Interview with Gabrielle Evans

What is your newest release?

Caution: Contents Under Pressure [Haven 1]

Where can we buy it?

www.bookstrand.com/caution-contents-under-pressure

What inspired this release?

When I introduced the vampire Enforcers in Whispers in the Night [The Moonlight Breed 3] I loved them immediately and knew they’d have to have their stories told. Those stories didn’t really fit into The Moonlight Breed series, so Haven was born. J

I know you have a few lines with Siren, which has been the most challenging to write and why?

I’d have to say the Fatefully Yours series was the most challenging. Not only was I dealing with 8 men and 8 different personalities within one relationship, but I have a ton of secondary characters as well. It was also a serialized imprint, and each story built upon the last. It was sometimes difficult to keep everything straight and moving forward the way it should. Even though there are 9 books in the series, it was kind of like writing one humongous 450,000 word novel in 9 different parts.

Where do you see yourself going in the future?

I don’t think about the future much. I just try to take it one day at a time. I love what I do, and I hope that I can continue to do it for a long time to come.

Who do you have on your keeper shelf?

Oh, wow. There are so many. Joyee Flynn, Stormy Glenn, Carol Lynn, J.L. Langely, and Mary Calmes are just a few in my genre. As far as mainstream books, Charlaine Harris, Jeaniene Frost, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dean Koontz, and Phillip Margolin are some of my favorites.

What advice would you give a new writer?

Read, read, read. And then write, write, write. Also, find your own voice and writing style. Don’t try to mimic others. It’s rarely successful.

Have you written a character that is based on you? 

A lot of my characters have at least a few of my quirks or characteristics. I’ve never actually written a character that’s completely me, though. I’m actually pretty boring. No one would want to read that. LOL!

If I were to pick you up for the first time what book would you recommend and why?

Race the Sun or Devil Did Grin. I’m really proud of both of those books.

Describe the perfect day this can be real or imagined.

One day where no one needs anything from me. No one screams, “MOM!” or “HONEY!” I don’t have to cook, clean, fix, referee, or find anything. I get to sleep for at least 12 hours and when I wake up, the ideas are flowing like water, straight from my brain to my fingertips.

Interview with Author Cindy Jacks

What is your newest release? 

Phantom Touch coming out this October with Ellora's Cave. It's part of their Sex Bytes theme and I'm really excited about this project. I combined the Phantom of the Opera story with the current social network phenomenon. I think it comes across as a timeless yet thoroughly modern story of love, sex and romance.

How can we find it? 

 It's coming soon to my Ellora's Cave author page - http://www.jasminejade.com/m-683-cindy-jacks.aspx and I'll be giving sneak peeks this month on my website - http://cindyjacks.com/

What publishing houses are you with?

Ellora's Cave writing as Cindy Jacks and Cobblestone Press writing as CJ Elliott

Do you have blogs, facebook, twitter, how can we stalk you on the web? 

LOL, I love web stalkers! Here are my links

http://cindyjacks.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/author.cindy.jacks/

twitter: @cindyjacks

What draws you to the genre you write? 

Contemporary erotic romance is what I mainly write. I love exploring the complexity and richness of contemporary relationships. Modern women have so many choices when it comes to expressing their sexuality and I love being a part of that expression. As for paranormal erotic romance--it's just plain fun to write. I love letting my imagination run wild. 

What makes a book memorable to you?

Powerful characters, real moments of vulnerability and scorching hot passion. I strive to infuse all of my work with these qualities.

What do you hope your readers get out of a Cindy Jacks book?

More than anything else, I hope to absorb the reader in the world I've created. Life is stressful and often tedious. If I can take the reader away from her everyday life, even for just a little while, I consider the book a success.

I know you write as another name why do you use another name and what is it? 

CJ Elliott. I use the pseudonym to separate my paranormal work from my contemporary work. I think it helps set the expectation in the readers mind--a Cindy Jacks book has a certain flavor, a CJ Elliott book has another.

Are there any books in a series that you have written that you want to revisit in the future?

Very much so. At the beginning of my career I wrote a series I titled Point of Distraction. I loved the characters but despite the fact that it was critically acclaimed, it didn't sell well. I'd like to revise the series and make it more appealing to readers. I know if people gave Ana and her friends a chance, they'll fall in love with them just like I did.

What makes a good hero? And what makes a heroine memorable?

For me, a hero has to be strong, smart with a touch of vulnerability. There's nothing sexier than getting an alpha male to show you his soft underbelly. As for heroines, they have to be equally strong as the hero. I've never been one to write passive, docile female characters. I think readers will find my heroines are just as bold as my heroes, butt definitely still feminine.

If someone is new to reading you what book should they start with? I'd recommend LANDLOCKED. It's my favorite book to date and there's a lot of romantic development before the characters give in to their desires. I love creating that kind of sexual tension.

Are you going to any reader events for the readers to meet you? 

I'll be attending Romanticon Sept 29th - Oct 2nd in Akron, OH. It's my first conference so I'm excited and nervous. I can't wait to meet readers and other authors in the flesh.

People think that writers have such glamorous lives what is the most unglamorous thing you have done late?

LOL, oh gosh, so many to choose from. Part of my process is to let ideas stew which means I spend as much time working on a book away from my laptop as I do typing away. The best activities to get my creative juices flowing are mundane cleaning projects (mostly because once I start cleaning I immediately want to STOP!) So yesterday I spent the whole day hunting down dust bunnies while ruminating about a plot line. Ick!

Who would be a dream collaborator for you?

 I would love to write a book with Denyse Bridger (hint, hint, Denyse!). She and I are great friends and she's an amazing writer.

What would you say to any aspiring author about how to be a writer?

As cliche as the advice is, I would tell anyone who wants to be an author to write and read everyday. The more you write, the more skills you'll develop. The more you read, the more you can learn from other writers. Personally I do both every day. At least *most* days :) My final bit of advice would be to stick with it. A lot of this industry is perseverance.  Believe me, every published author has had his/her fair share of rejection. Take rejection as a learning opportunity instead of a failure. Easier said than done, I know ;)

What would you like to tell the readers about you?

I LOVE reader feedback. So much of writing is done alone--it's not like acting in a play or singing on stage where you get immediate audience feedback. I love when readers take the time to contact me--even if it's to say they didn't get what I was trying to do though it's wonderful to hear that my book has made a positive impact--readers are essential to what I do. Without them, I'd have no one to tell my stories to.

What would you like to ask the readers?

 Well, I'd like to pose the same question to the readers that you asked me earlier: what are the books that leave a lasting impression and why? I'd love to hear the titles that have stuck with them long after they finished reading.

CONTEST: An signed copy of Pirate's Passion which includes my novella LANDLOCKED

so post a comment and win a book!! Will draw the winner Tuesday to give everyone time to submit.

Christmas anthology two submission calls

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TO 2 ANTHOLOGIES

TWO CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGIES SEEK STORIES

XoXo Publishing, an e-publisher will publish two anthologies in November of
Christmas-themed short stories.

Edited by Cynthia MacGregor, the anthologies' working titles are Christmas
Warmth and Hearts 'n' Holly.

To submit stories (specs follow), please do NOT use the regular XoXo
submissions address but send directly to: Cynthia@cynthiamacgregor.com.
IMPORTANT: In the subject line, put either Christmas Warmth or Hearts 'n'
Holly, depending which antho you are aiming at.

Specs specific to Hearts 'n' Holly:
1 -- These are romance shorts.
2 - M/F only.
3 - Any heat level from Sweet to Searing.
4 -- Happy ending is imperative.
5 -- Must take place around the Holiday Season.
6 -- The standard taboos apply (all sex consensual, no underage/incest, and
all the other usual taboos).
7 ­ If a sex act is depicted and more than two people are involved, must be
safe sex

Specs specific to Christmas Warmth:
1 -- Must take place around the Holiday Season.
2 -- These are not romances. There may be an element of romance involved,
but the stories should not be romances per se. Paranormal themes OK. Stories
about kids--great. Stories to do with Christmas in the manner of O. Henry's
classic "Gift of the Magi" are encouraged. Mysteries are another good
choice. Non-classifiable general fiction? Bring it on!
3 -- Nothing "Adult" (i.e. sexually explicit).
4 -- Heartwarming stories are especially encouraged.
5 -- True stories as well as fiction will be accepted.
6 -- We also welcome recipes for Holiday foods for this antho but will not
make any payments for recipes. "Payment" will be that we will print your
name and website, which should generate traffic to your site, so if you
submit recipes, be sure to include your website if you want it in the book.
7 -- If submitting a recipe, the same requirement applies that you be sure
to put "Christmas Warmth" in the subject line. The editor has other projects
in progress that include recipes and does not want to mis-direct your
contributions!

Specs relevant to both:
1 -- Word count 1000-6000 words per story.
2 -- You may submit multiple stories for consideration, but please know only
one story per author per book will be selected. (That is, you can have one
story in each antho, but no more than one per each.)
3 -- Previously published material OK if you have regained full rights to
your material.
4 -- Simultaneous submissions acceptable if so noted.
5 - Include a brief author bio.
6 -- Submit as attachment in either doc or docx format. Use rtf as a last
resort.
7 - Payment as follows:
~Ultimate cover price of each book will depend on number of stories therein.
~ Total royalties paid out to authors will be calculated on 45% of cover
price times number of books sold.
~ Total royalties will be divided by number of participating authors, with
equal shares to each. (That is, if there are 15 stories in the book, for
example, each author gets 1/15 of the total author royalties paid. Payment
is NOT based on the word count of your submission.)
8 -- Deadline for submissions: October 1. GET YOUR STORY IN ASAP!

Again, the address for all submissions and for any questions is:
Cynthia@cynthiamacgregor.com -- and don't forget to put the title of the
book you are aiming at in your e-mail's subject line.

Thank you.

Halloween Submission Call

Halloween submission Calls

Trick Anthology (sexy) can be ménage GLBT or MF in nature

Or

Treat mf in nature only (P.G.) anthology

We are seeking stories for these two anthologies, with beautiful ghouls, slithering zombies, and alluring aliens. If it goes bump in the night we want it.

Six to eight thousand words, safe sex must be addressed if multiple partners.

One submission per author per category please.

Manuscripts must be doc or rtf only. 12 pt times Times New Roman 1” margins all around, no indentations. (Indent paragraphs with tab).

We will NOT accept cruelty, abnormal acts, pedophiles necrophilia bestiality or golden showers. Skat or other standard industry no no’s please leave out.

Contact Penny@xoxopublishing.com In the subject line Halloween anthology, please state if you are pitching for the trick or treat anthology.

Deadline is September 15 2011

Would you like to be a published author?

Well, here’s a chance! I’m putting together my first anthology! XoXo publishing has agreed to release “Evernight: Romance in a World of Darkness” and I want you to be a part of it! “Evernight” will be a paranormal romance anthology about the things that go bump in the night struggling to find their happily ever after.

Relationships must be heterosexual in nature. Though bi-sexuality is allowed, the HEA couple must be hetero. There must be safe sex practice.  This is going to be an erotic anthology with a dark/gothic them. The main character/characters must go through some tragedy or strife, must overcome something in order for them to have their HEA. Submissions should be no longer than 6k words and must be no shorter than 4,500 words.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, August 1^st.  Please send submissions to allisoncassatta@gmail.com. Once I receive your submission, you will get a verification email. If your submission is approved, you will get an acceptance email from me and the standard legal emails from a representative of XoXo Publishing.

Here is the draft introduction:

As children, we feared the boogeyman. Our parents comforted us when the monster under the bed or in the dark depths of our slightly opened closet threatened our safety. We cried when those evil creatures invaded our nightmares and stole us from peaceful sleep, but what if those monsters truly existed? What if they lived in a world not unlike our own, where all they wanted was the same basic needs that every human being spends their lives searching for? What if the things that go bump in the night only wanted to be loved?

In the following stories, you will read about vampires and werewolves and demons and monsters of all kinds overcoming some of the most difficult hurdles simply to find their one true love, to find their happiness. You’ll read of heated, salacious trysts beneath the moonlight and of lovers doomed before they even have a chance to find the one person who completes their soul. 

Join us as we wander through a dark world where nothing is what it seems, where rainbows after a storm are a rare miracle, where the boogeyman captures your heart and fulfills your sweetest dreams.

Interview with Author Regina Carlysle

 Hi Regina and welcome to Topaz Promotions Blog. We are really excited about your newest release Lawman!

What inspired your release?

This book was really inspired by readers of the High Plains Shifters series (Ellora’s Cave) who wanted Gabe and Katalin’s story. It was a long time coming, too, and I feel badly about that. In the end, I simply loved writing the story and though I thought this might be the last in the series, now I’m not so sure about that. Funny how a new hero can step from behind a curtain, introduce himself and then start making demands.

Where can we purchase this book?

 This book can be purchased as an ebook directly from Ellora’s Cave or from Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble.

Buy it here at Ellora’s Cave

How do you get into the head of your characters when writing a sex scene? 

 It’s all about imagination and reminding myself that, at the moment, I am THIS character and no one else. I especially like writing male POV…very fun for me.

Are your stories plot or character driven?

 Very much character driven. What motivates characters to do what they do is fascinating.

Do you think of yourself as a storyteller or a story builder? 

 A story builder, for sure. In writing paranormal it’s a must because you are creating an entire mythos and ‘world’. The way that world is crafted determines the ‘rules’ for my characters. For me, it’s the same with my contemporary Texas stories. Drawing the reader into a setting you’ve created is very important.

 

Is there something you would refuse to write into a story?

 Any type of abuse is a definite no no along with the other ‘ick’ stuff. I doubt I would ever insert a m/m scene because I frankly don’t think I’d be able to do it realistically.

What is the biggest misconception about writing erotica?

 Funny. There are a lot of them out there but I have to constantly tell people that NO, I don’t actually do all this stuff. I am not in the least sexually adventurous. I just simply have a vivid imagination.

What kind of reactions do you get from your family about the types of stories you write?

 Ah, well, my immediate family is proud of the fact I was brave enough to reach for my dreams yet they’ve never read anything I’ve written. The same could be said for my extended family. In fact, I think my mom is rather embarrassed about what I do…but that’s another story. LOL.

How do you feel about the current attitude towards erotic romance fiction in the mainstream?

There’s a big wide ‘reading world’ out there. YAY for us. Something for everyone but honestly, erotic romance isn’t all that more explicit than what we hear on the radio or see in movies. We’re constantly pushing the envelope but we HAVE to. Things that might have been taboo even ten years ago are far more commonplace in arts and entertainment.

Do you ever take things from your real life and put it in your books?

 Constantly (and no…not sex…lol). I’m always coming up with a problem for my characters that might have plagued a friend or family member in the past. Self-esteem issues, lack of trust, divorce and that fear of taking the leap again. Most issues I address in my stories are things that people struggle to overcome every day.

What do you remember about your first love?

 He had beautiful blond hair and wore braces.

Does where you live inspire your writing?

Absolutely. I’m a Texan and all of my stories (with one or two exceptions) are set in the Lone Star State. Even my paranormals.

  

What makes you blush?

 Compliments. Definitely. 

Finish this sentence: if I could change one thing about myself it would be…

 I would be a little more slim and trim and less FLUFFY. My hair would be thick and beautiful. I would be younger. Oh wait…you asked for one. LOL. I could keep going with this one.

Buy Link:

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9289-lawman.aspx

 Lawman Book Blurb: 

Book 5 in the High Plains Shifters series.

In the deep of night she longs for him. Mate, lycan, lover. Her lawman. As Katalin Petrova struggles to control her wild and untamed “gift”, she yearns for the only man who can make her whole. His every touch burns, searing her with unimaginable pleasure. Only her strong, protective lover can tame the wild yearnings of her body and help her claim the power of her ancestors.

While Gabriel Dunham, lycan lieutenant of the Wolf Creek Pack, watches over his intended mate, his patience to claim her nears an end as savage need burns his body. Consumed by unbridled lust, he claims her, takes her, hoping it will be enough to protect Katalin from unseen forces determined to rip her from his arms.

Thank you Regina for taking the time to talk to us!