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...