Category: Author Interview

Interviews with authors about their new releases or their writing

L D Wosar

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

LD and I met through mutual friends.

Author Bio

My name is LD Wosar – Fraud Investigator by day- fledgling author by the afternoon! I live in Sin City – I don’t sin only my characters do. I love love love to write PNR – though a bit naughty – not too naughty! I am a mother of three adult children, grandmother to my lovely girls, Sophie and Emilie. I don’t have the most exciting life – I work, I write, I am a streaming junkie. In addition to my family life, I am a vinyl junkie and love music too much. Music and writing, it sums up me- attitude with a dash of fantasy.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is L.D. Wosar, or Lorinda Wosar. I live in Vegas and work as a Fraud Investigator for the Gaming Industry.  I published my first book last June of 2019 after years of writing, it is my second love to my family – 3 kids, 2 granddaughters (7 & 9) and my beloved pit bull.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Since I was a kid, I’ve always been writing, but had no idea how to go about publishing my books until last year. Needless to say, it was a hot mess as I knew nothing about editing, formatting, etc.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I love Crime Thrillers, total James Patterson junkie. I definitely do not write in that genre-I prefer to stick with the PNR genre, mostly in the fantasy aspect.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

None of my books are meant for children, mostly adults because I tend to lean on brutal violence (thanks to my love of Quentin Tarantino movies). Not only that, a few of my books do have graphic sex.

What is your current release or project?

I my current release was Jagged Little Hood: Capot Adventure Series 3. However, my super fun time travel adventure book Relic will go live on December 1.  Currently, my next book Jaded Vamp is in the editing process. That one is an erotic horror-comedy.

Tell us about the key characters

In Relic, Margaret ‘Mags’ Graham is a thousand year old sorceress; however, she is more comparable to Agent Carter in Captain America. Smart, tough, unwavering.

Gareth Hastings, a Royal Army Lieutenant (with a secret) is believed to be the chosen one to make the relic work in order to complete Mags’s mission.

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book? 

I want to concentrate more on Relic, since that is the most current release. 

I desire peace, everyone desires peace. No one wants to live in a dystopia, it is the utopia they desire. Well, guess what humans? A perfect world doesn’t exist, I don’t want perfection, I want it to be bearable and liveable. Please tell me that is a suitable solution for you. Well, it has to be; because I refuse to give any human empty promises, for it all ends up ugly if you don’t follow through.

My name is Margaret ‘Mags’ Graham,  I am a gun-toting, sharp-shooting warrior. I am a legacy. A relic and I’m on a mission to bring peace not just for myself but for all of civilization in the form of an onyx heart-shaped talisman. All I need is some guidance, the right damned puzzle pieces, a chosen one and to get this monkey in the form of a smarmy Brazilian warlock off my back! Will I find peace? Let’s hope or these companions of mine will send us all to hell.

Share an excerpt

Mags smirked when his gun and the guns of five other Nazis were pointed in her direction. “You are British, so your fake German accent never fooled me. You ask too many questions and seek too much information. So, I have reason to believe, Fraulein Becker, that you are a British spy.”

“Merely an assumption on your part, asshole.” She lit the parchment on fire and quickly tossed it next to the drapery surrounding the entire room. “I will not allow you to live long enough to tell your fuhrer about what was discussed here.”

One bullet was in Helmut’s head and she removed his two guns from his holster. Relentlessly, she fired at the men who’d been watching the two since they’d walked into the nightclub. Fire raged around them as she continuously fired. Mags prided herself at being a sharpshooter, when she had clarity. For every three Nazis she’d killed, there seemed to be another three to take their place. She thought, “These buggers are like ants – you kill one – another ten show.”

Mags was out of bullets, but the joint wasn’t out of Nazis and even the wall of fire didn’t keep them from chasing after her. Crawling on the floor to gather more guns from the deceased Nazis, a feeling of being closed in shadowed her. Jumping to her feet, she paid no mind that her dress ripped, making the slit even larger. This was not one of those times to be vain and she aimed the guns, hitting every other Nazi that charged her.

The guns were empty once more, and finding more at this inopportune time was pointless. She cursed, having to resort to using magic. At this point, it was the only thing that would save her life and Mags was out of options.

Holding her hands out, she watched as the flames danced and doubled, swallowing the approaching assailants. With their bodies ablaze; their screams resonated.

Gripping her large topaz pendant in her hand after tossing her satchel, Mags prayed to get the hell out of there as the fire inched closer to her. She had no destination in mind, all she knew is she needed to get the hell out of Berlin 1944.

Do you have a favorite scene?

In 1944, in a cave near Normandy. When Mags and Gareth are surrounded by Nazi Zombies, she summons the ghosts of fallen soldiers from different eras to destroy the zombies.

What advice would you give a beginner?

It is so imperative to edit and format your book. Don’t let anyone dictate what to write to appease to the masses. You write what you want, what your heart tells you.

Social media links:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/woziesoutlaws

Twitter – no longer have.

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/ldwosarauthor/

Other  – Newsletter:  https://bit.ly/2SYBWiM

Blog link

Purchasing links   https://books2read.com/u/boDaZZ

Joanne Guidoccio

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

AUTHOR Bio: 

In 2008, Joanne Guidoccio took advantage of early retirement and launched a second act as a writer. Her articles and book reviews have been published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Joanne writes paranormal romances, cozy mysteries, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario. 

Tell us about yourself. 

Reinvention is a recurring theme in my life and in my written work. Twelve years ago, I retired from a 31-year teaching career and launched a second act as a writer. I have written over 500 articles and book reviews and six novels that have been traditionally published. I have also contributed to several anthologies. 

My primary goal—you might even call it my mission—is to feature more boomers and their older siblings. To that end, I have introduced an eclectic group of female protagonists, among them a middle-aged, ex-mermaid who has been abandoned on the fog-drenched shores of southwest England, a 50something lottery winner who is the primary suspect in a murder investigation involving four dead blondes, and an octogenarian who continues to inspire her family and friends. 

When did you know you wanted to be an author? 

While sitting in high school English class (circa 1973), I dreamed of writing the great Canadian novel. I even considered taking a gap year or two (unheard of during that time) and actually writing the novel. My parents and teachers were relieved when I decided to pursue a career in mathematics education. But in my heart of hearts, I knew that someday I would resurrect that writing dream.  

What genres do you like to read? Are these the same genres you write in? 

I have eclectic tastes and love to curl up with women’s fiction, cozy mysteries, historical fiction, memoirs, psychological thrillers, and self-help books. My favorite authors include Louise Penny, Ann Patchett, Maeve Binchy, Julia Cameron, Joanna Trollope, Anna Quindlen, and Adriana Trigiani. I’ve just finished reading and highly recommend The End of Her by Shari Lapena. 

I’ve written in four of my favorite genres: women’s fiction, cozy mysteries, historical fiction, and memoirs. 

Is your book for adults, young adults or children? 

I would classify No More Secrets as women’s fiction with historical elements. 

What is your current release or project? 

No More Secrets—A tale of forbidden love, tragic losses, and reinvention. 

Tell us about the key characters. 

Angelica Delfino – Protagonist. Angelica is determined to help her three nieces, whom she affectionately calls the daughters of her heart. She senses that each woman is at crossroads and uncertain how to move forward. Hoping that the younger women will be more forthcoming, Angelica plans an all-girls weekend where she will share her own secrets, secrets she had planned to take to the grave.  

Bellastrega – Angelica’s psychic companion. Attached to her employer, Bellastrega, aka Lynn Miller, has misgivings about this all-girls weekend. Bellastrega doesn’t want the nieces (or anyone else for that matter) to create unnecessary stress for Angelica.  

Father Antonio – A charismatic, gladiator-priest who has a profound influence on Angelica’s life trajectory. 

Excerpt

Tupperware in all the pastel shades. Head-to-toe clothing and accessories in the same hues. Who does that? Bellastrega shook her head at the avalanche of plastic that accompanied Velia Russo into the kitchen. She was already on her third trip back from the car, puffing and panting as she placed her food gifts on the kitchen table. Bellastrega could feel her jaw clenching at the thought of all those white devils—heavy sauces and creams and pounds of sugar—contaminating the kitchen.  

Velia held one finger. “One more trip,” and then she was gone. 

Bellastrega turned her attention back to the hearty vegetable stew that had been simmering on the stove. She sighed contentedly as she breathed in the aroma of the rosemary and Italian seasonings. Angelica’s favorite. As she glanced at the appetizing array of vegetables, she mentally calculated how long it would take to finish cooking. Everything was on schedule, and dinner would be on the table at six o’clock. Why had Velia decided to arrive three hours early? 

From the start, Bellastrega had her misgivings about this all-girls weekend. She had listened while Angelica lovingly described each niece and shared her concerns regarding their unhappy lives. At first, Bellastrega had humored her, not realizing Angelica was intending to help her nieces get back on track. Her duty as aunt, she had explained. 

Bellastrega had formed her own judgments regarding the three younger women. Usually right on target, Bellastrega had been surprised when this particular incarnation of Velia Russo arrived, laden with her food gifts. From Angelica’s descriptions, Bellastrega had expected a younger version of her mother, Rosetta, a heavy-set hausfrau and gossip, not this glamour-puss who could pass for a younger Martha Stewart. But first impressions could be deceiving. 

“Help. I need your help.” The whiny voice interrupted Bellastrega’s thoughts. Sighing, she lowered the heat and made her way to the living room.  

Bellastrega resisted the urge to laugh as she took in the comical sight before her. To save herself another trip, Velia had decided to lug in a large Pullman using her left hand, carry a pastry box in her right hand, and use her teeth to hold on to her purse.  

All this for a weekend get-together? What would she have packed for a longer trip? Bellastrega forced a smile as she took the pastry box from Velia.  

Do you have a favorite scene? 

I took extra care with the chapters surrounding Angelica’s arrival at Pier 21 in Canada. I tried to incorporate the feelings experienced by my parents and grandmother as they prepared for their own transatlantic journeys in the early 1950s. Starting a new life in another country takes courage, and I hoped to convey some of that grit and determination to the readers. Whenever I reread those chapters, goosebumps rise on my arms.  

What advice would you give a beginner? 

Use your “waiting time” effectively. While waiting to hear from agents, editors and publishers, start writing the next book in the series or an entirely new project. Alternatively, you could take an online course, attend workshops, or enter contests. Keep your skills sharp! 

Social Media Links

Website – https://joanneguidoccio.com 

Twitter – https://twitter.com/joanneguidoccio 

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277706.Joanne_Guidoccio 

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.ca/jguidoccio/ 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanneguidoccio  

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneguidoccio/ 

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Joanne-Guidoccio/e/B00FAWJGCG/ 

Buy links: 

Amazon (US) –  https://www.amazon.com/No-More-Secrets-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B08CVTYWWX 

Amazon (Canada) – https://www.amazon.ca/No-More-Secrets-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B08CVTYWWX 

Amazon (UK) – https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-More-Secrets-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B08CVTYWWX 

Amazon (Australia) – https://www.amazon.com.au/No-More-Secrets-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B08CVTYWWX/ 

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Sharon Geltner

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Sharon and I connected through social media. I love how her cover has a rescued dog on it.

Author Bio

Sharon Geltner was a Washington D. C. reporter, wrote for celebrity authors and traveled to exotic places on assignment, including Israel, Egypt, Lapland and Singapore. 
 
Geltner came to Boca Raton, Florida to write for a national newspaper chain. She was briefly a war correspondent in the Mideast. When she revealed that the town’s biggest philanthropist, who claimed to be a “countess,” had bought her illegitimate title, from a con man, there was a battle royal. 
 
The “countess” announced she would cut local charities out of her $22 million will, unless Geltner and her editor left town. This high society “banned from Boca” edict appeared as far away as Frankfurt and Paris. Geltner won a national award for “Outstanding News Reporting” from the Society of Professional Journalists. 
 
Later, Geltner publicized nonprofits with national coverage in the Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, etc. One client was a Top 10 CNN Hero, honored by the Obama White House and Oprah Winfrey, who received a free, $9 million Super Bowl ad from Microsoft. Geltner also raised money at the Four Seasons in Palm Beach, with televised fashion shows, including door prizes drummed up from the Worth Avenue Ferragamo. 
 
Today, Geltner teaches, consults and owns the award-winning, multimedia agency, Froogle PR. She is also a multimedia freelancer and professional book reviewer.  

Tell us about yourself. 

My career has spanned social work, social climbing, social media and more recently, social distancing. Many of my strange and varied experiences have provided fodder for writing novels.

When did you know you wanted to be an author? 

I loved reading as a child and thought it would be a huge accomplishment to write, then publish a book. Then have actual people read it and enjoy it! That would be remarkable. 

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in? 

I love to read twisty thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, humor as well as nonfiction, such as biographies, journalism etc.   

I find myself writing in a blend of genres. I think novels are best if there is something unexpected happening. It doesn’t have to be a murder mystery for that to happen. I also like to step out of the confines of any single formula, if I can. 

I also enjoy reading comedy, which is a lot harder to pull off successfully than drama.  (Any actor will tell you the same, it’s much harder to perform and make people laugh, than cry.)  

Is your book for adults, young adults or children? 

Adults 

What is your current release or project?  

My current book is CHARITY BASHED, a fun, humorous cozy mystery and satire set amongst the elite in Palm Beach, Florida. (Available digital and paperback.) 

 I am at work on another novel, historical fiction, RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE. It takes place over 60 years and three continents, much of it in Washington, D. C. 

Tell us about the key characters. 

We have Justine Romanoff, a frustrated reporter who now must flatter the 1% in order to make a living (although she enjoys being on the fringes of the opulence of Palm Beach, Florida.) We also have a cute boyfriend, fun friends (who are reporters but still frustrated!) and lots of frenemies at the office. We also have many characters who may be a tad hypocritical; professing to dedicating their lives (or at least some petty cash) to the vulnerable poor, but are hiding some deep, dark secrets! 

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?  

Ever wonder what REALLY goes on at secretive and posh enclaves such as the Palm Beach Country Club, which was ground zero for the Madoff scandal? The customs, the culture, the back stabbing? 
 
Publishers Weekly, bookstagrammers, book bloggers, Facebook and Instagram book club members, newspapers, magazines and a Top Amazon Reviewer highly recommend this fictional account of the restless and the ruthless. Go behind closed doors and gated communities to find out why. 
 
The plot: after a $10 million donor is found dead in an oceanfront pool; a charity fund raiser stops panhandling amongst the elite, and begins investigating fraud, mayhem, murder and relentless social climbing. In that order.  

Share an excerpt. 

“My tiara’s too tight.” 

It wasn’t the first time I heard that. I raise money for a charity, the Palm Beach Crisis Center. As chief panhandler for a nonprofit next to the richest island in the world, it’s my job to help when jewelry weighs too much. 

Mrs. Benjamin R. Ecklund’s soft blond bangs were indeed flattened by her 140-carat gold and diamond coronet. I should have such problems. 

“Mrs. Ecklund, you look magnificent,” I said reassuringly. It was the truth. The Palm Beach socialite, who was going to host our charity gala tomorrow at her oceanfront estate, was a stunner. Tiaras on women are like tuxedos on men. Anyone who donned one acquired a sudden regal elegance, often undeserved. Mrs. Ecklund had coronated herself. 

Whoever said you can’t buy class was wrong, especially here in south Florida. Not long ago, Brenda was a $23,000-a-year receptionist married to a mechanic at Tombstone Motorcycles in West Palm Beach. She ditched him to marry her elderly, yet frisky boss, one of the richest men in Palm Beach.  

Sadly, my powers of persuasion had fallen as flat as Mrs. Ecklund’s hair.  “The weight of all these jewels could crush my coiffure and ruin tomorrow night’s publicity photos,” she said.    

I tried to look sweet and sincere. “You don’t give yourself enough credit, Mrs. Ecklund. I guarantee in every shot, your updo will look fabulous.” 

Brenda Ecklund began to sparkle as brightly as her diadem. When she smiled, she seemed likeable. But the things that made her happy were sometimes a little scary, such as when Mrs. Ecklund got her hubby to cut his children from his previous marriages out of the will.  

The jumior Ecklunds’ loss could be my employer’s gain. Brenda wanted to be THE society matron of the island of Palm Beach and step number one, after snagging the spouse and bagging the house, was to host charity galas. That’s why I as here begging for a cut of her dough. We sat in her tangerine velvet-covered dressing room. It wasn’t to my taste, but maybe the Bordello Tropicana stimulated her husband. 

How could I flatter Brenda into not making me run to Worth Avenue to borrow a new tiara at this late date? I had a million things to do before Brenda’s shindig tomorrow night to honor Vincent Paul Louis, a Palm Beach VIP. He had pledged a huge donation to the Crisis Center to feed the poor, heal the sick, rehab his sleazy reputation, etc.  

Brenda had cause to be nervous about her image. She’d donated a few hundred grand, money from her recent matrimony, or rather, matrimoney, to get the honor of hostessing our ball that required black tie and tiaras.  

Brenda peered into the mirror. “Is there a scratch on this tiara?” 

I went over for a closer look. “No, I don’t think so.” 

Mrs. Ecklund asked, “Do you think my hair looks better up or down in my photos?” 

“Hmmmm,” I said. “Well, down really shows off your eyes, but I think I prefer it up.” 

“Why?” 

“Because it looks more queenly and you’re going to be chairing the event, after all.” 

I checked my agenda. I was supposed to suggest that Brenda get temporary lowlights to show off her gleaming gems and then segue into accessories. This could take another 45 minutes at least, but before I could get started on earrings, we were interrupted by her social secretary. She ran  in, panting. 

“I wanted to tell you before the police came in.” Her face was flushed, her eyes bulging. This could well be a “shoot the messenger” kind of situation. 

“Tell me what? Didn’t I already give to the annual Policeman’s Fund?” Brenda sounded annoyed. “Show them around to the servants’ entrance.”  

“The police aren’t here to collect money,” the staffer said. “They’re here to collect evidence.” 

“Evidence? For what?” Mrs. Ecklund said. “What are they doing here?” 

“Oh, Mrs. Ecklund,” the secretary said tearfully. She gathered her courage.  

“They found a dead man floating in your swimming pool!” 
 

Do you have a favorite scene? 

My favorite scenes are the one that readers say are outrageous and make them laugh out loud. I also get a lot of laughs and some disbelief from the chapters describing the lavish parties for society pets, dogs with their own private chefs and diamond leashes. 

But one of the scenes I replay most in my mind is when our hero, Justine Romanoff, is busted in church at a society funeral for wearing castoffs from the deceased (who donated them to a consignment shop while still alive.) 

Yep, I had something similar happen, only the guilty object was a Burberry knockoff purse—from Target.  

I’m still paying the therapy bills.  

What advice would you give a beginner?   

If you are an independent author: great, tell your story! But remember that you will have a higher hurdle of proving your professionalism and the inherent worth of your book. Hire a professional editor to improve your manuscript and pay a professional artist to design your cover.  Writing is an avocation, but it is also a business. (It takes money to make money.)  

Social Media: 

www.facebook.com/sharongeltnerportfolio 

www.facebook.com/charitybashed 

www.twitter.com/charitybashed 

www.instagram.com/sharongeltner 

Other:  

www.amazon.com/author/sharongeltner 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharongeltner

www.muckrack.com/sharon-geltner 

Purchasing links 

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Charity-Bashed-Sharon-Geltner/dp/0991401344 

Digital: https://www.amazon.com/Charity-Bashed-Sharon-Geltner-ebook/dp/B0046A9OA2/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= 

Mary Helen Sheriff

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Mary and I met online and I’ve learned a lot about her. Her book sounds interesting and I can’t wait to read it.

Author Bio

Mary Helen Sheriff is the author of the award-winning coming-of-age novel Boop and Eve’s Road Trip.  She spent fourteen years in classrooms  teaching elementary school, middle school, college, and professionals. During that time, she also had the pleasure of 

dabbling in writing for children, teenagers, and adults in a variety of forms including fiction, poetry, blogs, and nonfiction. She spent several summers immersed in an MFA program in children’s literature at Hollins University. Currently, she lives and writes in Richmond, Virginia, with her two kids, two cats, and husband. 

Tell us about yourself.

I loved my job as a teacher for many years, but all along I nursed the dream of becoming a published novelist.  A year ago, I resigned from teaching to dedicate myself full-time to this dream. I’m so excited to have my first novel finally out!  

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Even as a kid I played with creative writing. Serious aspirations came along 21 years ago when I was in graduate school for teaching. In my Teaching Middle School Social Studies class, the professor suggested a geography project for our students and asked us to complete the project so we’d have a sample to show our students when we assigned it.  Somehow my sample became a novella.  The professor loved it and suggested I get it published and a dream was born.  Twenty one years…it’s been a long road.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I read a little of everything, except westerns, comic books, and graphic novels. 

Boop and Eve’s Road Trip is women’s fiction.  I’ve written three other unpublished novels that are middle grade and YA.  I have an interest in writing science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction, so you may see those in the future.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

Boop and Eve’s Road Trip is for adults.

What is your current release or project? 

Boop and Eve’s Road Trip

Tell us about the key characters.

Eighty year old Boop lives alone in a condo near her granddaughter Eve’s college in Florida. Boop’s southern charm and quirky sense of humor hide that she’s lonely. She wishes her relationship with her daughter was better and feels responsible for her daughter’s dysfunctional parenting of Eve. Boop doesn’t allow herself to think of it often, but she still has unresolved feeling of guilt and shame around a secret she’s kept for decades. 

Eve has always been shy and a loner. Her mother dominates her life and for the most part Eve goes along with her mother’s plans. When Eve goes away to college, she’s on her own for the first time and has little experience or resilience to deal with even the small issues that arise. As the school year goes on she spirals into a depression.

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

Eve Prince is done with college, with her mom, with guys, and with her dream of fashion design. But when her best friend goes MIA, Eve must gather the broken threads of her life to search for her. 

Desperate to visit her sister, Boop, a retiree dripping with Southern charm, hijacks her granddaughter Eve’s road trip. 

Along the way, Boop hopes to alleviate Eve’s growing depression—which, she knows from experience, will require more than flirting lessons 

and a Garlic Festival makeover. Nevertheless, she is frustrated when her feeble efforts yield the same failures that the sulfur-laced sip from the Fountain of Youth wrought on her age. 

The one thing that might help is a secret that’s haunted Boop for sixty years. But in revealing it, Boop would risk losing her family and her own hard-won happiness. 

Their journey through the heart of Dixie is an unforgettable love story between a grandmother and her granddaughter. 

Share an excerpt

“Then the telephone rang. It was only seven in the morning. No one rang with good news at that time of day. 

Boop dodged around towers of boxes to answer the phone. She was worried the call had something to do with Eve. Girl hadn’t seemed at all right yesterday. 

“Hello?” 

“Betty . . . how are you?” Only one person called her Betty. Boop’s good day was shot to hell in a handbasket. 

“In the feather, Vicky. In the feather.” Boop’s sister fancied herself a lady and insisted that she be addressed as Victoria by her intimates and Mrs. Victoria to the rest of the world. Boop was of the opinion that her sister was too big for her crisp linen britches and reminded her of this by persistently calling her Vicky. 

“Mmhmm . . . yes,” Vicky said. 

Boop could practically hear her biting her tongue. Was she a terrible person for wishing she’d draw blood? 

Vicky continued, “I haven’t seen you and your sweet granddaughter in a month of Sundays. I’d hoped that Eve might drive you up to Savannah to visit me occasionally.” 

“Those college kids are busier than mustard trying to ketchup.” 

“I suppose. However, the semester is ending, and my guest bedrooms are aching for some company. Might y’all come for a spell soon?” Boop took a deep breath, attempting to inhale calm but really just inhaling the aroma of her coffee. She massaged the handle of her red coffee cup.
“I don’t reckon so. Thank you kindly.” The grits were getting 

cold, so Boop took a bite, making sure to smack her lips. Listening to her eat was sure to drive Vicky batty, but that was just a bonus. Boop was hungry, or at least that was what she told herself. 

“Now then, what’s more important than family?” 

“Really, Vicky—” Boop felt a headache coming on, so she yanked the plastic rollers from her hair, hoping to relieve the pressure a bit. Only their absence didn’t do anything to quell Vicky’s nagging voice. Her dulcet tone was like an electric drill grinding in Boop’s ear. 

“Really, nothing. We aren’t getting any younger,” Vicky said. 

Boop glared at her knobby hands with their protruding blue veins, liver spots, and wrinkles. Oh, the wrinkles! Boop sometimes imagined she even smelled of decay, or maybe it wasn’t her imagination. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know. “Maybe you ain’t, but I’m right spritely.” Spritely like swamp mud. 

“Mmhmm. I’m not sure your shoulder would agree.”
“Aw, now.” Boop stuck her tongue out at the phone.

Do you have a favorite scene?

I have a favorite moment.  It’s toward the end of the book. I’ll have to be a bit vague to avoid spoilers. Eve’s father sends her a gift that’s loaded an unspoken message.  I’m a sucker for grand gestures.  They always make me cry.

What advice would you give a beginner?

Connect with the writing community. By their very nature, writers tend to be smart and generous.  No matter the stage of your journey, the support of other writers will be invaluable.  It can be especially helpful to connect with writers in the same genre.

Social media links:

Facebook @maryhelensheriff

Twitter @maryhsheriff

Instagram @maryhelensheriff

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/maryhelensheriff/

Blog link https://maryhelensheriff.com/blog/

Purchasing links https://www.amazon.com/Boop-Eves-Road-Trip-Novel/dp/1631527630/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Barb Jones

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Barb Jones came to my through Goddess Fish Promotions.

Bio

AUTHOR Bio and Links: 

I was born in Hawaii, a place rich with culture and storytellers. As a little girl, scary tales about vampires, werewolves, angels, demons, and witches were my favorite kind — much to my mother’s dismay.  

The scarier, the better.  

My love for the supernatural never went away, even after moving to Seattle, far from Hawaii’s majestic beaches with unusual colors. Nothing compares to the landscapes of Maui, Lanai, or Oahu. But somehow, Seattle stole my heart anyway. It became the place where my love for stories took on a new form, in a book of my own: The Adventures of Little Arthur and Merlin the Magnificent. This book is for kids who love stories, just like I did.  

Then I had an idea while sleeping.   

One night, my mind began to work overtime. In a dream, I saw a unique storyline involving all the races and an epic battle of good versus evil. It was a modern day plot with a three thousand year old prophecy, The Blood Prophecy. I finished the first book in 2014, The Queen’s Destiny. Two years later, I released The Queen’s Enemy. The last book in the series, The Queen’s Ascension, released on August 17, 2020. 

Today, I live in Florida with its beaches and sunshine. But I’m still a Seattle girl at heart. And so all my stories take place in the Northwest.  

I always keep to my roots when I write. 

Tell us about yourself. 

I tend to call myself a “closet nerd.” It’s a term I came up with because well, I am nerdy but I don’t always show it.  It really comes out though, when I talk about random, out of the ordinary facts.  I’m also an adrenaline junkie, fitness fanatic.   But probably the number one thing about me is being a mother.  I have two fantastic teens, ages 19 and 15.  I have never experienced some of the challenges that parents face – my kids don’t party, don’t get into trouble, you name it.  Both are so studious that no matter how much I begged her to go, my 19 year old chose to miss Prom and study for an AP exam.  She graduated high school at age 15 and did the whole 4 year course study in 2.  Other than that, I am part Hawaiian, Filipino, German, Jewish and a few other things.  The Hawaiian part is what I am truly studying right now in greater detail than ever before.  But seriously, I am a Senior Executive IT Consultant, a fitness trainer, nutrition coach, master life coach, event planner and an author all in one.   

When did you know you wanted to be an author? 

I would have to say when I was 9 and a teacher, along with my parents, encouraged me to write down my stories.  I would always tell stories but the minute I put it to paper, a new world opened to me.  I also wanted to be a mom and an astronaut, but story telling has always been a big part of my life. 

What genres do you like to read? Are these the same genres you write in?  

I love to read historical fiction, history, action, thrillers, some paranormal/horror but mostly, it will be either action or historical. 

Is your book for adults, young adults or children? 

The Blood Prophecy series is for Young Adults and up.  But I do have a children’s series on King Arthur and Merlin as five year old boys. 

What is your current release or project? 

My heart goes into the Blood Prophecy series and I am currently working on Book Four: Rise of the Hunter. 
 
Tell us about the key characters 

Amber is the Vampire Queen and the main character of the series.  She is a fiery red head with a passion for learning, being in control.   

Chloe is her best friend and the most powerful witch in the world.  She is married to Marcus, another vampire.   

Michael, a vampire, was once known as Machiel. He is the vessel of the prophecy and he turned Amber.  They are in love but that love will be tested in the series. 

Marcus, a vampire, is bound by his emotions and honor to always do the right thing.   

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book? 

Bloodshed. Heartbreak. Revelation. When the darkness was compelling and the heart knew no bounds, was there really a right choice? With Michael’s life hanging in the balance, Amber had a choice: save her star-fated love or keep on the crusade to unite the magical community. For Amber, her fate was sealed even before her birth and it was her destiny to fight the great battle ahead of her. But, when it came to her heart — her friends, her great love — Amber’s torn. Not only was she the Queen, but she was a human in every sense of the word. She was vulnerable. And so the very people — Chloe and Michael — that gave her strength, quickly became her weakness. It wasn’t her fault she loved too much, was it? Nevertheless, the Tall Dark Man had set a plan in motion that could threaten the very existence of the Blood Prophecy. Would he gather his dark forces and succeed in destroying Amber once and for all? Or, would she assemble her powerful friends and save the world? 
 
Share an excerpt  

Amber, Seattle, Present Day  

With the power to control objects with her mind, Amber distracted herself by practicing and preparing for the ultimate battle, as was predicted in the prophecy. She stood outside, surrounded by different obstacles displayed on the grounds. There were bows and arrows set at varying distances in front of their respective targets, scraps of metal from a junkyard, as well as a vast array of weapons to measure her adroitness.  

As she lifted a car door from the ground, she could feel her blood pumping, her heart racing. Amber pushed her body and her mind to the limit. She moved her hands as if she were stretching some invisible fabric. Right before her eyes, the car was pulled apart slowly—she heard the crunch and crackle of the metal. The anger of the past day and the overall frustration of her situation culminated into a heart-searing scream as she shattered the car door. The pieces were vaporized into tiny fragments that floated across the air. She placed her hands at her sides, and the steel fragments fell like hail.  

Her surge in power emulated how she felt. How could Michael abandon her when she had fought incredibly hard to get him back? She felt just like the bits of ore that fell upon her, shattered. Amber couldn’t wrap her brain around why he was acting the way he was. Her mind was riddled with unsettling thoughts.  

I love him. Why’d he disappear? Did I do something wrong? I mean, how could I have done something? He literally just woke up. I don’t understand what’s going on. The situation with Rae and Zaraquel fulfilling her part of the prophecy—it’s just too much. I don’t know how to handle it.  

Her hands trembled as the anxiety inched down her throat and into her stomach. With her stress at an all-time high, the objects around her—the weapons and equipment, the fallen leaves, her hair—all levitated.  

She heard him before she saw him. “Am I interrupting something?”  

Amber turned to see Michael with a smirk on his face. 

Do you have a favorite scene? 

I really poured my heart into the battle.  That battle was the one that the prophecy foretold and the destiny of Amber’s purpose.  It wasn’t an easy battle to be fought so I really took my time in this.  In fact, the battle took place in Seattle and let’s just say, there was a lot of destruction. 
 
What advice would you give a beginner? 

No matter if you may doubt your writing or your ability to create a world for readers to escape in, just write.  Write from the heart, write from what you imagine is happening.  The words will come.   

Website: https://www.thebloodprophecy.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloodProphecyBooks/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Blood_Prophecy1 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebloodprophecy/ 

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Queens-Ascension-Prophecy-Barb-Jones-ebook/dp/B08DKK66PM 

Barnes and Noble Buy Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/queens-ascension-barb-jones/1137386713?ean=2940162985693 

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Dimitrius Jones

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Dimitrius Jones and I came together through Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Bio

Dimitrius Jones was born and raised in West Texas, much to his eternal annoyance. Despite this, he first picked up the pen at the tender age of six. His first masterpiece was a page-turner about dolphins that used eye lasers to kill a hurricane. From there, his life took a few twists and turns, but he always found his way back to his trusty notepad. 

His next few projects include a self-help book for those who suffer from low self-esteem as well as a full-length fantasy/romance novel to be released sometime in the future. Dimitrius has always, perhaps unsurprisingly, been inspired by the mystery, tragedy, and wonder of fairy tales. 

His goal in life is to constantly inspire, amuse, and shed light into the corners of life we didn’t know were right in front of us. 

Tell us about yourself. 

My mom would tell you that I’ve always been a writer in some capacity, and I think she’s right. Even in my earliest memories, I can’t recall a time where I wasn’t trying to come up with a story in some way, whether it was playing with toys or scribbling on my dad’s notepad. It was always meant to be.  

I’m also a person who is determined to succeed and help others succeed. I believe in being a positive influence and encouraging the people I care about to do their best. 

When did you know you wanted to be an author? 

I believe I was twelve years old  when I started my first book. It was all handwritten, and I kept it in a binder at the time. I knew once I had finished it that I wanted to see my work on a bookshelf someday. I ended up going through different paths in life from there, but I always returned to writing as an outlet.  

Now, I’m more ready than ever to start publishing books and sharing the stories I’ve got brewing in my mind.  

What genres do you like to read? Are these the same genres you write in? 

I typically read fantasy and horror. I love fantasy for its escapism factor, and I’m always thrilled to learn about the mechanics of each world, its mythology, and its characters.  

I love reading horror as opposed to watching scary movies. I feel like our imagination is far scarier than what we see on the big screen these days. I’m always in search of a new creepypasta to consume. Many of those are very well-written and more frightening than anything I’ve ever read before.  

Is your book for adults, young adults or children? 

Doorway to Scorn is for young adults and adults. There’s some scary imagery that might not be suitable for children, and some of the story beats can get pretty intense.  

What is your current release or project?  

My current release is Doorway to Scorn, and I am also finishing up an LGBT teen fantasy romance novel. I’d love to release several more sequels to Doorway to Scorn, and beyond that I have many more stories to tell.  

Tell us about the key characters 

Lex and Bibi are the two main characters of this installment. They are both adopted by the Branderfords and live in Hollo village, which is terrorized by a malevolent doorway known as the Gate. Lex is highly intelligent but loses his temper frequently. Bibi is a capable fighter and much more mature and level-headed than her foster brother.  

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book? 

Many in the world of Austyria dream of becoming heroes, gaining classes like Mage, Knight, and Beastmaster. With the power granted to them by the powerful Alrelics, they can level up and accomplish extraordinary feats. 
 
The citizens of Hollo village long for a hero to save them from the malevolent Gate, which disfigures all who see or try to enter it. Lex dreams of becoming a Soldier and leaving his cursed village with his friends, Bibi and Ariel, but his class designation ceremony devolves into absolute disaster. Within days, he’s forced to embark on a journey that will change his destiny forever. 
 
To save his friends, Lex must uncover the mysteries of this mysterious doorway, while keeping his scornful heart in check before it consumes him utterly. 

Share an excerpt  

“Lex. You need to run.”  

Bibi’s voice is low, just above a whisper. She flips her daggers in her hands until they’re pointing away from her body, something I’ve never seen done before. They’re normally used for stabbing – usually in the most treacherous manner possible – and held with the blade facing up, not down.  

“I’m not leaving you here to fight that alone.”  

“Then you’re a fool. You can’t help me here, and that cursed weapon you have won’t save you. I don’t even know why you’re still holding onto it.”  

“I have potions. If you get hurt, I can at least heal you.” 

Bibi doesn’t respond, but I can see the muscles in her shoulders and arms tensing as the shadow man regains his composure and goes completely still. She doesn’t sound like herself. It’s as if she’s a completely different person.  

The shadow man points his blade high into the sky, and a strange, smoke-like energy begins to wisp around him. Soon, he is joined by two identical shadow men, each taking a battle stance with swords of their own.  

“This is not a fight I plan to win,” Bibi says, and that’s when it dawns on me. She’s trying to buy everyone else time to escape from these things. 

“Lex. You need to run.”  

Bibi’s voice is low, just above a whisper. She flips her daggers in her hands until they’re pointing away from her body, something I’ve never seen done before. They’re normally used for stabbing – usually in the most treacherous manner possible – and held with the blade facing up, not down.  

“I’m not leaving you here to fight that alone.”  

“Then you’re a fool. You can’t help me here, and that cursed weapon you have won’t save you. I don’t even know why you’re still holding onto it.”  

“I have potions. If you get hurt, I can at least heal you.” 

Bibi doesn’t respond, but I can see the muscles in her shoulders and arms tensing as the shadow man regains his composure and goes completely still. She doesn’t sound like herself. It’s as if she’s a completely different person.  

The shadow man points his blade high into the sky, and a strange, smoke-like energy begins to wisp around him. Soon, he is joined by two identical shadow men, each taking a battle stance with swords of their own.  

“This is not a fight I plan to win,” Bibi says, and that’s when it dawns on me. She’s trying to buy everyone else time to escape from these things. 

Do you have a favorite scene? 

One of my favorite scenes is when one of the main characters get a new ability, but it’s not the ability they were hoping for. However, he’s reminded that he is still useful and can still be of assistance to those he cares about. It’s a moment of character growth for this person because they quickly learn that sometimes we have to do the best with the tools we are given rather than the tools we want.  

What advice would you give a beginner? 

Your first novel is going to feel overwhelming somedays. You’re going to finish a writing session and wonder if you’re doing the right thing. You’ll consider never opening up your draft ever again.  

Just finish it.  

Finish that novel, article, blog post, and set it free. Put it out there, be open to feedback, and learn. Every successful writer before you had to start somewhere, so it’s no use expecting perfection at first. Don’t do that to yourself. You still have a lot to learn, and you are more than capable of getting it down.  

Social Media

Website: http://dimitriusjones.com/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/idimitriusjones?lang=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordimitriusjones/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idimitriusjones/?hl=en 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Doorway-Scorn-Novella-1-Austyria-ebook/dp/B081XJC13P 

The book will be $0.99 during the tour. 

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Leon Acord

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Leon Acord came to my attention through Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Bio

Leon Acord is an award-winning actor and writer who has appeared in over 35 films you’ve never seen and 30 plays you’ve never heard of. Possible exceptions include the digital TV series Old Dogs & New Tricks on Amazon Prime Video (which he created, wrote & co-produced), and the stage hit Carved in Stone (in which he played Quentin Crisp in both SF and LA productions). His memoir, SUB-LEBRITY: The Queer Life of a Show-Biz Footnote, is now available in paperback & e-book on Amazon. He wrote his one-man show Last Sunday in June (1996) and co-authored the 2014 play Setting the Record Gay. He was a “Take Five” columnist for Back Stage West throughout 2009 and a former contributor to Huffington Post. He has also written for San Francisco Examiner and the journal Human Prospect. He currently lives in West LA with husband Laurence Whiting & their cat Toby.  Learn more at www.LeonAcord.com  

 Tell us about yourself. 

I’m out-and-loud middle-aged gay actor who, after 30 years in the business, remains remarkably under-exposed! I grew up very gay in rural Indiana in the ‘60s and ‘70s, moved to San Francisco where I worked constantly as an actor in the ‘80s and ‘90s. But after I moved to LA in 2004, my career lost a lot of steam. So, I created and wrote and acted in the web series Old Dogs & New Tricks [2011-2016, Amazon Prime] and my acting career, as well as my life, found its second wind. 

And then, there’s my “feud” with Susan Olsen, who played “Cindy” in The Brady Bunch. We had a very public and very publicized blow-up after I guested on her political radio talk show, and she called me the “f word,” back in 2016. It was a media firestorm for about three days back then. It’s all but forgotten now, as we’ve been bashed by scandals on the daily. But folks can read all the details about that in my book, too. 

 
When did you know you wanted to be an author? 

I knew I always wanted to be an actor, since very early on. As for writing, well, writing was something I’d always done, always enjoyed, and always took for granted. I dabbled in it, off and on. I actually got paid as a reporter on my hometown daily newspaper, the Kokomo Tribune, when I was a teenager. Then, during a break in college, when I thought I’d give up acting, I wrote a very trashy novel that I never tried to get published because it was instantly dated the moment it was completed. Ahh, the ‘80s! I still have it stashed around here somewhere! 

Off and on, I toyed with writing a book. But it wasn’t until after I created and wrote my series Old Dogs & New Tricks [2011-2016, Amazon Prime] that I truly felt I earned the right to call myself a writer. I then had the confidence to try writing something else. 

 
What genres do you like to read? Are these the same genres you write in? 

My favorite genre, yes, is show-business biographies and memoirs. It doesn’t matter if its an actor or actress I admire, or writer, or whatever. I’ll want to read them! I found they really helped keep me inspired when I was a young actor starting out. It helped to read about the set-backs actors I admired had suffered through as I was suffering through them myself the first time.  

And because SUB-LEBRITY* is also a show-biz memoir, albeit written by a non-famous actor, all those books inspired me all over again.  

 
Is your book for adults, young adults or children? 

Oh, SUB-LEBRITY* is most definitely not for children. Young adults? I don’t know, I read Valley of the Dolls when I was 12, and that was a century ago. So perhaps for the precocious young adult reader, it’s okay. I mean, its titillating but not terribly explicit, really. I could be wrong, though! 

 
What is your current release or project?  

SUB-LEBRITY* is out now. It’s my first book. It’s what I call, with tongue-in-cheek, a “comic Hollywood memoir by a non-famous actor.”  

 
Tell us about the key characters 

Well, SUB-LEBRITY* is my memoir, so the main character is me (he said, egotistically). An assortment of high school chums, a lot of ex-boyfriends and one terrific husband. Lots of show-biz colleagues, some of them famous, most of them nice, some of them not. The cast and folks behind the camera on Old Dogs feature heavily, as does my good friend Jeffrey Hartgraves, who gave me my best stage role ever, as Quentin Crisp in Carved in Stone, and who passed away tragically. But from the feedback I’m getting, the favorite “supporting characters” of readers have been my parents. All my friends loved them when I was a kid. And it hasn’t changed. Now, even I love them even more than before. If that’s possible! Writing the book really showed me the absolutely wonderful parents I have. 

 
What is your blurb or synopsis of the book? 

A droll, oddly inspirational memoir from the actor Breitbart called “a gay leftist activist,” SUB-LEBRITY* The Queer Life of a Show-Biz Footnote by Leon Acord (Old Dogs & New Tricks) is an honest, sometimes bitchy but always sincere story about growing up (very) gay in rural Indiana, achieving acting success outside the closet, and generating headlines with his very-public smackdown with Trump-loving Susan Olsen (Cindy, The Brady Bunch). 

“A life in the arts is richly rewarding, even if it doesn’t reward one with riches.” 

From Indiana farm boy to San Francisco queer-theatre veteran… 

From creator/star of the seminal gay web TV series Old Dogs & New Tricks  

to his infamous role as Cindy Brady’s political archenemy… 

Actor Leon Acord’s story, told in his singular, cheeky voice, is “like any other Hollywood memoir, with affairs, feuds, flops & triumphs. The only difference is, I’m not famous!” 

With photos & stories from dozens of film & theatre roles, plus tales of bad auditions and a sampling of his hate mail, you’ll learn exactly why Acord never became a star! 

 
Share an excerpt 

(Here’s a bit, about my “Ah Ha!” moment on a high-school stage.) 

I didn’t bother auditioning for the school musical that year.  There was no point.  The new plug-up-her-butt choir teacher was in charge of casting – and earlier that year, she’d slapped me in front of the entire choir after she heard me call her a “grumpy bitch” to another student. That kind of thing sorta kills your chances. (I took the slap like a man. I’d earned it, after all!) 

I was now taking drama with Miss Patsie Ronk, another remarkable teacher who became an inspiration.  She recognized my driving interest in acting and my wildly unexplored, undeveloped talent, and encouraged me to pursue my theatrical aspirations.  

She suggested I check Pasadena Playhouse’s training program in LA as a higher-learning option.   For the first time, a grown-up was encouraging me to pursue acting!    

She was in charge of the school’s junior and senior class plays, so I knew I had a chance.  I auditioned for Arsenic & Old Lace, and was cast in the lead, Mortimer Brewster. 

After how Harry Beaton screamingly made his presence known, I had trouble at first finding nervous, neurotic Mortimer. 

“I can’t find this character!” I cried to Dibble at rehearsal one after-noon. 

“Stop trying,” he advised.  “You are this character!” 

I was so busy at school, so focused on so many things I loved, I stopped noticing if or when bully-boy classmates said hateful remarks.  Were they still carrying on with that nonsense? 

Oh, they were.  In fact, the bullies were quietly plotting their biggest stunt yet. 

One of my nemeses from the jock clique, Rick Sisson, was slumming, playing the bit part of an “Old Man” about to be poisoned by two murderous old ladies in Arsenic & Old Lace.   

As Mortimer, I was to rush on stage, see the Old Man about to drink a glass of poisoned elderberry wine, grab him by the jacket, and shove him out of my crazy aunts’ house. 

That was how we’d been playing it. 

For closing night, he and his jock buddies thought of a hilarious prank.  Instead of setting his glass of fake wine on the table before I grabbed him, he’d throw the full glass of Hawaiian Punch into my face!  It was closing night, why not?  Smear the queer! 

The sizable high-school auditorium was packed with a rowdy closing-night crowd of parents, faculty and friends, unaware they were about to witness my humiliation.   

The moment arrived.  I entered, rushed to the Old Man with the glass near his lips, and SPLASH!   

I was stunned.  Rick rushed through the door and off stage before I could do a thing.  

The audience erupted with laughter.  Erupted!  And didn’t stop!   

I’d seen it on sitcoms all my short life.  Actors forced to hold for a laugh.  I lived for the moments on the Carol Burnett Show when something went wrong or when the actors tried not to laugh.  And now, I was experiencing that myself.  It felt wonderful!  

Rick wanted me to feel like Carrie White.  Instead, I felt like Cary Grant. 

The two teenaged actresses playing my aunts just watched, trying not to laugh themselves.   

I felt myself about to smile.  I turned my back to the audience and fumbled through a desk on stage, pretending to blindly look for a handkerchief – a cover until I could wipe the now-gigantic smile off my face.  The audience found this hilarious and continued howling. 

Back in character, I gave up at the desk and turned to face the audience just as the laugh was softening.  I instinctively yanked off my clip-on tie and began dabbing my wet face with it. 

The audience screamed with laughter again – this time, the laughter morphed into applause.   

The song from the Broadway musical Applause is right – it’s better than pot, it’s better than booze.  Waiting out a long laugh break, instinctively finding ways to prolong it, riding it like a surfer on a wave, then crashing against the shore in a loud burst of applause, is the best feeling in the world. 

I had flirted with the idea of being an actor, among other creative pursuits, all though childhood.   

But in this moment, I knew. I’d spend the rest of my life chasing that feeling.  

 
Do you have a favorite scene? 

Ha! My favorite scene was always the last scene I’d just finished. Since the book came out, I haven’t really thought about it. Let’s see. There’s the time the famous San Francisco casting director told me I was “too gay” to ever find acting success! It was also fun to write the chapter “Kissing the Frogs,” about all the awful guys I’d dated before I met my wonderful husband, Laurence Whiting. 

I suppose the most emotional part of the book is the section about Jeffrey Hartgraves’ fight against cancer, and our race against time to produce Carved in Stone a second time. I thought that would be the hardest part of the book to write, so I saved it until last. Surprisingly, it turned out to be the easiest part of the book to write. 

 
What advice would you give a beginner? 
 

Just write. Keep a journal, write in it every day. Read as much as you can get your hands on. Be involved in current events. And slowly find your groove. Do you prefer writing by hand or by computer? Do you write better late at night, first thing in the morning? Play around. Have fun while you find your “voice.” And know that your voice can and will change project to project.  

And, oh yeah, vote, please!  

Social Media

www.facebook.com/LeonAcordActor 

www.instagram.com/leonacord 

www.twitter.com/Sub_lebrityLeon 

Blog: www.LeonAcord.com/blog 

Amazon: www.bit.ly/SUBpaperback  

Old Dogs & New Tricks website: www.odnt.tv  

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Jan Selbourne

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

I’m really pleased to welcome Jan Selbourne back to my blog!   There are the links at the end of this interview to her other visits with me.

Author bio

Jan Selbourne grew up in Melbourne, Australia. Her love of literature and history began as soon as she could read and hold a pen. Her career started in the dusty world of ledgers and accounting then a working holiday in the UK brought the history to life. Now retired, Jan can indulge her love of writing and travel. She has two adult children and lives near Maitland, New South Wales. 

Since your last visit, give us an update on you and what you’ve been up to. 

Thank you for having me Eileen.  Since my last visit, my book Lies of Gold was awarded the Coffee Pot Book Club 2019 Book of the Year silver medal – historical romance category. It was a complete surprise and I am very honoured.  And, in February my fourth book The Woman Behind the Mirror was published. 

Tell us about your new publication (part of a series, novel, short story, anthology etc) 

The Woman Behind the Mirror is a historical novel set in England and Boston during the early days of the American War of Independence. 

Is your new book / project in the same genre 

Yes, historical fiction. 

Describe your main characters 

Young, naïve Sarah Forsythe had stars in her eyes when she eloped to the American colonies, where abandonment, poverty and selling herself to survive await. Utterly degraded, she hides her self-loathing beneath a hard, bitter shell – until she returns to England with documents that could very well kill her.  

Neil McAlister, confirmed bachelor, has found his niche working for the prestigious Bank of England – until he meets Sarah. He doesn’t trust her an inch but she’s the only person who can identify the man behind a clever bank fraud. 

Blurb

Marry in haste, repent at leisure is the last thing on Sarah Forsythe’s mind when she and the son of a local minister elope to the American colonies. She wasn’t to know abandonment, misery, poverty and shame would follow. As the colonies rebel against British rule and the siege of Boston worsens, alone and afraid, Sarah hides her desperation behind a hard shell. Conditions worsen, she’s forced to steal and instead of the cash she needs, she finds Bank of England documents. Sensing they might have some value, Sarah protects them through months of deprivation until she finally secures passage home to England. Unknown to her, two men are following, intent on claiming those documents. At any price. 

Bank of England fraud investigator Neil McAlister faces the biggest challenge of his career when a woman from Boston demands a reward for returning lost documents to the bank. Then two men with the same name and nearly identical stories arrive in England, each claiming ownership of them. Who is lying? Or are all three accomplices in a plot to swindle the bank? As the obstinate, secretive woman gets under Neil’s skin, he trusts that she was an unwitting witness to the crime of cold-blooded betrayal and treason before the fall of Boston. Now it’s up to Neil to protect Sarah because the traitor wants her dead. 

Excerpt  

It was as she expected, dark and stripped of all furniture, so she felt her way along the wall until a hand covered her mouth. Her heart thudded with shock then she bit down hard. The grip loosened and she kicked back behind her. Two strong hands swung her around and jammed her face into the wall. 

“Move and I’ll cut your throat,” a muffled voice hissed in her ear. 

Sarah tried to kick back again but he dodged to one side and threw her to the floor. Winded and terrified she flinched when his knife pressed against her throat. 

“Who are you? Answer me!” 

“Please,” she begged. “Let me go and I’ll not look back.” 

A sharp intake of air. “A woman?” 

Sarah was pulled up to face a man shrouded in black and with a scarf covering the lower part of his face. 

“Let me go!” she yelled but his grip tightened and now frightened for her life she fought back. Her fingernails clawed at his eyes and when he jerked away her boot lashed into his shin bone. Swearing furiously, he kicked her feet from under her and she landed heavily on the floor. 

“Bitch,” he snarled. “If you were a man, you’d be dead.” Within seconds he was gone. 

Shaking uncontrollably, Sarah backed into a corner and curled into a ball until the cold and the terrible silence became unbearable. You are so close, and you can’t lie here forever. 

Lifting her head, she peered into the dark room before crawling to the alcove where the mahogany desk had stood. Inch by inch, she felt along the floorboards until she found the join. Her fingers moved forward until they found the second join and pushed down. It didn’t move. Stifling a sob, she willed herself to remember the night two men had challenged each other to a duel. She’d burst into this room to find Samuel Fenton on his knees placing a box into the hole. He’d swiftly covered it, spluttering something about dropping his snuff box. She hadn’t so much as glanced at the floor, instead she’d pointed to the salon shouting, “Quick, they’ll kill each other.” Now, she had no idea how to open the hidey-hole. God, it was so dark she couldn’t see a damn thing. Gritting her teeth, Sarah felt the floorboards again. No keyhole. Her eyes closed in despair, why didn’t she bring a hatpin or… Her eyes flew open. Idiot, the knife! 

Keeping one finger on the join, she fumbled for the knife in her pocket and pushed it into the crack. Nothing. “Please, please,” she begged silently and dug the knife into the other join. A soft click. Now what do I do? Her fingers gently pushed again, and the other end lifted. Every nerve in her body was screaming to get out now as she lifted the box from its hiding place. Something else was beneath it. 

Her fingers probed and picked up a slim leather folder when a noise outside made her freeze. Dear God, he was coming back. Then it went silent. Most likely an alley cat. She pushed the folder into the pocket of her cloak, clutched the box to her chest and, heart pounding loud enough to hear a mile away, she crept down the stairs and into the kitchen. Across the flagstones to the coal chute. “Oh no,” she whispered. There was nothing to help her climb out. Defeated, she slumped down to the floor and put her head in her hands. 

It was a scraping noise that roused her. Most likely a tree branch against a window, but wait, how did that brute get in and out? Gripping the knife, she walked beside the walls, touching each boarded window and door and then stopped to listen. Back to the privy where chamber pots were emptied into the sewer outside. The small door was open, its rusty hinges squeaking. Dropping to the floor she crawled through the gap, stepped over the foul-smelling drain and was about to run when a figure loomed in front of her. 

Hard hands grabbed her shoulders. “What were you doing in there?” 

“Nothing, get away, get away from me!” Jerking away, the box slipped from her grasp and hit the ground with a clatter. 

The man grabbed her again. “Slut, answer me or I’ll break your fucking neck.” 

Blindly Sarah lashed out at him and her breath caught in her throat when he gave a sickening whoop and staggered backwards to collapse onto the cobblestones. 

Oh, dear God. In her panic to get out she’d forgotten the knife in her hand. Her legs were turning to water, she couldn’t move, then a shout from the road. 

“What goes on there?” Two nightwatchmen with lanterns were turning into the lane. Dragging air into her lungs, she picked up the box and fled.*** 

Please tell us about any other accomplishments (other books or publications, awards, events) 

My second book, Lies of Gold received the Coffee Pot Book Club Book of the Year Award Silver Medal Historical Romance 2019. 

Are you attending any events? 

Not at the moment. 

What’s next for you? 

I’m currently working on a story set in England and Australia 1855. A retired London doctor discovers he and his business partner have been swindled out of their fortunes by the clerks they employed. Worried about the scandal, he begs Metropolitan Police detective Lloyd Harrington to find them, quietly. When evidence reveals the business partner and one of the clerks are travelling to the colony of New South Wales, Lloyd reluctantly agrees to follow. Where a brutal revenge for crimes committed years ago is about to unfold. 

With more experiences, what advice would you give a new author? 

Research for accurate settings and details, edit often as you write, ask a colleague to read your work as a reader, not as a friend.  Another pair of eyes is invaluable. And, don’t give up. 

Social media links 

https://www.facebook.com/jan.selbourne/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-selbourne-2817b6140/

https://nomadauthors.com/

Purchase links

https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=perilous+love+jan+selbourne&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=lies+of+gold+jan+selbourne&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=the+proposition+jan+selbourne&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=the+woman+behind+the+mirror+jan+selbourne&crid=YNIEKZL8HV3M&sprefix=the+woman+behind+the+m%2Caps%2C303&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_22

Links to other posts about Jan Selbourne

Jan Selbourne
Perilous Love
Mystic Desire

Estelle Pettersen

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Estelle and I met through BVS publications. Her first book comes out July 30! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know her and I’m reading her book and enjoying it.

Author Bio

Estelle Pettersen is an Australian author and former journalist whose romance stories explore empowerment, freedom, and finding one’s strength. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Journalism and Psychology, from the University of Queensland, Australia. Her second degree is an MBA from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. She is a member of Romance Writers of Australia and is passionate about history, languages, cultures, traveling, food, and wine. She is happily married and living in Norway these days. 

Tell us about yourself.  

Firstly, thank you for giving me the opportunity for this interview. I’m an Australian living in western Norway with my Norwegian husband and two kids. I’m an introverted book lover, animal lover, and a coffee/tea addict.  

When did you know you wanted to be an author? 

I’ve always wanted to write since I was a child. My English teacher in high school encouraged me the follow the writing path, so I studied journalism at university. Being a romantic at heart, I used to daydream and scribble love stories, pretending that I wrote copious amounts of notes, during lectures.  

Life became quite busy, particularly after I met my husband and moved to Norway. Two kids and years later, I started writing fiction as my solace and to calm my soul. I wrote on a platform called Wattpad, where I made friends with other writers and readers who enjoyed my stories. 

I received encouragement from a few people, including a book agent, to submit my manuscript to a romance publisher, and I was thrilled when Black Velvet Seductions accepted Lessons on Seduction. 

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in? 

I love all genres except fan fiction. I enjoy reading thrillers, nonfiction, horror, the classics, and, of course, romance stories. When I was fifteen, a friend came over to my place with a bag full of steamy romance books. Some of the pages were folded to mark where the steamy and emotional scenes were. I remember reading them and thinking, “Wow! I’d love to write a romance novel one day.” 

I write romance stories, with Lessons on Seduction as my debut romance novel to be published by Black Velvet Seductions. 

Is your book for adults, young adults or children? 

My book is an erotic romance, so it’s for adults only.  

What is your current release or project?  

Lessons on Seduction is my current release, due to be released on July 30, 2020. 

Tell us about the key characters 

The protagonist is a young woman named Sapphire because of the color of her eyes. She breaks away from societal expectations and conformity to find her own strong voice. She represents both femininity and empowerment, and is willing to stand in the firing line to protect the people she loves. Sapphire is pansexual and has a crush on her close friend, Vera, who later introduces Sapphire to her brother, Julian.  

Inspired by the brooding Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights, Julian is the kind of man Sapphire’s family and most friends would tell her to stay away from. She’s attracted to his intelligence and his sexual allure, but he holds a dark secret that could destroy their relationship. He’s never been in love until he meets Sapphire, so their relationship is a new experience for him.  

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book? 

When college student Sapphire Blake finds herself fresh out of a breakup, she is ready to embark on a new journey in her life. A dark, sensual journey. Freeing herself from the expectations set by her family, friends, and church, an innocent and unworldly Sapphire begins experimenting with her new casual lover, Vera Richland. 

 Julian Richland is ridiculously handsome, smart, and intimidating. This university professor finds himself enthralled in a sensual relationship with a woman willing to pay top money for his time in the bedroom. To pay off his debts and continue leading his lavish lifestyle, Julian discovers the world filled with sex, drugs, and lies may not be for him as he first thought. With his contract almost up, Julian has his sights set on a new endeavor.  

When the pair are introduced by none other than Julian’s own sister, sparks are ignited as Julian sees past the conservative stigma Sapphire believes the world has placed on her. Instead, he sees a sexy vixen—and he can’t help but admit he wants her.  

As the couple begins a dangerous, passionate liaison, secrets become exposed and lives are threatened. Will Julian be able to save his relationship with Sapphire and rekindle the fiery flame they share? Or, will fate have another ending in store? Find out in this thrilling and erotic new adult romance. 

Share an excerpt 

Chapter One 
Welcome to my Playground 
 
Julian 
First semester at Montville State University, August 
 
“Baby, come back to bed,” she purred, grabbing my arm. 

“I need to get to class. There’s no time to sleep in.” I sat on the edge of the bed, gently loosened her grip, and kissed her forehead. 

“Oh, honey, please, just one more time.” 

“There’s a coffee machine on the kitchen bench. Help yourself to it on the way out.” 

“But—” 

“You were good, sugar.” I leaned forward and ran my hand along her smooth, tan, inner thighs. I slid my index and middle fingers inside her wet slit, pulled out, then licked them to taste her scent. 

Melina Montes, or Mindy, was a college student in her prime. 

Her flavor? Spicy and aromatic. 

*** 

She was a sexy hellcat whose tits were popping out of her low-cut tank top when I recognized her across the room at a party last night. Dark hair: check. Dark eyes: check. Tiny waist and a fucking banging body: check, check. 

She and I had had casual sex before, so it didn’t take long for the familiar flirtation to turn into a make-out session, which resulted in business in the bedroom in my apartment, where she was a star. 

Mindy was a little minx who knew how to satisfy a man. Her naked body was a piece of caramel cake, with small droplets of brown candy on the peaks of her breasts, and a smooth pussy that flowed cream so tasty and hot. 

She fucked like a pro and knew how to handle my cock with her mouth. She started on the head, tasting it with her tongue, before using her suction technique, which was spot-on perfect. 

Sixty-nine was my favorite number, so while she worked her magic on my cock with her lips, I snacked on her exquisite pussy. That pussy had a landing strip of short, dark hair, which I inhaled to take in her aroma. She was musky, sensual, and pleading to be licked. 

My tongue landed on her landing strip, giving it gentle licks. Then my mouth dove into her core, nipping, sucking, and circling the ripe center with my wicked tongue. Her whimpers and mewling grew louder as I continued eating her while pinching her perfectly plump nipples with my fingers and thumbs to stimulate a little more pleasure. Those nipples were divine—they were territory that I’d visited from time to time before, nibbling, licking, and devouring them until they were sore. 

“Oh my God, oh my God.” Mindy’s filthy mouth broke away from my cock and prayed to a divine deity. 

I continued to roll her nipples between my fingers while feasting on her clit, wanting more of that pussy cream. Her body quivered as I continued with the motions, bringing her to a state of euphoria. 

“Fuck, Julian, I’m going to come!” Mindy screamed. 

I broke my kiss, positioned myself on top of her, and grabbed a condom. Once I had it on, I slid my hard, throbbing cock inside her, pounding into her sweet, wet pussy at a paced speed, until she screamed unfiltered pleasure peppered with obscenities. We both came hard and fast before I collapsed onto her body, catching up on my breathing. A minute later, we lay in silence, and Mindy’s head rested on my chest. She played with the contours of my chest and stomach, tracing her fingers from my sternum to just above my love trail. 

“Your abs. They’re so fucking rock hard,” she whispered, before falling asleep. 

I’d just had the fuck of my life with Mindy. I’d known her for years, and she would come onto me like a cat in heat. We were amicable, but I wouldn’t call her a friend, so it was a case of acquaintances with benefits. You see, I met her through my sister, Vera, years ago—they both went to high school together and studied law in college. We hooked up from time to time, but that’s all it was. 

After a night of little sleep, I woke up at seven, showered, and got ready for class. The mirror reflected a clear image of a man with mahogany hair and light bags under his dark, burnished eyes. I stared at the man, who was six feet tall with broad shoulders and a muscular build, thanks to my daily routine at Evolve Gym. The exercise initially helped me with a few back problems and eventually became a habit of taking care of myself. I lathered my square, unshaven jaw and started shaving for a fresh, clean look. 
 

Do you have a favorite scene? 

I have a few favorite scenes, where there is tension and conflict between characters that need to be resolved. I added these scenes for the characters to grow and appreciate each other. There’s a scene where Sapphire and Julian haven’t seen each other for a while – the flame between them never dies.  

What advice would you give a beginner? 

Being an author is a dream but it requires work, work, work. Writing and editing is one element of being an author. It also means stepping out of your comfort zone, learning from mistakes, and learning to handle exposure. This is something I’ve learned from the other authors at Black Velvet Seductions, who have been my mentors and have a wealth of experience as writers.  

Social media links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elusiveromance  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elusive_6788  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elusive_6788  

Amazon page: https://amz.run/3Ld2   

Author website: https://elusiveromance.com/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/94753616-e-pettersen  

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/estellepettersen  

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/estellepettersen 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelle-pettersen-3716741b1/ 

Blog link: https://elusiveromance.com/blog/ 

Purchasing links: https://amzn.to/2Ng8YbD  or https://books2read.com/u/47XXGj  

Keren Hughes

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Keren Hughes is one of the Black Velvet Seduction authors. I met her through their group. Like the other authors in that group, I’ve enjoyed getting to know her.

Author bio

I live in the UK and am an avid bookworm. My first real memory of reading something I fell in love with was The Hobbit. In my teenage years, I became addicted to Point Horror books like RL Stine’s The Boyfriend, but also enjoyed lighter reads like What Katy Did and What Katy Did Next.  

Over the years I have come to realise that I am a bit of an OCD freak about books. They have to be in perfect condition without the slightest bit of damage.  

I have been a book reviewer for the last few years and a book hoarder for a LOT longer. You can NEVER have too many books! My shelves are bulging and overflowing but I always want “just one more book”. 

I am an author of contemporary romance and MM romance and had my first book published in 2013. My PA has claimed ‘dibs’ on all the men I write and refuses to share. 

Tell us about yourself. 

Oooh, what to say?! Well, I am nearly 37 years old, I have been disabled for the last few years (since 2012), I am a mom of one – that teen is my world. 

I’m an introvert with social anxiety, but I like to try and push my own boundaries and conquer that anxiety.  

When did you know you wanted to be an author? 

Honestly, not properly until 2012.  

When I was 15/16 years old, I wrote for fun, but never thought anything would come of it, as much as I wished it would.  

Then in 2011 I became a blogger and that opened new doors for me. In 2012, I had an operation on my spine, so that left me with time on my hands and not much to fill it with. So, that’s when I wrote my first book that would go on to be published.  

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in? 

I read a lot of genres, but primarily write in contemporary romance and MM. 

Is your book for adults, young adults or children? 

The first book I ever wrote is a YA paranormal romance and is due to be republished soon (I have the rights back from my first publisher and it’s now due out with my other publisher).  

The rest are definitely for over 18’s. 

What is your current release or project?  

My upcoming release is called More Than Words. It was co-written with my bestie and is her debut book. It’s about a woman who flees a domestically violent situation and a man who fell through the cracks in foster care. He was beaten, neglected, abused 

Tell us about the key characters 

Evie is pregnant when she flees her abuser. She is stronger than she believes, but her world threatens to cave in on itself when he sends people after her. She’s now a single mom to a young daughter, Maya and wants a better life for her than she has for herself.  

Trey is a solicitor. He fell through the cracks of the foster system repeatedly, along with his younger sister Leah. Unfortunately Leah is no longer around to see him make a better life for himself than they had growing up. He helps women who are in DV relationships, and makes it his mission to open a shelter in his sister’s name one day.  

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book? 

Evie 

Taking my daughter with me, I moved far away from my hometown. I wanted to leave my past behind. I was not looking for a relationship.  Love had got me nowhere, just pain and darkness, heartbreak and disappointment.  

Suddenly a shard of light brightened my world.  Trey showed me compassion, love, and had broken down the walls I had tried so hard to build.  My worry is, will the darkness I have been trying to hide from come back to haunt us?  

Trey 

Abused, neglected, broken and rejected; this was my life in foster care with my younger sister, Leah. I had been trying to protect her all my teenage years, but she took her own life.  I was devastated by the loss and determined to make something of myself. After school, I studied law, and as a solicitor I helped survivors of domestic abuse.  

I never thought I’d find love and then I met Evie. Her strength amazed me; she juggled her life as a single mum and a business owner. We were drawn together, but Evie had her secrets and I had mine. Together we are strong. But are we strong enough? 

Share an excerpt

Having only known that I’m pregnant for an hour, the protectiveness that I feel for this unborn baby shouldn’t be natural. I’m not the maternal type, after being with Greg for the last four and a half years, I knew I didn’t want to bring a baby into this type of life. I’d done everything I could to prevent it, I secretly had the contraceptive injection so I wouldn’t fall pregnant. But he found out and decided to get his payback, trying everything to get me pregnant. Even if it was against my will. Looks like he succeeded, I thought. I shake my head, wanting to get rid of that thought before it fully festers in my mind. I won’t allow my child to grow up and think he or she was a mistake or not wanted.  

The drivers side door opening startles me, I jump and turn, ready to kick and scream before I realise it’s my father. As I visibly relax, my father’s sharp eyes take in everything; I notice his eyes narrow, then soften. He reaches in and gently grabs me in his arms, cradling me to his chest as if I were a child. The full force of what has happened makes my body shake as I sob into his chest. He whispers soothing words into my ear as he helps me from the car and guides me into the house. I notice my mother standing in the foyer with a hand over her mouth, unshed tears brimming in her eyes.  

How I managed to pull into my parents’ driveway without realising makes me feel unnerved, having not been completely aware of my surroundings like I usually am.  

As my dad turns into the living room, I see my uncle sat there in his police uniform. I start to shake and try to get away, but my father’s arms clamp tighter around me.  

“You need to finally make him suffer for what he’s done to you, no more hiding,” he whispers in my ear. 

Reporting Greg to the police had never been an option. He warned me that if I ever did, he would hurt me so much worse than he ever had before—and that pain didn’t have to come in physical beatings or mental abuse, it could mean hurting my parents. So, I never went to hospital with my injuries in case they saw signs of abuse and reported it to the police—because they are duty-bound to do so. I never dialled 999. I always dressed covering myself from head to toe, sometimes using makeup to cover bruises—something I became an expert at doing.  

I instantly feel overwhelmed. Do I really want to report him? What if it goes to court and I don’t have any physical evidence of what he did to me? He’d get off and then come after me ten times as hard as before.  

My heart races in my chest, feeling like it’s trying to burst free of its constraints. I try to swallow past a lump in my throat as I feel tears sting the backs of my eyes.  

I can do this. I will do this. I have to do this. For myself, but more importantly for the innocent life inside me. My child deserves the best start in life and that can’t happen with Greg walking free. He has to pay for what he’s done.  

I can’t live my life constantly looking over my shoulder, in fear of every street corner, every dark alley… 

The blows he dealt me over the years made me feel weak. But I know now that I’m not weak. I am strong. I am willing to fight back. For my life and for my child to grow up without him.  

If he isn’t behind bars when my baby comes into this world, I dread to think what he would do if he found out. He’s not a real man, so he could never be a real father. But he’d want access and he’d fight me for it. It would go to court and if they found in his favour, I’d have to allow my child to see that piece of shit on a regular basis.  

Over my dead body. 

I sit on the sofa and am instantly squashed with my mother and father on either side of me. My mother’s hand reaches into my lap and takes hold of my hand. Looking up at her, she gives me a reassuring smile. 

I can do this. I know it will hurt my parents to hear my story, but they need to know the truth. I need to stop lying and covering up for that bastard. He’s the one to blame in all of this and it’s about time I stopped blaming myself for making him hurt me.  

That’s one thing he always said, “You know I’m only giving you what you deserve. You brought this on yourself. I wish I didn’t have to do this, but you give me no choice. You make me hurt you.” 

I’m sick of being petrified of my own shadow and I won’t let my child—my innocent, pure child—be tainted by a life with that man in it.  

Do you have a favorite scene? 

Gosh, that’s a hard question as I love it all. But my favourite is probably where Trey asks Evie if they can be a proper couple. He’s so nervous to ask, scared of rejection. He doesn’t do relationships, so it’s all new to him. He’s a real sweetheart. Although Bobby wouldn’t say he is. (To see who she is and why, you’ll have to read the book). 

What advice would you give a beginner? 

My advice would be to just write. If you have a story, then write it. Whether you think you’ll end up publishing it or not is a question for after it’s written.  

If you do want to publish, then you need to be prepared to market your work, dedicate time for social media to talk to your fans/readers, make connections with other authors, bloggers and readers. The book community is a hugely supportive place.  

Just remember that you need to be authentic. Having a ‘persona’ when your online isn’t helpful. You don’t need to tell everyone every little detail about your life, but what you do tell them and how you interact with them, that has to be 100% the real you.  

Social media links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkerenhughes 

Twitter: @Keren_Hughes 

Instagram: @Keren_Hughes 

Blog link: https://authorkerentshughes.wordpress.com 

Purchasing links: More Than Words can be found here: myBook.to/MoreThanWords 

My other books can be found here:  

More: myBook.to/MoreKeren 

My Best Friend’s Fiancé: myBook.to/MyBestFriendsFiance 

Safe (Jagged Scars duet 1): myBook.to/SafeKerenHughes 

Home (Jagged Scars Duet 2): myBook.to/HomeKerenHughes 

Out of The Ashes: myBook.to/OutofTheAshes 

Secret Santa: myBook.to/SecretSantaKerenHughes 

Husband Material: myBook.to/HusbandMaterialKHughes 

Paper Hearts: myBook.to/PaperHeartsKerenHughes 

More Than Words: myBook.to/MoreThanWords