt. Sasha Tomaszycki contacted me because she visited my blog before and wanted to know if I would review her book and even interview her. Her eBook Dark Waters is finally in print today and I will be posting an interview with her later on today where you can post your questions about Dark Waters. Here is a link to my review of her book, which she gave me an e-copy for me to read and review and was very nice enough to send my an autographed print copy when she got a new stack sent from the publishing company. Now onto the interview, which I have to say was very exciting because I learn so much about Sasha Tomaszycki and her writing partner Patrizia M.J. Hayashi and about Gabriella Hewitt's novels. Here is how the interview went:

Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write one of your novels? And is it the same or different with each novel you write?

Gabriella Hewitt: When I realized you could write about sex! No, seriously I love that romance allows for me to write just about every genre – suspense, action, mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, etc. and I can mix it all up and still have a happily ever after.

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?

Gabriella: Oh I’ve written all over the place. I’ve found a happy medium with romantic suspense and paranormals. Although, I am still waiting to write a futuristic sci-fi fantasy featuring space fairies who kick butt : )

Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you?

Gabriella: The first fiction I wrote was called Blood Ties, it is a gothic romantic suspense. It got rejected everywhere it went but I think one day it will find a home. I posted it as free read on authonomy. Check it out.

Phoebe: How did the two of you come together to create author Gabriella Hewitt?

Gabriella: We met online at eharlequin.com. We wrote for a fan fiction group called Midnight Intrigues. We wrote a story together and it received good feedback, even Debra Webb told us that she did not know where one began and the other finished writing. We took it as a compliment.

Phoebe: How much research do you have to do for your novels and did it take you a long time to gather that research?

Gabriella: All together about 3+ months doing extensive research. We called up an ICE agent to ask questions, talked with a gun expert, and studied magazines, websites and travel books to learn about Vieques, PR where the story is set. That was only the beginning, we still had to do research about el chupacabra and Santoria, which I talked with a real witch online and went to a mystic shop to learn about the herbs used to rid a home of spirits.

Phoebe: How did you come up with the Dark Waters?

Gabriella: We originally wrote the story geared toward Harlequin Intrigue. Over the course of writing it we realized the characters wanted us to tell a deep story.

Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write one of your novels? And is it the same or different with each novel you write?

Gabriella: Each novel is different in how we approach them but for the most part we do come up with a rough outline of how we expect the story to go. This changes as we begin to write. Funny how those characters have a way of taking over the story.

Phoebe: What process did you have to go through to get your first book published and did it take you long?

Gabriella: We submitted to a few houses and editors. Samhain Publishing picked up the story. It took about 6 months to a year for Dark Waters to be contracted after it was written.

Phoebe: How did you feel when you finally saw your first published book came out in print and how do you feel about your other novels being published?

Gabriella: Awesome! Sometimes I am in disbelief that I actually wrote this book. I hope the feeling never ends.

Phoebe: Which do you like best, writing a series or writing stand alone novels? How is writing each different for you?

Gabriella: Each book can be read alone but so far I have written series.

Phoebe: How do you handle your writing schedule, your book signing appearances, and your personal life without going insane?

Gabriella: Life is insane. I have children so I know how hectic life can get. Still writing a book is like having a small child and you have to go with the flow. Writing a book is like giving birth to a child, it is a labor of love. You find time to take care of everything.

Phoebe: Have you had anything strange or funny happen to you at any of your book signings or even when you go out?

Gabriella: Not yet. My first book signing will be at Border Books in Farmingdale on September 6th. So I will let you know if I get one of those embarrassing moments where someone runs away from the woman selling smut.

Phoebe: Do you take certain amounts of breaks in between your writing and book signing appearances to have personal time with family and friends?

Gabriella: My family comes first and they are my biggest supporters and fans.

Phoebe: What do you do to relax after having spent a long while writing?

Gabriella: I eat tons of chocolate. (For the anti-aging benefits of course.)

Phoebe: Do you have any hobbies?

Gabriella: Cooking. I love to cook. On my blog from time to time I post recipes of what I’m whipping up for dinner. I also have a downloadable recipe book with Puerto Rican dishes in honor of Dark Waters release. Check it out.

Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?

Gabriella: Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write. Network. Network. Network. And above all else believe in yourself.

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?

Gabriella: Oh my! Promotions…what can I say about it. Be absolutely shameless. If I had to I would dance naked in the isles if it would sell more copies of my books. Whenever you can plug your book, at parties, on the train, on the beach, everywhere you go carry business cards or bookmarks and hand them out to everyone you meet.

Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer looking to find a critique partner and/or critique group that you think would be beneficial and wish someone had give you the same advice?

Gabriella: When I was in college and wrote for the school newspaper, I met Nora Roberts. This was before she became superstar extraordinaire and I got to sit with her for an hour. She told me to looking into RWA and other groups that supported romance writers. I took her words to heart. I joined RWA and went to conventions in NJ and NY. I met great people. I still meet great people everyday online who also share the same enthusiasm for writing and reading romance. Best advice if you can’t swing the hefty price tag of joining RWA. Go hang out in forums where people read the same books as you. RomanceDivas.com is a great place, eharlequin.com, RomanceJunkies.com, and any other yahoo groups that are there to support the type of writing you love.

She doesn’t want to fall for a drifter who will probably break her heart and move on, but when both she and her home are attacked, it’s in Rico’s arms that she finds safety and protection. All she’s ever wanted was to settle down and live life on her own terms, but someone has other plans and Frankie must decide—is Rico her lover or her enemy?

Special Agent Rico Lopez has been to the depths of hell and back. He returns to his native island of Vieques to forget an ICE mission gone wrong only to find himself caught up in the search for a neighbor’s daughter—a victim of the legendary el chupacabra. Paradise has a predator and all leads point to a dilapidated old plantation and its sexy as sin owner. Lying to Frankie is the only way to do his job, but is he protecting her or himself?As the net around them tightens and their lives are put on the line, he’ll learn the greatest danger he’s ever faced is the risk of losing his heart.

I love Linda Lael Miller's western historical novels so much. I stumbled upon some of her books at Barnes and Noble because her books are always displayed and they are hard to miss. Since I've first discovered her novels I've tried to get as many of her wonderful books as possible. She also writes contemporary romances but I like her historicals more. I especially like her McKettrick series because it starts in the 1800's but the series continues for a couple more generations until it's in the present. You see how the ancesters of the present McKettrick have influenced the whole family line and that is so wonderful the read. I read the series a bit out of line last year but I finally got all the books in the series and have started reading it all from the beginning. The series has 9 novels so far and I think there are going to be more in this series because there are a lot of McKettricks. So I guess you've noticed that this week I've been reading all the books in the McKettrick series and what a series it is.

The McKettrick Way is the ninth book in the series and continues the story of the stubborn and hardheaded McKettrick family. We are now in the present and we are seeing the children of the children of the first McKettrick men, Angus, Holt, Rafe, Kade and Jeb. This book is about Meg McKettrick who is from the Holt McKettrick line. We met Meg McKettrick in Sierra's Homecoming because she is Sierra McKettrick's older sister and well this is her story. I really loved this book and I have to say that it is my favorite of all the books in the series. I thought that Brad O'Ballivan is the perfect match for Meg because besides have a past romantic affair they seemed to compliment each other well. I thought that it was cool that the O'Ballivan family line was strong in the present because I love the Stone Creek Series (I'll be writing about this series soon). They had to go through a lot to finally find the love that they share is something wonderful and that made the novel some much more exciting to read. This is such a wonderful novel because I can still see the McKettrick and O'Ballivan from the past influencing the McKettrick and O'Ballivan of the present and it just makes me compare how the present McKettrick's and O'Ballivan's are just like there ancestors. This book is such a good read that I finished it up in 5 hours and it made me want more. I also think that the McKettrick men pick out very strong willed women to marry and they keep these McKettrick men on their toes and it goes vice versa for the McKettrick women. The end of this book hinted that there would be more McKettrick books to come and even a new series about an extended family of the McKettrick family line. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:

THE McKETTRICK WAY $ 4.99 (Book 9)(248 Pages)

Meg McKettrick longs for a baby—husband optional. Perfect father material is gorgeous Brad O’Ballivan, old flame and new owner of his family’s ranch in Stone Creek. But Meg—as strong, proud and stubborn as her ancestors on Indian Rock’s Triple M ranch—wants to do things her way…the McKettrick way. And Brad feels just as strongly about the O’Ballivan way… Love, marriage, babies and a lifetime to share—that’s what Brad wants. Not a single night of passion, an unexpected pregnancy and a woman who won’t budge. For a rugged rodeo cowboy who never gives up, it’s a battle of wills he intends to win…and nothing matters more than claiming Meg’s wild McKettrick’s heart.

Secrets of Summer by Tara S. Nichols

I love Linda Lael Miller's western historical novels so much. I stumbled upon some of her books at Barnes and Noble because her books are always displayed and they are hard to miss. Since I've first discovered her novels I've tried to get as many of her wonderful books as possible. She also writes contemporary romances but I like her historicals more. I especially like her McKettrick series because it starts in the 1800's but the series continues for a couple more generations until it's in the present. You see how the ancesters of the present McKettrick have influenced the whole family line and that is so wonderful the read. I read the series a bit out of line last year but I finally got all the books in the series and have started reading it all from the beginning. The series has 9 novels so far and I think there are going to be more in this series because there are a lot of McKettricks. So I guess you've noticed that this week I've been reading all the books in the McKettrick series and what a series it is.

McKettrick's Heart is the eigth book in the series and continues the story of the stubborn and hardheaded McKettrick family. We are now in the present and we are seeing the children of the children of the first McKettrick men, Angus, Holt, Rafe, Kade and Jeb. This book is about Keegan McKettrick who is from the Kade McKettrick line. Reading about these Keegan and Molly reminded me a bit of Kade and Mandy. Keegen is so much link his ancestor Kade that it is so wonderful to read. I like Molly because she seems to be a woman that isn't really for Keegan at first but when you get into the novel you see that they are totally meant to be. They had to go through a lot to finally find the love that they share is something wonderful and that made the novel some much more exciting to read. This is such a wonderful novel because I can still see the McKettrick from the past influencing the McKettrick of the present and it just makes me compare how the present McKettrick's are just like there ancestors. This book is such a good read that I finished it up in one day and I instantly picked up the ninth book in the series wanting to read more about these fascinating McKettrick men and women and the trouble they get into. I also think that the McKettrick men pick out very strong willed women to marry and they keep these McKettrick men on their toes and it goes vice versa. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:

McKETTRICK’S HEART $ 7.99 (Book 8)(315 Pages)

Keegan McKettrick has learned the hard way that women can’t be trusted. The only female in his life these days is the young daughter he sees all too rarely, and his sole passion is for his job overseeing his family’s corporation. Until beautiful but mysterious Molly Shields comes to Indian Rock on a mission—and keeping a suspicious eye on her becomes Keegan’s full-time hobby…. Molly doesn’t know why she’s attracted to a man who’s determined to dig up dirt on her, even if he is gorgeous. But cynical Keegan might be the one person who can truly understand her shadowy past—and if the two can risk opening their hearts, they just might forge a brighter future.

I love Linda Lael Miller's western historical novels so much. I stumbled upon some of her books at Barnes and Noble because her books are always displayed and they are hard to miss. Since I've first discovered her novels I've tried to get as many of her wonderful books as possible. She also writes contemporary romances but I like her historicals more. I especially like her McKettrick series because it starts in the 1800's but the series continues for a couple more generations until it's in the present. You see how the ancesters of the present McKettrick have influenced the whole family line and that is so wonderful the read. I read the series a bit out of line last year but I finally got all the books in the series and have started reading it all from the beginning. The series has 9 novels so far and I think there are going to be more in this series because there are a lot of McKettricks. So I guess you've noticed that this week I've been reading all the books in the McKettrick series and what a series it is.

McKettrick's Pride is the seventh book in the series and continues the story of the stubborn and hardheaded McKettrick family. We are now in the present and we are seeing the children of the children of the first McKettrick men, Angus, Holt, Rafe, Kade and Jeb. This book is about Rance McKettrick who is from the Rafe McKettrick line. Reading about these Rance and Echo reminded me a bit of Rafe and Emmeline. Rance is so much link his ancestor Rafe that it is so wonderful to read. I like Echo because she seems to be a woman that isn't really for Rance at first but when you get into the novel you see that they are totally meant to be. They had to go through a lot to finally find the love that they share is something wonderful and that made the novel some much more exciting to read. This is such a wonderful novel because I can still see the McKettrick from the past influencing the McKettrick of the present and it just makes me compare how the present McKettrick's are just like there ancestors. This book is such a good read that I finished it up in one day and I instantly picked up the eighth book in the series wanting to read more about these fascinating McKettrick men and women and the trouble they get into. I also think that the McKettrick men pick out very strong willed women to marry and they keep these McKettrick men on their toes and it goes vice versa. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:

McKETTRICK’S PRIDE $ 7.99 (Book 7)(376 Pages)

The only wide-open space Rance McKettrick wants to see in his future is his hometown in his rearview mirror. The down-to-earth ex-rancher is determined to make a fresh start with his two young daughters—and leave his heartbreaking loss and family’s successful corporation far behind. He sure doesn’t need Indian Rock’s free-spirited new bookstore owner Echo Wells confusing his choices…and raising memories he’s father forget. But her straightforward honesty and reluctance to trust is challenging everything Rance thought he knew about himself. And when their irresistible attraction puts their hearts on the line, Rance and Echo must come to grips with who they really are to find a once-in-a-lifetime happiness.

I was contacted a couple of days a go about have the opportunity to do an advance screening of the all new and much awaited trailer for the new release in the Dark Hunter series called ACHERON. I got the e-mail late last night but I go to bed at 10 o'clock and the e-mail didn't come in until almost midnight so I'm sorry for the delay. Please post comments on the Youtube page and have a visit there to the 'Dark Hunter Series' channel to subscribe.

I love Linda Lael Miller's western historical novels so much. I stumbled upon some of her books at Barnes and Noble because her books are always displayed and they are hard to miss. Since I've first discovered her novels I've tried to get as many of her wonderful books as possible. She also writes contemporary romances but I like her historicals more. I especially like her McKettrick series because it starts in the 1800's but the series continues for a couple more generations until it's in the present. You see how the ancesters of the present McKettrick have influenced the whole family line and that is so wonderful the read. I read the series a bit out of line last year but I finally got all the books in the series and have started reading it all from the beginning. The series has 9 novels so far and I think there are going to be more in this series because there are a lot of McKettricks. So I guess you've noticed that this week I've been reading all the books in the McKettrick series and what a series it is.

McKettrick's Luck is the sixth book in the series and continues the story of the stubborn and hardheaded McKettrick family. We are now in the present and we are seeing the children of the children of the first McKettrick men, Angus, Holt, Rafe, Kade and Jeb. This book is about Jesse McKettrick who is from the Jeb McKettrick line and who was also introduced in the sixth book Sierra's Homecoming. Reading about these Jesse and Cheyenne reminded me a bit of Chloe and Jeb. Jesse is so much link his ancestor Jeb that it is so wonderful to read. I like Cheyenne and her family because even though they are a bit disfunctional they still care about each other as a family should. They had to go through a lot to finally find the love that they share is something wonderful and that made the novel some much more exciting to read. This is such a wonderful novel because I can still see the McKettrick from the past influencing the McKettrick of the present and it just makes me compare how the present McKettrick's are just like there ancestors. This book is such a good read that I finished it up in one day and I instantly picked up the seventh book in the series wanting to read more about these fascinating McKettrick men and women and the trouble they get into. I also think that the McKettrick men pick out very strong willed women to marry and they keep these McKettrick men on their toes and it goes vice versa. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:

McKETTRICK’S LUCK $ 7.99 (Book 6)(378 Pages)

Like his celebrated ancestors who tamed the wilds of Arizona, Jesse McKettrick’s Indian Rock ties run deep. The Triple M Ranch is in his blood, along with the thrill of risk. But with his land at stake, Jesse won’t get involved in Cheyenne Bridges’s scheme—despite the temptation she brings. Cheyenne grew up in Indian Rock and left its painful memories behind to become a self-made woman. Now her job is to convince Jesse to sell his property. Jesse’s not the kind of man Cheyenne could ever forget, but he’s too wild and dangerous for a woman committed to playing if safe. Yet sparks of attraction fly, tempting Cheyenne to lay it all on the line for the passion she sees in Jesse’s eyes.

I love Linda Lael Miller's western historical novels so much. I stumbled upon some of her books at Barnes and Noble because her books are always displayed and they are hard to miss. Since I've first discovered her novels I've tried to get as many of her wonderful books as possible. She also writes contemporary romances but I like her historicals more. I especially like her McKettrick series because it starts in the 1800's but the series continues for a couple more generations until it's in the present. You see how the ancesters of the present McKettrick have influenced the whole family line and that is so wonderful the read. I read the series a bit out of line last year but I finally got all the books in the series and have started reading it all from the beginning. The series has 9 novels so far and I think there are going to be more in this series because there are a lot of McKettricks. So I guess you've noticed that this week I've been reading all the books in the McKettrick series and what a series it is.

Sierra's Homecoming is the fifth book in the series and continues the story of the stubborn and hardheaded McKettrick family. We are now in the present and we are seeing the children of the children of the first McKettrick men, Angus, Holt, Rafe, Kade and Jeb. This book is sort of a two-in-one novel because it starts out with a story about Sierra McKettrick in the present, 2007, and then you read about Hannah McKettrick who is in the past, 1919. Reading about these two women from both the past and present shows how no matter what century you live in love is a sweet yet complicated emotion. This is such a wonderful novel because I can still see the McKettrick from the past influencing the McKettrick of the present and it just makes me compare how the present McKettrick's are just like there ancestors. This book is such a good read that I finished it up in one day and I instantly picked up the sixth book in the series wanting to read more about these fascinating McKettrick men and women and the trouble they get into. I also think that the McKettrick men pick out very strong willed women to marry and they keep these McKettrick men on their toes and it goes vice versa. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:

SIERRA’S HOMECOMING $ 4.99 (Book 5)(248 Pages)

When she moved to her family’s ancestral ranch, single mom Sierra McKettrick was disconcerted by the Triple M’s handsome caretaker, Travis Reid. But when her son claimed to see a mysterious boy in the house, and an heirloom teapot started popping up in unexpected places, Sierra wondered if the attraction between herself and Travis might be the least of her worries. In 1919, widowed Hannah McKettrick lived at the ranch with her son and her brother-in-law, Doss. Her confused feelings for Doss and her son’s health problems occupied all her thoughts…until the family teapot started disappearing. Could Sierra and her ancestor, Hannah, be living parallel lives?

How about if I list some door prizes?