Category Archives: Interview

Faith and Love: Why We’re Still Here

Book Review, Giveaway, Interview, , ,

A visit with first time author and my grandma, Shirley Faith Touchstone.

Hello friends.  I hope this post finds you feeling something good in your bones, little or large, as long as it’s in there somewhere.  Mine are, quite frankly, bursting.  And it’s got everything to do with the fact that one of the stops on my recent 5,200 mile cross-country road trip was to my Grandma Shirley’s home in Van Buren, Arkansas…Where I got to hold her book, Why Am I Still Here?

 

 

We spent a few days together talking about how excited and busy she is at 77 years young to have seen this, her first book, to publication.  For anyone struggling with perseverance to stick with your dreams or anyone hurting from loss, Grandma and I hope this helps.

Grandma Shirley’s middle name is Faith and mine is Love.  We were born in November; two days shy of being exactly 40 years apart.  She was named after Shirley Temple and I love to drink them, and yes, we had moms who loved to style our hair with those signature curls.

We are both writers.

We share so many lovely things but as families do, we also have had to deal with tragedy together.  In November 2007, she lost her son—my dad, when he was killed on his motorcycle.  Six months later, we lost Grandpa when he took his own life.  But we were lucky.  Faith and love were there for our family and have seen us through to today—a great day to be here talking with you all about things that leave people wondering why in the world this stuff happens and what do we do afterwards?

Dad

Grandma and Grandpa

 

 What Grandma Shirley wants to share is that knowing you’re not the only one who has had to deal with loss and the worrisome questions and doubts that stem from it helps.  Her book, Why Am I Still Here?, is a collection of tragic yet triumphant stories from people like Helen, a 90-year old lady who suffered a minor stroke and had to leave her home of 60-plus years, who said to Grandma one day after church, “I don’t know why I’m still here.  I’m worthless.”   To which Grandma replied, “Helen, you are not worthless.  You have the most beautiful smile.  If you can’t do anything but smile at someone, you have brightened their day and that’s the purpose for your life right now.”  There are encouraging stories showing us exactly why those of us left behind need to go on.  I was honored to have contributed stories about my dad and grandpa to Grandma’s work.

Sometimes to get an answer to those worrisome questions, you have to take that leap of faith and bravely ask, “What now?”

After Dad and Grandpa died, Grandma wasn’t sure of her purpose so she asked God, “What now?”  When you pose a question like this, be prepared for the answer, whether it translates into the years of hard work it takes to produce a book or simply asks you to smile kindly at another.  Grandma’s has turned out to be this unexpected, amazing journey.

She’d been asked to lead a bible study for Legacy Heights, the unassisted seniors living center where she now lives, and wasn’t sure if she was up for it so soon after Grandpa’s passing.  But deep down, she knew Helen’s words, “Why am I still here”, were her answer.  Grandma agreed to do a one-time study program on that subject, putting together a few booklets to hand out.  That was in May of 2009.  By September of 2009, she had printed and given out over 500 booklets!  It was at that point when she asked her good friend, Anita Dowty, for help.  They knew in their hearts from seeing the response that this was supposed to be a full-fledged book.  Anita and Grandma were in it together all the way and have become like sisters, celebrating the book’s release by Believers Press, a division of Bethany Press, this past week!

Grandma and Anita

 

I can’t think of a better example of good coming from bad.

Before our visit was over and because she has inspired me to never give up on my dream of becoming published, I asked Grandma if she had anything to share with those of us who might be struggling to stick with writing.   She said, “Never give up on your passion.  I’m 77 and if I can do it at this age, so can you.  If you have a story to tell, stick with it.”  I agree with her, because somewhere out there is the person who is meant to read it someday and be touched by what you have to say.

Grandma and I are so very happy to be giving away a copy of her book to one lucky commenter today.  To find out more about Grandma Shirley and Anita, check out their website http://whyamistillhere.net/ Why Am I Still Here?  is currently available in both digital and print versions on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble and wherever fine books are sold.

Always love,

Carlene Mermaid

 

 

Lynne Silver Swims with the Mermaids…Hot Science!

Interview, , ,

Well have I got a Thursday treat for you!  Lynne Silver, author of the newly released and super-hot novel, HEATED MATCH, (Ellora’s Cave Publishing) is swimming with us today!  She’s such a great lady and a tremendous sport.  When I asked her to pretty please come to Waterworld Mermaids so we could talk about her awesome book, I believe I said, “If I interview you, the questions will probably be weird and random, so what do you say?”  Well, not only did she happily and bravely agree…she’s brought the super-irresistible couple from HEATED MATCH, Adam and Loren, to the pond to help answer.  Did I mention Adam’s a genetically enhanced soldier?  Yep, yummy!  Enjoy 😉

                                                                                     

Me: Hi there!  Diving in to the nitty gritty…I love the genetic matching idea behind your new CODED FOR LOVE series.  What sparked your interest in mixing DNA with steamy romance?  What did you do to get a good handle on the scientific aspect?

Lynne: Every year around Valentines Day, newspapers run articles telling that there is a science to falling in love- at least there’s a science to finding someone who will make beautiful babies with you. A lot of it is based on smell, I kid you not. This intrigued me, and then I also found a newspaper article talking about genetic enhancement, and how our science is already there.

Designer babies are on the horizon.  On one hand, this freaks me out, why should we play God? On the other, every parent deserves a healthy child, and if we could eradicate genetic diseases in-utero, maybe we should. It’s a tough question for me, and one that I clearly struggle with throughout the book, and much more so in book 3, Chase’s book.

 

Me: In an excerpt on your website, it is clear these two are matched by something deep and raw.  When Adam says, “The damn door doesn’t lock. Back. Away.”, I got goose bumps!  It’s obvious he absolutely does not believe he can control himself in such close quarters with Loren (Lucky girl!).  I’d like to ask the two of them what they were thinking in that very instant (one of my favorites in the book) but they look a little…preoccupied…with each other right now.  Can you tell us what each was thinking?  Adam, while he was trying to stay locked away in the bathroom that wouldn’t lock and Loren, trapped in the small conference room with a growling man ready to pounce.   

Lynne: Adam is thinking he’s never been more aroused, but since he fully understands the implications of following through, he fights his desire. Loren has no clue what the heck is going on other than she’s locked in a room on a military compound and kind of wants to have sex with a total stranger.

 

Me: Should a kiss be more romantic or more heroic?  Lynne, as the romance specialist, I know you could handle this one on your own, but I hear Adam may have an opinion on the subject.   Can you pry him away from Loren for a second?  Thanks!  So which is it, Adam?  A romantic kiss letting the woman know you are capable of being a pleasing and caring suitor or the heroic kiss, stating without question that you are there to stake a claim on her and protect her against all?

Adam: A kiss shouldn’t really involve thinking at all. But I’ll say my kisses are more heroic.  Loren knows I’ve got the goods to take care of her. Hang on, she’s  laughing her ass off at my answer.  *sigh* Fine, she says my kisses rock her world and are both heroic and romantic. Good  ‘nuff.

 

Me: Random Question: Think fast Lynne, what do you do when a friend tries to eat an edamame pod in a nice restaurant?

Lynne: LOL- I’d remind her not to eat the shells! They’re sharp and tasteless.

(the friend, who shall remain nameless, winks and waves thanks)

 

Me: As an experienced romance writer, what’s the best explanation you can give for that sudden onset of heated passion at first glance?  Of course, if Adam would like to chime in, that would be fantastic and highly entertaining.

Adam:  When I saw Loren, it was like my engine kicked on to full power for the first time in my life. Of course, Loren was my genetic match at the DNA level. Does that happen for the rest of you? Sucks if it doesn’t, cause the connection rocks.

 

Me: Random Question: Quick Lynne, what do you do when your kindly relative asks how things are going in the Erotica YA genre?

Lynne: Erotic Young Adult, yeah, that would be my well intentioned father doing his best to get me arrested. He’s so excited that I’m published, and thinks the erotic part is funny, but he doesn’t get the market at all.

 

Me: If you could wire every human male with one DNA trait, what would it be?  And for the females? 

Lynne: All males should have 6 pack abs, and females get perky c-cup boobs that will never sag and don’t need a bra.

No seriously, I’d wipe out the genetic diseases- Tay sachs, MS, Sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, etc… cause they suck, and knowing that it’s in your family and that you or your off-spring could have it, is scary.

 

Me: HEATED MATCH “Bred for love, coded for war”- Awesome-sauce tagline!  Lynne, How do you come up with these??

Lynne: My editor gave me 2 days to come up with a list of possible series names. I panicked, did a list of 20 and came up with Coded for Love.

 

Me: Rapid fire question: What do you do when your boss locks you in a room with your genetic match and you find out she drank the special water?  I think I’m going to step out on a limb and beg you to let Adam answer this one!

Adam:  I tried to blockade myself in the bathroom with a cold shower. When that failed, I gave Loren a night to remember. Shit, she’s laughing again.

 

Me: Adam and Loren, you are on lockdown with nothing to do…on your nightstand you find a rose and a condom.  Who gets what and why?

Adam:  I obviously bought the rose for Loren, cause I’m that kind of guy. As for the condom… <turns to Loren, can I tell honey?> Cool, well, we’re kinda trying to have kids, so the condom gets tossed to the side.

 

Me: What genetic enhancement, if any, would you be up for?  As a mermaid, I am super thankful for my awesome lung capacity and super resilient hair that never dries out in the saltwater.  Any chance there might be a mermaid in line for any of your super-hot Coded for Love boys?

Lynne: I want super fast metabolism, so I can eat anything I want and maintain my svelte figure. Also- I’m kind of freaked out about memory loss as you get older. I’d want a brain that doesn’t go spongy.

 

Me: Can you tell us how many books you have planned for this delicious, irresistible series? 

Lynne: I’ll write as many as the readers want and Ellora’s Cave will publish! Conquered Match is already sold and should be coming out at the end of the summer. This is a very short story that’s kind of a prequel. I think all the guys deserve to find their match, so Chase, Gavin, Xander and Rowan will get books.

(I will dutifully go ahead and take the podium for the readers out there and beg for all these books!!!! Loved meeting these irresistible guys in Heated Match!) 😉

 

Me: I noticed that Adam and Loren have been eyeing the pond this whole time, if it’s okay with you, I say we let them have a private swim before they have to get back to the compound.

Lynne: Thanks for letting me swim in the pond, Mermaids! – Lynne

It was my absolute pleasure, Lynne, Adam and Loren!  Find out more about Lynne and the CODED FOR LOVE series here!  🙂

 

Hey There Darynda!

Interview, Kimberly MacCarron, mermaids, ,

I’m honored to welcome the fabulous Darynda Jones to the lagoon today.

I’m ashamed to say I didn’t listen when I was told I just had to read FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT.  But I’m glad to say that when I did, I could immediately buy SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT.  For the first time in my life, I paid full price for a hardback book.  It was worth every penny.   Many times over…

Then I—along with all of Darynda’s other fans—had to sit and (im)patiently wait until THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD came out.

I’ve stalked her on Twitter.  I’ve visited her website so many times for updates on her books that I’m sure to get banned from there soon.

Imagine my surprise when she so generously agreed to be interviewed by me—with nary a restraining order in sight.

In 2009, Darynda’s unpublished manuscript (FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT) won RWA’s Golden Heart award for Best Paranormal Romance.  Less than three years later, Darynda is a double RITA nominee in two categories (Best First Book; and Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements) for that same book, only it’s now not only published but a bestseller.

Let’s ask Darynda a few questions, and maybe she’ll even answer a few more…

1.    What was your inspiration for FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT?

My inspiration was actually my heroine Charley herself. She just kind of popped into my head one morning, told me all about her life, and the rest is history. It was her personality that drew me to her more than anything, though. I wanted a character who was fun and a tad crazy but who lived in a rather dark world. I wanted her to have accepted her circumstances, to treat them rather everyday, like they were nothing special, and not be a whiner about them. LOL

2.    How many books do you anticipate there being in the series?

Well, my editor wants it to be ongoing, so there’s just no telling. I would love it to continue for quite a while longer. I adore writing about Charley and her antics.

3.    Please, please, PLEASE tell us that Charley and Reyes finally get together in the flesh.  I know that’s not a question.  So just comment.  And comment to my liking.  🙂

Hahaha. They definitely do, and quite soon. *wink wink*

4.    In real life, are you more like Charley or her best friend Cookie? 

You know, I’m not sure I’m very much like Cookie. She is super savvy, efficient, a tireless worker . . . yeah, that’s not me. I am like Charley in one very basic element: We both suffer from serious cases of ADD.

5.    Do you have a Cookie in your life?  I think everyone should have one. 

Oh, don’t I wish! I agree. Everyone should have a Cookie. And if I ever find one, I’m going to kidnap her and force her to do research and go to the post office for me.

6.    How many hours a day do you write?

It kind of depends on where I’m at in the process and how tight of a schedule I’m on. If I’m on a first draft, I will usually write (actually put new words on paper) anywhere from 2-10 hours a day, although I will be at my computer for more like 14. There is SO much more to writing than writing. If I am nearing my deadline, my hours will jump up from there.

7.    Do you have something special you do as a reward for reaching a goal?   (Finishing a book.  Finishing a tough chapter…)

Well, I am all about the reward system. LOL. After I finish a deadline, I will take a couple of days off (schedule permitting) and just vegetate. My brain is usually quite mushy by then anyway. Finishing a tough chapter? I will probably take the evening off and watch an episode of my favorite television show or go to a movie.

8.    There is a rumor going around that FIRST GRAVE may become a television series.  Can you tell us a bit about that?  And if it happens, how in the world will anybody be good enough to play either Charley or Reyes?? 

Yep! It actually sold to CBS for the CW a couple of years ago. Hopefully they’ll do something with it someday, though I’m not holding my breath. I can see several women playing Charley. For some reason, that is not nearly as much of a challenge as finding someone to play Reyes. I do not envy the casting director that job.

9.    I’ve heard you mention your sons, who you call the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.  How old are they?  Have they read your books?  And if so, are they proud, embarrassed (by the hot scenes) or a little bit of both?

My boys are awesome even though my youngest wrecked my car yesterday. LOL. They are 23 and (as of today) 19.

My oldest is Deaf and is not a fan of the English language, so he has a great excuse, but neither has read my books. It doesn’t bother me in the least. My husband doesn’t read my books either. I have no problem with that at all. However, many of their friends, especially girls, do read them and that gets funny. One girl texted my youngest and commented on how hot they were. My son texted me with: “MOM! What exactly are you writing???”

It’s the little things in life.

10. What author living or dead would you want to meet and why?

Well, since I’ve met the amazing JR Ward and the incredible Neil Gaiman, I guess I would love to meet Stephen King. I’d also love to meet Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde. Oh, and Mary Shelley. How cool would that be? And I’d love to have a face-to-face with Suzanne Collins. And Stephen Hunter! Okay, you said ‘author.’ Sorry. They’re like Lay’s Potato Chips, you can’t pick just one.

11. What books have you read recently?  Any book recommendations for those waiting patiently for FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET?

Well, anything by JR Ward should do the trick! LOL. That woman is amazing. Also, Molly Harper and Jacquelyn Frank. Fantastic books!

12. What time of the day do you find most productive for writing?

A quarter past deadline. 🙂

13. How did you come up with your character names?

Actually Charley Davidson was originally named Harley Davidson. My editor put a stop to that silliness, so Charley was born.

As for Reyes, I was writing First Grave while interpreting at our local Jr. High and there was a kid whose first name was Reyes. I’d never heard it as a first name before and just fell in love. So I told him I was stealing it. He seemed okay with my thievery.

Oddly enough, at that very same school, there was another kid named Garrett who was sitting a couple of desks away from me while I was trying to come up with a name for, you guessed it, Garrett. Weird. And Swopes is the last name of one of my best friends.

I had a friend named Cookie who lived in Albuquerque many years ago and stole her name for my loyal, fashion-challenged administrative assistant.

Uncle Bob is in homage to the Terminator where John Connor introduces the Terminator to his friends as Uncle Bob. I thought that was too funny.

14. You have a YA series debuting in October.  Can you tell us a little bit about that?  How many books do you think will be in the series?

Absolutely! The Darklight series will be a trilogy. Here is a quick blurb:

Ten years ago, Lorelei’s parents disappeared without a trace.  Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home.  For Lorelei, life goes on.

 High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be.  Until the day the school’s designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night.  Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school.  Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity.  What does Jared know about her parents?  Why does Cameron tell Jared he can’t have Lorelei?  And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real? 

15. Do you listen to music when you write?  Do you come up with a playlist for your books and characters? 

I don’t listen to music while I write at all. I must have complete silence. There is enough chaos in my head while I write. Music only adds to the confusion.

16.  How do you balance your web presence (blogging, web site, interview) with your writing?

Badly. It’s really hard to come up with that balance and it’s a constant challenge for me. I will often spend more time on writing-related content than actual writing, and that is not how it should be. I’m considering therapy.

17. Do you believe in an afterlife?  Supernatural? 

I do believe in the afterlife, I’m just not sure how much of it I believe is here on Earth. I am quite the skeptic.

18. Plotter or pantser?

Plotter. I MUST know where my story is going or I get lost in all that confusion I mentioned earlier and it’s hard to come back from that. Pantsers amaze me. They are like these mystical creatures who are not really of this world. I think they’re from Saturn. Or one of its rings.

19. Tea or Coffee? 

Coffee. Sigh….

20. Do you snack when you write?  If so, what are some of your favorites?

Gah! I’m so boring. No, I don’t snack. It’s too distracting. LOL.

 

One lucky commenter will get his/her choice of either of Darynda’s October 2012 releases:  FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET; or DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR–the first in her YA series.   And making it even better…Darynda will personally sign it!  The winner will be randomly chosen and posted on Sunday.

I’m sure I’m not alone when I wish Darynda the very best of luck in Anaheim at RWA’s RITA Awards in July.  Thank you, Darynda, for swimming with your mermaid fans!   And those on dry land.

Hanging Out With My Guy – Hank Edwards

Interview, ,

I’m so excited to have one of my favorite guys here with me today. When I first met Hank Edwards it was through my my friend, Em Woods and the Story Orgy crew, and I thought he was one of the coolest souls I ever met. We started chatting on FB and I blazed my way through his awesome backlist. It wasn’t long before he became a big impact on my writing (he is a genius at writing subtle but amazing humor into scenes) and then my friend. Since I don’t live in Michigan and can’t just drop by to have a beer with him, to bitch about the Evil Day Jobs or watch a marathon of “The Walking Dead” – this is the next best thing.

Robin

 

 

 

1. Set the scene for us, where are you and what are your three favorite objects within arms reach.
I am sitting in my home office, feet up beneath the desk, birds at the feeder outside the window. My three favorite objects within reach are: both of my cats huddled beneath my chair, Riley the bruiser tabby and Emma the petite black domestic longhair, as well as a carnelian crystal given to me by a good friend, which provides protection, eloquence, and sexual energy.  ; )

2. Are you a plotter or a pantser? Why?
Oh boy. I try so hard, so very, very hard, to be a plotter. But every time, no matter how much I plot it out, the characters start acting completely differently and suddenly the story becomes something else entirely. So, most of the time, I’m a pantser, and I’m okay with that because, you know, life is lived by the seat of our pants, shouldn’t books be written that way? You need a starting, middle, and end, but along the way who knows what’s going to happen!

3. How often do you write and do you keep a set schedule?
I usually write on the weekends. In the summer it’s easier to write in the evening because I’m a big TV addict, so I watch a lot of TV fall and winter and spring. Been trying to cut back on that, though. Mostly I write in the mornings on the weekends. Some days I come home from the EDJ and am able to sit down and write, but not on a schedule.

4. What is your celebratory treat for finishing a book?
My man cooks a wonderful meal, we open a good bottle of wine and talk about it.

5. For the sake of this question, your best friend is single, which one of your heroes would you set him up with?
Oh, that would have to be Sir Gerard Fogg. He’s handsome, strong, loyal, brave, and willing to cross time for the one he loves. Sigh …

6. Why do think romance/erotica novels are so popular?
Escapism. Every one is pushed to their breaking point these days and we are all plugged in with mobile email and social media and being available 24/7, it’s exhausting. A good story with a bit of romance, a dash of sex, and a feel good ending goes a long way toward easing that stress.

7. You have an Evil Day Job (EDJ) too, what kind of support do you have as an author to help you with your website, e-mails, promotion and all the other non-writing parts of being a successful author?
My partner helps me with the graphics for promotion materials and banners for my Facebook pages and websites. I hired a friend of his to build me a website in WordPress and it’s easy for me to update. Emails and travel and things like that I handle on my own, so many days it feels like I have two jobs, but I love this second job. Lots of energy swirling around my writing these past two years.

8. Writing sex scenes – agony or ecstasy?
Just like having sex, I need to be in the mood. When I’m in the mood, it’s amazing. When I force myself to write them, it’s agony. A lot of time I’ll do the “XXX” trick, marking the spot in the book and come back to it when I’m feeling a little more feisty.  ; )

9. Briefs, boxers or commando?
Briefs at the EDJ, commando most other times.

10. If you could go anywhere to research your next book – where would you go?
My first thought is always Greece, but there’s so much turmoil over there right now. Instead, I would go with Italy, France, and England – the European trifecta.

11. What is your favorite word? Your least favorite?
Favorite word: conundrum. Least favorite word: then (I use it too much!)

12. You write a weekly short story/chapter for the “Story orgy” group. How does that fit in with your “regular” writing?
It steals a lot of time from my regular writing. But I’ve been revamping several of the stories published on my blog and submitting them to publishers. “Hired Muscle,” which started as a Valentine’s Day single post and then grew to a serial post, is coming out July 7 from Silver Publishing. Some times I take a week to get some posts written ahead of time and then use the free time to work on other writing.

13. What is your idea of the “perfect” romantic evening?
A nice dinner out so my man doesn’t have to cook, some good wine, a stop at a gay bar in our neighborhood for a cocktail, then home to the cats and some bossa nova music on the stereo. After that, maybe some nice, slow, smexy time, or just cuddling together as we fall asleep.

14. My understanding is that women make up a large number of the readers of m/m romance and erotica. Why do you think that is?
I was very surprised by that fact myself. I think they are drawn to the unique stories, and the fact that two men, two strong characters, falling in love and trying to make it work, is fascinating. Plus, just like straight men are turned on by two women together, straight women are turned on by two men together.

15. What are your strengths as a writer? What areas are you still working on?
I think I write comedy and suspense well. Areas I’m still working on are depth of view, different character “voices” and behaviors, and expanding my repertoire of characters. Always try something new with each book.

16. What is your best advice for pre-published and newly published authors?
Be open to all feedback. Ask for suggestions and don’t take the responses personally. And never, never, never throw a temper tantrum on social media or a blog post. There will be good reviews and bad reviews, don’t take either type personally. Find one or two friends you trust with your raw, undercooked writing and beta read for each other. One other trick: read your work out loud. You’ll hear the awkward sentences and weird phrasings really well that way. Last bit of advice: write what you love.

BIO:
Hank Edwards is the author of the hot and funny Charlie Heggensford series: Fluffers, Inc., A Carnal Cruise, and the Lambda Literary Award Finalist Vancouver Nights, all available from Lethe Press. He has other books available from Loose Id: the thriller Holed Up and sequel Shacked Up, time travel romance Destiny’s Bastard, and romantic comedy Plus Ones. His self-published vampire and zombie Old West novel, Bounty, and short story collection A Very Dirty Dozen, are available at Amazon, Smashwords, and All Romance eBooks. Every Monday morning Hank posts free m/m reads as part of the Story Orgy, a group of writers who have banded together to deliver hot, heartfelt reads. The group has published three anthologies over the past year: self-published titles And the Prompt Is… Volume One, And the Prompt Is… Holiday Edition, as well as Word Play, which was published by Breathless Press. Hank lives in a suburb of Detroit with his partner of more than 15 years and their two cats. Find out more at www.hankedwardsbooks.com, or www.facebook.com/hankedwardsbooks. You can also follow him on twitter @hanksbooks.

Tiny taste of the upcoming Shacked Up, available June 5!
Buy link: http://www.loose-id.com/Our-Authors/Hank-Edwards/

Blurb:
FBI Special Agent Aaron Pearce is recovering from his injuries suffered while on assignment in Detroit, stuck in the offices of the FBI running database searches for agents in the field. He is bored and edgy, and takes it out on those closest to him, including Mark Beecher, who lives with him.

While Mark cannot deny the heat between them, he struggles to find his place in Washington, DC, and in Pearce’s apartment. When he notices a car following him back and forth to work, he panics, certain it’s the terrorist mole Robert Morgan who escaped them in Detroit.

As Mark and Pearce try to identify the driver, Pearce is drawn into an investigation concerning the disappearance of data cards from government employees. His research reveals that the catering company where Mark works may be at the root of the thefts and, when the company is booked to cater a prestigious party, Pearce realizes it is the perfect setup for an undercover operation.

He doesn’t think twice about disobeying orders to stay out of the field, and risks not only his career, but his life as well, to join Mark in an undercover operation that will change their lives forever.

Excerpt:

Pearce got out of the car, pulling the milk, his workout bag, and suit out with him. He had enough to deal with right now, and things with Mark at that time were solid; they were right. He didn’t miss coming home to an empty apartment, not like he had after Mark had first moved in. Now he looked forward to sharing dinner with Mark, talking with him, digging in a little deeper to understand more about him. He needed to make that clear to Mark, share what he was feeling with him so Mark would know he was welcome in his apartment.
His apartment.

Pearce shook his head as he dug in his workout bag for his keys. It was their apartment, his and Mark’s. The singular was gone now; he needed to realize that.

The sound of a car tearing up the driveway toward him caught Pearce’s attention. The engine revved, startling him enough to step between a couple of parked cars. He was surprised to see Mark’s car speeding toward him. He caught a glimpse of Mark’s face behind the wheel as he sped past: a pale oval, blue eyes wide, mouth a straight line of tension.

“What the hell?” Pearce mumbled to himself and walked after the car, wincing as Mark cut the wheel at the last moment to park in an available space. Pearce stood at the trunk of Mark’s car and watched through the back window as the man fumbled with the door lock. When Mark finally managed to get out and stand beside his car, Pearce tried to lighten Mark’s obvious tension with humor.

“Is there a sale on catering whites somewhere?”

“Do you see him?” Mark brushed past him and stood in the middle of the driveway, staring back at the street.

Pearce walked up to stand beside him and followed Mark’s gaze to the empty street. “See who?”

Mark turned wide, terrified eyes to him. “The red Escort. Morgan.”

Pearce looked from Mark to the street and back again. “Again?” Pearce dropped his belongings, squatted to dig his gun from inside the workout bag, and jogged down the driveway toward the street, Mark right behind him. They looked up and down the street, but there were no cars in sight—red Escorts or other models.

“Same car as before?” Pearce asked.

“Pretty sure.” Mark put his hands on his hips and looked in both directions. “I swear, Pearce, he tailed me through traffic from work. Two cars behind, just like always. He followed me right down our street here. It’s the same car each time.” Mark looked up at him. “I know it was him.”

“Morgan? Did you see him?”

“Not directly, but who else could it be?” Mark looked up and down the street again, then turned to stomp up the driveway. “And of course he’s gone now. I feel like a fucking crazy asshole.”

Pearce blinked and turned to follow Mark, then reached out to put a hand on his shoulder and bring him to a stop. “Hey, I don’t think you’re a fucking crazy asshole, okay?”

Mark dropped his gaze to the driveway and nodded. “Thanks, but… Now I’m starting to doubt myself, so I wouldn’t blame you for thinking I was just seeing things.”

“I don’t think you’re seeing things,” Pearce said. A car turned into the lot, and he realized suddenly how they must look, standing in the middle of the drive, Pearce holding Mark’s shoulder with one hand, his gun in the other. He tucked his gun into the waistband of his workout pants and led Mark off to the side of the driveway. The car crept past, and the young woman behind the wheel gave them a long, uneasy look that Pearce tried to dispel with a friendly smile and nod.
“
Let’s go upstairs,” Pearce said to Mark. “We’ll settle down and talk about this, okay?”

Mark nodded and walked off to grab his things without a word.

Winners Announced

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Thanks to everyone who stopped by the lagoon these last couple days! Beth and I had so much fun chatting with all of you, and I hope you had a good time, too.

The ten winners (chosen from a random number generator) are as follows:

Megan Connors
Laurie Sanchez
Cindy Skaggs
Mary Jo Burke
Stephanie Buchanan
Marnee Bailey
Orly Konig-Lopez
amber
Kimberly MacCarron
Tara Lynn Mosby

Congratulations to all of you!

Remember, even if you did not win, you should still feel free to query Beth.  Thanks again and best of luck in your writing careers! I can’t wait to read all of your books!

Directions from Beth on how to submit:
For anyone who would like to query, please feel free to do so by emailing me a query letter and the first five or so pages of your ms pasted into the body of an email. Please mention this blog. Send to bmiller(at)writershouse(dot)com.

For those who win the chance to send your partial, please send the first 3 chapters as an email attachment, in .doc or .docx format, double-spaced, along with your query, as well as a synopsis if you have one.

Win a Partial Request from Writers House: Agent Beth Miller Swims with the Mermaids

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I am thrilled to welcome the fabulous Beth Miller of Writers House to the lagoon today. And even more excited to tell you that Beth will be requesting a partial manuscript from ten lucky commenters. That’s right – I said TEN. No pitch necessary. All you have to do is leave a comment, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to receive a partial request from Beth.

Even if you have no need for representation, please feel free to say “hi” or ask Beth a question. (Just be sure to let me know you’re not interested in the drawing!) We would love to hear from you!

This contest ends Saturday, May 19, at 11:59 pm, EST. The ten lucky winners will be posted on Sunday, May 20.

Take it away, Beth!

1. There are stories of agents getting manuscripts shoved at them under the bathroom stall door. Has anything like that ever happened to you?

No, but I have definitely heard of that happening, especially at the larger conferences like RWA National. This is actually not a great way to approach agents! You don’t want to be remembered as “that lady who shoved papers at me under the bathroom stall door.” It’s a little creepy. We definitely prefer a face-to-face pitch or a query.

2. If your life story were turned into a movie (face it, “agent” is the perfect job for the lead in a romantic comedy), who would play you and the male lead?

Oh, if only my life was that interesting! May I request Gerard Butler for the male lead? Not sure how much of a role he’d have, to be honest, but it would be fun. And if so, can I play myself?

3. What is your guilty reading pleasure?

Lately, I’ve just been in love with YA fiction, so I’ve been reading more and more (and more) of it. My guilty reading pleasure is more of a confession that I re-read Anne Bishop’s BLACK JEWELS series about three times a year.

4. You have an unusual background for a literary agent. Can you tell us a little about that background and what made you decide to switch careers?

I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology (it started out as a Marine Biology degree, because I wanted to hug whales, but then I switched over in my junior year), and spent several years working in a research lab on Long Island. While I was there, I knew I wanted to go back to school (read: my folks were bugging me to get a Master’s) and I really didn’t want to go for a PhD; neither did I really want to stay in science.

I had always loved reading and writing, and had taken quite a few undergraduate literature classes, so I decided to go for a Master’s in Literature. While I was doing that degree, I was also doing some writing. All of that led me to join a local writers group, which in turn helped me find out about “how to get a job reading manuscripts, because that sounds awesome!” And that led me to the job listing for an assistant to Robin Rue at Writers House, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I have never looked back! Though I do try to go whale watching whenever I can…

5. What would your friends and family be surprised to learn about Beth Miller, the literary agent?

Well, I’m fairly certain my friends and family won’t be surprised by anything about me—I’m a pretty open book. Maybe you guys would be surprised to learn that I’ve been a certified scuba diver since I was 14 years old and absolutely love being immersed in a warm, tropical sea, surrounded by colorful fish and peace and quiet. Or that I used to be big-time into hair bands (Poison, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Firehouse, etc.). If there was a long-haired, leather-pants-clad eyeliner-wearing dude shrieking into a microphone, I probably happily shrieked along to it. I also have a stuffed llama named Sebastian (obviously after Sebastian Bach, Hair Band Singer Extraordinaire).

6. What is your favorite part about being an agent? What is your least favorite part?

My favorite part is finding something fantastic in the submissions. My least favorite part is receiving a pass from an editor on a project that I love and then having to pass that along to the author. That never gets easier.

7. What makes a writer a good choice for you?

Other than that unputdownable manuscript, it’s the sense that the author has a promising career—with more than just this one manuscript. It’s also the sense that the author and I are in sync with what each of us brings to the table.

8. Chemistry is an important component in the author/agent relationship. Is there any possible way for you to judge that through a query letter?

I think that it’s possible to get a sense of the writer’s personality through his/her letter, but I think it’s more likely to get that sense from how that writer interacts via email, and especially by phone. I want to work with someone who wants to work with me, so that’s one thing I’m hoping to determine from those initial communications.

9. Do you have any thoughts on contests as a means of writers reaching out to agents? What value do you place on contest submissions?

I think contests can be a great way of getting some feedback, as well as getting the attention of the judging agents or editors. But we also know that the entries are generally just a few chapters. Most people really work on those first few chapters, but what about the rest of the manuscript? So if I’m judging a contest, and those few chapters are amazing, then I will most certainly want to see more, and we’d go from there. I also think that while there is certainly a value to having contest wins under your belt, it isn’t necessarily a determining factor for me when I evaluate a query. So that may have been a vague answer, but it’s one of those judgment calls. I’d suggest entering ones where you are guaranteed feedback, and not overdoing it. The costs can really add up!

10. Any advice you’d like to give to writers hoping to catch your attention?

I would say that you should do your research. There is so much info out there on the internet about how to write a query letter and what not to do when querying. Your query should be personalized (I don’t mean you should make reference to my love for Damon on The Vampire Diaries, but you should direct your letter to me (and not Dear Agent, etc.). You should give a concise summary of your story, and a little bit about you, including, of course, your publishing history, if you have one (which is not required if you don’t!).

Beyond that, just send me something fabulous! I am looking for new talent, for something that makes me stay up until my eyes cross from reading, or makes me watch my subway stop fly by out the window, or makes me ignore the world outside for days!

Thanks so much, Beth! It’s been an absolute pleasure having you here in the lagoon!

Beth Miller is a junior agent at Writers House, where she has worked with Robin Rue since 2007. She has the pleasure of working with a long list of talented and fabulous authors in a beautiful old brownstone with many, many steps.

In her other life, Beth was a DNA sequencing technician at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island. She much prefers books to E. coli, and enjoys scuba diving and road trips in her spare time. She also has a fascination for all things Scottish (including, but not limited to, men in kilts).

Beth is looking for romance and YA, though she would be happy to look at an action-packed thriller (think Clive Cussler or Vince Flynn) or a fantasy (think Anne Bishop or Juliet Marillier). She does not represent inspirational or religious fiction.

Author Interview: Princess Alethea Swims with the Mermaids

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Alethea Kontis, author of Enchanted

This surprised me. I was nervous. I wanted to conduct the best possible interview ever because I was interviewing the one and only Alethea Kontis. Yes, the New York Times Bestselling author, the multi-published author of the AlphaOops! series, the author of the newly released Enchanted, which is getting RAVE reviews, not surprisingly–and she’s also the founder of the Waterworld Mermaids (and my roomie at the 2012 WRW-DC Retreat). So yes, I was nervous! But if you know Alethea, you know I shouldn’t have been nervous one darn bit. Mainly because she wouldn’t allow it. A charming young woman with an infectious fun-loving personality, and a huge amount of talent, energy and love for writing and for being the best writer she can be, Alethea is fabulous and likely the only Princess I’ll ever know:)…and that’s just fine with me.

It was my pleasure to spend a few minutes swimming in her pond. So, without further adieu, here’s my interview with Alethea Kontis.

Denny said: Let’s get to the facts right up front. What’s your full author name, website, your latest release, the WIP that is keeping you up at night, your agent, your publisher, how long have you been writing…your successes? Yes, I want the mini bio right here, right now!

Alethea said: My name is Alethea Kontis, www.aletheakontis.com, Latest release(s): Enchanted, The Wonderland Alphabet, and my current WIP is called Saturday (sequel to Enchanted). My agent is Deborah Warren (East West Literary Agency).

I have been writing since I was eight years old. I was published by 30 and hit the New York Times bestseller list at 31. I’ve published picture books, short stories, poetry, essays, romance encyclopedias, and now (finally!) a novel. I’ve edited a major anthology, and I have friends in all genres, all over the world. I am a very lucky girl.

Denny said: What’s the best kept secret about your writing process?

Alethea said: Brownies. (The elves, not the dessert. Or the Girl Scouts.) For a bit of milk and honey, I get a lot of work done.

Denny said: What character have you written or are writing that keeps you up at night – just one, please:)?

Alethea said: My most recent obsession was/is a young girl named Ashes on the Wind — the princess formerly known as “Snow White.” I wrote her origin tale as a short story–“The Unicorn Hunter”–that was included in John Skipp’s Demons anthology last year. (You can still read it for free by clicking here. She also appears as a character in the sequel to Enchanted. But it’s not time for me to tell the rest of her story just yet…but I promise you, what a story it will be.

Denny said: What fictional character (book, film, television, comics) has had the greatest influence on your writing style and why?

Alethea said: My writing has been most influenced by the King of Hearts from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. “Begin at the beginning,” the King said gravely, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” The rhyming and the nonsense and the impossible things before breakfast are all just part and parcel.

Denny said: What book/author is the current “hot read” on your bookshelf?

Alethea said: Right now on my TBR pile are Wuftoom by Mary G. Thompson, The Taker and The Reckoning by Alma Katsu, and Thieftaker by D. B. Jackson

Denny said: What’s your favorite drink on a beautiful, not too hot, not too cold, spring evening – and who (fictional or not, friend or family, celebrity or historic figure) would be sitting at your side enjoying that drink with you?

Alethea said: Drink: A hot cup of Greek coffee.

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

Companion: My Greek grandfather Soterios Kontis–refugee, merchant marine, and pirate–who died before I was born.

Denny said: Who’s your favorite author and what would you ask them if you had the chance (or when you had the chance)?

Alethea said: I’ve sat here for far too long trying to think of a favorite author. I’ve come up with no less than twenty-seven names. But I don’t have questions. The sentiment I would say to all of them remains the same: “Thank you.”

Denny said: Last question…what question have you been dying to answer but no one has ever asked?

Alethea said: Hey, Alethea, where do your own siblings fall into the Woodcutter family? Which children are they most like?

Then Alethea replied: You know, I was hoping that someone would ask me this question–thank you so much for being that person! My eldest sister Cherie is definitely Monday, fair of face. She was once runner-up in the Miss Vermont pageant. Peter has a lot of my brother West at heart–quiet, romantic, and magic with a knife. (Peter isn’t a fourth-degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do…but there have to be some differences.) I am all of the sisters in some ways, of course, in order to breathe life into them…but I’m most like Sunday. Ironically, my youngest sister Soteria is most like Saturday–strong and soft-hearted, confident and insecure all at the same time.

I would love to make a personality quiz…which Woodcutter sibling are you most like?

Thank you Alethea!

Now visitors, it’s your turn!  Alethea will be stopping by to answer questions and to say hi! We also are offering a book giveaway today to one lucky commenter–a signed copy of Alethea’s new book, Enchanted.  So jump in the pond, and enjoy. 

Evernight Publishing Swims With the Mermaids

Interview, mermaids

 

I have new reason to love my publisher (you can read about it on my blog), so I’m thrilled to invite Evernight Publisher CEO Stacey Adderley into the Waterworld Mermaid lagoon.

Evernight is a digital first house based in Canada with a crack team of editors (mine is the awesome Emma Shortt, based in England) and designers. I won’t lie, one of the first things that really attracted me to Evernight was their amazing covers. However, after publishing two books (and hopefully more) with Evernight, you can bet I love a whole lot more about them now – but the covers are still to die for.

Enough from me, take it away Stacey!

Tell us a little about Evernight Publishing, it’s history and the kinds of books you publish.

At Evernight we publish romance, erotic romance, and some urban fantasy. I started the company because I love romance and also helping authors with their dreams.

The house recently celebrated it’s first birthday, why did you decide to start a publishing house?

I love romance, books, and the entire journey of publication. I’m very proud we’ve celebrated our first birthday and are still going strong.

What have you learned over the past year that you wish you’d known in the beginning?

There are many little things you learn along the way in about every area. Keeping organized is very important.

 

What do you find most enjoyable about being a publisher?

I love making authors and readers happy.

What are some of the biggest challenges of being a publisher?

Dealing with negative or demanding people can be difficult. You quickly learn who to surround yourself with.

Evernight Publishing is a digital first publisher, how do you see the future for digital books? Will they ever replace print?

I think print books will always be around, but digital is really making its mark!

What three things do you wish every author would do?

Promote and brand themselves, keep writing, and have realistic expectations.

If you had been kidnapped by a group of crazed writers and forced to sing karaoke, what song would you pick and why?

I’ve Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas. That song always cheers me up.

You win the lottery, what are the first three things you spend money on?

If we’re talking purely selfish reasons, I’ll say clothing, vacations, and a bigger property.

Where do you see Evernight Publishing in five years?

Going strong with a good reputation 🙂

Check out all things Evernight Publishing on its website and blog

Penmonkey Chuck Wendig Swims with the Mermaids

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Fellow mermaid Robin Covington turned me on to Chuck Wendig. I fell in blog love at first sight. His blog, Terribleminds, is full of great advice for writers and some of the most entertaining Top 25 writing lists in the world. Double bonus, he’s foul-mouthed and funny. For me, anyone who drops an MF in a blog about writing and makes me laugh is a good egg. Yep, my kind of writer.

In addition, his latest novel, Blackbird, drops on April 24 and it looks awesome.

“Miriam Black knows when you will die.

Still in her early twenties, she’s foreseen hundreds of car crashes, heart attacks, strokes, suicides, and slow deaths by cancer. But when Miriam hitches a ride with truck driver Louis Darling and shakes his hand, she sees that in thirty days Louis will be gruesomely murdered while he calls her name.

Miriam has given up trying to save people; that only makes their deaths happen. But Louis will die because he met her, and she will be the next victim. No matter what she does she can’t save Louis. But if she wants to stay alive, she’ll have to try.” – Blackbird by Chuck Wendig

Recently, I e-mailed Chuck asking if he’d we willing to come swimming with the Waterworld Mermaids. Lucky for us, he pulled on a pair of swim trunks and a dove right in.

Welcome to the lagoon, let’s start off with a little background. Enlighten us on how you came to be a self-proclaimed pen monkey.

I rocketed to Earth in a space-pod as my Penmonkey home planet burned behind me.

No! Wait. I killed my Penmonkey father, ate his Wendigo heart, and absorbed his power!

Hrm. That’s not right, either.

Alas, my story is not nearly as fascinating as that. I wanted to become a writer. So I wrote. First short story published at age 18 and I’ve been writing professionally since then (to the point where I now write full-time).

Your top 25 lists are killer. How long does it take you to compose a list and what serves as your inspiration?

Why thank you!

I generally compose the list itself – as in, the 25 items without descriptions – during the week, and then Sunday (the day in which I compose my crazy blog posts), I fill in the blanks. Then, when I’ve got enough lists, I compile them together in e-books (adding four or five brand new un-blogged lists to the book) and voila, all done.

The inspiration is frequently my own writing life. I look at things I need to say and use my blog as an avenue to say them. Terribleminds is really me talking to me more than it is me talking to you.

Any favorites from your top 25s?

I think anyone who reads the site knows I frequently recommend authors read their work aloud. In fact, I often threaten them with bodily harm if they don’t.

Those are my favorite ones — the ones where I get to threaten delicious violence upon them and their homes if they do not absorb my dubious “writer-think” into their brain-meats.

Do you ever read romance? If so, what type?

I’ve read some paranormal romance, sure.

What are the three most important things every romance writer should know about the inner workings of the male mind?

Oh, Sweet Jeebus, you’re making me the standard-bearer for the male-mind? Uh oh.

All right. Let’s try this.

First, we do think about sex as much as everyone says. Sometimes it’s sweet. Sometimes it’s weird. Sometimes it involves eye-popping debauchery that we could never say out loud. (“A cowgirl uniform, a birch tree, and a bucket of… fresh mulch?”)

Second, we think women are complicated. And we think we’re deliriously simple. But secretly we also know that we’re just as complicated as you, and further, we’re not all that different but we’ve all been taught how different we are and that’s our default way of thinking. In other words: we’re full of shit and most of the time we don’t realize it, so, uhh, sorry?

Third, we like romance just as much as you do, but somewhere along the way someone probably told us that it was weird and so we pretend we don’t. You merely need to remind us with examples.

Ever consider doing a top 25 for writing romance? What are a few things that would be on that list?

I don’t know that I’d be the guy to do it justice but I’d be willing to try. I think right now the only thing I can think of saying is that writing romance according to some rote recipe is not all that interesting (to write or to read). The romance genre tends to follow a pattern and patterns are predictable while romance most certainly is not. I’d suggest to keep it fresh, mix it up, change it, keep readers on their toes. It’s what I tried to do in Blackbirds, so, we’ll see how successful I was when the book drops on April 24th!

***

A huge thanks to Chuck for swimming with the mermaids, we hope to have you back in the lagoon again soon. If you can’t wait for more, swing on by my Avery Flynn blog for more of my interview with Chuck.

Songwriters Series

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Music has been the overwhelming influence in my world this past month.  I’ve had the chance to discover some new bands and have gained a few new favorite songs.  I also started wondering more and more about similarities and differences between what a songwriter does and what book writers do.  My hope is to keep finding new bands/singers/songwriters to fall in love with and maybe even snag a few who might be willing to answer these questions.

 

These are just a few things that popped into my mind this week:

 

What is the secret to conveying so much in so few words?  The song that just had me swaying along was a mere 178 words long.  The book I’m working on that hopefully does the same?  104,000 words.

Is there any similarity between plotting a song and plotting a story?  Are there industry formulaic “rules” a songwriter follows that would be similar to our plot lines and character arcs?  Is there an editing process songwriters go through with their lyrics?

Is there an element they know they have to get right, for example emotion, sentiment, sound, message, theme, story in order for the song to work?  I have heard it said that you can have a successful book with a not-so-zippy plot as long as you’ve got exciting, sympathetic characters.  Is the same true for their songs?

Do musicians have similar contrasting feelings about the evolution of music into the digital age as authors do with their books?  Comparing holding a physical record or CD in their hands to knowing the benefits that digital media offer as far as ease and speed of sharing their work with listeners/readers.

Does a songwriter feel more personally exposed sharing their lyrics than an author writing a fictional story or are songs often fictionalized?

Is there a comparison to be made for the feeling of energy a musician receives from performing a live show?  I don’t know yet, but is a book-reading as electric as a bass-pounding, amped up song set?

Musicians are often the subjects of our stories.  How many bluesy, guitar-strapped-across-his-back heroes have we strutted across our pages?  How many punk rock, attitude-served-up-on-a-prickly-stick heroines have we designed to deconstruct the poor boy next door?  Do songwriters tend to write about a certain type of person?  A tortured lover or a girl trying to make her way in the world?

What is more powerful for them, a song about a moment or the big picture? 

Whatever our similarities and differences, I know the songwriter/musician is an essential component to my artistic expression and very often the muse that drives the words onto the page.  I think that means I owe them a big ole thank you!  Thanks!

As we speak, I’ve submitted this list of questions to a new favorite band and if I hear back, I’ll be sure to post their answers here and invite them to the pond.

Have a great musical day everyone!