You’re best known for your SPYING IN HIGH HEELS mystery series and now you’ve added Young Adult fiction to your resume. How difficult was it to transition between genres?

Actually, it wasn’t that difficult.  I just had to tap into my immature side (which was embarrassingly easy) and away it went.  My teen books are a lot like my adult mysteries – the tone is very similar –  it’s just that the subject matter and content is more geared to a younger audience.

Did you have any concerns when you worked on your first teen mystery series or did it come naturally for you? Did you have help with the teen lingo and mental angst in your storytelling?

My biggest concern was sounding “fake teen” or using lingo that real teens don’t actually use anymore.  Things change so fast in the teen world!  Luckily, my son is a tween himself, so he helped me out whenever I had lingo questions.

How many books did you write before you sold?

I wrote five books before number six finally sold for me.

Can you tell us a little bit your current release? How did you come up with the idea?

I’m totally thrilled about my new release (coming out December 1^st at Barnes & Noble and January 1^st everywhere else)!  It’s the sixth installment in my High Heels Mysteries, titled FEARLESS IN HIGH HEELS.  I had planned on ending this series with book #5, so it’s been a few years since I’ve had a chance to revisit these characters.  Writing about them again was so much fun, that I plan to continue the series indefinitely now.

Here’s a short blurb about the book:

FEARLESS IN HIGH HEELS

Morning sickness sucks. Which is why fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer has spent the last six weeks being a couch potato and Moonlight movie devotee. But when Maddie’s best friends finally convince her to venture out, Maddie stumbles on a dead body of a girl who has been bitten on the neck, and life imitates art in the most deadliest of ways. Now Maddie is smack in the middle of a murder investigation involving a deadly dance club and a coven of Hollywood “vampires”. Not to mention navigating the world of baby showers, diaper genies and Lamaze classes with her LAPD Homicide detective husband who would rather his pregnant wife not continue popping up in his murder investigation. Between the hormones, the homicides, and a flurry of fangs, Maddie and her gang work to track down the deadly truth… before the killer bites again!

Out of an ocean of published authors, you’ve done very well for yourself in the self pub market. How does it feel to be a sort of leader in this new publishing direction? 

I’m not sure if I’m a leader, since there are so many authors I look up to who are doing very well also.  But it does feel great to have other publishing options.  I’m actually doing a series of blog posts at Killer Fiction this month on self-publishing, my numbers, and what’s worked for me.  So if anyone else out here is thinking of giving it a try, please stop by with questions in hand!

www.KillerFiction.net

Barnes and Noble has been a big supporter of your writing endeavors. How does it feel to write a sequel to your popular SPYING IN HIGH HEELS series and being asked to release exclusively through them for the first month? That’s a big honor, so what was your reaction to this?

I’ll admit, I was actually a little nervous at first. Lol!  I know a lot of my readers are Kindle based, so I was worried about what their reaction to having to wait a month longer to get the book might be.  But so far, it’s been fine.  And I’ve actually heard from quite a few people who plan to download the free Nook app to their computer for the first time in order to get the book when it first release.  So I hope this means lots of extra business for Barnes & Noble, too!  They’ve been wonderfully supportive of me, and I really think they have excellent system in place for self-publishers with their PubIt! program.

What personal goals have you made for yourself this year?

Oh, I have a lot of them for the new year, but my top three are:

1) Slow down!  I’ve been writing at a break-neck speed for the past two years and am ready to take it more slowly and really enjoy writing again, as opposed to worrying about the deadlines.

2) Read more!  I think I’ve managed to read one book all year other than my own.  So I really need to carve out some time to read again.

3) Self-publish more!  Even from the time I first started self-publishing (18 months ago) to now, technology has gone so fast that some of my methods are outdated.  I definitely want to put more focus into this aspect of my career in the near future.

Tell us one thing or habit that you have that no one knows! 

I keep chocolate candy in my desk drawer.  Shhh, don’t tell my kids!

What should we expect from you in the future?

I have a new series debuting in hardcover called PLAY NICE, March 14^th, that I am super excited about.  We’re fielding some film offers for this project now, so I hope to have more good news to share on that front as the release date gets closer.

I also have the second book in my young adult series, SOCIAL SUICIDE, coming out in April 2012, which I’m thrilled about as my oldest son insisted I write him into it as a character.  Ten points to anyone who can pick him out! 

Gemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.

Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader’s Choice award and three RITA nominations.

Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.

To learn more about Gemma, visit her at:

www.gemmahalliday.com

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed.

Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband.

Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, Facebook and Twitter, she loves to hear from her readers.

Please tell us about yourself and what made you start writing?

My novels are lighthearted fantasy, heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again.  I’m not a planner.  I don’t write with a set idea because no matter what I plan, the characters’ voices always come through and demand I listen to them. So, I gave up trying to fight it!

The journey as a writer all began when I was a teen and wrote poetry, which still to this day I pull out to have a good laugh.  Later on, I tried a couple of times to put a book together with no such luck.  Couldn’t ever get past the first few chapters.  But once I was exposed to the paranormal world, ideas came quickly.

At first, it was a way to keep my brain alive since being a stay at home mom can be a little let’s say―numbing. It was an escape from screaming kids, dirty diapers and plain old mom duty.  It started as a hobby, but as the stories progressed it became a passion. Now, I indulge at nap time, especially the juicy bits! Every mom needs a good thrill!

How long did it take before you were published? Was it everything that you thought it would be?

After I finished my first story, The Willow, it took around six months to get that publishing contract in my inbox. It was everything I wanted…and more.  I’ve learned a great deal since I released The Willow, and every contract I’ve received since still makes me jump up and down in excitement.

Can you tell us a little bit about your new release? How did you come up with the idea?

My latest release is BIND ME ~ Pact of Seduction Book One. I came up with the idea because I wanted to write a story about four best friends. Add in the fact that I wanted to include their ultimate fantasy, and I knew it’d be a fun series to write.

What propelled you to write urban fantasy/paranormal romances?

I love the paranormal romance/urban fantasy genre and love a series more!! Nothing can hook me in more than an adventure and one that keeps on going. I love a page turner, one where I’m up at a ridiculous time and my eyes burn because I can’t stop reading. Witty characters, dominant men, danger, action, romance and hot sex―oh my!

 Need I say more?

Did you have a solid support system when you chose to write romance or did you have anyone disapprove of your decision?

My family is very supportive of my writing. In truth, though, they don’t really know what I write. When I was first published, The Willow has love scenes, but they’re “sweet” in nature.

During the year that I was published, I dabbled into erotic romance, and I’ve never let my family read those because…well…it’s too weird for me. So we leave it at–they know I write sexy stories, they’re proud of me, but they don’t need to read them.

Do you have a daily ritual to get you in the “writing zone”?

Coffee. I need it. I love it. I can’t live without it!

What is the most difficult part of your writing journey? What is the most exciting part?

I love writing the first draft of a story. I don’t plot out my stories so it’s much like reading to me. I can’t wait to see what happens next and see where the characters take me.

The difficult part of the writing process for me is revisions. It’s always challenging, and tends to get a wee bit boring when you’ve read the story ten times. Trust me, usually by the end of edits, I hate the book, and that’s how I know it’s ready for publication!

What is the most extreme or wildest thing you’ve done and what did you learn about yourself?

Wrote a book and then published it! I never thought I’d be an author. Never had big dreams. I just kinda stumbled upon it. Even to this day, I’m still thrilled that I can keep doing this as a career, and that readers enjoy my stories!

Any last words for your readers?

THANK YOU! I always feel honored to meet new readers, and even more so, that I give them a story that touches them in some way. I really don’t have words to express how much I appreciate the support!

What should we expect from you in the future?

I have many revisions ahead of me since I’m rewriting all of my Otherworld novels, and they are being re-released with Entangled Publishing as full-length novels. So that’s keeping me busy.

Other than that, I have two new series that I’m going to release next year. I want to get them both out by early next year. Both are urban fantasy romances, and both are nagging at me to write them!

Four best friends embrace their fantasies and make a pact of seduction to live out their deepest and darkest desires. The women place their lives in the hands of fate and one short straw declares Marley will be the first to awaken her secret wishes.

Reed, a Dom at sex club Castle Dolce Vita, has lived the BDSM lifestyle for awhile, but has yet to find a submissive that suits him. That is until he meets Marley, a woman seeking to indulge her fantasies.

As Reed guides her through a night of pleasure, Marley brings more to him than a perfect submissive–she stirs emotions in him long ago lost. By binding Marley, he runs up against his own limits, and now he has to choose between his self-protective barriers or surrendering to the wildfire Marley has reignited in his heart.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and elements, including spanking.

♦ BUY LINK

The chilling words of a killer: This is just the beginning…

Ten years ago, Lilly Carmichael left town without an explanation, breaking Braden Donnelly’s heart. The death of her aunt has brought Lilly home–and face to face with memories she thought were long buried. Still getting over a traumatic incident from her work as an NSA agent, Lilly initially dismisses the face at her window as a figment of stress-induced paranoia.

Now the sheriff of Hudson Bay, Braden has spent the last year hunting a sadistic murderer. But his investigation is turned upside down when new evidence indicates that Lilly is the killer’s next target. Determined to protect the woman he’s never stopped loving, Braden must race against the clock to trap a dangerous psychopath—before it’s too late…

Purchase info (some links available for pre-order):
Direct from publisher
All Romance eBooks
Amazon (Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (Nook eReader)

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How long have you been writing before you sold?

I love romance and have been reading it for many, many years (since I discovered my mom’s secret stash). Before I had any clue I wanted to be a writer I read romantic suspense almost exclusively so that’s the genre I first tried my hand at (about 5 years ago). About two years later I discovered I enjoyed writing erotic romance and paranormal romance as well so I entered a contest to see if I was actually any good at writing erotic romance. I ended up placing first with Running from the Past then subsequently selling it to Ellora’s Cave (the final judge was an EC editor). After that, I continued writing erotic romance (and eventually separating my erotic romance from my other stuff) but I was still actively searching for an agent. I signed with one a year later, then another year after that we sold my paranormal series to NAL/Signet.

How has the transition been from ePublishing to NY been for you?

I’ve always had my own ‘personal’ deadlines I like to meet but working on contractual deadlines has been a new experience. With epublishing I’m able to write at my own pace and I don’t answer to anyone as far as turning something in at a certain time. That kind of freedom is wonderful. Right now I have things I have to turn in to my two traditional publishers (Harlequin & Signet) by certain dates so even if I wanted to start on another story, it would have to wait until I’m finished with these two. Luckily, I love the two stories I’m currently writing so that’s not an issue. I’m still publishing digitally and I’ve also self-published a couple novellas recently and I don’t plan to give that up just because I sold to NY.

What are a few things you picked up from the publishing experience that have been a good learning tool for you?

Hmm, things I’ve learned: Don’t settle for an agent just to have one. A bad agent is worse than none at all (I love mine, btw). When I signed with her my first two manuscripts were rejected by NY but she stuck by me and with the third submission we signed a 3 book deal. Her contract and publishing experience were so valuable during the whole process. Another thing I’ve learned is that good critique partners are like gold. If you have a good one, hold on to her.

What has been the toughest obstacle you’ve had to overcome along the way? What was the best experience you’ve had from being published?

I don’t think I’ve had one particular obstacle that’s been the toughest. Constant rejection is really the main obstacle and I’ve received a lot of those over the years. After a while it gets to the point where you wonder if anyone will ever like your writing. My best experience was receiving my first advance check

You have written quite a few books for ePublishers, how do you feel about the ePublishing explosion, and now the popularity of self-publishing?

I think the popularity of both epublishing and self-publishing is great. All my erotic work is primarily novellas and there’s not much of a print market for shorter lengths unless you’re talking anthologies. I love writing short and having options and I don’t believe in putting all my eggs in one basket. Plus, coming from solely a reader’s perspective, I read almost exclusively on my Kindle so I really love the convenience of epublishing.

What do you feel about the self-publishing market and how do you think it will affect publishing?

I have no idea how it will affect publishing and I’d be a little scared to speculate, but I’ve recently self-published two novellas and I’ve personally loved the freedom of doing it. In addition to gaining more readers, I’ve seen an increase in sales for my backlist so for me it’s been a positive experience. There are pros and cons to being traditionally published, epublished, and self-published and I think it’s great that writers have more options now. They don’t have to choose one or the other anymore.

Tell us about your latest book.

Deadly Obsession is a dark romantic suspense releasing from Carina Press on 8/15/2011. It’s 80,000 words and to date it’s the darkest thing I’ve written. Here is the blurb:

Ten years ago, Lilly Carmichael left town without an explanation, breaking Braden Donnelly’s heart. The death of her aunt has brought Lilly home–and face to face with memories she thought were long buried. Still getting over a traumatic incident from her work as an NSA agent, Lilly initially dismisses the face at her window as a figment of stress-induced paranoia.

Now the sheriff of Hudson Bay, Braden has spent the last year hunting a sadistic murderer. But his investigation is turned upside down when new evidence indicates that Lilly is the killer’s next target. Determined to protect the woman he’s never stopped loving, Braden must race against the clock to trap a dangerous psychopath—before it’s too late…

What’s up next for you? Are you currently working on a new book?

I have a release from Harlequin Nocturne (Cravings) on October 1st (Destined Mate). In January 2012 I have a romantic suspense releasing from Carina. Then in February I have another release from Nocturne Cravings and the first book in my new paranormal series from Signet is also releasing (Alpha Instinct: A Moon Shifter novel). Currently I’m working on the third book in my Moon Shifter series.

What do you like best about the writer’s life?

I love setting my own schedule and being able to work anywhere. Granted, I pretty much work from home, but it’s nice to know that I can pack up my laptop anytime it’s necessary. Being a new mom, it’s doubly nice working from home.

If you weren’t a writer what would career path would you choose?

Ack! I have no idea. I floundered around after college because I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do and knew I didn’t want to be a bartender for the rest of my life so… If I wasn’t a writer it’s possible I might have continued my education to get a Master’s in psychology (I have a Bachelor’s in psychology) and looked for a counseling job within the school system. But really, I can’t see myself doing anything else and loving it the way I love writing.

Who or what inspires you?

Music, various places I’ve traveled, the people in my lives, books I read, favorite authors (Linda Howard will always be a fave of mine)…pretty much anything and everything inspires me.

What are you reading right now?

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione. It’s my first book by her.

What advice would you offer to the unpublished romance writer?

Don’t give up and don’t make excuses for why you can’t find the time to write. If you want something bad enough you’re going to have to work really hard for it so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Rejection sucks but it’s something you’re going to have to deal with if you want to survive in this business.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I have an addiction to zombie movies, a couple tattoos, and I lived on a boat for one summer during my college years (a year I wasn’t in school).

Katie fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After graduating summa cum laude with a degree in psychology and working too many jobs she hated, she finally figured things out.

She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her publishers include Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne (Destined Mate, October 2011) and in early 2012 the first book in her new paranormal trilogy will release from NAL/Signet Eclipse (Penguin). Regardless of genre, she always includes a happy ending. When she’s not creating stories she loves spending time with her husband, family and the eclectic group of animals they’ve adopted.

To learn more about Katie, visit her online at:

www.katiereus.com

Stephanie has always been a storyteller. In elementary school, she channeled Scheherazade, weaving a series of stories to charm children into sitting with her each day at the lunch table. When she was a little older, Stephanie scared all the girls at her sleepovers with ghost stories.

She should have known she was born to hold an audience in her thrall, but Stephanie resisted her writerly urges and graduated from college with a B.A. in Government. Then she went to Law School, where she learned how to convincingly tell the tallest tales of all!

A longtime lover of ancient lore, Stephanie enjoys re-imagining myths for the modern age. She doesn’t believe that true love is ever simple or without struggle so her work tends to explore the sacred within the profane, the light under the loss and the virtue hidden in vice. She counts it amongst her greatest pleasures when, from her books, her readers learn something new about the world or about themselves. Stephanie also writes historical fiction as Stephanie Dray and has a series of forthcoming novels from Berkley Books featuring Cleopatra’s daughter.

Website: http://www.stephaniedraven.com

Your novels for Harlequin’s Nocturne line showcases myth and ancient lore that gives the stories an added flavor. What inspired you to come up with the concept for POISONED KISSES?

When it comes to fantasy, some people are drawn to dwarves and elves. Some people are drawn to vampires and werewolves…I’m drawn to classical western mythology. The idea that I could pull that into paranormal romance was exciting. I’ll always be grateful to Harlequin for being so open-minded about the subjects they’re willing to let me tackle.

You also have several historicals coming out from Berkley under the name Stephanie Dray. These books have a unique twist and the first one involves Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s daughter. How much research did you have to do and what drew you to the story?

The twist in my historical fiction series for Berkley is that it reflects the world of Cleopatra Selene not as we see it looking back, but as the ancients would have experienced it. Egyptians believed in magic and were avid practitioners. What’s more, the ancient Romans feared and loathed Egyptian magic. So I made it real.

As for the research, I’m a little embarrassed to say how long it took me. Let’s just say…years. Many years. This is probably because I can’t read Latin or Greek. Having to rely upon English translations of everything put me at a disadvantage, but I now know enough useless trivia about the Augustan Age to thoroughly annoy my friends and family.

We love stories about “the Call”, do you remember what you were doing or how you felt?

Yes, I do. Because I was sick with the stomach flu! When my agent first called to tell me that I’d sold POISONED KISSES to Harlequin Nocturne, I may have muttered something like, “I think I have to throw up.” (Full story here.)

How is it writing for the Nocturne line? What advice do you have for those wanting to write for Harlequin’s paranormal line?

One of the things I love most about the Nocturne line is the way my editor has embraced all kinds of risk-taking from me. There’s always a subversive element in my stories and HQN has never balked. I feel as if my editor, Tara Gavin, really tries to push the envelope and I love that about her. For those who would like to write for Nocturne, I recommend that you plot first, write swiftly, and be concise. I’ve also written a little tip-sheet for aspiring Nocturne authors.

Please tell us a little about your current release and what should we expect to see from you in the future?

POISONED KISSES is the story of Kyra, underworld nymph and rebellious daughter of Ares. In her ongoing struggle against her father, she sets out to assassinate a notorious shape-shifting Hydra. When she meets Marco Kaisaris, she realizes that he’s not the monster she thinks he is but even if he doesn’t break her heart, he still might be the death of her.

I have two more stories in the Mythica series coming down the pike. The first is SIREN SONG, a novella which should be out this winter. The second is another full-length novel about a modern day Minotaur, and that should be out next autumn. I’m still searching for a title for that one!

All authors have a particular scene or character(s) they adore, who are yours? Why?

Oh, gosh. This is such a hard question for me because there are so many authors that I adore. It’s probably easiest if I talk about the stuff that I’ve read most recently and loved. To that end, I should mention Jeannie Lin’s TAMING OF MEI LIN, because that story had it all. It left me a little bit smarter, a little bit excited, and with a big grin on my face.

What are you reading right now?

Due to overlapping deadlines and an overwhelming feeling that I’m in way over my head, my reading time has been restricted to the treadmill recently. So if it isn’t something I have in e-book form or if it isn’t something that unfolds quickly, I’ve had to set it aside. To my surprise, I’ve been entirely enraptured by a Regency Romance by Victoria Dahl. Her A LITTLE BIT WILD has kept my attention even while working out. I’m so much in love with its scandalous heroine and adoring hero!

What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author?

That we make a lot of money. I know some romance writers do, but I’m betting that if romance authors actually clocked up their hours and divided it out to find out their hourly wages, it would make us weep!

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

That I used to be an organized person with a very clean house. I used disk defragmenter. I used to bake my own bread and host cookie parties and get all my Christmas cards out way ahead of time. For the last two years I’ve been living in complete chaos, so I’m sure no one would believe that I once lived an orderly existence!

If you were a nail polish color, what would it be called and why?

Sunrise Suprise. Because it’s always a shock to me when I’m alert and awake before sunrise.

What advice do you have for unpublished writers? Any words for your readers?

Advice for unpublished writers: know the market, know the market, know the market! As for my readers, I have only three words for you: I love you!

* * * *

RD Speed Round:

Man in uniform or a man good with his hands?
I refuse to believe that these things must be mutually exclusive!

Thigh highs or au naturale?
Depends on if you’re staying in bed or actually trying to walk anywhere.

Tattoos or piercings?
Piercings. They can close up if you change your mind!

Whipped cream or ice cream?
Ice Cream.

Naughty or nice?
Naughty.

Coffee or tea?
Tea. Iced. Hot. Earl Grey. It’s all good.

Cosmopolitan or beer?
Neither. I embarrass myself enough sober!

Tropical island or mountain cabin?
Tropical Island. As a writer I spend most of my time with cabin fever.

Sexy stilettos or flip flops?
Neither. Hate the little thong between the toes on flip-flops and cannot walk in stilettos. But if I could, I would. Oh, I would.

Holey Jeans or casual khakis?
Jeans. God bless denim.

To learn more about Janet, visit her at:

http://www.janetmullany.com

**Janet is giving away a copy of BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN and JANE AND THE DAMNED. If you’d like to leave a comment, you’ll be added to our random drawing. Winners will be contacted via email, so be sure to provide your email if it’s not linked to your profile.**

We love stories about “the Call”, so how exciting was yours?

Stammering (on my end) and incompetent (also on my end) with a phone call that disconnected four times (wiring problem) ; then the editor very kindly offered to call me on my cell, not realizing that I’m a total idiot with a cell phone. My last call story, which was really more of a chat, was with the editor of JANE AND THE DAMNED, and mostly mutual happy squeals that we were working together again. She was the editor who bought THE RULES OF GENTILITY (HarperCollins, 2007).

Please tell us a little about yourself and your current release.

JANE AND THE DAMNED is a book about Jane Austen as a vampire during a French invasion and mostly takes place in the city of Bath in 1797. I had a lot of fun with my vampires, the Damned, who live openly in society and have their own standards of behavior and etiquette. There’s lots of biting and fighting and some romantic stuff but it’s not technically a romance. I’m someone who writes to entertain herself and if I sell it and entertain readers, that’s good. I’m originally from England but I’ve lived here for … a long time.

What should we expect to see from you in the future?

Right now I have a novella, LITTLE TO HEX HER, in the anthology BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN, an anthology headlined by Mary Balogh where we put our paranormal spins on our favorite Austen novels. I have another novel about Jane and the Damned, set in 1810 when she’s living at Chawton and seriously writing, sometime in 2011, no title as yet. In Spring of 2011, from Little Black Dress (UK), a Regency chicklit called MR. BISHOP AND THE ACTRESS (It’s an English joke. If you add “as the actress said to the bishop” to any innocent sentence, quite frequently it gives it an entirely different meaning. It’s rather like adding the words “in bed” to a fortune cookie.) And I have the first of two erotic contemporary novels coming from Harlequin Spice in August, 2011, TELL ME MORE.

Has publishing been everything you thought it would be?

It’s a bizarre, unpredictable, mysterious business. Now I don’t even try to understand it.

What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author?

That somehow my life bears some relation to what I write about. I write fiction. Sad to say, I don’t have a stable of handsome young men on call…

If you were a nail polish color, what would it be called and why?

Easily distracted red, which I think speaks for itself.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

That I don’t read much romance. Mac data recovery

What advice do you have for unpublished writers?

Finish the (expletive) book, send it out, start another, and read as much as you can, particularly outside the genre.

Any words for your readers?

Thank you!

* * * * *

RD speed round:

One word you don’t use enough: parasol
One word you overuse: Actually, it’s actually. Oops.
Would you spend a day out with Mr. Darcy or Mr. Rochester? Mr. Darcy. Mr. R. would probably lock me in the attic.
Cocktails with any actor, who would it be? Laurence Olivier. I loved his autobiography. Pity he’s dead.
Favorite exotic cuisine: Vietnamese.
Favorite mixed drink: an English drink called a Pimm’s Cup. It’s based on gin and has lots of fruit in it. Yum.
A trip to the Pyramids or a trip to the Rainforest? Pyramids. I’ve been wanting to go for years.
One book you’d have with you on a deserted island? Collected Jane Austen.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’d ever do? Become much more politically active.
Brooding alpha hero or chivalrous sexy genius? Chivalrous sexy genius. Or even just a man who reads!

Find out more about Jeannie Lin online at http://www.jeannielin.com

**Jeannie is giving away a copy of her current release BUTTERFLY SWORDS and the eBook THE TAMING OF MEI LIN. If you’d like to leave a comment, you’ll be added to our random drawing. Winners will be contacted via email, so be sure to provide your email if it’s not linked to your profile.**

I’m very excited to have Jeannie visit us at Romance Divas. Not only is she a friend, but a talented author and it’s been amazing to watch her career explode. I met her years ago at my local LARA chapter and this shy, delicate flower has transformed into a savvy promoter, social butterfly, and inspired many others who have written the book of their heart to continue to take chances. Jeannie is an author to keep an eye on and I certainly see great things from her in the future.

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You’re an author that has really proven that taking chances and writing what you love pays off. Not only did you win the Golden Heart for BUTTERFLY SWORDS but you also sold the same week to Harlequin during the RWA conference 2009. We love stories about “the Call”. Do you remember what you were doing or how you felt at that time?

I do remember because I was in the middle of a Pilates session and doing crunches with some diva buddies: Eden Bradley, Sandra Barkevich, MG Braden and Christina Cross. I think Vivienne was there too. When the phone rang, I jumped up to grab it and everyone got real quiet. I think I had a delayed reaction because I was very calm. I took notes about who I was supposed to meet that week and where I was supposed to go. When hung up and announced that I was going to be a Harlequin author, everyone ran up and hugged me. All the divas then marched me down to get my First Sale ribbon and I remember tearing up in the elevator when I finally realized it was going to happen. I wanted to run around and hug everyone in sight.

Your debut novel is getting serious buzz. Some believe you’re creating a new trend with this type of Asian historical. Is it added pressure knowing that this could draw attention to this genre where others have tried previously and were unsuccessful in gaining an audience?

Dear Author started raving about the book before anyone had seen anything. I remember Jane tweeting that she “hoped it didn’t suck” and I think she wrangled my editors into handing over a copy. When they told me this, I seriously hoped it didn’t suck either. I do feel normal author worries about whether the book will sell given that Asian historicals haven’t sold well in the past. So the buzz actually gives me hope.

The thing about the pressure is there’s not much for me to do now other than promote and pray. So I don’t feel pressure as much as I feel a huge sense of anticipation and antsyness. The book is printed up now, with all its good parts and bad, quirks and flaws. I can’t fix it anymore.

Did you ever imagine that your Tang Dynasty historicals would be so well received and embraced? What was it about this time period that inspired you to create such an amazing world?

When I think of how many people are stepping up to support Butterfly Swords, it makes me want to cry. These are people who know nothing about me and who are not my friends or my mom. That’s so wonderful, so absolutely wonderful.

What really inspired me to go to the Tang Dynasty were all those movies I saw in my childhood: Legend of the Condor Heroes, Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre. And there was this fantastic series about the Empress Wu of the Tang Dynasty and her daughter, Princess Tai Ping. Hours and hours of Hong Kong serials, burned into my brain. All that drama and angst! So perfect for romance.

What should we expect to see from you in the future?

I have more Tang Dynasty stories to tell. I’m playing right now with some of the paranormal elements of wuxia. It’s a series that involves Taoist sorcery and demons and jiangshi and it’s so much fun. One day, when I’m brave enough, I’ll finally write the women’s fiction that me and the Little Sis have been planning.

What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author?

That selling one book means I’m on the fast track to bestsellerdom and the rest is easy.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I’m alpha dog fierce…despite the crying and the unbridled sentimentality.

I can imagine your books being made for film due to the epic storytelling. If you could cast the characters for this BUTTERFLY SWORDS, who would you choose for the hero and heroine?

A huge costume drama with lots of gratuitous cinematography! Hee hee. I wrote up a blog that will post on Vauxhall Vixens later in October. My top choices are Ewan MacGregor and Marjorie Liu for Ryam and Ai Li. Maybe younger versions though. Russell Wong would make a killer Li Tao.

What is the most extreme thing you’ve ever done and what did it teach you about yourself?

I joined with a group of teachers who were trying to change the world and we wrangled together a small learning community at one of the toughest schools in the nation. Basically it was a school within a school. It took a lot of balls and smarts to do it, and some days it just tore your heart out. We made a lot of mistakes, but we also accomplished some great things. The students loved us for it, some teachers and administrators hated us for it. I learned that it takes a certain sort of person to seek that kind of challenge and risk.

If you were a nail polish color, what would it be called and why?

Ruby Dragon Red. Umm…cause I like dragons and it sounds cool? Ruby Dragon is my nickname over at the Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood.

What advice do you have for unpublished writers?

Keep writing forward. Everything is fixable.

Any words for your readers?

I hope you enjoy! The next book is even better.

To learn more about Kelly, visit her website at:

www.AuthorKellyLStone.com

**Kelly is giving away a copy of her current release LIVING WRITE to one luck winner. If you’d like to leave a comment, you’ll be added to our random drawing. Winner will be contacted via email, so be sure to provide your email if it’s not linked to your profile.**

I love your website and blog because you tap into the other part of a writer’s artistic brain. Your books are useful, inspiring, and gets your creative juices flowing, so what inspired you to write them?

My books usually start out as a question. For instance, I always wanted to be a writer but I couldn’t figure out how to find the time to write. Then I read some books on the psychology of achievement and learned that many successful people get up early in the morning and do their own *thing* for a few hours before the day begins. That gave me the idea to get up at 3:30 in the morning and write for a few hours before work. After I did that for a couple of years, I started getting published—my literary novel was bought by a small press, my essays were published in bestselling anthologies, and I landed assignments in national magazines like Family Circle, Cat Fancy, and others. People started asking me where I found time to write; that was the question, and the answer was TIME TO WRITE which was published in January of 2008. After that, I started to wonder how people with limited writing time could maximize their creativity so that they got the most bang for their buck during their scheduled writing time. That gave me the idea for THINKING WRITE which is about how to use the power of your subconscious mind for writing and creativity purposes. Last, LIVING WRITE started with the question of how can people capitalize on small steps in order to achieve big writing goals.

You also write romances, do you find it’s easier or more difficult to write than your non-fiction?

It’s been a learning curve for both. Now, after 3 non-fiction books under my belt, the entire writing process is quicker for me because I have so much practice—for example, TIME TO WRITE took me 6 months to write, LIVING WRITE only took three. I have less experience writing fiction, so it’s a tad more difficult for me right now because I’m still on that learning curve. However, I don’t think any writing is *easy*. I think all writers at all levels struggle to continually improve their craft.

We love stories about “the Call”, do you remember what you were doing or how you felt at that time?

I was actually at work when I got the call from my agent that she wanted to represent me. Several months later when she sold the proposal for TIME TO WRITE, I got this tingly sense of anticipation early in the day and actually stayed up late that night, in the kitchen, literally standing by the phone (I did not know in advance that she would be calling that night.) When the phone rang, I knew it was her calling to tell me she’d made the sale. Those were two of the best days of my life so far.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your current release.

In addition to being a writer, I’m a licensed mental health counselor. I was born and raised in the south and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I am an animal welfare advocate and a lot of my early published work is about issues affecting animals. LIVING WRITE is about how to capitalize on small steps to achieve your big writing dreams. The official release date is Sept 18th. Like THINKING WRITE, it also comes with a CD with 4 guided meditations for writers.

What should we expect to see from you in the future?

I’m working on a paranormal romance series right now, and probably more writing books!

If you weren’t a writer what career path would you choose?

I always wanted to be an archeologist and do something exciting like discover long lost ancient cities.

What are you reading right now?

Shadow Game by Christine Feehan

What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author?

That it’s not as difficult to write as other genres. Not so. I read a quote once that said, “Easy reading is hard writing.” I’m sorry I can’t remember who said it, but that is true for all writing.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I was on Romper Room when I was 4.

Now for a fun round of ‘getting to know you’.

Man in uniform, or a hands-on man? Uniform
Whipped cream or ice cream? Ice cream (my Achilles heel)
Naughty or nice? Mostly nice although naughty can be conjured up when necessary.  :)
Spontaneous or planned? Probably more *planned* than I wish I were J
Coffee or tea? Definitely coffee
Cosmopolitan or beer? Cosmo
Tropical island or mountain cabin? Since I live on the beach, I’ll go with mountain cabin
Sexy stilettos or flip flops? Flip flops—that beach thing again
Holey Jeans or casual khakis? jeans
If you were a nail polish color, what would it be called and why? I’m not really sure, although something to do with chocolate springs to mind.

What advice do you have for unpublished writers?

Write on a schedule. Set a time every day or week that you will write and then stick to that schedule no matter what. That is the key to getting the book out of your head and on to the page.

Any words for your readers?

Thank you for your support! I get so many great emails from people telling me how much the TIME TO WRITE series has helped them finally start writing the book of their dreams despite how busy their day to day lives are; those emails make my day!

For more information on Vonna, visit her at: www.vonnaharper.com

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**Vonna is giving away copy of FALCON’S CAPTIVE. If you’d like to be added to the random drawing, please post a comment. Please provide your email address if it is not linked to your username. For US Residents only.**

How long did you write before you got published? What made you decide to write erotic romances?

My “writing” career began as a child when I wrote and illustrated my own comic books with the Lone Ranger’s horse as the protagonist but in reality, I’ve been in the right place at the right time at least four times. My first serious try at writing a book was a bust–forgot to include conflict. Then I cut my teeth on confessions so had learned a lot before category romance in the U.S. took off. Thanks to a friend’s nudge, I was one of the early American writers.

Do you think the erotic market is slowing down or do you feel it’s going to stay around to a little while longer?

I don’t see it slowing down but I do see a crowding of the market. Ebooks remain available forever which means current releases vie with stories that are years old for the reader’s money. Evolution is part of every genre so I’m interested in seeing what new trends might be. For me, I’m working on marrying erotica with suspense.

Can you tell us about your upcoming release? What inspired you to write it?

Falcon’s Captive which comes out July 27 was the first in my latest contract with Kensington Aphrodisia. I love that my editor lets me loose to write what turns my crank. I’ve done a lot of capture (as opposed to BDSM which I can’t wrap my mind around) and there are elements of that in FC. Because I’m drawn to wide open spaces, I settled on a remote desert area and threw in some shape shifting. Not sure what inspired me beyond wanting to explore characters with the wild in their souls. Man against nature elements.

What do you like best about the writer’s life? What do you like least?

I love, love, love when something new starts to perk, the honeymoon stage where all things are possibile, characters are becoming multi-layered and I’m diving into research. The least fav is probably when life keeps me from the computer. I get mean.

When you purchase a book, what grabs your attention the most, the cover or the blurb? Or what helps you make a decision to buy it?

Its probably a combination of cover and blurb. The cover of course makes the first hit but in a blurb I’m looking for conflict both among characters and in a strong plot.

If you were a nail polish color, what would it be called and why?

I don’t wear nail polish so that’s out of my comfort zone. I love earth tones so maybe brown.

Have you ever done anything that is out of character or impulsive? What did it teach you about yourself?

Oh yes, there’ve been several times but since I don’t want to wind up behind bars–seriously, the older I get the more comfortable I am staying with what’s true to me.

What advice would you offer to the unpublished romance writer?

Its easy to say read and write and keep on doing those things but I’ve long put knowing the business at the top of the list. Reality is that in today’s business world, there are limits to what unpublished writers can accomplish. I’m not trying to discourage anyone, just saying that I’d be mighty surprised if a new writer would break into the Big Apple publishers right out of the chute. Fortunately, there are many small hungry publishers–if the unpublished writer is professional in what she offers those publishers.

To find out more about Erin, visit her online at:
http://www.erinkellison.com/

Erin is giving away an autographed copy of SHADOW BOUND. All you have to do is comment and you’ll be added to the drawing. Make sure we’re able to contact you to claim your prize. Winner will be chosen at random on July 2nd.

Please tell us about yourself. How long and hard did you work before getting published?

I was in 6^th grade when I started my first book. Over the years I began many more, but for one reason or another, I never finished. I always found a reason why the current manuscript wasn’t working and why I should switch to this or that other story. A break-though occurred when my sister suggested that she and I co-write a book (a mystery suspense). It took us five years going back and forth, with some extended breaks for kids and school, but we finished. I learned a tremendous amount during that period. During the last year, when that book neared completion, I challenged myself to complete a whole book on my own, in a genre close to my heart. That book became Shadow Bound. It took less than a year to complete and sold out of an RWA chapter contest.

What is your current project about? What other projects do you have in the works?

My current project is getting the word out about Shadow Bound and its sequel, Shadow Fall (July 2010). I’m developing a series website in addition to my author site as well. Readers can find it at www.SegueInstitute.com. Book three in the Shadow series, Shadowman, is in the works as well.

SHADOW BOUND has an interesting premise and it involves the world of the living and the dead, how did you come up with the idea? How do you think your book will fair in today’s market when paranormal seems to be everywhere?

I started with the idea of using a banshee, which I hadn’t yet encountered as a heroine in PNR. The defining characteristic about the banshee for me was that she heralds Death with her scream (or wail). I went on to consider who she (now Talia) was as a character and ultimately placed her right at the brink of mortality (our contemporary world) and Twilight ( the fae world).  With such a dark legacy, Talia needed a man, Adam Thorne, strong enough to both embrace her heritage and fight by her side.

I hope readers enjoy it. How it will fair in the market is really up to them. I’ve got my fingers crossed.

Your covers are gorgeous. Since most publishers don’t give authors much of a say on what cover they’ll get, did you have any input?

Thank you! I was thrilled when I saw them. I answered a publisher questionnaire about my ideas for the covers, what the heroes/heroines looked like, etc. In a way, the cover for Shadow Fall is very much like the scene I excerpted from the book for one of the questions, but really, the wonderful artists at Dorchester just did a fantastic job. I couldn’t be happier.

What was the most important thing you learned once you’ve become published?

Time management is critical. I thought I was pretty good at it before I got The Call, but I’ve really struggled to find the time to cover everything. I recommend new authors create a plan and stick to it.

What is the biggest misconception about romance authors that you’ve come across?

That it’s easy to write a romance. I defy anyone with this preconception to write one. They will be humbled in short order.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done, and what did it teach you about yourself?

Hands down, the most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is have kids. I’ve never been more terrified than when I brought my first child home from the hospital. It was that experience that gave me the courage to pursue my dream of becoming a writer. I had to at least try, give it all I had, for myself and for the hope that I could teach my kids through example to live their lives to the fullest.

If you were a nail polish, what would it be called and why?

Moody Blue—I tend to go for the blues/purples/blacks and that name sounded better than Bruise.

Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?  Any last words for our readers?

Aspiring writers, go for it. Right now. Write your best story and get it out there. This dream can come true.

Readers, if you’d like to learn more about my books, please check out my website, www.erinkellison.com. I usually have a contest running. Right now, the contest is for a Nook. All you have to do is enter.

Kathleen Dienne has been a reporter, a theatrical stage manager, a ghostwriter, a sloganeer, a video game consultant and a marketing analyst. Fiction seems to be the most honest stuff that she’s written.

She is very lucky to have the enthusiastic support of a brilliant husband, a delightful toddler and several elderly beagles. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, and if she’s not reading, she’s taking photographs of the husband/toddler/beagles and making elaborate scrapbooks. Secretly, she practices Italian with those “speak and learn” CDs in hopes of someday moving to Tuscany. So far, the only person picking up Italian with any fluency is the toddler.

If you’re the sort of person who enjoys watching how a writer avoids writing, please come over and hang out at http://www.kathleendienne.com. Sometimes there are recipes. You can also find her on Facebook (friend her or fan her!) and follow her on Twitter (KathleenDienne). Finally, she loves hearing from readers, so feel free to drop her a line at KathleenDienne@gmail.com.

Please tell our readers and members a little bit about yourself?

By day I am a consultant and a freelance writer. By night, I write erotic fiction. But the lines kind of blur, because I work from a home office. So if I absolutely have to attend a meeting featuring powerpoint and people talking to hear themselves talk, I can mute the phone and do something for one of my stories… and all in my comfy pants. It’s not really the writer’s paradise it sounds like it might be – I’m doing all of this so I can be home with my toddler and have dinner ready for my husband, he of the good health insurance and the top quality plot solutions. It is interesting to switch between Finding Nemo and sex scenes.

Also, if you have just made a joke inside your head about “Nemo” as a euphemism for a body part, congratulations, we have the same kind of dirty mind.

You have a new release coming out with Carina Press. How was your experience with this new ePublisher that is a division of Harlequin?

Fantastic, start to finish. I tell stories that don’t fit anywhere – the novella that came out on June 21 was a contemporary erotic romance that hinged on the concept of parallel universes, for example – so when I saw that Carina Press was looking for stories that couldn’t be pigeonholed, I jumped to submit. (I also wanted to go digital, not traditional, but I fully admit I wanted the heft of a traditional publisher for my digital work!)

And then the experience itself was fantastic. ePublishing moves so much faster than traditional publishing. I submitted my story in January, got the call in February, and the book went on sale in June. The Harlequin digital team has been great – I have been working professionally in social media since before it was called that, and I still learned a ton from their Social Media bootcamp. No one is ever too busy to answer questions and support newb authors, including the Executive Editor. The other writers are so enthusiastic and helpful. Finally, I can’t say enough good stuff about my editor, Melissa Johnson. She’s just a genius when it comes to spotting the real problem with a manuscript instead of the problem’s symptoms, and she’s hilarious to boot.

What other projects do you have in the works?

Carina Press just acquired my second novella – it’s an erotic romance with a cool action element. I’m trying not to talk about it too much, since we’ve just started editing!

I’m working on several Victorian-era pieces. Victorian erotica is pretty mindblowing, and I love the historical period.

What inspires you? What were your writing influences?

I am a huge science fiction and fantasy nerd. (My stories involve… well… science fiction, fantasy, and/or nerds – more on that in a second.) Heinlein, Asimov, McCaffrey. Mercedes Lackey was my gateway drug and I just finished her back-to-basics Arthurian tale. Sheri Tepper blows my mind and I can’t understand why she doesn’t get listed with the one-name greats. I love Louisa May Alcott and Agatha Christie, too.

The thing about those people is that they tell great stories. There’s metaphor and symbolism and depth, but the number one thing is a ripping good page turning story, and they never lose sight of that from the first page to the last. That influences me more than anything else.

I’m inspired to write when I hear a snippet of conversation between two people in one of my daydreams. Put it this way – if I overheard something like it at a Starbucks, I’d want to scoot my seat over to hear more. Since I’m in my own head, I get right up close and play out the scene. If it holds my attention for a couple nights running (getting a toddler who doesn’t want to go to bed down for the night involves a lot of time in dark quiet rooms), I figure it’s worth a shot and I toss it in my idea file.

What helped you make the decision to become a romance writer?

Honestly, it’s because these are the stories that compel me to write them. I have tried many other genres, and the romantic stories are the ones I stay interested in long enough to finish a manuscript!

That’s the big reason, but another reason is that my characters want to have their stories told. Many of the people in my stories are nerds. But their stories aren’t about their nerdiness. They’re just people, people who read a lot and play computer games and sing in choirs and collect movies. A nerd is just as likely as a jock to be great in the sack, to fall in love, to make a partner complete.

What is the hardest part of being a writer? The easiest?

The hardest part is treating it like a job even though you won’t get paid for another year… if you get paid at all. But if you only write when you feel inspired or artistic, you’re not going to finish much. You’ve got to treat it like a job, and make it a priority. That can be really hard without external feedback, and there just isn’t any. You’ve got to be your own source of strength and discipline.

The easiest thing is talking about your work. It’s like bragging about your kids, but people ask you to do it!

What is the biggest misconception about romance authors that you’ve come across?

That we’re not writing “real” books. That we’re hacks churning out the same three plots. That because there’s a happy ending (and the books are written by women for women starring women), the resulting work is of less aesthetic value than one of those dreadful things where everyone dies after pissing and moaning for three hundred pages. And rainclouds are a metaphor for how your mother never liked you. Or possibly testicles.

Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Finish something and mail it to a publisher. I don’t mean to be flip – I have many, many friends who are terrific writers, and haven’t done either of those things. Finishing something is one of those things that is easy to say and easy to do. Butt in chair. Hands on keyboard. 250 words a day, minimum, and you’ve got a novel in less than a year. (This POST is more than a thousand words.)

I have been writing professionally for ten years, and I am not particularly remarkable. I just know I’ve got nothing to lose by hitting send (after carefully reading and following the submission guidelines).

Any last words for our readers?

Thank you so much for BEING readers, of anything. You make the world a better and more interesting place.