Interview: Ann Lee Miller

What have you had published?

Kicking Eternity launched in June, The Art of My Life in September, Avra’s God in December, and Tattered Innocence is slated for March 2013.

What genre(s) of book do you write?

I write romance/coming of age novels.

What inspired you to write your first book?

Living on a sailboat as a child. All my books (4) so far have some connection to sailing.

How long did it take you to write ‘Avra’s God?

A year.

What is the working title of your next book(s)?

Finding My Voice

When and why did you begin writing?

When I graduated from college with a degree in creative writing, I didn’t feel like I had enough life experience to write a novel. When I finally had a little peace and quiet with three kids in school and one at home, it was time.

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?

After ten years of trying to break into traditional publishing, landing and losing a literary agent, I published with Flawed People Press.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

Plotting! I much prefer the editing process.

What do you do in your spare time?

I do Zumba, hike, walk, play Scrabble, hang out with my kids, read, and watch movies.

Who is your favourite author? 

Charles Martin and whoever I’m reading at the moment.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

Give me a good love story, and I read you forever.

Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Persevere, no matter what. There’s always room for improvement. We never “arrive” as writers. We need to keep learning.

Bio: Ann Lee Miller earned a BA in creative writing from Ashland (OH) University and writes full-time in Phoenix, but left her heart in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she grew up. She loves speaking to young adults and guest lectures on writing at several Arizona colleges. When she isn’t writing or muddling through some crisis—real or imagined—you’ll find her hiking in the Superstition Mountains with her husband or meddling in her kids’ lives.

Website: AnnLeeMiller.com

Twitter: @AnnLeeMiller

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnnLeeMillerAuthor

Avra’s God:

          In the tradition of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, four friends navigate college and the drama churned up by their Florida beach band to cement friendship and more.                 
          Avra wants love, but drummer Cisco—self-medicating from his parents’ divorce with sex and intoxicants—is a poor choice. Cisco hungers for fresh-baked cookies and the scent of family he finds at Avra’s.
         Kallie shares her classically trained voice only with lead vocalist Jesse and fights to keep her heart safe. Jesse feeds on fame and hides more than insecurity beneath his guitar.
         The friends surf ego, betrayal, and ambition and head for wipeout.  But somehow, when they're not looking, Avra’s God changes them all.

Giveaway: Anyone who leaves a comment with your e-mail will receive a free e-copy of Kicking Eternity, also from the New Smyrna Beach series.

Interview: Cami Stark

What have you had published?

I currently have the first instalment of the hot new series “All She Craved” published; however, the second instalment is due for release on January 7, 2013. In addition, I have an entire series in the waiting.

What genre(s) of book do you write?

Contemporary Romance/Erotica/Suspense (Depends on who you ask)

What inspired you to write your first book?

My daughter inspired me to write. She is a brilliant writer herself and I want to be a role model for her. I would never want her to waste her own talent.

How long did it take you to write ‘All She Craved (The Meeting)’?

Honestly, it only took about 8 hours to “write” the book. It is the editing, formatting, re-editing, and cover creation that is time consuming. Generally it took about 30 days to complete ‘All She Craved (The Meeting).’ The stories come very naturally to me and that makes the writing piece simple.

What is the working title of your next book(s)?

All She Craved is a short story series so, I’m working on the next instalment ‘All She Craved (The Agreement).’ This series should have six instalment’s total. I am also working on a full novel series tentatively named “Dark Temptations.”

When and why did you begin writing?

It’s funny because I cannot remember a time when I did not want to write. I was always told in college that I was a good writer and should pursue a career in writing; however, I finally decided to write when I had so many ideas in my head that I couldn’t keep track of them all. It was then that I knew I needed to get busy!

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?

I am currently self published. I created the “All She Craved” series to attract an audience and an agent. 

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

Editing! Editing! Editing! Thank goodness I have such a brilliant editor. I’m great at creating stories and characters but, editing not so much....

What do you do in your spare time?

I read, a lot! I love spending time with friends and family and doing just about anything in the North woods.  I also love to travel. Many of the places I write about in my books are places I’ve traveled to. One of my favourite places to visit is beautiful Kauai, Hawaii and this is where the “All She Craved” series takes place.

Who is your favourite author?

That is a very difficult questions to answer. I really like Shayla Black, Sylvain Reynard, and Maya Banks in the romance genre. Ted Dekker takes it for suspense.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

I love contemporary romance, suspense, paranormal, and Christian fiction.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just keep writing. I know for me it helps to write more than one story at a time. That way if I get stuck on one, I can move to the other. Also, get something out to the public-whether it be a short story or a novel- and start building your audience. There is nothing more attractive to a publisher/agent then when you come with an audience! 

Interview: Isabel Morin

What have you had published?

I’ve published a full-length historical novel called “No Other Love” and a contemporary novella called “Tempt Me.”

What genre(s) of book do you write?

Strictly romance these days, though within that I write historical and steamy contemporary.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve been reading romances since I was around thirteen. I started writing seriously in my twenties, but I was only writing poetry. At a certain point I really wanted to try fiction because I love the total immersion I get from it, and the most enjoyable thing I could think of to write was romance. I started with a historical because I’ve always loved the extra layer of escapism another time period allows. Little did I realize how much research there would be!

How long did it take you to write ‘Tempt Me’?

About six months. I have a full-time job, so I have to write around that.

What is the working title of your next book(s)?

My next book, another contemporary novella, will be called “Set Loose” and it’ll be out by Christmas. I think people who liked “Tempt Me” will like this one too.

When and why did you begin writing?

I’m not sure why I began writing. I was always a big reader and liked expressing myself through words. My whole family reads and writes a lot.

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?

I self-publish. I was offered a contract for “Set Loose” by a digital publisher, but in the end decided to do it myself again.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

Beginning a new story. I’m very slow and do a lot of starting and stopping at first. It’s not until I have the characters really worked out that I get in a good groove, and that can take a while.

What do you do in your spare time?

I read, watch Netflix with my husband (we’re very into the old British spy show “Danger Man,” and we’re waiting for new seasons of “Downton Abbey” and “Justified.”) We also just started playing backgammon and I think we’re addicted. When it’s nice out I like to garden and go for a walk or bike ride.

Who is your favourite author?

I can’t name just one. A few of my favorite romance authors are Julie James, Cara McKenna, Abigail Strom, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Lisa Kleypas.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

I read equal amounts of romance and literary fiction.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I don’t think I know anything that other writers haven’t said before. I guess I’d just say to write what you love to read and find a good critique partner.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be here!

Review: "Tempt Me" by Isabel Morin

I picked this book up when I was scanning through the top 100 list of free books on Amazon and I’m so glad that I did. I like this story because it’s well written and combines a mix of romance and erotic substance. You are hooked into the story from beginning to end.

Isabel Morin is a writer who combines good writing skills with a good imagination which makes her work most enjoyable to read. Nina is a believable character, an artist who is struggling to make enough money to live on, and Ian is a typical business man who to begin with doesn’t seem to have time for anything but his work. An exciting story with a lovely ending, I just wish there was more of it.

I’m looking forward to reading more of Isabel’s writing and I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. 

(5/5 Stars)

Interview: Shauna Hart

What have you had published?

I have had several books published with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid that are a part of the Club X series.  Those are:  The Pleasure of Sin, Den of Desire and Shadows of Ecstasy.  I also have a book titled Sins of the Past with New Concepts Publishing.

What genre(s) of book do you write?

I write all types of romance.  I also write young adult under Shauna Hall.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve always wanted to write.  Even when I was in school, I would go from class to class and have people asking me for the next chapter.  Writing was definitely in my blood.

How long did it take you to write ‘The One Nighter?

It took about four months to write The One Nighter, mostly because I was in the process of writing Den of Desire at the same time.   I posted excerpts from The One Nighter on my blog, so if you were a follower you received the entire book in excerpts each week.  It was a way to pay back my fans!

What is the working title of your next book(s)?

The working title of my next book is Bonds of Blood.  It is a vampire erotic romance.  I am currently working on the sequel to Bonds of Blood right now.  I am also working on a short novella which will be erotic romance, but I don’t have a title for that yet.

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing in second grade.  I would write little stories here and there.  As I got older, it progressed into writing full length books.   Finally, I decided to start submitting my work out.  It took me a few years to get published, but I was persistent and I kept learning my craft. 

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?

Normally, I go through a publisher.  However, The One Nighter is my first experience with self-publishing.  Although it was a lot of work, I liked having full control.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

I think the hardest part of writing for me right now is finding time.  I work a full time job and have two sons.  So, finding time to write is a struggle.  I usually try to write on my lunch break at work.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I love to watch movies, play video games and of course read.  I also love to travel.  I have been overseas a couple of times which was amazing.

Who is your favourite author?

This is a hard one!  I adore Shayla Black.  I am also a big fan of Sylvia Day, Mackenzie McCade, Maya Banks and Cynthia Eden in erotic romance.  For regular romance, I would have to say J. R. Ward, Heather Graham, Lisa Jackson and Nora Roberts.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

It really depends on my mood.  I love erotic romance and romance (all categories).  I guess those two would be my first picks.  Then, I would have to say young adult.  As long as there is a romance involved, I am hooked.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

The best advice I could give any writer would be to keep writing and submitting.  The latter is difficult because it typically involves rejection.   I definitely had to face my fair share.  However, if you stick with it, you will get published.  Just believe in yourself and your writing. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I love to hear from fellow readers.  You can find me at www.shaunahart.com or on facebook and twitter.

Review: "A Wind Doth Blow" by Daniel Kelley

“A Wind Doth Blow” is certainly an original story; well at least it’s not like anything I’ve ever read before. Daniel has used a challenging range of vocabulary so I wouldn’t recommend this book to an inexperienced reader. This book is a relatively easy read which is well written and thoroughly proofread.

The story follows the life of an artist called Henry who falls for Elise, a beautiful oboist who moves into a house across the street. Daniel’s use of description is what brings this story to life. The only thing I found disappointing with this book was the ending though I won’t say more on this or it’ll ruin the story.

I’d recommend this book to an adult audience.

(4/5 Stars)

Interview: Daniel Kelley

What have you had published?  
As an author?  Nothing!  As a composer/arranger, far too much.  But I've incorporated poems into some compositions under the anagram 'Edy Nell Aleki'.

What genre(s) of book do you write?  
I don't have a specific genre I write.  Stories meander through my thoughts and days and I write down the tale I'm trying to figure out.
What inspired you to write your first book?  
The desire to clear my head.  I wrote a novel 10 years ago.  Fantastic story, terrible prose.  I decided to teach myself how to write and edit by writing short stories.  I've written quite a few, and am always inspired to do so because it's truly invigorating to write out what swims upstairs.  The readers will judge whether I've learned to edit or not...
How long did it take you to write ‘A Wind Doth Blow’?
Maybe 2 weeks, but not working on it full-time!
What is the working title of your next book(s)?
Not a clue.  But it'll come to me all of a sudden, as always.
When and why did you begin writing?  
August, 2001.  I got tired of coming up with reasons why I never sat down and tried to write. 
Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?  
Self-publish!
What part of writing books do you find the hardest?  
Finding time to remain involved within the story I'm writing.  In addition to work, I have 3 children and a lovely wife.  I enjoy spending time with all of them.
What do you do in your spare time?   
I read, bake and walk off the baking.
Who is your favourite author? 
Hmmmm.  Rosamunde Pilcher, John Irving, Somerset Maugham.  
What’s your favourite genre to read?  
No favorite genre, just great stories with great characters that are well written.  I've read hundreds and hundreds of books.  Right now I'm reading The End of Alice by A.M. Homes.
Do you have any advice for other writers?  
Yes.  Don't take any advice from me!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?  
I hope to write more.  I hope I'm not a terrible writer who just thinks he's good.  These answers all seem so egocentric, but I guess I am the one being interviewed...

Review: "Wacky Stories for Women Volume Two" by John M W Smith

John M W Smith strikes again with another set of Wacky Stories for Women. The thing I like about John’s writing is that his stories are short and easy to read and there’s always a twist at the end. Since I’ve read almost all of John’s other work I expect this twist at the end of the story so I try, and fail, to figure out what will happen before I get to the end. It takes a talented writer to make such short stories successful.

(3/5 stars)

Review: "The One Nighter" by Shauna Hart

When Shauna asked me to review her book “The One Nighter” I accepted but I wasn’t sure what to expect. I loved the cover and the blurb sounded pretty good too. I was looking forward to reading it, however, when I did finally get the time to read it I was surprised. It was a good surprise. I loved this book from beginning to end and I’d recommend it to everyone.

“The One Nighter” has an exciting story line that never fails to surprise you (I especially liked the twist at the end) and the characters are easy to relate to. Melanie is a believable character who is easy to connect with and you can feel her pain like it is your own. A great read.

I can’t pick any faults with this book (except the odd typo). FIVE STARS

Interview: John M W Smith

What have you had published?

I have had many 'twist in the tale' short stories published in the high circulation women's weekly magazines like Take A Break, That's Life, and Bella. I have also had stories published in literary journals and the small press.

What genre(s) of book do you write?

I write in the short story genre. I also write novels in the young adult/teen genre (Look Out....Mum's Gone Crackers! Hunting The Beast, May Never The Dead Return, Running With Zombies, all e-books on Amazon), and am currently working on a 'crossover' thriller (teen/adult crossover).

What inspired you to write your first book?

I felt a need to write because I became convinced that a lot which could be said was not being said by existing writers, and what was being said sounded stale and unoriginal. I thought I could do better.

What is the working title of your next book(s)?

(a) Nightmare in Shangri-La (teen/adult crossover) (b) The Wacky Blogger: a collection of my widely followed weekly blogs over the past six months, in an expanded version, about events in my life.

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing as an escape from the tedium and soul destroying boredom of my variously held jobs. I hated office politics, the lies, the back-biting, the casual emotional brutality. How you are forced to belong to one camp or the other when all you want to do is to be left alone to get your day's work done well and further your career through hard work. I was never a team player anyway. There are whole wide worlds waiting to be discovered even within the imaginations of ordinary human beings, and it is so sad that we have to spend our entire lives earning a living rather than exploring the wonders of being alive. I wanted to give my readers a glimpse of what they were missing.

Do you self-publish your books or go through an agency?

Self publish. This is the way of the future. I would not accept a contract from a conventional mainstream publishing house now. For the first time, this year, e-book sales have outstripped paper book sales on Amazon, and this is the way to go. Dozens of bookshops are closing every day. Very regrettably, even libraries are closing. Agents and publishers are a waste of time---they are running so scared of financial ruin that now they will only stick to their existing stables of tried and tested commercial authors, so knocking on their doors is like singing a beautiful song to an empty room.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

The building of a really good and original enough plot. Many new and modern formats exist, but for me nothing beats the carefully crafted story with a beginning, a middle and an end which leaves the reader fulfilled and amply rewarded for his/her time. Anything else is, in my opinion, just lazy on the part of the writer, or a misplaced need to appear fashionably arty or experimental (it rarely works).

What do you do in your spare time?

I wish I had some! But if you insist, well, I read, read, and read. Oh, and I love cooking and listening to The Moody Blues ("thinking is the best way to travel"), Cake ("let me swim in your kidney-shaped pool"), and The Doors ("show me the way to the next whisky bar"). I am happy to live inside my head. I've given up watching movies as I can tell how they are going to progress after the first 10 minutes (yawn! yawn!). I can walk for many miles without getting tired, and some times I end up lost!

Who is your favourite author?

Hemingway. Also Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins. They tell the truth. For anyone who wants to know how a great short story writer writes, go no further than Somerset Maugham. A genius. Also Alice Munro. And for novels, of course, James Hadley Chase, the greatest thriller writer of all time, the master of the page turner. I used to finish a book a day when I was in my teens, and then pass it on to my dad (he took much longer). Whatever damage this might have done to my eyes, I like to think that this was more than made up for by the value added to my brain.

What is your favourite genre to read?

I don't have a favourite genre. I'll read anything that manages to hook me in the first couple of pages. I am impatient, I cannot wait for a writer to tediously unfold swirling visual vistas from his/her imagination, since I have my own imagination to do this. But if you were to press me, then I would have to say my favourite genre would be the well written thriller which grips you by the throat and doesn't let go until it's almost shaken the life out of you.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

There is much glamour associated with being a writer. If this is what you are after, then forget writing. Try the X factor. There are only two rules for making it as a writer. (1) You must be convinced, in the very depths of your soul as you come face to face with it at 3am (incidentally the hour at which most deaths in hospitals occur), that you have some real talent as a writer. (2) You must be prepared to work incredibly hard and be able to handle the huge disappointments that will no doubt come when you throw down your  meticulously created pearls before bird-brained swine (enough said on this last point!). Also you must go on a correspondence course with a reputable and old established writing school, because from them you will learn technique. They will know how to polish your raw talent and turn it from a dull lump of coal into a shining diamond. The first time I sent my writing to my tutor, he tore it to shreds. This was a big blow because I thought I was fantastic. The next piece of work I sent him was slightly better. The third piece of work I sent him received his unadulterated praise. By the time I sent the fourth, he was talking to me as an equal. At that stage I left the course, as he had nothing more to teach me. And I think he knew this, so he didn't mind. So, at the risk of sounding pedantic/patronising, I repeat; spend some money and enrol with a good writing school, for it can do wonders for you. Also you must send your first manuscript to a critique agency; there are many that are not too expensive and are extremely good, and will more than justify the investment in them that you make. Don't argue, accept all their recommendations and suggestions. Oh yes, just one more thing; Read. Never stop. Even if your eyeballs start sizzling like grilled tomatoes threatening to pop. Read everything and everyone, and observe all non-human animals closely, for you will be amazed at the insights they can provide. Listen to the way people speak, the words, the phrases, how some people seem to say a lot in a few words by letting you automatically fill in the blanks. Look out for body-language and use its description when shaping your characters. Overhear conversations shamelessly and learn dialogue from the way real people talk. And...er...um.....did I mention the need to read?

Trick or Treat?

Casey has been watching Hugh from a distance for six months. The office Halloween party seems like the perfect chance to ‘get to know him better.’ 

For children Halloween is the day to dress up in scary costumes and go trick or treating, but for the women in the office where Casey works it usually turned into a contest of ‘who can dress the sluttiest.’

Can Casey get Hugh’s attention before the night ends?



Trick or Treat? is available here NOW!

Interview: Jen Yates

What have you had published?

'Through All Eternity' is the first book I have had published and it is Indie published on Amazon. Prior to that I have had several short erotica stories published in various places and at different times. 

What genre(s) of book do you write?

Romance, romance, and romance! Contemporary, Regency historical (my favourite) and—the ‘Crystal Series’, which cross so many genre lines I’m not sure what to call them! They are romantica, paranormal, pastlife-timetravel,  fantasy-historical (fantstorical?) . This last is because the historical element is so ancient it comes in the realm of fantasy—Atlantis as I perceived it was.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve written books and aspired to be a published author all my life but ‘Through All Eternity’ was inspired by my daughter asking me if I believed in Atlantis. It wasn’t something I’d ever deeply considered but for some reason it set me off on a research journey that opened vistas hitherto undreamed of! The characters became very real to me for a time and told me their own versions of the story. It was a fascinating time of growth for me on many levels.

How long did it take you to write ‘Through All Eternity?

It took about 5 years to complete the Atlantean part of the story, which underwent various transformations during that time. Then, because it was so ‘outfield’, I couldn’t find anyone to publish it. So it sat for a while before it came to me to make it the historical component of a Time Travel. Well—it was already a big book—but a couple of years later it had reached the draft of the form it has now.  It was quite an epic journey, during which time I was also writing other more conventional contemporary and historical romances.

What is the working title of your next book(s)?

I am currently working (with the marvellous motivating tool of NaNoWriMo) on the 2^nd book in the Crystal Series—‘Crystal Dancer’ and I’m loving writing it. The ancient part of this book is set at the time of the Great Flood, so again it’s really fantstorical! ‘Flame of Crystal”  and “Crystal Victory” are already taking shape in note form.

When and why did you begin writing?

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t create stories in my head. I loved writing stories and essays all through school (I became a teacher so never left school really—from 5 to 55!) But I wrote my first novel in my mid-twenties on a portable Olivetti typewriter! I was widowed with 4 young children, a full time teaching job and a live-in house-keeper. I guess I would call that one ‘escapism’ as it certainly took me out of my life and into a fantasy world. And it’s probably very fortunate it was lost in a house fire some years later and no longer exists! The parts I remember make me cringe.

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?

The short stories I’ve had published were submitted and accepted for publication by various books or magazines. ‘Through All Eternity’ has been independently published on Amazon.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

“—what to do with it after it’s written!” I love every part of the process of creating a story but then I just want someone to take it away and make it a best-seller while I get on with the next one!

What do you do in your spare time?

Love my husband (#2). Read romance! I am also involved in a Trust which works to keep our small village alive and pumping and growing in a time when many small communities are giving up their struggle to thrive outside of the splash and dash of the big cities. Did I mention my husband? J He’s a huge part of my life and support team. There is also the small matter of 4 grown children, 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren!

Who is your favourite author?

Georgette Heyer—even though her stories are not sexy! There are not many stories I can be bothered to re-read but hers I do. I have quite a collection of her books and am always looking for ones I don’t have.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

Romance, especially Historical romance—and especially Regency.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Believe in yourself and never give up your dreams – and write what you love. Your passion will show in your writing.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I have finaled in various competitions over the years with contemporary and historical category romances and I plan to get these onto Amazon some time soon. There are just not enough hours in the day—or enough of me— to do all I want to do as fast as I’d like to do it. So I will just have to settle for—one task at a time.

Thank you, Katie, for making space for this interview.

Review: "Wacky Stories for Women Volume Four" by John M W Smith

Another volume of unique stories for women. I don’t think John’s work will ever get old. Volume Four of Wacky Stories for Women is filled with more short stories with unexpected twists which after reading so many you’d think would be predictable by now but they aren’t. I particularly like the twist at the end of ‘The Diet’ which is most definitely my favourite short story in this volume.

A great read, well written, I’d recommend this volume of short stories to anyone.

(4/5 Stars)

Review: "Saving Molly" by Lana Jane Caldwell

This book is set on a ranch and I like how Lana sets the scene instead of going straight to the ‘dirty work’ like most erotic stories seem to. Lana starts the story with a description of Molly’s past life leading up to the present and it doesn’t get to the erotic part of the book until the very end.

Molly and Joshua are believable characters that are easy to relate to as everyone’s experienced feelings of loneliness and wonder if they’ll ever find ‘the one.’ Lana has a unique talent and I hope she continues to write these kinds of romance/erotic stories for adults.

(4/5 Stars)

Review: "Last Teardrop" by Elle A. Rose

I enjoyed reading this book and found it hard to put down. Elle has a great imagination and her talent to develop characters impresses me. When I saw this book I worried that it would be like all the other Twilight copy-cats and I was glad that it wasn’t. This book takes the ‘everyday’ vampire and turns it into something different, something great.

This book tells the story of Amber who is a vampire. Throughout the book Elle gives the reader flashbacks to earlier in Amber’s life so that you learn a bit about her history. I think this is what makes this book so successful. Elle’s fantastic character development makes you route for Amber and hooks you into the story until the very end.

The main reason why I have only given this book four stars is because I think there are just a few too many errors that have slipped through when being proofread to be able to give it the full five stars.

I’d recommend this book to everyone and I’m looking forward to its sequel.

(4/5 Stars)

Book Signing

Meet Katie at Warfare on the 17th and 18th of November to purchase a signed copy of 'Dying to Live' and 'Baggage' and pre'order a signed copy of her newest book 'Daisy.'

I look forward to seeing you there. 10.00 am onwards.

Rivermead Sports Complex,
Richfield Avenue,
Reading
RG1 8EQ

Review: "Wacky Stories for Women Volume One" by John M W Smith

I liked these short stories but there’s no doubt that some of John’s later work is better than his earlier work. You can definitely tell he’s improving as his talent grows, however, this doesn’t make these stories bad as they are far from it.

I find that some of the story lines are too complicated for the length of the story and the stories begin to get a bit repetitive. Similarly to the other work I have read by John I like the unexpected twists toward the end of each story and I would recommend this book along with John’s others.

(3/5 Stars)

Interview: Elle A. Rose

What have you had published?

Besides ‘Hideaway Hill’ I have also published ‘Last Teardrop: The Chronicles of Amber Harris’ a YA vampire novel, and a short story called ‘Frozen’, which is a part of the Hapless Halloween anthology my writing group put together.  

What genre(s) of book do you write?

I tend to write in the YA, paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy and romance genres. But then again, I think if the mood struck me, and I had an idea I couldn’t shake, I’d be willing to try something new.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve always wanted to write. For years, the thought of writing a book sat with me. It wasn’t until I finally had a thought/storyline, which continued to play over and over in my mind that I decided to sit down and put the idea to paper (or computer screen, since I don’t write anything down first. I just type.)

How long did it take you to write ‘Hideaway Hill’?

‘Hideaway Hill’ took about four months to write. Maybe a little less, I lose track of time. I have to sometime take breaks while writing a story. I become so wrapped-up living through the characters that I fight sleep, and hate to be pulled away from the computer even to eat!

What is the working title of your next book(s)?

Currently, I’m working on the second instalment of The Chronicles of Amber Harris (it’s in edit mode and I hope to have it on ebook by Dec/Jan). ‘Wayward Love’ will be my next romance—I haven’t set a release date for that yet. And I am now writing the third book in The Chronicles of Amber Harris. 

When and why did you begin writing?

I always wanted to write a book. I think I finally committed to attempting my hand at the writing world in October of 2009.  I’d read a lot of books: romance, YA and other genres, and I remember finishing a book (I won’t say which one) and finally realizing that I really wanted to tell my story. I wondered how it would turn out since I never took a writing class, and had no clue what was involved in creating a novel.  I didn’t tell anyone for a while that I was writing. I was almost 8 chapters into the story before I revealed my project to my husband. 

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?

All of my books are self published via Amazon--paperback and ebook, and Barnes and Noble Nook. I hope to one day go through an agency, yet I’m enjoying learning the publishing world through the eyes of an indie author.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

For me there are a few things I find hard about writing a book.

1. I think I maybe the worst speller in the world! Sometimes the computer doesn’t know what I’m trying to spell. (So embarrassing!)
2. Editing- Ugh! I do a lot of the editing myself. So with incorrect spellings or missing the proper punctuation can be troublesome. 

What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time? There’s no such thing. (lol) I guess if I do have some spare time, you would find me reading, writing, or watching TV with the hubby. My best friend and I also try to do a ladies’ night at least once a week too.

Who is your favourite author?

I have so many series that I love to read. A lot of authors’ names are running through my head. Still, the one and only person hands-down for all time favourite author is Stephenie Meyers. 

What’s your favourite genre to read?

My favourite genres are romance and YA. I’m a sucker for a love story, so those two combined and I’m overly ecstatic. As long as it isn’t too gruesome (I have an overactive imagination, and can’t sleep if I am seeing the creepy things I just read about hiding in the shadows) I will read it.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

My advice for other writers: Never give up. Share your work with family and friends, they’ll be your biggest supporters. And, if you haven’t already, join a writers group. Your family and friends maybe supportive but your writing group will understand the creative world your in.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I want to say thank you, Katie! This was fun and an honor to do. I look forward to any other questions or comments and can be followed on Twitter: Elle_A_Rose or found on Facebook: Elle A. Rose

Review: "Scary Stories for Women Volume Two" by John M W Smith

All of the volumes of stories for women by John M W Smith are original stories and this volume is no exception. Every story is different which makes it an enjoyable read. Even though they are short stories John manages to include a beginning, middle and an end which is very important in all stories. John also makes sure that every story is complete and none are left on cliff-hangers that I personally find annoying.

I like these stories because they are short and can be read quickly. John has managed to create suspense in all these stories and just like in his other work he has managed to create an unexpected twist to the ending. Overall a good read.

(4/5 Stars)

Daisy

Daisy Snowdon, thirty five, hasn’t been in a relationship for over five years. All that is about to change. Daisy’s mother dies leaving all her possessions to Daisy, including her diaries which date back to her childhood. Daisy discovers things about her mother’s life that she never knew before. Things that lead Daisy to thinking about her own life.

Still struggling with a phobia of commitment Daisy starts to experience things she’s never felt before. One night stands and no strings attached flings had never been Daisy’s style, but with a new view on life came a new Daisy. However, the heart wants what the heart wants…

Daisy is available of here NOW!!

Review: "Hideaway Hill" by Elle A. Rose

Elle manages to hook the reader into the story right from the beginning and keeps them absorbed until the very end. A great read with many unexpected twists and turns and most importantly a happy ending. It didn’t take me long to read this book because I couldn’t put it down and I stayed up late into the night so that I could finish reading it.

You can tell that Elle has put a lot of work into this story and she has made sure that everything she has written is there for a reason and links back to it at later parts in the novel. Everything from the characters to the story line is well written, believable and easy to relate to.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance book with a happy ending.

(5/5 Stars)

Review: 'Wacky Stories for Women Volume Three' by John M W Smith

This collection of short stories is unlike any I’ve ever read before. These stories are original and each of them has an ending that can’t be expected. In the short amount of words John manages to trick you into expecting one ending then give you a totally different one, however, you need to be awake otherwise it can get a bit confusing and you find yourself thinking ‘what happened there?’

These stories are excellently written and there’s no doubt about it, John M W Smith has a talent for writing short stories for women.

(4/5 Stars)

Review: 'Melodies' by Pamela Srey

Love love loved it. Straight away I became hooked on this book and was unable to tear myself away from it. The characters are easy to relate to and the plot is very realistic. It’s so easy to lose yourself in this story as you begin to live the life of the characters especially Bianca.

Being only sixteen I’m not much younger than Bianca and find her life easy to relate to as school life is pretty much how Pamela portrays it to be (of course she’s added a lot of twists to make the story interesting). I have a feeling that Pamela may be planning on writing a sequel to this novel and I hope she is because I’d love to know what happens to Bianca and Pete in the end.

My only complaint would be that it’s often not clear which character is speaking and there lots of typing errors, however, I’d still give this book five stars.

I would recommend this story to everyone, no matter what their age, but I think it’s best suited for teenagers and young adults.

(5/5 Stars)

Review: "All She Craved" by Cami Stark

I read this short story late one evening when I probably should have been in bed. Cami manages to get the reader hooked in the first few paragraphs and from then on you’re unable to put it down. My main complaint would be that it’s not long enough, just when you’re hooked on the story it stops and you’re left on a cliff hanger wondering what will happen next.

Cami Stark is one of many to follow in the footsteps of E. L. James and I think she has great potential. I’m just waiting for the next installment to find out what happens to Trisha Saul and if she takes the promotion offered by Mr. Strauss.

(3/5 Stars)