Where there’s suspense there’s Dawne Prochilo

Dawne Prochilo a published romance author, a freelance writer and online journalist, owner of promotional blogs Sex Marks the G-Spot (erotic romance) and Front Seat Romance (sweet romance) and The Romance Marketplace (a new blog with promotion tips).

Dawne is also the Promotions Director and Review Coordinator for a publisher, and was named the 2012 Seriously Reviewed Review Coordinator of the Year.

Please tell us your latest news!

I have a new suspense romance novel, Finding Kennedy, being released with Total E-Bound in September and, most importantly, I became a grandmother this past April to the most precious little boy, Carsyn.

Please describe your writing environment.

A desk in the corner of the living room with the radio tuned into the classic rock station for mood writing. It’s also very cluttered. My apartment is clean and organized but my desk is a post-hurricane disaster but yet, I still know where everything is located…usually.

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

Yes I do. I have index cards and each character, even the secondary ones, have their own card with personality traits and physical attributes listed. It keeps me in order and gives me reminders of eye color, body build and little tidbits of each character.

What main genre do you write in?

Romance is the umbrella genre and my writing styles vary from sweet all the way to four flame erotic. I did the erotic romance as a challenge to myself but am returning to the sweeter romance that we all grew up with. I find that specific genre is my comfort zone and really gets my creativity moving.

How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?

They have always been supportive of my career and the time it took to get this far. As for reading what I write… my daughters love reading my romance novels and my son, well, he is a boy and has no clue as to what lies in between the pages of any of my books.

What are your hobbies?

Aside from reading and writing, I love to cook and bake. When the kids still lived at home I would make everything from scratch and experiment new recipes. It’s very therapeutic and relaxing to make a mess in the kitchen and see your family appreciate your hard work.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

It was during my freshman year of high school. I had an English teacher who pushed me and always criticized my writing composition. While her words seemed harsh at the time, I look back now and see how she saw potential in me. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be a writer and published author just to prove her wrong and show the world I had talent.

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

I am fortunate that I am able to write full time as well as other industry titles. In the fall/winter of 2011, I quit my part time job to focus solely on writing, whether novels or online content.

I used to work for a newspaper (almost 13 years as a staff writer) and most recently, I worked at a non-profit camp for special needs children and adults as an office administrator assistant.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Not really. Many authors are branded with a specific genre but I am all over the romance board with my sweet to erotic tones of writing. I love to challenge myself and have proven that with my prolific writing abilities.

What do you do on a typical writing day?

No sleep, tons of caffeine and always having one of my two laptops or cell phone attached to my hip. I have email alerts on my cell phone and it’s constantly ‘dinging’.

When I do sleep normal- I wake by 6am and, with coffee in hand, sit at my laptop and sift through emails for about an hour then I set off to write my next WIP or online advice article pertaining to relationship and love. It’s nothing for me to sit there for a total of 16-20 hours a day with other small activities in between but I have recently decided to set aside one day per week as a Non-Work/Email Day. The first was tedious but I survived.

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

This is from my WIP, The Butler's of Willow Creek. A series of historical western romance centered around the small Colorado town of Willow Creek, pre-1900.

Excerpt: 

     Cody resolved to climbing into his empty bed, all the while thinking of Lydia sleeping a mere ten-feet from him; his bedroom, adjacent to where Lydia slumbered in Bethany’s old room. Though he had spent many hours sharing Lydia’s bed above the saloon, being within this proximity now, in his own home, propelled a renewed sexual awakening.

     He tossed and turned for what seemed a lifetime. His thoughts bargained between images of Lydia nestled deep under the covers to how his family’s reception of her presence in the family home would be regarded. Cody knew Daniel would stand behind him. Their father’s reaction would be the hardship.

     Cody pictured Bertrand ranting and raving, using obscenities and condemning Lydia and her profession. Forget the fact, Bertrand called upon the establishment on a daily basis, he would be furious with one of Madame Love’s ladies being under his roof. It was plumb perfect for him to go the Willow Creek Saloon and call on the women and flaunt his indiscretions, but to bring one of those soiled doves into his domicile.

     Cody drove thoughts of his father’s tirade aside and flipped to his back. Laying a forearm over his eyes, he reconciled he had to endeavor sleep and catch a few hours of slumber. Daybreak came early, and he knew in a few hours when his father woke up to find Lydia here; all damnation would be volatile.

     He knew if he looked to the window, he would see the first break of dawn illuminating on the horizon. Shutting his eyes, Cody envisioned Lydia slipping into Bethany’s old bed.  His sister hadn’t slept in the bed for close to six months now. The youngest of the Butler offspring, Bethany was proven the most stubborn. She wanted to be treated just like one of the boys and did everything in her power to do so. From hauling bales of hay from the loft of the barn to the corral to feed the horses to being included in on the branding of the cattle, Bethany was not about to be out-worked or underestimated.

     Leaving ideas of his sister behind, Cody visualized Lydia curled up, in the sweet manner he had seen her in dozens of times when she would drift off in his arms after they would talk in the early morning hours at the saloon in her room. Engaging notions of Lydia sleeping settled Cody’s overburdened mind. From his father’s forthcoming outburst to Lydia’s predicament with Charlie, Cody began to drift off.

     When he thought he had only just fallen asleep, Cody was awakened by a crashing sound. Jolted up in bed, he found his orientation in a haze of exhaustion and sat up. It only took him a few moments to grasp his mental state.

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

Email- dawne.prochilo@yahoo.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/dawneprochilo

Twitter- https://twitter.com/goldendawne1

How can readers find out more about you and your books?

Blog- http://dawneprochilo.blogspot.com/

Will Kennedy's stalker get to her before Van can save her? Can he stop a crazed fan from stealing his love away? 

Kennedy Parker, guest speaker and erotic romance author, attends a conference but brings along her childhood friend and PI Van Nuccio for protection from overly obsessed fan Harold Dobbs.

During the weekend events, Van is never far from Kennedy's side all the while Harold is watching, waiting to make his move.

After sharing a passionate afternoon, confessing their love to one another, Kennedy and Van embark on the final event of the conference but a slight distraction pulls Van from Kennedy, which Harold takes advantage of.

Now the race is on for Van to find Kennedy before Harold harms her. Reliving a past incident when a client was in danger and harmed, Van must set aside his feelings of inadequacy to save Kennedy.

Buy

Dawne’s Books

 Crape Myrtle- June 2009
On Her Own- July 2009
Sex Sells- Feb 2011
Room 11- Feb 2011
Rachel's Desire- March 2011
When We Meet Again- May 2011
His Holiday Seduction- Oct 2011
On Her Own (re-release)- Nov 2011
Wildfire Beach- Nov 2011
A Cougar's Revenge- 2012
Callie's Way- Feb 2012*
Lynn's Chance- March 2012*
First Chance- March 2012
Weekend Retreat- April 2012
Melody's Dance- May 2012*
No Matter What- May 2012
Forever Friends- June 2012
Insatiable Kate- June 2012
Tessa's Passion- July 2012*
Bewitching the Sheriff- July 2012
Finding Kennedy- September 2012

*The V.W. Club series

History with a mysterious Twist … Nancy Jardine

Having taught 11-12 year olds for many years, Nancy Jardine finally gave up the chalk in the autumn of 2011. During the last few years she has written a historical novel, three contemporary novels- two of which are what she calls her history/mysteries. She’s also written the first of a time-travel series of novels for children aged 9-12 years, and a family saga is her current work in progress.

Nancy lives in the picturesque castle country of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, with her husband who now does all the cooking…the menu far more exciting and tasty than it used to be! Ancestry research-if you hadn’t already guessed-is one of her hobbies, as is participating in exciting events with her family which drag her away from the keyboard. Working in her large garden, she tends real flowers and now grows spectacular weeds which she’s becoming very fond of! She cherishes the couple of days a week when she child-minds her gorgeous granddaughter.

Current Release Details:

Monogamy Twist is my debut novel released by The Wild Rose Press Aug 2011. It’s a light hearted contemporary romance.

Luke Salieri thought he'd seen everything. But when he inherits a dilapidated English estate from a woman he's never heard of—and with quirky conditions besides—it’s a mystery he wants resolved immediately. There must be a woman out there who can meet his needs. But how far will he have to go to persuade her? Lucrative employment for a whole year? The job of researching the old house and its fantastic contents is enticing – but Rhia Ashton can’t see herself living with gorgeous Luke Salieri and not wanting his body as well. Can she live and sleep with him for a whole year and then walk away? Rhia has her own ideas about what will make it worth her while.

Please tell us your latest news!

I’m over the moon to announce two imminent romance releases. On 3^rd August, Take Me Now, a contemporary romance with a little bit of mystery and danger, will be released by The Wild Rose Press. And on the 31^st August, my first full length Historical Romance, The Beltane Choice, will be released by Crooked{Cat}Publishing. Buy details for these will be viewed soon on the publisher’s websites.

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

In Take Me Now Nairn Malcolm is based on a fictitious Scottish island, but is whisked all over the world by the feisty-and pert-Aela Cameron, from Vancouver, Canada, after he has a mysterious accident. She loves transporting him around in his floatplane, catamaran and jet. What she doesn’t bargain for is when she also gets targeted for some of the dangerous action.  Undaunted, she hangs around to solve the mystery of Nairn’s saboteur.

The Beltane Choice is a historical romance set in Britain, AD 71. Romans invade what is now known as the border country between Scotland and England, and battle with the Celtic Selgovae and Brigante tribes. Nara, a Selgovaen princess, has a few dicey moments over choosing her Beltane lover. Lorcan of the Brigantes finds his plans to seduce Nara thwarted by more than one problem.

Topaz Eyes, another ‘history mystery’, is a contemporary novel involving the unraveling of a complex ancestral tree in order to find a cache of missing jewels. Settings for this novel are mainly European cities-Heidelberg, Amsterdam, Vienna- but also the US. Topaz Eyes is with a publisher just now at full manuscript stage.

Dabbling with Time is a novel for children 9-12 years. It begins with a contemporary setting, children time-travel back to AD 210 when north-east Scotland was overrun with marauding Romans. That’s out looking for a contract just now.

How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits in your research?

I’ve done a fair bit of research for all my novels. My three contemporary novels have included places I’ve been to, but I still check up the details in books and the internet-just to make sure my information isn’t too outdated, since that can happen quite quickly. Historical research is essential. Since history has always been my passion, I’ve a lot of research books at home. 

One of my current works in progress is a historical saga, and is very loosely based on ancestral researches, including information about my own ancestors. It has been quite spectacular what I’ve found out about my relatives of yesteryear! Black sheep you might expect in any family…but someone who flaunts the marriage/ bigamy laws…maybe not so common! The rest is secret at the moment!!!

What main genre do you write in?

I don’t have a main genre, to date. I’m not in any niche, yet. My first published projects were non-fiction full length teaching materials, and a full length history of my local school dating back to the early 1600s. They both involved a lot of historical research.

Since 2008 I’ve written three contemporary romances. Two of those have historical mysteries to solve; the third is a contemporary mystery. All three have a bit of danger/intrigue.

My first historical romance is the first of a series of three. And, likewise, my novel for children is also the first of at least three. My family saga will be a stand alone! 

How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?

My husband is very supportive, but has only read my children’s novel, so far. The first family member to read my debut romance, Monogamy Twist, was one of my sons-in-law, who was desperate to have the mystery solved, and read it pretty quickly. He gave it a ‘great thumbs up’ and wants first ‘dibs’ on my next release. My daughters are also brilliant, and have read bits as my sort of very ‘early critique partners’.

What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?

Pantser! But it’s hard to tie up loose ends at the second, and subsequent, draft stages. Novel 1 for children was a pantser job. Written when I taught full time, it was abandoned when non-fiction projects got priority. Resurrected when I went part-time teaching, it needed a huge tidy up before submission to publishers. I decided to avoid that effort, if I could, in the future.

I plot now, though still use a basic plot structure. For my history mysteries a family tree was constructed, to ensure the threads all worked, and intertwined properly. Same story with my family saga WIP- a ‘family tree driven’ plot has been constructed. My 3rd contemporary mystery needed a mind-map of images. Not what characters were like, but more which treasures they uncovered by the end of the novel. Big plotting was essential, there! 

Regarding character development? Still a pantser, but I now get an image of my hero and heroine before I begin to write. I pin the print-outs on my cork board, so they are ‘in my face’ as I write. I use photo images purchased from my favorite Royalty Free site- that way I can use them later for blogs, book trailer YouTube videos, Pinterest Boards etc.

If you could be one of your characters - Who would you be? And why?

I’d be Aran from my novel for children, Dabbling With Time. Although only 12 years old, he has the most fantastic memory for details, and can use his knowledge really well under stress and danger!  He is, of course, going to be a handsome accomplished hero in years to come, and will have the ladies swooning!

If you had to choose one person to have dinner with, who would it be? And why?

It would have to be two people since I couldn’t possibly choose between them. I’m (sad tears dripping here) old enough to want to invite a ‘younger’ Kevin Kline. He’s such a versatile actor and so funny. I’ve loved him in many different movies, and I don’t think there would be a dull moment with him. I’d especially love it if he burst into song (His version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance was hysterical). For the same reasons I’d also want Johnny Depp. I think he’d be much more of a challenge at table conversation (who would want to be talking though?). Those eyes of his would swamp me…as would Kevin’s…so there lies the dilemma!

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

Website: http://nancyjardineauthor.weebly.com 

Blog: http://nancyjardine.blogspot.com 

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/nancy.jardine.56 

Twitter: @nansjar

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nanjar/ 

And now it's over to the blog readers. What's the most cool tidbit you've found during your researches? Best reply will be the winner of an e copy of Monogamy Twist.

                  Monogamy Twist

Luke Salieri thought he'd seen everything. But when he inherits a dilapidated English estate from a woman he's never heard of—and with quirky conditions besides—it’s a mystery he wants resolved immediately. There must be a woman out there who can meet his needs. But how far will he have to go to persuade her?

Lucrative employment for a whole year? The job of researching the old house and its fantastic contents is enticing – but Rhia Ashton can’t see herself living with gorgeous Luke Salieri and not wanting his body as well. Can she live and sleep with him for a whole year and then walk away? Rhia has her own ideas about what will make it worth her while.

Excerpt / Amazon  / The Wild Rose Press

Leave No Trace of the Fatal Catch with Roxe Anne Peacock

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

The sky’s the limit. As I begin my next journey of taking on the task to be an e-publisher, I feel the need to be able to write in multiple genres. First, I went through my art stage, which was invaluable for working with cover art. My art was featured in Border’s coffee shop for one month, in specialty shops, museums, and art galleries. The moment I savor most is when I was asked to be in a juried art book, Art Rockford, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. At the conclusion of that accomplishment, I decided it was time to venture out into the world and try my hand at writing.

I began my writing journey composing poetry and then submitting my works to a local newspaper. Then I joined a local writer’s group who hold an Ide’s of March contest each year. I entered several short stories, some of which were chosen for their book. My next project seemed imminent. The first mystery I worked on was Fatal Catch, but Leave No Trace was the first to be published. I wrote the book in third person and wasn’t happy with the results. I then rewrote the entire book in first person. What a task.

My experiences weren’t much different than most. I worked on two books at a time; one of which I thought was fantastic. Boy was I wrong. I decided to attend my first writer’s conference, in February no less; snow storms, stranded. I went around to all the panels and like a kid in the candy store. I did a lot of networking and met many new friends. The next step was the dreaded pitch which I rehearsed for days on end. I walked into the first pitch, greeted by the perfect publisher for a first time author, Karen Syed, Echelon Press. I pitched my heart out and she gave me positive feedback. Whew, that went well, I thought. My time was up. I held my head high and smiled all the way out the door, only to fall face first in front of a group of writers waiting in line. With it almost being time to dress for dinner, I retreated to my room and called everyone at home and said, “I am going to get published. They loved my book. I have three or four parties interested”. No such luck.  After I returned home, I was still pumped. I submitted about forty cover letters and synopsis to agents and publishers, only to get rejected on all accounts.  

The moral of this story is to make sure your work is polished. Don’t let friends and family critique your work, find a good editor. I also was told by one agent to change the title of one of my books which I did. Now this doesn’t mean I change everything suggested, I do keep what I truly believe in.

If you are a new writer, join good writer’s groups online and locally. Attend conferences and panels.  But most of all, don’t rehearse your pitch so much you come off like you are reciting a political speech.

The next step to boost my sore ego was to write a short story, Battlefield Ghosts. It was published by Dragoon Publishing in Ghost Voices. The great news gave me strength to continue writing.

After Fatal Catch and Leave No Trace came my non-fiction project, my nightmare, torture and wonderful adventure. I never knew writing a historical cookbook could be so demanding. History Lover’s Cookbook is based on nineteenth century recipes and the Civil War.  With all the research, also comes the trial and error of trying to interpret recipes which have a language all their own. Thank goodness for grandkids who are willing to eat the rejects. After many times making the same recipe, there are the dreaded photographs. Food photography needs to be respected people, it is difficult. A good cup of coffee comes with a dab of dish soap swirled around to make the bubbles. The food photography alone caused my   hair to turn gray.

But on another note, I have a fantastic Civil War photographer, Tom George Davison, at http://www.tgdavison-photography.smugmug.com ,who is contributing many Civil War food and re-enactment photographs for the book.

History Lover’s Cookbook will be the first book published by Jupiter Publishing in October 2012. Next year I hope to be able to publish two books a month from other authors.

 How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits in your research?

The research for my books depends on the genre. History Lover’s Cookbook has taken over two years of steady work. My mysteries aren’t as demanding and only take about one month of research.

Leave No Trace did take a bit longer due to my getting sidetracked. I fell in love with the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. I didn’t know I would unveil an article about a true story which took place in the canyon of the park. Two best friends, Raffi Kodikian and David Coughlin planned a journey across country together not knowing one would be murdered and the other allegedly committed the crime. I couldn’t put the book down nor can I get the book, Journal of the Dead, out of my mind.

How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?

I am glad you ask that question. My daughter, Heather Land, edits my work, designed my last book cover, and Photoshops some of my food photography. She contributes more than her share. My husband, Tom, will go over the books a few times which is good for him; he really doesn’t like to read.

My daughter, Angela, reads my books on her breaks at work. She also attended my book signing for my art book, Art Rockford, which the Rockford Chamber of Commerce put on. The rest of my family, including grandchildren, won’t even open the books.

As far as the cookbook goes, it is difficult balancing a “diet” and butter laced recipes. When my family comes for dinner, they never know what they are going to eat, vegan, vegetarian, etc. My oldest daughter, Sandy, told me, “No offense, mom, but I liked how you used to cook. I prefer ham, cheesy potatoes, mashed potatoes, corn pudding, biscuits and gravy, bacon, and fruit salad with marshmallows”. I said, “You mean the 1980’s?” My granddaughter, Jenny, said, “Yeah, Grandma, if you can cook all those fattening foods for the cookbook, why can’t you cook like that for us”? I responded, “I didn’t used to have a kidney disease”.

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

When I write, I get out all my reference material, spiral notebooks, three ring binders, favorite ink pens with padding, Kindle Fire of course, phone, TV changer, pillows, favorite blanket, bottle of water and a glass of iced tea. Then I plop down in my comfy oversized recliner with my dog, Spike, at my feet.

For me, I need noise when I write. I guess it comes from raising five of my own daughters, and some AFS exchange students. You learn to multi-task quick.

When I get several chapters handwritten in my notebook, I transfer the information onto the computer, editing at the same time. I then print out what I typed and edit again. Then I go back to the notebook and start the process over.

A writing day for me might consist of two to eighteen hours, with a few breaks for stretching.  And then I continue writing in my dreams.

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

My next book is entitled, The Garbage Eaters. As blue lights appear near the Smokey Mountains, hikers disappear. Spring 2013.

When you have writer’s block, how do you break free?

Sometimes with writing it is difficult to stay on task. When I have a brain freeze, I turn to shorter goals such as poetry, or short stories I can submit to contests. I find that there really isn’t much of a difference between a writer’s block and dieting, when you reach a plateau, it takes you a few weeks to get back on track. Set short goals, twenty-five pounds, twenty-five pages, etc. It might take a little longer to get to your goal, but the end result will be fantastic.

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

I have a desire to explore science-fiction. This is a bit confusing since I have cringed at the thought of watching any science-fiction on television. No Star Trek for me, Planet of the Apes, and no V. The older I get, the more adventurous I have become. I am currently researching material for my next project, science-fiction. I have become obsessed with aliens. Maybe they visited me and I don’t recall?

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

Website: http://www.roxeannepeacock.com

Email: peacockroxeanne@yahoo.com

Blog: http://www.civilwarcooking.blogspot.com

I am also on Twitter, GoodReads, and Facebook. I am sorry I can’t take on any new friends at this time for Facebook, I am at the limit and need to compose a Fan page.

I also belong to Sisters in Crime / National, Sisters in Crime / Chicagoland and Guppies.

What type of books have you always wanted to write?

My writing career wouldn’t be complete if I couldn’t write a book on How to Take Over Your Life and Become Fit at any Age. The older I get, the more health issues I acquire. It doesn’t help that I sit on my behind most of the day, or at least that is what I blame my condition on. But really, if we truly want to get healthy and lose weight, we can find 10 minutes a day to walk or exercise. In fact, the little bit of extra oxygen you might get, might decrease your writer’s block.

Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?

If there are no deadlines set for me, I will set a realistic one. Since I am a self-published author, I think I am harder on myself than another publisher would be. For History Lover’s Cookbook, I have a formatter which sets up a time-frame of availability. I need to be considerate of their schedule as well as my own.

 

LEAVE NO TRACE

Jessica Waters was looking forward to attending college in the fall with her best friend, Sandra Adams. But when Sandra disappears the night after prom, mutual friend, Jason Harris becomes the number one suspect in the tight-knit community of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Before Sandra disappeared, she confessed to having an affair with coach and teacher, Carl Lundstrum. Now Jessica is going to make it her mission to find out what happened to her best friend if it is the last thing she ever does.

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press LLC (February 15, 2011)

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

FATAL CATCH

It’s 1963, and Chief Riley Bennett knocks on Dody Canfield’s door informing her that her husband died instantly when his car struck a telephone pole. Not wanting to raise three children alone, it isn’t long before she brings home Frank Billings; and he’s moving in.

Mama sends thirteen-year-old Missy to take her little brother, Billie, fishing so she can have some alone time with Uncle Frank. Billie casts his line into the murky river water hooking the granddaddy of all fish. He quickly hands the reel to Missy hoping not to lose his catch. Missy reels in slowly—bubbles begin emerging—releasing an undercurrent of secrets, deadly lies, and terror on the Canfield family.

Publisher: Roxe Anne Peacock (October 30, 2011)

Amazon / Barnes & Noble (BN ID: 2940032839262)

Looking for adventure? Get in the zone with Diane Burton

Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction, and romance into writing romantic fiction. She's a member of Romance Writers of America as well as the Mid-Michigan RWA and Young Adult RWA chapters. She is the author of the Switched series, about twins exchanging places—from Earth to a starship. The first two books, Switched and Switched, Too, are available as e-books. The concluding book is a work in progress. Diane and her husband live in mid-Michigan. They have two children and two grandchildren.

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

I'm a Midwest girl who grew up in the Detroit suburbs then moved to Missouri and Chicago and back to Michigan because of my husband's job. I love movies—my favorites are Star Trek, Star Wars and Firefly because I'm absolutely intrigued by the possibility of space travel and living/working in space or on other planets. My first book, Switched, a futuristic, was print published in 2001. I self-published it as an e-book last fall.

Please tell us your latest news!

The sequel to Switched, Switched, Too, is now available as an e-book. This book was a long time coming and I'm so excited it's finally available, especially for those who enjoyed Switched and practically begged for Scott and Veronese's story.

Please describe your writing environment.

My husband made me a beautiful desk (woodworking is his hobby). Do I work there? LOL No. My favorite place to write is in a recliner on my laptop in the early morning when all is quiet. If my husband wants to watch TV, I stick in my earbuds and listen to either New Age (Enya is a favorite) or classical music—nothing with English lyrics because words are a distraction.

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

Sort of. My stories usually start with the first scene popping into my head. Then, I play the "what-if" game. I'm more of a write-by-the-seat-of-the-pants writer than a plotter so my characters evolve as I learn about them. They often surprise me. I'll be writing along and they'll "say" something totally out of the blue which sometimes takes the story in a new (often better) direction.

What main genre do you write in?

I'm published in Paranormal Romance—space adventure with romance. I also write romantic suspense, Young Adult (more middle grade) space adventure and I'm working on a female detective series.

How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books?

Of course, they read my books. :)  My family is very supportive—especially my husband. His attitude has always been "go for it". There were times when I wanted to quit, but he encouraged me to keep going. I've always loved him for that. Well, I love him for other reasons, too. My children are also supportive, as is my extended family.

What are your hobbies?

Reading is #1. I couldn't be a writer without being a reader first. I love gardening. Since we've moved so many times, I've left a little part of myself behind at each house with my perennials, especially irises and lilies of the valley which came from my mother's and grandmother's gardens. I like to quilt but need to make time for it again. Photography has been part of my life since I was ten and got my first camera. I've used some of my own photos in posts on my blog.

If you had to choose one person to have dinner with, who would it be? And why?

Star Trek's Mr. Spock. His character has evolved so much from the original series, through the first six movies, and into the latest where we see him as an old man as well as a younger version in the alternate reality. I'd like to hear his perspective on what it's like to bridge two cultures since he's half-Vulcan and half-human. Bridging two cultures is a problem for two of my characters: Veronese, the main character in Switched, Too, and Marcus in Switched. How should they choose which world to live in and what will be the consequences?

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Oh, yes. My best friend in high school and I wrote fan fiction, only we didn't know that was what it was called. We would write and share with each other stories based on our favorite TV shows starring ourselves, of course. LOL We have huge crushes on certain characters. The one time I submitted a story in a creative writing class my teacher told me to stop wasting my time writing romance and write serious stuff. That ended my budding writing career. For a while. After my children graduated high school and I was done with the school/church/scouts volunteering, I decided to write the stories I love to read—romance, suspense, adventure. Now, they happen to take place on starships.

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

If I added up all the hours per week I spend on my writing career, it would definitely be more than forty. But I don't write 8 hours/day, 5 days/week. Some days, when I'm really cooking, it's twelve or more. Other days, when I get a chance to play with my grandchildren, it's nada. Have to keep my priorities straight.

My most important job was as a stay-at-home mom raising two children. I've been an elementary teacher, inventory clerk in a flute store, and have done temp office work for a Girl Scout council and a medical non-profit. My last job before retiring was with an oil and gas exploration company where I found the cure for insomnia—reading oil and gas leases.

Current Release Details:

The theme of Switched, Too is be careful what you wish for . . . you might get it. Scott Cherella's lifelong dream to go into space quickly becomes a nightmare. Veronese Qilana must protect him, a Terran masquerading as a starship captain. When sabotage erupts, they must work together to get the crew safely home. In doing so, they discover opposites really do attract.

How can readers find out more about you and your books?

Readers can learn more about me and my books at:

my website: www.dianeburton.com

my blog: http://dianeburton.blogspot.com (I blog every Monday morning)

I'm on FB at Diane Burton – Author  Twitter at @dmburton72 and Goodreads

 Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure chatting with you.

Scott had no choice but to use the computer now. Before tackling it for the first time, he'd hoped for the privacy of his quarters—and Veronese Qilana's help. His reluctant co-conspirator ditched him as soon as they came aboard. He mentally kicked himself for his selfishness. They were in the middle of a crisis. She had her duties. He had his.

Damn. He didn't want to tackle the computer. Suck it up, Ace. You can do this. You wanted adventure. You wanted to explore space. You got it. Now, man up.

He sat in the captain's chair. Automatically, an instrument panel on the right swung up and in front of him. A hit in the solar plexus might have been easier to take. Symbols and shapes he'd never seen before covered the segmented screen. It might as well be filled with ancient Sanskrit. Panic shot through him. He couldn't read.

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Welcome Women’s Fiction Author … Jamie Salisbury

Jamie Salisbury cannot imagine a time when she did not write. A skill that has served her well throughout her diversified professional career that encompassed public relations in and around the entertainment industry, photography, editing, and special event planning.

An avid reader of history, biographies, and romance it's only natural that she prefers to write historical romances with characters said to be "so authentic they spring forth from the page and shake the reader's hand." No stranger to life threatening situations Jamie pulls from life experience when she creates her stories. Such as when her family had to escape Chile when she was a teen because of the unstable political climate.

Unable to walk great distances as a result of several foot surgeries, she started writing once again as a way to pass the time. With the completion of her first novel Perpetual Love she dove head first into the eBook and digital publishing paradigm. She couldn't be happier with her decision to grab the publishing industry by the shoulders and force it to pay attention to all she has to offer.

Tell us your latest news. . .

Timeless Sojourn is my latest contemporary romance which will be released July 9^th.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I’ve always written, but I think the teacher I had in high school for a Creative Writing class did it for me. She encouraged her students, had some, at the time, off the wall ideas in order to get us to expand our writing skills (she would have us write a piece about a song on a album of her choosing).

Do you write full time?

Yes, I am fortunate that I can say I write full time. Before I had an extensive background in public relations and special events planning. I still do some public relations work for a select clientele.

Current release details

Anne Harrison is at an age when most women are enjoying the fact that their children are now grown and moved out, and can enjoy their spouses. Fate is fickle. It has other ideas for Anne. She is instead faced with a divorce and starting over.

Geoffrey Quinn is a successful businessman with many layers who happens to be quite handsome who like Anne has no expectations of a relationship.

But all of that is about to change.

What’s the best way for readers to contact you?

Website:  http://www.jamiesalisbury.webs.com

Blog: http://www.jamiesalisburyauthor.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JamieRSalisburyAuthor

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/#!/JamieRSalisbury

Email: TudorRose829@gmail.com

What is the best advice and worse advice you have ever received?

The best: keep writing, always keep writing. The worse? Quit while you’re ahead. You’ll never make it as a successful author.

What type of book have you always wanted to write?

Action/adventure. I’m researching a future project that will have all of that. It’s a little out of my comfort zone but I’m game.

If you could be one of your characters – who would you be? And why?

Probably Zara Middleton-Tudor from Tudor Rose. She is an independent, savvy and successful businesswoman, who doesn’t let anyone beat her down. Plus she’s fiercely loyal to her clients and they are in return.

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

I’m working on a couple – helps with writers block. One is a Scottish/British historical romance set in the 1890s.  I am also working on the sequel to Tudor Rose and I have one I’m doing research on which is a contemporary romance, with more action/adventure than what I normally write.

Who is your favorite cover model? And why?

Jimmy Thomas, without a doubt. He’s of the age set of quite a few of my male characters. His images say it all. He’s professional, smart, and oh yeah, he’s damn good looking.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this!", has become the mantra in Anne Harrison's head since her recent divorce. She was too old to be here...to be single. Melancholy and unsure about anything Anne takes her long time friend Kat's advice and gets back to her roots...in Seattle. There she hopes to connect with that long ago girl from her childhood and find her confidence again.

Devilishly handsome, arrogant, and cocky Geoffrey Quinn is a man of success. He's also a man of layers and most people can't get past what he portrays. No one until Anne.

The last thing either of these people are looking for is a relationship. Anne finds Geoff highly irritating (and young!) at his best, while Geoffrey finds her magnetic and wise.

Seemingly unsuitable and unplanned attractions lights a fiery passion this duo never expected.

Will they take a chance on passion? If they do what happens when the blaze recedes? What will be left ashes or embers?

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