Writer Wednesday Archives | Page 2 of 19

Writer Wednesday: Meet Mysti Parker!

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Margaret — 2 Comments ↓

Welcome to Writer Wednesday!

Do we ever have a sweet treat for you today: Mysti Parker, author of romance for every reader’s taste (she had me at chocolate, y’all.). She’s not kidding, either – she’s published fantasy, contemporary, comedy, historical, and erotic romances!

So grab your favorite treat and settle in for a quick bite with Mysti as she shares a bit about herself and her latest release, Mann Cakes.

Which type of romance do you love most, and why?

I enjoy pretty much every type of romance. That’s why I write romance for every reader’s taste. But my favorite stories involve imperfect heroes and heroines that are both strong enough to overcome whatever obstacles are keeping them apart, no matter how many times they stumble along the way.

Name one interesting thing you learned in writing/researching your last book.

Gosh, I love research. It’s easy to get caught up in it, and I’ve learned so many things in the process.

While researching my new book, Mann Cakes, I learned how to make a Molotov cocktail. So, if you ever get the crazy idea to fire bomb something…you don’t know me, okay?

Name two things people don’t know about you.

Everyone knows I’m a chocoholic, but not everyone knows I’m a chocolate snob. Anything that says “chocolate flavored” is NOT chocolate. Give me Godiva or Ghirardelli or even Cadbury, and I’m a happy girl.
My biggest pet peeve is when people don’t put their shopping carts in the corrals. You see, a kitten dies every time you leave your cart out in the parking lot. True story.

What’s your favorite romance novel of all time, and why?

I’ll have to say Jane Eyre. Such a classic. It got me hooked on the genre.

Who can resist the dark and brooding Mr. Rochester and the plain, yet bold, Jane, as they weather the secrets and revelations of this Gothic love story?

A Bit About Mann Cakes:

Love makes men do desperate things, if desperate things means opening a rival cupcake shop to drive your ex-girlfriend crazy.

Twin brothers and Air Force vets, Tanner and Garrett Mann, return from deployment to find their thriving business burned to the ground. Time for Plan B: Move back to their hometown of Beach Pointe to start over.

But that means running into Paige and Morgan Baxter –gorgeous, curvy, and owners of Two Sisters Cupcakes.

There’s an old diner for sale across town, Garrett’s a great cook, and Tanner has an idea. They’ll make savory cupcakes that men would like. We’re talking bacon and Cheez Whiz. Even better? They’ll call it Mann Cakes. Problem is, they end up attracting an unexpected crowd.

Paige is furious. Every man in her life has left her behind, including Tanner. She’s sacrificed everything for her shop. She won’t lose it over some egotistical ex-boyfriend, even if he does have an Air Force-chiseled body. Her younger sister, Morgan, isn’t helping matters. She’s been gaga over Garrett since high school.

To hell with that. If it’s a fight Tanner wants, it’s a fight he’ll get. But how much is Paige willing to risk to win a cupcake war?

Find Mann Cakes here (release date May 11):

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSHTPYY
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XSHTPYY
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XSHTPYY
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/d/B06XSHTPYY

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mann-cakes-mysti-parker/1126051104

Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mann-cakes/id1219491854

A Bit About Mysti:

Mysti Parker is an award-winning author and shameless chocoholic. She writes romance for every reader’s taste from super sweet to scandalously spicy. When she’s not writing the next best-story-ever or tackling the endless mountain of laundry, she works as a freelance copywriter and editor. Mysti resides in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband, three children and too many pets.

Want to connect further with Mysti? Find her here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RomanceforEveryReader/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MystiParker
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Mysti-Parker/e/B0055LOTX8/
Website: http://www.mystiparker.com
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/k1j5q6

Thanks so much for popping in, Mysti! It was a pleasure to have you.
Now I’m hungry for some cupcakes. Chocolate cupcakes. Yum!

Writer Wednesday: Meet Nicole Leiren!

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Margaret — 2 Comments ↓

Hey hey, May – it’s Writer Wednesday! So glad you popped in for this brief-but-fun-AND-informative interview with an author – a perfect bite-sized chance to get to learn a bit more about them and their works.

This week I’m proud to present USA Today Best-selling Author Nicole Leiren, writer of contemporary romance and cozy mysteries! Nicole and I have known each other on social media for some time, so it’s a delight to get to share her with folks who may not already be familiar with her – and to welcome in readers who are!

But hey, enough from me… Nicole, take it away – we’re excited to learn about your new cozy mystery, Heroes and Hurricanes!

What inspires you to write?

For as long as I can remember, stories have been playing out inside my head (some people call that crazy, I prefer creative LOL) – sharing those stories with others and having them affect them emotionally brings me a great measure of joy. Giving people an escape from the day-to-day grind of their lives is a large part of what inspires me. And, to be honest, if I didn’t get those stories out of my head…it might explode. Seriously…LOL

Which type of romance do you love most, and why?

I love romantic suspense the most. Having some type of mystery or life-threatening dilemma our hero and heroine must deal with while falling in love – well, that just gives me happy sighs!

Name two things people don’t know about you:

At age 37, I turned total rebel and got my first tattoo (much to the dismay of my mother LOL) She continued to disapprove when I added my second tattoo a few years later. What can I say, I was a late-blooming rebel 🙂

I started publicly sharing my writing in the wonderful world of fanfiction. Through the encouragement of the readers there, I finally decided to pursue my dream of becoming published. Many of my fanfic readers followed me over and became readers of my non fanfic writing as well.

What one piece of advice do you wish you’d had when first starting out?

I think it would be that you must decide what you consider a success and be willing to do what it takes (both creatively and from a business standpoint) to achieve that success. There are many ups and downs in the journey and knowing WHY you’re doing this is just as important as WHAT you are doing. Never forget the reasons why you write (see my previous answer lol) and go back to that when things get a little rocky.

A Bit About Heroes and Hurricanes:

From USA Today bestselling authors Nicole Leiren and Elizabeth Ashby comes a decades old mystery…

When Lilly Waters moved to her ancestral small-town home of Danger Cove, Washington, she hoped for a walk down memory lane and a chance to connect with the family she never knew. What she got instead was a bartending job at the Smugglers’ Tavern, a mysterious man promising information about her grandfather—who had been listed as MIA since the Vietnam War—and a dead body she practically tripped over!
When the police point to Lilly as their number one suspect, she decides to take fate into her own hands. She enlists the help of a trivia loving waitress and a hot local security guard who sincerely hopes Lilly is doing more than just passing through. As Lilly searches for clues to clear her name, she uncovers puzzles that reveal secrets about her family and hidden treasure. Each clue brings her closer to the fortune…and to the real killer who will stop at nothing to get the gold.

Pre-order Heroes and Hurricanes here (release date: May 23, 2017):

Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords

And find Nicole’s Heroes of the Night romance series here: https://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Leiren/e/B011MKQRMQ/

A Bit About Nicole:

Nicole is a USA Today Best Selling author. She has been an avid reader from a very young age. Starting with mysteries, her love for whodunits expanded to include romance and suspense. Nicole’s stories feature what she likes to call her real world heroes and heroines. She enjoys sharing the love, laughter, mystery, and occasionally a touch of the mayhem she forces her characters to endure—all for the reader’s pleasure!

A Midwest girl, born and raised, she lives in the Western Suburbs of Chicago with her hubby, her own personal hero for over 28 years now.

Thank you so much for being with us, Nicole! It was a pleasure to have you here. 🙂

Writer Wednesday: Catching Up With Tamara Shoemaker

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Margaret — 3 Comments ↓

Welcome to Writer Wednesday! I love Wednesdays, for they let me connect great authors with fantastic readers. Matches made in heaven, I tell you.

Today we welcome my dear friend and YA fantasy writer Tamara Shoemaker back to the hot seat – but we’ve served up different questions, since we’ve been blessed to have her on Writer Wednesday before.

So read on to find out more about Tamara’s writing process and her latest release, Unleash The Inferno, Book 3 in the Heart of a Dragon trilogy.

What’s it feel like to have finished TWO young adult fantasy trilogies (Guardian of the Vale and Heart of a Dragon) in short order?

I know in the grand scheme of things, publishing two completed trilogies between 2014 and 2017 feels like a short time, particularly when those trilogies are fantasy trilogies… but I can’t believe it’s only been three years. I feel like I’ve been working on those for years, and when at last I crawl back into bed, take out my teeth and lay my bifocals and cane beside the bed, I look back over the eons and eons of time that I worked on those trilogies, and I drift off into an exhausted sleep. 😉

How do you write so fast?

I don’t feel like I do. The fact that I get books done at all is pure, unadulterated, sheer stubbornness. All my spare time is spent in front of my laptop in various stages of writing, editing, planning, outlining, or marketing. Like any job, I love parts of it and hate parts of it, but apparently the enjoyment outweighs any dislike, because I keep doing it. 😉

Do you ever confuse characters in your head?

The names, I do, and it drives me insane. Particularly when I’m switching from one book to another, I’ll use the names interchangeably. Kinna has appeared in my Guardian of the Vale trilogy, and Alayne in my Heart of a Dragon trilogy. Ayden and Daymon also switched places.

That said, I don’t think I’ve ever confused the actual characters. Each of them has such a vivid connection with parts of the world in which I’ve placed them that switching someone else out for that character calls my attention immediately. They’re all so different and unique. But name-switching? Happens all the time.

Do you plot your stories out completely from start to finish or let characters surprise you along the way?

My style has morphed over the years. I used to be such a pantser. I hated the detail-work of planning out the whole book. I looked forward to writing each day to see what my characters would do next.

Once I began to realize the importance of story structure, though, I had to give up my tenacity to pantsing only. I had to have a solid foundation, a riveting conflict, a great story arc. When I pantsed my books, I had a vague sense of how to set that up, but once I started outlining, those things became much more intentional, honed, and focused. I believe I’ve become a better writer as a result of the switch (not that I don’t make room for some pantsing; my characters still sometimes refuse to adhere to my outline).

What if people haven’t read any of your earlier stories? Will this third one make sense?

It would be a lot like coming into the room where your spouse has just put in Return of the King, and the story picks up right after the battle at Helms Deep. You’d get a sense of the hobbits, Shelob, the orcs, Mt. Doom, Sauron, Minis Tirith, and Aragorn the King, but you’d have a hard time making sense of why everyone was where they were.

That’s not to say that the epic battles and some of the cinematic panorama wouldn’t be amazing and great to watch. I’ve included both of those in this book, so hopefully that will bring enjoyment to anyone who picks up the book, but quite honestly, these characters have grown a lifetime in the first two books. It would be much better to read book one and two first. It’s well-worth it; the trilogy has such a satisfying ending! 🙂

What’s next for you?

My plans (whether or not I end up fulfilling those plans or not is another question) are to finish some editing projects for clients, and then begin a brand new YA Fantasy novel that has been simmering in my head for several months. I’d love to get that written this summer. I’ve just completed two co-writes with my friend and editor, Emily June Street: River Running and The Eighth Octave. We’re hoping to take both of those through the traditional publishing route. In August, I’m attending a writers’ pitch conference, and then have plans for several more books/editing projects. I suppose I have no plans to quit anytime soon. 🙂

A Bit About Unleash The Inferno:

After the Battle at ClarenVale, Kinna Andrachen unites those who spurn King Sebastian’s tyrannical reign, mustering a rag-tag army of soldiers and creatures to face Sebastian’s far larger Lismarian army. Victory is elusive and allies are scarce, but Kinna’s tenacious spirit cannot succumb to injustice. Her fiery heart must learn to lead.

At last mastering control of the four Touches of the powerful Amulet, Ayden finds himself at the center of an epic struggle to destroy the corruption that has tainted the throne of Lismaria for centuries. As time runs out, his options for survival fade, surrendering him to a dark destiny.

Tied to a fate he does not want, Cedric Andrachen resists his inheritance, fleeing the lust for power it sparks in him. As war looms, Cedric faces his choices: will he turn his back on his throne and his kingdom? Or will he enter the struggle against tyranny, bringing the freedom his people have so long sought?

Sebastian sits, at last, on the Lismarian throne, stolen from him twenty years prior. But now the Rebellion, led against him by his niece and nephew, threatens his security from across the Channel, and the Amulet’s promise of power tempts him into even darker shadows. Ghosts of the past brutalize Sebastian’s present until the lines of reality blur with nightmare.

Flames of war ignite between nations. Peril threatens the Andrachen line.
Who will survive the inferno?

Find Unleash The Inferno here: http://amzn.to/2nqHy6G

Typewriter A Bit About Tamara:

Tamara Shoemaker authored the Amazon best-selling Shadows in the Nursery Christian mystery series and Soul Survivor, a stand-alone Christian mystery. Her fantasy books include the Heart of a Dragon trilogy: Kindle the Flame, Embrace the Fire, and Unleash the Inferno, as well her Guardian of the Vale trilogy: Mark of Four, Shadows of Uprising, and Guardian of the Vale. In her spare time, she freelances as an editor for other works of fiction, chases three children hither and yon, and tries hard to ignore the brownie mixes that inevitably show up in her cabinets.

Want to connect further with Tamara? Follow her on social media:

Twitter | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Woot! Thanks, Tamara, for hanging with us today! Always a pleasure, friend.

Writer Wednesday: Meet Taryn Noelle Kloeden!

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Margaret — No Comments ↓

Oh, what a spectacular #WriterWednesday it is, for today we have Taryn Noelle Kloeden, author of epic fantasy and a fellow Flash Friday Fiction writer and critique group friend whom I’ve had the privilege of journeying with as she took her debut YA fantasy, The Fenerean Chronicles: Hex Breaker, from initial drafts to published book. WAHOO!

I’m so very excited for her and her brilliant book, which is great fun (and agony and plots twists and suffering) – especially for those who love shapeshifter stories and stories with wolves. But even if you think that’s not quite your thing, 1) you’re wrong, and 2) there’s romance, too! Yippee! Or I suppose I should wolf howl? (Apologies to y’all and Taryn – I’m nearing the end of a mad editing sprint and am giddy on chocolate.)

Anyway, sit back, dig in to the Easter candy if you haven’t already opened it (and if you don’t do Easter, eat the candy anyway – spring is a great time for chocolate. Okay, anytime is a great time for chocolate), and get ready to #JoinThePack!!

Name two things people don’t know about you.

Let’s see what two random facts jump into my mind first, shall we?

1) I think Brandy by Looking Glass is the most romantic song of all time. Although I’m not sure what that says about my definition of romance since Brandy and her sailor don’t end up together. It remains to be seen how much this penchant for unhappy endings will affect the couples in my books. Here’s hoping love still wins the day!

2) I recently marathonned the last season of the Vampire Diaries (I thought you might appreciate that, Margaret). I have to say that as sexy as Stefan and Damon are, if I had to pick a love interest from that show to be with, for me it would have to be the Indian Jones-esque professor Alaric Saltzman.

(ML says: No wonder we are friends! I LOVE Brandy, and Alaric has long been on my list, too (though, um, it’s Damon Salvatore/Ian Somerhalder who served as the inspiration for The Demon Duke. Just sayin’.)

Name one interesting thing you learned in researching/writing your last book.

I learned that if the FBI ever looks at my search history, they might be a little concerned—although that’s probably the case for most writers. For Hex Breaker I did a lot of research on the effects of altitude sickness and stomach wounds, for instance. When I was writing the rough draft of the sequel Twice Blessed (hopefully being released in 2018), I did a lot of research on the effects of various poisons. Here’s a little preview for book 2: aconite and water hemlock both make an appearance.

What’s your favorite romance novel of all time, and why.

When it comes to romance novels, I’m an Austenite all the way. Of course, Pride and Prejudice is my favorite. But since that’s almost everyone’s favorite, my other go-to is actually Northanger Abbey. I relate to Catherine’s overactive imagination and love Tilney’s humor. It’s such a fun read and a good reminder that things often aren’t quite as dramatic as they might seem. Persuasion is a close-second, though, mostly because of the swoon-worthy Captain Wentworth, who—unlike poor Brandy’s sailor—does come back to Anne in the end…

Talk about the romance in Hex Breaker.

While romance doesn’t dominate the plot in Hex Breaker, it is certainly a key aspect of it. Several different kinds of romances are represented. There’s the uncertainty of first love—and the regret that comes when you let fear of change hold you back. There are strong couples, united in their love and commitment. There are pairings you root for, even though you know you shouldn’t. In short, I think there is something for everyone. It’s an epic tale, and the best epics are filled with love and what we would do to protect it.

A Bit About The Fenerean Chronicles:

Forced to decide between her happiness and her pack’s safety, Rayna Myana chooses to protect those she loves. But when shattered promises and dark magic collide, no one is safe…

For six hundred years, Fenear, a land where humans can take wolf form, has warred with Maenor, its neighboring kingdom ruled by a ruthless dynasty. The possibility of peace emerges when the Maenoren Overlord, Rhael, enters negotiations with Fenearen leaders Bayne and Silver, but their niece, Rayna, is skeptical. Yet, when Rhael proposes to her to strengthen the alliance, she agrees for the sake of her country, despite her family’s objections and a blossoming romance with her best friend. Suspicion of treachery changes Rayna’s decision, but before she can annul the agreement, powerful forces subdue her with a sinister hex. Separated from her pack with Fenear and everyone she loves in danger, Rayna must escape and travel to a distant realm to break the hex. Only then can she save her best friend and her homeland.

Lines blur between heroism and recklessness, dreams and reality, even life and death, and Rayna risks losing herself along the way.

#JoinThePack here:

Amazon: http://goo.gl/6M9tjo

A Bit About Taryn:

Taryn is a lover of nature and all things furry and feathered. As a graduate student in Anthrozoology with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Biology, she is dedicating her life to understanding and protecting animals, both human and nonhuman. This zeal for the outdoors combined with a lifelong love affair with fantasy and horror stories led her to create the YA dark fantasy series, The Fenearen Chronicles. The second installment, Twice Blessed, is due out in 2018. Taryn lives in Richmond, Virginia with her Prima donna cat, Stella, and personal piano player/boyfriend, Lorenzo.

Wanna connect further with Taryn? Find her here:

Wahoo! Thanks so much for being here, Taryn! Much love to you and the greatest success for Hex Breaker.

Writer Wednesday: Meet Jill Haymaker!

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Margaret — No Comments ↓

Welcome to Writer Wednesday! So glad you’re joining us for the chance to get to know a romance author better.

This week we have Jill Haymaker, who writes romance that helps you “find the warmth of love in the cold of winter.” Or, as she also says, “Haymaker to the heart – Romance that knocks you off your feet!”

It may be the beginning of spring here in the northern hemisphere, but we’re always happy to let a good romance warm us up! So grab your beverage of choice and enjoy this quick interview with Ms. Haymaker.

What inspires you to write?

Making people smile and enjoy their day motivates all the actions in my life. I write romance because of the happily ever after. I believe in hope, and want to show a glimmer of hope to others. If I can make a difference in someone’s life, that’s truly inspiring.

Which type of romance do you love most and why?

I love to read and write what we are now calling seasoned romance (stories with heroes and heroines 40 years or older). I love these romances because they give us hope that it is never too late to find love. Older characters also are more interesting than their younger counterparts. They carry a lot of baggage and all have pasts to overcome. They are never one-dimensional.

Name one interesting thing you learned researching your last book:

The heroine in Colorado Wrangler becomes a foster mom to provide a home for an adorable eight year old girl. I had to do a ton of research into the foster care system. I didn’t know just how many children never get out of the foster system and the depressing statistics on their lack of success later in life. I learned how much we need many more good foster homes.

A Bit About California Wrangler:

Melanie Gentry came to Peakview, Colorado to find a father she never knew. Now she’s established a home for herself and her teenage daughter.

Hank Dalton left his past behind and settled into his life as the head wrangler at Peaktop Guest Ranch. He’s a loner and he likes it that way. That is until he runs into Melanie, who makes him want to reconsider that decision. There’s just something about her.

When Melanie adds a foster child and a rescue dog to her family, Hank decides he’s not what Melanie needs. Both must let go of their past mistakes before these two can find a way to blend their lives and create a real family.

Come home to Peakview, where everyone has a chance at love.

A Bit About Jill:

Jill Haymaker was born and raised in Indiana and Ohio. After high school, she attended Bowling Green State University before moving to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1975. Ms. Haymaker has made her home in Fort Collins ever since except for three years in the 1990’s when she left to attend law school at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska. She has practiced family law in Fort Collins for the past 20 years. She has three grown children, a son and two daughters. She also has three granddaughters.

Jill has always had a passion for writing. Colorado Sunset was her first full length romance novel in her Peakview, Colorado series. The second through fourth books in the series, Breakfast for Two, Colorado Cabin in the Pines and Colorado Wrangler are also available at Amazon.com. Colorado Cowboy Christmas is her first Christmas Novella. She also has had several short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, the most recent in the book Random Acts of Kindness.

When not practicing law or writing, Jill enjoys the Colorado mountains, horseback riding, gardening, long walks with her Shetland Sheepdog, Laddie, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoys their numerous sporting events. She is also an avid football fan and can be found on autumn weekends cheering on the Broncos, the CSU Rams, and the Huskers. She has a passion for working with high school youth- she is a youth group leader at her church, coaches a high school mock trial team and is a volunteer at cross country and track meets.

Want to connect further with Jill? Find her here:

Thanks for spending your Wednesday with us, Jill! It was a pleasure to have you.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: