May 25, 2013

Kathy L Wheeler


Kathy L Wheeler Returns The English Lily

 

Kathy was born in Presque Isle, Maine.  How she ended up in Texas, Colorado, then Oklahoma is as much a mystery to her as anyone.  She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a BA in Management Information Systems and a minor in Vocal Music.
In the big picture, she has not been writing near as long as some of her writing cohorts, but has already completed a number manuscripts.  An avid traveler, she’s been to Europe, Mexico, Canada and roams from one RWA conference to another, nationwide.  She’s served several positions in the Oklahoma Outlaws RWA Chapter.
Kathy lives with her musically talented husband in Edmond, Oklahoma, has one grown daughter and one bossy cat!  

Could you please start by telling us a little about yourself?

I grew up in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area in Texas. In 9th grade we moved to Boulder, Colorado. AND I was born in Presque Isle, Maine. **Sigh** someday, I’d like to go visit Maine. My uncle was a photographer for KTVT in Ft. Worth for 35 years. He had a film of a potato patch, where the whole family conspired telling me that was where I was born. I didn’t find out the truth until I was thirteen. And people wonder why teenagers are such terrors! 

Please tell us your latest news!

My latest news is a fourth book in my Cinderella Series that was picked up by The Wild Rose Press — The English Lily, a historical romance set in the 1790s. It is also a Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll book. A series of which the Oklahoma Romance Writers are privileged to be a part. This is my second book with Wild Rose. The first: The Color of Betrayal is also a Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll book, but is contemporary. The English Lily was officially released on May 15th. 

Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

I do not. They pretty much dictate most of their own actions, personality and such. At times, it’s quite annoying. 

How much research do you do for your books? I sort of research as I write. And of course, as a result, I get somewhat distracted.

What are your hobbies? I have several (as an introvert. Ha!) For years and years and years, I’ve been an avid NFL fan. I’ve played fantasy football for twelve. In four leagues, no less. But over the past four years, I’ve seen my interest shift from NFL to NBA. Oklahoma City was lucky enough to acquire the Seattle Sonics, now known as the Oklahoma City Thunder. Talk about a hobby! I’ve been a season ticket holder since 2011. Last year I only missed a total of three home games—that was just regular season. I went to every single playoff game. My closet is full of rolled up t-shirts.  In addition to the NBA, I love Jazzercise, reading, and traveling. Writing obviously, but I don’t consider that a hobby. I think it’s an obsession. 

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I love writing when I was a kid, but did not take up again until November 2006, when I saw a Google writing prompt that said “What if Cinderella’s glass slipper fit one of her evil stepsisters?” Well, that was a story, that turned into a series. All available in print and eBooks. 

Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer? Or Still do?

Sometimes I write full time, even though I do have a full-time day job. I am a computer programmer too. My degree is a BA in Management Information Systems with a vocal minor in music. Funny, huh? 

Do you have a website recommendation for other writers?

http://Thesaurus.com. (self-explanatory) 

Current Release Details:

The English Lily. Available through http://thewildrosepress.com. The fourth story in my Cinderella Series, although this one is just a character from the third book. When Esmeralda (Cinderella’s batty-eyed sister marries Alessandro de Lecce), Lady Kendra is devastated and runs away. Available 5/15/2013 http://bit.ly/1048yDp 

Can you please give us a sneak peek at any of your upcoming books?

The next book in the pipeline is Lies That Bind. The third in my Bloomington Series. Would a modern day woman accept a marriage of convenience to protect the identity of her child?  Kelly Mancer doesn’t want a man, but danger has a way of changing one’s mind.  Alex Gentry needs Kelly, but convincing her to help him in his pursuit of a dangerous enemy who’s enamored his younger sister is not an easy task.  Soon the tables turn and Kelly becomes the prey.  Alex may save his sister, but at what cost? 

Who is your perfect hero? And why?

This is an interesting question because I notice a definite thread in all of my stories, and that is that the hero is going to suffer trying to convince the heroine she is for him. He’d also better have a good sense of humor. He’s going to need it. 

What would be the best way for readers contact you? Do you have a website? Email address? Blog? Message Board? Group?

I do have a website, a blog, email. You can also find me on The Romance Stuios.com; Coffeetime Romance, and Fresh Fiction. http://klwheeler.com; http://kathylwheeler.com; kathy@klwheeler.com 

Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how does this help or hinder you?

Critique groups are critical, hence, the name. Every writer needs the input and whack on the head when something isn’t quite working. And good critique partners do not hesitate to give the whack just when your head is getting a tad too big. All in the name of helping out of course. 

What's your favorite genre to read?

I love historical and contemporary. Mostly I love my favorite authors. Teresa Mederios; Jayne Ann Krentz; Suzanne Enoch

Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?

I think they help. I am lucky to be a part of an excellent chapter of the RWA in Oklahoma City. Last Christmas someone had an outrageous idea of doing an anthology for Christmas set in Regency England. The theme? The 12 Days of Christmas. We had 12 authors and each one took one of the 12 days. The setup was a Christmas ball set in the country. I had 5 Golden Rings. All of the authors incorporated each other’s characters. It was difficult and we didn’t have much time. But if you signed up, you had a certain day your post had to be up. It was a stretch in several different ways.

One, you had to write fast.

Two, you critiqued others stories, and they needed them back fast.

Three, you were working with others who did not necessarily know the sub genre and needed help from those who were experts.

Four, you got out of your comfort zone in a couple of different ways. Very enlightening.

At times, it was harrowing, but in the overall picture I know that I grew. I must have, I participated in the February Valentine Anthology, and the St. Paddy’s Day Anthology. Although, I am not involved in the Memorial Day one, I expect the five authors that are involved will post terrific stories. We will also be doing a June Bride series. These stories have turned out to be a great hit. The blog (http://wildokies.blogspot.com/) received over 1200 hits from Christmas through Easter. Uh. . . what was the question? 

What was your first published work and when was it published?

The Color of Betrayal, through The Wild Rose Press, in June of 2012. This was another Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll in a contemporary setting. Anyone who betrays the owner of the doll is doomed. My sense of humor is somewhat twisted I’m afraid. The original title was Nose Job. Unfortunately, Wild Rose did not think the title sounded much like romance. Hee hee hee.

 

Lady Kendra Frazier is devastated. The love of her life just married another, and now all she desires is to be as far away as possible. Viscount Lawrie, Joseph Pinetti Gray, is facing financial ruin and needs a wealthy heiress.  Luckily for him, Kendra’s impetuous nature has handed him the fortuity he requires to save his family’s downfall. But Joseph’s carefully cultivated plans come to a grinding halt when he finds himself falling in love for what should have only been a marriage of convenience. And how can an old cursed doll help? 


 

May 18, 2013

Melinda Dozier


Time Changes Everything with Melinda Dozier


 Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda Dozier’s favorite past times. After hectic days of teaching English to middle school students, Melinda finds time to write and read in the evenings. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband, three boys and German Sheppard. She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they are grown. Melinda loves reality TV, traveling, blogging and playing Words With Friends.

 

Could you please start by telling us a little about yourself?

Well, first, thank you so much for hosting me at Romancing the Heart. It’s great to be here.
Being a mom, wife, teacher, blogger, writer and reader keeps me busy. I live in Central America with my family and teach at an American School. I love living “overseas,” and experiencing the life and beauty of another country.
I am a bit overwhelmed by all the focus on me. I’d rather my readers be focused on Jake and Amanda in Time Changes Everything. They are amazing characters and much more interesting.  

Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?
My characters are the starting point of my story. Although I don’t plan the plot from start to finish, I do plan my characters. Since they are the heart of the story, I find it important to know everything about them. I make a character questionnaire and answer all their questions. I write small stories about past events in their life. Sometimes I get carried away with parts my readers never even see. 

What are your hobbies?
My hobbies have always been reading and writing. Strange that I’ve become a writer, right? Now, my hobbies include tinkering on the computer/iPad, be it making videos for my students, Pinterest, Words with Friends or …yes…Clash of Clans. 

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I think reading and writing go hand in hand. The first book that really caught my attention (and turned me into a reader) was The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, in the fifth grade. Once the movie came out that same year, with all those hot guys – I mean Rob Lowe in the shower! Come on! – I started to daydream romance stories in my mind. Soon after, I picked up my first Harlequin in the grocery store. Little did I know that was the starting point for me as a writer. I began buying notebooks, writing sweet love stories and sharing them with my best friend. I even went as far to design my book covers and compose music to go along with the stories.  

Do you have a website recommendation for other writers?
I do have a few websites I use regularly and advise other writers to use. First is Critique Circle (www.critiquecircle.com). This is a wonderful online critique/support group. There are writers from all genres, all parts of the world and all arrays of experience.
The other website I suggest is the Bookshelf Muse. At this site, you will find many writing tips and my favorite of all is the Character Trait, Setting, Weather, Physical Traits Thesaurus. The creator of the site, Angela Ackerman, also created a book that I highly recommend called the Emotion Thesaurus. (http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/) 

Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen and a comfy place.
My Saturday mornings are dedicated to writing, since my kids have sports activities, and I have “free time.” I wake up, immediately get my fresh cup of Guatemalan coffee, sit outside or stay in bed and write on my laptop. I love these mornings! 

Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven't yet?
I’ve taught middle school English for more than 16 years now and I love young adult dystopian books. I’ve been on a Hunger Games kick for the last year. In the past months, I’ve read the Divergent series and I love Libba Bray. So, yes, somewhere deep back in my writing brain, a desire to write young adult brews. One day it’ll surface.  

How can readers find out more about you and your books?
Of course, my readers can stalk find me at my website, blog or my latest addiction, Twitter. A great place to check out my books is at the Entranced Publishing website (www.entrancedpublishing.com). 

What's your favorite genre to read?
By far, my favorite genre is sexy contemporary romance. I love finding new authors, but I also stay true to my favorites like Jill Shalvis, Shannon Stacey and Sarah Mayberry. 

Is there anyone who really mentored or inspired you to keep writing until you were finally published?
My amazing, wonderful, lovable husband inspired me to finish Time Changes Everything. I wrote it years ago while on maternity leave with my youngest child (he’s now seven). However, I couldn’t finish it. Something was stopping me – maybe just knowing it would end. My hubby inspired me to finish it. Without his encouragement, I wouldn’t have done it. Luckily, I listened to him for once. Now I have four manuscripts under my belt. 
Thanks so much for having me. I hope your readers pick up a copy of Time Changes Everything which will be available on May 13. For a sweeter tale, Boy Next Door (the prequel to Time Changes Everything) is available free at Entranced Publishing.  

Author Links:




CONTEST ALERT:

Melinda will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate and an ecopy of Time Changes Everything. Click here to enter:  Rafflecopter
 
 

Amanda Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn't want to make time for anything else. Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now he's a sexy, big shot lawyer.
Jake Edwards isn't interested in commitment. He's successful, sexy, and single--and that's how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might have to rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.
But, is it too late for them? Or can he convince her that he's ready to give her his heart?
Buy
 
 
 


May 11, 2013

Charlotte Davila


Ashley M. Christman writing as Charlotte Davila

 
As a child, Ashley M. Christman spent many hours in imaginary worlds, exploring the depths of mythology and immersing herself in a breadth of classics. After spending so much time reading, she decided to try her hand at writing.
An avid fan of film noir, she combines fantasy, noir style heroes and heroines, and the paranormal in a modern day setting in a way that hopefully would make even Bogie proud.
When not writing, she can be found in the wilds of Minnesota enjoying great cuisine, avoiding the gym, and being walked by the dog with her partner, Tom.


Author Links

·       Author Website and Blog: www.ashleymchristman.com


·       Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-M-Christman/270726188001

·       Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AMChristman

·       Email: Ashley@ashleymchristman.com

 
Lady Elizabeth Bennington has the perfect life: she's the daughter of an earl and betrothed to her childhood friend, William Hartley, the second son of a duke. But, when her sister's indiscretion leads to an unplanned pregnancy, and the subsequent disgrace of Elizabeth's entire family, her idyllic life is thrown into disarray.  

First, her fiance is prohibited from marrying her. Then she receives word that William has been killed by thieves. To top it all off, she gets abducted by a highwayman. Can Elizabeth find love again, and with the most unlikely of people?
 

Kobo / Amazon / B&N
 

 Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway



 

May 4, 2013

Tamrie Foxtail


Tamrie Foxtail Trips Into Cemeteries


 

Tamrie Foxtail has lived on both the Pacific West Coast and the Gulf Coast before following her husband to Oklahoma. Ms. Foxtail attended Florida State University when she lived in Tallahassee. She’s been blessed with a mother who taught her to love reading and a husband who's a real life romance hero.  Tamrie finds it difficult to sleep if there are not books close enough to touch. 

Do you have a favorite object that is pertinent to your writing?
I’m not sure if you mean something I use when I write or something that seems to show up in my writing. I’m not really dependant on anything other than a computer when I write. I do like a little music in the background.
Now something that shows up in my writing…Cemeteries. No, I’m not a morbid person. I don’t like images of skulls, etc. For reasons I can’t explain, however, cemeteries pop up a lot in my writing. I’m working on a series of seven books and so far there’s been a cemetery in every one.  

Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?
A little of both. I start out knowing who my characters are and why they’re in the predicament they are. I usually learn about their personalities as I write. I can’t count the number of times I’ve tossed thirty or forty pages because I’ve come to realize my character wouldn’t act/react the way I’ve written. 

How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?
My husband is retired law enforcement so he enjoys helping me work out a scene that involves the police or a crime. He doesn’t like to read fiction, so other than going over the law enforcement scenes he doesn’t read my books. My mother reads them and proofreads for me as well.  

Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer? Or still do?
I’d love to be able to write full time but it’s just not possible at this point. I work in a small town library. It’s a wonderful job. Because it’s a small town we know our patrons fairly well. I have a chance to talk to lots of people about what they like and don’t like when it comes to books.  

Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing?
Not anymore. I have a child with serious medical problems so I’ve learned to write in hospitals when he’s been admitted. I take a notebook with me when he has physical therapy and I jot down scene ideas while the therapist works with him. I’ve learned to be very flexible when it comes to my writing routine.
Wherever I’m writing I skim over the last few paragraphs before I start. 

What do you do on a typical writing day?
I’m the first one out of bed no matter what day of the week. If it’s a week day I get my husband up then do a little housework.
I get Isaiah ready for the day as soon as the alarm on his feeding pump starts beeping to let me know his nighttime feeding has finished. This means bringing his medical equipment into the living room. He’s four, but he can’t walk so I carry him out to the living room. (My husband has usually left for work by this time.)
Isaiah and I have a morning ritual. I take my phone and we listen to songs on YouTube. His favorite’s Little Red Riding Hood by Sam Sham and the Pharaohs. Once his nurse is there I grab a cup of coffee and go into my office to work for a few hours before heading off to the library. After work I try to get some outlining done while I’m holding Isaiah on my lap. 

Can you please give us a sneak peek at any of your upcoming books?
I’ve recently signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press for a novella called Fading Rose. It’s part of their Scrimshaw Doll series and involves a woman dying of renal failure. Writing this one was more emotional than usual. Ten years ago my husband went through renal failure and I came far too close to losing him. 

When you have writer’s block how do you break free?
I use a question and answer approach, literally writing down questions such as Q. Why doesn’t she have any faith in getting a kidney transplant? A. Because she’s already had a transplant and rejected it.
This helps me either figure out why my plot’s off track and why my characters aren’t following my outline.         

Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven’t yet?
Back when Twilight was the favorite book among teens, the kids at work convinced me to read it. I didn’t like the young adult books that were out when I was a teen because they all felt like lectures. Twilight I enjoyed. I’ve since read the entire series, and many others, and developed of love of YA.
My best writing buddy, Anna Kittrell, is a published YA author, so I figure I have a ready source of advice. I have a vague idea for a story, even have a title. I’m fleshing out characters and working on plot ideas, and hope to start working on the story one of these days. 

Is there anyone why really mentored or inspired you to keep writing until you were finally published?
My mother, of course. She believed in me from the time I scribbled down stories only a mother would see merit in.
My friend Michele, back in my home state of Florida, used to tell me “Stop talking about your stories and start writing them down.”
My husband always said “When you’re published…”
We moved here to Oklahoma nearly twenty years ago. I found a wonderful group called The OKRWA. We refer to ourselves as “The Outlaws.” They’ve been a huge source of help and inspiration. Within that group is a smaller one called “Wild Okies.” I couldn’t ask for a better group of writers, both published and unpublished, to hang out with once a month. They are some of the most upbeat people I’ve ever known. 

You can find me lurking here:


Daira Gleeson gave her heart and her virginity to Rory Trent when they were in high school. Twenty years later--reeling from her mother's suicide and the death of her cheating fiancĂ©—Daira finds herself in possession of a cursed scrimshaw doll.
Now, Rory is back in town, wanting to pick up where they left off. But not only is Daira afraid he'll break her heart, the doll's curse has already caused harm to those close to her. If Rory leaves her again, he could pay with his life.
Someone is after the doll and willing to kill to possess it. Can the curse be broken in time to save those Daira loves...and to regain the true love she lost a lifetime ago?