Ana Blaze

Ana Blaze Invites You to Check Out The Best Man!

 

Ana lives just outside Washington DC with her very supportive husband and three rather demanding cats. She loves the ocean, Indian food, IKEA, and cooking. Ana admits to watching too much television and she swears that someday she’s going to learn how to play the guitar resting on the bookshelf in her office.

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

Hi. Thanks for having me over. I live just outside Washington DC with my husband and our three cats. When I’m not writing, I love reading, cooking, traveling and watching TV. Yes, I freely admit that I watch far too much TV. I’ve also been busy learning more about the publishing business as an Intern for Entranced Publishing.

Please tell us your latest news!

My debut, a contemporary romance novella titled, The Best Man, came out on April 29, 2013! I’m still walking on air.

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

I do sketch out my characters first. In fact, I like to find pictures and post them along with key facts like ages and full names on the wall beside my desk. My stories tend to be very character driven.

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

It depends on the story, but there is always some research. I’m currently working on a story that involves ski-jumping. Apparently ski-jumping was first practiced in Norway and ski-jumper wear slightly loose suits when competing for the lift.

What main genre do you write in?

I write contemporary and paranormal romance.

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

My family has been incredibly supportive. My husband read The Best Man before I submitted it for publication and lots of them have purchased copies. I still blush when I think about my mom reading some of the spicier scenes.

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

Remember when I mentioned watching too much TV? Then it won’t be much of a surprise that I would love to have a sit down with Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Firefly. He is the king of us nerdy, TV-loving, writer-types.

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

I’m a combination writer, if I outline too much it loses the excitement factor. I do try to have a general idea of the highlights when I start.

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

I’d love to. J I have another contemporary romance novella coming out from Entranced Publishing this fall. It’s called A Late Thaw and it’s a second chance at love for two long-time friends. It takes place in Vermont, a place that holds a special place in my heart.

When you have writer's block how do you break free?

I find that it helps to write whatever I most want to write. So if I’m stuck, even if I am behind on another project, I give myself permission to take a little time and write exactly what my heart wishes to say. Even if what my heart wishes to say is utterly unpublishable.

I’m online at:

©    Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/anablaze/

©    Website: www.anablaze.blogspot.com

©    Facebook: www.facebook.com/AnaBlazeLove

©    Twitter: @ana_blaze

 

Beth Chase is too busy planning perfect weddings to worry about the lack of action in her own love life. But if she was looking for a man, she wouldn’t be looking at Colin Pratt. Her boss swears that Best Man Colin is a quiet scholar and science fiction writer who couldn’t possibly cause a fuss at his own brother’s wedding. He’s clearly never met the man in question. Snarky, sexy and more than a little inebriated, Colin is the final obstacle between Beth and the last perfect wedding she needs to make partner. Of course, when she helps him into a taxi at the end of the night she has no idea that he’s only just begun to poke holes in her professional exterior. Colin might have the skills to seduce a romance professional, but can he convince her that he’s the best man to share her happy ever after? 

EntrancedPublishing / Goodreads

 

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:

Website: www.melindadozier.com

Blog: http://melindadozier.blogspot.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/melindadozier

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

 

 

 

Lorna Peel, An English Born Genealogist Turned Author

 

Lorna Peel was born in England and lived in North Wales until her late father decided to become a farmer and moved the family to Ireland. Lorna now lives in Ireland where she writes and researches her family history. She also grows fruit and vegetables and keeps chickens. Lorna has had some pretty varied jobs, including Tour Guide, Professional Genealogist, Bookseller, and Census Enumerator, but thinks she’s going to enjoy being an author best of all! 

What main genre do you write in?

At the moment it is contemporary romance but my current writing project is a historical romance set during World War II, which I think is thought of as being historical. Well, it is for me, anyway! 

What are your hobbies?

I’m a genealogist so I’ve done a lot of research into my ancestry. I’m lucky, as it is pretty varied.  

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I’ve always had quite an active imagination. When I was little I made up stories in my head for my dolls to act out. My poor dolls were always falling in love and/or off on adventures! I’ve been writing those stories down since I was nineteen, around the same time I started to become interested in genealogy. 

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

Both! With some of my WIPs I’ve known exactly where I was going but with others I didn’t have a clue! With Into the Unknown, the Second World War was the backbone and I fleshed out the story of Charlie and Kate around it. I’m a bit afraid that if I don’t know where I’m going then readers won’t either. 

Current Release Details

It is a contemporary romance called Only You and was published by Entranced Publishing on April 1, 2013.  

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

My current writing project is called Into The Unknown and is set in England and Ireland during World War II. Kate Sheridan is an Irish emigrant facing up to the hostility towards the neutral Irish during World War II. Charlie Butler is a newly-promoted Royal Air Force pilot, struggling to come to terms with his growing love for Kate and the horrors the war will bring to them both.

I’m also jotting down ideas in a notebook for a novel set here in post Celtic-Tiger Ireland – its working title is The Sergeant. I have the setting and I have the characters but it’s definitely a ‘pantser’ as I’ve no idea where the story is going! Following the death of her father, Ellen Sutton returns to the small town where she grew up. After ten years away, coming home is harder than Ellen could ever have imagined. As it is in the very early note-writing stage it might yet all drop into place!  

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

Into the Unknown is a historical novel from a pretty recent period in history. I’m a huge fan of Sharon Kay Penman’s novels and I’d love to write a historical novel set in the medieval period. Into the Unknown needed a lot of research but the research required for a medieval novel would be phenomenal! I hope it will happen one day all the same! 

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 website, blog, and contact details at www.lornapeel.com. I am also on Twitter @Peellorna and I have a Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/lornapeelauthor 

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

I had a contemporary short story published in Woman’s Way (an Irish women’s magazine) back in 1996. A scan of it is now up on my Facebook Page and blog. I was doing a writing course at the time and had to submit a number of short stories to magazines and I was lucky enough to get one published. The course was interesting but it made me realize that I prefer to write longer prose and I decided to try and see if I could get a novel published.

 

Jane Hollinger is single, divorced, and the wrong side of thirty – as she puts it. Her friends are pressuring her to dive back into London’s dating pool, but she’s content with her quiet life as a genealogy teacher.

Robert Armstrong is every woman’s fantasy: handsome, charming, rich and famous. When he asks her to meet him, she convinces herself it’s because he needs her help with a mystery in his family tree. Soon she realizes he’s interested in more than her genealogical expertise. Now the paparazzi want a piece of Jane too.

Can Jane handle living — and loving — in the spotlight?

 Excerpt/Buy
 

 



Today’s guest is Ashley Christman of Entranced Publishing.

Welcome! Please tell us your latest news!

Who is Entranced Publishing and what do you do? Entranced Publishing is a romance, YA, and erotica eBook publisher based out of Minneapolis, MN. We’re composed of a talented team, most of our staff has several years of experience in the ePublishing, marketing, editing and graphic design.

What genres are currently open for submissions?    We are only accepting romance (novellas and novels; all subgenres), erotica (novellas and novels; all subgenres), and YA (novels only; all subgenres).

Are there any subjects or plots that you won't accept?          We are pretty accepting of everything, but we are not interested in rape for titillation, incest, pedophilia, and things with an ick factor.

Do you accept multiple submissions?            We do, provided they are clearly labeled and in individual files (do not submit a zip file with multiple submissions). In the case of series, we actually prefer it if all manuscripts that are completed in the series are available for submission upon request.

How does an author submitted to Entranced Publishing?   If an author is interested in submitting, we advise them to check out the submissions guidelines on our site and email. Our editors have also posted what they are particularly keen for at the moment so an author can address a submission to an individual editor, but it still must go through the main submissions address.

How long until you respond to a query?       Currently our turnaround time is 12 to 16 weeks, due to the fact that we request the full manuscript at the time of submission.

Do you charge fees to authors to be published?         Of course not. Money flows to the writer, not from. We make our money from our portion of the royalties from book sales.  

How often do you pay royalty?          We pay royalties once per quarter.

What do you offer authors?   We offer our authors 40% royalties on list price. We also have a marketing budget and marketing director who will contact the author upon contract signing to formulate a plan to market both the author and the book. For new authors this is beneficial because it helps them build a platform and learn how to market themselves and their work. This is also beneficial to established authors because it gives them a chance to learn something new and enter new markets they maybe haven’t thought about before.

In addition to marketing help, we believe that one of the best ways to generate buzz is to garner advanced reviews. This is helpful because sometimes authors don’t know how to approach reviewers, but one of the best ways to get your book noticed is to put it in the hands of readers that other people read.

Do you provide review copies?           We will provide the author with review copies, however, we also submit to review sites and will provide the author with a list of sites that we submit to in order to prevent double submissions to the same site.

Why should an author publish with you?     We understand that if an author’s book doesn’t succeed, we don’t succeed, so every step of our processes have to do with making sure we release quality eBooks and help authors get their names out there, build a base, and ultimately sell books.

How does an author contact you?     We advise that an author visit the contact section of our website to determine which person is the best to answer their question.

Do you have any advice on editing? Have a beta reader or critique partner look over your manuscript. They’ll help you polish your work and smooth out any kinks or major problems before an editor reads it.

Do you publish books set in places outside the US and Canada?    Yes. If its exotic and well-drawn, per say, then we are happy to consider it. We want readers to be entranced with what their reading and lost in an alternate world.

Do you accept unagented submissions?        Absolutely.

Will there be a charged to publish a book with Entranced Publishing?      We are not a vanity press. No fees will ever be charged to authors.

For more information on Entrance Publishing click here for Website / Blog