Friday, November 25, 2011

I HAVE THE WONDERFUL LIZ CROWE IN THE HOUSE TODAY!!!



I'm excited to have Liz here today. Yes, it's Black Friday and I'm not out shopping today. Too many people!!! So hopefully, others feel the same and decided to stay in, enjoy a few reads on-line and network and chat. Checking out what's available and buying from a computer is so much nicer. So sit back and find out a little about Liz.

CYNTHIA:  Okay, Liz, I'll start off easy. What is your process from idea to first draft?

LIZ:  I’m a known head writer.  I will wander around in a trance in the grocery story when I’ve got my mental hooks into a story (like I do right this minute) coming up with the main characters’ motivations and back stories until I’m good and ready. Then I sit and will write in marathon spurts, neglecting any and everything around me as much as possible considering I own a brewery and have daily marketing duties for it. 


CYNTHIA:  I hear you. When those characters pop into your head, you have to get them down, paper or computer. So since the grocery store is a great place to see people, how likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?

LIZ:  The people I encounter definitely influence characters in my books. In The Tap Room, the "Choose your Romance Novel" of the Brewing Passion series, the main characters are a female brewery owner, her two male biz partners and her young man brewer.  Don’t have to dig too far into my bio to see that similarity.  But as I’ve said before (to them as well, bless them) it was just for “inspiration.”  I took it from there with my “imagination.” 

CYNTHIA:  Never hurts to have a little "hands-on inspiration" every now and then. When those ideas pop into your head, what comes first for you: Setting? Storyline? Characters?

LIZ:  Characters, without a doubt.  I throw them into a hot scene right away and later determine if that scene comes first, middle or last.

CYNTHIA:  Sounds like you like starting with a hot scene and build around that. LOL. About those "hot" characters, what characteristics do you like to instill in your heroes? What characteristics do you feel are necessary for a good heroine?

LIZ:  I like flawed heroes.  Seriously—not PHYSICALLY flawed necessarily, oh heavens no we must have our six pack abs, huge broad shoulders carrying the weight of the world and an a** you can bounce quarters off of.  But I like ‘em to be a little…difficult.  Be they moody, haunted by inner demons from their past, or just plan too cocky for their own good, destined to be brought to their emotional knees by the right counterpart (male or female).

(CYNTHIA: OOOO, shivers. I can picture that physique perfectly. Sorry I interrupted, please continue Liz.)

Heroine’s are harder for me because I have a tendency to go a skosh TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) according to my beloved editing team.  Mainly because when you make a female main character “real” she comes across as “bitch” or “weak” or unlike anything a romance reader is looking for.  I myself despise weak heroines in my romances.  I expect them in mainstream fiction.  So I’m working on that!  Erin Brady, the heroine of the "Choose your Romance Novel" The Tap Room sometimes gets a bad rap because she’s so “lucky” to have “so many choices” when actually, most readers who really get into the story understand the dilemma for what it is: a life crossroads that won’t come along again, and sympathize with her a little.
Lisa, the heroine of The Rookie and Specific Gravity is one tough cookie.  She’s a take no prisoner’s type A sales woman supreme.  And has a tough time keeping men as a result. 


CYNTHIA:  I agree with your characterizations of Heros and Heroines.  Now, something a little different. If you could choose to time travel would you go forward or backward?

LIZ:  Backward without a doubt, plague, bad breath and hygiene and all – straight  back to Elizabethan England.  I of course would be Herself.  She is my hero.  I have a degree in British Literature and have read (and performed in some) every one of Shakespeare’s plays.  If there were such a thing now, I’d be his biggest fan grrrl.

My second choice would be at the peak of the Ottoman Empire in Istanbul.  I’d be the head harem girl, with the heart of the Sultan and the balls of his court in my hand.  I’ve written a series set in modern day (and a prequel set in the 1960’s) in Istanbul.  I lived there for 2 years and became nearly as smitten with it as I am with England.

I’m lucky.  I got to live in both places and walked around with my mouth hanging open at all the bloody history around every corner pretty much every day.

CYNTHIA:  Wow, interesting times. I've been to Istanbul, England, Greece, and plan on a few more places to mark off my bucket list. I'm fascinated by the "bloody" history too. Now that I've digressed again, what is the biggest piece of your advice you can give a beginning writer?

LIZ:  Persevere and get professional help.  I don’t mean head shrinking help although that might be good advice too.  I mean professional editing and critique help.  Do NOT (I repeat Do. Not.) submit anything that has not been read by at least 2 other people who have already been published. Sure it’s cool that your friends and family think you are the greatest thing since Jacqueline Susann but…you probably are not.  Get someone to tell you how to get better.  Someone who’s been there done that.

CYNTHIA:  Great advice Liz. So true. What do you consider your greatest accomplishments in your career so far?

LIZ:  Getting The Tap Room done and published.  It was a MAJOR accomplishment as an 80k+ word Choose your Romance Novel that required me to come up with endings I never saw coming…until I wrote them.

Specific Gravity, that releases today, is the final “missing chapter” from that novel.  It focuses on Trent Franklin, Erin Brady’s business partner and oldest friend (formerly with benefits) and his new feisty girlfriend, Lisa.

CYNTHIA:  Do you read in a different genre than you write? If yes, why? If you read in the same genre that you write, do you feel that it influences your writing in any way?

LIZ:  I don’t venture much farther than mainstream fiction.  No bios, sci-fi or fantasy.  I am a HUGE fan of Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom and have re-read passage of it to remind myself just how you can create an entire character through the prism of another character’s POV.  I also LOVE The King and will curl up with 11/22/63 over the Thanksgiving holiday. Can’t wait.

CYNTHIA:  Okay, another off-the-wall question. If could have a super power for a day, what would it be? Why?

LIZ:  That one wherein you can get into Super Power shape in 24 hours and not 6-8 weeks or longer.  That one. Yeah.

CYNTHIA:  Oh, I'd like that one too. LOL. Okay, last one, I promise. What do you have coming next? Anything you want to tell us?

LIZ:  Well like I said, I am head writing and actually have about 1500 words on paper/screen for my latest WIP: Menage a Brew (a working title but I like it).

Here’s a taste of the first few ‘graphs…from Liz’s latest WIP:

Jonas knew he’d hit the jackpot. Truly.  Finally, a gig at a major craft brewery.  Granted he’d had to move three hundred miles from his home, liquidate every penny of his savings and leave behind everything and everyone he loved. But it was his dream.

As second in charge at Prufrock Brewing in Grand Rapids, Michigan he was one step from his goal: running his own show as head brewer. He smiled to himself and put his back into the task at hand. God knows he’d shoveled out pounds of spent mash in his lifetime. But here, using the heavy metal scoop to empty the thirty barrels worth of soaking wet grains left behind in the first stage of the brewing process he had never been happier in his entire damn existence.

 “Hey! You!”

 The shout echoed through the ten thousand square foot brewery like it was the grand canyon. Jonas winced and turned, leaning back on the scoop that stuck out of the  mash tun’s open door. A tall, imposing figure strode towards him. His boss. One Marko Augustus Gebhardt, bona fide brew master from Vienna, recently named brewer of the year at the National Brewing Awards in Denver. And one of the hottest things on two, brewery coverall-clad legs.  Jonas winced at the look of anger in the man’s eyes and tried to ignore his own response to tall, blonde and exceedingly hot headed straight towards him with ass chewing in his eyes.

 “Ya. You. With the ridiculous hat.” Jonas touched his cap. It had been his good luck charm for the last five years of utter personal chaos.  He narrowed his eyes at the man. “You are doing that...wrong.”

 Jonas gaped at him and tried not to protest when six foot eight of incredibly beautiful man reached out for him, then past him to yank the metal trowel from the open door of the brewing vessel.  How in God’s name did you scoop spent mash...wrong?

The man’s broad shoulders rippled under his black brewery coveralls as he manipulated the shovel in and around the inside of the large stainless steel brewing container. He kept up a constant stream of muttering and, Jonas assumed German curses as he finished Jonas’ job for him. He’d never felt so useless, emasulated even.  The asshole had a nerve.  Over just a routine, mundane brewery job.  Jonas let his anger replace the lust he’d had bubbling up in his chest.

 “Hey, ah, Marko, that’s great and all but..” Jonas took an involuntary step back when the man whirled on him, sweat beading on his exposed forearms and starting to drip off the ends of his long blond hair. The look in his bright blue eyes was one of frustration, tinged with desperation.

 “Um, sorry. Please, be my guest.” Jonas knew better than anyone how much the physical parts of this job could be cathartic.  Far be it from him to keep Prufrock’s award winning, German imported brewer from exercising his demons over sixty pounds or so of smelly, heavy, wet grains.  He sat back on the stack of malt sacks and decided to just admire the view a moment. It was pleasant, that was certain. With every turn and pull of the shovel, Marko’s coveralls hugged his luscious ass and accentuated the breadth of his shoulders relative to the narrowness of his waist.  Jonas sighed and tilted his head.  Useless, he knew.  The man had a class A pussy chasing reputation. Hetero through and through. Hell, rumor had it was banging Helena, one of the owners of Prufrock on a regular basis.

CYNTHIA:  That sounds like another great one, Liz. Good luck finishing and submitted. That's it for me except telling everyone about your newest release. Take it away.


LIZ:  Back on task here…Specific Gravity, available today from Breathless Press, on Amazon, Allromanceebooks and Smashwords. 


Blurb:

Trent and Lisa have a sizzling hot physical relationship. Ever since they first met, it’s been a non-stop hands-on fest. Perfect for him, he thinks, coming off a rancorous divorce. But lately, it feels like something more…and it terrifies him.
Lisa knows Trent is the man she wants, but is too independent and stubborn to make him believe it. He has to figure it out on his own. Their shared love of craft beer and specific expertise in the business do make them a good match, and the sex? It’s off the charts.
“Specific Gravity” is a crucial moment in the beer brewing process—a moment of truth upon which successful outcomes depend. Lisa hopes Trent will go to the next level with her, but isn’t about to force him, but the moment of truth has arrived. Can he admit his true feelings before it’s too late?

A sizzling HOT excerpt:

Trent had shifted under her in the cab, kissing her in that way he had, no energy wasted. All focus and intent on her.
“Fuck me, Trent,” she’d whispered into his ear. “Right here, right now. You know I’m not wearing anything under this skirt.”
“Damn girl, what about the poor driver?” But he’d smiled wickedly and in one motion had his zipper down and his cock inside her. He’d released a breath as she enveloped him fully.  
“Give me that nipple,” he’d demanded. Lisa yanked her shirt aside, giving him what he wanted.
He’d muttered into her flesh, “I’ve been a walking hard on all night long. Thinking about you, about us, about this.” She’d gasped as he moved his hips again, bringing her clit in direct contact with his pubic bone.
Lisa remembered the sensation of his thick brown hair between her fingers. She’d clenched her pussy tight, clamping down on his cock, then released and tightened again. His breathing quickened as he bit down on her nipple. She sucked in a breath and pressed down harder. He fit her so perfectly, spreading her walls, and reaching up high inside. 
“Come on, baby,” Trent murmured. “Fuck me like you mean it.”
“Uh huh…” Lisa tried not to moan, tried to keep the rocking motion to a minimum. She used her inner muscles, clenching and releasing. Her body flushed with exquisite pleasure. When Trent returned his lips to her nipple, she’d gone right over the edge. She could still feel her nails digging into the skin under his dress shirt, as he muffled her moans with his lips. He’d moved again, positioning her a little higher so he could thrust inside her, once, twice, once more. She watched his dark eyes close and felt him release inside her. They’d forgone condoms weeks ago. Lisa knew she was playing with fire, at that point in the month, but she didn’t care.
“Okay, we’re here,” the driver had chirped from the front. They’d laughed as she slipped off his lap and they both rearranged themselves to exit the cab.
But early the next morning, something about him had changed. She had no idea what happened, but there’d been no time for bullshit. Instead of staying and talking with him, she’d left, holding back tears on her way home. The entire rest of the week she’d tried to call, tried to give him a chance to explain himself—had gone against all of her sworn vows to never beg for an answer from a man, because she honestly thought this man was worth breaking a few rules. But by the time the next Friday had arrived and she’d heard his voice in the cavernous brewery when she called there one last time, she was through. She’d broken her phone hurling it against the wall. And when her boss stuck his head in her cubicle to see what the noise was about, she’d said “yes” to his invite out for dinner.
And now, here he was, standing in front of her. His breathing was labored, his eyes full of pain and longing. She forced herself to stay calm, to keep her stare neutral. He was going to have to work for her now, god  dammit. She would not be treated like this.  

Thanks for having me Cynthia!
Cheers
Liz
OR if you are into the beer side of my life:

Thanks Liz. I hope everyone enjoyed our time today and leaves a little comment and love for her. So go check out more of Liz and her great writing at her website, or better yet, go and pick-up one of her books.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

BLACK FRIDAY BLOG HOP WITH PRIZES!!!

Friday, I  will be participating (along with 20 other authors) in a Black Friday blog hop! See below for the huge list of prizes!
One random commenter (can be on any of the blogs) will win a Kindle Fire, along with all the prizes below! That's the easiest kind of shopping I can think of...

Prizes:

Cassandra Carr: copy of either of my two current releases, Talk to Me or Head Games
Kristabel Reed: back list copy of one of her stories and then on her own blog a $10 GC plus a copy of her newest release, Risque, a Regency Menage Tale
Lucy Felthouse: back list copy of any of her single-title books
Cari Quinn: back list copy of one of her books
Leigh Elwood: two back list copies of her books
Natasha Blackthorne: copies of her two Regency era novellas: Grey's Lady and Waltz of Seduction
Amber Kallyn: e-copy of Dragos 1
Camryn Rhys: Kindle copies of The Barn Dance and Off the Record - Foodie Erotic Romances
Lissa Matthews: two of her back list books
Misa Buckley: an e-copy of Ironhaven and To Reach the Dawn
Lacey Wolfe: a copy of Ambers Muse
Courtney Sheets: a $25 GC to Ravenous Romance and a copy of Kona Warrior - PDF
Sara Brookes: an e-copy of one of my back list books
Cynthia Arsuaga: a copy of an e-book, and on her own blog five book charm book tethers
Louisa Bacio: .pdf copy of my first book in The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf series, and on her own blog a $10 certificate to Ravenous Romance, and each commenter will also be entered to win a Goody Bag of new Orleans treats
Malia Mallory: one copy each of The ABC's of Erotica and Santa's Back Door Baby
Cynthia Eden: a copy of Angel of Darkness (either print or digital)
Carrie Ann Ryan: an e-copy of The Alpha's Path
Jacquie Rogers: a Smashwords coupon for Faery Merry Christmas, plus on her own blog, a free copy of Much Ado About Marshals
So what are the rules? Simple: visit as many of the blogs as you can and leave a comment for the blog owner. For every comment, you'll get one entry into the grand-prize drawing. Be sure to leave your e-mail address with every comment so we can find you if you win! And don't forget that several blog owners are giving away prizes specific to their blog, too!
One winner will be chosen on Saturday morning using random.org. The winner of the Kindle Fire will be contacted and each blog with a prize will contact the winner themselves to arrange delivery of said prize. Questions? Contact me and I'll explain as best as possible.
Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving everybody and I'll see you Friday!
Link Back to Authors HERE.

Monday, November 21, 2011

I HAVE THE WONDERFUL E. JAMIE IN THE HOUSE TODAY!!!

Hi Everyone, today I've the lovely E. Jamie in the house to discuss her new release, We'll Meet Again, from Noble Romance. I would like to thank her for stopping by today to answer a few questions and share a little tidbit of the book and the very pretty cover.  Read to the end because I think there is a contest offered.  *Hint-Hint*

CYN:  Let's start out about finding out a little about you and your writing.  What makes a book great in your eyes?

E. JAMIE:  I love books that are passionate, angst filled with unforgettable characters. Stories where the sparks and emotions between the lovers just leap off the page and suck you in, where you feel like you're living their story.

CYN:  I love the juxtaposition of passion and angst with characters too.  What influences your writing? And why?

E. JAMIE:  Writers I love. Not in the sense that I copy their style though I'm sure that leaks through subconsciously, but in the sense that reading writers I love fills me with the desire to strive to be that good! 

CYN:  So true. I read before I wrote.  Some I fell instantly in love with their style, others not so much.  I started to write in hopes of being as good as the ones I liked.   Do you play music when you write? If so, what kind? Or, do you have to have silence or background noise to set your writing muse free?

E. JAMIE:  I HAVE to have some kind of noise in the background when I write. I cannot write in silence. If it's quiet, my mind wanders and I can't focus. Music really runs the gamut while I'm writing though there is this one particular instrumental piece by William Joseph and David Foster called Once Upon Love that instantly puts me in the We'll Meet Again frame of mind. I call it the story's theme song and can picture the story playing out against the backdrop of that gorgeous piece. If it were to ever become a movie…(smiles)

CYN:  I'm with you, have to have music to write my best.  How do you usually come up with a story idea?  Dreams? Writer’s journal? Eavesdropping on conversations? Newpaper?

E. JAMIE:  I literally get story ideas from every where. Movies, music, books, people watching, newspaper, watching a squirrel climb up a tree…My muse has no off switch!

CYN:  That's so funny. No sleep for the creative mind!  So, how well do you really know your characters? Underwear preference? Favorite flavor of ice cream? Coffee or Tea, Cola or Wine?

E. JAMIE:  I have general ideas about them at first but I find I get to know them more as I write their story of course. For example in We'll Meet Again James likes to hum 'White Cliffs Of Dover' while on planes because he hates to fly while Cassandra loves it!

CYN:  And who did you dedicate your book to and why?

E. JAMIE:  I dedicated We'll Meet Again to a group of great women on a Days Of Our Lives fan site 'Forbidden Love'  because they have always been so supportive of my writing. I consider them my beta readers!

CYN:  That's so very nice to have a group you can count on for support. Can you tell us what  you are working on now?

E. JAMIE:  Right now I'm working on a new sexy historical featuring a very hot cowboy. It's called Wanted and is set just after the civil war. It's got a bit of a BDSM vibe to it which is new for me but my sexy hero Colin Beaudine insisted that's where he wanted the story to go, and like the heroine, Mara, I was powerless to resist.

CYN:  Oh, that sounds yummy. Can't wait to see that one on my 'to read' list.  Now, for a little more personal questions.  Do you have any guilty pleasures?

E. JAMIE:  I can waste an entire afternoon in a bookstore…and not feel guilty about it, though I know I should! That and my addiction to ketchup potato chips but those I consider a necessity to my writing craft as I eat while I work. Food for the muse, you see? Literally.

CYN:  Ketchup potato chips? That's a new one on me. LOL. Can you name one thing readers don’t know about you?

E. JAMIE:  Until a few years ago I wasn't sure if I was going to focus fully on my writing or become an actress. I always knew I would want to do one or the other. I knew one would have to be a sideline thing and may never happen because both take up SO much time. I decided writing was more suited to my personality and haven't looked back. It's where my heart is happiest!

CYN:  Yes, you can never go wrong following your heart and I'm sure your fans would agree! Okay, here's an interesting question, if you won the big lottery, what would you do with the money?

E. JAMIE:  Oh gosh, I would quit the evil day job and write from home full time! I would also buy a house on the island of Madeira, Portugal where the mom is from to get away and write for a few months a year…probably from Jan to March!

CYN:  Sounds like a winning choice to me.  Another off-the-wall question, if you could choose an animal for a mascot, what animal would it be? What do you admire about this animal? Do you feel you have qualities similar to this animal? If so, what are they?

E. JAMIE:  I'm a cat person. I don't have pets but if I did it would be a cat so I think I'd choose one to represent me! They can seem quiet and aloof but are really loving and playful to those they're comfortable with. Definitely like me.

CYN:  I only have a couple more to ask, hang in there.  If you had the power to change two things in the world, what would those two things be?

E. JAMIE:  There would not be such a wide divide between the impoverished and obscenely wealthy. Being successful at something is one thing, but when you have enough money to sustain a third world country and do nothing, that is wrong. I would also get rid of reality shows. All of them. Snookie is now 'writing' books. The industry that allowed her to pollute MY industry needs to be destroyed! 

CYN:  "Personalities" don't act, contribute, and probably don't write, they have "people" for that. Oh well, that's a discussion for another time and place. Let's leave this on a good note. What holiday do you look forward to most?

E. JAMIE:  I would say Christmas if I didn't have to suffer through a mind-numbingly cold Canadian winter to have it!

CYN:  Don't do cold either, that's why I moved south, real far south. LOL.  Well that's it from me, and I'm sure everyone would like to see that excerpt.  So take it away, the floor is yours.
  
E. JAMIE:  I'd like to thank Cynthia for letting me play in her sandbox today! Comment below and one lucky winner will get a free copy of my upcoming erotic historical romance We'll Meet Again. Here's a sneak peek!


Blurb:

It's 1943; Cassie Atherton's fiancé Phillip Davis is fighting in the war, and she is doing her part as an American nurse in England. When nursing a seriously injured English captain named Edward James Harrison, Cassie suddenly finds herself truly in love for the very first time. Instantly drawn to each other, Cassie tries to resist James's shameless flirting but the two of them grow close during his convalescence. They know their futures lie elsewhere but neither expect their parting to come when the unexpected death of her father calls Cassie back home. Once he’s fully recovered, James returns to active duty and ends up on a mission with Phillip in Japan where both men are captured. Their joint suffering in the POW camp under Lieutenant Dai bonds them as the best of friends.

They manage to escape and Phillip brings James with him when he returns back home to Boston to meet Cassie, not being aware that the two already know each other. Torn between friendship and love, honor and passion, set against a backdrop of violence and historical upheaval, Cassie and James try to fight a love that refuses to be denied.

Excerpt:

She didn’t know how she managed it but she walked down the stairs, out of the house, into the church all on Phillip’s arm. She even smiled at him when he kissed her cheek and sat her next to her mother before he went to take his place by James’s side.
James didn’t look at her even once. His eyes stayed fixated on Nicole as she walked down the aisle towards him looking exquisite in her white lace and satin gown.
Cassie had to fist her hands in her lap to stop them from shaking. She noticed Billie was scowling, and gave her a poke in the back. The young girl stopped scowling and gave a tight smile that mimicked someone who was constipated. Cassie couldn’t even manage the energy to smile.
When Sarah reached over, and patted her hand lightly, Cassie nearly lost her composure. Fearing she would break, she pulled her hand away. Sarah looked at her with such understanding that Cassie wanted to scream.
She tried her best to tune out the vows. James would never make these vows to her. Phillip gave her a small smile, and she was puzzled by the sadness she saw there.
She took a deep breath. Well, James had made his decision. Now she must make hers, and that would be to spend her life with a man she loved, who loved her back and would never hurt her. That man was Phillip. Had always been Phillip.
Cassie made a promise right there in that church that she would never betray Phillip again. She would spend the rest of her life being the kind of wife he deserved. Feeling strengthened, she focused back on the scene ahead of her as it came time for James to recite his vows to Nicole.
The priest spoke and then James repeated the words with one startling exception. "I Edward James Harrison, take you Cassandra--"
She would have thought it was her imagination, wishful thinking, if it hadn’t been for the look of surprise on the priest’s face and her mother’s gasp beside her.
Billie shot to her feet. "Yes!"
Susan grabbed the girl’s hand, and pulled her back down.
James’s eyes went wide and the color drained from his face.
"WHAT?" Nicole demanded, furious, her face going red.

WOW! That is great.  Don't forget to leave a comment.  One lucky person will be selected by E. Jamie, so don't forget to leave your email address as well. 
Thanks again for honoring me with stopping by today!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Weekend Dirty Dozen

Okay, this is probably the last entry from The Misadventures of Dick Grewcock because he will be released for public consumption on December 1st with No Boundaries Publishing. Yay!!! So without further ado, here's Dick Grewcock romancing his soon-to-be girlfriend, Noelle!

Dick could feel the girl’s bewitching azure eyes as if they brushed literally along his slight frame. Well, tall when compared to hers. To say the girl captivated him was an understatement. He knew she had to be young, no more than twenty-three, twenty-four years old max, though guessing wasn’t his best skill. With skintight jeans riding low on slender, honey colored hips, a clingy T-shirt with no sign of a bra underneath leaving nothing to the imagination, and her several inch-high black pumps; she cut the image of a mischievous sex kitten. The black motorcycle jacket added a touch of tough girl.
This lovely young nymph would never look twice at a man like him, even if he poured on the vampire charm. The primer instructed how to glamour a human, but the rest he had to figure out on his own. He wasn’t sure he knew how to seduce a woman, and especially this pretty young thing with the beautiful face showcased by Caribbean blue eyes surrounded by thick lashes, high cheekbones, and kissable pouty lips.
“I’m looking to expand my skills.” He opened the office door and ran his hand along the wall, searching for the light switch. “Do you want to be Robin to my Batman?”

For more excerpts, go to http://weekenddirtydozen.blogspot.com/

I HAVE THE WONDERFUL JENNIFER LABELLE IN THE HOUSE TODAY!!!

That's right, Jennifer Labelle is talking up her latest release from Secret Cravings Publishing! I'm a fellow author with SCP and I'm honored Jennifer is here. I haven't told her this before, but my daughter's name is Jennifer, so I'm kind of partial to her name, which by the way Jennifer I do love.

Enough of the mushy stuff, tell us about yourself, the official biography of Jennifer Labelle if you will.

JENNIFER:  I reside in Ottawa, Ontario Canada with my husband and three beautiful children. After my third child I became a stay at home mom. In my busy household, I love to spend down time engrossed in the stories that I create. I'm an active reader of romance (especially historical), mystery and anything paranormal. With an education in Addictions work I decided to take a less stressful approach in life and hope that everyone enjoys, as I share some of the imagination with all of you. 
 

CYNTHIA:  That's great Jennifer and pretty picture, by the way.  I know you have a loyal fan base and they do in fact enjoy your stories.  Now, for a few more personal questions.  How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?

JENNIFER:  It’s likely.  I often use character traits like appearance or personality traits that remind me of certain people, and if I think my character fits then they become my interpretation of that person. *smiles* Shh, don’t tell anyone..lol

CYNTHIA:  Funny.  I have to smile because I do the same. Every character is a part of me and my surroundings and life experiences.  I think we all tend to do the same.  Okay, if you could choose to time travel would you go forward or backward?

JENNIFER:  I’d love to say forward because I really would love to know what the future holds, but in reality if given the choice I’d probably choose to go backward first, if I knew then what I know now type of thing, I’d definitely have changed a few outcomes.

CYNTHIA: Oh, to live our lives again knowing what we know now. Kind of like through our writing, right?  Next, do you read in a different genre than you write?  If yes, why?  If you read in the same genre that you write, do you feel that it influences your writing in any way?

JENNIFER:  Not necessarily. I read a lot of genres but my all time favorite is the very same that I write. I love a good romance. Do I feel influenced? *shrugs* sometimes I guess.

CYNTHIA:  Mmm, yes we do love a good romance and what is the biggest piece of your advice you can give a beginning writer?

JENNIFER:  Keep at it.  Write, write, write and be prepared to promo…lol  This is a very subjective field so try not to get too overwhelmed.

CYNTHIA:  How right you are!  I've heard that mantra over and over again as well.  Write, write, write.  With that, what is your process from idea to first draft?

JENNIFER:  When an idea pops up I usually write a very descriptive outline so when I get back to it I know where I wanted to go with that particular plot.  I always have more than one project on the go so I’m not always able to write out the complete plot when it pops in my mind.  I usually just go with the characters that scream at me the loudest.
I’ve got a folder filled with WIP’s.

CYNTHIA:  Don't you love those muses that tug at your brain? They can be relentless, the tricky rascals.  What do you consider your greatest accomplishments in your career so far?

JENNIFER:  My greatest accomplishments are my completed stories. Published or not, it’s freakin’ cool when you complete one. I’m just grateful that I’m able to share them with all of you. I can’t thank my readers enough for their awesome support. *hugs*

CYNTHIA:  You're so right.  Finishing a manuscript, short or long, is definitely an accomplishment.  When you sit down and write, what comes first for you:  Setting?  Storyline? Characters?

JENNIFER: Storyline.When I get an idea it’s like watching a movie inside my head. My own personal production, it’s awesome! From there the characters and setting come through when I write my outline.

CYNTHIA:  I find that is the answer from most authors and the movie is interesting.  I guess that's why you can outline the entire project.  Well, we're getting down to a few more questions.  Hang in there.  If money, education and fear factors were set aside, what three careers would you like to attempt other than writing?

JENNIFER: That’s a tough one. I’ll have to think about it.

CYNTHIA:  I guess you're really content with living in the moment of today!  LOL.  If money, talent and fear were no object, what big adventure would you like to have?

JENNIFER:  I’d love to tour Europe.

CYNTHIA:  Oh, and think of all the interesting and vivid material you could use in your stories!  What characteristics do you like to instill in your heroes?  What characteristics do you feel are necessary for a good heroine?

JENNIFER: My hero’s are all strong, caring protectors and my heroine’s are humble, caring women who are strong willed and easily lovable.

CYNTHIA:  Yep, our Alpha males who are tamed by the heroines who love them!  Only two more questions and we'll get to those delectable blurbs and excerpts.  If could have a super power for a day, what would it be?  Why?

JENNIFER:  I think it would be cool to be able to compel people. Imagine that, my kids would go to bed when I tell them to. *Chuckles* God bless them, I love them to pieces.

CYNTHIA:  Oh Jennifer, I don't think there is any power on earth that could get our children to bed or do anything else we tell them to!  A wishful thought for sure.  Last question to segue into the juicy stuff, what do you have coming next? Anything you want to tell us?

JENNIFER:  Well, there’s Spice It Up.

CYNTHIA: Oh, I like the sound of that one!  So let's see a blurb and other info.

Blurb for Spice It Up:

Heidi Taylor has fallen in love with a man who is off limits. He’s her best friend, and she’s afraid to tell him how she really feels. So when she hits a dry spell in her romantic life, Nathan makes it his duty to spice things up for her, shocking her, and making her true feelings known.

Nathan De Costa met the most amazing woman alive three years ago when he placed a roommate wanted ad in the newspaper. He’s secretly loved Heidi for almost two years, and decides to make his move once her love life hits a rough patch. The problem is that his sexual tastes are risqué and he’s not sure that Heidi would be able to keep up. She shocks him by becoming everything he’s ever wanted and more, but it’ll take almost losing her for good before he finally makes her his, permanently.


JENNIFER:  I’d like to thank you for having me on your blog today, for those of you who would like to learn more about me and my work I can be reached on my website: http://www.jenniferlabelle.com , you can follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/1JenniferLabell , and I’m also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jennifer-Labelle/168414043184292#!/


Now before I part I’m attaching an excerpt for your enjoyment. So please enjoy this snippet from Second Chance Love:

Jagged rocks aligned across the coastline. The moist salty air was refreshing, and the tide slowly rose against the Fundy Shore. It was good to be home again. Teegan sat on the fallen tree trunk, and tried to capture the beauty of the scenery with her sketch pad.
She hadn’t been there in years and the beauty of it still captivated her. This secluded patch of beach once belonged to Liam’s family and she wondered if it still did. Seeing Liam again brought so much back to her, that she just needed a place to unwind, and some of her most precious memories belonged right where she was.
Smiling, she turned up her iPod and sang along to the lyrics of Shinedown’s Breaking Inside, relating to the lyrics. Subconsciously, she ended up adding a boy and his father fishing right where she sat into the picture. Liam! Why can’t I seem to let you go? Sighing, she almost fell off the log and into the water. Her heart raced, and adrenaline pumped as she wondered who in the Lord’s name snuck up on her like that.
Large arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as his heat enveloped her senses. He was the one man in the entire world who could make her weak in the knees by just being in close proximity to her. The one man she was trying to avoid. Too afraid of her emotions. Oh Lord, he smells so good. Get it together, Teeg. You don’t even know him anymore.
“Liam?” She sounded breathless and winced turning away. She could not let him see how he affected her, could not risk losing her heart again. It hurt too much.
“Hasn’t anyone ever told you not to sneak up on someone like that? Geez, you just about gave me a heart attack not to mention an unwanted swim.” Placing a hand to her heart she turned to face him again only to have the urge to smother his smile with her lips. He was beautiful, and she missed the taste of him.
“It’s good to see you too.” He chuckled, “And there is no way I would have let you fall in. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that this is private property?”
She could tell by the glint in his eye he was only teasing, and she hated how easily he could make her smile. As if, she was eighteen all over again. “Ya, but you see, I used to know one of the owners of said property very well. I have many fond memories here, and I just had to see if it was as remarkable as I remembered it.”
“Well is it?” His face turned serious as he closed the distance between them.
With his closeness distracting her she whispered, “Is it what?”
Before she knew it his head was lowering and her breathing turned rapid. Be careful what you wish for. She could feel his breath against her and all she could think about was the taste of his lips on hers. Soft, plump, and delectable...

Now available in print!

Thank you, thank you Jennifer. I've enjoyed your company today and I hope everyone who has read this will comment and take a look at your website, Facebook page, and of course the buy pages and leave a comment.