Previous Author Interviews

Author: Emma Sinclair

Author Website: http://www.emmasinclair.com

http://www.emmasinclair.com

Please list your books and publishers:

Whiskey Creek Press Torrid: A Walk on the Wild Side, Baby it's Cold Outside (part of the Winter Wishes Anthology), Little Red, Ally's Fling (part of the Spring Flings Anthology), Hot Stuff (part of Torrid Teaser Vol. 10)

Venus Press: One Hot Hour, Double Jeopardy, Secret Agent Man

Liquid Silver Books: Tempting Fate, Fighting Fate

When and why did you begin writing?

ES: I don't really ever remember NOT wanting to be a writer. Of course, it wasn't until I was really unhappy in a job that I actually started writing.
That was a few years ago. I quit the awful job and started working retail part time. The other part of the time I'd go sit in Starbucks and write (I lived in Seattle at the time where there's a Starbucks on every corner). I wrote a lot of crap during that time, but I also think I learned a lot.

Who influenced your writing and in what way?

ES: I guess I'd have to say my husband. Mostly because he supports me and lets me stay home to write.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your books or writing in general?

ES: Most just ask a LOT of questions. They don't really understand e-publishing quite yet. I think they want to be supportive, they are happy that I'm happy, they just don't entirely understand yet.
And then there's always the questions about whether I'm not I'm really writing porn - I assure them I'm not.

How do you promote your books?

ES: First and foremost, my website and blog. Although I suppose it's just as much promoting myself as promoting my books. Other than that, I send them out for review, occasionally do banner and cover ads at random review websites. I hang out on my various publisher loops and blogs. I have a MySpace page and I admit that I jump on other bandwagons when they come along.

Do you feel that personality traits are better descriptions of characters opposed to actual physical looks?

ES: Hmmm, can I say that it depends on the character? Or how about, I think sometimes they go together. I would say it's obvious that personality traits, I think, are better description of the character, BUT I also think sometimes that goes along with the physical.
For instance, villains that are absolutely beautiful and heros with physical flaws are much more intriguing, don't you think?

Do you lock yourself away when writing? And when writing, how long do you normally write at a time?

ES: Nope, in fact I usually write in front of the TV. I try to write for long periods of time, I'm lucky enough to be a full time writer, but sometimes email begs to be checked or blogs demand to be checked. I can procrastinate with the best of them!
And it's actually surprising how much "other" stuff goes along with being a writer and takes up valuable writing time.

If you had the opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and in what time period? Why?

ES: Would I be able to come back to my time every night? I don't really think I could spend too much time anywhere but now.
I think it could be cool to visit the roaring twenties, though.
Perhaps I'm a bit too glass half empty but when I think of a lot of time periods, all I can think are the bad things - disease and famine and wars. So if I could spend a day in a lot of different time periods, that might be fun, but I think I'd want to come back to the computer age every night.
I'd have to check my email!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

ES: This is a good question! Hard, but good. And I couldn't come up with just one.
I think Abby from Baby, it's Cold Outside and Lacy from Tempting Fate would be fun to hang out with. Abby is probably the character that's most like me, so presumably we'd have fun hanging out, and Lacy is a bit of a party girl.
As for heroes, maybe Sam from Secret Agent Man or Nick from A Walk on the Wild Side. They've already got women that are perfect for them (in my opinion anyway), but I think they'd make good guy friends!

E-books is a growing product line…do you believe e-books are a good way to publish? Why?

ES: I do think e-books are a great way to publish (but obviously I have to say that).
I like the immediacy of e-publishing, not having to wait a year or so to simply hear back form a publisher and then even longer for them to publish your book. I admit that I do someday hope to have a career in print publishing, too, but I hope I don't have to leave e-publishing behind.
Another great thing about e-publishing are the fans! I love hearing readers defending e-books, and supporting their favorite authors.
As for being an e-book reader, I feel like I have a lot more choices in e-books than I do in regular books. And if I want to read a certain kind of book and don't happen to have one on my TBR pile I can just download one.
I think the worst thing about e-publishing is that its so new that people don't understand and trust it. It's hard having to defend your publishing choices and explain that it's not just my book that I tossed up there on a website.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

ES: I don't believe in writers block. People laugh when I say this, but really, I don't let myself get blocked. I push through what ever the problem may be.
Now, I certainly believe in procrastination and life getting in the way. In those times I just try to hold my breath until I'm able to come up for air and start writing again.

What is your favorite type of music? Do you listen to music while writing?

ES: I admit that I have kind of eclectic tastes in music. If one of my characters is listening to music it's probably one of my favorites.
Sometimes I listen to music while writing, but not all the time. I do like to make soundtracks for my books, but generally only pull them out when I'm stuck. Other than that, I admit that I usually write in front of the TV.
How do relax and pamper yourself after meeting a deadline?

How do relax and pamper yourself after meeting a deadline?

ES: Relax and pamper? What's that?

For real, I'm a big fan of baths. Soaking in the tub makes everything better.

ES: Relax and pamper? What's that?

For real, I'm a big fan of baths. Soaking in the tub makes everything better.

What new author has grabbed your interest?

ES: This is so hard because I know I'll leave someone out!
One of my favorite new-ish e-published author is Tilly Greene. Come Sweet Creature is an absolutely FABULOUS book!
Oooh, and T.A. Chase writes gay romance for Liquid Silver Books (among other publishers I think). No Going Home is a wonderfully touching book, and it has cowboys!
Kendra Clark is a fabulous author, and she just happens to be my critique partner. I'm lucky for that!

Can you briefly share about your current work?

ES: Well, my most currently released book is Hot Stuff, part of Torrid Teasers Vol. 10 (from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid). It's about a woman whose summer fling comes back, only this time he's home to stay.
And I'm currently working on a dark, edgy, paranormal that will hopefully be a part of an anthology with Rae Morgan and Sherrill Quinn to be released by Liquid Silver Books early next year. I haven't really written enough to share a blurb yet!

Is there anything that you would like to tell our readers that I have not covered?

Please list your books and publishers:

Venus Press: One Hot Hour, Double Jeopardy, Secret Agent Man

Liquid Silver Books: Tempting Fate, Fighting Fate

When and why did you begin writing?

Who influenced your writing and in what way?

ES: I guess I'd have to say my husband. Mostly because he supports me and lets me stay home to write.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your books or writing in general?

How do you promote your books?

Do you feel that personality traits are better descriptions of characters opposed to actual physical looks?

Do you lock yourself away when writing? And when writing, how long do you normally write at a time?

If you had the opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and in what time period? Why?

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

E-books is a growing product line…do you believe e-books are a good way to publish? Why?

How do you overcome writer’s block?

What is your favorite type of music? Do you listen to music while writing?

How do relax and pamper yourself after meeting a deadline?

ES: Relax and pamper? What's that?

For real, I'm a big fan of baths. Soaking in the tub makes everything better.

ES: Relax and pamper? What's that?

For real, I'm a big fan of baths. Soaking in the tub makes everything better.

What new author has grabbed your interest?

Can you briefly share about your current work?

Is there anything that you would like to tell our readers that I have not covered?

ES: I love hearing from readers (as do all authors I know) and you can always find me at my blog (http://www.emmasinclair.com/blog) or feel free to email me. Also, there's a growing community of authors and readers at MySpace so if anyone wants to be my friend you can find me here: http://www.myspace.com/writer_emmasinclair.
Thanks for talking to me!

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com.
Author: Kathleen O’Connor
Author Website: http://www.gottawritenetwork.com/kathleenoconnor.html
http://www.emmasinclair.com/blog) or feel free to email me. Also, there's a growing community of authors and readers at MySpace so if anyone wants to be my friend you can find me here: http://www.myspace.com/writer_emmasinclair.
Thanks for talking to me!

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com.
Author: Kathleen O’Connor
Author Website: http://www.gottawritenetwork.com/kathleenoconnor.html
http://www.gottawritenetwork.com/kathleenoconnor.html
Please list your books and publishers: No Doubt (Whiskey Creek Press)
No Accident (Port Town Publishing)
The Way it Happens in Novels (Ballantine Books)
When and why did you begin writing?
KO: I started writing short stories after college and sold my second story to Seventeen Magazine. I was hooked and have been writing short stories and novels ever since. I have three published novels and my stories have appeared in many woman’s magazines including, Good Housekeeping and Woman’s World.
What inspired you to write your first book?
KO: One of the characters (a football player who suffered an aneurysm) was haunting me and I needed to tell his story. Publishers Weekly called that book “a romance leavened with wisdom.” I write mysteries now, but there is always some romance in my novels.
How do you come up with the titles for your books?
KO: My husband came up with No Accident as the title for my first mystery and with my new mystery, No Doubt, there seemed to be no doubt in my detective’s mind that my heroine, Joanne Gallagher, was guilty – thus the name. He thought she was as cute as a baby chick and as guilty as hell.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider your mentor?
KO: There are so many writers I study, but I really admire Michael Connelly for his gritty realism.
What are you reading now?
KO: I’m reading In the Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith.
How does your family and/or friends feel about your books and writing?
KO: Very supportive!
Who are your favorite authors and what strikes you about their work?
KO: I like Anne Perry for they way she makes her Victorian settings so vivid to the reader. I also like Elizabeth George for her graceful prose and Sara Peretsky for her energy.
How do you promote your books?
KO: I’ve been blessed to get really good reviews for No Doubt and that’s helped get newspaper publicity. I also speak and do signings and interviews. I have two stories in Whiskey Creek’s Anthology of Hope (Nov. release) and I’m hoping to gain new readers from that for my novel.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
KO: I’ve gotten a lot of help from my critique groups. And I’d suggest joining a national organization for your genre. Belonging to Sisters in Crime has been beneficial to me.
What is the most recent movie that you have seen?
KO: Ladies in Lavender
Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
KO: I want to keep growing as a writer.
If you had an opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and in what time period?
KO: I’d like to travel to the 1940’s when Americans were so self sacrificing and I’d like to meet my maternal grandmother.
If you met your favorite character in real life, what would you say to them?
KO: I don’t have a favorite and I always try to leave them with hope when the book ends.
Can you briefly share a bit of your current work with us?
KO: In my new novel, No Doubt, Joanne Gallagher finds out how perilous attending a Friends of The Library meeting can be. When Library Director Ian Fisher is found dead, her fingerprints are on the murder weapon and her fingernails have scratched the victim’s face. Detective Royal Sun (Sunny) Cloud comes off disability leave to investigate what looks like an open-and-shut case. Sunny Cloud’s life has been going south for awhile and he intends to move south to Florida as soon as he wraps up this investigation. But this last case proves to be his most challenging.
Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I have not covered?
KO: I’m a big country & western music fan and write song lyrics – some are in my novel, No Doubt and the short story, Mrs. Moody (Anthology of Hope, Whiskey Creek Press).
Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com.
Author: Donna McGillivray
Author website: www.donnasdesk.com Please list your books and publishers: The Grant, coming August 1^st with Whiskey Creek Press, Amaya’s Keep, The Letter, Protecting Rena. My publisher is www.whiskeycreekpress.com My books are also available at fictionwise.com as well as many other distributors on the internet.
When and why did you begin writing?
DM: I began to write when my children were grown and I took an early retirement. Finding myself alone, I did what I had always wanted to do. I began writing, as a hobby at first, and then seriously.
How do you promote your books?
DM: Through my website, word of mouth, internet sites such as this one and the companies that sell my books such as fiction wise.
What book have you read recently that made an impression on you?
DM: Recently I’ve been reading, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, by Diana Gabaldon. I love her in depth research and time travel theme. Being of Scottish decent myself, it’s interesting to learn about the history. I just wish she would finish the series before I am too old to enjoy the end.
Who are your favorite authors?
DM: Agatha Christie and Nora Roberts are my favorite authors. I will read anything they write and look forward to more.
How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or your writing in general?
DM: My family is very supportive. I never expected them to be so proud of me for writing a book, but I have to tell you, from my children to grandchildren to brothers and sister, nieces and nephews and friends, all I get is praise and encouragement.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
DM: I step away for a day or two. If I have writers block it’s because I’m going in the wrong direction with my book and hitting a dead end. I have to go back and find the through street and keep going. Sometimes this takes a day or two, but there is really no such thing as writers block, only a temporary traffic jam.
Tell us about your favorite time of year, why do you like it?
DM: I love summer. I like the sunshine and warm weather. I like taking a shower and not being cold when I come out. I like wearing shorts and going barefoot. I like the freedom summer lets you feel.
Do you believe people are willing to purchase erotic books in paperback in the same quantities as they do in e-book? Why?
DM: I’m not sure. I don’t write erotica, so it’s not my specialty, but it is a very popular genre. I think in this day and age, people are going to buy whatever they want and read it. I write in ebook and paperback format and I prefer not to sit at the computer to read. I have a wonderful ebook reader I use all the time for downloads, so I would say it’s a matter of personal preference.
Do you lock yourself away when writing? And what time of day and for how long do you normally write?
DM: I never lock myself away. I generally get up, grab some tea and toast and sit down at the computer. Somewhere around two in the afternoon I stop for lunch and take it from there. I may go back to it, if the words are flowing, or do chores or run errands. I sometimes write in the evenings if my work is going well and I’m on a roll. I’ve even been known to sit at the computer at three in the morning because my characters are roaming around in my head yelling to get out. lol.
If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?
DM: I think it would be fun if all my characters from all my books could get together at a reunion and get to know one another. I might just write that one day. Lol. Seriously, I would interested in chatting with the ghost of Granddaddy in Amaya’s Keep, or Brad, the hunk of man hero in my latest book, THE GRANT.
How do relax and pamper yourself after meeting a deadline?
DM: I take a break and eat a drumstick ice cream cone.
What is the most recent movie that you have seen? What types of movies do you normally like?
DM: I like light comedies or romance. I also like a puzzle. The last movie I watched was an Agatha Christie, Miss Marple movie, The Moving Finger. I collect Miss Marple and Hercule Periot movies. One movie I watch over and over is Annette Bening and Michael Douglas in The American President.
If you had the opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and in what time period? Why?
DM: Time travel fascinates me. I am currently working on a book in that genre. I’m afraid I would bounce all over time. I’d like to have dinner with Agatha Christie, chat with Leonardi DiVinci, hear Abraham Lincoln’s, Gettysburg Address and fly with Amelia Earhart, and see how technology is developing in fifty years.
Have you ever written a story without describing the main character to leave the image up to the reader?
DM: No. I don’t think I would want to read a book without getting to know the main character, so would never write one.
Can you briefly share what you are working on now?
DM: I just finished Soul Savers. It’s a paranormal romance. Strangers, Raechel and Alex are to inherit millions of dollars if they can find a way to send the ghost of a man that walked into Lake Michigan in the dead of winter to commit suicide, on to eternity. In order to do that, they must move into Sheffield Manor and start unraveling clues to find out why he committed suicide in the first place and what is keeping him on earth in ghostly form. Things get interesting when they discover a personal link.
Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I have not covered?
DM: Authors are eccentric people who work for months to write a book that takes a few hours to read. Sending an email to the author when you finish a book is like buying them a present. It’s so nice to hear when someone likes your work. I’d especially like to thank you, MayReviews.com and you, Lori, for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts with your readers.
Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com.
Author: Mary Jean Kelso
Author Website: http://hometown.aol.com/mjkel/myhomepage/index.html
Please list your books and publishers: No Doubt (Whiskey Creek Press)

No Accident (Port Town Publishing)

The Way it Happens in Novels (Ballantine Books)

When and why did you begin writing?

KO: I started writing short stories after college and sold my second story to Seventeen Magazine. I was hooked and have been writing short stories and novels ever since. I have three published novels and my stories have appeared in many woman’s magazines including, Good Housekeeping and Woman’s World.

What inspired you to write your first book?

KO: One of the characters (a football player who suffered an aneurysm) was haunting me and I needed to tell his story. Publishers Weekly called that book “a romance leavened with wisdom.” I write mysteries now, but there is always some romance in my novels.

How do you come up with the titles for your books?

KO: My husband came up with No Accident as the title for my first mystery and with my new mystery, No Doubt, there seemed to be no doubt in my detective’s mind that my heroine, Joanne Gallagher, was guilty – thus the name. He thought she was as cute as a baby chick and as guilty as hell.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider your mentor?

KO: There are so many writers I study, but I really admire Michael Connelly for his gritty realism.

What are you reading now?

KO: I’m reading In the Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your books and writing?

KO: Very supportive!

Who are your favorite authors and what strikes you about their work?

KO: I like Anne Perry for they way she makes her Victorian settings so vivid to the reader. I also like Elizabeth George for her graceful prose and Sara Peretsky for her energy.

How do you promote your books?

KO: I’ve been blessed to get really good reviews for No Doubt and that’s helped get newspaper publicity. I also speak and do signings and interviews. I have two stories in Whiskey Creek’s Anthology of Hope (Nov. release) and I’m hoping to gain new readers from that for my novel.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

KO: I’ve gotten a lot of help from my critique groups. And I’d suggest joining a national organization for your genre. Belonging to Sisters in Crime has been beneficial to me.

What is the most recent movie that you have seen?

KO: Ladies in Lavender

Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?

KO: I want to keep growing as a writer.

If you had an opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and in what time period?

KO: I’d like to travel to the 1940’s when Americans were so self sacrificing and I’d like to meet my maternal grandmother.

If you met your favorite character in real life, what would you say to them?

KO: I don’t have a favorite and I always try to leave them with hope when the book ends.

Can you briefly share a bit of your current work with us?

KO: In my new novel, No Doubt, Joanne Gallagher finds out how perilous attending a Friends of The Library meeting can be. When Library Director Ian Fisher is found dead, her fingerprints are on the murder weapon and her fingernails have scratched the victim’s face. Detective Royal Sun (Sunny) Cloud comes off disability leave to investigate what looks like an open-and-shut case. Sunny Cloud’s life has been going south for awhile and he intends to move south to Florida as soon as he wraps up this investigation. But this last case proves to be his most challenging.

Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I have not covered?

KO: I’m a big country & western music fan and write song lyrics – some are in my novel, No Doubt and the short story, Mrs. Moody (Anthology of Hope, Whiskey Creek Press).

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com.

Author: Donna McGillivray

Author website: www.donnasdesk.com Please list your books and publishers: The Grant, coming August 1^st with Whiskey Creek Press, Amaya’s Keep, The Letter, Protecting Rena. My publisher is www.whiskeycreekpress.com My books are also available at fictionwise.com as well as many other distributors on the internet.

When and why did you begin writing?

DM: I began to write when my children were grown and I took an early retirement. Finding myself alone, I did what I had always wanted to do. I began writing, as a hobby at first, and then seriously.

How do you promote your books?

DM: Through my website, word of mouth, internet sites such as this one and the companies that sell my books such as fiction wise.

What book have you read recently that made an impression on you?

DM: Recently I’ve been reading, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, by Diana Gabaldon. I love her in depth research and time travel theme. Being of Scottish decent myself, it’s interesting to learn about the history. I just wish she would finish the series before I am too old to enjoy the end.

Who are your favorite authors?

DM: Agatha Christie and Nora Roberts are my favorite authors. I will read anything they write and look forward to more.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or your writing in general?

DM: My family is very supportive. I never expected them to be so proud of me for writing a book, but I have to tell you, from my children to grandchildren to brothers and sister, nieces and nephews and friends, all I get is praise and encouragement.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

DM: I step away for a day or two. If I have writers block it’s because I’m going in the wrong direction with my book and hitting a dead end. I have to go back and find the through street and keep going. Sometimes this takes a day or two, but there is really no such thing as writers block, only a temporary traffic jam.

Tell us about your favorite time of year, why do you like it?

DM: I love summer. I like the sunshine and warm weather. I like taking a shower and not being cold when I come out. I like wearing shorts and going barefoot. I like the freedom summer lets you feel.

Do you believe people are willing to purchase erotic books in paperback in the same quantities as they do in e-book? Why?

DM: I’m not sure. I don’t write erotica, so it’s not my specialty, but it is a very popular genre. I think in this day and age, people are going to buy whatever they want and read it. I write in ebook and paperback format and I prefer not to sit at the computer to read. I have a wonderful ebook reader I use all the time for downloads, so I would say it’s a matter of personal preference.

Do you lock yourself away when writing? And what time of day and for how long do you normally write?

DM: I never lock myself away. I generally get up, grab some tea and toast and sit down at the computer. Somewhere around two in the afternoon I stop for lunch and take it from there. I may go back to it, if the words are flowing, or do chores or run errands. I sometimes write in the evenings if my work is going well and I’m on a roll. I’ve even been known to sit at the computer at three in the morning because my characters are roaming around in my head yelling to get out. lol.

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

DM: I think it would be fun if all my characters from all my books could get together at a reunion and get to know one another. I might just write that one day. Lol. Seriously, I would interested in chatting with the ghost of Granddaddy in Amaya’s Keep, or Brad, the hunk of man hero in my latest book, THE GRANT.

How do relax and pamper yourself after meeting a deadline?

DM: I take a break and eat a drumstick ice cream cone.

What is the most recent movie that you have seen? What types of movies do you normally like?

DM: I like light comedies or romance. I also like a puzzle. The last movie I watched was an Agatha Christie, Miss Marple movie, The Moving Finger. I collect Miss Marple and Hercule Periot movies. One movie I watch over and over is Annette Bening and Michael Douglas in The American President.

If you had the opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and in what time period? Why?

DM: Time travel fascinates me. I am currently working on a book in that genre. I’m afraid I would bounce all over time. I’d like to have dinner with Agatha Christie, chat with Leonardi DiVinci, hear Abraham Lincoln’s, Gettysburg Address and fly with Amelia Earhart, and see how technology is developing in fifty years.

Have you ever written a story without describing the main character to leave the image up to the reader?

DM: No. I don’t think I would want to read a book without getting to know the main character, so would never write one.

Can you briefly share what you are working on now?

DM: I just finished Soul Savers. It’s a paranormal romance. Strangers, Raechel and Alex are to inherit millions of dollars if they can find a way to send the ghost of a man that walked into Lake Michigan in the dead of winter to commit suicide, on to eternity. In order to do that, they must move into Sheffield Manor and start unraveling clues to find out why he committed suicide in the first place and what is keeping him on earth in ghostly form. Things get interesting when they discover a personal link.

Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I have not covered?

DM: Authors are eccentric people who work for months to write a book that takes a few hours to read. Sending an email to the author when you finish a book is like buying them a present. It’s so nice to hear when someone likes your work. I’d especially like to thank you, MayReviews.com and you, Lori, for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts with your readers.

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com.

Author: Mary Jean Kelso

Author Website: http://hometown.aol.com/mjkel/myhomepage/index.html

www.donnasdesk.com Please list your books and publishers: The Grant, coming August 1^st with Whiskey Creek Press, Amaya’s Keep, The Letter, Protecting Rena. My publisher is www.whiskeycreekpress.com My books are also available at fictionwise.com as well as many other distributors on the internet.

When and why did you begin writing?

How do you promote your books?

DM: Through my website, word of mouth, internet sites such as this one and the companies that sell my books such as fiction wise.

What book have you read recently that made an impression on you?

Who are your favorite authors?

DM: Agatha Christie and Nora Roberts are my favorite authors. I will read anything they write and look forward to more.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or your writing in general?

How do you overcome writer’s block?

Tell us about your favorite time of year, why do you like it?

Do you believe people are willing to purchase erotic books in paperback in the same quantities as they do in e-book? Why?

Do you lock yourself away when writing? And what time of day and for how long do you normally write?

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

How do relax and pamper yourself after meeting a deadline?

DM: I take a break and eat a drumstick ice cream cone.

What is the most recent movie that you have seen? What types of movies do you normally like?

If you had the opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and in what time period? Why?

Have you ever written a story without describing the main character to leave the image up to the reader?

DM: No. I don’t think I would want to read a book without getting to know the main character, so would never write one.

Can you briefly share what you are working on now?

Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I have not covered?

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com.

Author: Mary Jean Kelso

Author Website: http://hometown.aol.com/mjkel/myhomepage/index.html

http://hometown.aol.com/mjkel/myhomepage/index.html

Please list your books and publishers:

MYSTERY IN VIRGINIA CITY - Great Basin Press

A VIRGINIA CITY MYSTERY - MarKel Press

ABDUCTED! - MarKel Press

SIERRA SUMMER - MarKel Press

GOODBYE, BODIE - MarKel Press

THE HOMESTEADER - May 2005 Best Seller - Wings-Press.com

GOODBYE IS FOREVER - Wings-Press.com

BLUE COAT - Whiskey Creek Press

THE HOMESTEADER’S LEGACY - February 2007 - Wings-Press.com
KAT’S CRADLE - Pub date unknown - Whiskeycreekpress.com

Currently working on BACK TO THE HOMESTEAD

When and why did you begin writing?

MJK: I have been writing ever since I learned how to hold a pencil. As a small child I always loved reading and remember reading the Sunday Funnies and “story a day” books. As I got older I read and collected Nancy Drew books. I’m sure that influenced me a lot. Books have always been a passion for me.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

MJK: Probably historical whether it is romance or mystery. I have done three contemporary mysteries that have a "Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys tone"

How does your family and/or friends feel about your or writing in general?

MJK: I think they are rather awed that I can put something together because I don't think they see me as that capable in running my own life (haha). They always seem sort of in disbelief when a new book comes out. But the ones that read them always like them and are surprised by them.

How do you promote your books?

MJK: I try to maintain a website. Most of them are on Amazon.com, Fictionwise.com and other websites and book sites. I do a lot of signings and am able to get into news print. Just whatever I can find that will get the word out there.

Have you ever written a story without describing the main character to leave the image up to the reader?

MJK: I find that I tend to describe some of the characters less. In Kat's Cradle I don't think I described much about Sam Schaffer.

Do you lock yourself away when writing? What time of day do you normally write and for how long?

MJK: No. I try to stay available to my friends and family all the time. I work my schedule around theirs. Life, after all, is what's really important. I would hate to miss time with loved ones to sit at the keyboard. Besides, we writers always have our minds going and it isn't far from a pen and paper to make a quick note. I take my chunks of time where I can find them and work like mad when I do.

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

MJK: Probably Molly from The Homesteader's series. Everyone seems to like her. She is a strong, capable, yet sensitive, woman.

Do you believe people are willing to purchase erotic books in paperback in the same quantities as they do in e-book? Why?

MJK: I haven't gotten into erotica, yet. Don't know if I ever will as I tend to write more about emotions than physical touching although sexual tension does enter into it. People probably feel they can "hide" what they are reading easier on e-book readers than in a paperback with a bold cover.

How do relax and pamper yourself after meeting a deadline?

MJK: I like to go to Lake Tahoe and just ride bikes, sit on the beach, have dinner. Actually I have a pretty steady deadline because I also write and take photos for a local newspaper. When I finish a book, I usually have a few days where I feel like I have let a bird fly out of my hand at the window and have to regroup and assure myself that the well will fill again and there will be another book.

Who are your favorite authors and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

MJK: Phyllis A. Whitney has always written great mysteries and I love that she uses unusual locations for her books. She is so believable!

How do you overcome writer’s block?

MJK: I start researching, which means reading a lot of different types of books and internet information. Recently, I read a book about horse trading just to get more background for the Homesteader series. I read anything and everything. You never know what is going to spark an idea.

Tell us about your favorite time of year, why do you like it?

MJK: Every season is special to me. I love the Spring for its renewal especially after a long Nevada winter. Winter is beautiful, especially if we have snow, which we usually do. Summer because I love the sunrises and the sunsets across the desert and the quiet evenings after a hot day and Fall because everything turns so crisp but the days are still nice enough to get outside and walk.

What are you reading now?

MJK: Twenty Miles from a Match, about another woman homesteader in Nevada.

Can you briefly share a bit of your current work?

MJK: I am just beginning to get the rough draft going on Back to the Homestead. Homesteader's Legacy comes out in February and I would like to have the third in the series ready to go in at that time.

Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I have not covered?

MJK: I truly believe that the more you read the more you will understand yourself. So many authors can give us different points of view on what goes on in our own lives without really realizing it. I believe we all have horrific experiences that are difficult to deal with and it helps to find out you are not alone.
.

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com. Thank you, so much, for inviting me. Please feel free to contact me for more information.

Mary Jean Kelso

Mary Jean Kelso

Author: Inna Spice

http://hometown.aol.com/mjkel/myhomepage/index.html

Please list your books and publishers:

MYSTERY IN VIRGINIA CITY - Great Basin Press

A VIRGINIA CITY MYSTERY - MarKel Press

ABDUCTED! - MarKel Press

SIERRA SUMMER - MarKel Press

GOODBYE, BODIE - MarKel Press

THE HOMESTEADER - May 2005 Best Seller - Wings-Press.com

GOODBYE IS FOREVER - Wings-Press.com

BLUE COAT - Whiskey Creek Press

THE HOMESTEADER’S LEGACY - February 2007 - Wings-Press.com
KAT’S CRADLE - Pub date unknown - Whiskeycreekpress.com

Currently working on BACK TO THE HOMESTEAD

When and why did you begin writing?

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

MJK: Probably historical whether it is romance or mystery. I have done three contemporary mysteries that have a "Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys tone"

How does your family and/or friends feel about your or writing in general?

How do you promote your books?

Have you ever written a story without describing the main character to leave the image up to the reader?

MJK: I find that I tend to describe some of the characters less. In Kat's Cradle I don't think I described much about Sam Schaffer.

Do you lock yourself away when writing? What time of day do you normally write and for how long?

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

MJK: Probably Molly from The Homesteader's series. Everyone seems to like her. She is a strong, capable, yet sensitive, woman.

Do you believe people are willing to purchase erotic books in paperback in the same quantities as they do in e-book? Why?

How do relax and pamper yourself after meeting a deadline?

Who are your favorite authors and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

MJK: Phyllis A. Whitney has always written great mysteries and I love that she uses unusual locations for her books. She is so believable!

How do you overcome writer’s block?

Tell us about your favorite time of year, why do you like it?

What are you reading now?

MJK: Twenty Miles from a Match, about another woman homesteader in Nevada.

Can you briefly share a bit of your current work?

Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I have not covered?

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com. Thank you, so much, for inviting me. Please feel free to contact me for more information.

Mary Jean Kelso

Mary Jean Kelso

Author: Inna Spice

Author Website: www.spicemedia.ca

Please list books and publishers: Upside Down, Phaze; The Puss Hater in anthology Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica 5, Carroll & Graf.

Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for us.

Tell us a little about yourself.

When and why did you begin writing?

IS: I have been writing since childhood, first my naïve rabbit stories, then a high school diary, then travel journals and personal letters from abroad to my friends, and later I finished journalism school to conquer English language. My next dream is to write and publish a book of erotica in French.

Who or what has influenced your writing and in what way?

IS: Folks at Erotica Readers and Writers Association and the Fish Tank. There are a few AMAZING writers with wild imaginations and wonderful styles; they make me want to write more and better.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing in general?

IS: Some prefer not to comment and I think they pretend they don’t know what I write. However, most of them are very supportive and let me know their opinion after they read each piece. Often, I’d let them read the first draft. Upside Down, in particular, made a few people cry and touched them deeply. Many of my fictitious characters borrow individual traits from my friends.

How do you promote your book(s)?

IS: All news about my stories and publications are always announced on my web site www.spicemedia.ca first. I also send e-mail updates to my friends, editors, and acquaintances.

Do you lock yourself away when writing? When do you normally write?

IS: I don’t lock myself, but occasionally I deprive myself of sleep by choosing to stay up late into the night to let my imagination roam free. I find night time always brings more creativity and ideas mainly because that’s the time when everything around is quiet and I find it easier to concentrate on my thoughts. Then I’m able to dip into my story, see and feel it from the inside. Most often I would picture my story during the night and then write it down the next day.

If you had an opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and in what time period? Why?

IS: Victorian era, perhaps. I always liked the way people dressed then. Also, in those times to have a romantic relationship was much more risky than nowadays; usually people had much more at stake if they went for true love, so that’s admirable.

If you could bring any character from a book to life, who would it be and why?

IS: Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With the Wind because she is so terribly real and she has this huge strength in her character. I would love to see what she’d do to survive in this day and age.

E-books are a growing product line. Do you believe e-books are a good way to publish? Why?

IS: It’s a great way to publish, as e-books are popular, they are cheaper to buy than hard copies at a book store, and they reach out to so many people in this age of technology when almost everyone has a computer and the Internet at home.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

IS: I just give it a bit of time and concentrate on another project for a while – it helps to be versatile – then I make sure to come back. I find that the sooner I “attack” a new idea, the more likely it is going to be finished and become successful, the first passion helps push it through to the end, does that make sense?

What is your favorite type of music? Do you listen to music while writing?

IS: I like relaxation music at the moment. I don’t listen to the music while writing as it would actually distract my thoughts; I could never study with the music either.

How do you relax after a bout of writing?

IS: After successfully finishing a story or a big part of it, I usually find myself totally emotionally drained and physically tired, so I take a break from writing for a few days, eat really well, try to catch up on sleep, and do some exercise.

What new author has grasped your interest?

IS: There are so many great talents, I have a hard time picking one.

Which one of your characters is your favorite? And why?

IS: I like all of my female characters, as each is in some way a small reflection of myself, like my child. But my favourite is probably Vicky from the Fight (published in Ruthie’s Club) because she has so much adventure happening in her life and I really enjoyed writing her story.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? An excerpt or what you are working on now?

IS: Currently, I am thinking through characters and events for a story titled the Fire Devil. Ideally, it would fit into my collection of vanilla short stories named Kaleidoscope of a Married Girl—it would appeal to any one who had ever tried a long-term committed relationship and it will deal with passion and jealousy (duh). Some of the previously published stories that I would include into this collection are Clueless, Love’s Arm, Julia’s Aquarium, and Sea Anemone.

Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I haven’t covered?

IS: Just that they are always invited to visit my web site, view my work, and send me their comments. I love to hear from readers.

And… Gelato rocks!

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com.

Author: Jessie Verino

Author Website: www.jessieverino.com; http://jessieverino.blogspot.com; www.myspace.com/jessieverino

Please list books and publishers: Sensual Energy, available now at www.phaze.com; Lord Night, available August 1st from www.samhainpublishing.com ; and Spellbound, available soon from Phaze

Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for us.

Tell us a little about yourself.

1. When and why did you begin writing?

JV: I started writing in elementary school, about third grade. Back then, I had no idea why I liked writing, it was just fun. It's still fun, like being pregnant - the morning sickness, the nausea, the restless nights, and the hours of painful delivery. But, after, when you're holding the precious baby, you forget all that stuff, and want to do it again. I enjoy giving life to my story ideas. Now, I write because I can't not write.

2. What genre are you most comfortable writing?

JV: I found my niche in what I call sci-fantasy -- science fiction concepts and fantasy elements blended in (usually) an alternate dimension. It allows me a great deal of freedom and creativity.

3. How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing?

JV: My family and friends are very supportive, and I'm blessed to have such a support network around me.

4. How do you promote your book(s)?

JV: Since all of my works to date are electronic, I do a lot of internet promotion. I'm a member of several e-mail loops. I'm a horrible lurker, but I do try to read a good portion of the posts in those groups and pop in occasionally for discussions. I'm also a member of a few forums, and am a member of the We Write Romance community. I participate in chats, both live and e-mail, and I attend writers and readers conferences when I can.

5. Do you lock yourself away when writing? When do you normally write?

JV: Not usually. I seem to write better with activity around me, part of being a kinetic learner, and with music in the background. I normally write at night, but if the day job is a little slow, I'll sneak and write during the day. Of course, I usually get caught, but my bosses think it's great that I'm writing and will usually read over my shoulder when they catch me.

6. If you could bring any character from a book to life, who would it be and why?

JV: Wow, how can I pick just one? Any of the characters that come to mind would, in reality, be way too dangerous, like Acheron from Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter Series.

7. Do you believe people are willing to purchase erotic books in paperback in the same quantities as they do in e-book? Why?

JV: Of course. Passionate readers will read, no matter what, and there's just something about holding a book in your hands that you don't get from an e-book reader. I have a good mix of both types of books, and enjoy them all. I believe many readers have and will pick erotica as one of their favorites, and will purchase these books in whatever format they're available.

8. How do you relax after a bout of writing?

JV: I read, usually something totally outside the genre that I'm currently writing.

9. Which one of your characters is your favorite? And why?

JV: Damien from "Lord Night." He's smart, alpha, but not a jerk, sexy, and fun.

10. How do you overcome writer's block?

JV: It doesn't happen very often, because I usually have two or three projects I'm working on, and I can go to one of the others if I get stuck. But, if it really hits me bad, I step away from the writing altogether. Exercise works well for me, or something mindless, like washing dishes or playing computer games.

11. Tell us about your favorite time of year, why do you like it?

JV: Fall in East Tennessee is absolutely spectacular. The weather is just right, no big storms, warm mountain breezes, and all the blazing colors. It doesn't get any better.

12. What are you reading now?

JV: I'm re-reading the "In Death" series by J.D. Robb. I love the futuristic setting and the characters. I'm also reading "The Waterlord" by Dawn Thompson.

13. Can you share a little of your current work with us? An excerpt or what you are working on now?

JV: I've got three projects going right now, all alternate dimension stories. Here's a snippet of the sequel to Lord Night, which doesn't even have a working title at the moment.

Gabriel held the chain in front of her, the loops for the nipples opened as far as they could go. The cocky grin he gave her grated her already raw nervous system more than the childish waggling of his eyebrows.
Chasity kept her voice steady, not allowing her irritation to show. "Not only no, but hell no." She turned away from him and walked toward the control panel.
He followed her through the lab like a puppy pleading for attention. "C'mon, Chas. It's part of the game."
Why wouldn't he leave her alone? She didn't know if she could last two and half weeks with him in the world of Lord Night without taking the nipple chain and strangling him with it, or flinging him without any weapons into the demon nest. What had Damien been thinking when he paired her with Gabriel to evaluate the game? The boss's accidental trip through the vortex must have short-circuited something in his brain. "I've already written a new sub-routine and taken the default classification off the nipple chain. The character of Isobel now has an option for her symbol."
It still galled her that she couldn't take the character of Isobel out of the game completely. She considered the whole idea of a sex slave, even one generated by the game, barbaric. Even though a small voice inside her murmured about how exciting it could be with the right man at the controls. Unfortunately, Gabriel didn't quite match up to her imagination.
Gabriel shrugged and balled the chain into his pocket. "Whatever. I hope you pick something flashy, over the top. Remember, it's supposed to be a fantasy. Did you get the Ferrari fixed?"
From sex to cars in less than a heartbeat. Men had such predictable thought patterns. "The fender's good as new, and I thought a temporary tattoo might work for the evaluation."
"That's living on the edge." Dry sarcasm dripped from his voice. "Hey, maybe you could add some of that sparkly stuff, glam it up a bit."
"Thanks for the tip, but I'll stick with my original design."
"Which is?"

She tried not to smile. "A secret."

14. Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I haven't covered?

JV: If any of you remember the "create your own adventure" stories that came out in the late 80's early 90's, I've got a similar concept on my web page that will be going live soon. It's an interactive story called, "The Key." I'll post the set up, and then give readers a chance to decide where the heroine goes next. Or, you can go to a special blog and write a flash piece of your own. Eventually, I hope to have guest authors who will write a segment. I also have a newsletter only group at http://groups.google.com/group/Jessie-Verino. The first edition is posted on my website and it only goes out every couple of months.

http://groups.google.com/group/Jessie-Verino. The first edition is posted on my website and it only goes out every couple of months.

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com. Thank you for having me. I enjoyed the interview.

Author Website: http://www.kellymaher.com

Please list books and publishers: Spring Storm - Phaze, April 2006 Family Jewels - Amber Quill Press, June 2006

Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for us.

Thanks for having me! I'm really excited about being here! I'm sorry in advance for all of the exclamation points and smiley faces ;)

Tell us a little about yourself.

1. When and why did you begin writing?

KM: I started writing fiction while in college. I had one of those usual summer jobs where not much more was required of you than showing up and doing whatever was assigned to you for the day. A professor of mine had told me the semester before that I should write a novel one day. During a lunch break, I decided that "one day" had come. I was soon hooked on actually writing down the stories that I'd been making up in my head for years. I'd never done so before because my handwriting isn't exactly the best, and I don't really like the act of writing. I wrote sixty pages of that novel on legal-sized paper. I never actually finished it because I wrote myself into a plot knot, but it was a learning experience that I'll always treasure.

2. How do you promote your book(s)?

KM: I'm a member of the Indulge Authors group (http://www.indulgeauthors.com) with five great women who are all members of the Passionate Ink chapter of RWA with me. I also have my own blog as part of my website. Confession time, I'm a blog ho. I contribute to my publishers' blogs and a few others ;) I was voted Most Talkative in high school (out of 500+ girls), so I love participating in online chats, both real time and on loop ones. I also try very hard to make sure that my next book is so great that you want to go and read everything I've ever written!

3. What genre are you most comfortable writing?

KM: Right now, erotic romance, but I have a tendency to slip in elements of a few other subgenres. I love reading paranormals and historicals and romcoms, pretty much every subgenre of romance, and I like writing them :)

4. What are you reading now?

KM: I'm catching up on my huge backlog of ebooks as I got a brand new Palm TX the other week and I'm reading "A Bite of Magick" by Rhyannon Byrd.

5. How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

KM: They are very proud of me. They really understand how hard I've been working towards this goal and are so happy for me. None of them will read my books, but they couldn't be happier.

6. How do you overcome writer's block?

KM: When I get "blocked", it's usually because there's something else happening in my life that is emotionally draining for whatever reason or I've taken on too many projects. At that point I just try to resolve whatever the issue is, or just sit back until it resolves itself if I can't do anything about it. Other times, it really is the story that's giving me fits. There's something wrong that my subconscious has to work out to fix it. To get past that kind of block, what usually helps is just writing. Either on the story that's blocked or on another story. I can't let my writing muscles atrophy. Right now though it's hard for me. I have a two hour daily commute and by the time I get home, I just want to sit in front of the television and veg out rather than sit in my room in front of my computer. Once again, the new Palm TX (and the accompanying keyboard), have been helping out. Lately, I've been sticking with shorter stories which helps me avoid the threat of blocks. My attention span's been a bit short ;)

7. Tell us about your favorite time of year, why do you like it?

KM: I love fall. There something about the air at that time of year that is so comforting. Plus, I lurve Halloween. Spring is wonderful, too, because it's getting warmer and lighter after the long stasis of winter (I live in the upper Midwest).

8. Do you believe people are willing to purchase erotic books in paperback in the same quantities as they do in e-book? Why?

KM: Good question! I think in more urban areas, there is more of a willingness to buy paperbacks because there is more anonymity in a very public transaction. I think it's harder in more rural areas because you're not as anonymous, and you're more likely to live in an area where this reading interest is frowned upon. The Borders by where I work is one of the top 25 (I think) in the country for the sales of erotic romance. On my last visit there, I saw titles from Phaze, New Concepts and Loose ID, in addition to all the titles from Ellora's Cave and the New York publishers. When I talked with the booksellers there, they said that ER titles do so well at their store, they are constantly getting new titles.

9. Do you lock yourself away when writing? And when do you normally write?

KM: Depending on the day of the week, I'll be writing in the late morning or late at night. My work schedule varies, so I try to write when I can. Some days it's easier to pop on the iPod headphones and tune out the world while I write in my room on my computer or at the dining room table on my Palm. Other days, I like the silence (when I'm not talking to myself).

10. If you could bring any character from a book to life, who would it be and why?

KM: Oh, tough question. If I were to say Roarke from JD Robb's "In Death" series, Eve would find a way to come to life on her own to make sure I respected her territory. But they would be an interesting couple to talk to because we get to see how they are constantly working on their relationship. Plus, he's got TONS of cool toys I'd love to get my hands on. I'm on a Batman world kick right now and I'd love to talk with Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl, to compare reference sources.

11. After finishing a book, how do you reward yourself?

KM: Writing "the end" in caps followed by lots and lots of exclamation points. After that, I reward myself with whatever I promised myself, new books to read, a nice dinner out, jewelry, etc. I'm a *big* believer in self-gifting.

12. What do you find most difficult about writing?

KM: Finding the time to write in the first place and not falling into the trap of repetition. Words, phrases, even characters (ie. the character's name and some physical features are different, but they have become interchangeable with previous characters) can become too familiar and you always should strive to keep your writing as fresh as possible.

13. Which one of your characters is your favorite? And why?

KM: I really have enjoyed each of my characters for various reasons. Amalia Winston, of Family Jewels, does make me smile. She's sexy, sassy and her brains outshine her considerable beauty.

14. Can you share a little of your work with us? An excerpt or what you are working on now?

KM: Right now I'm working on a story for an upcoming Amber Pax collection from Amber Quill Press. The group of stories will all be superhero related. My story features Vie who is an empath. Her superpower is more of as an accessory, she can amplify and exaggerate others' superpowers. She works as part of a group of superheroes, and they've just discovered that a foe from their past is back from the dead. Her compatriot, Bolt (super strength and super speed), is charged with her safekeeping as the foe has a special place in his damned soul for Vie. Bolt's always had a thing for Vie, but she's never let him close enough for him to do anything about it. Now, he's going to get his chance.

15. Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I haven't covered?

KM: I love talking with readers! I'm a librarian, so I'm always up for talking about books. A little over a year ago, I started knitting when co-workers used me as a guinea pig for a program they were planning, and I caught that bug too. Another set of hands would not be unwelcome so that I can do everything that I want to do!

Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com.

Author: Stella and Audra Price

Author Website: Http://www.stellaandaudra.com

Please list books and publishers:

Wishes- Phaze (available now)

Enjoy the Afterverse- Self published anthology in con junction with Forbidden Publications (Available Now Http://www.lulu.com/content/301813)

Bargain by Starlight- Cobblestone Press (available June 16^{th) Beyond the Vision of Dreams-Forbidden Publications (Snake Series Book 1Out June 30th)
Sugar and Sin: Eververse book 1 (out late summer/early fall 2006)
Surrender in Moonlight-Forbidden Publications (Snake Series Book 2 out Fall 2006)
Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for us.
Tell us a little about yourself.
1. When and why did you begin writing?
Stella: I have been writing for as long as I can remember. In school the only things that interested me was art and English and I was pretty good at both. I think it got serious when Audra and I started writing together though.
Audra: I don’t think I’ve ever not been writing something. I like telling stories, bringing my characters to life. I guess I suffer from an overactive imagination. I used to write a lot in school, I guess that’s when it started, to some degree. I would write short stories and poems about Vampires and other things that took my interest. But really, it wasn't until I found Stella that I started writing seriously. It gave us a way to connect and share time together.
2. Is it difficult to work as a writing team? Do you sit down and share
ideas and suggestions?
Audra: It’s not difficult at all. There’s two of us, so I think it makes life easier. We can sit down and brainstorm about where we’re taking a certain plot or potential plot holes. We get to look at things from all the different angles and possibilities and we can give our characters more attention and consideration, than we could separately.
Stella: I agree. It’s more a question these days of being able to breathe life into the character by ourselves. Writing together lets us really develop the character in half the time. I don’t think what I write could be as developed if I didn’t have Audra and her characters to make me think about things I normally wouldn’t.
3. How do you overcome writer’s block? Are there times when one of
have writer’s block and the other does not?
Audra: Writers block? Not really, sometimes I need a really good kick but that’s more to do with the time difference and being really tired. If one of us or our characters are particularly blocked, we’ll tend to leave it until morning and see if things look brighter then. Things normally do look better after a night’s sleep and a cup of strong tea. If not we can always talk thinks out, see what’s not happening and why.
Stella: And that’s the beauty of working together. We don’t really go through periods of writers block like most authors and it’s because we have two brains working as one. If one of us is blocked, the other picks it up and gets it working. The system is beautiful.
4. What is your favorite type of music? Do you listen to music while
writing?
Stella: We both have different musical tastes, and it’s a good thing that we don’t live together. I do listen to play lists when I’m writing, and I Tunes are a beautiful thing. With it I have been able to make character play lists and that has helped getting me into one mindset or another. What’s on my play lists? I’m a bog fan of punk, hardcore, emo, and indie, and you’ll find a lot of From Autumn to Ashes, I am the Avalanche, Saves the Day, NOFX, Keepsake, The Faint and Nine Inch Nails.
Audra: I don’t really have and particular type of music that I’ll listen to. I’ll pretty much listen to anything as long as it sounds good. I tend to favor the more mellower sounds if I’m working. As for what I listen too, it all depends on who I’m writing, some of my characters demand my full attention and some will let me listen to music of their choosing, tunes that put me in their mood. I have one character that that’ll listen to the whole of the Chicago soundtrack quite happily, if not a tad over enthusiastically, but if I put on Johnny Cash then he’ll just refuse to communicate.
5. If you could bring a character from a book to life, who would it be
and why?
Stella: one of our books? I would have to say for Audra’s sake, Cash. He’s just... well he’s a force of nature.
Audra: It would have to be Cash; he is indeed a force of nature. A scary one at that, although I’m not entirely sure what he would think of me.
6. E-books are a growing product line. Do you believe e-books are a
good way to publish? Why?
Stella: I think it’s a great way to publish. It not only helps first time authors get their work out there, but it really helps you to understand the industry. We are lucky enough to have some fabulous publishers that have really gone above and beyond to work with us and help us along the way to getting our work ready for publication. And with the fantastic contracts that are offered, your not making a lifetime commitment. I recommend E publishing to friends that are looking for a print publisher first. Most E pubbies do print these days too and let’s face it, its everyone’s dream to see their work in print. Now its not so unattainable, and easier then ever.
Audra: Yes I do. It gives new authors, such as ourselves, a chance to get their work out there and known. E-pubs give you a lot of diversity and gives much easier accessibility to the public. I find it quite hard, due to my location, to get any book stores so I find E-books ideal for me.
7. If you had an opportunity to travel in time, where would you go and in
what time period? Why?
Stella: this question comes up a lot and I think I always have different answers for it, so I’m sure this time will be no different. I think I would love to go to France just before the revolution, and hangout as one of the nobles. I love the dresses and wigs, it is a timeframe I would love to visit, if just to see what its like to be all dressed up and powdered.
Audra: Eighteenth century. I really suit the hair and the pale face and the leather patches, very Nell Gwynne. The dresses were interesting as well if not a tad restricting. Being pampered and having servants and stable hands, surely its every girls dream. Also, if the life of a high and noble lady became too much, I would have been a good pirate or highway woman. I quite fancy life on the high seas.
8. How do relax after you finish writing a book?
Stella: Usually it’s a short time to relax, about a day or so, before the banging in our brains begins again and the characters demand to be let out. So it’s usually a bottle of wine and some phone time between us. Nothing major.
Audra: It’s not really anything eventful at all, at the moment all my spare time away from the books is spent doing College work. So it’s a few glasses of wine and maybe a new book to read before I get back to researching and typing.
9. What new author has grasped your interest?
Stella: We both are just in love with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward and the Mia Snow Series books by Gena Showalter. Both are fantastic authors and some of our heroes.
10. How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing?
Stella: Friends are still trying to figure out how I went from going to college for art then working in the music business for four years to being a published author. Family is supportive and my boyfriend is the most supportive of them all. None of them but my boyfriend have read anything yet, but they know what I write and seem cool with it so I’m all for it.
Audra: My family are so proud and supportive, my dad actually said to my mum that the books sounded like "a right raunchy read" I have no idea what blurb he was reading at the time, but it’s good that he was on our website. My friends are wonderful, as always, constantly asking me questions and picking my brain.
11. Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?
Stella: I think we influence each other really, I mean there’s outside influences, but nothing large enough to mention really.
12. How do you promote your book(s)?
Stella: we are promoting machines. With contests, our website, our yahoo group, the myspace, our blog, the forum for our characters, the chats, freebie reads, and tons of physical promotional materials, we pretty much have everything covered.
13. Which one of your characters is your favorite? Why?
Stella: There are so many, and I can’t usually pick one, but if I have to I will say Drake. Drake is beyond a sadist, he’s sexy and brutal and everything I like in a wild character, but he’s got this side of him that’s so tender and hidden, everything I learn each time he comes out to play makes me truly love him and his complexity.
Audra: I do love Stella’s character, Oscar, I’d choose him. He’s a really good guy, that’s wild and dirty at heart. He keeps himself under amazingly tight control during the day, and then once that door shuts he lets it all go. You can almost hear it snapping. He’s going to be a favorite, I know he’s mine.
14. Can you share a little of your work with us? An excerpt or what you
are working on now?
Stella: Well here’s an excerpt from our new release with Forbidden Publications, out June 30th, Beyond the Vision of Dreams:
Remy sat up in bed and looked at the clock. It was just before dawn and he was alone, much to his distaste. ucking dreams. I swear one day I’m going to remember all of them. Then they are in for a serious load of trouble. He swung his legs out of bed and padded naked to his bathroom. He didn’t turn on the lights, his night vision perfected by his heritage, as Pythons were almost blind in the daylight, but could see as clear as day in the darkness.

He gained the sink and turned on the faucet, running his hands under the cold water and bringing a small pool up to his face, effectively waking him up. This is just getting ridiculous. I haven’t had a decent nights sleep in a week. Maybe I need to get laid. Nah, well yeah but that’s not going to help it. That’s the last time I suggest ucking till dawn to Elise. Shit knows that’s exactly what happened, but shit if I’m still pent up. He smiled at himself in the mirror and walked back out to his bedroom, intent on actually trying to get some sleep.
The same girl every night was getting a little old. Not that he was against monogamy, but the fact that he didn’t know the raven haired beauty with the brilliant green eyes, had never seen her in his life, was disturbing him slightly. The dreams were always erotic, and while the parts her remembered were never the same, the same woman starred in them night after night.
He laid back down, the cool air of the night filtering through the open French doors to his private deck caressing his body like the dream lover he was still thinking about. Thank god Succubi don’t really invade dreams, or I'd be worse than ucked. He stretched his muscular body on the steel colored sheets and groaned, the dark haired beauty still playing havoc in his waking mind.
Whoever she was, she was quite the whore in the bedroom. Was she real? He knew some of the others in the crèche, or nest had prophetic dreams but in the thirty five years of his life, not once had it happened to him. Either way, it bore looking into and once he was truly awake, his head not fuzzy with the fog of sleep, he would revisit the problem with a renewed sense of purpose. Now…
15. Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that I haven’t
covered?
Our main books, the reason why we started looking for a publisher was recently contracted with Forbidden Publications for all nine books and the first one will be out in late summer. The self published anthology are prequel stories to the characters in the main books. You can get to know all our characters on our Residents of the Eververse forum (http://eververse.iforumer.com). Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our guests here at MayReviews.com.
Thanks for having us. We had a great time.}

Author: Eva Gale