Interview with Romance Author Maxine Douglas

Join us in Paradise as we chat with Romance Author Maxine Douglas. We have leis for everyone to wear and ice cold pomegranate and mango juice to quench the thirst. 

Maxine will join us shortly. So while we wait, here's a little bit about her.

An avid horse lover and reader, Maxine Douglas loves spending time in the saddle, curled up with a good book, catching up with her oldest grand-daughter, or chasing her youngest grand-daughter around the house. She resides in Oklahoma with her husband, and is a member of both Romance Writers of America and the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition.

 
Reader’s Haven: There's Maxine. Hi! *Deanna and Louise wave her over to sit on the rocks* It's beautiful here. Thanks for inviting us. Tell us a bit about yourself  that our readers might not know.

Maxine: Hi Deanna and Louise. I was totally a single mom (meaning never married) until 11 years ago, when I married a very good friend from high school. We just took separate paths during those 28 years apart, but I believe we were always meant to be together—obviously one of his brothers did as well when he said “Welcome to the family and it’s about damn time too!”  LOL  I married my best friend not only in this life but also in past lives. 

If it's one thing I've learned over the years of my life it's that you can never stop dreaming and reaching for the stars, because sooner or later you just may get to touch one, and it'll bring you more happiness than you can ever imagine. I've been lucky enough over the past couple of years to have been able to reach out and touch two stars...and I'm still reaching for more.

Originally from South-central Wisconsin, my husband and I traded the snowy winters for warmer days and nights. I currently am a member of such writing organizations as Romance Writers of American, Oklahoma Romance Writers of America, and Electronic Publishers Internet Coalition.

Reader’s Haven: Such a romantic story about you and your husband. What made you want to become a writer?

Maxine: I took creative writing in high school and liked it. Although I wanted to be a songwriter, I’m not writing longer versions of those songs of the heart. It took a friend’s sister, who is now an agent with 3 Seas Literary Agency, to become published that I finally put my storytelling skills to work. I thank Cori every day for that.

Reader’s Haven: Please share a bit about your new release without giving away any spoilers.

Maxine: RINGS OF PARADISE comes out today in fact. It started out being a rock-n-roll storyline and ended up being about professional wrestling. I know, do the two really go hand-in-hand, probably not. But I grew up in a home where it was on t.v. all the time, and my father, brothers and I went to as many live matches as possible. The sport kinda grows on ya … and what red blooded woman is immune to a great male body?

Reader’s Haven: No wonder the cover is on fire with Jimmy on it! Excellent design. Do you write under a pen name?

Maxine: I also write erotic romance as Debi Wilder when I’m feeling a bit on the wild side of passion in my storylines.

Reader’s Haven: What types of hero or heroine do you like best?

Maxine: I like my heroes to be strong and sensitive, while my heroines are sassy and loving.  At least I think so anyway. LOL
 

Reader’s Haven: Tell us about a typical day in your life as a writer.

Maxine: LOL—not as productive as it maybe should be that’s for sure. I had my 5 yr old grand-daughter during the day until school started a week ago, so I didn’t get much accomplished. I don’t write when family is around—too big of a chance of being interrupted in my train of thought or in what my characters are trying to get across to me. Now that school’s in session I’ll be working outside the home for 10-20 hours a week, so that’ll leave my days off and evenings to get things done.

Reader’s Haven: Do your books have a common theme or are they all different?

Maxine: I would say yes and no. Some of them are contemporary, while others have a paranormal or time-travel twist to them. Depends on the hero and heroine and their story to tell.

Reader’s Haven: How long does it take you to write and then edit a story?

Maxine: I’m a muse writer and a punster on top of it. What this means is that it can take me several months, years, to write a story getting it the way I want it to be. I tend to write very slow, careful to get the scene just right before moving on. I’m trying to plot it out a bit more so we’ll see if it works with THE QUEEN or not.

Reader’s Haven:  Do you have to be alone to write?

Maxine: I have found that I can’t write if I’m around famiy—they like to talk to you, or the t.v., and it takes a second to pull me out of my work and 15 minutes to get back into it. That being said, I like to have noise around me whether it’s the t.v., radio or just people milling about at McDonalds or the park because I know the chances of these people interrupting me is next to none.

Reader’s Haven: How do you go about naming characters?

Maxine: Well…they tell me their names. It might be a cat and mouse game to begin with but in the end they let me know who they are.

Reader’s Haven: Is it easier to write about the characters if you find pictures of them before you write or do you write then find character pictures?

Maxine: Sometimes I get a feel for what they might look like. For instance, in THE QUEEN, my heroine Hanna, is from the late 1920s/early 1930s so I knew sort of what I wanted but just couldn’t visual her. Then one day while shuffling through some old photos at a local Goodwill I found her!  This is young woman is my inspiration for Hanna Amery, my heroine in THE QUEEN.  Cole is still a bit of a mystery to me and I don’t think he’ll truly reveal himself just yet.

Reader’s Haven: How do you pick locations for your stories?

Maxine: Actually, my characters pick them. LOL, I know it sound strange but it’s true. One they—the hero and heroine—have let me into their lives they take me on a journey and I don’t always know where I might end up.

Reader’s Haven: What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?

Maxine: I’m currently working on a novella for FOUR SEASONS OF PASSION to be published by www.museituppublishing.com in 2013/2014. THE QUEEN will be one of the summer stories and takes place on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, which I totally fell in love with while at a writer’s conference held there a few years back. It inspired this paranormal story line when I got home:

Cole Masterson is the lead investigator of GHOST, Ghost Hunters of Spiritual Transcendental and professional ghost hunter who’s aboard the Queen Mary investigating its paranormal activity. Cole’s about to realize the ship’s paranormal activity can be more than just shadows and cold spots.

Hanna Amery is a spirit looking for the man she lost decades ago aboard the Queen Mary during the early 1900s. What Hanna doesn’t understand is how she can see the man with the electronic equipment, but can’t figure out how to communicate with him.

What happens when two dimensions collide as Cole and Hanna struggle to find a way to be more than passing shadows?

Reader’s Haven: Oh, we do love a ghost story! Where can readers find out more about you and your books? 

Maxine: Best places is on either my blog or my FB page .. I’d love to hear from readers! 
Contest
I'll give away an eBook copy of Rings of Paradise. Enter the contest through the Rafflecopter below and good luck! Winner will be drawn Sunday, Sept 2.

One man’s quest to find the truth. One woman’s desire for more in life. A mistress that won’t let go.

Dear Reader,

I’m not much on putting words to paper, action is more up my alley. I’m Flame, the reigning champion in the Universal Wrestling World (UWW). So why am I here?

I grew up in a wrestling family and cut my teeth on the squared circle, which by the way is the only “lady” I trust any more.

I’ve gone and bought out a small press magazine in Madison, Wisconsin that was going nowhere fast, hired a woman by the name of Khristen Roberts, who according to the editor-in-chief is untrained and wants nothing more than to be a journalist.

Okay, I’m a sucker in helping people out, it’s my one weakness, if I have any. Problem is she’s on vacation in Hawaii. I’ve got to catch up with her somewhere along the line for her to join up with me and the UWW. I just hope Khristen is up for the ride…it’s always a trip.

Yours truly,

The Flame

Excerpt:

The beautiful eyes of the man from the plane seemed to appear as an apparition in the deep-blue-green pool water. Thoughts of him ran wild in her mind, and Khristen felt the warm wetness of desire grow deep between her thighs. She shivered from wanton desire. Something about him seemed familiar.

No. Surely, I would have remembered if we’d met before. His eyes, if nothing else, would have been burned into my memory.

It seemed as if she’d seen them, and the challenge in them, once before—a dare to defy him in any manner.

Challenges. That’s what gave Khristen her drive. In her career, she had felt like a lamb lost in the fog in search of its home. She longed for the type of position that offered her the unexpected excitement of a contest each and every day.

Her current position at one of Madison’s once top magazines came very close to fulfilling that yearning. It offered variety in its article context, and nine times out of ten, they didn’t read like something out of Miami Vice. Plain Talk covered just about anything and sometimes everything. Still, something was missing.

She’d finally come to realize she wanted to be a staff member who did more than run around the office. She was going to spend the next few weeks thinking of a plan to convince Ric to move her up the ladder. One day, she would have her own byline.

Ric Scott, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, had become the big brother she never had. He drank too much coffee in a day for one human being and stayed at the office until well past midnight. She worried about his excesses in both areas and feared one day she would walk into his office to find him slumped over his desk.

More than once, she had wondered why their relationship had never gotten past the big-brother stage. Deep in her heart, she knew it was the lack of emotional and sensual challenges. The spark she felt with a total stranger wasn’t there with good ol’ reliable Ric.

Khristen slid a pair of red-framed sunglasses from the top of her head and perched them on her nose. She took a deep relaxing breath, leaned back, and forced the man’s image out of her brain. She knew she had to let this challenge go for what very well could be the first time in her adult life. If letting go was at all possible.

For now, one thing she knew for sure. Absolutely no way was she going to become caught up in another romance. The last one had almost destroyed her, both emotionally and professionally.

* * * *

His shadow draped across her skin. He’d known he would find her; he’d never thought it would be connected to one of his businesses. He had thoroughly enjoyed seeing her sweat earlier, looking for a place to escape the dining room. If looks could kill, she should have laid him to rest before noon.

Now it was his turn, and he couldn’t wait to see her reaction. It was going to get more interesting now that he’d decided in the length of time it took for him to reach her side that the game would start. He would have to proceed with caution before snaring her for himself.

Shadoe fought the temptation to pluck an ice cube from one of the glasses he carried and let it drip onto Khristen’s sunburned flesh. A mischievous smile played on his lips as he visualized the response he would get. It would be fun, but they had already gotten off on a bad foot, and he didn’t want to aggravate the situation further—or did he?

* * * *

“Khristen.” Someone repeated her name, and as she stirred, raised his voice, calling to her again.

“Huh?” Sleepy eyed and well-burnt, Khristen was not sure what had drawn her out of a groggy sleep.

“What’s your pleasure? Mai Tai, Piña Colada, or Aloe Vera?” Shadoe adjusted the two sweating glasses and one bottle on the tray he balanced with care.

Khristen shielded her eyes, suspiciously looking up at him. The touch of friendly sarcasm that had edged his over-exaggerated deep voice set off her warning light.

“Owweeee!” Pain and agony edged her voice, caused from the effects of too many hours in the sun and too little sunscreen.

“I’ve got just what you need.”

“Like what?” Khristen grimaced, seeing the bottle of lotion and look of concern in his eyes.

Or is it lust?

“Aloe Vera. It’s a great natural ointment with a cooling effect for skin that’s on fire.” He set the tray down on the small, round table next to her. “I could, ah, rub it in for you.” Another teasing smile played on his lips as he picked up the bottle.

Khristen smiled back and looked into his eyes. How sexy and sure of himself he looked as he gazed over the rims of his sunglasses, daring her to resist his charm, challenging her.

“Actually, I have a better idea.” She reached for the lotion and caught a look of satisfaction sweep over his face. With a crooked smile, she softly wrapped her fingers around the bottle and let them linger a moment too long before taking it into her possession.

“Mmmm, sounds very tempting.” He moved in closer to her.

“It is,” she said, reeling him in with her sweet, sexy tone, and placed her free hand on his bare chest, blocking his advance. As much as she’d love to feel his skin against hers, she wasn’t about to play on his web.

“Fortunately, there’s room for only one. You see, what I have in mind is, well...” She could see the anticipation grow in his eyes. “The ultimate total package of soothing the senses, everywhere, and all at once.”

Gathering up her belongings, Khristen walked away, in pain. After only a few feet, she turned and gave him a look of triumph.

His deep, sexy laugh did nothing to dampen her victory.

Buy Links:

MuseIt Up Publishing

Amazon

You can find Maxine hanging out on these sites:

Blog 

Facebook 

Twitter @waMaxineDouglas

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Interview with Emily Tippetts, Chick Lit and YA Author

This week we join Emily Tippetts on Pelican Bluff off the coast of California. The weather is awesome with a cool breeze and degrees in the mid 70s. We've set up several huge umbrellas for shade, and blankets and lounge chairs to relax on. There are coolers filled with cold beverages; bottled water, soft drinks and juice. So help yourself.

Emily is giving away an eBook or a paperback of either her new release Castles in the Sand or a back list book (winner's choice). Details below!

If you've noticed the police gathered a few hundred yards away, don't worry, they're just arresting Alex. Guess Alex was in a really bad mood since he bashed a police car several times with a large rock. 

The winner could find out what happens to Alex!

Reader’s Haven: Hi Emily, thank you for chatting with us this week. The cool breeze across the ocean is very welcomed! Tell us a bit about yourself  that our readers might not know.

Emily:  I started out as a science fiction writer and attended Clarion West Writers Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy in 2001. I’ve sold several short stories to magazines, but decided to write a chick lit book in order to get published in the Utah/LDS market and gain some experience taking a book from manuscript to final. It’s very strange to me that I now make most of my money from chick lit novels, as that wasn’t my original goal. Not that I’m complaining!

Reader’s Haven: What made you want to become a writer?

Emily: It’s something I’ve wanted for so long; I can’t really say what started it. Ever since I knew where books came from, I’ve wanted to write them.

Reader’s Haven: Please share a bit about your new release Castles in the Sand without giving away any spoilers.

Emily: The official launch day for this novel is Monday, August 20th. It will show up on Amazon a few days before, and may pop up on Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and iBookstore a little earlier as well. I hope to have the eBook in stock everywhere by the end of the day on Monday.

Madison Lukas lives in the fictitious town of Pelican Bluffs, which is on the coast of northern California, with her mother, who prefers to throw pots than to spend time with her daughter. When a Mormon missionary comes to town and reveals he is Madison’s brother, she’s shocked. She never knew her mother was even religious. Stranger still, this missionary remembers Madison as this beautiful, amazing girl, while Madison thinks of herself as plain and boring. Her brother’s not going to let her keep thinking that, though.

Reader’s Haven: Do you write under a pen name?

Emily:  Not really. I use two different variations of my name for my two types of writing. For chick lit and YA, I’m E.M. Tippetts. For science fiction and fantasy, I’m Emily Mah. My real name, as you can probably guess, is Emily Mah Tippetts.

Reader’s Haven: What types of hero or heroine do you like best?

Emily:  The ones who fight battles most of us don’t even notice. Without giving too much away, there are several in Castles on the Sand, including people who care for disabled relatives, immigrants who’ve crossed oceans to give their children a better life, and a big brother willing to stick his neck out to remind his little sister that she can demand more from life.

Reader’s Haven: Strong family ties and personalities make the characters realistic. Readers like that. Tell us about a typical day in your life as a writer.

Emily:  If only I had one! Every day when my husband gets home from work, I sit down and write while he cooks dinner and puts the kids to bed. Sometimes during the day I write too, but that depends on what else is going on and whether my kids will let me.

Reader’s Haven: Do your books have a common theme or are they all different?

Emily:  They all have a romance plotline, but I’m trying to do as many different variations on that as possible. Castles has a love triangle and I try to keep the reader guessing who Madison will end up with.

Reader’s Haven: How long does it take you to write and then edit a story?

Emily:  A novel takes at least six months, often longer. The thing about writing is that you can do a lot of it in your head. Writers who sit down and “just write” have actually done all the plot-breaking and scene visualizations already. Writers who write a ton of drafts are doing the same process, just in a different way. I do a lot of both. Some novels I’ve had on the back burner for so long they seem to write themselves - my last novel, Someone Else’s Fairytale, was that way. Others I have to do draft after draft of. That’s how it was for Castles on the Sand.

Reader’s Haven: Do you have to be alone to write?

Emily:  No. I’m a firm believer in learning to write anywhere, under any conditions, or else I’d never write.

Reader’s Haven: How do you go about naming characters?

Emily: I try to have each character’s name begin with a different letter - this helps readers who are very visual to distinguish them. I also aim to have a lot of ethnic diversity appropriate to the setting. Since Castles is in California, its characters are from everywhere imaginable. When I’m working with an ethnicity I don’t know very well, I use baby name websites. Having said that, I went to the United World College of the Atlantic for high school (“college” is the British term for high school and these schools started in the UK), so my Facebook profile has friend links to a lot of really great, diverse names.

Reader’s Haven: Another resource for names, thank you. Of course we would have to get their permission. Is it easier to write about the characters if you find pictures of them before you write or do you write then find character pictures?

Emily: I don’t care too much about the details of what a character looks like, so a lot of that I add in towards the end of the editing process. Their minds interest me a lot more than their bodies, I guess! For Castles, I decided to make a book trailer, so I dug around on Shutterstock for images and that’s why these characters look exactly how they do. Jean-Pierre, for example, was an image before I came up with a name and backstory.

Reader’s Haven: How do you pick locations for your stories?

Emily:  With the exception of Castles, they’ve all been places I’ve lived. I went to law school in LA, where Time and Eternity is set, and even went to church in the same chapel as the characters. I did my undergraduate degree at Oxford, where Paint Me True is set. Albuquerque, where Someone Else’s Fairytale is set, is where I started my law career, so I used my favorite courthouse building, favorite restaurant, etc.

Reader’s Haven: What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?

Emily: Someone Else’s Fairytale has garnered such a wonderfully positive response from readers; I’m going to write a sequel. I’ve mulled over the plot long enough that I think I’ve got one that my readers will like, but they’ll have to take a little leap of faith, going from Fairytale, which is chick lit, to the sequel, which will be more of a police procedural. I expect a lot of my readers to see that and raise an eyebrow, but I hope to win them over in the end.

Reader’s Haven: Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

Emily: My website is www.emtippetts.com, and if you sign up for updates, you can rest assured that you will only get them when I’m releasing a new book, or for other major news, like one of my books being nominated for an award. I don’t update that site often, because I really don’t think people want to know all the nitty gritty details of what I eat for breakfast and who I vote for. I do more updates on www.emilymah.com, and some of those are more personal. My Amazon Author page has links to all my books, as do my websites and my Goodreads page. People can reach me anytime through the email links on my sites or by tweeting at me

@emtippetts.

UK Amazon Author page

My books on US Amazon:

Someone Else's Fairytale | Paint Me True | Time & Eternity

My books on B&N    
Smashwords

Readers, enter to win through the Rafflecopter below. Each entry is a greater chance to win! Winner's choice of eBook or paperback of one book. Good luck.

Read a review of Someone Else’s Fairytale by Haven’s reviewer Lynn Reynolds.

Bio

My full name is Emily Mah Tippetts, and I write chick lit as E.M. Tippetts and science fiction as Emily Mah. I got my start in writing at the Clarion West Writer's Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy. Obviously, I wrote before I attended, but that's the first real credential I earned. From there I joined the Critical Mass writers group, an invitation only group that I had the privilege of working with for ten years. My first sales were to science fiction and fantasy anthologies and magazines, including Black Gate and Analog Science Fiction and Fact. I've gotten a few honorable mentions in the Year's Best anthologies for both fantasy and science fiction.

As for my chick lit writing, my first novel in that genre, Time and Eternity, came out in 2008 from Covenant Communications, a small press that caters to the LDS market. My second and third novels, Paint Me True and Someone Else's Fairytale, were first published in ebook format, with print versions to follow.

I'm originally from New Mexico, have a bachelors in philosophy, politics, and economics from Oxford University, and a juris doctorate in business law from UCLA. I also design jewelry (and no, that doesn't fit in with any of the other stuff I've listed here.) Currently, I live in London while my husband does his PhD.

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Author Interview w/Carole Spalino - Romance Author

Carole McKee Spalino

Romance Author

     Joining us this week to share her books with all of you is Carole McKee Spalino. We're excited to help her find new readers and that's why YOU stopped in. She has a surprise for all of you when we're finished.

     She began writing in 1996, when she wrote a heart rending tribute to her black Labrador Retriever after he passed away. Her story brought tears and laughter to readers. Carole writes from the heart, a fan stated. Her writing always cleanses the tear ducts.

     She bases most of her writing around the Western Pennsylvania area, where she grew up and where she resided for much of her adult life. Now living in Florida, she attends Argosy University in Tampa as a non-traditional student, and is working on a Master's Degree. As demonstrated in the writing of her novel, "Perfect" her writing style conveys passion and emotion, inducing the reader to laugh and to cry with the characters in the story. "Choices" is the first of three in the series. Readers will fall in love with Lindy and Ricky as they evolve from youth to adulthood.

Reader’s Haven:  Carole, welcome to our Haven! Tell us a bit about yourself .

Carole:  Something readers may not know? Well, I love a challenge. I have worked in so many different fields and I have lived so many different places because I never stop wanting to learn new things. I have worked in  positions ranging from Nuclear Medicine Technologist to a machinist in a metal shop. I have degrees in three different fields--Nuclear Medicine, Business Administration, and Behavioral Health Science. The latter was a specialization in School Counseling. I have never considered any job beneath me--each one was a way to learn new things.

Reader’s Haven: Wow! That's quite a background and sounds like a lot of school! What made you want to become a writer?

Carole: I always wanted to write. I always felt I could write a novel, but just didn’t have the courage to try. Every teacher or professor I ever had told me I had a gift and I should pursue it.

Reader’s Haven:  Please share a bit about your new release Second Chances without giving away any spoilers.

Carole:  My latest release, “Second Chances” is a little different from most of my writing. The romance part isn’t the primary focus of the book. “Second Chances” is about a woman who believes that sometimes people just need a boost up in life to get ahead. She has found a way to give them that boost, leading to hope, a better way of life, and a second chance at survival. It’s actually based on my own philosophy and what I would do if I suddenly had a lot of money.

 

BLURB for Second Chances:

Melanie Thomas believes that sometimes people who are down on their luck just really need that little boost upward to improve their quality of life; and she can provide that.  Since she started her tee-shirt embossing shop she has made a difference in her employees' lives by giving them a new lease on life--hope--a second chance.  Her employees are grateful and dedicated to her, but someone else wants her property for his own purpose. Things start happening after he approaches her with an offer to buy her building--an offer she immediately turns down. When inspectors start showing up, Melanie believes it's a ploy to force her to sell and she silently laughs about it, because she knows she has everything in order. But when the building burns, she knows exactly who to accuse. It hurts because she was falling in love with him. Is she right? Did Tim start the fire? It seems everyone may need a second chance now and then.

Reader’s Haven:  Do you write under a pen name?

Carole:  Yes and no. My name was Carole McKee for years, until I married Mr. Spalino. Eventually McKee will be my name again, but I have to find the time to legally change it back.

Reader’s Haven:  What types of hero or heroine do you like best?

Carole:  I love a gorgeous, independent woman with a sense of humor and a particular talent or skill--exactly like I would like to be. For a hero, I prefer a strong man--one that makes a woman feel safe. I like for him to be kind and funny and have a lot of respect for his woman. He is protective, but not smothering. I lean toward specialty law enforcement groups or athletics for their occupations.

Reader’s Haven:  Readers like to know how we spend our time. Tell us about a typical day in your life as a writer.

Carole:  Coffee, first! I get the coffee pot ready to brew and then I feed my cat. I take the readied coffee to the computer and answer emails, which can take up a couple of hours. After that, I play a mindless game just to clear my mind. I write for about 2 hours and then tend to household chores. Since I live alone, that doesn’t usually take very long. I’m fairly neat. I make any necessary trips after that (Grocery runs, pharmacy, bank, mail pick-up, etc.). If I have time left, I write until 5:00 or 5:30 until it’s time to cook dinner. I keep my evenings free for television and reading. I watch television shows and read during commercials. One show I never miss is Jeopardy. I play along and sometimes I do well! I’ve won as much as $24,000 in imaginary money!

Reader’s Haven:  Good job! LOL Do your books have a common theme or are they all different?

Carole:  I shoot for different themes. Some have damsel in distress, while others involve a man’s near demise. “The Full Nelson” is all about the villain in the two previous books telling his life story in a third book. My very first Novel “Perfect” is divided into three parts--the growing up years of the heroine, then the growing up years of the hero, and in part three they meet, fall in love, get married. I won’t say any more about that one, because the ending is a shocker to everyone.

 

Reader’s Haven:  That's should grab reader interest! How long does it take you to write and then edit a story?

Carole:  Writing a story varies. “Perfect” took almost a year, “Choices” took 4 months, and “Second Chances” took 6 weeks. I edit every 3 or 4 chapters as I’m writing, and then I go back and edit a book once it is completed. That is usually a 3 to 7 day process. When it’s done I send it to my editor/proofreader. She sends the corrections and then I edit it one more time before I send it off.

Reader’s Haven:  Edits and several read-thrus can't be emphasized enough for any author. Do you have to be alone to write?

Carole:  Well, I usually am alone. I have no family here in Florida. I have lots of friends that I get together with a couple times a week, if they’re available, but I’m used to being alone. I am always alone when I write.

Reader’s Haven:  How do you go about naming characters?

Carole:  This is a funny question. My heroes and heroines have names that I would name my children. Villains, antagonists, and such have names I don’t like or names of people I met and didn’t like. I didn’t even realize I did that until I thought about it.

Reader’s Haven:  Yes, our subconscious works for us, too! Is it easier to write about the characters if you find pictures of them before you write or do you write then find character pictures?

Carole:  I create an image in my mind and then find pictures to match. In “Choices” I knew what I wanted Lindy and Ricky to look like, and I searched until I found just the image to represent them.

Reader’s Haven:  How do you pick locations for your stories?

Carole:  Oh, I’m a Pittsburgher. Most of my stories take place in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania. Well, all but “Second Chances” which takes place in Florida. I know the whole area well and I believe you should write about what you know.

Reader’s Haven:  What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?

Carole:  Currently, I’m finishing a third book in a series. The main characters are Kyla Stanford and Storm Galloway. She is a free-lance photographer heiress and he is a narcotics detective. They are both free spirits who end up together, but not before he has to rescue her after she is abducted by her old boyfriend. That is book 1, “Testosterone Poisoning.” Book two, “A Promise Kept” is about his near demise and I’m working on book three now, which will be entitled “Changes,” ‘For Better or Worse.’

Reader’s Haven:  We like those titles! Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

Carole:  Here are my links for readers to stop by and/or join me online:

Website

FiledBy

I have two Facebook pages

please visit and feel free to ‘like’ the pages:

AuthorFaceBook

‘Perfect’FaceBook

Blog

SmashWords

Amazon

This has a listing of my books as well as a short bio.

Twitter

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Lacy & Angel

Interview with Charlene Wilson - Romance Author

Welcome to Charlene Wilson

Romance Author

Ssshhh.....come on, follow us farther into the alley but keep an eye out for suspicious characters! We're glad you could all join us this week to chat with Charlene. I don't think we'll be noticed down this alley which will give us time to get to know our author. Let's gather 'round so we can all hear....

Reader’s Haven:  Charlene, we so excited to have you as our first guest author here at Reader's Haven. Thank you for joining us. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Charlene: While I have a few tidbits I don’t usually share with everyone, I think I can put this one out there. LOL Everyone knows I write Romance. Being born on Valentine’s Day, it’s almost a given that would happen with being a writer. I love how a hero overcomes insurmountable obstacles to be with his chosen. But can I admit to loving a good…Western too? I enjoy the old-time themes with swashbuckling characters that take over the untamed territories—strong men and women that take it all on in hopes of conquering the odds.

Reader’s Haven:  Our characters usually end conquering the odds, don't they? What made you want to become a writer?

Charlene: What made me become a writer? That would probably be my characters. LOL They wouldn’t shut up. I decided I had to sit down and write all the conversations and scenes out if I was going to get any rest. The problem with that was, it’s just like eating a good truffle—one just won’t do. Gotta have another.  And as soon as I got that scene out, another would surface and the whole thing would repeat.

Reader’s Haven:  Both of us can relate to the characters bugging you until you get them on paper! What type of hero or heroine do you like best?

Charlene:  While the typical answer here might be hunky heroes and bolt heroines, I like mine how nature makes them. If the hero is a crusty old sort living in the back woods and the heroine is a space alien running from a dominant race it doesn’t matter. If the characters are written in such a way that they come alive and grab me, I can fall in love with them.

Reader’s Haven:  How many plots do you include in one of your books?

Charlene: I don’t have a set amount of plots, but I definitely always have more than one. I can’t just focus on one. Life is complicated. Even from your own view point, there a mix of intermingling plots in your life, several that hinge on and affect that one circumstance. My books do too. I feel they add to the story and make it whole.

Reader’s Haven:  We think readers enjoy more than one or two plots to a story also. Tell us about a typical day in your life as a writer.

Charlene: A typical day has to start with my email. While I have regular things I work on throughout the day, I have to be flexible to include anything that might come up that’s more pressing. 

     My social networking is ongoing—Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn (I focus on three though I pop in on several) can be done sporadically, of course, since people are on at all times.  I think what takes the most brainpower (for me anyway Lol!) is manning my sites, Charlene Blogs (my personal writer’s blog), CharleneAWilson.com (my author site), ShiloManor.com (the Chronicles of Shilo Manor series site), and HighlightedAuthor.com (a site that features published authors). I also blog at Ravencraft Romance Realm and Night Writers, so I complete any posts I’m scheduled to make there. The best part of this career is when I can settle down and write…and that happens late at night when all is quiet and my characters speak up. I’m very thankful for having a lifestyle that allows me to do that. I’m able to be a full-time author which is a dream.

Reader’s Haven:  We're finding the majority of authors have many things going on with having to promote and be out there for our readers, but we love it! Do your books have a common theme or are they all different?

Charlene: Other than romance?  My stories have several themes. While the Chronicles of Shilo Manor circles around soul mates that reunite over lifetimes, my Aumelan series has Fate and Destiny playing tug-of-war with my characters’ hearts—love crosses national borders and challenges placement and traditions.  My YA stories tackle the courage of accepting who we and others are and my heroines must decide how far they would go to stand up for themselves and their loves.  So… The answer would have to be that they are pretty different.

Reader’s Haven:  How long does it take you to write and then edit a story?

Charlene: This really does vary. My Aumelan series came out in a rush and I had the equivalent of three books written in a few months. I’m in the process of revising book one now. The Chronicles, books one and two, each took about nine months to write and edit.  The editing process definitely takes the longest and most effort. But I’m finding that to get them to where I feel they’re ready for publication, it takes almost a year. I marvel at those who are able to publish a good piece in a few months. Boggles my mind.

Reader’s Haven:   We can't imagine doing a full length novel in less than a year so kudos to those authors who can write that fast! Do you have to be alone to write?

Charlene:  Define alone. LOL My characters always have to be there. But, I do better in a quiet environment when I’m in deep edits. I do enjoy going to the park or coffee shop to watch people and get personality or reaction ideas.

Reader’s Haven:  How do you go about naming characters?

Charlene: Some characters name themselves. It just comes with their personality. Others I have to pass by them, and many times I get a definite, “Not a chance will I be known as George!”

Reader’s Haven:  LOL We haven't heard that one before, I love it....passing the names by the characters to hear what they think! Is it easier to write about the characters if you find pictures of them before you write or do you write then find character pictures?

Charlene: I write and then find pictures. And that’s a chore in itself! Lol. My characters are who they are and if I happen to find someone in real life that fits their image, well then that’s icing on the cake.

Reader’s Haven: How do you pick locations for your stories?

Charlene: The locations develop as the story unfolds. It’s like a natural progression. I world build from there out, filling in the details.  Cornerstone Deep required a lot of world building as the Arched Spectrum of Realms was revealed. As I write fantasy, the locations are imagination made real through my books.

Reader’s Haven:  Cheers to the authors who can create those fantasy worlds. What an imagination that has to take! What’s coming up for you in 2012?

Charlene: The release of book two in the Chronicles of Shilo Manor series, Cornerstone Deep Echoes, is on February 15th. I have a month long blog tour set up for that. With it being the month of Valentine’s Day, I’m thrilled that my Romance is coming out then. You can get all the details at my blog, Charlene Blogs. I have a page set up with all the stops and prizes I’m offering throughout the tour.

     I’m also working to finish up revisions of Aumelan and want to get that sent out. It’s an exciting year! Here's the blurb and excerpt for your readers:

Cornerstone Deep blurb

     It's their nature - long lives and rebirth. They're from another dimension, one gifted with advance abilities, but they serve in Cornerstone Deep. They're the Wizards of Shilo Manor.

     They outlive the mortals of this realm by thousands of years, and when it comes to love the cruel fact is reinforced. Reincarnation doesn't exist on this plane. They lose their wives to death with no hope of reuniting. Yet they continue to accept others for whatever time they have together. Save for Cole. His love for his last wife still burns in his soul four centuries after her death.

     When the service they render to the noblemen of Cornerstone Deep brings him face to face with Anna, something unexpected happens.  In a realm of silent souls, hers calls to him.  He responds with a kiss—one that joined with the spell of servitude she inhaled, binds her soul.  

     Breaking ancient covenants, angering the lords, and bringing the gods' wrath upon him, Cole tries desperately to undo his wrong and free his love—despite the determination of the nobleman to keep her.

~ * ~

My life is a mirage of endless time. But you in this moment engulf me, rivet my mind, encompass my soul. (Cole Shilo)

Excerpt:

     As Anna emerged from Cantrell Artisan, she shivered in the spring air. The industrial West Side’s sulfuric odor rode the breeze from across town, and the fragrant fire flickered out. She cradled the holder between the large granite lion paws that sat beside the steps. It fit nicely. She sniggered at the sight. Kyle Dressen’s artistic contribution to the sphinx.

     She stepped onto the sidewalk and looked around. Humor faded. Vapor loomed over the empty streets like phantoms gathering warmth from the asphalt. She briskly rubbed her sleeves. The slight warming did nothing to ease her insecurity. Street lights blinked on but offered little comfort as the newscaster’s announcement flooded her mind. “After much deliberation, the new curfew of 2024 has been set into place. Lord Kyle Dressen, Grand Marshal of the courts, announced the bill’s passing, and urges all to adhere as strict measure will be taken to ensure vandalism of the East Side is eradicated.”

     What a ridiculous notion. The impoverished East Side getting aid from the lawmakers. Yet now, unease filled her. Her co-workers’ gossip on the matter didn’t help her anxiety. An apprehensive tone caught her voice as she repeated the warning. “Curfew breakers will never be seen again.” Her whisper sent mist through the chill. She wished she hadn’t spoken.

     Anna hurried across the open court and down an adjacent street. Awnings rustled in the wind. Neon signs that once invited late-night commerce hung dead behind barred windows. Her rushed steps echoed through the air.

She looked to the sky. A blanket of stars covered the firmament. She’d worked too late. Again. “God, I’m not going to make it.”

     Her steps quickened, and she caught her breath as she approached the shortcut through the park. The wide corner entrance stood closed, the ancient stone griffin perched high on the gateway glaring down at her. She shook the bars with disbelief. “When do they ever lock Shilo Park?” Scanning the long gates that fortified the urban green, fear clutched her stomach.

     “Anna.”

     She whipped around. The sound was like a whisper to her mind yet clear as if spoken. Her gaze intensified as she studied the shadowed pavement. Beneath the dim light of a street lamp, dense smoke billowed, taking the form of three men. Her throat clenched. “What…in…the…world?” She spun around and ran.

     “There’s no use in running.”

     Throwing her hands to her ears, she tried to block out the voice. An abandoned shuttle van propped half way up the curb offered the only protection along the vacant street. She darted across the road to find refuge.

     Her long hair netted her face as she stumbled past street-side clutter. She swiped the strands away. Catching her balance, she raced along the storefronts and spotted a weak halo down an alley. She rushed into the darkness with hope of an open door.

     Puddles of discarded waste filled the dips in the pass, and the air held a foul stench. Her frantic feet beat the pavement as she raced to every locked door.

     Steady footsteps followed.

     She gasped with each failed entry. “Come on. Just one open door.” A cry ripped her throat as she turned to the final promise of safety. The small lamp flickered. Obscene graffiti sprawled the length of the wall that blocked her escape; the dim halo highlighted the neon paint.

     She turned to the way she came. Her body trembled as she backed into a corner for support. “This is a nightmare.” Her shallow voice quivered and sent denial through her. “This isn’t happening!” The tomb-like closure briefly echoed her claim but the measured steps resounded as they approached.

     She stared at the forms as they overtook the narrow alley. A man led center, his companions flanking. Each unified stride caused their capes to furl with controlled motion. Their gazes focused on her. The bleak lamp lit their approach--a dark trio,reapers, all of them--black hair, black eyes, black cloaks. Curfew breakers are never seen again. At that moment, she believed. Anna held her breath as if to ward off the imminent danger.

     They stopped a few feet from her, and the leader stepped forward. Endless time filled her as she gazed at their resolute faces. She swallowed hard to ward off the want of air.

With graceful motion, he lifted his hand as if setting a butterfly free. A mist, the brilliance of snow crystalline encircled her and lingered.

     Anna struggled to withhold a gasp.

     “You have to breathe sometime.”

     The voice sifted through her mind. Her lungs burned, begged for relief. Fear gripped her as she succumbed to need, and the tiny crystallites flowed past her lips. The taste of divinity touched her senses, and the promise of bliss sang in her mind. The invitation was overwhelming, irresistible. A wave of serenity coated her emotions.

     She met his gaze. A small smile touched his coal eyes. It penetrated her soul and opposition dissolved.

     He inhaled the sparkling mist and leaned close. Cradling her face in his hands, he touched his lips to hers. They were warm and seductive, unexpectedly tender. The aroma of licorice and cream flowed through her. She accepted his attention, intoxicated by the offering. In a gentle motion, she felt the loving caress of his tongue on hers. Eternity echoed in her heart.

     With a breath, the magic spell filled her. Heat steamed her lungs and filtered throughout her body. Every wave carried with it memories; the last words of her father, the aged photo of her mother she clung to as a child. Subjection engulfed her mind. All wonderment ceased under its capture. Rapture sealed her senses and final will vanished.

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Contest:  One lucky commenter will win a PDF copy of Cornerstone Deep, drawing will be held on Saturday Jan 21st

Charlene:  Thank you for having me here this week! Okay, who has questions or comments? Don't forget to leave your email addy in your comment so I can contact the winner!