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. 

H K’s Blog http://pickagenrealready.blogspot.ca 

Twitter https://twitter.com/AuthorHKCarlton 

Facebook www.facebook.com/authorhk.carlton 

Manic Readers http://www.manicreaders.com/HKCarlton/ 

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/HK-Carlton/e/B009KVR7EW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

 

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…

 

MuseItUp Publishing

 

 

Blue Moon Magic is on the horizon ...

Debi Wilder loves it By the Blue Moon….

First please tell everyone what genre you write and why you write it.

Thank you for having me here today.  I write adult entertainment, erotica, with elements of the paranormal in each story so far that may tend to get a bit on the wild side from time-to-time.  I really enjoy the freedom writing this genre in the aspects of a no holds barred; my imagination has no restriction on where it can take my characters or where my characters can take me in their fantasies.

Please tell us what works you have published and waiting to be released. Please include genre and approx word counts.

©    By the BlueMoon, Book 1 Blue Moon Magic Series, Loose-Id (ebook version), werewolf, September 2007, 25K

©    Gabby’sSecond Chance, Book 2 Lacey’s Lamp Series, MuseIt Hot Publishing, genie, February 2012, 4K

©    Blue MoonMagic Series, Muse It Hot Publishing (print version), 2012, 100K

          I’m co-authored the rewrite for HUMAN TOUCH with Honey Jans, who also wrote Book 2 in the Blue Moon Magic Series. It’s a story about the future, how the world is handling over-population and about cloning. We hope to have some good news very soon.  I also have in the works a story called CARNIVAL: THE GUARDIAN, which is a fallen angel shape-shifting erotica that I hope to have finished within the year. Honey is considering doing a follow up to this story as well.

          I also have a few on my back list that will be ready for rewrites and expansions, then hopefully a new home.

Tell us about your newest release.

The authors of the BLUE MOON MAGIC series are excited and patiently waiting for the four books to come out in one print volume for our readers from MuseIt Up Publishing.  Of course, the individual books are currently available in ebook versions from Loose-Id.

     In BY THE BLUE MOON, Book 1 of Blue Moon Magic, Chastity is finding that there isn't enough time in the day for sex...without or without a partner. Justin is more than happy to help her out, especially when her wolfen instincts are about to kick into high gear. There's a lot of howling through the night, and Chastity's not so sure she wants to be mated with Justin.

Finding a genie’s lamp was more than Gabby could wish for. Believing she doesn’t deserve to love again, Gabby Adams gets a second chance to find love and happiness with only one wish. GABBY’S SECOND CHANCE is the second in the Lacey’s Lamp series from Muse it Hot Publishing and came out in February 2012.

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

          I would have to say the group of writers I kept around me were a great inspiration and a wonderful support system. We were all looking to get published at the same time, so there was a lot of support for everyone.

          I’ve since moved from that area and am involved with a great group of authors in the Oklahoma Outlaws organization (OKRWA). They keep me on my toes and accountable for my writing.

I see you’ve brought some guests with you today from BLUE MOON MAGIC…and a mighty sexy one at that. 

          LOL, oh yah.  Justin and Chastity just couldn’t let me come here without them tagging along. Besides how do you say no to a pair of werewolves? LOL

Justin, how did you ever get hooked up with a woman like Chastity?

          Justin: I really didn’t have a choice. She was promised to me the minute she was born. It’s the way of the wolfen clans to stay with tradition…

          Chastity: Don’t let him fool ya. He’s full of b.s. … if it wasn’t for Daddy he wouldn’t have had a job at Langford & Langford, and he wouldn’t have been assigned my babysitter!

Well, it sounds like the two of you have differences of opinion on that. I wonder, do you remember your first meeting?

          Chastity: I was, ah, in the middle of a very important assignment when my sister, Charity, told me Daddy wanted to see me in the board room right away. So I did what any self-respecting daughter would do…I pulled up my panties and hurried to see what he wanted.

          Justin:  Let me just say, if the scent of near orgasm could be bottled and sold, she would have had the market on it. I could smell her moments before she entered the room. And that darn little buzzing egg was still working her...

          Chastity:  Hey! You have no right …

          Justin: See how prickly she gets when that comes up? Good thing I took care of it when the meeting ended. You loved that elevator ride, didn't you Chas?

Hmm…my mind is playing overtime with that one. I think we should get back to Debi.

          Chastity:  Another pure human stealing my thunder. (Sigh)…oh well what’s a half-breed to do.  Go ahead, I’m sure she’ll be entertaining.

          Justin:  Now, now Chastity. Don’t get your fur ruffled. Ms. Wilder told our story after all and we owe it to her to continue with the interview.

Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen, laptop and a comfy place.

          Not really. It depends on my mood I guess. Sometimes I get a lot done by sitting in front of the tv with a movie as background noise. It all depends on what my muse is telling me and in what direction. She’s pretty sporadic as well.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

          Writers block is the worst and I’ve experienced more times than I’d have wanted to. But, you just work your way through it and get back to business.

          Also, sometimes, my characters stop communicating with me (which was not the case with Chastity or Justin, they had a lot to say). It’s those times that I really struggle with getting something done or even finished, which is the case with CARNIVAL. Salene and Samuel are very slow at revealing their story to me, and it can be frustrating. So, I patiently wait until the next morsal of information comes my way.

Do your books have a common theme or are they all different?

          I love, love, love writing paranormal stories. There seems to be some sort of paranormal element in them, whether it be shape-shifting, spirits, magic…anything that isn’t “normal” can show up in my stories.

Where can the readers learn more about you and find your books on the web?

          I have a new blog and I love it!  So I hope my readers will stop by and say “Hello” to me.  You can find it by clicking here. 

          I’m also on Twitter @waMaxineDouglas (she’s my nice half).

          And then of course there’s the new and improved Facebook pages where you’ll find information for all my books. You can start by clicking here and then going to each of the pages under my “Likes”. Be sure to “Like” the individual pages, then click on “BookPulse” for more information on that particular book. The Blue Moon Magic page is here; I hope you come by and say "Hello."

          Of course, feel free to email me at any time—I’d love to hear from you!

 

 

 

Welcome debut author … Michelle Pickett

Michelle has been an avid reader since a young child.  She began writing for personal enjoyment in college, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting.  Deciding sitting in a cubical all day was her form of cruel and unusual punishment, she decided to do what she really wanted to—share her passion for reading and writing with others.

She wrote her debut novel Concilium in 2010.  The sequel, Concilium: The Departure soon followed. Both will be published by Muse It Up Publishing with scheduled released dates of July 27^th and November 2012 respectively.  Her Debut young adult novel, PODs, will be published by Spencer Hill Press and is scheduled for release in paperback June 4^th, 2013.

Michelle was born and raised in Michigan.  She now resides in a small community outside Houston, Texas with her husband, four children, a 125-pound lap dog, a very grumpy cockatiel and a cat that thinks she's queen.

Michelle writes adult and young adult Sci/Fi and urban fantasy romance.

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

Thank you so much for having me today! I'm so happy to be here. I write adult and young adult Sci/Fi and urban fantasy romances.  Concilium is my debut novel and is published by MuseItUp Publishing. 

I'm originally from Michigan, but now reside in a small community outside Houston, Texas with my incredibly supportive husband and our four wonderful children, a 125 pound lap-dog, a very grumpy cockatiel and a cat that thinks she's queen.

I eat too many Twizzlers while I write, drink too much Coke and stay up way too late at night writing.

Please tell us your latest news!

My latest news is the reason I'm here today—my debut novel, Concilium, has just be published through Muse It Up Publishing!

Please describe your writing environment.

I have a small desk—and I mean small—in a corner in the living room and a recliner in my bedroom. It depends on my mood and the kids which area I write in each day.  Most days it's a combination of both.

Do you have a favorite object that is pertinent to your writing?

Yes, I wear my husband's hoodie while I write. If I write outside and it's too hot, I still take it with me and put it on the back of my chair. I'm not sure where the connection came from, but I can't write until I have that hoodie.

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

That's a really good question. I'd have to say a little of both.  I write a character study on all my characters, especially the main characters. I include the physical information of each, but also things like age, family, birthday, etc.  This makes the character seem more "real" to me.

But, the character sometimes evolves into someone I'm not expecting.  For example, in Concilium I originally intended to write Leslee as a mousey, quiet, introvert. But she evolved into a strong independent woman—not at all what I had pictured her to be.

What main genre do you write in?

I write adult and young adult science/fiction and urban fantasy with a heavy romantic storyline.

What are your hobbies?

When I'm not writing I love spending time with my family. We like to play board games and cards and have family movie nights. I also read a lot and I love photography.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Yes, I think every writer can look at their work and find something they wished they had changed. We are our own worst critic. But there comes a time when we have to just stop editing and rewriting and move forward.  Nothing is going to be perfect because people are imperfect.

Current Release Details:

My debut novel Concilium released July 27^th.

The sequel, Concilium: The Departure is scheduled for release sometime in November, 2012.

PODs, my debut young adult novel, is scheduled for release June 4^th, 2013.

Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven't yet?

I would love to write a mystery/suspense. I've started one, but haven't gotten very far with it. I love reading them, but it's a hard genre for me to write.  But I'm still plugging away at it.  I might get it done one of these days.

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

Yes! I love to hear from readers and other authors. There are a few places I can be found on the web. I love comments on my blog and emails in my inbox. Whether you have good things to say, or constructive (that means nice) criticism, or even if you just want to say "Hi," I want to hear from you.  Here's where you can find me:

Website:       www.michelle-pickett.com

Blog:            www.michelle-pickett.com/blog

Email:                    michelle@michelle-pickett.com

Twitter:        www.twitter.com/Michelle_kp

Facebook:    www.facebook.com/michellepickettauthor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/michelle-pickett

Book Webpage: www.conciliumbooks.com

PODs Webpage: http://www.site.spencerhillpress.com/PODs.html 

Blog Tour Giveaway (bottom of page):

1)    Concilium E-Book

2)    $10 Amazon Gift Card

Leslee hit a strange animal with her car.  Now she’s marked for death. 

 

It was a simple car accident – the animal didn’t even die – but it drew the attention of the Cruor Imbibo. Driven by their insatiable need to feed, the secret society of Imbibo has devoured the dregs of civilization for centuries.  Afraid Leslee will expose them, and put an end to their meal ticket, the Imbibo want her dead.

     The Concilium is Leslee's only protection. Guardian of the ancient secret and the protector of humans, the Concilium fights to control the Imbibo and end their feeding frenzy. Miller works for the Concilium. Keeping Leslee alive is his next assignment.

     Now Leslee is on the run, and the only thing between her flesh and the snapping jaws of the Imbibo is Miller. He and Leslee quickly form a bond, but will falling in love make Miller’s job more difficult? Because if he fails, Leslee will be next on the Imbibo menu.

     The Cruor Imbibo are coming, and they're coming for Leslee.

Buy/Excerpt / Amazon / Kindlegraph

a Rafflecopter giveaway