Twilight Thursday

Welcome Author

Rebecca Savage !!!

Please forgive me for this week. As I mentioned on Monday and Tuesday, and then again today, I have been extremely distracted by basketball playoffs since my team (Milwaukee Bucks) is not only playing in round 1, but returns home with a chance to win the first round at home in Milwaukee tomorrow night (Friday). I'm so excited that, as I've told a couple of people already, my nerves are raw with anticipation and my brain doesn't quite want to think of anything else. Fortunately, when I woke up this evening, reality set in and I still have time to post my interview with Rebecca Savage and share it with you. Rebecca is an author I stumbled upon with a chance email in one of my WisRWA chat groups and eventually, I decided to bring her into the moonlight. It's even more important now that she has won a very prestigious award with Champagne Books - Best Selling Author 2009!

Congrats and way to go Rebecca!

ME: As you know by now, we've asked our authors the same set of questions this month and as April 15th was the ever important date for us Americans to turn in our taxes, there were 15 questions. Let's begin. Speaking of taxes, are your taxes finished, or do you procrastinate with them? Do you do them yourself or do you have a taxman do them for you?

REBECCA: My taxes are finished, and I’ve gotten my meager refund. Ugh! Now that my kids are out of the house, the refunds get smaller every year, although I can still show a loss with my business of author…hmmm...wonder why that isJ

I don’t procrastinate when it comes to taxes, but I do sometimes have to wait for my employers to get the documents that I need to me so that I can complete the forms.

The main reason I don’t put taxes off is the fact that I do my own. I worked as a tax professional for ten years, and I do taxes at my home as a side business, so actually enjoy tax season. I’m so weird, huh?

ME: As it says, “April showers bring May flowers”. What flowers do you hope to see the first thing in spring?

REBECCA: My favorite flowers are Easter Lillies. My grandma planted them, and I have them all around the border of my yard, so I never have to wait long for my favorite. They’re up when the snow is still on the ground sometimes.

ME: Do you plant your own garden? Why or why not and where is it (are they) located? What type(s) will it (they) be and where is it (are they) located on your property?

REBECCA: I plant my garden with my uncle. He has a small garden in the back of my house, and I help him. He loves to plant and plow, and I cook whatever he brings in from the harvest. Works out well for us! J

ME: Do you prefer plants or seeds? Does it matter where you get them, or do you have a favorite place to go? What’s the name of the place and why do you prefer to go there?

REBECCA: I prefer things that already have some sort of start: tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries. I like to plant in hills, and my uncle is very good at softening up the soil. The richer the soil the better. I plant in various time periods as well. We are getting ready to put in the first round of crops, then we’ll still have turnips and things like that toward the end of the fall.

ME: What will you plant (or have already planted) this year and why?

REBECCA: We’ll like to plant by the beginning of Spring then go in levels of others things that can be planted as certain crops are picked in stages and the soil is plowed under for the next item. We try to work with natural fertilizers, and we don’t like to plant the same things in the same place and deplete the soil of its nutrients. We also have flower gardensJ

ME: Do you have any plants that are must haves for your garden, ones that it just won’t be complete without?

REBECCA: Tomatoes! Gotta have them. Can’t stand the ones from the store because home – grown are so great!

ME: Have you ever considered getting involved with a local community garden? Why or why not?

REBECCA: My uncle is involved with a community garden, and he loves it, but I’ve hesitated because of the stress of dealing with the other gardeners and those in charge. He doesn’t like that part of it, so we usually deal more with our own garden than the community one.

ME: For your produce, is the local grocery store just fine, or do you like to hit your local farmer’s market? What is your favorite fruit or vegetable that you do like to get?

REBECCA: I like the produce from local farmers’ markets, especially the watermelon and things I don’t grow much of on my own.

ME: Now that we've learned a bit about you, let’s switch gears and focus on your writing. What is your main genre (erotica, erotic romance, romantic suspense, etc.)? What was the draw for you?

REBECCA: I write contemporary Romantic Suspense, but a couple of my books are erotica, and I’m working on a dragon/fantasy right now. I like to read a wide variety of books and genres, s o I am branching out, but I started with Contemporary Romantic Suspense, Intrigue because I copied Morse Code in the military(USAF) for ten years...

ME: Besides your main genre we just discussed, what elements do you prefer to use in a story and why those elements over others?

REBECCA: Romance is great, and I’m a woman, although not a typical one, so I love heart- felt stories, but they also have to have a fast paced plot, hence the suspense.

ME: Do you prefer red roses or black roses? If so, does that show in your writing? If so, how? If roses aren’t your style, what flowers are? Do they influence your writing? If so, how?

REBECCA: Funny you should ask about roses;) I have three stories with roses, the last of which uses black roses as symbolism, since the fiancé of a murdered loved one places a black rose on the spot where the person died…L

AND: I have a tattoo on my left ankle with the colors of the four roses in my series of three books, trilogy, and my kids’ names in between the roses and vines.

ME: The jury’s still out on this question, so we’re still asking it! - Who decides what you write about, you or your muse? What kind of influence do you have over your story, or is the muse always the one planting the seeds? How do you cultivate those seeds regardless of who plants them?

REBECCA: I’m a control freak, so I’d like to think I have total control, but at times, when I’m in the actual story and writing away, I have to say it’s just the inner creativity flowing. I’m not a plotter really, so my muse has to be good!

ME: In your opinion, what author had the most influence on your writing? What about their writing did you find so influential and why?

REBECCA: I have to say Nora Roberts, although that seems unfair since she's not the only author out there, but I like her and she’s big, and I write suspense, and so does she…so… I like the fact she’s fast-paced and fun to read. That’s what I want to be. Fast-paced. Fun. Never boringJ

ME: While authors can definitely influence us, inspiration can be everywhere for a writer, but specific people, places and events can inspire certain characters, personality traits or things that happen in our stories. In your current story that we’re promoting here today, Guard My Body, did any one particular person, place or event inspire you? If so who/what was it (were they), how did it/they inspire you and how is this inspiration reflected in your story?

REBECCA: My first stories came from my real life settings and jobs, especially the ones involving Morse Code, which I copied in the USAF for ten years with a Top Secret SCI Clearance. So those stories came easily to me, as did the ones about stalkers, since one is about a lawyer, and I’m the Mock Trial Coach at my school, and the banker, since I do taxes, and the nurse, since I have a friend who lives, sleeps, eats, and breathes nursing, and we discuss it a lot. So lots of people and settings come from my personal life, friends, family and observation.

ME: Without giving away anything pertinent to the story, tell us about the hero and heroine (s) of your story. What do they look like? How do they meet (or “did” if this is a second book with these same characters)? What are their personalities – Are they comical cut-ups, are they serious or are they a mix of the two? Please give us a little bit of dialogue from the story that can illustrate this. (Not much, but just a few lines and from a different section than the main excerpt – Thanks!)

REBECCA: I’m going to work this from the angle of my latest release: Guard My Body. The heroine is a librarian, and the hero is a CIA covert operator, and she is asked to implant secret information in her mouth and transport it for her sister, the hero’s partner. They can’t leave where they are, so they need a courier, and the heroine volunteers. She has a bit of a wild side for a librarian, but that’s stereotyping. So is the fact she’s a redhead. He’s tall, dark, and handsome, and a biker dude… She gets shot, and the hero says with a scowl, “All the good ones are either married, taken or have holes in their heads.”

ME: The main characters are usually great, but sometimes, secondary and tertiary characters are known to steal the scenes. Who are the secondary/tertiary characters in your story and what do they look like? What’s unique about them? What is their relationship to the hero/heroine? Have any of these gone on to become scene-stealers? If so, who and how did they do it? (Again, please give us a small bit of dialogue to illustrate this – thanks!)

REBECCA: Since this a series of six books, and this is book number two of the trilogy, the secondary characters are very important. One is the sister of the heroine, and one is the partner of the hero. They’ve known each other a long time and used to be a team of covert operators in Colombia, South America, so the other stories are the follow ups of that. They all derserve happiliy ever afters, right?

ME: Intrigued yet? Let's check out the blurb and excerpt for Guard My Body:

BLURB: A hard core CIA covert ops expert like Nash Kincaid takes everything seriously, especially his mission to retrieve classified information from his contact, take it to the right people, and stop the deaths of thousands of children at the hands of home-grown terrorists.

A librarian with a wild side could throw a ringer into his plans, but Ayden Devlin takes most things seriously, too, even when she decides to live out the lives of the characters in the books she reads by helping her sister Leigh, a spy for the CIA. She lets Leigh insert classified information into her mouth where there’s a missing tooth, so she can safely transport the info to Nash.

Nash and Ayden meet in a biker bar, and a hit man tries to kill Ayden. Nash throws his body in the path of a bullet to save her. A bullet grazes Ayden’s head and knocks her out cold. When she comes to, she and her rescuer have to establish trust. They don’t know each other, and the mission has gone awry. It takes time to convince each other of their respective honesty and identity.

It takes no time at all for them to realize they’re hot for each other, and not much more time to realize it’s more than heat. Love blooms, stoked by building passion, the flames rising higher with each new dangerous encounter.

Will they survive to share their love and lives?

EXCERPT: His movements halted abruptly when he noticed her first name – at least he assumed it was her name – tattooed in a fancy scrawl above a chain link of green leaves – were those ivy leaves? – encircling her delicate, limp ankle. Ayden. He scowled, and hoped that was her name etched in permanent elegance above her shapely foot. He hoped the name wasn’t her boyfriend’s or husband’s – hadn’t he heard of guys named Ayden, too? – or girlfriend’s name, or some amazing coincidence. All the good ones are either gay, married, taken or have bullet wounds in their heads. The grim thought penetrated his fuzzy mind, but he refused to let the distraction settle in. He shook off his wandering thoughts and got down to the business of attending to her wound – her very ugly yet only-skin-deep, nasty-and-probably-painful yet not-really-dangerous wound. The blood no longer drained out of the narrow slit. It had already clotted. Thank God.

Please, don’t let her be out too long. Please, don’t let her lose her memory.

The woman gasped, and her eyelids fluttered. She opened her aqua eyes wide – wide enough that Nash thought they might pop right out of their lovely sockets: sockets set so perfectly in her heart-shaped, slightly-freckled face that Nash thought for a moment that the vision before him might not be real. He blinked. Of course she was real. Her real blood spotted his real T-shirt like rust-colored, copper-scented polka dots. Sounding almost hysterical, certainly alarmed, she squeaked, “Where am I?”

Nash’s heart sank to the bottom of the sea. Had she lost her memory? Then he realized that she wouldn’t recognize his place. Maybe he needed to ask her something she would know, to verify her memory remained in tact. Please, God. “My house. What’s your name?”

She blinked, narrowed her eyes, and glared at him as menacingly as her petite self could. “Not telling you.”

She crossed her arms over her more than ample breasts, stubbornly, with a pouty look that defied her exotic beauty. Nash doubted that a spunky, trim, well-endowed woman like her could truly be a librarian. A stripper maybe. But not a librarian.

“I need answers, and you damned well better cough them up. Right now.”

“Forget it.”

He stood, loomed over her, and scowled, as he had back at the bar, trying to look stern and hard-nosed. His hopes sank to a new level. It hadn’t worked then, and it didn’t look as if it would work now either. He couldn’t understand it. His withering look and harsh manner usually did the trick. He could look pretty mean and sound pretty gruff when he had to administer the intimidation factor to convince someone to submit to his rigid demands. Instead of quaking in her low-heeled shoes, the damned woman frowned more deeply, wrinkled up her cute, button nose and stuck out her already-protruding bottom lip even further. All that did was make him want to suck on said bottom lip, and every other damned body part of hers he could get his mouth, lips, teeth and tongue latched onto. Holy shit.

“Why the hell not? I told you my name back at the bar.”

“So what?” She lay prone on his bed, her delightfully shaggy head propped on his pillow, but she managed to look determined, even if she did look nervous, too. It made him cringe. He didn’t want to scare her, if she was his contact, one of the good guys. A damn goodie-two-shoes.

Wistful Wednesday

Why Do We Do It?

No matter who you are and no matter what you do in life, whether it's for fun or as an occupation, there comes a time when you have to wonder why you continue to do it. It's inevitable. It doesn't matter how confident we are in ourselves, we are a species that wrestles with self-worth at various stages in our lives. But still we press on.

Have you ever stopped to wonder why?

I know I have. In fact, it is the reason for this post today. To delve into that gray area of our lives where self-doubt and self-worth wrestle for dominance on a daily basis and try to figure out the eternal question of why. Why do we do it? If we always wonder if we are good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, rich enough, talented enough, why do we even bother to put ourselves out there? Why take the steps forward that will challenge our opinions, our talents, our feelings of self-worth?

Let's start with something simple. Dating. Everyone does it, no matter what their orientation is, and everyone faces the real possibility of being shot down by their intended target. Yet we do it. We put ourselves out there, whether it's at a bar or an online dating service, and for what purpose? Sure, ultimately it is to procreate and carry on the human species, but I think it is also because humans simply weren't meant to be alone. Sure we can thrive when we are alone and find ways to keep ourselves occupied and happy, but deep down, we need to be with someone. Whether it's a partner, a child, or a pet, we crave companionship. Someone to share our lives with. Someone to go home to. Someone to make life worth living. So we put ourselves out there and try to make some kind of connection with someone who is looking for the same thing as us.

But what about careers? What makes us not just choose our careers, but stick with them? Especially when the pay-offs aren't always measured in immediate success. Writers, for instance. We are a strange breed. We will work on something for years and years and if we really want to see it in print, we will shop it around until we do all the while holding down another job, taking care of a family, living life...you get the picture. And with the advent of the internet, we will put some of our precious work out there for others to read in hopes of establishing a fan base, we will approach others about writing posts for their blogs, we will create our own blogs and continue to come up with (hopefully brilliant) posts, all for free. Why? Why would we do that?

From my own personal standpoint I can tell you this: The passion. If you truly have the passion to do something, you do it. Period. You do it because you have the passion for it, not for any possible rewards it can bring you. You don't get into it because of the money, you get into it because of the passion, Because you can't imagine what your life would be like if you didn't do it. For me, writing is all consuming, whether I am working on book, planning a book, or writing a blog. Nearly every waking moment is dedicated to my writing, in one form or another. So it doesn't matter to me if a million people read what I write, or just a hundred. I write because I have the passion for it and anything else is just a bonus.

So what is your passion? And what keeps you interested in doing it, even if no one else knows that you do? What advice would you give to others who want to pursue their passion, but are afraid to take that first step forward?

Tantalizing Tuesday

Welcome Author

Kat Martin !!!
Today we welcome back author Kat Martin into the moonlight. In December, she came promoting Reese's Bride and I had a chance to review that one. Didn't catch it? Click here. She was also here promoting The Christmas Clock, so it's possible that you may have missed Reese's Bride. Did you miss my review of Reese's Bride? Want to check it out? Click here.

The only thing that could keep me from reading Rule's Bride from cover to cover was a Bucks playoff game, and that's what happened last night. While I did manage to read some of Rule's Bride last night, I wasn't able to read as much as I would have liked by now. It wasn't just any home game last night, it was game 4 in a 7 game series and the Milwaukee Bucks managed to win their two home games without their starting center Andrew Bogut (sponsor of Squad 6, which I am a member of, so I was jumping quite a bit last night as they played Seven Nation Army three times and Jump Around once). It was a huge game.

So what does that have to do with Kat Martin and Rule's Bride? Well, it is the reason I couldn't read as much as I wanted. The win was exciting and I was up for a bit partying. Hey, unfortunately I have to sleep in there somewhere, so I crashed big time and slept until almost noon today! Yikes! I'm still tired as a matter of fact, but not so tired that I couldn't read a bit more. I did manage to read some of the book during halftime and it sure wasn't disappointing me, that's for sure. I also felt that it deserved all of my attention, which I didn't have to devote to it last night, but I do today. So, I started reading when I woke up and while having "breakfast," when I remembered that I had to post my interview with Kat Martin today!

Before I get to the interview though, I wanted to delve into the book a bit. Rule is the third brother of the Dewar family, and the youngest. His brother Royal is a Duke and his brother Reese "retired" from his duties in the regiment to become a barley farmer, which Royal uses to make one of the most popular ales in London, Swansdowne Ale. Rule was the youngest and wildest, but also very kind and polite and on a mission his father asked of him before he died - cultivating an allaiance with an American company. That's how Rule came to work for Griffin Manufacturing and how he came to be in his present situation.

As Griffin made it known that he was dying, he made it clear to Rule that his last wishes were for Rule to become his daughter's husband but not consummate the marriage until she was older. Of course the marriage would work for several reasons. Not only would it protect his company from interlopers after he died, but it protected his daughter too, only she didn't quite see it that way, but relented because it was his dying wish. They were married, but our story doesn't begin there because, until she becomes of age, Rule is to manage the London branch of Griffin Manufacturing while she stays in Boston. It is apparent that neither is ready for marriage as it takes quite some time before they meet again.

You'd think the story begins after Violet's father dies, but it doesn't. She stays and learns to take over the American side of the business and falls for a man in the business, Jeffrey. She knows she cannot marry Jeffrey and sets off to London to free herself of a husband she thinks doesn't want her. After all, three years had past and Rule had yet to return to Boston.

She doesn't send word that she is on her way, she just shows up on his doorstep late one night. Surprise is a mild term for his reaction, especially when he discovers her reason for coming to London. As Rule recently decided that it was time he fulfilled his duties to Griffin, Violet decides she wants to end their farce of a marriage. He convinces her to stay 30 days to get to know him and if at the end of that time, things do not work out for them, he'll grant her the annulment she seeks.

He won't let it get that far. She's his wife and he wants it that way. She wants to wed another man, even though she still feels an attraction to Rule. Both are stubborn and usually get their way. Who will cave this time? Will Violet get what she wants? Will she still want it if Rule gives it to her? What part will Jeffrey play in all of this? Will he come to London and create a scandal?

I'm not telling! You have to read the book to find out! Stick around because after the interview, you get a sneak peek into Rule's Bride!

ME: With tax day being April 15th, we've asked all of our authors 15 questions. Speaking of taxes, Kat, are your taxes finished, or do you procrastinate with them? Do you do them yourself or do you have a taxman do them for you?

KAT: My taxes are finished--I’m a pretty timely person. My personal assistant and my tax man do them. They are pretty complicated these days.

ME: As it says, “April showers bring May flowers”. What flowers do you hope to see the first thing in spring?

KAT: We get daffodils first. They should be coming up pretty soon. In the meantime, my favorite flowers are the orchids in my husband’s office. They are gorgeous!

ME: Do you plant your own garden? Why or why not and where is it located?

KAT: My husband plants a very big garden. We get fresh veggies all summer. We have 25 acres here so there is plenty of room.

ME: Do you prefer plants or seeds? Does it matter where you get them, or do you have a favorite place to go? What’s the name of the place and why do you prefer to go there?

KAT: I have a nice green thumb for indoor plants, but wouldn’t know the first thing about planting a seed or a plant.

ME: What will you plant (or have already planted) this year and why?

KAT: Lots of stuff growing in the hothouse. Too early and cold yet to plant out in the garden.

ME: Do you have any plants that are must haves for your garden, ones that it just won’t be complete without?

KAT: I love zucchini. We always have those. This year we are trying for blueberries.

ME: Have you ever considered getting involved with a local community garden? Why or why not?

KAT: I think it’s a good idea but I’m too busy. Have to leave it to my hubby.

ME: For your produce, is the local grocery store just fine, or do you like to hit your local farmer’s market? What is your favorite fruit or vegetable that you do like to get?

KAT: We do hit the local farmers market until our own garden is up and growing.

ME: Now that we've learned a bit more about you, let’s get to your writing. What is your main genre (erotica, erotic romance, romantic suspense, etc.)? What was the draw for you?

KAT: I write Historical Romance and also Romantic Suspense. I like the change between the time-frames, which helps to keep my writing fresh. I have an historical just out (Rule’s Bride) and a romantic suspense trilogy coming out in January, February, March of next year. [Ooooh! I can't wait! Love romantic suspense!]

ME: Besides your main genre we just discussed, what elements do you prefer to use in a story and why those elements over others?

KAT: I believe in a strong plot. It keeps the reader’s interest, keeps them turning the pages. I like a strong driving line, which moves the plot forward.

ME: Do you prefer red roses or black roses? If so, does that show in your writing? If so, how? If roses aren’t your style, what flowers are? Do they influence your writing? If so, how?

KAT: I love roses. Definitely Red. I’m a true romantic, which shows in every book I’ve ever written (about 50).

ME: The jury’s still out on this question, so we’re still asking it! - Who decides what you write about, you or your muse? What kind of influence do you have over your story, or is the muse always the one planting the seeds? How do you cultivate those seeds regardless of who plants them?

KAT: My muse is always planting seeds. I used to be four or five stories/books ahead in my mind. I am down to one or two besides the one I am writing at the time. I think my muse and I collaborate to wind up with what is hopefully and intriguing story.

ME: In your opinion, what author had the most influence on your writing? What about their writing did you find so influential and why?

KAT: A couple of writers had a vary large influence on my work. For Romance, Kathleen E. Woodiwess. She was the very best at writing heart-wrenching romance. Wilbur Smith was spellbinding as a suspense writer and he always threw in a good amount of romance.

ME: While authors can definitely influence us, inspiration can be everywhere for a writer, but specific people, places and events can inspire certain characters, personality traits or things that happen in our stories. In your current story that we’re promoting here today, Rule’s Bride, did any one particular person, place or event inspire you? If so who/what was it (were they), how did it/they inspire you and how is this inspiration reflected in your story?

KAT: I think London itself is always inspirational for Victorian settings. Rule and Violet’s story is set in the 1860’s, a fascinating time. The city itself is exciting, , the history, the lords and ladies. Story ideas seem to spring up out of the sidewalks. The city of London is like a separate character in the story.

ME: Without giving away anything pertinent to the story, tell us about the hero and heroine (s) of your story. What do they look like? How do they meet? What are their personalities – Are they comical cut-ups, are they serious or are they a mix of the two?

KAT: The hero, Rule Dewar is the youngest son of a duke. He is gorgeous, somewhat spoiled and demanding, and used to getting his way. He is a rogue where women are concerned. He has never met a woman his equal until Violet Griffin comes along. She is headstrong and courageous, smart, and not the least bit willing to put up with Rule’s dictates. It’s a fun clash of wills between a pair that is extremely well matched.

ME: The main characters are usually great, but sometimes, secondary and tertiary characters are known to steal the scenes. Who are the secondary/tertiary characters in your story and what do they look like? What’s unique about them? What is their relationship to the hero/heroine? Have any of these gone on to become scene-stealers? If so, who and how did they do it?

KAT: I loved the secondary characters in Rule’s Bride, Caroline Lockhart and Lucas Barclay. They are the best friends of the hero and heroine and I grew to like them so much their small parts in the book began to grow. Both were extremely strong willed and determined. Both had no desire for marriage and yet they couldn’t resist each other. As the main story grew, so did their relationship and it was wonderful to watch (watch? Goes to show you how the characters can just take off on their own).

Excited yet? Well, there's more! Let's take a look between the covers of Rule's Bride:

BLURB: Unrepentant rake, Rule Dewar, is living the good life in London when a surprising event occurs. The American wife he wed in a marriage of commerce shows up at his town house door. And she isn’t there to consummate the marriage, as Rule is hoping now that he has seen the beauty she has become. Violet is there for an annulment!

EXCERPT: The hour was late when Rule arrived home from his gentleman’s club. To his surprise, his silver-haired butler waited in the entry to greet him, his eyes red from lack of sleep.

“What is it, Hatfield? I told you not to wait up.”

The butler straightened, looking more like his old self again. “You’ve a guest, my lord. Two of them, actually.”

Rule frowned. “A guest? I’m not expecting anyone. Who is it?”

“Your wife, sir.”

Silence fell. “My...my wife is here?” He hadn’t seen her since the day of his arranged marriage three years ago.

Hat nodded, moving strands of the silver hair hanging over his wrinkled forehead. “Yes, my lord. Her ladyship arrived from America late this afternoon with her cousin, a Miss Caroline Lockhart.”

“I see.” Of course he didn’t see at all and all he could think was bloody hell, what am I going to do now?

“Your wife, sir...she’s waiting for you.”

“Violet is...my wife is waiting for me? She is up at this hour?”

“Yes, sir, in the drawing room.”

His mind was spinning, trying to sort things out. Violet was in London. He was supposed to have retrieved her years ago. Instead, she had been forced to cross the Atlantic on her own. He started walking toward the drawing room, wide awake now, no longer feeling the least effects of the alcohol he had consumed.

As he strode into the room, she sat bolt upright, her eyes bright and blinking, glanced round as if to recall where she was, straightened and shoved to her feet. She was smaller than he remembered was his first impression, petite but shapely. In truth, she was different in every way from the gangly sixteen year old he had married for financial reasons.

Except for her glorious copper hair, the likes of which he had never seen.

He groped for something to say. “Violet. I cannot believe you are here.”

She gave him a chilling smile. “It took a while to reach London. But as you can see, I am here.”

He couldn’t seem to make himself move. “So you are.”

He did move then, closing the distance between them, reaching out to take both of her hands. She wore no gloves, he noticed, and realized that aside from his chase bridal kiss on her cheek, he had never actually touched her without the barrier of some sort of clothing.

“Welcome to London,” he said. “If I had known you were coming, I would have prepared a more proper greeting.”

Violet withdrew her hands from his and looked him over head to foot. For the first time, it occurred to him that his cravat was undone and dangling round his neck. His collar was missing, his shirt unbuttoned and his hair slightly mussed.

Violet, on the other hand, looked...well...

Violet Griffin Dewar was beautiful.

“It must have been quite an evening,” she said, those leaf green eyes he remembered taking in his dishevel.

He flushed like a schoolboy. “Not really. I stopped by to see friends and wound up playing cards at my club.”

“You were gambling? I didn’t realize you were a gambler.”

His embarrassment faded, replaced by a hint of irritation. She had been so malleable before. “I rarely gamble. I was simply passing time.”

“Yes, well, you certainly managed to do that.” She glanced up at the clock, the hands pointing to the lateness of the hour, condemning him.

“I am certain you are tired,” she continued. “I shall leave you to find your bed. I just wanted you to know I was here and to say that there is an important matter I wish to discuss with you in the morning.”

“Yes, of course.” His gaze ran over her. In the yellow glow of the lamp, he saw that in the last three years her features had softened, the sharp angles smoothed into feminine lines and curves. Her cheeks were as pale as cream and heightened by a touch of rose. A full bosom swelled above her tiny waist. Her neck was slender and as graceful as her hands.

A shot of desire slid through him. He had dreaded the day he would be forced to make his marriage real, had put off his duties for as long as he dared.

Now as he looked at Violet’s full pink lips, glimpsed the tops of her creamy breasts, he imagined what it would be like to make this petite woman his wife in truth, and began to see marriage in a whole different light.

“I’ll have Hat rouse one of the chambermaids and send her in to help you undress,” he said, the image making his skin feel hot.

Reality set in. God’s blood, his wife had come to London! He would have to tell his family, try to explain why he had kept his marriage a secret. Rule thought of facing his two brothers and their wives--worse yet, his aunt Agatha, the matriarch of the family--and inwardly he groaned.

On the other hand, as he watched Violet collect her silk skirts and sweep gracefully from the drawing room, it occurred to him that having a woman like that in his bed might just outweigh the many disadvantages of being married.

Sound good? Like historicals but want to check out her romantic suspense novels too? Then check out her website: www.katbooks.com

Mystic Monday

I'm still not certain what to post about.  My mind is sort of distracted by tonight's playoff game...

SUPERNATURAL SUNDAY

Please welcome author Nancy Wythe into the moonlight this Supernatural Sunday. Nancy’s newest release is Nostos the Homecoming. To learn more, keep reading!

~~~~~

GRACEN: Speaking of taxes, are you’re taxes finished, or do you procrastinate with them? Do you do them yourself or do you have a taxman do them for you?

NANCY: Hi, and thanks for having me! Taxes? I am the best procrastinator in the world, so I’ve got a kind tax-person who takes care of all that for me.

GRACEN: As it says, “April showers bring May flowers”. What flowers do you hope to see the first thing in spring?

NANCY: My husband’s the one with the green thumb, and he’s already planted fuchsias, irises, freesias and a wonderful citrus plant called citronella that has aromatic leaves. I always put a few leaves in my purse. Good as a breath freshener, too!


GRACEN: Do you plant your own garden? Why or why not and where is it (are they) located? What type(s) will it (they) be and where is it (are they) located on your property?

NANCY: We have jasmines and roses under our bedroom window, mint, parsley and basil outside the kitchen door, along with agapanthus and pithosphorous that blossoms in April and smells like orange and lemon blossoms.


GRACEN: Do you prefer plants or seeds? Does it matter where you get them, or do you have a favorite place to go? What’s the name of the place and why do you prefer there over other places?

NANCY: I like results pretty quick, so I prefer plants that are already beautiful and colorful. I brought back some red hot pokers from Marks and Spencer’s in Ireland for my husband who loooves perennials.


GRACEN: What will you plant (or have already planted) this year and why?

NANCY: He’s got Lily of the Valley and geraniums scattered all over the place plus delphiniums ready to go.


GRACEN: Do you have any plants that are must haves for your garden, ones that it just won’t be complete without?

NANCY: Absolutely. Jasmine flowers- my favorite!


GRACEN: Now, let’s get to your writing, Nancy…What is your main genre (erotica, erotic romance, romantic suspense, etc.)? What was the draw for you?

NANCY: My fave genre is romantic suspense. I love to read and wonder how those two are ever going to get together in the end!


GRACEN: Besides your main genre we just discussed, what elements do you prefer to use in a story and why those elements over others?

NANCY: I think suspense and uncertainty are the essence of romance. Think how boring a book would be if there were never any problems! If it were always ‘yes, dear’ and ‘no, dear’!


GRACEN: Do you prefer red roses or black roses? If so, does that show in your writing? If so, how? If roses aren’t your style, what flowers are? Do they influence your writing? If so, how?

NANCY: Only Sicilian plants influence my style because most of my stories are set on this magnificent island where I live and I can always smell the different fragrances that are omnipresent in my stories. Each fragrance or flower corresponds to a different mood or moment.


GRACEN: The jury’s still out on this question, so we’re still asking it! - Who decides what you write about, you or your muse? What kind of influence do you have over your story, or is the muse always the one planting the seeds? How do you cultivate those seeds regardless of who plants them?

NANCY: My hero/ine dictates the story- They boss me around and tell me what’s happening. I have absolutely no control over what they’re going to do. But I get the last laugh- do they live…or die?


GRACEN: In your opinion, what author had the most influence on your writing? What about their writing did you find so influential and why?

NANCY: I like lots of authors, like Sidney Sheldon, but having a Uni degree in English Literature, I also love the oldies like J.M Synge and his Riders to the Sea, a magnificent play. I love T.S Eliot, David Lodge (not so old!) and James Joyce who’s an absolute genius!


GRACEN: While authors can definitely influence us, inspiration can be everywhere for a writer, but specific people, places and events can inspire certain characters, personality traits or things that happen in our stories. In your current story that we’re promoting here today, NOSTOS- THE HOMECOMING, did any one particular person, place or event inspire you? If so who/what was it (were they), how did it/they inspire you and how is this inspiration reflected in your story?

NANCY: My husband inspired me for the British hero. I made him just a touch more arrogant and bingo- the irresistible hero! Also, in Nostos, I loved the heroine’s sense of disdain for Aidan, but I also enjoyed seeing her fight against her attraction to him. She has strong moral principles and succumbing to her passion and the ‘other’ woman inside her took a lot of courage.


GRACEN: Without giving away anything pertinent to the story, tell us about the hero and heroine (s) of your story. What do they look like? How do they meet (or “did” if this is a second book with these same characters)? What are their personalities – Are they comical cut-ups, are they serious or are they a mix of the two? Please give us a little bit of dialogue from the story that can illustrate this. (Not much, but just a few lines and from a different section than the main excerpt – Thanks!)

NANCY: Sure, I’d love to! Aidan Hartland is a noble Englishman who collects art. He is dashing, tall, handsome and unbearably arrogant. He knows she is destined to be his, and finds her resistance amusing and endearing. Any woman would love to be mocked by him, I think!
My heroine is an FBI agent with the task of unmasking him for his violent murders. Everything inside her tells her to cuff him up and take him in, but the other woman inside her tells her to let go and give in to her instincts which she has always repressed.


GRACEN: The main characters are usually great, but sometimes, secondary and tertiary characters are known to steal the scenes. Who are the secondary/tertiary characters in your story and what do they look like? What’s unique about them? What is their relationship to the hero/heroine? Have any of these gone on to become scene-stealers? If so, who and how did they do it? (Again, please give us a small bit of dialogue to illustrate this – thanks!)

NANCY: The other characters are secondary but I have purposely kept them that way to surprise my readers in my sequel to Nostos. I’m taking notes and waking up in the middle of the night so I can jot down snatches of conversation, expressions, etc. I can’t wait!


GRACEN: Please send us pictures whenever possible of the favorite flowers you’ve planted, favorite fruits/vegetables you’ve grown, or maybe even a pic of your local farmer’s market as well as an image of yourself and your current release (or a couple if it’s part of a series and they are out and about to be had right now). Thanks!

NANCY: Thank You for having me! Here is a picture of myself and my covers so far. I’d love to hear from you! Please write me at nancybaronewythe@yahoo.com !
Happy reading!
Nancy

BLURB:

For over a thousand years, LORD AIDAN HARTLAND OF WESTLAKE and his lover have in turn been eating each other’s hearts in order to regenerate. Now he’s back with his new identity- and the perpetual mission of protecting his woman and mankind from the demon Zendor that has no mate and eats human hearts at random to survive.

FBI agent ROBYN WAINRIGHT, assigned to investigate the strange deaths, is still unaware of her past, and determined to nail Westlake, with his mad tales of demons, paranormal powers and his eternal love for her. But the erotic visions she keeps having are driving her insane…

EXCERPT:

CHAPTER ONE

Present Day. Westlake Manor, Somerset, England.

Special Agent Robyn Wainright ducked under the ticker tape and knelt to the ground to examine the spot where a female corpse had laid stomach down the morning before. Her chest had been ripped open and her heart removed, presumably consumed on the spot just like the Delaware case. A pool of blood had seeped into the well-kept, ancient grounds. Her fingers caught at a small shard of bone staked into the soil.

Scotland Yard Detective Sergeant Stephen Archer stood over her, stomping his feet trying to calm the cold. It was a damp, grey early December morning and the sun had seemed to give up its ascent, hanging mid-sky in a pale semblance of its better days.

“Christ, what an animal,” she muttered under her breath.

“Oh, it was no animal, Agent Wainright. Those teeth marks are human.”

Another similarity. A copycat? She looked up and saw her colleague’s pale face as he stared at her. He quickly averted his eyes.

“You alright, Archer?”

“No, Madam, I knew Sarah Jennings,” he answered, stealing another indecipherable glance at her. “She was Lord Westlake’s companion.”

“The owner of this place, right?”

“Yes. He found the body.”

She leafed through the report. “How come there’s no picture of the victim?”

He studied his frozen feet. “Oh, isn’t there?”

She stood up to sniff the air. She could smell more rain coming. At the top of the hill, wrapped in a blanket of white fog, stood Westlake Manor, a dark, turreted three-storey stone building. In the north behind the building, an ancient forest so deep into the valley she could only distinguish the treetops waving from above the towers. To the east was a cluster of lakes. It was all magnificent, but the place gave her the creeps. She always boasted of having nerves of steel, at least until Richard had left her.

She lifted the collar of her anorak against the cold and turned her head to the faint sound of dogs barking in the distance. Robyn involuntarily stiffened; she was more of a cat person.

“Where is Mr. Hartland-Westlake now?” Robyn asked Archer.

“Lord Westlake,” he corrected, nodding towards the horizon.

As they watched, four enormous Great Danes leapt over the hill followed by their master. Tall and erect, he held their leashes with each hand as if driving a chariot. The man looked majestic, his black wavy hair whipping against his forehead, his powerful arms easily keeping the animals at bay as they plodded downhill in their direction.

“He comes from a very old family and very old money, but he made his personal fortune as an antique art critic. He’s a bit odd, though.” Archer whispered.

“Oh?”

“He wasn’t perturbed in the least when he reported her death. They say he has,” he paused, “paranormal powers.”

“I don’t believe in that kind of crap,” she huffed, and then groaned. “What kind?”

“He’s said to be able to read people’s minds.”

Yeah, right! She didn’t believe it one bit.

“…nor was he much help when we questioned him. Some think he did it.”

“If you have evidence why don’t you arrest him?” Robyn asked.

“That’s the thing, without a shred of proof no one dares accuse him. He’s extremely influential, with friends in Parliament and all. But he’s known to roam the countryside at night with his Great Danes. God knows what for.”

Lord Westlake stopped before them, staring at her with puzzled slate grey eyes.

She stared back. Was it the FBI’s presence he didn’t appreciate? Or was he expecting a male agent? Either way it was his problem.

She stared him down, or tried to. An uneasy feeling of familiarity set in on her, so disturbingly strong she was positive she had met him before. But where?

After a moment, a grin split his overwhelmingly handsome and arrogant face.

Great, she thought grimly. Just what I need, another jerk. Look at him; he’s got an ego the size of a cathedral.

“I heard that,” he said without taking his eyes off her and she blinked, thinking for a moment that he was referring to her thoughts. His British accent was crisp and although he pronounced each word clearly, to Robyn it seemed like a different language.

Archer stared back and forth between them, obviously ill at ease, and she knew he hadn’t told her everything.

“Perhaps you should be a bit brighter as to understand that even whispers carry in the breeze. No wonder you people haven’t caught it yet.”

She raised her eyebrows at him, unsure whether his tone was directed to her. Robyn was about to give him a piece of her mind when Archer stiffened. “My apologies, Lord Westlake. This is Special Agent Robyn Wainright from The United States.”

Their eyes met again and she stood her ground under his scrutiny although he made her extremely uncomfortable. He was arrogant and breathtakingly masculine, with dark olive skin. His eyes were magnetic, glimmering. She could see a hint of a five o’clock shadow. Damn, she hated gorgeous men! And this one took the cake. His deep, gravelly voice sent a tingling sensation zapping down her spine. Too bad he was a suspect. She pulled her anorak closer and stared back. He regarded her with an arrogant knowing smile, as if they had just put their clothes back on.

Ah, she was still so beautiful. The past millennium had not marred her youth. Her luxuriant red mane was pulled back into a ponytail, and dark trousers did not hide the hips he knew so well. Her fiery emerald eyes were assessing him in turn through the long lashes he had so often kissed. And now she was hurting for another man who had left her because she couldn’t have children. Mortals knew nothing about true everlasting love. But he would bring her back to him, even if it took him another thousand years.

Buy Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13198

COMING SOON, MY SICILIAN LOVERS SERIES!

Starlight Saturday

Coming Soon! 

PHANTASM FRIDAY

Wow! It's Friday already, huh? I wish I had something witty prepared for today, but I don't. My life has been turned upside down this week. My father-in-law is terribly sick and they can't figure out what's wrong with him. And if that wasn't enough, my little brother--very little, he turns 18 next month--overdosed and nearly died. He's fine now, out of ICU and they placed him in a Rehab Clinic today. My 8 and 12 year old boys were stunned that the young man they look up to and adore would do something so foolish. That's two of their heroes to disappoint them this year.

I did receive an awesome review of my book, Elfin Blood, this week. Thanks to the reviewer, Violet Harper, for the awesome review and the comment, "I strongly advise readers to carve out several uninterrupted hours before sitting down with Elfin Blood because this story is impossible to put down." For the full review, click on the book title above or here.

So, I'm sorry for having nothing today. But if you want to read something fun and thought-provoking, visit yesterday's blog with Angela Nichelle and the 5 Things you Shouldn't Say to a Romance Writer. That is worth reading!

Now, I really need to figure out a witty topic, write it up and send it off for an upcoming guest blog next week! Nearly impossible since I'm brain-dead!! Grr...

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

~huggles~
Signed,
Emotionally drained and physically exhausted.

TWILIGHT THURSDAY

5 Things You Shouldn't Say to a Romance Writer

5. "Why don't you write something with more substance like..."

Have you ever been asked this as a romance writer? Well, I have and although I know this family member loves me dearly, they clearly don't understand how wild that question is. As a writer, you fall into the genres that inspire and move you to tell stories. It's that simple.


4. "You must have an amazing sex life!"


It's quite good, thank you, but jeez! Writing romance doesn't mean you're some kind of nympho-manic... well, not usually.


3. "I know those sex scenes are based off your own experiences!"


Maybe . . . maybe not. Romance writing is all about the fantasy encounter, lover, scenario, etc! Most of us aren't writing play by play scenes in our bedrooms because let's face it- real-life sex isn't perfect and magical every single time. Ok, I know there are exceptions to everything. If you're experiencing perfect magical sex every single time with your partner, please email me!


2. "Don't put me in one of your books."


*g* This one usually gets the wheels turning in my head immediately. Ah, yes, I know just what story to pen about you! (You know who you are!) Seriously, I'm just kidding.


1. "Oh, you write those books."


Yes, I do. The one's with the hawt covers of half-naked men and half-dressed females. Romance novels have been around for a long time and even though the market may shift with social trends there will always be readers and writers like me!


~ Angela Nichelle




Never Before Seen Excerpt from Cupid's Arrow:

"There's something I have to tell you, Safina." Kal's eyes seemed to glitter like black diamonds in the darkened room.

Waving her hands, Safina shook her head. "No, no . . . I don't wanna know."

Kallias slowly took off his suit jacket. "It's not what you think."

"I don't know what to think." Her fingers were freezing. "What are you doing?" Safina asked as Kallias began unbuttoning his shirt. Momentarily distracted by smooth chocolate abs, she gasped in complete shock when incredibly huge ivory wings unfurled from behind Kallias's back. The glossy wings stretched to the ceiling, flexing as long as the small room behind him. Goosebumps covered Safina's arms as she stared at Kal. He was easily the most magnificent thing she had ever seen . . . and the scariest.

"I won't hurt you," Kallias said, remaining still.

She sensed he wouldn't hurt her even if she didn't understand anything else. "This is crazy! What are you?" She couldn't take her eyes off him. Her mind was racing with a million different thoughts. He was beautiful and he wasn't human.

"I'm an erote." Kallias took one step toward her, holding up his hands when Safina pressed farther away.

"What does that mean?" Safina asked, transfixed by the striking contrast of the ivory feathers against his mahogany skin. She rested her bottom on the tiny windowsill as Kallias studied her.

"Come with me and I'll explain everything." He took another step toward her and offered his hand.

Safina hesitated. She wanted to reach for him . . . wanted to feel the energy between them that made everything seem okay.

Cupid's Arrow is available with Noble Romance Publishing! Purchase your copy here: https://www.nobleromance.com/BrowseListing.aspx?author=69


Learn more about Angela Nichelle at her website: http://www.angelanichelle.com/ or blog: http://www.angelanichelle.blogspot.com/!

Wistful Wednesday

What Keeps You Going

As I was sitting here this morning, wondering what to write, this phrase popped into my head. It's a rather simple phrase, just four words long, but it can have more than one meaning. It can be a statement of fact, a list of what actually keeps you going. Or it can be an inquiry. What keeps you going? It's all in the context.

Why did this particular phrase pop into my head? Well, it might be due to the fact that I've been through a lot of stress-inducing incidents lately and I've been wondering this myself. What keeps me going? And when an author starts to wonder about something...chances are, it might end up in a blog post.

So what keeps me going? I think, ultimately, it is my children. I persevere because of them. I live for them. I know I must set a good example for them so that they will learn that, no matter what life throws at them, they will get through it and they will be stronger for it. And somewhere in the back of my mind is the little voice that says, "This would be a good idea for a book." After all, I am a writer!

And then there are things like this:

This made me cry because he is an absolutely beautiful person and the song just fits him so well.

Well, that's something that keeps me going. What about you?

Tantalizing Tuesday

T.L. Mitchell

To say this past week has been a "blur" is an understatement. Besides having gone by faster than I even noticed, with my new glasses falling apart and my using my older pairs, even more blurry than that. I used my previous pair which was 3 steps weaker than my new pair, and the transition back has been full of headaches, so I haven't done much reading. Then on Monday, yesterday, I remembered something that the doctor said about one of the other older pairs of glasses I still had sitting around. It was 2 steps stronger than my previous pair, which would make it only 1 step weaker than my new pair, so I put them on. After most of the day, I noticed a reduction in headaches and was finally able to read again - yay! That's kind of what I was doing today. I picked up Dark of kNight by T.L. Mitchell, our guest for today and found myself very absorbed in the story.

While it isn't dialogue driven as is the newest trend in books, it is in a first-person pov and, while I'm not sure I have a clear picture of what the main character looks like yet, I happen to be in her head and pretty-well able to see what she sees. If it isn't picture perfect I can write it off to the notion that maybe she isn't all that observant when it comes to her own surroundings, as not everyone is observant all the time, especially in times of crisis, like what Julie (the main character) finds herself having to deal with when the book begins.

Her father has died and it is a family friend, and his long-time business partner, that tells her. To say he is controlling is an understatement, but he has a soft-spot for his daughter, Casey, and that much is evident.

I really like how this story pulls you along through the main character and really lets you see what she feels as she feels it. If the rest of the book is this way, it should be a fascinatingly good read!

Let's get to the reason you're here, the interview! In honor of April 15th being tax day, we’re asking 15 questions this month.

ME: Speaking of taxes, are you’re taxes finished, or do you procrastinate with them? Do you do them yourself or do you have a taxman do them for you?

TRACEY: My taxes are finished for the year. I do always try to file them on time after I have received all my information. I have always completed my tax returns myself.

ME: As it says, “April showers bring May flowers”. What flowers do you hope to see the first thing in spring?

TRACEY: The flowers I love to see in the spring are Daffodils and Tulips. Growing up, we always had a spring garden filled with a variety of colors of these flowers.

ME: Do you plant your own garden? Why or why not and where is it (are they) located?

TRACEY: Yes, I do plant my own garden. I love gardens and enjoy the work. In the past I have usually planted several small gardens around the house.

ME: Do you prefer plants or seeds? Does it matter where you get them, or do you have a favorite place to go? What’s the name of the place and why do you prefer to go there?

TRACEY: I prefer plants. Seeds take a little too much time and I have never had much success with them. It really doesn’t matter where I buy the plants, it just depends on what I’m looking for at the particular time. Specialty colored roses I usually order from Jackson & Perkins. I look for specific colors and like hybrid roses.

ME: What will you plant (or have already planted) this year and why?

TRACEY: Since I have just moved, I don’t think I will be planting a flower garden this year. Maybe after I am more settled I will start planting.

ME: Do you have any plants that are must haves for your garden, ones that it just won’t be complete without?

TRACEY: For me, the musts are roses, bearded iris, daffodils, bleeding hearts and lilacs.

ME: For your produce, is the local grocery store just fine, or do you like to hit your local farmer’s market? What is your favorite fruit or vegetable that you do like to get?

TRACEY: I seriously have a problem with the local produce at the grocery store. I prefer to buy my produce at a local farmers market or grow it myself. My ideal choice of shopping when I lived in Florida was an Organic Grocery store called Evermann’s. My favorite fruit varies. It depends on what I have a taste for that week. I love pineapple, bananas, mangos and papaya. For vegetables, summer squash is my favorite.

ME: Now that we've learned a bit about you, let's learn a bit about your writing. What is your main genre (erotica, erotic romance, romantic suspense, etc.)? What was the draw for you?

TRACEY: My main genre is paranormal romance.

ME: Besides your main genre we just discussed, what elements do you prefer to use in a story and why those elements over others?

TRACEY: The elements I use in my story are mystery and suspense. Personally, I love to read a story with both. I figure if I can write a story that will keep me interested, I know it will keep the readers interested.

ME: Do you prefer red roses or black roses? If so, does that show in your writing? If so, how? If roses aren’t your style, what flowers are? Do they influence your writing? If so, how?

TRACEY: I prefer red roses. I would say it does show in my writing. Red roses represent love. Actually, in my novel Dark of kNight I mention roses. The rose I speak of is a white rose. It’s name is called peace. In the prologue and a dream scene the heroine, Julie Knight dreams of a rose garden. Her life has changed so drastically …not to give any spoilers out, but she looks for peace. In the dream, she sees this white rose, its scent is so delicate and she recognizes it as Peace. The last statement she makes, “I reached my hand through the fog to collect my prize; my peace.” It is a very strong statement for a young woman who has gone through so much in her life in such a short time.

ME: The jury’s still out on this question, so we’re still asking it! - Who decides what you write about, you or your muse? What kind of influence do you have over your story, or is the muse always the one planting the seeds? How do you cultivate those seeds regardless of who plants them?

TRACEY: I find myself very fortunate to have a publisher who allows me to write the stories I enjoy. My publisher, Wild Horse Press, and I stay in close contact with one another when I’m working on a new project or idea. Sometimes, if a story hits me - I just write it. Prime example, The NightMan. The NightMan was story that burned to be told.

Personally I have heard complaints from readers who are reading cookie-cutter books. The characters of these books maybe different but the story is still the same. Readers want variety and something new and fresh. As a writer, I believe you lose your creative flare when you are told what to write. To make an impression on readers I believe you have to set your heart free as a writer. The vision you create for your readers is important. They want to feel apart of the characters, feel emotion and see a vivid picture of events. I don’t think I could ever write for a publisher who dictated “what” I needed to write. If that were ever the case…I would open my own publishing company. J

ME: In your opinion, what author had the most influence on your writing? What about their writing did you find so influential and why?

TRACEY: OMG, I’m caught between two authors. When I first started writing many years ago, it was Stephen King. I read so many of his books and developed his flare for horror and suspense. Quite a few years ago I was introduced to Karen Marie Moning and her books. Moning’s writing was exactly what I loved. She carried the mystery, suspense and humor in her stories. Along with a wonderful romantic tale.

ME: While authors can definitely influence us, inspiration can be everywhere for a writer, but specific people, places and events can inspire certain characters, personality traits or things that happen in our stories. In your current story that we’re promoting here today, Dark of kNight, did any one particular person, place or event inspire you? If so who/what was it (were they), how did it/they inspire you and how is this inspiration reflected in your story?

TRACEY: The story of Dark of kNight began as a series of dreams, actually nightmares. The dreams were so vivid and clear, some mornings I would wake up with my heart pounding in my chest. I couldn’t understand why I was having these series of dreams. After about the third dream I started writing them down. Before long, I realized this may make a good book. After writing the first draft a friend of mine read over the story and loved it. She encouraged me to keep writing and finish it into a full length novel. Which after the final draft, I ended up with Dark of kNight. The story was truly based on a series of haunting dreams.

ME: Without giving away anything pertinent to the story, tell us about the hero and heroine (s) of your story. What do they look like? How do they meet (or “did” if this is a second book with these same characters)? What are their personalities – Are they comical cut-ups, are they serious or are they a mix of the two? Please give us a little bit of dialogue from the story that can illustrate this. (Not much, but just a few lines and from a different section than the main excerpt – Thanks!)

TRACEY: The heroine and hero of Dark of kNight is Julie Knight and Daniel Maxwell. Julie is tall, slender built( a little on the athletic side), long dark brown hair and light brown eyes. She has olive/tan skin (which is answered in Fall of kNight). Daniel Maxwell, handsome, tall (6’4”), well built- not overly but very smooth, his hazel green eyes complements his black hair. Which he does have somewhat of a dark appearance.

Daniel and Julie have always known one another. Their families were close- even when they were children. Daniel has always loved Julie from the first kiss. He has never wanted anyone else other than Julie. The two went their separate ways - only to be reunited by the death of her father. Years had passed between the two of them, but the love Daniel had for Julie remained. This time he wasn’t going to fail.

OH comical cut ups? Of course! This is one thing I love about writing. There are quite a few between Julie and Daniel. But my favorite is with their friends Jason and Heather. Now, if you could picture a group of wolf shape shifters, young and out for a good time at a very nice restaurant, you would have something like this:

“Several stories crossed the table of Daniel and Jason’s fishing expositions. One of which was the story of the big one getting away. Not to mention how drunk they were one night when they thought they saw the Loch Ness Monster. Daniel said it was the moon moving on the waves of the lake. Jason swore it was Nessie which had tipped the boat and caused him to fall into the lake. We all laughed as Daniel reminded his dear friend he had never seen such a brave heart as his friend pulled his trousers down to moon the so-called monster when he fell backwards over the boat.”

ME: The main characters are usually great, but sometimes, secondary and tertiary characters are known to steal the scenes. Who are the secondary/tertiary characters in your story and what do they look like? What’s unique about them? What is their relationship to the hero/heroine? Have any of these gone on to become scene-stealers? If so, who and how did they do it? (Again, please give us a small bit of dialogue to illustrate this – thanks!)

TRACEY: I have been very pleased with the response to my cast of secondary characters. Like I mentioned above Jason and Heather McLaughlin. Jason is a purebred Irish pup and he has the personality of someone who will make you laugh even when you don’t want to. Heather, is petite just a little over 5’4”, she has a pixie-like hair cut. She is not Irish, but loves her purebred Irish wolf lad Jason. She is not as wild as Jason, but they make for a very cute couple and compliment each other wonderfully.

Jason and Daniel met in Scotland, while Daniel was working on bio-genetic research. They are both scientists and are employed by a company co-owned by Daniel and Julie’s father.

Scene stealers? If you read the book you will notice Heather is a little reserved. So this particular scene was a stealer for her. CAUTION SPOILERS* This scene happens immediately after Julie and Daniel discover the vampires (Richard and Nathaniel). Richard shows a particular interest in Julie, which causes Daniel to become very protective over his wolf girl.

I turned toward Daniel and he looked to me in concern.

“I don’t like that Richard.” He huffed.

“Because he has a thing for me?” I teased.

“I better be the only one that has a thing for you!” He growled. “Besides can a vampire actually have an erect…”

“Daniel!” I shot at him in surprise.

“Well, I was just wondering.” He shot back.

Heather and Jason walked up to us. “Rumor has it, they are huge.” She said as she laughed and darted off changing into her wolf image.

Jason roared loudly with laughter as he followed her changing into his wolf image. There was no way I could contain my laugh when I looked into Daniel’s astonished face. I unzipped his robe and slid it off his shoulders. The shock was still on his face. Smiling I slipped out of my robe. I began to walk away from Daniel.

I turned my head slightly to the side. “Darling, you have nothing to worry about.” I purred as I laughed and burst forth into my wolf image.

ME: Okay, so let's get down to the blurb and excerpt!

BLURB:

*Julie Knight never really knew how much her life would change after the death of her father.

After returning home to Spring Place, FA, the mysterious animal attacks begin. The small town is in an uproar over the horrific killings.

Julie finds herself in danger when the truth of who she is has been revealed. The last of a thousand year old bloodline of Lycans, Guardians of the mysterious Fort Mountain.

Daniel Maxwell, the handsome, dark, yet mysterious scientist returns home for the funeral. He has changed, but his love for Julie remains the same. She is what he has always wanted. She is what he needs. He would die for her. He would kill for her.

The passions begin to flare and so does the romance between Julie and Daniel. Joining forces with a mysterious group of moon-eyed people, together they must prepare for the ultimate battle- the battle against a deadly pack of werewolves.

Can Julie and Daniel‘s love be strong enough to protect them from their dangerous desires? Or will they be forever lost in the Dark of kNight?*

EXCERPT:*PREFACE

I knew one day I would reach this place in my life; I just didn’t realize it would be so soon. Love, I suppose, has no rules and yields to no boundaries. Never knowing when it will strike.

Never before would I have imagined I could love someone as deeply as I love him. I would fight for him. I would die for him. This is what I believed. This is the Lycan way. Yes, I could say I love this man more than my own life. It was odd that I would fall in love with someone who needed me as much as I needed him.

My world as I knew it stopped when my father died. I was not ready to lose anyone else again. I couldn’t bare the loss of the one who is so dear to my heart. He is my angel and my love. If I were to lose him then my life would end. I knew I would die.

As I stood in the rose garden, one rose stood out among the rest. It was a beautiful pure white rose. Its name was Peace. Never before have I seen such a delicate rose. Its scent was by far more fragrant than its neighboring roses. It was a scent that drew me in like the scent of my lover.

The fog had begun to settle in, moving slowly through the rose garden. I reached my hand through the fog to collect my prize. My peace.*