Meet Rebecca Neely. Romance with a punch of suspense #Giveaway

Thanks for being here, Rebecca. Please tell us a little about yourself.
I wear many hats, including mother, freelance writer, storyteller. problem solver, doer and head bottle washer. I’m a sucker for a happy ending, and I write the kind of stories I love to read—those featuring authentic, edgy and vulnerable characters, smack dab in the middle of action that explodes from page one. My bio also reports that I was raised on a down home blend of Johnny Cash, Jack London, Sherlock Holmes, the Steelers, and all things small town. I feel blessed to have grown up in a close knit, fun loving and artistic family. My mother, a voracious reader and scratch cook, and my father, an entrepreneur, English teacher and lover of literature, taught my brother and I to work hard, aim for the stars, and live life.

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

It was almost like an out of body experience. You work so hard on telling your story, send it out, and somebody you don’t know loves your work so much they want to share it with the world. It was pretty amazing! My teenaged daughter was the first one to know. She couldn’t wait to tell all of her friends. That alone was pretty cool – street cred with my teenager – it doesn’t get much better than that!

No. It doesn't!

Other than your own, who are your favorite (heroes/heroines/writers) in your genre? 

I’ve read Nora Roberts for the last fifteen years, and many of her heroes are near and dear to my heart, but perhaps none more than Cameron Quinn from the Chesapeake Bay series. He’s a hothead, sexy as hell, and endears me every time I re-read the book. I love the way he cares for Seth, the little boy who comes to live with them. I'll have to re-read that one. I think I own every Nora Book.
A close second is from an oldie but a goodie, The Eyes of Darkness by Dean Koontz. The hero is Elliott Stryker, a former operative. He’s strong, confident, sexy and intelligent, and he falls hard for the heroine, Tina.

What is the most exciting moment, so far, in your writing career?
I think when I received an email from my editor saying she wanted to buy my Crossing Realms urban fantasy series. This is my first series, and I hadn’t even written the second or third books. I was sitting in a department store, outside of a dressing room, while my daughter tried on clothes. I started crying I was so excited. It still humbles and amazes me. Awesome!

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?
I enjoy reading, of course! But I also enjoy attending concerts – I love the energy and connecting with the musicians when they perform, live. I love hanging out with my daughter and watching movies, and shopping. I’m also really into The Blacklist right now, and I’m getting caught up on all the past episodes (binge watching on Netflix!)

How do you motivate yourself when inspiration takes a vacation?
I walk almost every day, and the physical exercise, as well as being outside and getting fresh air, helps me to work out plot problems. I also like to go to JoAnn Fabrics, a fabric, sewing and craft store. I enjoy seeing and feeling the fabrics, the colors, the textures, as well as all the cool craft supplies. It gets my creative juices flowing. I'll have to try that.

Any advice for new writers just starting out? 

Read authors you admire. Write stories you would want to read. Read Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain. Then read it another ten times, at least. It completely changed the way I think about writing, and how I plan and execute a story.

What genre or genres do you write? 

I write romance mixed with suspense. My current release, A Mighty Good Man, is straight up romantic suspense. It’s a fast paced gritty tale. 

'Hank' Jerry - This down and out writer and tough talking twentieth century broad is desperate to reclaim her personal and professional life.
Jack 'Gent' Darcy - This strange blend of gentleman and hood is fresh out of prison with a story to tell that could get them both killed.

Forced to return to the small town and the aunt she left behind, 'Hank' is doing her own time. But when Jack lands on Hank's doorstep, injured and on the run, he makes her a proposition she can't refuse: write his story about life inside one of the most powerful gangs in the country. It's simple - she'll get her career groove back, and he'll bury the gang, then disappear - his version of freedom.

Only problem is, they can't help falling for each other, and they've both got something to hide that could blow up in their faces. With time running out and gang enforcers closing in, will the trust they've forged survive the ultimate test?
I have this book on my Kindle waiting for me. It's got 25 reviews, 84% of them 5 star. I'm looking forward to it. 
The series I’m working on right now is an urban fantasy with paranormal elements, and of course, romance. I remember reading an interview with Stephenie Myers, and, don’t quote me on this, but she talked about the best stories being those that crossed or blurred genres. I love that concept. Certainly, I’m not comparing myself to Ms. Myers, but I totally agree. My stories live in my imagination where there are no boundaries, and I do think that often, the best stories contain elements from all over the board. I agree 100%!!!

Tell us about your latest release.
The first book in the Crossing Realms series, The Keeper, is due to be released in late April 2016 from Soul Mate Publishing. To get a sneak peek, click here: http://eepurl.com/bqiDi5 What’s the story about? Here you go J

Nick Geary, jaded clan leader of human guardians, the Keepers, is doomed to love a human woman who’s forgotten him, time after time, for thirteen years: Libby Klink, a skittish accountant who’s as terrified of her recent and strange intuitions as she is of her mundane existence.

When Nick is ordered by the clan’s guiding force to seek Libby’s help in defending the clan against enemy Betrayers, romance sizzles as the pair forms an unlikely alliance in their desperate search to discover the key to the clan’s salvation—which Libby alone holds. 

But a haunting secret could cost Nick everything, and in a race against time, both will be forced to choose between their hearts and duty. Can their love, and the clan survive, or will the very forces that drew them together ultimately destroy them?
I am beyond intrigued.

What’s your current WIP?
My current project is the second book in the Crossing Realms series, entitled The Watcher. I can’t really say too much about that right now, but I invite you to stay tuned!

And finally, where can we find you? 

I’d love to hear from you! Please connect with me at any of the following:

Website & Blog: www.rebeccaneely.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-E-Neely/740166889351411
Twitter https://twitter.com/RebeccaNeely1
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/author/rebeccaeneely
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9857158.Rebecca_E_Neely
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rebneely/
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bqiDi5

Thanks for being here, Rebecca. This being the gifting season, I am offering an eBook copy of  A Mighty Good Man to one lucky commenter. Leave Rebecca and me some love. Share what you want for Christmas. (World peace doesn't count. We all want that.) Happy Reading.

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Multi-Genre Author Claire Davon and a Giveaway

I'm delighted to welcome Claire Davon to the blog. Claire, please tell us a little about yourself.

I am best described as a multi-genre writer, although my publishing focus is romance. I write across horror, fantasy and science fiction genres, as well as my contemporary and paranormal romance novels.

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

Oh this is a good one, since it just happened. In March of this year I pitched the first in my Elementals’ Challenge series to Samhain and they wanted to see it. Then they asked for some revisions (if I was willing). On September of this year they offered me a contract! I was, and remain, over the moon. The book will be released Jun 21, 2016.

Excerpt from Fire Danger (Samhain release June 21, 2016) (no buy link yet):

“Stay back!”

The whoosh of his wings manifesting startled Phoenix, knocking him off-balance. They gathered behind him, sticking up from his body. Phoenix immediately crouched into a defensive position, trying to identify the cause of the danger.

His wings had so consumed his attention that it took him a minute to realize there was a voice in his mind that rang through like a bell. He jerked to a standing position.

“Get away from me!”

The mental voice was shrill and panicked. His wings unfurled fully, looming like large orange and red shadows above him.

“Dogs. Scary dogs. Too close. Snarling. Stay away from me.”

Not his danger.

His workout DVD was no longer an option. Rising, Phoenix pressed stop on the player, simultaneously reaching out with his mind to find the source of the signal.

“Big dogs. Too big. Run. No, don’t run. They’ll chase you.”

The voice inside his head consumed his attention. Phoenix opened the large plate-glass door that led to the patio of his hillside house and sought a direction.

The voice was female.

She was in trouble.

She was mortal.

Love the excerpt. I'm not surprised they decided to publish it.

Other than your own, who are your favorite /writers in your genres?

In contemporary romance I love Elizabeth Lowell. Her book Tell Me No Lies is my second favorite romance. My first favorite contemporary romance is in The Midnight Rain by Barbara Samuel, writing as Ruth Wind. My poor paperback copy of this book is heavily dog eared. Paranormally I enjoy Marjorie Liu, Nalini Singh, and of course Sherrilyn Kenyon and Christine Feehan.

What is the most exciting moment, so far, in your writing career?

September 29, 2015 when Samhain Publishing made all my dreams come true. I am so happy for you!!! 

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?

I like reading. I do animal rescue. I have a full time job that I enjoy that keeps me hopping. I love to learn about science facts and the amazing things that exist within the mundane.

How do you motivate yourself when inspiration takes a vacation?

I keep writing. It may sound counter intuitive but if inspiration vanishes but I keep plodding through I find later that the stuff I wrote in that so-called barren moment isn’t so bad. If nothing else I will go to the Internet and pull out location stuff to add to the story. I do that too. Sister!) There’s always something to do.

Any advice for new writers just starting out?

Keep at it. I read somewhere a few years ago when I went back to writing that it takes two years to get good. While I don’t know if I believe that I do think that the only thing that makes you a better writer is to just keep at it. Write a book. If you can’t do that, then write a short story. Submit it. My shorts have been a good way for me to learn more about my craft and accept the process of rejection and also acceptance. Just keep at it. Keep writing, keep learning, keep going. It’s only if you stop then you are guaranteed to fail.

What genre or genres do you write?

 My novels are romance of some sort or other (contemporary, urban fantasy, paranormal) but my short stories are anything from ghost stories to quiet horror to dragon fantasies to straight SF. I love answering submission calls and stretching my imagination.

Tell us about your latest release.

The last thing I self-published was a bundle of my four Urban Fantasy “Time” series together in one place. It’s a combination time travel, end of the world, wish fulfillment romance.

What’s your current WIP?

I’m doing NaNoWriMo so I’m working on a past lives romance story in two parts (with a lot of past lives cut into the main two plots) in a very rough first draft. I’m also revising the second Elementals’ Challenge story for when Samhain and I have that conversation. In addition, I’m doing final edits to the first Elementals’ Challenge story, called Fire Danger. You are awesome. Congratulations on doing NaNoWriMo this year. I’m skipping because I have two previous NaNo books to revise.

And finally, where can we find you?

I love to hear from people! 

My website is www.clairedavon.com, and I’m on twitter as @bibimarlowe. I am also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ClaireDavonindieauthor.

Thank you for being here Claire. 

Claire is offering a copy of Beginning Time, The first book in her Time travel series to one lucky reader. 

Here's an excerpt:

 Fiona eased out from the doorway, hands in front of her.  She could still hear the peculiarly even sounds in the distance, seeming miles away instead of feet in front of her.

“Hello?” she called, inching forward, prepared to check for life signs if she stumbled across a body.

The cessation of sound and light was as shocking as it had been the first time.  It was as if a vacuum had sucked everything out of the area when she spoke, leaving nothing but fog and herself in its wake.

Nonetheless, she called again.  “Hello?”

The reply, if that is what it was, was not reassuring.  “What the hell!”

Abruptly the fog vanished, leaving Fiona blinking and disoriented.  The brightness blinded her for a few seconds and she closed her eyes, bracing herself for what she’d see when she opened them.

When she did, Fiona sucked in a breath, her stomach roiling.  It was impossible.  It should have been impossible.

Thank you for stopping by. Enter below. Happy reading.

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The Doctor is In. Paranormal author L. D. Rose

Meet the amazing L.D. Rose. Linda is a neurotic physician by day, crazed writer by night, and all around wannabe superhero. (I plan to follow up on that.) Linda, please tell us a little about yourself.

First off, thanks so much for having me on your blog, Susan! I’m a doctor by day (resident-in-training at a major academic center in New England) and I write PNR/UF/horror by night. ;) I’m married to my soulmate and we have a crazy boxer and two adorable cats. No kids, I don’t have time for that. :P I’m also a coffee addict and I love red wine (on the weekends, of course). I’ve been writing for as long as I remember and I’ll write until I’m dead. I’m also an avid reader when I don’t have my nose in the textbooks.

Wanna be Superhero huh? I cannot resist this. Who's your favorite Superhero. (You bear a striking resemblance to Wonder Woman) 

Oh, stop! *blush* You’re the only person who’s told me that, Susan. (Only in my wildest dreams.) I love Batman. Always have. He’s dark, brooding, and he doesn’t have superpowers. Of course, he’s a billionaire (which is a superpower in itself) but I like that he has a good heart when there’s so much horror around him. I tend to model my heroes that way, and his character has a special place in my heart. Not to mention the villains! Best villains in any comic book series ever.

If you could invent your own, what would your Superhero look like? What would be her powers?

Oh wow, what a question! So many to choose from! I’ve always loved dark red hair, so she’d have an inverted crimson bob and very dark eyes (too many idolize pale eyes when I think dark eyes are just as sexy and mysterious). Telekinesis is my favorite superpower (probably ‘cause I’m lazy sometimes, haha) so I’d go with that. Black tights, black shitkickers and a black t-shirt that reads “BORED” in red on it! Kind of punk rock/goth with dark make-up and pale lips. Yeah. 

Perfect. I want someone to write her!  I wish I could think of a good name that wasn’t already taken.

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

I actually received my first contract offer in an email and I stared it at for a good five minutes, stunned. I couldn’t believe it! Then I ran upstairs to tell my hubby, leaping on him and squealing, “I have an offer!” I’d attempted the agent route initially, then decided to trek out on my own. I signed my debut novel, RELEASING THE DEMONS, with Soul Mate Publishing last November (right around Thanksgiving—I was sure thankful for that!).

If it isn’t too nosy. How about the first time you kissed your true love?

My hubby and I went out to dinner for our first date and it was the first time I’d tried sushi. I was terrified of hating it and disappointing him, LOL, and of course he was highly entertained by my discomfort. I had a wonderful time, though, and we took a long walk on the beach afterwards, just talking and getting to know each other (I also ran a skunk over with my car completely by accident but we won’t get into that…). I actually kissed him first—you got to go for what you want! ;) It was sexy and sweet and I still remember the lingering smile on his face. I was totally crushing on him (and I still am!).

What is the most exciting moment, so far, in your writing career?

Publishing my first novel is definitely my all time high so far. There’s nothing like having your book out there in the world after putting so much time, love and effort into it.

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?

I love road biking and running (when I can.) I’m also a foodie (sort of—I just really like food!), so I enjoy trying out new restaurants when the budget allows.

So all girls' motorcycle gang, huh? Jem and the Holograms on wheels or someone else? 

Road biking? I read somewhere you used to belong to an all girls motorbike group. I picture it as Jem and the Holograms on wheels?

Haha, Jem! That’s awesome! I haven’t thought about that show in a very long time. ;) I think an all-girl motorcycle gang would be kickass. Can you imagine Jax Teller from SONS OF ANARCHY as an old lady? Hell yeah, I can! Besides, female cyclists are way more badass than males.

How do you motivate yourself when inspiration takes a vacation?

This is going to sound totally cliche, but I’ve never had this problem. It might because my writing time is so limited, but when I finally get a good chunk of time to write, the words just pour out of me. Music and art also fuel my creativity and I surround myself with it (I constantly have a favorite playlist going and my husband is a commercial photographer, so it’s unavoidable ;)). I already have two other series planned besides the one I’m working on (The Senary series, which will end up as seven books in total). My head is just full of stories I’m dying to get out, but alas, I have to take things one day at a time. :)

Any advice for new writers just starting out?

Write what you love. Don’t write for the market, cause it’ll show in your work. It’s easy to tell when an author is passionate about what they’re writing just by small nuances in their stories. And as a reader, I’m more invested and engaged if there’s some fire behind the words. As for promo, just be yourself, interact with your readers and fellow writers as much as you can, and don’t forget to write the next book!

What genre or genres do you write?

Paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and horror. Horror is actually my first love. ;) I’ve been told I should write medical suspense, but I’m so bombarded with medicine on a daily basis I can’t even fathom writing about it in my spare time. 

                                   

Tell us about Releasing the Demons

 RELEASING THE DEMONS is about reaping vengeance and falling in love at the most unlikely of times. Although many of the scenes throughout the story were difficult to write, they are real, raw and brutal, plopping you firmly into a dark world where nothing but love is sacred (whether that love is between friends, brothers or lovers). The action is nonstop, keeping you questioning how far the heroine, Valerie, and the hero, Blaze, will go in order to stay together in a world where fate is desperately trying to tear them apart.

Blurb

Blaze Knight has been through hell and back, but the nightmares aren't over yet. 

Five years after Blaze was maimed by Cyrus Chimola, a powerful vampire with a penchant for torture, he’s still trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. As a genetically engineered mercenary with the ability to bend fire to his will and to see in infrared, Blaze’s mission is to protect what’s left of humanity. When Chimola and his crew return to the Bronx gunning for Blaze’s blood, Blaze is forced to face the demons of his past. Hell-bent on revenge, he seeks the help of Valerie Medeiros, an NYPD detective who manages to steal his heart and save his life in more ways than one. 

Motivated by her sister’s gruesome death, Valerie has made it her life’s goal to bury every vampire in the ground where they belong. When she brings in Blaze Knight for suspected murder, she discovers he’s not only innocent, he isn't a man at all—he's a half-vampire hybrid working with a band of brothers for the U.S. military. Valerie has a hard time trusting anything with fangs, yet she quickly falls headlong into Blaze’s life, a life full of darkness and horror she can’t even begin to fathom. The bodies are stacking up, but Valerie can’t seem to let go of this hybrid, a beautiful monster filled with pain, rage, and passion unlike anything she's ever known. 

In a world where the line between good and evil is blurred, Blaze and Valerie will find danger at every turn, risking everything they’ve come to know and love, including one another. 

What’s your current WIP?

I recently finished the second book in The Order of the Senary series, BLACK BULLET, and it’s currently undergoing revision. The third book in the series, BEAUTIFUL LIAR, is half-written. BLACK BULLET is darker than RtD, and involves the hero experiencing possession, recurrent nightmares, and fighting off the demon inside him, all while trying to save an alcoholic empath on a suicide mission to kill a monster who emotionally and physically ruined her. BEAUTIFUL LIAR takes a more erotic turn and involves the hero ending up physically and emotionally addicted to the heroine, whom he can’t have (at least not without damaging the relationships with those he loves most). I just really heart these books and I can’t wait to share them!

And finally, where can we find  you?

I’m always thrilled to meet new people, so here’s my barrage of social media links. :D

Website: writerldrose.com

Facebook: facebook.com/writerldrose

Author page: facebook.com/ldroseauthorpage

Twitter: twitter.com/ld_rose

Goodreads: goodreads.com/ldrose

Pinterest: pinterest.com/writerldrose

Tumblr: writerdoc.tumblr.com

Thank you for being here. Linda is giving away an Releasing the Demons. Enter below. Happy reading

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Meet Vala Kaye and Ghost Writer

I read Vala Kaye's YA novella, Ghost Writer and thoroughly enjoyed it. Here's my review.

Malden's mom drags her away from her friends and real life in New York city to the wilds of Virginia. Mom assures her it will be educational. A fate worse than death. Malden thinks the best she can hope for is a nearby cell phone tower and an internet connection so she can stay in touch with her friends.

Malden gets more than she bargained for. Jackson Hamilton, the son of the owner of the historical home where they are staying, is not only hot; he's interested in Malden. There's no cell tower, but Jackson is happy to give her the password to the internet router he's set up.. The problem? It seems that the internet and the resident ghost. are on the same wavelength. 

Ghost Writer  is a fast paced romance with a dash of science fiction and a seasoning of paranormal. My favorite kind of read. 

I've put an excerpt at the end of this post for your reading pleasure. I think it's an excellent read for around Halloween so I asked Vala to be a guest on the blog so you could meet her too. 

Vala, please tell us a little about yourself. 

I grew up in Texas, steeped in southern tradition. I think that’s where so much of Ghost Writer came from. We all studied and knew that there was nothing even remotely “civil” about the War Between the States, and I tried to get some of that across in a way that younger readers could absorb.

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

That was an interesting email. The publisher definitely wanted Ghost Writer but wasn’t sure whether to list it as YA or middle grade. We eventually decided that it’s what I’ve heard called “innocent YA,” where nobody lives in a dystopian society or almost dies a dozen times trying to save the world. Awesome category description. Love it.

Other than your own, who are your favorite (heroes/heroines/writers) in your genre?

 I read quite a few of Robert Heinlein’s sci-fi for juveniles as a teen and loved those. Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series were also some of my early favorites. Really, I read everything I could get my hands on, from Austen to Asimov. I have everything Heinlein and McCaffrey wrote on my keeper shelves. I reread some of them every year.

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?

 I’m sort of seriously addicted to TV, which cuts into my writing time, but I won’t tell if you won’t.

How do you motivate yourself when inspiration takes a vacation?

 Oddly enough, pictures motivate me…photos, paintings, whatever. Just last week, I saw a photo online and by the end of the day, I’d written a 2,500-word short story based on it. I have no idea where that came from. I've got to try that. Stephanie Meyer took Twilight from a dream image.

What genre or genres do you write?

 Paranormal and sci-fi. I believe in stories of redemption and romance, so I wouldn’t be caught dead writing tragedy. LOL…

What’s your current WIP?

 Several years ago, I wrote a feature in a screenwriting class at UCLA and now I’m working on adapting it into narrative (novel) form. It’s called Dreams of the Muse and it most definitely isn’t YA!

And finally, where can we find you?

 My site is www.ValaKaye.com where I try to spread the word about some great reads out there in the genres of paranormal, sci-fi and fantasy, like your novel, Time and Forever.

 I’m also on Twitter as @ValaKaye.

Thank you for being here, Vala. 

 Vala had graciously offered 3 ebook copies in mobi, ePub or as PDF'.  Scroll down to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway. Happy reading!

Here's an excerpt from Ghost Writer.

 Jackson hurried down the staircase and outside. He bounded down off the porch steps and headed toward the back of the house so fast Malden ran to keep up with him.

“Who exactly is this Emily?” she said. “Jackson! You’re acting like she’s some sort of—” She drew herself up short, afraid of where her thoughts were going. He stopped, too, and turned back to face her.

“Like she’s some sort of, what, Malden? Some sort of ghost?”

“A ghost?” Malden looked at him wide-eyed. “That’s, well, really lame.” The memory of the conversation with her mom a couple of hours earlier flashed through her mind. “I mean, I like a good ghost story as much as anyone, but they’re not real. Emily was just a girl, right? Maybe even a girl who used to live in this house, but—”

“Malden, this house has been in my mom’s family for over a hundred and seventy years. The man who built it was named John Reese and he had one child, a daughter named Emily.”

“John Reese?” Malden frowned, confused. “But I thought this place was called The Proctor House.”

“It’s been known by that name since the 1880s.” Jackson nodded. “Emily died on her eighteenth birthday in February of 1865. She was never married and never had any children. When her father died years later with no grandchildren, the house went to his nephew, Brent, and on down to his children. Their family name was Proctor, my mother’s last name before she married my dad.”

“So, what does any of this have to do with the dead girl, Emily?” Malden glanced around to make sure no one else could overhear them. She’d only been at this place for all of maybe ten minutes and here she was in the middle of a bizarre conversation with a guy she barely knew about something that couldn’t possibly be true. “Have people seen her ghost? Is she haunting the house because she’s mad her cousin inherited it or something?”

Jackson started to say more, and then stopped and shook his head. Malden could see he wanted to tell her the whole story, but was holding back.

“Look, my bad, okay? I shouldn’t have brought it up. I’ve heard a lot of stupid old family stories, but it’s like you said, it’s lame. I mean, I’ve spent summers out here all my life and I’ve never seen or heard a ghost. So, that means there couldn’t be one. Right?”

He took the keys from her and hurried toward the SUV. Malden followed, but more questions were running through her mind and she wasn’t about to be put off. Jackson knew more about Emily, and Malden decided she wasn’t going to let him get away with keeping any secrets.

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Author Debby Grahl, has a wonderful story and a giveaway

Meet paranormal and contemporary author Debby Grahl, who may be one of my favorite interviews ever. Debby, please tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Michigan and now live on Hilton Head Island, SC, with my husband David and our cat Tigger. I was born with a deteriorating eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa. RP is a disease of the retina which causes gradual vision loss. I lost the ability to read in my early twenties, but even when I had sight seeing the printed word was always difficult. Reading a book would take me twice as long as a person with normal sight. I became frustrated with this and  began to make up my own stories. It wasn’t until the development of computers and wonderful screen reading software that I was able to put my stories into words. Everything I type is read back to me aloud. This enables me to do my research, use the online dictionary, post on Google Plus and Facebook. It has truly opened a new window of opportunity for me. 

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

Getting my first contract was quite the rollercoaster ride. It all began three years ago when I pitched the book at a conference. An editor of a new small press told me to send him the first three chapters, which I did. A few weeks later he requested the entire MS.

My hopes built. Could it really happen this time? Then early one morning I received the email all new writers pray for -- the offer of a contract. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. I phoned and emailed all my friends and relatives and walked on a cloud for days.

The editing process began, but after working on six chapters our communication began to lag to the point I was afraid something was wrong. Well, I was right. After I sent many emails, I finally received a phone call informing me that due to financial difficulties the publisher would have to close their doors.

I was devastated. After a long cry and days of moping around the house, I picked myself up and once again sent the MS to another new small press.

After a short time, I received another contract for the book and we began the editing process.

This time we actually got to the point that advanced review copies (ARCs) were sent out, and we were going to press. I had the thrill of actually holding a copy of my book in my hand. Then I received an email telling me they were very sorry, but due to personal circumstances they were closing their doors.

Imagine my state of mind! I was beyond devastated; I was crushed. I was on the brink of giving up when my editor from the second publisher suggested I send the MS to The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House.

So once again I picked myself up and sent it off.

I received a contract offer one month later, and both The Silver Crescent Crescent, and Rue Toulouse have finally found a home and are doing very well!  

Ohmigosh. That's an amazing, horrifying and happy ever after story. I love your persistance. 

If it isn’t too nosy. How about the first time you kissed your true love?

This is an unusual story. Both David and I were involved with civil war reenacting. We met by a camp fire at a living history event. We talked for quite a while. He walked me back to my tent and kissed me goodnight. That was 27 years ago.

Other than your own, who are your favorite (heroes/heroines/writers) in your genre?

This one is tough because there are so many, so I’ll list my absolute favorites. Heather Graham and Nora Roberts are at the top. I also enjoy Julie Garwood, Jayne Ann Krentz /Amanda Quick, Suzanne Brockmann, Jude Deveraux, Elizabeth Lowell and Christina Skye.   

What is the most exciting moment, so far, in your writing career?

  We’ve all experienced the eager anticipation of actually meeting one of our 

favorite authors. Some of us have stood in line for hours just to hear them speak.

I recently had an incident that made all the hours of writing, all the rejection letters, and all the rewrites worth every minute. I had a book signing where there were at least fifty people. This in itself thrilled me. As people began to line up in front of my table for me to sign my books, an excited reader stopped and told me how much she loved my books and just couldn’t wait for my next one. I can’t express the emotion I felt. I’m a newly published author, and here was this person acting as excited to meet me as I do when I go to see one of my favorite authors. Not only did I feel immense pleasure knowing something I’ve written has given someone such enjoyment, they inspired me to continue writing.
That's a truly special moment! 

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?

I’m fortunate to live only fifteen minutes from the ocean, so David and I like to take walks on the beach. We also have a tandem bike, so we go for long rides. We also enjoy traveling. Other than seeing the US, I love England. We’ve been there three times and never tire of the quaint country villages. I’m a country music, blues and oldies fan. Play some good old rock ‘n’ roll and I’m out on the floor boogying. 

How do you motivate yourself when inspiration takes a vacation?

Sometimes to get motivated I’ll read a book which takes place in the same setting as mine, such as New Orleans. Or I clean house, or get into the hot tub with a glass of wine. I have to say I like the last the best.

Got a recipe you want to share?

I’ve attached David’s recipe for his delicious Who Dat Gumbo. (The link is to my recipe page where you will now find this delicious sounding, cant-wait-to-try-it, recipe.)

Any advice for new writers just starting out?

First, see if there’s a writers’ group near you and join them. Other writers can be full of helpful advice. Also there are a number of online groups that you can find that write in your genre. I also highly suggest that you take online writing classes. When I wrote my first book, a murder mystery titled Decorated To Death, which hasn’t been released, I was extremely naïve when it came to what a publisher expects. I thought you just wrote the book, submitted it and waited to hear back. I found out quickly how wrong I was. There are a number of what I refer to as no-nos in the writing world. I had one editor tell me that I had a good book, if I could only write it. In red, she pointed out all my beginner writer’s mistakes. And trust me, there was a lot of red on the page. That’s when I started taking online classes, and my writing improved after the first class. A number of groups offer these classes, and they’re reasonably priced. Entering contests is another way to get helpful advice on your work. Many writers’ groups conduct annual writing contests. Lastly, my advice would be that if you have a story in you, write it. Even if your book never makes some top seller list, it’s still your story and you wrote it.

What genre or genres do you write?

I write both paranormal and contemporary romance. My first release, The Silver Crescent, is a paranormal romance which takes place in my home state of Michigan. It won The Paranormal Romance Guild’s Reviewers Choice Award in the general category for 2014. Rue Toulouse, released this past January is a contemporary romance. That's wonderful! A note to my beloved readers: Debby's books are available in all platforms Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and iTunes.

Excerpt from The Silver Crescent:

Once the men had left the library, Virginia did as Martin had suggested and sailed down from the painting. With narrowed eyes and her mouth a thin line, she turned to face Cyrus, now seated behind his desk.

“That was a close call. I didn’t know if Max would feel my warning.”

“By the look on his face, I’d say you got through loud and clear.”

“What shall I do if he tries to remove my portrait?”

Cyrus shook his head. “I don’t think he will. And if he does, we’ll have to stop him.”

Virginia rubbed her temples. “And what about the display Garrison put on?”

Cyrus frowned. “I’m surprised he’s strong enough to conjure something like that.”

“I’m afraid if he keeps scaring them, they’ll leave, and our future will be doomed.”

He shook his head. “I have a feeling they’re tougher than that. We’ll just have to double our effort to subdue him.”

At that moment, one of the long French windows blew open, and Garrison strolled in.

“Did I hear my name?” He sat down in one of the high-backed chairs, propped his foot across his knee, and smirked.

Cyrus leaned forward and folded his arms on his desk. “You may be enjoying yourself with your little games, but your amusement will be short-lived. Trust me, you will not win.”

Garrison’s smirk turned to a grin as he reached into his pocket, removed a phantom cigar and lit it. “Are you sure about that, Cyrus old man?” His eyes glowed with hatred. “Who holds the power may soon change.” He let out a stream of tobacco smoke and disappeared.

Her face stricken with fear, Virginia turned to Cyrus.

He floated across his desk and took her in his arms. “It will be all right, my dear, don’t worry.”

She laid her head on his shoulder. “Cyrus, he can’t have meant what I think. If so, it’s too horrible to imagine.”

He stroked her back. “Hush, now. We must do the best we can to help them along.”

“Yes, and we must keep them safe.”

Cyrus nodded.

“Perhaps we need something besides the crescents?” Virginia asked.

“Let’s give them a little longer. If they don’t figure it out, I have another idea.”

When they heard voices in the hallway, Virginia gave Cyrus a quick kiss and reentered her portrait, and Cyrus vanished.

 Great excerpt. I want to read the book.

Tell us about your latest release.

Rue Toulouse is a contemporary romance set in New Orleans. I came up with the idea for the book when my husband, David, and I were visiting the city. While I sat on the balcony of our hotel on Rue Toulouse drinking a glass of wine and eating Voodoo chips, Caterine and Remi came to life in my mind. Rue Toulouse is a tale of sex, danger and intrigue down in the Big Easy. After Caterine Doucette inherits the family fashion business, Ma Cherie, an attempt is made on her life. Ex-cop Remi Michaud is hired to protect Caterine while discovering which of her traitorous relatives want her dead.

Excerpt from Rue Tolouse:

Hello, Princess.”

Caterine stared in disbelief at the man leaning against the door frame. Her mouth suddenly gone dry, she whispered, “Remi?”

“At your service.”

She opened her mouth and closed it several times before she stammered, “Wha-what are you doing here?”

“Your grandmother sent me.”

“Why?”

“Let me in, and I’ll tell you.”

Without a word, she stepped back to let him pass. He quickly scanned the room. “Nice, isn’t it? I’ve never stayed here, but I’ve heard it’s a great hotel. It suits you. But would you care to tell me why you’re here and not on a plane out of New Orleans?”

Caterine’s back stiffened. “I don’t see what concern that is of yours. I called Elaine and expected either Paul or her to come. So, again, what are you doing here instead of Paul?”

“You’re in trouble and need help.”

“But you don’t even know me.”

Remi smiled. “We have met.”

Caterine felt her face turning scarlet.

He chuckled. “I take it you remember.”

Remember? Oh, how she remembered. She’d relived those moments in his arms over and over again. And here he was standing in front of her wanting to help. It took everything she had not to throw herself at him. “I still don’t understand. How did you find out what happened?”

“I was on my way home when I heard Ma Chérie’s alarm. I found your hair clip and the blood on the sidewalk. What did that guy do to you?”

She shuddered and in a barely audible voice said, “He held a gun to my back and tried to force me into a van.”

Remi’s jaw tightened. “That fils de putain left some blood. If we find him, we have a DNA sample.” He reached out and took her hand. “How did you get away from him?”

“First I swung wildly and hit him in the nose with the alarm remote I had in my fist. Then I got him with my umbrella.”

“Way to go, Princess.”

She gave him a slight smile. “And I’m pretty sure the remote saved my life. I set the alarm off while he held the gun to my back.”

“You must have been terrified. I promise we’ll get the bastard who did that to you.”

She tried to blink back the tears that suddenly filled her eyes.

“Don’t cry.” With the tip of his finger, he brushed away the tear that slid down her cheek. “You’re safe. I’m here.”

I want to read this one too!

What’s your current WIP?

Actually I have three projects. The first, a completed manuscript titled His Magic Touch, is a paranormal romance again set in New Orleans. Island Heat, Mountain Heat and Southern Heat are contemporary romances which are works in progress. Decorated To Death, is my first book which is a mystery cozy. I plan on giving it a good polish and resubmitting it for publication. 

And finally, where can we find you?

My books can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iTunes. (I put all the links to those above.)

You can find me here:

Website  http://www.debbygrahl.com

Facebook author page  https://www.facebook.com/debbygrahlauthor?ref=br_rs

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6862089.Debby_Grahl

Thanks for being here. Debby is offering one paperback of each of her books as a giveaway. I'm entering my own contest! Happy reading, friends.

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