July 27, 2013

Elaine Busby


NW Emmy Nominated Elaine Busby Answers
Burning Questions On The Rocks

 

 
Elaine Busby is an accomplished television professional with more than thirty years experience from hosting PM Magazine to creating her own NW Emmy nominated shows.  Her first novel, Burning Questions was the winner of the 2005 Timeless Love Contest.


Could you please start by telling us a little about yourself?
Some people think I have a double identity – but being a Gemini, that goes with the territory. My “Page, screen and in-between name is Elaine Busby” – my maiden name which I use for my writing and on camera work. My married name is Thompson – and in that role I am mother, wife and youth leader at my church.
Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?
I use the fine art of synchronicity to develop my plot and characters, meaning I start with a basic idea for the book, and my characters manage to get themselves in and out of interesting situations.
How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?
My family is very supportive and only those older than 16 really read my romance – but if I can get my husband to cry at the ending, I know I have succeeded!
What are your hobbies?
I have a passion for the outdoors – I golf, waterski and spend a lot of time at the Oregon Coast.
If you had to choose one person to have dinner with, who would it be? And why?
My husband! I love being alone with the man I make my life with. There is always plenty to talk about and enjoy together. Life is too short.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I have always had the “bug” – but spent many years in television writing feature stories and news. From there, I learned to get at the “heart” of a story, which helps when you are trying to condense scenes and information down to what matters to the reader and moves the story forward.
Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer? Or Still do?
I wear many hats, one of them being a writer. I generally write in the mornings, before the rest of my life wakes up!
Can you please give us a sneak peek at any of your upcoming books?
Having spent many years having backyard chickens, I am inspired to bring “my girls” into a romance!
Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven't yet?
Yes, I would like to write contemporary fiction.
What would be the best way for readers contact you? Do you have a website? Email address? MySpace site? Blog? Message Board? Group?
©    Elaine@elainebusby.com   
Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?
Deadlines are good for me, having spent many years in the news (although I missed yours for this – ouch!!)
What was your first published work and when was it published?
Burning Questions was my first book, published in 2007
 

Singer-songwriter Jade is about to take the music world by storm...if her personal demons can be kept at bay… 

Panic attacks start to plague Jade, just as this musician’s career begins escalating. An L.A. restaurant owner, Calvin Collins, helps her recover, then wines and dines his way into her heart. However, Jade’s agent warns her that Calvin has an unsavory back story. 
As their romance develops, Jade starts climbing the charts with her new CD. Her panic attacks are also on the rise, and the L.A. gossip mill would love to roast Calvin; all issues she’d rather ignore than investigate.
Will Jade’s life end up “On the Rocks”, like the dark song she’s been composing? Or will she find the strength to seek the truth, and sing those secrets into the light?
 

July 20, 2013

H K Carlton


H K CARLTON CROSSES U.S. BORDERS

 

H K Carlton is a multi-published Canadian author of historical, erotic and contemporary romance.

Could you please start by telling us a little about yourself?
I am a Canadian author of historical, contemporary and erotic romance. I live with my hard-working husband and lovely teenage daughter. We also have two grown sons.
Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?
Characters tend to develop as I write. Their individuality becomes clearer as the scenes and dialogue come together and the cast interacts with each other.
What main genre do you write in?
When I began writing, I thought that I was going to be strictly a historical romance writer. At the time the vast majority of books that I read were HR. Write what you know, they say. But to date, I have only written two historical romances, You Found Me and The Devil Take You. The rest have been in the erotic romance genre, with three already published Swap, Lost Time (also in print) and Streetlight People; and three others with contracts signed. But even in those, the sub-genres vary; from m/f to m/m to ménage m/f/f.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
My love for writing, I think, came from my love of reading. I used to read a book a day almost. I don’t have the time to read as much as I used to. But I’m not complaining. I love writing just as much.
What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?
A combination of both. In the beginning, when I first penned You Found Me, I wrote it from beginning to end. I didn’t stop and write a scene out of sequence. I’m not sure why now looking back, but that’s the way I felt it needed to be. I was almost afraid to jump ahead. Now, if I have an idea, I jot a brief outline just so that I won’t forget. I’m usually in the middle of another project and need to refer back when I have time to begin something new. But now when I write a story, I can jump ahead and come back to it and fill in the required details.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I’m not sure that I have a specific writing style, but I do like to write in first person. I have several books published in that POV.
What would be the best way for readers contact you? Do you have a website? Email address? MySpace site? Blog? Message Board? Group?

I have a blog. I call it Pick a Genre Already, http://pickagenrealready.blogspot.ca because I write in several genres and sub-genres and I will probably never just stick to one. My favourite way to connect is Twitter, because you can get your message out there in 140 characters or less. I am also on Facebook, Goodreads, Manic Readers and a couple of Yahoo groups.
How can readers find out more about you and your books?
Readers can find out more about my books by visiting my blog or my publishers websites. Total-E-Bound, MuseItUp Publishing and eXtasy Publishing.
What's your favorite genre to read?
Just as I believe I will never settle into one specific genre to write in, I am the same when reading. I will read anything that captures my imagination. But I do love a good time-traveling historical romance.
When did you first decide to submit your work? Please, tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.
I first started sending out manuscripts a few years ago, but have only in this past year or so found my stride. My children have supported me immeasurably. They are my biggest cheerleaders and never allowed me to give up. It was my sister though that tipped the scales. I didn’t share my stories with anyone until I finished You Found Me. When I finished writing it, I just had this overwhelming feeling that this one was different from all the other stories that I’d jotted down before. Just taking that first step and allowing another person to read it was a big one for me. I knew that she would tell me the truth, good or bad. After she read it, she encouraged me to send it out to potential publishers and that’s really when it all began.
What was your first published work and when was it published?
My first published work is entitled Swap an erotic contemporary m/f romance. It was published October 2012 by Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Is there anyone who really mentored or inspired you to keep writing until you were finally published? 

My family, the children and my sister, as I mentioned earlier.

But since I have been published the multi-published and talented Lisabet Sarai has been an incredible source and mentor to me. She is extremely insightful and helpful, especially to the newbies. She will answer any question, give advice, point you in the right direction, give an honest answer. Not afraid in the least, to share her knowledge, which I have found some are hesitant to do. I have learned so much from not only the way that she writes but also the way that she conducts herself as an author and as a person. I am grateful to have come in contact with her.

Also author Kay Dee Royal has been tremendously helpful to me. She has also taught me tons, which I am also appreciative of. Another talented writer, who is willing to share her knowledge and experience.

I have also been blessed with some brilliant, patient and supportive editors who have helped me put out work that we can all be proud of.

I have been extremely lucky to have met some wonderful people on this journey, people from all over the world, that I will possibly never meet face to face, but even if this writing gig doesn’t work out for me, these are relationships and friendships that I will treasure forever. 

More links will be provided HERE as they become available. 






 

CONTEST ALERT:  H K will be giving away an ecopy of The Devil Take You to one lucky commenter.
 

Scotland—1307—During the Scottish Wars of Independence 

Gard Marschand will stop at nothing in his pursuit to regain what is lost. Concealing his true identity, he will associate with his enemies, kill his own countrymen, even sell his soul to the devil if all else fails. He will lie, cheat, steal, rape and siege his way across two countries gaining power and reputation in his malevolent wake. His determination all consuming, until King Edward commands Gard to lay siege on Ross-shire holding, where Braelynn Galbraith obliterates his single-minded purpose.
Braelynn Galbraith wants peace for her beloved Scotland, marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Callum, and a house full of children. In that order. But evil incarnate in the form of Gard Marschand, turns her life inside out and destroys all hope of a decent marriage.
Can Gard abandon his deep-seated need of revenge for a love that might just save his soul, or will he succumb to the demons that hound him and surrender to the devil within?
I believe your stay in purgatory has only just begun…
 


 

July 13, 2013

Walter Luce

Tame Your Desires with Walter Luce
 
Walter Luce was born in Vermont where I still spend my summers.  He’s been a successful real estate developer in Florida, Georgia, and California.  Walter now lives in the Palm Springs, California area with his wife Bonnie, where he wrote his first novel of six, Eva Pennington.
Walter Luce is the oldest of seven, graduated from Braintree Randolph Union High School in 1962, and attended Miami Dade Junior college after being honorably discharged from the Army in 1967. 
 
Please tell us your latest news!
My novel VERMONT BOUND the third in the Donatelli series was just published by Oak Tree Press and it’s doing very well.  EVA PENNINGTON – TROUBLE IN GEORGIA is also published.   Next up will be ATLANTA EXIT, which is scheduled to be released just prior to this interview. My latest work is another Eva Pennington novel, EVA PENNINGTON – DAMSELS OF DIVERSION, to be released in August. 
 
Please describe your writing environment.
We own a cabin (Camp Cupcake) in the foothills of the Vermont National Forest and I have a writers loft on the second floor. In the desert I write from my in-house real estate development office.
 
Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?
The main characters are planned the others show up and I let them take me where they want,
 
How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits in your research?
I do some research.  I find that in the advent of the computer, research is made easier. 
 
How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?
They’re amazed…as I am.  Most of them read my work.
 
What are your hobbies?
Golf and periodic running. 
 
If you had to choose one person to have dinner with, who would it be? And why?
A dead person would be Samuel Clemens…In my opinion he’s one of the greatest writers that ever lived. Today, would be Steve Forbes…I’m in favor of a flat tax.
 
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’ve just reread VERMONT BOUND for the umpteenth time and I wouldn’t change a thing. But that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be improved upon, your work is never complete.  Read something you wrote a year ago and see if you don’t just choke.  You have to draw the line. 
 
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
My wife at the time taught college journalism and was a MENSA member.  In the ‘70s she forced me to go to one of their meetings. After three meetings I was determined to do what they were talking about doing…write a book.  Thirty years later I wrote my first novel for all the wrong reasons—not being an educated man I thought if I wrote a book people would think I was smart.  By the way none of them ever wrote that book they talked about and writing a book didn’t make me any smarter.
 
Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer? Or still do?
I don’t profess to be a writer it just happened.  I’m a real estate developer who buys dirt and builds buildings.  I still do both.
 
What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?
I start with an idea and just let the characters take me for a ride.  It’s easier now that publishers and the public like shorter novels.  I love the ride. 
 
Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen and a comfy place
Between five and six AM I secure my first of four cups of coffee, read the Wall Street Journal, check my emails, work on my real estate deals, reread what I wrote the day before and then write anywhere from 1,500 to 2,500 words. 
 
Current Release Details:
EVA PENNINGTON – TROUBLE IN GEORGIA was just released. ATLANTA EXIT the prequel to VERMONT BOUND is being released in June, 2013, and MIAMI EXIT the prequel to ATLANTA EXIT is being released in August this year. 
 
If you could be one of your characters - Who would you be? And why?
This might seem odd, but though I’m a man, I would like to be Eva Pennington.  She’s a ballsy lady in the 60s’ who doesn’t take any shit from men.  I’ve lived the Donatelli character. 
 
What do you do on a typical writing day?
Work on business deals for few hours in the morning, write until mid-day, and go for a run if I’m not playing golf.  In the afternoon I catch up on the news, check my emails and read. 
 
Can you please give us a sneak peek at any of your upcoming books?
 
ATLANTA EXIT
 
Turk Donatelli, a self-made millionaire at the age of twenty four. Turk grew up poor in a small Vermont lumber town, the oldest of eight. As Turk, whose thirst for knowledge was insatiable, grew into a teenager and then a man, he struggles to become respected, and respectable. 
In 1970 Turk Donatelli left the mob controlled city of Miami. Turk along with his close friend, China Jon and Digger his Navy Seal protector, follow a fast paced adventure through Ocala, Florida and the European continent before arriving in Atlanta.  Here he crosses the line when he builds adult bookstores for Nikolas J. Pappas, known as the "Porno-King of the Southeast,” and who is currently facing a charge of murder of a competitor. Turk thought money would cure his angst, as he lives a life he always dreamed about. Instead, it made him feel empty and unfulfilled.
Seeking to tame his wild desires…women, drinking, and gambling, Turk, marries a brilliant journalist, who has a five year old son. Their seemly idyllic marriage is far from ideal when his wife is diagnosed with progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Turk is determined to find a cure and raise his adopted son. When Niko is sent to prison Turk is pressured by the FBI to leave his employ; however he is forced to continue the partnership with Niko in order to fund his search for a cure for MS, preserve his banking ties, and to afford his lifestyle that has been so important to him…will Turk cross that line a final time?
 
 
Who is your perfect hero? And why?
My hero would be Ronald Reagan—a great communicator, a great husband and just a damn nice guy who did a lot for this country.  Visit his library…you’ll come out feeling that maybe America can regain her respect if only we could find another commander and chief like him. 
 
When you have writer's block how do you break free?
I’ve been fortunate I haven’t experienced the dreaded block yet.  I always have at least a couple of books in the works I can switch back and forth.  I read the same way.  I usually have three books going at the same time.
 
What would be the best way for readers contact you? Do you have a website? Email address? MySpace site? Blog? Message Board? Group? How can readers find out more about you and your books?
Visit my website www.walterluce.com or contact me at walterluce1345@yahoo.com
 
What is the best and worst advice you have ever received?
The best advice was to just write don’t worry about what you write just write. The worst advice I ever got was to, trust your banker.
 
What's your favorite genre to read?
I prefer biographies and classics.
 
What type of book have you always wanted to write?
I’d love to and will write a book modifying our political system. 
 
When did you first decide to submit your work? Please, tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.
When the real estate industry fell apart in 2006 my wife Bonnie said to me, “Stop complaining about having nothing to do, and dust off that novel you wrote thirty years ago, and work on getting it published.”
 
What was your first published work and when was it published?
EVA MARIE PENNINGTON published on Kindle through Oak Tree Publishing in August 2010.
 
Is there anyone who really mentored or inspired you to keep writing until you were finally published?
I write not to get published…I write because I can’t stop writing.  If I was never published I would still write…its therapy.
 

July 6, 2013

Margaret Tanner

Margaret Tanner Brings
Readers Frontier Australia
 
 Margaret Tanner is a multi-published Australian author. She loves delving into the pages of history as she carries out research for her historical romance novels, and prides herself on being historically accurate. No book is too old or tattered for her to trawl through, no museum too dusty, or cemetery too overgrown. Many of her novels have been inspired by true events, with one being written around the hardships and triumphs of her pioneering ancestors in frontier Australia.
As part of her research she has visited the World War 1 battlefields in France and Belgium, a truly poignant experience.
She won the 2007 and 2009 Author of the Year at AussieAuthors.com. A Rose In-No-Man’s Land won an un-published manuscript award. Her novel Frontier Wife won the Best Historical Romance Novel at the 2010 Readers Favorite Award, and another novel, Wild Oats was a 2011 Finalist in the EPIC awards.
In 2012, an unpublished manuscript was short listed in English publisher, ChocLit’s, Find an Australian Star, competition.
Margaret is married with three grown up sons, and two gorgeous little granddaughters.
Outside of her family and friends, writing is her passion.
 
Could you please start by telling us a little about yourself?
I live in Australia, and I guess the best way to describe my writing is to call it historical fiction with romantic elements. I am multi-published with three different publishers, The Wild Rose Press, Whiskey Creek Press and Books We Love Ltd.
 
Please tell us your latest news!
My novel, A Rose In No-Man’s Land, which is set against a background of World War I, has recently been released by The Wild Rose Press.
 
Please describe your writing environment.
I write my very first draft in long hand in a notebook, so I can really do it anywhere that I happen to be. The only thing I need is silence. I can’t work with noise. Even soft background music disturbs my flow of words.
 
Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?
I never plan anything. I have a vague idea about my characters before I start, but they really evolve as the story progresses.
 
How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits in your research?
I do a lot of research for my books, and it helps that I like history. I can’t stand inaccuracies in stories, so I try as hard as I can not to have them in mine.  There is nothing worse, in my humble opinion, than to start reading a story then find some historical aspect is incorrect. If that happens, I don’t finish the book, and I never buy that author’s work again.
 
What main genre do you write in?
Historical Romance, although it would be more accurate to say, Historical Fiction with romantic elements.
 
What are your hobbies?
Writing, reading and researching. Family time.
 
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I can’t remember a time when I haven’t written. At first I used to write these pitiful, sad little ditties, then I graduated to short stories, until I found my true love, writing novels.
 
What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?
I fly by the seat of my pants.
 
What would be the best way for readers contact you? Do you have a website? Email address? MySpace site? Blog? Message Board? Group?
 
What type of book have you always wanted to write?
A best seller.
 
Battlefield nurse, Amy Smithfield, falls in love with Captain Mark Tremayne, but he is bound to his dead wife. He can never marry again or tell Amy the truth, unless he wants to risk the gallows for a murder he did not commit.