Welcome Jude Pittman from Books We Love Publishing

Thank you so much for being here, Jude.

1: First, I’ve discovered most publishers are also

authors. Are you?  

Yes I am.  I write mysteries and paranormal romance.

2: When did you start your publishing company?

Books We Love Ltd. incorporated in 2010, however, the predecessor to Books We Love, an author promotion group entitled Books We Love promotion, actually started in 1998.

3: What inspired you to start your own publishing company?

My introduction to online publishing came in the early 90s, and it didn’t take me long to discover there was very limited, if any, support given to eBook authors by either small press publishers or the industry in general.  Since I had a fair amount of experience with online groups like the original Time Warner and other Compuserve authors forums, as well as a stint as an editor of the Open Directory, I formed an author promotion group with a focus on group promotion to give us more exposure than any of us could gain on our own.  In the mid-2000s many small press houses began folding and by 2009 a great many of my co-authors and myself were looking for what we referred to as an “author-centric” publishing house.

4: What makes your publishing company different than others?

First, we do not “mass recruit” authors.  We focus on quality over quantity, and we’re very particular about the books we publish.  Our primary criteria are experience and knowledge of the industry.  Our authors need to have a history in publishing together with the experience required to be part of a quality-focused publishing house like Books We Love.  We pay higher royalties, offer a lot more promotion, and much more author support than most small press publishers.  We also expect a high degree of professionalism from our authors and we only work with authors who can meet those expectations.

5: What do you like the most about running your own publishing company? What do you like least?

Being able to publish some of the most fantastic books being offered in the marketplace and knowing that the author is going to get a fair share of the proceeds from those published books is what I like the most.

Having very little time left over for my own writing is what I like the least.

6: Tell us about your company, what type of stories are you looking for? How to submit, what length stories, and where can we find the submission guidelines?

Our company publishes genre fiction in most categories.  We do not have an “open” submission policy.  Most of our new authors are recommended by existing authors, and we do not provide submission guidelines because each offer of interest is geared towards a specific candidate referred by one of our existing authors.  When we do have an interest in an author we want the entire manuscript. We seldom bother with query letters and synopsis. We are a different kind of publishing company.

7: Tell us about your authors.

All of our authors are experienced professionals. Many of them have previously been published by large houses, and have opted for the smaller, more author focused and individualistic environment of a medium-sized publisher like Books We Love.  Of course, as far as we’re concerned, we have the most talented authors in the publishing industry.

8: How do you decide to accept or reject a manuscript?

Based on the quality of the work, the experience of the author, and the recommendations of our existing authors.

9: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Before you attempt to publish a book, make sure you have thoroughly mastered the basics of your craft.  Don’t just toss your book out there and see if a publisher is interested.  Perfect it first, then seek out beta-readers, critique groups, and anyone you can find to give you an honest and thorough evaluation of your work.  I remember my first novel.  I revised it 6 times before it was accepted for publication and then revised it two more to the publisher’s specification.  Publishing takes, time, patience, hard work, dedication and a passion for writing that goes far beyond the possibility of any financial reward.

10: I know you’re extremely busy, but we all need to relax sometimes. What do you for fun and relaxation?

I bowl twice a week and my husband and I enjoy long walks.  We also enjoy short getaways that allow us to leave technology behind and explore our country and our neighboring countries.  We’re Canadian, but we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our visits both to the USA and Mexico.

11: Where can we find your website? Blog?

Books We Love is at :  http://bookswelove.net or www.bookswelove.com

Our Insider Blog, written by all of our authors and unique in that our blog is not a promotion vehicles, it is a calendar of fascinating stories and articles written by our extremely talented authors.

http://bwlauthors.blogspot.ca/

12: What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

That I respect and value hard work and commitment.

13: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you or your publishing company?

That we have wonderful books written by very talented authors. We have a Bargain Store right on our website where smart purchasers can purchase the books in any format they choose at greatly discounted prices.  Books We Love also has a contest running right now where entrants can win their choice of one of three eBook readers.  Visit our main page, click the contest button and get your entry in there before the end of October.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions. You can find Jude's books at Books We Love

Blog Swap with J.Q. Rose

Swapping blogs with Roseanne is always fun. I remember we did it one year on our birthdays because we have the same day in May.  After reading my post here, be sure to hop over to the J.Q. Rose blog at http://www.JQRose.com to learn about Roseanne’s excellent book, Show, Don’t Tell, where you can learn “to put pizzazz in your writing.”

Thanks so much for getting together again, Roseanne. I brought Texas cake with me. I know that’s a lot of cake, but we need a lot in case your big family shows up too!

Writers Helping Writers by J.Q. Rose

I invited romance and mystery authors to send me writing tips to share on my blog during October through February. I compiled tips from the fifteen participating authors with new material to make up the eBook, Romance and Mystery Authors on Writing. Yes, when I sent them the letter of invitation in August, they knew their tips would be included in a book that would reach out to help writers.

I enjoyed meeting new authors and working again with author friends (including our host) on the project. And oh my, what great tips and information are included in the eBook. 

The tips are organized into the main topics of Writing, Publishing, and Marketing. Within the topic, Writing, authors offer quick tips and advice on dialogue, creating characters, story structure, settings

and editing.

Being a curious person, I had to ask a few questions and dig deeper to learn more about the writers and their experiences in the industry, so I asked them to reveal the “light bulb moments” in their writing journey, questions they are asked most often, and the best advice on writing they have received.

By offering their expertise, the authors hope to smooth the sometimes rocky road for new writers toward a rewarding career in writing.

# # # #

Authors who graciously contributed to this project are:

Conda Douglas	http://condascreativecenter.blogspot.com/
C. Hope Clark	http://www.chopeclark.com
Gail Roughton	http://gailroughton.blogspot.com
Heather Fraser Brainerd	http://drivingblindproductions.wordpress.com/books
Heather Haven	http://www.heatherhavenstories.com/
Helena Fairfax	http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00DRBYLO0
J.Q. Rose	http://www.JQRose.com
Joan Curtis	http://joancurtis.com/
Joselyn Vaughn	https://joselynvaughn.wordpress.com/
Kathy MacIntosh	www.KathyMcIntosh.com
Marsha West	www.marsharwest.com
Melissa Maygrove	www.melissamaygrove.com
Miss Mae	http://www.themissmaesite.com/
Roseanne Dowell	http://amzn.to/tnqgR2
Sara-Jayne Townsend	http://sarajaynetownsend.weebly.com

Amazon link- http://amzn.to/1OFAczz

All royalties will be donated to public libraries.

About J.Q.

BIO- After writing feature articles in magazines, newspapers, and online magazines for over fifteen years, J.Q. Rose entered the world of fiction. Her published mysteries are Sunshine Boulevard, and Coda to Murder released by Muse It Up Publishing. Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. She spends winters in Florida and summers up north camping and hunting toads, frogs, and salamanders with her four grandsons and granddaughter.

Connect with J.Q. Rose online at

J.Q. Rose blog http://www.JQRose.com/

Facebook http://facebook.com/jqroseauthor

Google+ google.com/+JQRose

J. Q.  Rose Amazon Author Page http://tinyurl.com/aeuv4m4

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/janetglaser/

J.Q. Rose is offering a free E-book to one lucky commentor. Be sure to leave your email so she can send you the book. Winner will be announced Thursday, May 21st.

Friday Freebits

Time for another Friday Freebit - From my book All in the Family -

Saturday morning, Callie woke up and stretched. Today promised to be a good day. A very good day. William had called twice since Wednesday. The first time to get her address and the second just to talk. And talk they did, for over an hour and a half after Berry was in bed. Seemed they had a lot in common.

Both of them liked to hike, not that she got the opportunity much lately. And they both liked to dance. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been to a dance.

She got out of bed to get ready for work, praying it would be easy day. Mostly she didn’t want a late case that would prevent her from leaving. She couldn’t wait to see Berry and William again.

Callie buttered a bagel, turned around and stopped dead in her tracks. A huge dog stood in her kitchen. How the hell had he gotten in? He just stood there looking at her. The patio door stood open behind him. Crap, was someone in the house? She hadn’t anyone come in. Memo to self, get lock fixed on patio door. She’d forgotten about that and neglected to put the pipe in the track. Afraid to move, she stood there, looking at the dog.

“Nice doggy. Are you hungry?” Callie tossed him the bagel. He caught it midair and gulped it down. Now what? She grabbed another one and tossed it toward the open door, hoping it’d go outside. Again he caught it midair, not even close to making it outside, and gulped it down.

He seemed friendly enough. At least he wasn’t barking or growling at her. Dare she move? She took a step forward. He sat down. “Come on, doggy, you have to leave, you don’t live here. Obviously, he belonged to someone.

“Hello.” A woman carrying a baby came up on the deck. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry. Zoey, get home.” A little girl and boy came running after her. Zoey ran to the kids.

All in the Family can be found at Amazon

For more Friday Freebits 

Freebits Friday

Michele swore she’d scream if she had to look into one more smiling face or listen to the words, ‘you make such a perfect couple’, one more time. And her feet hurt. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. To make matters worse, the warmth of Brad’s hand on her back sent heat coursing through her body. How

had she let them talk her into this?

The exquisitely decorated hall looked like a fairyland. Mother sure went all out this time. Twinkle lights sparkled through gauzy material that draped from the center of the ceiling and cast a glow on Brad’s face. He was so handsome in his tux. She could almost love him. That is, if she were inclined to love anyone.

The guests sat at round tables adorned with a single red rose in three-foot tall vases. Sure looked like they were having a good time while they awaited the announcement of the newlyweds. Michelle inhaled the scent of roses from her bouquet. The red roses that cascaded through the center of the bridal table looked beautiful, one of the few things Brad had insisted on.

Her mother had sure loved that. “Such a romantic gesture,” she had said. Little did her mother know the pact Michele and Brad had made. “Red roses,” he had told her, “not only mean love, they also mean respect. And though we don’t share love we promise mutual respect.”  A sweet and surprising comment.

Now their seats awaited them, their places of honor, the happy newlyweds. Ha, happy, Michele felt anything but happy. What she felt was tired, irritable, and just plain sick of this whole charade. If she had the nerve, she’d kick off her shoes and run out of here. But she didn’t and she wouldn’t - couldn’t - embarrass herself or her parents that way. She’d agreed to this charade. So she’d stay here, smile and play the happy bride.

 “Almost time to make our grand entrance,” Brad whispered. “Smile.”

It's Only Make Believe is available from Amazon

For More Freebits go to: Ginger's Blog 

Family

Created by a good friend, Karen Cote. What a talent she is.
All in the Family
Taking over the police chief's job in her hometown should have been easy for Callie Johnson. At least that's what she thought. After working in a big city, small town crime would be a breeze. What a surprise when she arrives to  find her grandmother, the judge, accused of murder. 
As if that wasn't enough, she's attacked while waking to her car. Between criminal investigations, her nutty family's antics, and her Aunt Beatrice Lulu's matchmaking, Callie has her work cut out for her. Will her grandmother be exonerated? Can Callie ward off her aunt's unsuitable suitors? What other surprises were in store for her? More importantly, will she find the person who attacked her?Available from Amazon.  

Shadows in the Attic

In the process of renovating century old, Queen Anne style Victorian home, author, Anna Hughes decides to convert part of the attic into a quiet place to write. Her fiancé points out a window on the outside of the house that doesn’t show in the attic. It’s only natural, she’d insist on knocking down a wall. Once the wall is down, they discover a room, complete with furniture, a diary, trunk full of treasures, and shadows hovering over it.

Ben Curtis, Anna’s fiancé hates getting dirty but agrees to her harebrained scheme, hoping to prove her wrong. Maybe then she’d give up the idea of writing and get a real job. Once she discovered the room, there was no stopping her. Worse, she insisted she saw shadows.

Chad Andrews was thrilled when Anna hires him to renovate the attic once the wall was knocked down. Too bad she was engaged, he was attracted to more than her house.

Do they hold the answer to secrets of why the room was hidden?

Available at Amazon

Did you ever have a feeling something bad was about to happen?

 You know kind of a premonition, intuition, omen or whatever you want to call it? When it happens, goose bumps run up your arms and the hair on the back of your neck stands on end. You try to pass it off as a coincidence, but deep down you know it’s not.


We’ve all experienced ESP, haven’t we? You know, you even finish each other’s sentences. Nothing unusual in that, is there? Not at all. At least I never thought so. My friend, Allison, and I do it all the time. We just laugh about it. When we were growing up we used to do the jinx thing.

But this is different. I’m experiencing something with a stranger. Oh, by the way, I’m Rebecca Brennan, can’t expect you to know that, can I? I have this rare connection to someone’s mind. Seriously, I hear what he hears, feel what he feels, and sometimes I even know what he’s thinking. It’s pretty scary. Sometimes I feel his contentment or pride in an accomplishment. Those things aren’t too bad, but when I woke up in the middle of the night with severe pain and even felt like I was bleeding, well let’s say I wasn’t too thrilled.

So, Allison talked me into seeing a parapsychologist. I was pretty leery. I just didn’t believe in these things. But something was happening to me, and I wanted to know what. Actually, what I wanted to know was who shared my mind.

Under hypnosis I kept saying the name Morris and came up with the name of a boot factory. I thought that was odd, but it gave me a place to start. My search led me to a small Victorian town.

All of this happened to me in Connection of the Minds. I have these strange visions about someone else’s life. Some might think it’s a unique gift. Believe me, it’s not.

Connection of the Minds is available at

http://bit.ly/ConnectionoftheMinds


You can find out more about my author, Roseanne Dowell, at http://www.roseannedowell.com/


Here’s an excerpt from the book.

“No!” Rebecca sprang up in bed. Hot searing pain bore into her shoulder. What was happening to her? A warm sticky substance flowed from her shoulder. Oh God, there was going to be blood. From the feel of it, lots of blood. Half afraid to look, her hand trembled as she slowly brought it in front of her face and looked at it. Dry, no blood. What was going on? These kinds of things happened way too often lately. Okay, they were dreams but still. They were so damn real.

Rebecca eased off the bed. Her feet felt like lead weights as she walked to the kitchen and poured a glass of water. After a big gulp, she hurried back to bed. Shivers racked her body even with the blanket pulled up to her chin. A minute ago sweat soaked her skin. Now she couldn’t get warm. Someone’s life had invaded her mind. She didn’t know who or where they lived. And she sure as heck didn’t like it. These were more than dreams. Most of her visions happened while she slept, but they were real. Besides, too many occurred during the day.

The pain eased, but fear and danger lingered. Curling up, she pulled the blanket tighter, closed her eyes, and willed herself to sleep. Strange visions played in her mind. Red, white, and blue flashing lights, fire engines, and ambulances, and police rushed around calling instructions, trying to control panic and hysteria at the scene.

Rebecca rubbed her eyes, trying to erase the visions.

“If only I knew how to find this person. Maybe then I’d find out what these dreams and visions mean.” Her voice startled her in the quiet room. Snuggling deeper in bed, pushing the thoughts away, she tried to sleep.

But sleep wouldn’t come. Her mind wouldn’t be still. The visions persisted. Was she going crazy? Maybe Allison was right to force her to see a parapsychologist.

"I think you’re experiencing a psychic phenomenon." Allison had suggested. "Like ESP or something."

Stacy Verdick Case talks about Getting Past Writer's Block

HELP! I’m stuck in a dry well!


Getting Past Writer's Block

Whenever I write, inevitably I get to a place where my creative well seems not only to dry up, but cave in on me. This is usually around page one-hundred; right after my story has gone off like a shot.

I’m not alone in this discovery, am I?

Many other writers have experienced this phenomenon. That’s why we come up with artful ways to describe what happens – the sagging middle, muse-go-bye-bye, and worst of all. . .Writers Block.

The problem, as I see it, is far simpler and less traumatic than those phrases make it out to be.

Writers frequently sit down to write because we had a brilliant idea for a story. In actuality, what we had was a brilliant idea for a scene. We rush to our keyboards or paper frantic to begin the process. After you have expended all your energy on the brilliant scene you realize, you have to tie that scene to a beginning and an end.

My friends a scene does not a story make.

At this point is where the real work of being a writer begins. Anyone can create a scene only writers know how to craft those few ideas into a masterpiece.

When you reach the “I’m stuck” place, ask yourself these questions:


• Do I know where to begin?

• Do I know where to end?

• Do I have one notable climactic scene to anchor all the others?

• Do I have several smaller climax scenes leading to the big scene?

My guess is the answer to at least one of the questions will be, no. In addition, I bet the question most frequently creating obstacles is the last.

We know we have to open by introducing the characters in their natural habitat. We know we have to wrap everything up at the end. The monumental crisis scene is what set us off on this adventure in the first place. What’s left are the foothills leading to the mountain.

The foothills are the trickiest because they have to do with motivation and conflict. What drove the person who kills twelve people in the final spectacular scene to that point? Motivation is straight forward. On the other hand, conflict seems to be the most difficult part for authors. After all, you’ve spent a lot of time giving birth to these characters, and making them decent people, now you want to torment them? What kind of a monster are you?

It’s okay. It’s your job to torment your characters, and their job to suffer.

If plot is a four-letter word to you, then mull over the dilemma, let it simmer until you know all the scenes that build your story. If you’re a plotter, send your charting skills into high-gear, and map out what you need to do to get from a to b to c.

Whether your process is organic or mechanical, don’t force the answers. If you do, the results will ultimately be stale and predictable. Take your time and wait for the answers to come.

Getting stuck happens, but we don’t have to treat it like it’s the end of the world. Instead, redefine being stuck as not yet ready to create, or an opportunity to dig deeper and discover you’re not in a dry well but a mineshaft full of gold.

Stacy Verdick Case is in the middle of her gold mine digging for pieces of the third book in her Catherine O’Brien mystery series. The first book in the series A Grand Murder is available in paperback, eBook, and now audio from Before the Fall Books. Visit Stacy on her blog, http://sostacythought.wordpress.com for more information on her writing and general musings.






Note from blog owner - Jsut wanted to say I read this book and enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from the series.

Say Hello to Heather Haven

Hi everyone! And thank you so much, Roseanne, for having me over for a visit. Currently, I am having 31 days of guest bloggers during the month of January over on my site, http://heatherhavensays.blogspot.com/. Roseanne was gracious enough to start Blogging Into 2012 off January 1st. That’s our gal! When Roseanne asked me to guest on her blog site, I was thrilled. It’s charming, well done, and saturated with romance. Just like Roseanne’s writing! I write mysteries, myself, but our Roseanne always manages to throw in ‘what’s going on?’ into her writing.


As for my writing, I’m very exciting these days. The final edits for the 3rd book of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, Death Runs in the Family, were finished several weeks ago. Now I await the cover artist, Delilah K. Stephans, to start creating the cover for the book. After seeing the first two, I know the one for Death Runs will be just as darling.
For those of you not familiar with the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, let me welcome to the Family. You’re one of us now! And when the Alvarez clan is not is not solving murders, they run Discretionary Inquiries, a successful Silicon Valley agency that normally deals with the theft of intellectual property and computer software.

Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and the soon to be released Death Runs in the Family are part of the humorous mystery series revolving around Lee Alvarez, a combination of Sue Graftonʼs Kinsey Millhone and Janet Evanovitchʼ Stephanie Plum. Completing the Alvarez Family is Leeʼs Never-Had-A-Bad-Hair-Day aristocratic mother, Lila; computer genius brother, Richard; beloved uncle “Tio;” and her energetic orange and white cat, Tugger. While ferreting out the bad guys, these whodunit novels explore familial love -- the good, the bad and the annoying.



“Heather Haven makes a stellar debut in Murder is a Family Business. Highly recommended.”

Sheldon Siegel. New York Times Best Selling Author of Perfect Alibi.



“Heather Haven has done it again with the second in the Alvarez series [A Wedding to Die For]. Just when I thought she couldn't best herself, she did.” Ginger Simpson, Dishin’ It Out with Ginger


Murder is a Family Business, Book One

Just because a man cheats on his wife and makes Danny DeVito look tall, dark and handsome, is that any reason to kill him? The reluctant and quirky PI, Lee Alvarez, doesn't think so. The 34-year old ½ Latina, ½ WASP and 100% detective has her work cut out for her when the man is murdered on her watch. Of all the nerve.

A Wedding To Die For, Book Two

by

Heather Haven



A groom arrested for murder can put a crimp in anybody’s nuptials, no matter who designed the wedding gown. So when the wedding of Lee’s best friend is threatened by his arrest, thirty-four-year old Lee Alvarez heads to Mexico in search of the real killer and the best tasting tamales ever.




Death Runs in the Family, Book Three

by

Heather Haven

The man Lee divorced with joy in her heart and a gun in her hand has jogged back into her life, only to disappear again. But the -ex takes with him the secret of her cousin’s death as he hit the finish line of a footrace. Who will be next? Lee is in a battle against time to stop the Alvarez Family’s 12K race with death.

Heather is a story teller by nature and loves the written word. In her career, she’s written short stories, novels, comedy acts, plays, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and even ghost-wrote a book.

One of her first jobs as a writer was given to her by her then agent. It was that of writing a love story for a book published by Bantam called Moments of Love. She had a deadline of one week and then promptly came down with the flu. She wrote "The Sands of Time" with a temperature of 102 and delivered some pretty hot stuff because of it. Later on, she wrote short comedy skits for nightclub acts and ad copy for such places as No Soap Radio, where her love for comedy blossomed. Many of her short stories have been seen in various publications, as well as 2 one-act plays produced in Manhattan.

Her first two novels of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, Murder is a Family Business, and A Wedding To Die For were published by MuseItUp Publishing. The 3rd of the series, Death Runs in the Family, will be out in May 2012. Heather says they are a joy to write. She gets to be all the characters, including the cat! She lives in San Jose, California, with her husband and, yes, two cats.


Heather@HeatherHavenStories.com

http://www.heatherhavenstories.com/

Heather's blog at: http://tinyurl.com/4nensnp

http://www.facebook.com/

Twitter@HeatherHaven

Twitter@PILeeAlvarez

Say hello to, Sue Perkins

It's very kind of you to invite me to your blog Roseanne.

Here in New Zealand we celebrate Christmas in the summer. The birds are singing in the sunshine outside making it difficult to concentrate on writing. On days like this I would prefer to sit in the garden with a good book, but writing commitments take priority. Writing this post isn't a chore though, it's a pleasure.
I had two books released over the Christmas period. One for Young Adults, and one for Middle Grade. Both are fantasy, the genre I love to read and write. Dragons also hold a place in my favorites as they are such wonderful animals, even if they are mythical.

Here is an excerpt of each book. I hope you enjoy.

On 30th December MuseItUp Publishing released "Reva's Quest" set in the magical land of Fey. Reva's garden gnome insists she go with him to Fey to save the world from an evil menace they have called Malice. The magical creatures of Fey believe Reva is to blame for the evil and believe she must be the one to destroy Malice.

Excerpt:
“Where are we going?”

“To sort out the mess you've made.” The gnome kicked grumpily at a dandelion. “You humans never think of consequences when you meddle in things not your concern. This time it’s gone too far, and you’ve got to put it right.”

They reached the pond, and Gareth stopped, waiting expectantly. Reva, not sure what he wanted, shrugged and sat down to pull on her trainers.

“Well go on,” the gnome said as she tied the laces. “Hurry up before the portal closes.”

“What portal? I’m not sure what you want me to do.”

“Humans!” He snorted derisively. “The portal in the pond of course. Jump in and pass through to the other side. You go first, and I'll follow.”

Reva looked dubiously at the pond. The scummy mess still sat on its surface, and it smelt even worse than when she’d first found it. Some horrible disease probably lurked in the depths, waiting to infect her.

I’m going to tell him to forget it. I’m off back to bed to wake up from this bad dream.

The look on the gnome’s face changed her mind. He stood, arms crossed with one of his little feet tapping impatiently as he waited for her to move.

A slow smile crossed her lips. If this was a dream, jumping in the pond wouldn't hurt her. With a shrug she began to untie her shoes.

“No need for that.” The gnome snapped. “You'll want them on the other side.”

With a grin, Reva pinched her nose shut with two fingers, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Feet first, she jumped into the murky depths.

Buy Link: MuseItUp Publishing http://tinyurl.com/revasquest


Desert Breeze Publishing released Dragon Flame a fantasy romance for Young Adults on the 1st January.

Talei's home settlement is burnt by flying dragons leaving her the eldest survivor. They join with survivors from other settlements. Talei is contacted telepathically by a dragon, and with Adri at her side she sets out for the other continent to solve the dragon problem. Failure means the end of dragons and humans on this new world.

Excerpt:

Crawling under the wagon, Talei peered out at the devastation unfolding across the field. Moments before gaiety and bright colors pulsed in time with the music as the colonists celebrated their anniversary. Now the field resembled a battlefield. The only color in the dark clouds of smoke rolling across the ground came from bursts of flame, as the dragons scorched the earth beneath them. Here and there intermittent smaller bursts indicated a few colonists trying to return fire with laser guns.

Darth stirred beside her, and thinking he moved to comfort her, she turned toward him. To her horror she saw him crawl from beneath the wagon and move toward a laser gun which had fallen from the hand of a dead defender.

"Darth, no," she hissed. "Don't be stupid."

He picked up the laser, and still lying on the ground he looked toward her, pride glowing in his eyes.

"I'm not stupid, Talei. I'm going to protect my home and people in the only way I know."

Without another word he wriggled forward until he reached the dance floor. Talei watched helplessly as he stood. Alone in the center of the dance floor, he fired at a dragon strafing the tents along the eastern side of the open space.

The beast turned. Without appearing to aim, it launched a stream of fire at Darth. He didn't even have time to cry out as his body burst into flames. When the blaze subsided only a blackened husk remained. Talei watched in horror as the residue of her childhood friend fell lifeless to the ground.

Buy Link: Desert Breeze Publishing http://tinyurl.com/dragonflame

Webpage: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com/
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Say hello to Rosemary Morris

1: Thank you so much for being here, Rosemary. First up is the obligatory question. When did you first begin writing?

When I was a child.

2:That seems to be when most of us began. So, what inspired you to write?

Reading and my interest in history.

3: Ah, yes our love of reading. Tell us, what do you like the most and least about writing?

I most enjoy the anticipation of the journey ahead when I begin a novel.

I regret that there are never enough hours in the day to devote to writing.


4: Oh to have more time. Seems to be a consensus with authors. And, what do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?

Spending time with my family and friends. Reading fiction and researching my novels. Growing herbs, fruit and vegetables throughout the year in my organic garden. Visiting places of historical interest. Arts and crafts, knitting, embroidery, patchwork etc.
5: We seems to have some of the same interests. Tell us, which authors do you like to read? A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s translations of classical Indian literature such as the Bhagahavadgita. Translations of the Indian classics such as The Ramayan and Mahabharat. Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scot – particularly Ivanho, Elizabeth Chadwick, Georgette Heyer, Helen Hollick, M.M.Kaye, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind, Rosalind Miles, Colleen McCullogh’s Thorn Bids and too many others to list.
6: Wow, that’s some deep reading. What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

I try to treat others as I would like them to treat me.


7: Tell us about your current novel, where we can find it and your website/blog.

Historical Background to Tangled Love. When the outwardly Protestant Charles II died, he left a country torn by religious controversy and not legitimate children. The throne passed to his Catholic brother James.

It was an anxious time for the people, whose fears increased when James II became to unpopular that he was forced into exile. In 1688,Jame’s Protestant daughter, Mary and her husband, William of Orange, became the new king and queen.

Some Protestants, who had sworn allegiance to James II, refused to take a new oath of allegiance to William and Mary and joined him in France.

Tangled Love Loyal to his oath of allegiance, ten year old Richelda’s father must follow James II to France.

Before her father leaves, he gives her a ruby ring she will treasure and wear on a chain round her neck. In return Richelda swears an oath to try and regain their ancestral home, Field House.

By the age of eighteen Richelda’s parents are dead. Grief-stricken she believes her privileged life is over. At home her only companions are her old nurse and her dog. Clad in old clothes she dreams of elegant dresses and trusts her childhood friend Dudley, a poor parson’s son, who promised to marry her.

Richelda’s wealthy aunt takes her to London and arranges her marriage to Viscount Chesney, the new owner of Field House. Richelda is torn between her love for Dudley and her oath to regain Field House, where it is rumored there is treasure. While trying to find it will her life be at risk or will she find true love?

Forthcoming releases from MuseItUp Available from MuseItUp Publishing.com/bookssstore2/… Amazon Kindle and elsewhere.

Tangled Love January 2012
Sunday's Child June 2012
False Pretences October 2012
http://www.rosemarymorris.co.uk/
http://rosemarymorris.blogspot.com/


8: Wow, sounds like you did a lot of research for this one.Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

However busy you are set aside time to write. If you write half a page every day you will finish a novel in a year. Join off or on line writer’s groups where you can mix with other writers, receive encouragement and encourage others.

9: Do you base your characters on real-life people?

Some historical figures feature in my historical novels but I do not base my characters on real-life people.


10: Where do you get your ideas and what inspired you to write this book?

I am inspired by incidents small and large in history. This novel was inspired by the turmoil created by James II. I asked myself: What if a young girl suffered as a result and wrote Tangled Love.


11: What are you currently working on?

I am revising two novels, one set in Queen Anne’s reign and the other in Edward II’s reign. I am also writing a new novel set in Charles II’nds reign.


12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

I am grateful for my many blessings.

Prologue

1693

Richelda Shaw stood silent in her nursery while thunder pealed outside the ancient manor house and an even fiercer storm raged deep within. She pressed her hands to her ears and, eyes closed, remained as motionless as the marble statues in the orangery.

‘Nine years old and you’ve not yet learned to be neat!’ Elsie, her mother’s personal maid, pulled Richelda’s hands from her ears. ‘Come, your father’s waiting for you.’

Richelda’s hands trembled. What was wrong? Until now Father’s short visits from France meant gifts and laughter. This one made Mother cry while the servants spoke in hushed tones.

Followed by Elsie, Richelda hurried down the broad oak stairs. For a moment, she paused to admire the lilies of the valley in a Delft bowl. Only yesterday, she picked the flowers to welcome Father home. After she had arranged them with tender care, she placed them on a chest, which stood beneath a pair of crossed broadswords on the wall above.

Elsie opened the massive door of the great hall where Father stood to one side of the enormous hearth. Richelda’s eyes searched for her mother before she spread her skirts wide and knelt before him.

Father strode forward and placed his right hand on her bent head. ‘Bless you, daughter, may God keep you safe.’ He smiled. ‘Upon my word, sweetheart, I vow the colour of your hair reminds me of a golden rose. How glad I am to see roses bloom in these troubled times.’

Richelda chewed her lower lip again. She did not know him well and dared not speak. Therefore, when he sat and beckoned to her, she hesitated.

Putting an arm round her waist, he drew her to him. ‘Come, do not be nervous of your father, child. Now, my daughter, do you know King James II now holds court in France and that his daughter, Mary, and William, his son-in-law, seized his throne?’

‘Yes, Mother told me we are well rid of King James and his Papist wife,’ she piped up, proud of her knowledge.

With a sigh, Father lifted her onto his knees and held her close. ‘Richelda, I must follow His Majesty for I swore an oath of allegiance to him. Tell me, Richelda, while the king lives how can I with honor swear allegiance to his disloyal daughter and her husband?’

Unable to think of a reply, she lowered her head.

Father held her closer. ‘Your mother pleads with me to declare myself for William and Mary and begs me not to return to France, but I am obliged to serve King James. Do you understand, Richelda?’

She nodded. Her cheek brushed against the softness of his velvet coat and she breathed in his spicy perfume.

‘If you remain in England, you will be safe. Bellemont is part of your mother’s dowry and I doubt the Crown will confiscate her estate.’

If she remained in England! Startled, she stared at him.

Smiling, he popped her onto her feet and stood. ‘Come, we shall ride. I have something to show you.’

Before long, they rode away from the house and estate. They drew rein on the brow of a hill. At its foot lay Field House, their ancestral home seized by the Roundheads soon after poor King Charles I execution.

He pointed at the Elizabethan manor house. ‘Richelda, I promised my father to do all in my power to regain the property.’ Grey-faced, he pressed his hand to his chest. ‘Alas, so far I failed to keep my oath and now I cannot,’ he wheezed.

Richelda yearned to help him keep his promise to her grandfather. She also yearned to find the gold and jewels legend said her buccaneer ancestor, Sir Nicholas, hid.

After her father breathed easy, she ventured. ‘If we found the treasure trove you could buy Field House.’

‘Ah,’ he teased, ‘You believe Sir Nicholas did not give all his plunder to Good Queen Bess.’

‘Elsie told me legend says he hid some of his booty in Field House,’ Richelda said, excited by the thought of pearls and rubies, diamonds and emeralds, gold and silver bars and coins. Less shy of him, she asked. ‘In his old age, when Sir Nicholas retired from seafaring, did he put his ship’s…’ she broke off for a moment in an attempt to remember the word and continued triumphantly, ‘…his ship’s figurehead, Lady Luck, in the great hall?’

‘Yes, for all I know she is still above a mighty fireplace carved with pomegranates, our family’s device.’

‘I want to find the treasure.’

He chuckled and wheeled his thoroughbred mare round. ‘Come, time to ride back to Bellemont.’

‘Do you know our family motto, Richelda?’

‘Fortune favours the brave.’

‘Are you brave, my little lady? Will you swear on the Bible to do all in your power to regain Field House?’

To please him, she nodded.



Forthcoming releases from MuseItUp
Tangled Love January 2012
Sunday's Child June 2012
False Pretences October 2012

http://www.rosemarymorris.co.uk/
http://rosemarymorris.blogspot.com/

Interview with Penny Ehrenkranz

Today, my guest is author and editor, Penny Ehrenkranz. Thank you for joining us, Penny.  

1. What qualifies you to be an editor?

My job as an editor is that of line editor.  When I get a manuscript, it has already been seen by a content editor several times.  I look for grammatical errors, punctuation, spelling, and continuity. I am also on the lookout for anything the content editor might have missed.  For example in one manuscript, the author described her character as always wearing a certain color.  Then a few chapters later, she has her don a sweater which is the wrong color.  I pointed it out to her and she changed it.  An editor needs to be able to keep track and notice when something is off.  Another example comes from the book I’m editing now.  The author switched her main character’s name and used the name of a main character from a previous book.

I have a strong background in the English language, with English my main area of study in school.  I spent a number of years as an executive secretary where I needed excellent grammar skills.  I’ve also been a published writer since 1993, so I have a lot of knowledge. 

Before I became an editor for MuseItUp, I took an exam which tested my skills.  I know some people who applied failed the test.  When I got my job at another publishing house as an editor, it came about after I reviewed a book and found a number of errors.  I wrote to the publisher and jokingly told her if she needed an editor to let me know.  I sent her a copy of the book with my highlights, and she quickly responded with a contract.

2. How much input do you have in accepting a story that’s submitted to MuseItUp Publishing?

All of the editors have an opportunity to read submissions.  The manuscripts are loaded onto a forum.  Whoever has time, and all are encouraged, read the submission and comment as to the quality of the writing, including POV shifts, grammar, content, readability, and whether it is a good fit for our house.  The publisher has the final say, but she takes into account all of the input she receives.  If she decides to reject, she sends our comments to the author.

3. Who decides which editor gets which story?

We choose by ourselves. Sometimes it’s based on our own work schedule. Other times, we choose based upon our own interests. For example, I rarely, if ever, choose to work on a book of erotica. It’s not a genre I read, and so I’m not familiar with it.  I don’t feel it’s fair to the author for me to work on something I don’t really understand. 

If an editor begins with an author on a series, we try to keep the editor with the author for the entire length of the series.  Also, if the editor works well with the author, we try to keep them together even when it’s not a series.  Building a good working relationship helps the editor know the author’s voice and style.

4. What do you like best about being an editor?

Being paid to read.  I love reading, and this is a job where I can read all day long, and no one tells me I have other work I have to do.  I’m already doing it.  I also enjoy the interaction with authors from around the world.  Some I feel have become true friends. 

5. How do you handle a situation where you suggest a change and the author refuses?

I think most authors understand why a change needs to be made. When they do refuse, however, my method is to offer a compromise.  For example, I’ll let them ignore a grammar rule in dialog, but they agree to correcting it within a scene.  Since I started doing this a couple of years ago, I’ve only had one or two authors I remember who stuck their heels in the ground and refused to budge.  I think most authors can understand the need for a change if it’s explained properly and not shoved down their throats as a command. I try to be respectful when I make suggestions and listen to the author’s reasons why he or she doesn’t want to make a change.

6. Do you have a particular genre you prefer editing?

I love to work on fantasy and science fiction, since this is what I read for pleasure.  I also enjoy working on sweet romances, middle grade, and young adult.  I’ve found I like cozy mysteries, too. Besides erotica, there’s very little I don’t want to edit.

7. What’s the one thing you wish authors would avoid?

Point of view slips are the most annoying.  They will take me out of the story, and I stop and ask myself: “Who’s story is this?”  “Wait a minute, what happened there?” 

It’s okay to switch point of view chapter to chapter or scene to scene, but it doesn’t work when the author jumps back and forth between two characters within the space of one scene.

8. Do you have a job other than editing? If so, what do you do?

I retired from my day job in 2008.  I was the Office Manager/Chief Legal Secretary for the Columbia County District Attorney.  Now, I can devote myself to writing, blogging, and editing full-time.  Although I have to admit since I’m retired, I also give myself the luxury of spending time with my family, my pets, my garden and my craft projects, like crocheting.

9. What do you like about editing? What don’t you like about editing?

Since it’s difficult to edit my own work, I like being able to find problems and tighten up a manuscript in someone else’s story.  I wish I could do the same as easily with my own!  I also like that I get paid royalties for book sales, but I don’t have to do the marketing. 

I enjoy getting to know the authors.  I often invite them to be guests on my blog, having them answer questions about their work, and learning about their latest releases.

When I worked with my other publisher, I didn’t like that I only had one opportunity to go through a manuscript.  I have a bad habit of getting caught up in the story initially and missing subtle mistakes.  Having the chance to go through it more than once, allows me to find errors I didn’t find the first time. I have since “retired” from that publishing house.

About the only other thing I don’t like is when I get a manuscript later than I should, and I feel rushed with the edits.  I don’t believe this is fair to the author, however, it happens sometimes.  Life gets in the way, and earlier deadlines are missed.  Fortunately, this doesn’t happen often.

10.          What’s the difference between a content editor and line editor? Which would you rather do?

A content editor has the tough job of finding overused words, making sure the story makes sense, tightening up, and eliminating material which isn’t necessary to the story.  As I mentioned above, the line editor works on the grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as checking for anything the content editor might have missed.

I am very happy being a line editor.  I believe this is where my strengths lie.  Since I find it hard to chop and discard my own words, it’s difficult for me to do content edits on other people’s work, too.  I’ve done a few content edits, but I definitely prefer being a line editor.

11.           You're an author too, how difficult is it to edit your own books? Tell us about your book and please add an excerpt.

I’ve talked about this a bit above. I find it difficult to edit my own manuscripts.  As authors, we become “wedded to our words,” and divorcing them is very hard.  I’d much rather work on someone else’s edits than my own.

I have two books which I’ve been promoting recently.  They are romances released by MuseItUp Publishing.  Lady In Waiting came out in November and Mirror, Mirror will be released at the end of December.

TITLE:  Lady-in-Waiting

Tag Line: Through a series of misunderstandings, Mabriona is forced to live a lie, but when the man she loves awakes from his coma, will she confess her deceit?

Blurb: Mabriona is cousin to the beautiful and spoiled Princess Alana.  When Alana is forced to marry a man she despises, Mabriona is torn between her loyalty to her cousin and her attraction to the handsome Prince Blayne.

Tragedy befalls the cousins on the way to Prince Blayne’s castle.  Servants, believing Mabriona to be Alana, refuse to listen when she tries to explain.

While she waits for Blayne to recover, Mabriona meets his equally handsome younger brother, Madoc, a bard.

When Blayne awakes, will Mabriona choose life with a future king, will she be sent home in disgrace because of her inadvertent lies, or will Madoc win her love with his poetry?

Excerpt:

LADY-IN-WAITING

“Today’s the day, Mabriona,” Princess Alana said as Mabriona entered the chambers.  She wiped tears from her eyes with an embroidered linen. “Prince Blayne will be here, and soon I’ll be his wife.  I think the worst part of being father’s daughter is marrying someone I’ve never even met.”

“You’ve always known your marriage would be arranged for the benefit of the kingdom, Princess, but I’m sure he’ll be very nice,” Mabriona replied as she opened the heavy drapes covering the windows. She looked at her cousin and sighed.  She wanted to feel sorry for Alana, but they’d had this discussion so many times. Mabriona was tired of it.  Alana had known from the time she was a child that she would not wed for love.  Why can’t Alana just accept her fate? Outside the day was as wet as the one before and the one before that.

“Nice?  Who wants nice?  I want someone handsome and dashing.  A knight in shining armor who will love me forever.  I certainly don’t want someone like my father who will make me do everything I don’t want to do.”

TITLE: Mirror, Mirror

Tag Line: Lindsay Baker’s purchase of an antique mirror sends her back in time to salvage a love torn apart by class restrictions.

Blurb: Lindsay Baker is intrigued by everything about the middle ages, but when she purchases an antique mirror and a costume to attend a Renaissance Faire, she suddenly finds herself transported back in time.  There she finds she’s been called by a witch to right a terrible wrong. 

Graham loves Prudence, but he can’t marry her because he’s landed gentry, and she is only the baker’s daughter.  Before Lindsay can return to her own time, she must convince Graham to marry against his father’s wishes.  Unfortunately, she also finds herself falling for the handsome gentleman.

Can she find her way back to her own time, or will she be stuck in a time when women had no rights?

Excerpt:

After Stefany left, Lindsey adjusted the water spigots on her tub.  A few drops of bubble bath went into the water, and the soothing scent of lavender filled the moist, steamy air.  While the tub filled, Lindsey tried on her Renaissance outfit for the upcoming Faire. She couldn’t believe her good luck at finding the perfect pieces.  She tested the bath water to be sure it was the right temperature. Then she picked up her antique mirror to get a better view. Was this a scryer’s mirror at some point in time? It slipped from her wet hands into the bathtub.

“Nuts,” she mumbled as she leaned over the tub.  She pulled one sleeve up on her blouse and fished around in the bubbles for the mirror. When she pulled the mirror from the water, spots appeared in front of her eyes, and she felt faint.  While she watched her reflection in the old mirror, the background changed.  She no longer saw the inside of her bathroom.  She closed her eyes as the room around her went black.

Buy link: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2