by Sarah | Sep 5, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Personal
- Can you tell us a little about yourself? I live in San Diego, CA with my husband and our two heathens—I mean, adorable daughters. When I’m not writing, reading, or chasing my girls, I try to have as much fun as I can with family and friends.
- Do you have a day job? Yes, what can I say, my kids like to eat and won’t stop growing! ; ) Writing doesn’t pay the bills fully – yet!
- What was the greatest thing you learned at school? I think the greatest things I learned were outside the classroom. The social aspects of school – learning to interact with others, finding your way and how you fit in the scheme of things, figuring out who you are, etc. – I feel were more important than what I memorized out of books.
- Do you laugh at your own jokes? Sometimes, depends on the joke.
- Why do you think what you do matters? My daughters. I’m not perfect, but I know they look to me as an example of how to be and I’m doing my best to try and make them proud.
- Have you ever found true love? Yes! I met him 11 years ago and haven’t let go, nor do I plan to.
- Do you have a saying or motto for your life and/or as a writer? Not so much as a writer, but just for life in general, “Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon. So simple, yet so meaningful.
- What is something you never leave home without (apart from keys, phone, money, and ID)? There’s not really much other than my iPhone – I have an app for almost everything in my life. My husband teases me that he knows I’ll be just fine if I ever get stranded in the woods because he’s sure I’ll have a survival app I can use.
- Where can people find you on the web? Where can they read more about your books? The best place is my website is www.kristenbeairsto.com. I’m also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/authorkristenbeairsto) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/authorkbeairsto).
Your Novel
- What is your book about? Jules is the heroine and she’s responsible for her five younger brothers and sisters after the death of their parents. But to help make ends meet, she works as a consultant to a black market antiques dealer. Her old high school crush, Roman, reenters her life and she struggles with the possibility of a relationship and trying to keep her secret.
- What about your book might pique the reader’s interest? I think readers will find they can relate to Jules and Roman. Although she’s intelligent enough to have skipped multiple grades at a time, Jules is a woman who feels awkward with herself and is struggling to give her siblings the best life she can at the risk of her own safety and happiness. There are so many of us out there that feel and do the same thing. Roman is a Navy vet who is trying to figure out his place in the world after being wounded and experiencing life in a war zone. I think a lot of people can relate to just wanting to figure out where they belong.
- Are the names of the characters in your novel important? Although, it’s not an incredibly deep meaning, there is some. Jules and her siblings are named after Shakespeare characters (Jules is short for Juliet). Roman’s nick name from high school is Romeo as a nod to their opposites attract theme since he was the high school heartthrob and she was the school geek.
- How did you choose your title? Because Jules has an affinity for books I wanted the title to have something to do with books. I’m horrible at figuring out titles for stories! But during the editing process, I was struck by one of the lines Roman has about Jules making an assumption about him and “judging a book by its cover”. I realized that phrase covered so many facets of the book that I had to use it for the title.
- Who is your most unusual/most likeable character? Other than Roman and Jules, I think the most likeable character in the story is Roman’s brother, Richard. He’s the town sheriff and a stickler for the rules, understandably. But there’s just something about him that I think people will like despite the fact that he makes mistakes.
- You got the call – your novel is being made into a TV series or movie – who’s in your dream cast? Hmmm, not sure about the female lead, but without a doubt, my dream male lead is Channing Tatum. Mmmmm, sorry I need a minute . . . ; )
Writing
- How many people (i.e. characters) have you done away with in the course of your career? Too many to count. Oh, that sounds bad!
- Have you ever regretted killing one of them off? No. J I even once killed off one of my best friends in an unpublished story, but without her death there wouldn’t have been a story. Sorry, Heather! J
- How much impact does your childhood have on your writing? I don’t think I’d be where I was if I’d had a different childhood. I received nothing but encouragement as a kid and it’s because of it that I’ve been able to pursue my writing career.
- What’s your writing schedule like? Do you strive for a certain amount of words each day? Basically, I write whenever I can. Between a full time job, two kids, and a husband, I get in as much as I can whenever I can without losing too much sleep.
- What is the most difficult part of the writing process? The easiest? The hardest part is getting the rough draft completed. Because I don’t have a regular writing schedule and I sometimes only have time to write 500 words a day, there are times when it feels like it takes FOREVER to finish a first draft of a story. The easiest for me is the editing process. I love working on a story and taking the time to make it better.
- How many stories are swirling around in your head? Do you keep a mental list, a computer file, or a spiral notebook filled with the ideas? Right now, there’s 8 stories floating around in my head, 5 are outlined but I haven’t started them yet and 2 others are still working themselves out. I try to write them down, but it doesn’t always happen, so I’m more of a mental list gal.
- Who gave you the best writing advice you ever received and what was it? The best writing advice I’ve ever seen was something I read in an interview with Isaac Asimov when I was really young. He said the best way to become a better writer is to read and write. Since then, I’ve seen that same advice given time and time again. So basic, but so true.
- Have you written any other books? Yes, I have three other novels — Love Like Krazy, Sugar & Spice, and Going After the Heart.
Fun (Crazy, odd questions just for fun)
- Have you ever gone out in public in mis-matched shoes, or with your shirt on backward, and when you realized it just said ‘eh, screw it’? No, but I’d probably say screw it if it did happen.
- Are you a neat freak? Or clutter-bound? I’m a weirdo and a combo of the two, don’t like things crazy neat, but don’t care for a lot of clutter either. Of course, with kids, it gets hard to keep things even reasonably neat on a regular basis.
- You were just given a yacht. What would you name it? Girls Just Want to Have Fun
- Someday I want to _____ (fill in the blank) Spend an entire day sitting at an Italian villa, sipping some really good wine and watching the clouds roll across the sky.
- If you could have a super power, what would it be? Hmmm, tough! Probably the ability to not have to sleep – I’d get so much more done!!
- How many licks does it take to get to the middle of a Tootsie Pop? 5, because I start chewing on it after that. J
Quick Questions
- Sing in the rain or dance in the streets? Sing
- Pen or pencil? Pen – I like to live dangerously
- Summer or Winter? Winter
- Movies or TV? TV
- Theater or DVD? DVD
- Rural or Urban? Rural
- Facial hair or clean shaven? Facial hair – I’m a 5 o’clock shadow kind of girl
- Cowboy or Bad Boy? Cowboy
- Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise
- Fall leaves or Spring flowers? Spring Flowers
- Peanut butter or jelly? Peanut Butter – best food ever!
- Spender or Saver? My inner saver is easily silenced by the spender showing her a cute pair of shoes
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00E9IUDXS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]AMAZON[/amazon_link] (Free September 5 & 6) |
Blurb
Books have always been Juliet Marlowe’s sanctuary; the one place she would never be judged or made to feel like an outcast. But when tragedy strikes, she has to get her nose out of the antique tomes she prefers and become the guardian of her five younger brothers and sisters.
Jules struggles to make ends meet. And with the constant threat of losing custody of her siblings if she doesn’t maintain the standard of living previously set by her parents, she finds herself forced to make tough decisions and take risks.
One thing she knows for certain is she definitely does not have room in her life for a relationship. Especially with a man who’s trying to readjust to civilian life and who once held a starring role in her secret fantasies. No, absolutely not, she does not have any room in her life for Roman Price and his smoldering gaze that triggers her irritating blushes with only a thought.
But when everything Jules has built threatens to collapse on her, she finds herself not only accepting Roman’s offer of help, but starts to question whether or not she misjudged the situation from the beginning.
Excerpt
Roman fought desperately to keep his shock in check.
This long-legged beauty was Juliet Marlowe? The same timid girl who roamed the high school halls watching everyone as though a monster might pop out and eat her?
Man, she filled out nice, he decided as he moved towards her with an outstretched hand to help her up. He carefully kept his gaze on her face.
When he walked in, his Navy training took over and he swiftly took in the situation, cataloging the various details of the scene.
Including the black bra easily seen through the soaked white blouse.
He felt a pull in his groin. A welcome feeling, considering his lack of physical response to anything but pain over the last several months.
Struggling to recall her face back in high school, he could only remember how she used to duck and hide behind a book. He wondered if there had been a hint of the smooth expressive features then. Features, he couldn’t help noting, were bright red.
Embarrassment rated better than pain or tears, he figured, still worried she might have hurt something. Reaching her, he bent down and offered his hand, “You think you can stand? Anything hurt badly?”
She gaped at him, making him wonder if he had something on his face. He didn’t think so.
As though coming out of her stupor, she lifted a hand to cover her eyes, “Please someone tell me he’s a mirage and I really just hit my head and am laying on the floor bleeding from a serious head wound.”
Frowning, Roman slowly stood and glanced for a second at the young boy she walked into the kitchen with.
The boy shook his head as he looked down at Jules, “She’s finally lost her mind,” he regarded her sagely.
Arching a brow, Roman returned his gaze back to Jules.
Hand falling away, she moved the brightest pair of blue eyes he ever saw to the boy. He again wondered if he knew she possessed that vibrant gaze when they were teens.
“Finally? You’re just now noticing,” she replied before turning her eyes back to him.
Bio
In between her to-be-read pile and trying to bring the characters in her head alive, Kristen spends as much time as she can with family and friends. Much to her husband’s dismay, she enjoys collecting purses, shoes, and jewelry. During those rare times she’s not working at her day job, rushing her daughters somewhere, watching movies with her husband, and trying to meet a deadline, she can usually be found energetically cheering for one of her favorite New York sports teams.
As with just about every other writer on the planet, Kristen grew up an avid reader. She started with young adult before she technically hit the age range and moved on to sci-fi classics by Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury. At fifteen, her best friend gave her a book she just had to read! The book was Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts. Always a sucker for a happy ending, she was a goner and fell in love with the romance genre. Having started writing novel length stories at the age of eleven, Kristen’s stories all took a romantic turn from that point on.
You can connect with Kristen through her website www.KristenBeairsto.com, Facebook www.facebook.com/AuthorKristenBeairsto, or Twitter www.twitter.com/AuthorKBeairsto.
by Sarah | Jul 8, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to welcome Jennifer Garcia to the blog today. She’s talking a bit about her, and introducing us to her novel, My Mr. Manny.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thanks so much for having me.
I grew up in Boston and moved to Los Angeles when I was sixteen and that was twenty-six years ago. My husband of eleven years is an amazing man and deserves an award for putting up with me and picking up all the slack since I’ve taken up writing on top of all my other responsibilities. My two sons and two dogs keep my house full and myself very busy.
I’m a businesswoman in the Scrap and Recycling Industry. I also attend college full-time for the first time. I received my AA in Communications last year and am working toward a BA in English Literature. I have been writing for a few years now and last October submitted my first manuscript to a wonderful publishing company, Renaissance Romance Publishing, which was accepted.
What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
In my novel, My Mr. Manny, the ninth chapter was the most fun to write. The main character, Mia meets her love interest, the manny (male nanny) during his interview. She was anything but professional at first, a complete spaz. It was, to me, an awkward and funny meeting. Mia was shocked at the reaction she had in seeing this man. She had never had such a strong feeling about someone before and ended up making a huge fool of herself. I actually felt bad for her, but she was able to pull herself together and conduct the interview.
Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
They were pretty easy for me. I think picturing them all as my friends made it easier, and I did, I felt as if I knew them all. Not to mention some of these characters were loosely based off people I know. The main character, Mia, had similar experiences as I did growing up, but our personalities differ greatly. Mia is a lot nicer than I am and much more patient. I admire that about her.
Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
In my opinion, it is a sweet romance, with real life issues and we get to see the Heroine, Mia grow throughout the story. Her manny, Dominic helps her find her true self and rediscover happiness in the truest form. Plus, it has the most adorable little girl, Lucia and her interactions with Dominic are swoon worthy. It will give you a serious case of the feels.
Thank you so much for hosting me again.
*~*~*~*
Blurb:
Mia Balducci misses her childhood days and yearns for the big, Italian family that she left behind in small town Massachusetts. At the tender age of sixteen, Mia moves with her bachelor father to Los Angeles, but no matter how many years pass, it never becomes home to her. The years spent living with her father aren’t easy, especially since she can’t stop thinking about what she once had. Her enrollment in the University of Southern California promises to bring exciting changes to her life, but Mia winds up with big problems instead. When she runs into an old friend from her old hometown of Winthrop, she gets swept up in nostalgia, and she soon loses herself in a quickly-progressing romance. When the fantasy falls apart, she is left to raise her precious little girl, Lucia, on her own. The demands of Mia’s work schedule and Lucia’s needs increase, and their lives become increasingly hectic. It is soon clear to Mia that she needs help. Luckily, her life-saving cousin saves the day and brings the mother and daughter a male nanny – their new “manny.”
After losing his high-pressure job on Wall Street, Dominic Roberts wants to follow his dreams to have a family. He’s already one fiancée down, and there are no likely prospects for another. In order to find the family he so desperately wants, he finds himself getting into the manny business. Since he is fully qualified to provide child care and is eager to leave New York City behind, his sister-in-law is able to land him a job in California working for his first client – the beautiful and intriguing Mia Balducci.
Will Lucia like the new man in her mother’s life? Will Mia? And will this new trio discover the happily ever after they all so desperately seek?
Bio:
Jennifer Garcia’s (aka Forbes Arnone) love of travel began when she traveled to the West Coast to visit her father at the age of three. Her home until she was sixteen was a small coastal town near Boston. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Her lifelong love for reading and writing was put aside for many years while she made her way in the world and nurtured her young family. Even though she is older, and life never seems to settle, she’s finding her way while attending college full-time in pursuit of a B.A. in English Literature. She also runs a business, and is still caring for her family. Believing she can do it all, with the help of her family, she worked on her first novel during the late hours of the night while balancing the rest of her life during the day. Her hard work paid off, as her first novel, My Mr. Manny, will be published August 2013.
Find Jennifer on:
Facebook
Goodreads–Forbes Arnone
Goodreads–Jennifer Garcia
Twitter
Blog
About.me
Authorsdb
Amazon
by Sarah | Jul 1, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I could, but it would probably bore you to death! I live in the middle of Nowhere, Minnesota. Life is pretty simple around here. My day job of working for a print company supports my writing habit. We have a hobby farm. When I can, I’m out on one of my horses. Snow, wind & rain, I’ll be watching a favorite movie or curled up with a book by a friend.
Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Pantser, hands down. My characters always run the show and boss me around. I never try to plan out getting from A to B. They know what they are doing. (I’m glad one of us does! 😉 )
Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
It was tough to learn not to take “No” personally. It seemed everyone was too quick with “not for me”. I knew if someone would give me the time of day, I could make that novel work. It took a lot of research & a lot of rejections to find a publisher to give me a chance.
Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
All my men took on wonderful personalities. I loved every one of them. All my females were bitches. They were (obviously) me. 😛 The men love and fight for them anyway, though. For me, writing those scenes was easy. They all just fell together. Of course a lot of them threw surprises at me along the way, but I rarely argued with them. I’d just yell at them for not letting me know some things sooner. “Why didn’t you tell me you played the piano 20 chapters ago?” And “I told you not to sleep with him!” are just some of the things you’ll hear me screaming as I work.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
My 1st answer here is always to run for the hills!! I never dreamed that writing would be the only fun part in this game. Everything after “The end” is hard work. Okay, for some getting to that point is hard work, too, but you wouldn’t do it if you didn’t like (or being forced to by the voices in your head.) Trying to find an agent or publisher, weeding out the scammers, dealing with rejections, promotions…the whole picture is a lot of work. Getting my book out there was the hardest thing I’ve done (& I had my daughter in the car in a snowstorm!) You can’t give up if it’s what you love but the writing will always have to be enough. Recently I added a “tips” page to my website for people. I have been asked a lot of the same questions so I thought I’d get them down in one place. If you are just starting to look or if you are ready to self-pub – check it out. http://www.junekramin.com/tips
Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
I love books that let me get lost in someone else’s life for a while. If you want to take a jaunt to Maui with a hot dude and fall in love on the beach, this may be for you J. There is just something about this one that made me love it more with each turn. I melted at Dani’s determination to fight for her what her heart wanted.
Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
Like knowing the lyrics to every 80’s song? WA-POW! Then yes! I recently picked up crocheting again. I hadn’t done it in years but stumbled across a minion pattern. Had to do it – now I’m “hooked” again. (Sorry – bad pun. 😉 )
Which character speaks the loudest to you?
The one with PMS. 😉 Seriously though, my female MCs. Lately I’ve been switching up my novels to be 1st person. I tried it with one & I loved how much more you could get into the character’s head. The things that suddenly fly out of their mouths crack me up.
Do you have another book coming out soon?
I have plans for a November release. It’s the start of a thriller series. This was another surprise twist of a novel for me. I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out and how it allowed me to dive right into its sequel. I have 2 other books that have turned into sequels – I didn’t plan either one of them. The characters just wouldn’t leave me alone. My cover artist said, “I wish I knew it was going to be a sequel.” I said, “Me too.” LOL
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| [amazon_link id=”148493248X” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | Smashwords |
Blurb:
Trying to get his bearings on an unfamiliar street and not paying attention, Jeremy slams his breaks to avoid hitting the most beautiful bride he has ever seen. When Danielle climbs in his truck, he assumes she’s in a hurry to get to her wedding; he didn’t realize she was escaping one. He agrees to let her return to his apartment so she can call for help, only she refuses to leave.
As the days pass, Jeremy finds it harder to fight off her passes and claims of falling in love with him. Besides having almost ten years on her, Jeremy discovers the family secret she had been trying to hide. How could the daughter of a billionaire settle for a plumber living paycheck to paycheck?
Despite every tactic her father throws at her and an ex-fiancé who refuses to let her go, Dani stakes her claim to the only thing she has ever truly wanted in her life and fights to make Jeremy hers.
Excerpt:
“Exactly who the hell are you, Dani? Paris Hilton?”
She walked to a bench then sat down. “We’re doing this sooner than I hoped.”
“What’s your last name?”
Again she sighed. “Houseman.”
“You’re shitting me.”
“I wish I was.”
Jeremy sat down, afraid his knees would give away. “You’re… your dad is… Dani that’s…” He couldn’t form a proper sentence and opted to shut up.
“That’s pretty much how everyone reacts. It was nice while it lasted.” She went to stand up, but he held her hand and pulled her back down.
“First of all, nothing about this was nice, so cut the crap. You pretty much kidnapped and raped me… twice on that second one.”
She managed a giggle.
“I’m sorry I was a stammering idiot. I guess I’ve never been in the presence of a billionairess before. My humble plumbing and heating ass feels a little put to shame.”
She rested her cheek to his chest; he wrapped an arm around her. “I liked that you liked me for me, not who I was.”
“I don’t like you. What are you talking about?”
She gave him a playful slap on his chest. “You were starting to like me. Admit it.”
“Maybe I finally got to where I could tolerate your two a.m. jumpings.”
Again she laughed. “What Blake and I had was practically a medieval arranged marriage. His family is even more loaded than mine. I didn’t date much before him because I was always under lock and key. I was damn lucky I didn’t have a chastity belt put on me. If I was out with family without him, everyone swooned over me like a trophy. They wanted to date me because of who I was.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You’re gorgeous.”
“You never said you like the way I look.”
“Am I dead? Come on, Dani. You have to know how beautiful you are.”
“I don’t think anyone has told me that – not anyone who didn’t want something from me, anyway.”
“Well then, I guess you can take my compliment off your list of firsts.”
“Why? You don’t want anything from me.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” He moved her off his chest and stood up.
She followed him up. “You do like me. I knew it!”
“You are certifiable – a total nut job, one of the pickiest eaters I have ever known… but you drive me crazy.” She tiptoed up to wrap her arms around his neck, but he stopped her and held her by the wrists. “Nothing has changed, Dani. No, wait. In fact is has. It’s worse. We are even more of a mismatch than we’ve ever been. I’m still too old for you and you still need to wake up and quit your pouting. I knew I should have stuck to my guns about us. Nothing good is going to come to me for falling for you. There’s no way your family will tolerate anything less than this Blake.”
Bio:
Wife, Mother, Writer, Lunatic. Not necessarily in that order.
“There is a fine line between genius and crazy… I like to use that line as a jump rope!”
June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” on a hobby farm in a small town in Southern Minnesota.
She enjoys riding her Paint horse, Ringo, around the small ghost town they are playfully reestablishing with the neighbors and playing in Photoshop. Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.
Being hopelessly addicted to 80’s music is her super power.
http://www.junekramin.com/
http://www.facebook.com/JuneKramin
http://about.me/june.kramin
http://www.beforehappilyeverafter.com/ (My middle grade series)
by Sarah | Jun 3, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Today I welcome Jennifer Garcia (Aka Forbes Arnone). She stopped by for an interview and to talk about her upcoming release, In my Mother’s Footsteps.
*~*
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thanks so much for having me.
I grew up in Boston and moved to Los Angeles when I was sixteen and that was twenty-six years ago. My husband of eleven years is an amazing man and deserves an award for putting up with me and picking up all the slack since I’ve taken up writing on top of all my other responsibilities. My two sons and two dogs keep my house full and myself very busy.
I’m a businesswoman in the Scrap and Recycling Industry. I also attend college full-time for the first time. I received my AA in Communications last year and am working toward a BA in English Literature. I have been writing for a few years now and last October submitted my first manuscript to a wonderful publishing company, Renaissance Romance Publishing, which was accepted.
Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I would say I’m a pantser because I’m not a plotter in the sense that I outline formally. I usually write the story in my mind and then write. Most of the time, I have the basic plot, the ending, and I let the rest come as I’m writing. So, I suppose, yes, I’m a pantser.
Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
I think I got really lucky. I wrote a novella for an Open Call with a publishing company I wanted to work with. I put it all together, sent it in, and closed my eyes waiting for a response. Unfortunately, they did not accept my story for the Open Call, which was a holiday compilation, but they did want me to expand my novella into a novel. So, the challenge was filling in all of the blanks one leaves open when writing such a short story. However, the biggest challenge was trying to get that all done while working full-time, going to college full-time, starting a whole new story during NaNoWriMo, and writing another novella, In My Mother’s Footsteps in one month. It was a challenge, but I did it.
Which character speaks the loudest to you?
The heroine, Anela, her thoughts and feelings were the loudest to me. She had this longing for a father and lived a very lonely life. Anela’s mother was everything to her but she also betrayed Anela. So, when being so used to losing everything, she felt skittish at first gaining something/someone and then held on for dear life. Her life turns around and comes together but there are things she can’t get back.
Her emotions were so strong and I hope I did them justice.
In My Mother’s Foosteps will be for sale on July 2nd. Follow my blog for updated info and buy links.
11. Do you have another book coming out soon?
I do! My Mr. Manny, my first novel will be coming out August 26th. I love both of my books, but this is my baby.
*~*~*~*
In My Mother’s Footsteps by Forbes Arnone
Blurb:
Anela Alborn’s life is a lie. After growing up without the love of a father, her mother reveals his identity. Tragedy strikes and she sets off on an adventure that leads to more than she could ever imagine. Bumping into Christian Sivers distracts her from the real man of her dreams, her father. Will he live up to her dreams? And does she follow in her mother’s footsteps?
*~*~*~*
*~*~*~*
Author Bio:
Jennifer Garcia’s (aka Forbes Arnone) love of travel began when she traveled to the West Coast to visit her father at the age of three. Her home until she was sixteen was a small coastal town near Boston. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Her lifelong love for reading and writing was put aside for many years while she made her way in the world and nurtured her young family. Even though she is older, and life never seems to settle, she’s finding her way while attending college full-time in pursuit of a B.A. in English Literature. She also runs a business, and is still caring for her family. Believing she can do it all, with the help of her family, she worked on her first novel during the late hours of the night while balancing the rest of her life during the day. Her hard work paid off, as her first novel, My Mr. Manny, will be published August 2013.
Find Jennifer on:
Facebook
Goodreads–Forbes Arnone
Goodreads–Jennifer Garcia
Twitter
Blog
About.me
Authorsdb
by Sarah | May 2, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to welcome fellow SCP Author, Tamara Monteau by today.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in Washington State, joined the Air Force and met my husband of now 31+ years. We now live in Middle Georgia, have four adult children and one delightful granddaughter.
I became interested in the paranormal when I was a child. My sister and I rushed home from the bus every day to get our Dark Shadows fix before doing our homework. We spent hours play-acting our favorite scenes. In 1992, in the aftermath of the ill-fated Dark Shadows revival, I began imagining ways I could help my own vampire find peace. One night, while my husband and I sat in front of the boob tube, I picked up pen and paper, and started to write. I’ve been hooked ever since.
2. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
After I finished writing Dark Destiny in 2003, I registered it with the Library of Congress and began searching for a literary agency to handle the work. Most of the ones I contacted were predatory, asking for money up front for questionable services. I lost heart, and played with the text for the next five years, enhancing the story and defining secondary characters.
My best friend contacted Author House for me, and after speaking with a representative for almost an hour, I decided to give self-publishing a try. By then, my chosen title had been snapped up by another paranormal, vampire, author, so I decided on Twilight Destiny after a search for that title revealed no vampire genre conflicts.
I published two other novels through Author House, and was preparing to do the same with my fourth when I came upon Secret Cravings Publishing in April of 2011. I took a chance and emailed the publisher, and was shocked at her acceptance. I then asked her to consider my backlist, and two weeks later, Haven’s Realm was born!
My story is one of patience, I suppose. I never really pursued traditional publishing. It all seemed to just fall into place, with the admitted help of a few valued friends. It did seem strange to me that the very first publishing house I should ever contact accepted my work, when it took Stephen King forty attempts to find a home for Carrie (at least that’s what I’ve come to understand). I never suffered the trauma of a rejection letter, and although I’ve received criticism for my choice of title for book one, so far I’ve received some pretty awesome reviews on the entire series.
3. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
I would have to say Chapter 15 of Haven’s King. In it, Jason introduces Mirissa to the Council of Elders for the first time. The way the scene unfolded established the ceremony by which all Council mates are greeted, and when it played out, I was so surprised and excited I did a happy dance on the back porch for half an hour. (I’m sure the neighbors thought I was crazy.)
4. Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
All of my characters are endearing friends. Oh, I have my villains, but they don’t usually hang around too long.
I think the hardest character I’ve ever written was Devon, the older vampire from medieval England who was slain in the middle of my first book. In book four, I stepped back to the beginning of my timeline, and had to create Devon for my readership. I knew I needed a character who would be perceived as beloved, and it broke my heart when I wrote his last scene before a hunter’s arrow took him down. Readers learn more of his history as the events within Secrets & Promises unfolds and the Council makes Chari aware of the consequences of her actions against them.
5. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Never give up your dream. Work at it, read about it, tell your friends about it, and keep it active in your mind and spirit. Never write when writing feels forced. You’ll never be happy with the outcome. Instead, open your heart to the possible and let the voices within you flourish. When you have before you a finished product you couldn’t possibly improve upon, you’ll know you’re ready to take the next step and become an aspiring “published” writer.
6. In researching your book what did you learn that surprised you? Or, alternatively, what thing did you research that you never thought you would (and considered deleting from your browsing history)?
I spent a lot of time researching for Secrets & Promises. I need, for a start, a doctor of genetics, and the bulk of my knowledge stemmed from watching all the crime shows on TV. While I kept my explanations as simple as I could, I learned interesting aspects I was able to modify to cross science with magic. Because I promised readers the history and foundation of the Community and its members, I spent more than half my research time investigating the individual pasts and more fully developing members that have been in existence from the beginning. In addition, the past lives of my primary female character presented me with an even greater historical challenge as I followed Vincent’s tragic existence. I came away with a much greater appreciation for early history and how various events throughout time intertwined to bring us the world we now know.
7. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
Well, sure it is. Secrets & Promises is my most in-depth work yet. Two different romances intertwine amidst suspense and mystery that weaves together at the end with surprising results. This is my most tragic tale, and should keep readers turning pages and hungering for more. In fact, one among the SCP staff left me a comment that, after reading this fifth story, she’ll be setting aside personal time to read my backlist. I can think of no greater praise for a book even my husband, who is my worst critic, declared “well written”.
8. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? Talents? Uninque?
I am extremely creative, and dabble in many kinds of art, from painting and ceramics to writing and graphic arts. I can also sing and play (modestly) the guitar and piano. My greatest talent is in my imagination, and my greatest work and satisfaction found in the pages of Haven’s Realm.
9. Which character speaks the loudest to you?
I fell most deeply in love with Ronan (Dragon Lord), but I’ve always had sympathy for Vincent. Jason (Haven’s King) was patterned after my own husband’s quirky humor and cockeyed optimism. Joshua and Catherine (Twilight Destiny) reflect the quieter, more thoughtful aspects of myself. I guess they’re all special to me in one way or another. How does one choose a favorite from amongst one’s children?
10. Do you have another book coming out soon?
I have no idea where Haven’s Realm will take me. Book six is now half written, and I have seeds of ideas sprouting now that I’ve succeeded in expanding the scope of the Community (won’t tell you how – read the book). I can only promise it will not end soon.
*~*~*~*
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BLURB
When her best friend is taken by a vampire, Dr. Charlotte Vinetti shifts her genetic research focus in hopes of finding a cure. Five years later, she’s no closer to her goal, and long-troubled by the one vampire she’d killed who was different from the rest. Her worst nightmares become terrifying reality when she’s captured and realizes her captors are intelligent, sentient beings rather than the mindless creatures who continued to invade her home.
Vincent was nearing the end of his strength. Haven’s trials over the past five years had overtaxed his resources, but he knew with dread his problems were only beginning when the hunter the Community had long sought was the reincarnation of his deepest love. Forced by ancient promises to stand against the Bargain, his only hope lies in ending their gypsy curse and winning her love, for only then can he earn the Council’s forgiveness.
*~*
Excerpt:
“This will further relax you.” He motioned her to one of the chairs, and she sat obediently before taking a sip. Apricot brandy–her favorite. She took careful sips of the warming liquid while watching him with nervous apprehension. A thousand questions crowded her mind, none of them coherent enough to vocalize, so she waited for him to break the silence. When he did, his words surprised her.
“This situation is, in a way, my doing, and for that I offer you my most remorseful apology. If I’d had the courage to seek you out the moment I sensed you near, none of this would’ve occurred. Devon might still be alive. For my reluctance, I am to blame.”
She stared at him in open shock. He’d sensed her? Before she killed their friend? But that was almost five years ago! “I don’t understand.”
“I don’t expect you to. Not yet.” He took a sip from his crystal tumbler, the contents thick and red. She closed her eyes for a moment to quell the bile rising in her throat.
“There is much to be said between us, and much to resolve, both with you and me, and between us and the Council. Right now we don’t have time to address even a tenth of the questions I hear in your mind. We meet with them soon. You must help me devise a defense.”
Her thoughts raced to catch up. There was, indeed, much to resolve, but how can she answer for the crimes she committed against them? The reality that he’d cast his lot in with hers struck home. She swallowed dryly and asked, “We meet with the Council?”
He took another swallow from his glass and sat in the other chair. She nervously sipped at her own. “All right. I’ll attempt to explain. Be silent and listen closely.” She nodded her understanding. “The information I’m about to share would not come to you for at least a month or two. I’m afraid I’ll need to break a few rules if I mean to keep us both alive.”
He took a long pull from the tumbler, draining its contents, set it on the table and leveled his gaze at her without expression. “I’m a member of the Council of Elders, a group of seven advisors who serve our king. By standing in your defense, I’ve turned my back on my brethren. I stand to lose not only my position in a Community I helped create, but also my right to the Bargain. You will come to know of these matters in time, but for now understand that such a loss would destroy me.”
He paused to allow her silent nod. “In a few minutes, we’ll stand together before my friends, for in siding with you and accepting the Reckoning, I share your guilt. When Mirissa, my queen, suggested it and the Council agreed, our fates became one. Without it, you’d have stood judgment alone. Now it stands as our only means of survival. I must understand your motives if I’m to justify your actions. If I can’t make them hear us, our lives will end tonight.”
*~*
Where to find Tamara:
Website: http://www.Havens-Realm.com
Blogsite: http://havensrealm.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamaraMonteau
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TamaraMonteauAuthor
by Sarah | May 1, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to welcome fellow SCP Author, AJ Best by today. She was good enough to answer a few questions. So pull up a chair and relax and get to know AJ.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
A little about myself, hmmm. I’m tall and shrinking. Does that count?
2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I’ve tried it both ways, and so far pantsing makes life go round. I even went to a course called pantsing to plotting. I think I failed the class. I’m such a bad student.
3. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
The first book (short story) was not the easiest thing to get published. I wanted desperately to be a Ravenous Romance gal, but they wouldn’t even give me the time of day. Maybe their watch was broken. So I sent the MS to Passion in Print and OY VEY, they didn’t have much good to say about it. I steamed, cussed, pouted, and threw things until I said, “Self, let’s ignore the not so good stuff, and take the good stuff and run with it.”
Low and behold it worked. Secret Cravings read my short story and sent my acceptance letter to me while I was eating pizza at Pizza Hut. It is not advisable to scream at the top of your lungs in a small town restaurant. When we left there we went to Big Lots, and I had a ton of fun running the battery down on my phone calling everyone I could think of and telling them that I was finnally a published author.
4. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
My favorite was the last chapter as that is where they make up. I can’t tell you the spot they make up on, or where they are when it happens, it will ruin all the fun. But let’s just say, it makes making up fun.
5. Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
My characters are never easy to write. I know (as any parent does) what is good for their kids, but they don’t want to do anything I tell them to do. It’s a huge fight til I give in and alas things work better than I thought they would.
6. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Write. Keep writing. Guest blog, even if you don’t have a book out because you want your name out there for people to say, “Hey, I’ve heard of that AJ chick, she’s a smart ass. Wonder what she’s gonna say today!” But also, remember that anything you put on the internet your publishers and fans can find. So even if you are a smart ass, don’t be a dumb ass about it. LOL
7. In researching your book what did you learn that surprised you? Or, alternatively, what thing did you research that you never thought you would (and considered deleting from your browsing history)?
I’ve done some research for a friend’s book, but even as odd as that was I would never delete my browser history. I can’t wait for the day I die and my grandkids go through my computer and nearly fall out of their chair at what granny was looking at. 🙂 I think the oddest thing that I have looked up for myself was a creature that hunts vampires. It was rather odd searching for “creature that drinks vampire blood”.
8. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
You must read it because I’ve placed a subliminal messaging loop in this interview, and if you don’t read it, your eyes will pop. 🙂 Just kidding. You should read the book because it’s a great short story that will catch you on fire at the very end. Make sure you warn your SO.
9. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? Talents? Uninque?
Not really, but I am the jack of all trades and the master of none. I crochet, oil paint, change computer monitors to cat beds, make paned windows into a painting that looks like a window looking out. I can sew, quilt, make artisan bread, and nearly anything homemade!
10. Which character speaks the loudest to you?
The loudest one is my female heroine in my paranormal romance. She has gone through a ton of crap before the first chapter is over and she’s ready for something good to happen by now. And she’s not very quiet about it.
11. Do you have another book coming out soon?
I have several books in the works, a cookbook, a paranormal romance, and a woman’s fiction book. But none of those are coming out right away.
*~*~*~*
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BLURB
Mary is prepared for the anniversary of a lifetime. Ten years of wonderful memories fill her mind. She can’t wait to see what the next ten will bring. When her plans for early morning seduction fail, her mind jumps to worst case scenarios.
Joe’s attention, focused elsewhere, may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Will he be able to come up with a good reason for forgetting their anniversary?
As the day continues, will the answers Mary finds leave her in tears? Will she find the next ten years dreams shattered before her? Only Joe holds the answers to the questions her heart asks.
**********
Author Bio
From the age of seven AJ has been passionate about the written word. Taking advantage of her summer breaks she would spend the entire day at the library reading. It wasn’t until the age of thirteen the written took hold and wouldn’t let go. Her mother made sure she had a typewriter, yes a manual one, and plenty of correction tape.
AJ’s first love was poetry. Before she was given the experience to comprehend the meaning of love she typed out her first poem:
lazily we walk along the beach
you and I hand in hand
nature has its things to teach
we listen and learn
but never turn
to see what we left behind
When not writing you will find AJ in the garden, kitchen or animal shelter. The family’s love for animals has brought them a pretty cool status among the community. They are one of the only families in the county who will take in feral cats.
AJ is determined to become the worlds youngest ‘cat lady’. Her living furbaby collection includes Jack, Thor, Belle, Shadow and Earl. Keep an eye out in all of her writing, there will be a kitty in every story. It’s the only way she’ll get to reach the ‘cat lady’ status without her fiance` kicking her out.
AJ loves to connect with people. Feel free to stop by her web page www.ajbestwrites.com or send her an email at ajbestwrites(@)gmail.com
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