Author Spotlight: Gordon Osmond - Part One

Today I have have Gordon Osmond in the "Author Spotlight".

Christina: Welcome, Gordon. Tell us a little about yourself, please.

Gordon: I practiced law as a partner in one Wall Street law firm in New York City for 35 years. I couldn’t wait to retire and put to use in writing fiction and non-fiction the valuable language skills that I believe I acquired in the course of my legal career. I was born in Washington, D.C., and couldn’t wait to retire from there as well, moving to New York City, where I began my graduate and post-graduate education.

Christina: Besides writing, what activities do you enjoy?

Gordon: I enjoy loving, learning, and creating. Writing has a way of getting itself involved in all three pursuits.

Christina: What's one thing most people don’t know about you?

Gordon: That I can be really nasty when provoked.

Christina: What would be your perfect romantic date?

Gordon: Having a 5-Star dinner with a 5-Star hotel room close at hand. A luxurious tropical setting wouldn’t hurt.

Christina: What’s your favorite romantic dinner menu?

Gordon: A salad with dill, followed by a strawberry risotto, both anointed with lots of brilliantly chilled champagne.

Christina: I happen to have dill growing in my herb garden. We have strawberries, too. I have to say, fresh ingredients always make a meal better.  So, what about favorite music?

Gordon:  Brahms. I really aimez it.

Christina: Mon français c'est de la foutaise. C'est la vie.  What's your best childhood memory?

Gordon: Learning to read, perform, and putting it all behind me.

Christina: Let's talk about your debut novel, Slipping on Stardust. What was the inspiration behind the story?

Gordon:  Exciting life experiences, appropriately enhanced for dramatic presentation.

Christina: Who is your favorite character from the book?

Gordon:  I’m very partial to Erin O’Malley. She’s a 19-year-old chemistry major, who, without the slightest intention so to do, manages to make every male she meets love and lust for her.

Christina: I'm always fascinated by book titles. How did you choose yours?

Gordon: Only after rejecting several others. I’m very happy with Slipping on Stardust because I believe it successfully captures the hazards in life of sacrificing real values for false ones. In terms of classic novels, I believe that this theme was most successfully expressed in Gustav Flaubert’s Madame Bovary. Add a sexy touch from Peyton Place and voila! you have Slipping on Stardust.

Christina: What research was involved?

Gordon:  The novel includes several references to movies and plays. With research, I was able to 

confirm that all these references are accurate.

Christina: How does the setting play a role in the story?

Gordon: There are several settings—the Mid-West and both American coasts. The atmosphere in each has a strong influence on what happens there.

Christina: Will there be a sequel? If so, tell us about it.

Gordon: I think there will be a sequel. The reading public seems to like ongoing stories. I’m currently engaged in the process of scoping out the sequel’s plot line, and would greatly appreciate any suggestions the readers of the first installment of the story would care to make. For example, which characters would they like to hear more about? Which less?

Christina: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Gordon: Honestly, I never thought there was an alternative. Practicing law, I had to write to earn a living. Later, I wanted to write as a source of great pleasure.

Christina: Where do you get your ideas?

Gordon: From my life experiences.

Christina: What’s your usual writing schedule?

Gordon: I’m a morning person. I like to write in the morning and gather material during the remainder of the day.

Christina: What genres do you enjoy writing, and why?

Gordon: I enjoy writing non-fiction. I also enjoy writing reality-based fiction. At the moment, I don’t think I’d be very good writing fantasy, paranormal, or very explicit sexual material.

Christina: What’s been the hardest thing on your journey as a writer?

Gordon: Dealing with the indifference of those who think of me only as a lawyer.

Christina: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Gordon: Brutally assess your talent at the earliest possible point. It will save you a lot of time and trouble.

Christina: What’s the most enjoyable thing on the journey?

Gordon: Satisfaction with the final product. One day, I’m hoping to achieve it.

Christina: How much support do you receive from your family?

Gordon: Virtually none. At first I was astonished; subsequently, I learned that this is fairly common.

Christina: How do you manage your schedule to balance writing with other responsibilities?

Gordon: I put the other responsibilities first. I don’t believe my writing would be as good if I felt that it was being pursued in preference to other, arguably more important things.

Christina: What aspects of your life have you included in your writing?

Gordon: Almost all of them. Life experiences, enhanced by education, are an inexhaustible source of inspiration, wherever, whenever, and however generated.

Christina: I'm very grateful to you, Gordon, for visiting today. It's been a pleasure to chat with you.

Readers: Gordon will be back tomorrow with more. Meanwhile, here are links to Slipping on Stardust:

Amazon

Sweet Cravings Publishing

Book's website

Author Spotlight: Isobelle Cate

I've got Isobelle Cate in the Author Spotlight today talking about Love in Her Dreams.

• What was the inspiration behind the story?
Love in Her Dreams was inspired by my second trip to Scotland. I fell in love with the country the first time I visited, and on the second visit I fell in love with a Scot. ;)

• How did you choose your title?
You know when you feel that there’s a man who haunts your dreams? The man you’d like to be with but you don’t know whether he’s real or not? He becomes your ideal and you tend to measure every guy you meet against him that he becomes the love of your life? That’s how I chose the title.

• What research was involved?
There was no planned research for this story.  Since I had been to Scotland already, I took bits and pieces of memory coupled with the pictures I took to create the setting. The steamier scenes in the book, uhmm…..that’s imagination. ;)

• Will there be a sequel? If so, tell us about it.
A reader has asked me this same question. I’m not quite sure.  If Tamsyn and Alec want me to continue writing their story, then I will.

Bio:

Isobelle Cate is a woman who wears different masks. Mother-writer, wife-professional, scholar-novelist. Currently living in Manchester, she has been drawn to the little known, the secret stories, about the people and the nations: the English, the Irish, the Scots, the Welsh, and those who are now part of these nations whatever their origins. Her vision and passion are fuelled by her interest and background in history and paradoxically, shaped by growing up in a clan steeped in lore, loyalty, and legend.
Isobelle is intrigued by forces that simmer beneath the surface of these cultures, the hidden passions, unsaid desires, and yearnings unfulfilled.



Blurb:

Alec and Tamsyn know they are meant to be together though they have never met. And yet their passion for each other consumes them when they dream.

Alec knows that Tamsyn is the woman for him, but finding her at the moment is an impossibility. Or is it?

After resigning from her job, Tamsyn takes a break in Scotland when she feels the presence of the man who haunts her dreams. He is tangibly near and in Edinburgh. The sex they have in her sleeping moments becomes more real. But how can she find him in the streets of Edinburgh when the only thing she remembers is his touch, his scent, his passion?


 Excerpt: (General Audience rated)

“Tall iced decaff latte for Tamsyn!”

“Thanks,” she said. Her voice sounded strangled.

She cleared her throat and thanked the barista again. Her heart still kept beating at a fast pace. And she hadn't even drank from her latte. She found an empty table by the window and sat down.

The tingling was more forceful now. Like invisible hands caressing her. Tamsyn looked out of the window and closed her eyes when she felt her nipples beading. She opened her eyes again as she scanned the faces of the men that walked by. No one remotely resembled him. She inhaled deeply before she buried her face in her hands. Squeezing her eyes shut, she willed her tears not to fall and forced lump in her throat to subside. If he wasn't real she needed to get him out of her mind. For the sake of her sanity. Probably it was time to let go of the dream. He was probably the love meant for her but she could never have. Someone she could not physically be with to share her life, her passions, and her dreams. It was that kind of love that never died even though it was never meant to be.

The sensation was very, very strong now. It held her spellbound and cocooned her desperation in a sea of longing. Slowly the tears finally fell. Tamsyn vaguely heard the scrape of the chair beside her being pulled, but she didn't take her face out of her hands. Damn, she wasn't even sure if she had any tissue in her purse and she hadn't taken some napkins from the counter. She didn't want to let people see her crying. Tamsyn felt heat emanating from someone beside her.

Someone very close beside her. Christ! She didn't need this. She needed to be alone. She couldn't have someone's body heat beside her. It would only make her think of him and make matters worse. But the body heat did not move, and with it the tingling peaked. Then it hit her. Tamsyn stiffened, her breath coming out of her in a whoosh. Could it be? Her heart galloped as though wanting to bolt out of her ribcage. She could feel her heartbeat in her ears. She began to breathe heavily.

She removed her hands from her face, her eyes still closed. The cool air started to dry the trail of tears on her face. She turned her head to the heat source, anticipation putting a slight frown on her forehead.

Tamsyn opened her eyes. His blue-black eyes crinkled at the corners the way they did when they were together. His smile dazzled her. His thumb brushed away the wetness from her face before he leaned toward her. It was him. She couldn't believe it, but he was here. In front of her. He took her mouth in his and she closed her eyes savoring him. His kiss was just as how she knew it would be and more. Then he lifted his head. Tamsyn didn't give a damn about the stares they were getting. New tears threatened to fall down her cheeks, but she successfully held them in check. She smiled. His eyes mirrored her happiness. They had finally found each other.

Author Spotlight: Samantha Combs

From Christina: Today, I have Samatha Combs in the Author Spotlight. She's a multi-published author with nine books ... so far. I'm sure there will be many more to come.

You can visit Samantha's author page at Amazon's Author Central for a complete listing of her books.

Samantha Combs

Christina: You’re a very prolific author. What is your daily writing routine, Samantha?

Samantha: I write mostly at night, after the house is asleep. Hard to write any other time with the kids.

Christina: Where do you get all your ideas?

Samantha: Happily,  they come to me in the strangest forms.  Mostly when I am in the shower or driving.  I have had to pull over at least a thousand times to jot a note in my phone about an idea I had, or a conversation I am having inside my head.  Have you ever noticed how psychotic writers sound?

Christina: I worry about that at times, LOL.  So, what’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

Samantha: How famous I will become. LOL

Christina: Great attitude! So, let’s talk a little about romance. What’s your favorite romantic dinner menu?

Samantha: Steak. I’m a steak girl. Steak and potatoes au gratin and asparagus.

Christina: Sounds good, especially the asparagus.   How about favorite music?

Samantha: Classic rock. And weirdly, Bruno Mars.

Christina: In your writing, what genres do you enjoy?

Samantha: YA paranormals and adult horror.

Christina: What advice would you give to aspiring authors:

Samantha:  I always tell them the same thing.  Get thick skin.  Get ready for rejection.  Use every one as a motivation to write more, write better.

Christina: What’s the most enjoyable thing on your journey as a writer?

Samantha: Having a perfect stranger tell me how much they loved my book. A perfect stranger. No one I am related to.

Christina: How much support do you receive from your family?

Samantha: My kids can name all nine of my books. And they celebrate with me when I complete one.

Christina: It’s great that you have support from your kids. I’m sure it’s not easy to keep up with writing and family obligations. How do you manage your schedule to balance writing with your other responsibilities?

Samantha:  As a writer, you find time.  You have to.  You can’t live if you don’t.

Christina: Do aspects of our life, such as hobbies or places you’ve traveled, show up in your writing?

Samantha: Not on purpose, but I have found that there is a part of me and my life in every one of my stories.  Either in setting, or a character, or an event.  All me.

Christina: Thank you so much for visiting today, Samantha. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you and getting to know more about you and your writing.  For my readers, I’ve included a link to your profile at Amazon’s Author Central. 

Author Spotlight: Mae Clair

I've recently had the pleasure of reading Twelfth Sun, by Mae Clair. I loved the book and asked Mae to join me again in the Author's Spotlight.

Tell us a little about yourself, please.

Thank you so much for inviting me on your blog, Christina. To share a bit about myself --I’m married to my high school sweetheart, hold a day job in real estate marketing and have been writing since grade school. I’m thrilled to finally be able to share some of my stories with others. What an amazing and supportive writer/reader community I’ve discovered online!

Besides writing, what activities do you enjoy?

I’m a voracious reader and enjoy everything from romance, thrillers and mysteries to horror, science-fiction, YA, fantasy and non-fiction. I adore cats, love old photographs, genealogy, American history, folklore and exploring old graveyards. I prefer small gatherings to large parties and would rather have a good conversation with someone than watch a movie.

What is your daily writing routine?

I wish it were daily, LOL! Because I work full-time, writing is mainly limited to one day a week. I set aside Sunday afternoons for that purpose and can usually accomplish a fair amount since it’s a set routine. During the week, I write posts for my blog and jot notes on any fresh story ideas that start puttering around inside my head.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I can’t parallel park. It’s ugly when I try to, so I avoid driving to locations where it might be required. If there is a parallel parking gene, it skipped me over!

What genres do you enjoy writing and why?

For now I’m happy writing character-driven romances with a touch of mystery, whether contemporary, mythical or paranormal. Romance has a magical quality - - star-crossed loved, the triumph of overcoming obstacles, the flush of forever and the promise of an HEA. I’m a romantic sap. J

What would be your perfect romantic date?

Dinner and drinks at an intimate restaurant or pub…preferably in a small coastal town with a view of the water. Afterward, a stroll along the shoreline or meandering through a park at twilight. The evening would end with an overnight stay at a small cottage or a 19^th century B&B. I love anything with overtures of stepping back in time.

How did you choose the title of your release?

I combined my favorite number and an appreciation of astronomy to create a fictional 19^th century schooner. My hero and heroine become involved in the treasure hunt for an artifact rumored to have been on the vessel TWELFTH SUN before she sank in the 1800s.

Who is your favorite character from the book, and why?

I’m pretty partial to the hero, Dr. Elijah Cross. He’s a twenty-five year old marine archeologist with a PhD who looks like a street musician and has an off-the-cuff attitude. He’s got his hands full between the hunt, other treasure seekers and the reclusive billionaire who set the whole thing up, but the person commanding his attention is Reagan Cassidy. They’re paired up on the treasure hunt and he’d like to get to know her better. A lot better. Unfortunately, she’s thirty-five and considers him too young for any type of romantic involvement. He’s really got his work cut out for him in changing her mind.

How does the setting play a role in the story?

The story takes place on the eastern seaboard in a small coastal town, one of my favorite settings. I was able to draw on my love of the ocean, beach settings and a smattering of nautical folklore. And then there’s the lavish seaside mansion belonging to my billionaire, where all of the treasure hunt participants are invited to lodge as guests. It was a lot of fun creating his estate and staff.

How do you manage your schedule to balance writing with other responsibilities?

It’s rough, and like many authors, there are days I feel completely overwhelmed. If it were just home life, writing and work, I would probably find a better balance, but toss social media into the mix and it can be daunting.  I’m frequently exhausted but remind myself that’s a typical state for a struggling author. I’ve become very good at juggling priorities and going without the proper amount of sleep, LOL!  On the plus side I’m doing what I’ve always dreamed of doing - - writing stories that others are able to read. The fatigue is worth the trade-off J

Thanks for having me Christina. I enjoyed the interview immensely!

TWELFTH SUN BLURB:
The hunky young PhD knows all about seduction, but what does he know about love? 

Reagan Cassidy is settled in her life. She has a thriving interior design firm, an upscale condo, two cats, and a goldfish. As a favor to her uncle, she agrees to team up with his marine archeologist friend to validate and retrieve a nineteenth-century journal, reputedly that of a passenger aboard the doomed schooner Twelfth Sun. Finding a hunky twenty-five-year-old coming out of the shower in her hotel room wasn’t part of the deal, but it’s hard to complain…

Dr. Elijah Cross is cocky and he knows it. He enjoys trading barbs with the lovely Reagan. Barbs, and some innuendo. He can tell she’d rather get back home to her business than stick around for the extended treasure hunt they’ve been talked into, but he’s fine with the situation. At least, until the “clues” start getting personal.

Reagan finds Dr. Gorgeous is as skilled in matters of the heart as he is behind the lectern. Throw in a series of clues which mean more to Elijah than he’ll explain, several odd-ball competitors out to win the journal, a saboteur, and a lavish seaside mansion, and Reagan has enough trouble keeping her head straight, let alone her heart.

WARNING: Younger man, older woman, nautical riddles and romance.

Purchase TWELFTH SUN at:
Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

iBooks

To learn more about Mae Clair, visit her at:

Website

Blog

Twitter (@MaeClair1)
Facebook Author Page
Goodreads

Author Spotlight: Whitney K-E

• 
  

From Christina: Today I’m happy to have Whitney K-E as my guest in the Author Spotlight. She’s here to tell us a bit about herself and her travels to Ireland...plus give us a little background on her romance novel, “What Happens in Ireland”.

Christina: Welcome, Whitney! To start, will you tell us a little about yourself?

Whitney: Where to begin. I’m Whitney. I live on the east coast of Australia, and for the last four years my greatest passion in life has been to write romance. This year I had my first novel published, and I am the proud owner of a grump thoroughbred and a coffee-addicted mini foxie (not intentional, I swear). I am a twin and just this year, I travelled to Ireland.

Christina: Besides writing, what activities do you enjoy?

Whitney: Coffee drinking is one. I also like to read, ride my horse, although I don't seem to be doing that much of late, and I love to 

travel.

Christina: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

Whitney: I’m a twin. Most people who I know through the writerly world won’t know this.

Christina: Since you enjoy writing romance, I’m guessing that you’re a bit of a romantic. I’m going to put you on the spot a bit. What would be your perfect romantic date?

Whitney: The perfect date would involve the perfect guy. And I suppose, it would have to be something I could never fathom.

Christina: Do you have any favorite music?

Whitney:  I’m broad in my tastes. But I love rock, rock alternative and I do love traditional Irish music.

Christina: Yes, Ireland. What was the inspiration behind What Happens in Ireland?

Whitney: I came up with the idea for What Happens in Ireland on a bus. I was planning my trip to Ireland around this time and bus rides cause me to daydream. I started with an ending and the rest of the book pretty much wrote itself. My characters had the wheel with this one.

Christina: Who is your favorite character from the book?

Whitney: Jack O’Reilly. My Irish studmuffin.

Christina: I can probably guess, but why is he your favorite?

Whitney: Let’s just say… I couldn’t resist the Irish charm.

Christina: I’d love to write stories in faraway places, but the research seems daunting. What research was involved for What Happens in Ireland?

Whitney: All my research was done through the planning of my own trip to Ireland. And when I went to Ireland myself, I changed some of the setting to suit my own experiences.

Christina: No doubt the setting plays an important role in the story.

Whitney. Yes. Ireland is a beautiful country. Its charm was equivalent to my hero’s.

Christina: Do you have a sequel planned?

Whitney: There will be two, maybe three.  What Happens in Ireland is the first in my Irish series. I’m currently working on Deceive Me in Ireland. It’s not a continuation of Jack and Kate’s story, but about Kate’s cousin, Cara, and Jack’s equally rakish brother, William.

Christina: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Whitney: It was strange, but I’d been writing since I was in year 9. But at that point, I was writing a story I didn’t end up finishing. I was focused on horses then. I wanted to work with them. But in the years to come I found myself relying on my writing, and my desire to be an author was undeniable. I’m a bit of an escapist.

Christina: What’s been the hardest thing on your journey as a writer?

Whitney: The length of the days and having to deal with real life. Ha ha. My writing depends greatly on my moods. If I’m having a bad week, I tend to lack the motivation to edit. When I’m in the middle of a new novel, however, I tend to ignore the real world, which is always a blessing when it comes to getting those words down.

Christina: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Whitney: Work every day towards your goals. Build your name from the beginning. You might not get there right away, but you never will if you give up the first time.

Christina: Excellent advice. Do you receive a lot of support from your family?

Whitney: My family is my biggest fan base. I don’t know a single auntie who hasn’t read my novel.

Christina: So, what does happen in Ireland?

Whitney: Here’s a little about the story.

When Australian, Kate Barrow, meets a handsome Irishman in a Dublin bar, she has no idea that he’s about to turn her world upside-down and inside-out.

In Ireland to take on a position on a thoroughbred stud, Kate is shocked when her manager-in-co reveals himself to be the same man she’d met in Dublin.

Jack is drawn to Kate. The problem is, she won't have him. But Jack has always loved a challenge and the intriguing woman from Oz is one he cannot resist.

Harbouring the sting of another man’s betrayal, Kate is certain she wants nothing to do with love and nothing to do with Jack O’Reilly. But when naked torsos, Mother Nature and dysfunctional umbrellas start plotting against her resolve, she realizes the charms of an Irishman are going to be hard to resist.

Christina: Sounds intriguing...especially that part about dysfunctional umbrellas. Thanks so much, Whitney, for visiting today.   

 ~ ~ ~ ~

Want to know what Happens in Ireland? You can find Whitney's novel at the following websites:

- Amazon

- Bookstrand

- Secret Cravings

- All Romance Ebooks

- Smashwords

-Itunes

You can also find Whitney on the following social media sites:

Goodreads – Add to your shelf

Whitney K-E Romance Author – Facebook page

Whitney K-E Author – Add her as a friend!

Twitter   (@whitney_ke) 

Whitney K-E Blog  

The Romantic Muse blog    

Author Spotlight: Mark Love

From Christina: I’m pleased to have Mark Love in the “Author Spotlight” today.  He’s here to tell us a little about himself, his writing, and his latest release, Vanishing Act.

~ ~ ~ 

Christina: Welcome, Mark. To begin, tell us a little about yourself, please.

Mark: I’m a Michigan native and have always been an avid reader. I’m married with two grown sons. After taking a creative writing course in college, I was encouraged to keep writing.  There is something appealing about developing interesting characters, creating a controversy and seeing where it leads that brings out the storyteller in me. I work a regular job so I don’t get as much time to write as I would like.

Christina: Besides writing, what activities do you enjoy?

Mark: I enjoy music, movies, books, entertaining, cooking, wine and travel, sports and the great outdoors. Michigan weather can change in a heartbeat. We also get to experience all four seasons, although some years winter seems to run six months long.

Christina: You mentioned music. Any special favorites?

Mark: When I’m writing, I mix it up with classic rock and roll, like Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Otherwise it’s jazz.

Christina: When I’m interviewing female authors, we often talk about romance. We ladies like to plan special romantic nights, or romantic dinners. I’d like to think men enjoy romantic times, too. If you were planning a romantic dinner, what would it include?

Mark: If I’m cooking, that would be shrimp with angel hair pasta. I’d make sure there was a fresh garden salad, some crusty rolls or warm bread and plenty of wine. If we’re going out, I’d opt for sushi.

Christina: Sounds nice. All women appreciate a man who’s comfortable in the kitchen, I think. But, I didn’t ask you here only to talk about your personal life. I’d like to know more about Vanishing Act.  When I recently posted an excerpt from the book at my Power of Love blog, I was intrigued. Tell me, Mark, what was the inspiration behind the story?

Mark: Vanishing Act is the second story in the Jamie Richmond series. I wanted to bring more depth to Jamie’s character and thought her best friend was the perfect vehicle to help tell the story. The special bond two close friends can have was a key to the story.

Christina: Who is your favorite character from the book:

Mark: That’s got to be Jamie Richmond.

Christina: Why is that?

Mark: Her characteristics and traits are the combination of many different women I’ve known. She’s still growing in her romantic relationship with Malone, but there remains a fair amount of uncertainty in her eyes.  Despite her best intentions, she manages to add stress to their situation. She continues to surprise me. Jamie’s a character that I think has many more tales ahead of her.

Christina: I know you had to do some rather, uh, interesting research. Will you tell us about it, please?

Mark: I needed to know more about aerobics and different types of exercise classes women take. Fortunately I know someone who is an instructor for yoga and Pilates. She threw me a curve when I found out about pole dancing as a form of exercise, which she also teaches. So I had to include that in the story, especially the line ‘get up sexy’. That’s when a pole dancer ends up on the floor. I also had to learn about spy cameras and fire.  I found a store that specializes in surveillance equipment, which was very helpful. My son Cameron has studied to be a firefighter, so he was a great resource for the book when fire is used as a weapon.

Christina: Will there be a sequel?

Mark: Yes, I am currently working on the third book in the series. This involves Jamie’s late father, who was an artist. A discovery of some of his work that had been hidden for more than twenty years starts the story. So there’s a fortune in art work, romance on several levels, deception and misdirection.  It’s coming along well. I’m about 70 pages into it.

Christina: Where do you get your ideas?

Mark: My ideas come from everywhere and anywhere. I’ve observed people in restaurants, the theater, at the mall and traveling. Without knowing it, their actions can suggest an idea. Sometimes I’ll just be taking a walk and an idea will strike.  I once overheard two old timers talking about an attractive young lady while we were waiting to be seated at a restaurant. Their comments triggered the idea for a short story I wrote called “Wishes” that was published in a magazine a long time ago.

Christina: What genres do you enjoy writing, and why?

Mark: Mysteries have always appealed to me and I read a lot of them. I’ve also done some short stories that are reflective of a misspent youth, watching episodes of “The Twilight Zone” or “Tales from the Crypt”. My short stories are more along those lines, with the mixture of humor, danger and a surreal twist.

Christina: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Mark: If you don’t already have it, develop a thick skin. Rejection is a part of writing, just like a poor review. Chances are you won’t please everyone, no matter how hard you try. But do NOT let it get you down. Keep writing. Do the very best you can. Develop distinctive characters and get to know everything you can about them.  If you can find other writers in your area, get together occasionally to workshop. Constructive criticism is very helpful.

Christina: Excellent advice, Mark. Are there any aspects of your life, such as hobbies or special interests, that you’ve included in your stories?


Mark: I like to cook, which shows up in my stories. Malone cooks better than Jamie does, which irritates her for a moment until she’s hungry.  Music is often present in the stories, with different types to suit the mood of the scene. You’ll also see mention of other authors, such as Elmore Leonard, James Rollins, John D. MacDonald, Stephen King and Harlan Coben. 

Christina: Thanks so much for visiting Time for Love, Mark. It's been a pleasure to get to know more about your and your work. I do readers will enjoy Vanishing Act, so maybe you should tell us where to find it.

Mark: It's published through Secret Cravings Publishing, and it's also available at Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.

Christina: Great. And if readers want to connect with you, Mark, where do you hang out in cyberspace?

Mark: Readers can check out my page on Facebook or they can visit my blog, Write Now.

Christina: I love your blog's name. Very clever! I'd also like to share a link to the excerpt I posted at The Power of Love. I'll also let you know, Mark, what will be going on over there with all the excerpts. At the end of the summer, I'll be giving away "Reader's Choice" awards to the three of the authors who've participated. I'll let you know when voting begins so you can encourage your readers to check out the site and cast their vote for your excerpt. Thanks again for being in my "Author Spotlight" today, Mark. It's been a pleasure.

Author Spotlight: Jillian Chantal on Location, Location, Location

Today, it's with great pleasure that I welcome Jillian Chantal to the Author Spotlight. She's graciously offered to share a few thoughts with readers and fellow writers about one of the most important elements in fiction. As she calls it...

Location, Location, Location

I’m Jillian Chantal and I want to thank Christina and the Time for Love blog for allowing me to pop in today to talk a little about something near to my heart in my own writing.  Location.

Realtors use this phrase all the time, and I like to think of it as I start a new novel as well. To me, location can be used almost like an additional character.  Stories are fun to plan, and one of the most interesting things to me is selecting where the action will take place. I, for one, like foreign or exotic places. The tag line for my website is Romantic Adventures with an International Flair and those are my favorite tales to tell.

Traveling can assist a writer in making his or her stories more authentic.  We’ve all gone on trips, be they short or long, to the next town or across the ocean.  I recommend that those ventures to other areas be mined for material. Using a small notebook, I jot things as I move about-- such as what neighborhoods abut each other; where the nicest homes are; where the dodgy areas are; and other little details that will add to setting the scene.

I always grab a map or two of the places I visit in case I later decide to set a story there so I’ll have them to compare to areas that my character goes to. I’ve seen several movies set in places I’ve been and it always bugs me when I can tell they’ve moved around in the shooting and that the place where the character is at one point is nowhere near where they are in the next moment. I know that makes me sound anal and maybe I am, but I sure do like to try to be authentic.

I recently received a review from a reader who lives in London and she praised the fact that “the writer nailed the area of London where the story was set” (Greenwich). I recently spent time over there when my son was living in the area. I made notes of streets, pubs, food, types of drinks, the railway stops and also picked up those maps that I love. I really think that made a difference for that reader to feel as if she were really in that area with the characters.

I’ve mined my real life visits for scenery descriptions as well as tourist spots that characters may visit. I have also set a few stories in places I haven’t been physically but I’ve researched by ordering maps and tourist books as well as talking to friends who have been there. I mine that information to use sporadically in the story to make the readers feel they are there. It seems to work as readers have contacted me to say they feel like they are in the places I describe.

I recommend the above for adding authenticity to your stories and to make them come alive for the reader.  Making your story’s location an integral part of the action will add flair to your tale that readers will love. Try adding the little touches that can make a difference,  like personal notes or information that a map or tourist guide can provide. It’ll make your stories shine.  If you’re a reader, please leave a comment letting me know your thoughts about scenery and location. I’m curious if it makes a difference if you’re reading about an area you know well if you can tell if the writer has been there or not.

I appreciate the opportunity to visit and hope that some of the ideas I shared will be helpful.

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From Christina: I want to thank Jillian again for visiting today and sharing her thoughts. Her latest romantic adventure -- with an international flair -- is Moon Dance, from Desert Breeze Publishing. Jillian loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the web, on Facebook, and through Twitter.

Romantic Adventures with an International Flair

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BIO:

Jillian Chantal is a writer who lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida. She lives there with her spouse, her last remaining dependent child and a tuxedo cat that keeps them all amused with his antics and desire to be walked down the street on a leash. She writes what she likes to call romantic adventures and is published with Desert Breeze Publishing; BookStrand Publishing; Secret/Sweet Cravings Publishing; and the non-erotic side of Ellora’s Cave.

Author Spotlight: Sarah Cass

From Christina

This week I'm excited to have Sarah Cass in the "Author Spotlight." She's here to tell us a little about Derailed,  her latest release from Secret Cravings Publishing. The book is the second in her "Dominion Falls" series...but more about that in a moment. First, our interview.

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Christina: Welcome, Sarah. Before we talk more about your writing, let's talk about you. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, please?

Sarah: I’m a native of Buffalo, NY and now call myself a reluctant “Hoosier”, as I’ve been in Indiana too long to be able to call myself still a resident of NY.  I have been married for nearly 11 years to my husband, and we have three kids.  I became a stay-at-home mom after my third child was born, and that’s when I really started working on my writing.

Christina: I'm the sort who likes a lot of peace and quiet when I'm writing, and I doubt that you get much of that in your busy household. Is your family supportive of your writing?

Sarah: My husband and kids support me so much. I wouldn’t be able to do this without them.  My husband especially. He’s supported me through thick and thin…it means everything to me.

Christina: I'm intrigued by the cover of your latest release. I'd like to share a little "blurb" and an excerpt from Derailed, if you don't mind.

The sins of a past she can’t remember could destroy a present she’ll never forget.

The crimes of her forgotten past threaten the very life Jane Doe has learned to cherish.

Jane is out of time. With a warrant on her head, a maniac out for her blood, and a secret baby on the way, something has to give.

Without Cole Mitchell's help to find the answers, there may be no hope left.

Cole has nowhere left to hide. He unwittingly let Jane into his heart, and is ready to share the secret of his dark past.

Fate has a way of playing its hand, and tragedy strikes. With the world crumbling around them, it's easy to lose faith. If they can't forgive past sins, they have no hope for the future.

Because the noose waits for no man or woman.


EXCERPT:

“Jane.”

She yelped when he grabbed her wrists and yanked her close. Like a startled deer, she froze in place. Then a small gasp of air and she sagged. “I’m sorry. My head. It’s racing. I don’t know what to think.”

“First off, stop worryin’ about Graham. He ain’t sendin’ no telegram.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Sure I do. After Michael broke his nose, he shut up real fast.” Cole laughed when her jaw dropped. When the amusement started to light up her features, it warmed him all the way to his toes. “Yeah. Graham was running his mouth, and Michael beat on him. He got knocked out cold.”

“Michael?” Through her tears, a laugh escaped. “He’s half Graham’s size. Goodness, he’s barely bigger than I am. How did he do that?”

“He said something about five brothers and a mean older sister.”

She shook her head with a sigh. “That is no guarantee, Cole. He could just be biding his time until he has something to get me on. He doesn’t care for me.”

“Let me worry about Graham.” He tugged her close, shoving the papers from his lap. Once she was settled there, he smirked. “Now ya got some stuff here that you gotta go through, and it’s all reading. That should excite ya.”

“You know what, Cole? I’m not excited. The more I learn about myself, the more trouble I seem to be in. I really am at a point where I don’t care anymore.”

“That don’t sound like the Jane I know.”

She snorted. “No one knows me. Not even me.”

“Bull.”

“I’m not in the mood for arguing with you.”

“But arguin’ is what we do second best.”

“Cole.”

He grinned at the small twitch he saw at the corner of her mouth. “And much as I’d love to remind ya what we do best…I don’t think you could handle it right now.”

“Please.”

“Besides, if we got ourselves hurt again because of our…best…Daisy would be awful mad.” He chuckled when she turned away as far as she could to hide her smile. “But that ain’t ever stopped me before.”

She let out a small squeal when his hand slipped under her skirt and along her thigh. Swatting at his hand, she playfully beat at his chest when he leaned in to capture her lips.

Her lips were warm and inviting. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed her touch until she was there. He pulled her close and traced the seam of her lips with his tongue. She opened up to him so fast it took his breath away, and he shifted to lay her down on the floor.

She planted her hands on his chest and pushed him back. “Wait.”

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Christina: Great excerpt, Sarah! I love these characters already. What was the inspiration behind the story?

Sarah: I always say that Cole was the inspiration, that character was the first to show up and refuse to leave. I had to come up with the perfect woman…but more than that, his perfect woman brought along a hell of a story—amnesia, a criminal past, and an insatiable appetite for Cole. Jane Doe made the story sing.

Christina: Both Jane and Cole sound interesting. So, tell us...who is your favorite character from the book, and why?

Sarah: Oooh, that’s a tough call.  Of course Cole and Jane, my hero/heroine are at the top of my favorites list.  Cole is all Alpha, with such a soft spot for Jane.  He’s flawed and makes mistakes, but when it comes down to it, he steps up to the plate and does what’s right. Jane is spunky, smart as a whip, and a beautiful contradiction (i.e. dresses like a schoolmarm, but is totally open with her sexuality...and she has amnesia, but also has an eidetic memory, she remembers everything she reads…everything).  Like Cole, she has some deep flaws, but she learns from them like he does, and learns to trust when she’s afraid to do just that. Beyond them, there is Katherine Daugherty. A fiery red-head who once had a scandalous affair with Cole, and who becomes Jane’s best friend. She’s a perfect match for Jane, and she’s not afraid to tell Jane when she’s being stupid.

Christina: We all need friends like that. Sometimes it's difficult to speak up and tell others things they need to hear. I'm curious about one other thing. How did you choose the title for the story?

Sarah: I had a train theme going with the first book in the series, Changing Tracks.  Considering all the chaos that happens in this book, Derailed seemed like the perfect title. It kept with the theme and describes what the book is about—everything falling apart.

Christina: It fits perfectly! I know Derailed is part of a series. What can you tell us about the Dominion Falls books? Will there be more?

Sarah: Derailed is a sequel to Changing Tracks, and yes, there will be a third book, and with any luck, a fourth and a fifth, but those will be in 2014. Changing Tracks, Book 1 in the series, introduced us to Jane and Cole and to the town of Dominion Falls. We learned of Jane's amnesia and met a few people from her past. Now, things fall apart in Derailed when Jane's apparently criminal past catches up with her. Unfortunately I can't reveal anything about Book 3 yet -- it's a secret that could ruin the ending of Derailed if I tell it now.  J

Christina: I love secrets! No, I won't push for more information right now, but I'll definitely be watching for Book 3. Obviously you enjoy writing suspense, and you're obviously very good at it. But what about other genres? Are there others you enjoy writing?

Sarah: I like most every genre, actually.  I have a special place in my heart for historical western romance – but I also write paranormal, urban fantasy, steampunk, and horror.  I like to read them all, so I also like to write them all.

Christina: Glad you mentioned historical western romances...LOL. I'm finishing up a project in that genre right now. Writing can be fulfilling, but at times, it's also difficult. For you, Sarah, what's been the hardest thing on your journey as a writer?

Sarah: Having discipline. Far too often I’m distracted by the pretty-shinies everywhere.  The interwebs is my weakness and I’m really very addicted.  So forcing myself to have discipline and write when I should be writing is tough.

Christina: I hear you! There are so many distractions and temptations all around us, it's not always easy to stay focused. What's been the most enjoyable part of the journey?

Sarah: Having my story out there, having people read it and talk to it as they travel through my world. Begging for book 2 as soon as they finish reading.  It’s so rewarding to see the world shared and loved.

Christina: Since Derailed has been out for a week now, you probably already have readers begging for the next book. I know you have a very busy life with a lot going on. How do you manage to balance your writing with all your other responsibilities, if you don't mind me asking?

Sarah: I wouldn’t call it “managing” so much as I would call it “floundering”. I get by most of the time. I try to fit in writing first thing in the AM during the summer, or during the day around chores during the school year.  Every night after the family is in bed I work some more. Sometimes on blogging, sometimes on writing.  When edits come in, it’s usually a good week of getting in a few hours a day, but no more or I’ll burn out.

Christina: I won't keep you much longer because I'm sure you have lots to do today, but one last question. What aspects of your life -- such as your hobbies or places you've traveled -- have you included in your writing?

Sarah:  Until recently, not much. With my historical westerns it’s all been fun and imagination in places I’ve never been in a time I could never visit. In an original draft I had Jane knitting (a hobby of mine), but I took it out in later drafts. It wasn’t necessary.

What I have included in them is homages to my favorite stories or shows from the time period.  You’ll find name-references from Dr. Quinn, Deadwood, and Little House scattered throughout the pages of all of my books (not just the historical westerns).  It’s like a game of find and seek. J

In the past few months I’ve started a contemporary series that does include places I’ve been and lived.  I created a small town outside of Rochester that appears very similar to the town I live in now in shape and size.  It’s a lovely little town I’ve named Lake Point, and there is a lot of me and the places I’ve been and who I am in every nook and cranny of those stories and characters.  It’s fun to include myself in the story. J

Christina: One of my daughters is a huge "Little House" fan. I'll recommend your books to her, and I'm sure she'll have fun finding little references. She's an avid reader. And...speaking of readers, where can we find Derailed?

Sarah: Derailed is available at Secret Cravings Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, All Romance Ebooks, and Bookstrand. 

Christina: Thanks so much for dropping by today to visit with me and my friends. I've enjoyed it, Sarah, and here's wishing you much success with Derailed and the future stories of Dominion Falls. 

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About Sarah Cass:

Sarah Cass’s world is regularly turned upside down by her three special-needs kids and loving mate, so she breaks genre barriers, dabbling in horror, straight fiction, and urban fantasy. An ADD tendency leaves her with a variety of interests that include singing, dancing, crafting, cooking, and being a photographer. She fights through the struggles of the day, knowing the battles are her crucible and though she may emerge scarred, she’s also stronger. While busy creating worlds and characters as real to her as her own family, she leads an active online life with her blog, Redefining Perfect, which gives a real and sometimes raw glimpse
into her life and art.

Where to find Sarah:

Redefining Perfect

Sarah's StoryLines

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