Please Welcome Missy Martine

1. Please tell us about yourself?

Well, let’s see, I’m a retired nurse and former small business owner. I retired from nursing back in 1995 and then went into medical management. I spent some years managing a pharmacy and DME supply company before opening my own medical billing service in Oklahoma.

I spent twenty years in a not-so-good marriage before finding the courage to move on with my life. I’d pretty much resigned myself to spending the rest of my life alone when fate stepped in and threw me a curve. I met what turned out to be the love of my life in a chat room in 1997 and we’ve been happily together ever since. He was living in Oklahoma and I was in Tennessee when we met online, and it wasn’t long before he talked me into moving west! He was every fantasy I’d ever had all rolled up into one, and a few I’d never even imagined! The man positively oozes sex appeal and romance, and to top it off, he’s a decade younger than I am! People tell me that makes me a real life cougar J

Hubby and I’ve traveled all over the world, and lived in quite a few places. He’s originally from England, and has family all over the Orient so we never lack for places to travel to. Right now, we’re living in California near the ocean. That’s a first for me, since I spent most of my life in the south.

We don’t have children together, but I do have two beautiful stepdaughters who are in school in Minnesota and Oregon. We do have three baby boys that have a special place in our heart. Their names are Beau, Midnight and Bubba! No, I didn’t give them those redneck names. J We rescued them from shelters and they already had names they answered to. Beau is part Himalayan and 10 years old, Bubba is part Bengal and only 3 years old, while Midnight is just a plain ole alley cat and 7 years old. They weigh in at 22lbs, 20lbs, and 10lbs – that’s a lot of cat for a 2-bedroom apartment!

2. What’s new? Can you share something about your latest work?

As far as my writing, my newest release is “Discovering Her Wolfen Heritage.” Siren/Bookstrand released it on December 30^th and it’s something I’m very proud of. It’s the first book in a trilogy called “A Wolfen Heritage.” The trilogy centers on a family of wolf shapeshifters and is an erotic, thriller romance. The reviews it has been getting are phenomenal! I couldn’t be more pleased.

The second book of the trilogy, “Denying His Wolfen Heritage,” is about ready to be turned into my editor, and it will be quickly followed with the final installment “Changing Their Wolfen Heritage.” Since I have to multi-task to stay fresh with my ideas I’m also working on a few others at the same time. There is the sequel to “Table for Three” called “Catch Her When She Falls,” and a paranormal, erotic thriller called “Screams on the Mountain.” I’m counting on 2010 to be a banner year for my writing!

As far as what’s new on a personal front, well I’m recovering from surgery right now, but doing quite well. I’d suffered from Pulmonary Hypertension all my life, and been on oxygen for the last year. On December 22^nd, I underwent gastric bypass surgery to make sure I could lose a lot of weight very quickly. The idea was that the excess weight was pressing in on my lungs and heart causing problems. I’m happy to say that as of two weeks prior to my surgery, I’ve lost 36 pounds and still losing! The best part has been the effect on my lungs – two days ago they came and took away my oxygen concentrator for good! While he was in there doing the surgery, he managed to re-arrange things a little and take the pressure away from the lungs. The result, I’m able to breathe and keep my oxygen concentration in the 90’s where it belongs! It’s a really wonderful feeling!

3. What was your inspiration to begin writing?

It’s going to sound a little strange, but my husband, as a sort of therapy, goaded me into it. I suffered a series of strokes in 2002 that left me unable to communicate for quite some time. We discovered, by accident, that I could type out what I wanted to say even when I couldn’t make myself say the words.

I was forced to stop working after the strokes, with the knowledge that I would probably never be able to work outside the home again. I recovered for the most part, but still have problems with short-term memory.

I spent a couple of years just watching daytime television and reading romance novels. I think I had sunk into the pits of depression about as far as I could go when he decided he had to do something to bring me back. He told me that I’d read enough of those “silly” novels by then to be able to write one myself, and he dared me to do it. I pretty much ignored him for the longest time, until he started wanting to know why I was afraid to try. He knew exactly what buttons to push because I started giving it serious thought. It wasn’t long before I began writing “Table for Three”

The inspiration for it came from my own life. She’s a woman who spent twenty years in an abusive marriage (same here), who takes a chance and finally divorces her husband (same here), and moves away to start her life over (same here). She meets up with two men who just might be the loves she’s been looking for her entire life! Okay, you got it, “same here,” except that my love is only one man and Cass got two in the book! I guess you can’t have everything J.

4. Do you have a favorite author?

I have a lot of favorite authors, for different types of genre. For erotic romance it is Leah Brooke hands down, although Diana Palmer runs a close second! For paranormal romance it is divided between Dana Marie Bell, Annmarie McKenna and Stormy Glenn. If I’m in the mood for mystery then I turn to Mary Higgins Clark, and action adventure has me pulling out the Clive Cussler. With my taste in reading so varied, it would be impossible for have only one favorite author.

5. What do you like best about that author?

Hmm, well Leah’s books are the best of everything. They have romance, hot sex, drama and humor all rolled up into an interesting story. Once I start them, I can’t put them down. Diana Palmer’s “Long Tall Texan” series is a killer! It’s amazing to me that she’s been writing on it as long as she has, and still manages to bring back favorite characters and familiar story twists from time to time. I’ve never missed a one, and have them all in either hardback or paperback.

Dana Marie Bell’s “Halle Puma” series was what inspired me to want to create my own shapeshifter characters. She is a master at developing her characters and their inter-relationships. There’s so much humor, blended with the drama and romance that you’re literally kept on your seat during the story. Annmarie McKenna’s Mate series brought me my first taste of real suspense in a paranormal romance book, and her books “The Strength of Three” and “Blackmailed” were the first ménage books I ever read. They are what made me want to make “Table for Three” into a ménage. They had caused me to have so many fantasies that I had to put them down on paper!

Nobody can tell a mystery like Mary Higgins Clark, keeping you guessing and laughing until the end of the book. As for action adventure, Clive Cussler’s character “Dirk Pitt” is the modern day version of James Bond, only more interesting. When you throw in the fact that many of his underwater plots of sunken ships come from the real life experiences of Mr. Cussler, you can’t go wrong with his books!

6. Do you prefer to write at a particular time of day or night? We’d love to know something about your writing process.

It’s a strange process really. I do my best thinking in the wee hours of the morning. I’m usually awake then because I suffer from insomnia something terrible. But the writing itself is only done during the day, after my husband leaves for work. I’ve found that I cannot write with him in the house hovering over me!

Because of my problems with short-term memory, all my books start as intricate outlines. I can do this anywhere because I do it on legal pads. I begin by creating all my main characters, giving them physical descriptions, personality traits, and defining their relationships to each other. I do some of the secondary characters at this time too, and of course add on characters later as needed.

Then I create an outline for the story itself. I don’t write out every word, but I do outline it scene by scene so I don’t forget anything. The outline will include any research I’ve needed to do to make the story more authentic. Once the outline is completed, I’m ready to start typing chapters.

7. What do you find to be the most difficult part of writing?

Writing the love scenes is the hardest part for me. Because of my memory problems I have to make sure that all the love scenes in the book don’t sound the same.

I suppose the strangest thing I do in my writing is for my love scenes. I keep an excel chart describing each love scene I write for any book, keeping track of the words used, positions used, and every other detail. It keeps me from being repetitious in the sexual encounters of the book. Crazy sounding I know, but it works for me. J

8. What is your favorite of your works?

“Discovering Her Wolfen Heritage” is my favorite so far. I think it’s because it was a paranormal romance and it allowed my imagination to run wild. There are fewer rules when you’re creating an imaginary world with fictitious characters, and I like that part of the creative process.

9. Can you tell us where readers can purchase your works?

All my books can be found online with Siren/Bookstrand at http://www.sirenpublishing.com/missymartine/

while “Table for Three” can also be purchased at Mobipocket http://www.mobipocket.com/EN/eBooks/eBookDetails.asp?BookID=253408 and on Kindle at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Table-Three-Siren-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0030WDJRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261953331&sr=1-1

http://www.bookstrand.com/node/805931

10. What is the best way to reach you?

I can be reached through my website at www.missymartine.com

At my email address of: missymartine@comcast.net

On my Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000107833768

And at Twitter at: http://twitter.com/Missy_Martine

Thanks so much for having me as a guest; I’ve enjoyed telling you about myself! How vain does that sound? LOL If any of you visit my website please sign my guest book. I love to know when people have checked me out!

This Week's Special Guest is Jana Richards

Welcome, Jana.

1). Tell us your latest news?

I’m very excited that my first novella, “Burning Love”, is being released by The Wild Rose Press tomorrow, January 20, 2010. Here’s a blurb and a short excerpt:

After causing three cooking fires in her apartment, Iris Jensen finds herself homeless. She lands on Riley Benson's doorstep, looking to rent a room in the beautiful old home he's restoring. It's only for six weeks until Iris leaves Portland, Oregon for her new job on a cruise ship. Firefighter Riley knows exactly what a bad tenant she can be. But he needs money to finish the work on the house he loves. And something about Iris pulls at his heart…

Meanwhile, in Heaven, two angels watch over the young lovers. Angelica and Hildegard work in Heaven's Relationship Division, where angels match mortals with their soul mates. The angels believe so strongly in Iris and Riley’s love that they break Heaven's rules to help them. Can the the angels convince them their love will last a lifetime before time runs out?

Excerpt:

Riley looked into her beautiful blue eyes and her smiling face and did the only thing he was capable of doing at the moment.

He kissed her.

Maybe later, he told himself, when sanity returned, he’d think of a hundred reasons why pulling Iris into his arms, holding her tightly against his body, and plundering her soft, sweet mouth was not a good idea. But for now, right now, as she wound her arms around his neck and made tiny sounds of excitement deep in her throat, it felt exactly right.

Heaven. Having Iris in his corner made him believe everything was possible.

He stepped backwards towards the stairs, pulling Iris with him, intent on taking her to upstairs to his room. He suddenly tripped, nearly losing his balance. He glanced behind him and saw the object he’d stumbled over. A set of luggage sat next to the stairs, still bearing tags from the retailer.

“What the hell is this?”

Iris kissed his neck. “I’m sorry. I should have taken them up to my room.”

Iris had bought new luggage for her trip. Her plans hadn’t changed.

She’s leaving me.

The thought acted as effectively as a bucket of cold water tossed over his head. What was he doing? She was leaving in three weeks and didn’t plan to return. The calendar in the kitchen reminded him of that every day. Why start something that would only lead to heartache?

No, this was crazy. Why couldn’t they take pleasure in each other for the next three weeks? Why should they deny themselves what Riley knew would be the best sex of their lives? Why was he throwing it all away?

Because he’d already lost too many people in his life.

And Riley instinctively knew that if he let himself get close to Iris, let himself love her, a part of him would not survive when she left.

You can look for “Burning Love” at The Wild Rose Press website at http://www.thewildrosepress.com

2). When and why did you begin writing?

Well, I read a few romance novels, loved them, and had the crazy idea that I could write one too. Little did I know how much work goes into crafting a novel! Now I’m completely hooked. This is what I’m meant to do.

3). What books have influenced your life most?

There are so many books, and so many authors. I love the books of Nora Roberts, Suzanne Brockman, Mary Balogh, Jo Beverly, and so many more. A good writer will inspire me to “up my game” much as a good tennis partner will help you to play better. I’m always inspired by a wonderful, emotional read that takes me on a journey.

Lately I’ve been influenced by a lot of research or craft books, as I work to take my writing to the next level. I’m currently working my way through Donald Maass’ “Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook”. The exercises really make me think about my characters and plot and how to make them something special and truly unique.

4). What are your current projects?

I’m working on a couple of projects at the moment. In my contemporary manuscript Welcome to Paradise, Paradise is more like Hell for Bridget Grant. Her marriage and career are gone, her daughter's in trouble, and her confidence has hit the skids. Retreating to her home town of Paradise, she's confronted with her still strained family relationships. When her daughter faces expulsion from the local high school, Bridget turns for help to Jack, the man she’d left behind. Their growing attraction has Bridget hoping for new future. But the problems that kept them apart twenty years ago still exist. Until Bridget faces the truth about herself and her family history, she and her daughter will remain prisoners of the past.

I’m also working on a time travel historical set in England in World War 2. In Twice in a Lifetime, Frank Brennan is given a second chance at love. An angel shows up in his nursing home room claiming to be able to take him back in time, to Plymouth, England in 1944. It was here Frank experienced, and lost, the love of his life. Even after all these years Frank is still bitter over Claire’s betrayal. And he still mourns the death of his best friend Cal, who died in a training accident just before D-Day. He accepts the angel’s offer, hoping he can save Cal this time around. Can Frank change history or is his reaction to events the only thing he can truly change? As he relives the events of 1944, Frank discovers new insights into old tragedies. He also discovers a love for Claire even stronger than he remembered. But unless he learns to trust that love, Frank is doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.

5). Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Finding enough time! I’d love to lock myself away for weeks at a time, just me and my laptop, someplace where I don’t have to cook, clean or go to my day job. But since that isn’t possible I have to carve out time in my day for writing.

6). Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I have several favorites but probably my all time favorite writer is Nora Roberts. I love the way she can bring characters and a setting to life. The writing is full of emotion and the plots are exciting. Her characters are often flawed, but they are always people a reader wants to root for.

7). When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always liked to write, and at one time in high school I thought I’d try journalism. That didn’t pan out and the dream stayed on the back burner for a while. In university I took a creative writing class, but it was more geared towards literary fiction, and I thought I wasn’t meant to be a writer. I honestly didn’t think of writing fiction again until many years later, when I started reading romance novels and discovered my niche.

8). How long does it take you to write a book?

Way too long! I am not what you’d call a fast writer. With revisions it probably takes me about a year to eighteen months. But I have been known to leave a partially written book lie dormant for several years before picking it up and finishing it, so it’s difficult for me to answer that question.

9). What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I try to devote two to three days a week solely to writing. After walking the dog early in the morning I’ll write until noon before taking a break for lunch. After lunch I’ll work till around 3 or 4. I spend most evenings writing blogs, answering emails and doing other promotional activities.

10). Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?

Does messy handwriting count? Probably my strangest handwriting habit is my tendency to lift my pen and leave a gap between letters in words. For instance, if I wrote “romance”, I might not connect the r to the o and leave a small gap between the two letters. I have no idea why.

11). What do you want to know about the future?

I would like to know if I am going to write a book or a series that will be a best seller. And then I’d want to know if I can afford to quit my day job!

12). Are you a morning person or a night person?

I am more of a morning person. If I am going to accomplish something, it will likely be in the morning.

13). Do you like thunderstorms?

I absolutely hate thunderstorms! My dog and I hide out in the basement when they get really bad. She’s even more afraid than I am!

14). What is the best way for readers to contact you? Email, myspace, twitter, etc?

The best way for readers to contact me is through my website at www.janarichards.net. I’m always available at my email address at jana.richards@hotmail.com Please check out my MySpace page at www.myspace.com/jana_richards

15). Anything you would like to add?

Just that I’d love to hear from readers! Please check out my website and take a look at the excerpts for my books. I’ve also got a contest running on my website until February 17 and some free short reads on my website. Enjoy!

April Dawn

1. Hi April, and thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
   

I live in California with my husband and our ever inquisitive eighteen month old son. Like many writers, I have been writing as long as I can remember, but I never thought to seek publishing until my sister told me I simply must. In September of 09, I finally got up the nerve to submit to publishers, and Crushing Desire was contracted by Breathless Press. Soon after, they contracted Bound by Love, the first novel I ever wrote, and homage to the old second hand books I read as a young girl (with a twist).

2. What’s new? Can you share something about your latest work?

I am currently in the middle of a number of projects. I’m looking for an agent, and writing a number of books. The closest one to completion is The Piratess, a fun little novel about a female pirate, obviously enough. Lol

3. What was your inspiration to begin writing?

The characters have always been there, but I started writing scenes when I was about 15 or so because they were compelling me to. Plus when I ran out of secreted romance novels, I could write my own scenes and tell myself a good story.

4. Do you have a favorite author?

There are so many great authors (Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, Dean Koontz, Nora Roberts, etc…) with so many great books out there, it is hard to pick. However, since you need one, I guess I would have to say Stephen King

5. What do you like best about that author?

He has a great sense of timing. Things flow in his novels so that you can read four hundred pages and never realize it.

6. Do you prefer to write at a particular time of the day or night? We’d love to know something about your writing process.

I write whenever the story hits me. The characters will just start talking, and I have to find some way to take it all down. If I don’t work when I’m inspired, I lose some of the best loved parts of my manuscript.

7. What do you find to be the most difficult part of writing?

Editing. It is fun to watch my work become tighter and better, but it can be tedious. Plus you can’t work on your newest manuscript while editing. You have to get that book back to the editor pronto.

8. What is your favorite of your works?

Of my unpublished works, I have many. So many that they often fight for which will get to tell their story, and I slip back and forth between them. In fact, I have an espionage series that is doing just that right now. However, of my published works, I would have to say Crushing Desire. (Though my sister would argue for Bound by Love. :-D )

I have always been a sucker for a good crush.

9. Can you tell us where readers can purchase your books?

Bound By Love (Jan 29) and Crushing Desire  (Feb 12) can be found at Breathless Press.

10. What is the best way to reach you?

Visit my website or  personal blog   or find me at twitter, facebook, or myspace.

Welcome to Got Romance Author Interviews

Welcome one and all to our new Author Interview Blog. We hope to provide opportunities for readers to get to know their favorite authors. We will ask them to share something about their latest works as well as their own favorite authors and inspirations.

Please join us as we get to know some of the most exciting authors in romance today!