Interview: Joanne Troppello

What have you had published?
Bella Lucia (2012) – romantic suspense
My S.E.D. Label (2012) – psychological drama
Mr. Shipley’s Governess (2014) – inspirational romance

What genre(s) of book do you write?
I’ve written in three different genres. My two favorite genres are romantic suspense and inspirational romance. I am interested in working on a fantasy novel at some point. I like keeping my writing and technique fresh by trying new styles.

What inspired you to write your first book?
Bella Lucia is a romantic suspense novel, but the themes of infertility and adoption play a part in the storyline. This was a personal story for me since my husband and I have dealt with similar issues. I also enjoy reading suspense novels so it was fun adding a suspense plotline as well.

How long did it take you to write “Mr. Shipley’s Governess”?
At the time of writing Mr. Shipley’s Governess and my other novels, I was working full time and did not have many hours to devote to writing. So, it took about 1 year to write each book and run it through a series of edits. I now co-own a marketing company and have more time to devote to writing.

What is the working title of your next book(s)?
My current work in progress is entitled, Innocence Reborn. It’s a mystery / police procedural novel. I started this book many years ago, but put it on the back burner to focus on other projects. I’m looking forward to finishing this novel. It is the first book in a series.

When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing when I was 17 years old, but went on a long journey before I became published. In one of my high school English classes, my teacher brought a love for reading and writing to his students. I’ve always had a desire to start writing since I was younger, but didn’t try my hand at it until that year. I’ve learned so much about writing along the way and continue to desire to better my writing.

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?
Bella Lucia is published with Astraea Press and my other two books are self-published. I am keeping my options open and am looking to publish future works with another publisher and also self-publish other books.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?
The hardest thing is letting go of my book once it’s completed and has gone through the editing process. I hope that it’s the best that I can do and am always thinking maybe I could’ve written it even better. Maybe I’m too much of a perfectionist and don’t know when to let go.

What do you do in your spare time?
My husband and I enjoy going to the movies. We both like spending time outdoors and sightseeing. I have 7 nieces and 7 nephews and my husband and I love to spend time with them. Reading is another pastime I enjoy.

Who is your favourite author?
My two favorite contemporary authors are Karen Kingsbury and Anne K. Albert. My favorite literary author is Jane Austen.

What’s your favourite genre to read?
I like to read romance as well as mystery novels.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Following your heart is vital. Be true to yourself and write from your heart. Learn to accept constructive criticism and always work to become a better writer. Network with other authors, as critique partners, and learn to help promote each other. Accept the fact that self-promotion comes with the territory if you’re in this field. Whether you write articles or books, continue to write…even if you’re not seeing immediate success. Perseverance will win out in the long run.

About the author
Joanne Troppello is an author of inspirational and romantic suspense novels. She and her husband are Network Marketing Coaches and owners of Mustard Seed Marketing Group, LLC. They have several active blogs and readers are encouraged to visit their Author's Corner Blog, a place for authors and readers to connect. They host various blog parties throughout the year and many guest authors stop by to meet with readers.

Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon Page

Interview: James Grey

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Interview: Darcy Daniel

What have you had published?

“Playing the Part” and “The Devils’ Cradle”.

What genre(s) of book do you write?

Contemporary romance and thrillers.

What inspired you to write your first book?

A scary event that happened to my mother when I was only about 10. I’ve never forgotten it and used it as a germ of an idea for a story.

How long did it take you to write “Playing the Part”?

About 6 months.

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

Dreaming of You (definitely a working title).

When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always been an avid reader and did well in English classes at school, so it just seemed to come naturally to me. I started to become serious about it just after my son was born.

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

“Playing the Part” was published traditionally, but I decided to give self-publishing a try with “The Devils’ Cradle”.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

Marketing! The writing part is much easier.

What do you do in your spare time?

I work full time and write in between, so I rarely have spare time. I guess the only break I get is when I actually go away for a holiday.

Who is your favourite author?

Dean Koontz is my all-time favourite.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

Thrillers with some romance.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just write what you yourself would like to read.

Interview: Claire Davon

What have you had published? 
I have self-published two books so far.
What genre(s) of book do you write? 
I write contemporary romances. However right now I am trying my hand at a paranormal series at the same time I am revising a contemporary romance series.
What inspired you to write your first book? 
My first book dates back to when I was a pre-teen. I became inspired again a few years ago to pick up the writing baton and based the male characters on certain celebrities or famous figures I found interesting.
How long did it take you to write “Sense of Adventure”? 
My first draft of Sense of Adventure (at the time entitled “Hunter”) was written in three weeks. I put it down for a number of years and finally revised it over a two month period and self-published it in January, 2014.
What is the working title of your next book(s)?
For now, “Phoenix,” but that will change. I usually use the male character’s name as a working title. This book is the first of a four-part paranormal romance series and the titles I will choose will be linked thematically.
When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing on and off since I was a child. One of my earliest memories was writing a Kids from C.A.P.E.R. romance novel with me and my friends as the romantic interests when I was eleven or twelve.
Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?
I self-publish at this time.
What part of writing books do you find the hardest?
Usually about midway through the story I decide it is the worst story EVER and it SUCKS and WHY OH WHY did I ever try writing? It’s powering through that time, just slogging through and persisting with daily writing until I get past that feeling that is hard. That and revisions, being ruthless with chopping words and filler plot points or meandering chapters in order to tell the story that really wants to be told.
What do you do in your spare time? 
I have a full time job so writing is what I do in my spare time.
Who is your favourite author? 
So many…for Romance: Ruth Wind or Marjorie Liu. Fantasy: Jacqueline Carey. SF: Neal Stephenson. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Stephen King. Anne McCaffrey. Christine Feehan. Elizabeth Lowell. Neil Gaiman. Jane Austen. Dean Koontz. The list is endless.
What’s your favourite genre to read?
I tend to stay with romance (contemporary or paranormal), fantasy and science fiction, but one of my top ten favourite books of all time is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Good fiction knows no genre.
Do you have any advice for other writers? 
Set a goal every day, whether it’s 100 words, five minutes or two hours, and stick to it. Do the goal you have committed to every day without fail. It will seem weird and awkward at first, that page will be very white and very blank, but the more you do it the easier it gets. And then before you know it, you have a working first draft.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? 
Good luck and keep the words going!

Blog Tour: Roe Valentine

Blurb: 
Realist, Dr. Carla Harris, believes that people create their own fate, through hard work and careful planning. She believes in playing things safe. But, while preparing for her upcoming nuptials she’s forced to confront the most reckless thing she’s ever done, her estranged husband, Jacob.
Idealist Jacob Moreau believes in soul mates, as much as he believes in saving endangered companies. When his long lost wife reenters his life seeking a divorce, he is convinced more than ever they are meant to be together. And he will do—and lose—anything to have her again.
She thought she had her life planned to perfection. He thought they made perfect sense together. Would marrying Jacob be the craziest thing she’s ever done, or divorcing him?


You can add Almost Married to your to-read list on Goodreads

Title: Almost Married
Author: Roe Valentine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 27 January 2013

About the Author:
Roe Valentine was born into the right family. Not only does the name Valentine suit her, but her grandmother, unknowingly, introduced the young Ms. Valentine to her first romance novel. She hasn’t read anything else since. She calls herself a romantic at heart and believes that love conquerors all.

The San Antonio native, who now lives in Houston, attempted to write her first contemporary romance novel when she was nineteen years old. That attempt didn’t take, but her story has a happy ending. She kept pursuing the dream until she landed her first publishing contract. Almost Married is her debut novel.

When not busy writing or reading love stories, Roe can often be found in a yoga class or chatting with friends at her favorite coffee shop. Enjoying margaritas with some girl-talk isn’t unusual for her either. For a night in, she watches reruns of her favorite TV shows and, of course, romantic comedies on her Roku, usually with a glass of wine.

Roe Valentine also LOVES talking to readers. You can contact her in the following ways:
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Website
- Email - info@roevalentine.com

Interview

What have you had published?
ALMOST MARRIED is my debut, but I have a second book coming out this year. It’s a 1920 historical romance called LOVE EASY.

What genre(s) of book do you write?
Contemporary romance, historical romance, erotic romance

What inspired you to write your first book?
I wrote my first contemporary romance when I was 19. I was inspired after I read this Harlequin Superromance called Too Many Bosses. While I loved reading historical romances, there was something about the contemporary setting that made me feel like I could be a heroine in a romance novel. So, I just cooked up a story that was rejected all over the place, and for good reason!

How long did it take you to write “Almost Married”?
Well, I don’t like to say this because I could get slapped, but it took me three whole weeks to write ALMOST MARRIED—it was called LEFT TO FOREVER back then. I haven’t been able to repeat that zeal again so far, so it still surprises me how fast I wrote it.

What is the working title of your next book(s)?
LOVE EASY will be published this year with the Wild Rose Press

Current titles for my next books are –
LOVE HARD
DEVIANT HEIRESS (book one of a trilolgy)

When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing when I was a kid, maybe 6 or so. I think I wrote to escape.

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?
So far I am going the traditional publishing route. If I indie publish, it will be years down the line.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?
Getting and stopping the momentum. Some days the words just don’t come out. Other days I can’t stop writing, but I have to because of other responsibilities.

What do you do in your spare time?
Usually go to Yoga, read at my favourite coffee shop, or have wine/margaritas with friends. I also like binge watching episodes of various shows. Right now I’m watching Dracula, Frasier (Daphne/Niles romance is one of my favourite), and any documentary/show about the Tudor Dynasty.

Who is your favourite author?
I have too many. Currently, I really like Sylvia Day.

What’s your favourite genre to read?
Romance of course!

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for your time! I appreciate you having me on your blog.


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Blog Tour: "Royal Pain" by Danielle Doolittle

Title: Royal Pain 

Author: Danielle Doolittle 

Series: Sweetwater Creek #1 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Release Date: January 6, 2014 

Blurb: Falling in love can be a royal pain. 

     A cocktail of sex, booze, and breakneck speeds is what sends Prince Henry of Benignus into rehab. He’s expecting to skip out on lectures and smoke behind the shed. He’s not expecting Carleigh.

     Carleigh Philips knows Henry is trouble. His bad-boy attitude reeks of self-importance and over-indulgence. She’s not expecting him to lift a royal finger during his time at the ranch. She’s not expecting him to be a threat to her heart.
     When Carleigh’s life is on the line, will Prince Henry step up to the plate? Or will he prove he really is nothing but a phony royal pain?

You can add Royal Pain to your to-read list on Goodreads

  

About the Author: 

With a bachelor’s degree in English, Danielle has always had a passion for the written word. Initially starting out to be a high school teacher, she soon realized writing was her calling. Danielle lives in Ohio with her family. When she’s not writing (which is rare) she’s spending time with her husband, wrangling two rambunctious boys and one rowdy little girl, and baking like she’s on Cupcake Wars.   

Danielle enjoys copious amounts of coffee and dark chocolate, chatting on Twitter, and a good love story. Oh, and an Alpha hero is a must! 

You can find and contact Danielle here:  

Twitter, Facebook, Website

Royal Pain is available to buy here:
Amazon

Interview

What have you had published?

Royal Pain is my debut novel. But look for more from me in the near future!

What genre(s) of book do you write?

I like to say that I'll write anything with a love story. RP is a sweet romance but I have everything from Young Adult to steamy paranormal romance in my backlist waiting to be thrust out into the world.

What inspired you to write your first book?

The first book I finished was written because I couldn't find anything I really wanted to read. I was looking for something specific and I just couldn't find it so I figured why not write it myself. Easy right? I made it about half way into the book before my muse took a hike and I began wondering how I got myself into such a mess.

How long did it take you to write “Royal Pain”?

It took about two months to finish my rough draft...and another two to have my critique partner tear through it and for me to do a rewrite.

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

Right now I'm working on the second book in the Sweetwater Creek series, calling it Royal Promise, featuring another prince (Henry's brother, Alexei) with a whole set of problems of his own to solve. The rest are a tightly guarded secret....but I can tell you there's at least one more hero in Sweetwater who has a story to tell. ;-)

When and why did you begin writing?

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I know, I know...every author says that but it's true. I've been telling stories since my first grade teacher made us keep a writing journal...it sort of stuck.

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

Royal Pain is published by Entranced Publishing.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

I find it hard to work on one story at a time. Right now I have three WIPs started and another five I want to work on. Oh...and editing. Making changes to your baby always stings but in the end it makes it that much stronger.

What do you do in your spare time?

What is this thing you call spare time? With three kids under the age of six alone time is nearly as foreign to me as a meal not containing a form hot dogs or chicken nuggets. On the rare occasion I find myself with time on my hands and no sibling dispute to put an end to I like to read anything I can get my hands on, occasionally see a movie that isn't animated or featuring talking animals, and hanging out with my family. And writing of course.

Who is your favourite author?

This is always a hard question for me to answer. I love so many books it's really a close call as to who I love more.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

Throwing the favourites at me today! I can't say that any genre sticks out as a clear favourite (I know I'm lame). My reading habits are so varied that I can say then only thing I prefer above any other is that there's a clear romantic plot. It doesn't have to be the main plot line, but I crave a HEA when I read.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never, ever give up. I took a writing class in college that introduced me to Stephen King's On Writing (if you haven't read it you should). In the book Mr. King confesses he kept his rejection slips on a nail he hammered into the wall of his bedroom to inspire him to keep going. It only takes one “yes” to get your book out there and each time we write we hone our craft. So never EVER let yourself stop writing.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you so much for allowing me to take up space on your blog. I've had fun!

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Interview: S.C Rhyne

What have you had published? 

My debut novel which is based on my blog of the same name, The Reporter and The Girl

What genre(s) of book do you write? 

This particular book is an erotic romance, but with some dark and heavy undertones. The main characters are also unique and diverse!

What inspired you to write your first book? 

I wanted a romance themed book that was different from what is out there. So, looking at tidbits of my past and friends’ tales, I decided to write a story that is humorous, honest, and self-evolving. It started out as a short story, but a friend encouraged me to make it into a blog series, and then readers encouraged me to turn it into a book.

How long did it take you to write “The Reporter and The Girl MINUS The Super Man!”? 

Almost 8 months, not including edits.

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

Right now it is untitled. But it looks like a coming of age story.

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing creatively last year when I started my blog. It was a fun hobby in which I developed a love of expressing myself on paper.

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

Self.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest? 

Writing can be emotional, so letting go or “flow” can be hard.

What do you do in your spare time? 

Other than writing and blogging, I enjoy reading and swimming.

Who is your favourite author? 

I have read so many great authors across many genres, it would be unfair to say I have one, but recently I’ve read this year: Larissa Ione, Stieg Larsson, Suzanne Collins, Sandra Brown, Robert Kirkman, and L.J Smith.

What’s your favourite genre to read? 

I have an eclectic taste, and have discovered a lot of great genres in 2013, from paranormal romance to thrillers. I just like great story lines that pulls the reader into the world. I also read a lot of nonfiction books too.

Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Just keep writing. Everyday you develop your craft and passion for it.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Thank you for having me on your blog, I hope your readers have as much fun reading the interview. I invite anyone to contact me via my blog, TheReporterandTheGirl.com or tweet me @ReporterandGirl or send me a message on facebook or goodreads!