New Release– End of Lonely Street by Alicia Dean – Plus an Awesome Giveaway

I’m excited to share my latest release from The Wild Rose Press on what would have been Elvis’ eightieth birthday. ‘End of Lonely Street’ is a Vintage Romance Short Story set in 1957, in the era when Elvis first burst on the scene. Like my heroine in the story, I am a diehard Elvis fan. (As you probably figured out, I took the title from a line in Heartbreak Hotel, which was Elvis’ first million selling record).

Check out End of Lonely Street and enter to win GREAT prizes…

GIVEAWAY: - Entries accepted from January 8, 2015 through noon on January 22, 2015

Three prizes – 

Elvis Gift Basket including DVD, CD, plus more

$25 Amazon Gift Card

$10 Amazon Gift Card

First place winner has first choice, second place winner has second choice, third place winner receives remaining prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Spotlight Andrea Downing

Loveland by Andrea Downing

When Lady Alexandra Calthorpe returns to the Loveland, Colorado, ranch owned by her father, the Duke, she has little idea of how the experience will alter her future. Headstrong and willful, Alex tries to overcome a disastrous marriage in England and be free of the strictures of Victorian society --and become independent of men. That is, until Jesse Makepeace saunters back into her life...

Hot-tempered and hot-blooded cowpuncher Jesse Makepeace can’t seem to accept that the child he once knew is now the ravishing yet determined woman before him. Fighting rustlers proves a whole lot easier than fighting Alex when he’s got to keep more than his temper under control. 

Arguments abound as Alex pursues her career as an artist and Jesse faces the prejudice of the English social order. The question is, will Loveland live up to its name?

Interview with Tia Dani

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Tia Dani. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a release out called Death Unseen. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous book?

We’d love to Kim. It starts when Navajo Tribal Policeman, Lance Logan, discovers his cousin’s body brutally mauled and senses there’s more to the death than it appears. His intuition leads him from Four Corners, New Mexico to Phoenix, Arizona where he finds himself embroiled in another murder.

Our heroine, Carly Carlton, could be considered an ordinary woman—except for two traits she tries to keep hidden—clairvoyant powers and the ability to experience death in dreams. Her talent to see beyond the veil of reality, as she and Lance try to find a killer, helps to soothe his embittered heart and softens his revenge.

DEATH UNSEEN is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

It seemed fitting for our mystery. Murder, intuition, and death in dreams, are all a part of this book.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

Although we write in various genres, paranormal has always been our favorite. When this story line bloomed in our minds, we became so excited that we put all our other stories on hold until this project was completed.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

We must have channeled it from somewhere out in the universe. The idea came to us as we talked about storylines over coffee. We bounced it around for several days and did a lot of research, but before long we had a basic plot down. Of course we had to work out the details, but the main idea popped out during brainstorming.

What are your favorite paranormal research books or sites, and why?

In truth there isn’t any one particular book that’s our favorite. We use a mixture of books that explore all types of elements. In, Death Unseen, we researched a lot on Native American teachings and modern clairvoyant experiences.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

All our characters are special to us, but maybe Lance. He gave us an exciting, strong and determined man to work with which is always a good thing. Although, our villain was certainly interesting. He’s a very sick and evil man who gave us an opportunity to step outside our comfort zone.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research and/or world affect your character development?

Character sheets are very important to us and we get very detailed with them. We write background history for each character, including, family, hobbies, pets, and relationships with brothers and sisters. We go through magazines and cut out clothing items our characters would wear. We feel, to be able to write about a character, we need to know everything about them and how they would react in any given situation.

How do you go about building your world if you use one? Do you use maps, charts or drawings?

Photographs of scenic places helped visualize the landscape and buildings. We also created a scrapbook page of each chapter with important points. It helped us by looking at it whenever we became stuck.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

We’ve discovered that every author we read, from best-selling to first-selling, gives us an insight into writing one way or another. To mention them all would take forever.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

Promo is hard. As fairly new authors we are still experimenting with author promotion. We want to find out what works the best for us and what doesn’t. Authors need to get their name out there. A nicely designed website is important, along with personal blogs, and other internet sites such as facebook and twitter. Contests with prizes seem to generate interest. Be creative. Your goal is to draw readers to your site and get them excited about your writing and your books. Another step is to be involved with local and national activities. We have several workshops planned and will be offering them at different conferences in the near future.

What do we have to look forward next?

We have another short erotic story that just released with Sapphire Blue Publishing, titled, COME FLY WITH ME.

Blurb:

Expanding her business means constant travel, leaving Bree Alexander with no time for a social life and no sex life. For months, she has fantasized about a fellow frequent flyer she’s labeled Mr. Sex God.

Steven Cain notices her every time he travels. Despite his secret desire he hasn’t been able to “connect” with her—at least not in the way he’d like. But when an unexpected flight delay strands them together, will Bree and Steven take the opportunity to turn their erotic fantasies to reality…before their layover ends?

Thanks, Tia Dani!

Bio.

Tia Dani is the published writing team made up of good friends, KrisTia Eaton and Dani Petrone. Together they create endearing and realistic characters, humorous dialogue, and unusual settings.

Storytelling has been a passion for Tia since childhood when she regularly enthralled the neighborhood children with make-believe fairy tales and wild adventures.

Always the lover of a good romance, Dani’s goal is for you to step into the shoes of her heroine, fall head-over-heels in love with her hero, and most of all believe in the magic of love.

Tia and Dani happily call Arizona home where they play in the sunshine and dance in the twilight of the beautiful Sonoran desert.

Check out author’s website at www.tiadani.com

Have You Seen My Muse?

It seems every time we meet and chat with new readers, the subject of storylines always comes up. We get questions like: “How do you get your ideas?”, and “Do you ever get writer’s block?”

The answer is everywhere, and maybe.

We always have ideas. With the two of us, we can take a small idea and turn it into a full blown storyline over breakfast. And as for the writer’s block, that’s just when we’re too tired to think. There are too many interesting characters running around in this universe to worry. With our active imaginations usually working overtime, writer’s block isn’t something we are concerned about. However, finding the time to write our stories, that’s what’s difficult for us.

We’ve read a lot of helpful articles on writers block lately and they all give great advice on how to get your creative juices flowing. We’re sure you’ve read many of them yourself.

We thought you might like to hear some of our own tips for dealing with the attack of the dreaded writer’s block or how to come up with a new storyline.

Be an avid people watcher. We certainly are. One our favorite things to do while out and about, say lunching at our favorite restaurant, is to observe those around us. We see a couple across the room and decide to create an entire story about them. Out comes a notebook. Did they meet online and this is their first in-person date? Or, are they superheroes plotting how to save the world?

How about the great looking guy you noticed in line at the supermarket or Starbuck’s, have you ever considered him as the hero (or villain) in your next story.

The ‘what if’s’ are endless. And, fun. Here we are brainstorming with our friends.

If you’re still stuck, take a break and watch some TV. Watching television is a great way to get inspired. Daytime TV has taken a hit recently with all the soaps that have been canceled and replaced with more talk shows. Come on. Really? How many self help shows do we need? Wait, before we get all the comments about the stupid soaps, let us remind you, General Hospital’s Luke and Laura were household names and their GH marriage made the front of Newsweek.

But, if daytime TV isn’t for you then take a look at nighttime TV. Boy, there are some great ones coming this fall. Talk about cliff hangers and upping the stakes. Bones, where Temperance told Booth she’s pregnant? And, Castle? Oh, goodness, Montgomery involved in a cover up? Will Kate live? Of course she will since the show wasn’t canceled, but did she hear what Castle told her as she lay dying in his arms?

Some of our favorites for inspiration are, The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, NCIS, and Memphis Beat, and of course, Hawaii Five-O. The list goes on and on. Tia even draws some of her quirky characters or story twists from Midsomer Murders.

Hawaii Five-O Cast

Alex O'Loughlin.

Dani see him as her next hot hero. Tia sees Alex as a villian.

And the movies??? The wealth of ideas continues to be endless.

Still have writer’s block? Here’s another tip. Before you start working on your current project, relax, take a deep breath and think about all your wants and desires. Then take another deep breath, and after you exhaled slowly, say aloud, “I release all my wants and desires; all I need comes to me exactly when I need it.”

The story will come, trust us.

If not, there’s always chocolate and martinis.

Live your dream passionately.

Have a wonderful Week.

Interview with Donna Hatch

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Donna Hatch. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called The Guise of a Gentleman. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

A young widow’s quiet world is shattered by a impulsive gentleman of many secrets. When she is dragged into his world of violence and deceit, she may not survive the revelation of his past…or still love him when the truth is revealed.

The Guise of a Gentleman is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

I wish I had an interesting story for that! I’d been pondering other titles, one of which was Beloved Pirate, but none of them seemed to fit. Then one day, as I was doing the very glamorous activity of folding laundry, it just came to me and I knew it was the right one.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I write romance because I love the happily ever after. Not only love it but I have this bizarre need for it. If a book doesn’t have a good ending, I feel like I’ve wasted my time because I read to escape my problems. I want to know good always triumphs over evil, and love conquers all, not be bummed because all was lost. I also love watching the romance unfold and, of course, the euphoria of falling in love. My husband likes to capitalize on that euphoria, too ;-)

I write historicals because I like to be transported to a totally new world and historical are completely different than my real life. I mean, seriously, who wouldn’t want to have a life involving beautiful gowns, a servant to do your every bidding, and gorgeous men who do everything from recite poetry to wield a sword. And, seriously, there are few things sexier than a man on horseback.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I’ve always been fascinated by pirates and I love heroes with a secret identity, but really, the characters drove this story. This one is hard to trace because I really didn’t plot it or develop Jared’s character. I mostly just followed him around and typed everything he did and said. He was so real to me that I even dreamed about him. In my editing stage, I did have to cut a few scenes that slowed down the story, but I made very little changes to the original draft.

What are your favorite historical research books and why?

Anything by Jane Austen is great because it the books took place in that time period and the author lived at that time, too, so it’s accurate. I also did a bunch of reading about pirates. Blackbeard: America's Most Notorious Pirate by Angus Konstam gave a lot of information about pirates, sailing and nautical life.
As far as overall Regency references, here are some of the best:
Our Tempestuous Day by Carolly Erickson
The Half Mad Lord by Thomas Pitt
Georgette Heyer’s Regency World
Regency Etiquette: The Mirror of Graces, 1811, by a Lady of Distinction
The Regency Companion, Sharon Laudermilk and Teresa L Hamlin

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

Oh, Jared, for sure. He was so irrepressible and unpredictable, yet he held a secret fear that made him vulnerable.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

I usually write the first few chapters organically to give my characters a chance to introduce themselves to me. Then I go back and do character interviews. But a lot of the characters unfold as the story does. Sometimes I have to go back and strengthen someone (usually the heroine, because I seem to have a harder time time with heroines than heroes, which is weird) and sometimes have to work more on developing their backstory and how it affected them.

What are some common speech terms, dress modes, transportation or housing facts that you found interesting for your time period?

What’s not unique about the Regency Era? ;-) The clothes are super fun and were drastically different than other eras. Women’s were more comfortable than both previous and future eras, and men’s clothes became much more subdued and tailored rather than just as much frills and lace as possible to flaunt their wealth.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Oh, many! I grew up on Laura Ingalls Wilder books, Little Women, and Anne of Green Gables. Hmmm, all historical. Do I sense a trend? But later I discovered fantasy and was drawn to the ones that had strong heroines with a real purpose than just to be rescued by the hero. Some of my current favorites are Lynn Kurland, Candice Hern, Julia Quinn, Jennifer Ashley, Sarah Eden, Joyce DiPastena, and many others.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

I wish I knew! Most people don’t tell me where they heard about me, but I think after all the time and money we spend on social media, websites, author blogs, etc, the best is still good old-fashioned word of mouth. Not that I wouldn’t love to hire a publicity agent!!!

What do we have to look forward next?

I’m juggling way too much right now! I have two historicals I’m trying to finish, plus I’ve started a YA paranormal. And I also have a fantasy percolating in the back of my mind.

To celebrate her book release, Donna is offering a free book of The Guise of a Gentleman to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (Please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

Plus, you can earn additional chances to win by doing the following:
1. Follow my blog, at www.donnahatch.blogspot.com, then send me an email at donnahatch29@gmail.com, and tell me you’re now following me and put “The Guise of a Gentleman for free” in the subject line.
2. Friend me on Facebook, (http://www.facebook.com/people/Donna-Hatch/1053967713#!/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1053967713) then send me an email at donnahatch29@gmail.com, and tell me you’re now my friend on Face book and put “The Guise of a Gentleman for free” in the subject line.
Remember, for each thing you do, you have another chance to win. Good Luck!!!

Thanks, Donna!

Thank you for having me.

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Bio.

Donna has had a passion for writing since the age of 8 when she wrote her first short story. During her sophomore year in high school, she wrote her first full-length novel, a science fiction romance. She wrote her second novel, a fantasy romance during her senior year. Needless to say, English and Creative Writing were always her favorite subjects. In between caring for six children, (7 counting her husband) she manages to carve out time to indulge in her writing obsession, with varying degrees of success, although she writes most often late at night instead of sleeping. A native of Arizona, she now writes Regency Romance for The Wild Rose Press and Fantasy. And yes, all of her heroes are patterned after her husband of over 21 years, who continues to prove that there really is a happily ever after.

Check out author’s website at www.donnahatch.com
Buy The Guise of a Gentleman here: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&zenid=295acaf17d9d8f9d2802a37e66abf075&keyword=donna+hatch

Interview with Devin McKee

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Devin McKee. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called Dangerous Magic. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

I’m very excited about this new release from Wild Rose Press. The main characters, Riley O’Connor and Laura Marshall, come from two different worlds.

Travel agent Laura is a small town girl living in the big city of Houston, Texas, and she believes in that Mr. Right. Riley is uncertain love exists for him, especially after he cancels his wedding to one of Houston’s most high society catches. It doesn’t help that his ex’s parents happen to be old family friends to his parents. Nor does it help that he is embroiled in dislodging threats against his family’s legacy, RC Oil and Energy.

Then he bumps into Laura, literally, and he begins to believe his luck might have changed. Laura, on the other hand, thinks she has just met the most arrogant jerk in the entire world. She blows him off, but finds it difficult to stop thinking about him. When Riley turns up at the same Mexican resort where Laura and her friends are vacationing, sparks fly. All too soon those sparks turn into embers of passion, rocking their worlds for very different reasons.

But someone is bent on toppling the O’Connor Oil dynasty and this person will use any means possible, including Riley’s new found love, to achieve that goal.

Dangerous Magic is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Originally, it had another name, The Magic of Love, but as I got more into the suspense part of it, I decided I liked Dangerous Magic better. There is also a second book in the works with Riley’s misfit brother and Laura’s best friend, and titled Dangerous Waters, so I thought the two would compliment each other. As far as the magic part, it’s two fold really. The surprise for Laura and Riley finding themselves in love, and the fact that Riley’s grandmother is from the old country, Ireland, and she has passed a special gift to Riley, although he isn’t willing to believe it until the end.

Would you describe your book as a cozy, mystery, suspense, or thriller?

I would describe it as a cozy, romantic suspense.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

Oddly enough, I tend to read more historical romances than contemporary, but find myself drawn to contemporary writing. Maybe it’s because contemporary is what I know in real life. I’m a very observant people watcher and that helps.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

Well, as a former travel agent who lived in Texas for nearly 30 years, I have always found myself interested in oil and ranching industry. I love those cowboys! And you can’t live in Texas without knowing someone in one or both of those fields. I also love Mexico, especially Cancun, so that brought in the resort part. I guess my idea and characters took off from there.

Do you have all the key suspense/mystery elements thought out before you begin writing?

Not really. This storyline sort of evolved. I do have an idea where the book will start and end, but sometimes I surprise myself as I type away at the pages in between. I like that flexibility to take my characters on different rides than expected.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

Yes, I spent a lot of time researching oil companies, the oil boom in Texas, talking to people who worked in the field. My niece used to work as a geologist on oil rigs in Wyoming and North Dakota. One time, she came to visit my husband and me when we lived in San Antonio. She took us to a drilling site somewhere near Corpus Christi, Texas. I thought it was one of the most fascination experiences of my life. We wore the hard hats, stood on the platform and watched data spit out of the computer. It might be boring to a lot of people, but not to me. I also got hooked up with my life saver who worked out on an off shore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Since quite a few scenes in the second book are on an off shore rig, his knowledge was invaluable to both this story and the one with Riley’s brother.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

Hmm. That’s hard to say. Riley, of course, because he is incorrigible, but in a fun way. He has that part executive/part cowboy thing going for him. I have said from the beginning, this is the kind of guy I’d want to take home to mom. Laura was a little harder. I had to unpeel the layers to get to the final woman she becomes. It was weird, but Riley was just there. I knew him inside and out, but Laura made me work a little harder to get the right edge. And of course their friends and family were a lot of fun to work on because they are all so unique and fun.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

Yeah, I’m kind of one of those ‘seat of the pants’ writers. I have ideas where my characters are going, what I want them to do, but I don’t create sheets or charts or post-it notes on my computer screens. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I might wake up, think of something, and write it down before I fall back asleep. I know the charting thing works well for a lot of writers, but to me, I just get bogged down in all of that. I love to just sit and write. If I’m having a bad writing day, sometimes it’s best to walk away for a couple hours and refresh your mind.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Johanna Lindsey was one of the first authors I ever read. A co-worker gave me one of her books in 1990 after the sudden death of my husband. Believe it or not, I never considered myself a reader until then. I haven’t put down books since. After my first Lindsey or two, I was introduced to Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter and Amanda Quick. I love them all. Their books gave me sanity and comfort when I needed it the most. They all gave me the inspiration to write.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

I’m still trying to figure out the ins and outs of my blogsite and Facebook. I haven’t Twittered yet, but know that’s coming. As my critique partner will tell you, I’m very technically challenged. My local library is very excited about this book. They already have me committed to a book signing sometime in the spring. Also, my RWA group had a Valentine’s tea last year at one of the Toledo, Ohio libraries. I love to do card crafting, so I made these little books with the cover of Dangerous Magic, and inside was my business card, a small blurb about the book, and a mini Hershey’s chocolate. It was fun to make and fun to give out.

What do we have to look forward next?

Right now, Wild Rose Press is considering Dangerous Waters. I’ve almost completed my third book, A Heart’s Second Chance, and I really like where it is going. This is a book I started, put away, dusted off, started again, put away, dusted off and started again. I’ve added some new characters and a bit more suspense, but it is really coming along nicely.

Thanks, Devin!

To celebrate her book release, Devin McKee is offering a free book of Dangerous Magic to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Check out author’s website at devinmckee.wordpress.com

Buy at thewildrosepress.com, amazon.com or Barnes and Nobles.

Interview with Amber Leigh Williams

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Amber Leigh Williams.

It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

Kicking off my boots, Kim! Thank you very much for letting me share with your readers today!

I understand you have a new release out called Bluest Heart. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Bluest Heart is the second novella in my western romance trilogy. Blackest Heart, the first, placed 1^st in the 2009 More Than Magic Contest. It is part of The Wild Rose Press’s Wayback, TX series:

The Wayback bachelor is a dying breed, but that doesn't stop Casey Ridge from wanting to settle down. For this cowboy anyone but Josie Brusky would be an easy wrangle. Unfortunately for him, the Blue Bug singer and owner of Josie's Treasures doesn't believe in commitment much less marriage.

Years ago, Josie lost her heart to Casey's charm and

dimpled smile. Since then she has done everything she knows to forget him. After all, she's known as the local harlot and the daughter of the town's biggest bigot. Casey could have any girl he wanted. Why would he saddle himself with her? In the wake of a shattering past, she refuses to give up her independence.

Casey digs down deep to win her over, but does he have what it takes to win Wayback's bluest heart?

Bluest Heart is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

My CP came up with Blackest Heart, playing on the surname of my silent cowboy hero, Judd Black. I wanted to continue the Heart theme, of course. I originally liked “Heart of Stone” but there was already a book by that name published by TWRP. I asked some writing friends to help me brainstorm and we came up with "A Heart So Blue."

My editor came back with Bluest Heart. Though “Heart of Stone” seemed appropriate for the heroine, Josie, I realized Bluest Heart suited her much more because under the hard walls she’s built around herself over her difficult lifetime there is a woman who needs to be cared for and loved. And no one believes that more than the hero, Casey. It sets up, too, the last book in the saga, tentatively titled Bet It On My Heart.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

The idea of doing a western romance came to me a couple of years ago. Before I started my day job, I used to read fashion magazines like Vogue and Instyle cover to cover. One month, one of my favorite actresses was featured in a ranch spread and the article was primarily about how she wanted to go back to her country roots. From there, Stella Ridge, the heroine of Blackest Heart, was born.

Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

I’m a plotter, mostly, though I like to mix in the occasional pantsing technique to keep the writing fresh. Blackest Heart was experimental because I’d never written a western romance and I didn’t really read the genre. By the time Bluest Heart began, I’d already grasped the tone of contemporary western romance and started to hone my voice. That’s why I think Bluest Heart was the most enjoyable story to write to date.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

There are several writers at TWRP who live in Texas and know all about ranching, cowboys, and rodeos (which is what Wayback is all about). I spent days picking their brains. One interesting thing I learned is that most ranchers these days won’t survive on the price of beef unless they have a large spread and cattle to fill it. 50,000 acres or more is ideal. If the ranchers don’t have that much land, they usually turn their homes into dude ranches. The Ridge family, which the trilogy focuses on, has 55,000 acres, one of the largest ranches in Wayback. Also before I began work on these books, I didn’t know anything about rodeos. The heroes of the trilogy compete in bull-riding, calf-roping, and bronc-busting. Josie does some barrel racing. The rodeo circuit is a whole other world, and I think the most interesting thing I learned while researching it is that the rodeo clowns are just as tough as the competitors.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I’d already heard of TWRP’s new western series and how well it was doing. I liked the idea of the pre-determined settings and secondary characters. My CP went a long way to encouraging me and I wrote the first draft of Blackest Heart in a couple of weeks. She then convinced me to write at least one of Stella’s brothers’ stories, Casey. I not only completed that within a month, I also got a good head-start on the other brother, Keefe’s, story. The western genre was so much fun, it gave me complete literary abandon. I can’t wait to go back and do it again with another trilogy!

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

Josie was interesting, because at first glance she’s the typical “bad girl” and I’d never written anyone like her. I worried that the reader wouldn’t sympathize as much with her. But then I delved into her past and what had made her so tough. Quickly I came to the conclusion that she wasn’t the person everyone in Wayback believes she is, and Casey Ridge is the only one who sees that. The interesting thing about Casey’s pursuit of Josie is trying to convince her that she does deserve happiness. The result was, surprisingly, the same healing arc that radiates from Blackest Heart—learning to accept one’s past and moving on in a healthy way with someone who loves you for who you are.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

My research is mostly about setting and nitpicky details about occupations, etc. I like my characters to be completely organic. Although Stella’s character came to me from that magazine article, she became her own person as soon as I put her on the page. The most exciting thing, for me, about characterization is seeing the characters grow deeper than what I initially intended. Josie was probably the most surprising. Even after the manuscript was done and I turned it over to my CP and editor, I worried readers still wouldn’t think her heroine material. Their reaction was such a relief! There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing readers connect with characters like Josie.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

My first romance novel was Nora Roberts. You never forget your first and to this day I’m still a major Nora fan. I also like her J.D. Robb titles. I’m a fan of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Her writing process just fascinates me. I also like Larissa Ione’s Demonica books. She really knows how to dip into dark waters and still bring the romance to the forefront in a wonderful way. I never thought I’d try sci-fi, but recently I picked up Ann Aquirre’s Sirantha Jax books. I love them and can’t wait for more! Among other authors I can’t wait to read more of are Jessica Andersen, Kris Kennedy, and Diane Gaston. I highly recommend any of the Wayback books, particularly Rita Thedford’s Hot Night at the Blue Bug Saloon, Sylvie Kaye’s Wrong Side of Love, Lynda Coker’s Payback in Wayback, and Cindy Spencer Pape’s All the Way Back, all available in ebook and paperback anthologies.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

The Wayback series sells well, I think, because they are novellas and at least half the price of any paperback. They’re quick, very enjoyable, hot reads. I target mostly ebook readers virtually. When The Way Back Home anthology was published—featuring Blackest Heart and two other Wayback stories by other authors, I reached out more to those who buy paperbacks. I certainly can’t resist three sexy cowboys in one! That, I daresay, is better than chocolate!

What do we have to look forward to next?

The third book in the Ridge trilogy will be published this year. I can’t wait to round it out. There will definitely be a party in my corner of the web! And I’ll be signing copies of The Way Back Home among other titles at the Silken Sands Conference on the Beach in March, if anyone here is planning to attend http://www.gccrwa.com/silkensands!

Thanks, Amber!

To celebrate her book release, Amber is offering a free copy of the 2009 More Than Magic Contest’s 1^st Place Novella, Blackest Heart, to one lucky commenter on today's blog. All entrants have to do is tell me what you look for in a cowboy hero. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Amber Leigh Williams is a multi-published romance author, PRO Liaison and former Secretary of the Gulf Coast Chapter of Romance Writers of America, and monthly contributor to Romance Writers’ United’s “Write Right” newsletter. Her historical romance, Forever Amore, received top-rating as a “Best Book” at Long & Short Reviews. She lives on the Gulf Coast of Alabama with her husband and three labs. Visit her on the web at http://www.amberleighwilliams.com.

Purchase Bluest Heart, Blackest Heart, or The Way Bach Home anthology at The Wild Rose Press today: http://www.thewildrosespress.com!

Confidence and The Writer

Confidence and The Writer

By Jana Richards

Putting the words “writer” and “confidence” together in the same sentence seems like an oxymoron to me. I struggle with issues of confidence in my writing (in other areas of my life too, but let’s not go there). Although I’ve finished and sold four full-length novels and my novella “Burning Love” is being released today by The Wild Rose Press (http://www.thewildrosepress.com/), I always wonder if I can finish another novel. If I do finish it, will it be any good? Will anyone want to read it, or buy it? Or am I just kidding myself about this writing thing?

A writer can drive herself insane with all the negative thinking. It certainly doesn’t help the writing. I can wallow in self-pity or I can try to find ways to work on my issues. So here I go.

Confidence Issue #1 – Rejection. What writer hasn’t faced rejection from an editor or an agent? Or maybe you received a harsh critique, or a less than stellar review. Rejection can cripple a writer if she lets it have that power. I know because it happened to me and I almost quit writing at one point. Knowing I wasn’t the only writer who was ever rejected gave me the confidence to keep on keeping on. Laurie Pawkik-Kienlen says to improve confidence a writer should read other writers memoirs and biographies. http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/quoted-writers/how-to-improve-your-confidence-as-a-writer/ You will be truly amazed by the number of famous writers who were rejected numerous times before someone finally recognized their talent. If rejection could happen to Stephen King, I must be in good company! Check out this site http://susiesmith13.tripod.com/id12.html for some famous writers’ rejection stories.

Confidence Issue #2 – Sure, I finished writing a novel once, but can I do it again? I’m pretty sure I’m not the only writer who questions their ability to do it again. There are a few things to try here. If a full-length novel seems too daunting, or you’ve started and then abandoned more than one novel, start and finish a smaller project. Dan Goodwin writes in “Five Powerful Ways to Kick Start Your Confidence as a Creative Writer” http://ezinearticles.com/?Creative-Writing-Confidence--5-Powerful-Ways-To-Kick-Start-Your-Confidence-As-A-Creative-Writer&id=626660 that tackling a project you can finish in a couple of hours (like a short story or a blog) will boost your confidence. Nothing drains a writer’s confidence more than beginning an ambitious project that she is unable to finish.

Another way to boost your confidence and to remind yourself that you can finish a project is to keep a list of your accomplishments. This list would record every novel, every short story and every blog post you’ve ever completed. Or perhaps you would like to keep your finished novels lined up near your computer where you can see them every day, just to remind yourself you are a writer who can finish what she starts. Writer Sarah Hilary http://sarah-crawl-space.blogspot.com/2009/09/confidence-and-writer.html celebrates her successes, and uses the confidence that small successes give her to aim at bigger markets and bigger projects.

Alan Rinzler http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/02/08/how-successful-writers-keep-up-their-confidence/ recommends reading a good book by an author you admire. It’s like holding up a beacon of hope that says “Yes, this can be done!”

Confidence Issue #3 – But is it any good? It takes me forever to finish a book, not because I’m so horribly slow, but because often, I don’t trust my own vision for the book. I go back endlessly and revise, changing plot and characters. Sometimes revision is necessary (okay, my work often needs revisions). But on occasion I’ve let an unfavorable critique totally derail a story, spinning it in directions I never wanted it to go. How do I develop the confidence to trust my own vision?

Writing something every day helps. Dana Mitchells http://www.writing-world.com/life/everyday.shtml says “Writing something every day, no matter how little, will help you overcome these fears [fears of rejection, perfectionism, and poor writing]. It will cause your confidence to escalate, because each day that you actually write something is a day when you have faced your fears.”

Another thing I’m doing to combat this issue to continue learning the writing craft. I’ve taken several on-line classes dealing with plot, characters, sexual tension and many other areas of writing. Currently, I’m reading Donald Maass’ (http://www.maassagency.com/) book “Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook”. I’m working through the exercises and studying other writers’ work so that I can learn to plot and characterize my own novels with confidence.

Do you have confidence issues? Do you find that lack of confidence is affecting your writing? What have you done to try to boost your confidence?

Jana Richards’ novella “Burning Love” will be released today at The Wild Rose Press (http://www.thewildrosepress.com) . Jana would love to hear from you. You can reach her through her website at http://www.janarichards.com/ or join her at http://prairiechickswriteromance.blogspot.com/ where she blogs every other Monday.