Interview with Linda Andrews

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Linda Andrews. 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 Christmas Village. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

The Christmas Village is about Cade Dugan and Egypt Starr unlikely romance. Cade is an artist who lives in the magical town of Holly. To spread the Christmas spirit, he crafted villages based on his hometown and sells them. Since most towns have people, he started basing his figurines on the townsfolk, except they were paired with people he created, or so he thought, from his imagination. Soon the townsfolk met a person who looked exactly like the figurine and Cade got a reputation as being something of a matchmaker. To downplay his reputation, he crafted his dream woman and suddenly the town is full of women just itching to be his Ms Right. Poor Egypt’s car breaks down right outside of Holly and she’s dressed just like the others. Now Cade has to decide if she really is his dream woman or not.

The Christmas Village is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Since Holly is enchanted and kind of an outpost of the North Pole, I thought the title was appropriate. It doesn’t hurt that the hero does create those village scenes often seen at Christmas time and the town is named Holly.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I love romance and have been reading it since I was a teenager. Combine that with something magic and well… how could you lose. Of course, Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and I’ve been known to break out my Holiday CDs in June. Writing The Christmas Village was truly a labor of love.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I collect the Department 56 villages and figurines. My collection grew when my children were very small. Being curious kids, they touched and broke a lot of things. But the figurines of the Department 56 villages were cast metal. Ha. Finally something my kids couldn’t break. While that proved not to be true, soldering some of the pieces back together made me think of the artist who designed the pieces and the rest, they say, is history.

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

Oddly enough, I don’t do a lot of research on my stories. I guess watching all those paranormal shows like Ghost Hunters, Past Life Investigations and Psychic Investigations helps. Then again, I’ve lived in a haunted house, so ghostly activity is nothing new. For the Christmas Village I used a lot of the classic holiday movies to bring out the holiday spirit. But, hey, who doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas.

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

I loved writing about Cade the most. Imagine the fun of an alpha hero finding himself hunted by a bunch of marriage minded women in a small town where everything he did or said would be reported back to his parents, not to mention fodder for his four brothers.

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

I’ve tried on numerous occasions to interview my characters, but the truth is, they arrive in my head fully formed and ready to go. Their actions and transformations come as a complete surprise to me.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

I’m not so much inspired by an author as by the story they tell. Lots of time, I read book or watched a movie and thought, if only I could do that. Make people laugh or cry or root for the underdog... That’s my goal with every book.

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

It may sound corny but the best promotion is writing a good book. By doing so, I’ve gotten a number of top reviews and award nominations all of which have resulted in better sales and a growing number of fans.

What do we have to look forward next?

Next is the sequel to my award nominated fantasy romance A Knight’s Wish. Molly and Lance’s story has magic, good versus evil and of course, a love story.

Thanks, Linda!

Thank you, Kim. It’s been fun chatting with you.

To celebrate her book release, Linda is offering a free ebook of The Christmas Village to one lucky commenter on today's blog. She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Bio.
Linda Andrews lives with her husband and three children in Phoenix, Arizona. When she announced to her family that her paranormal romance was to be published, her sister pronounce: "What else would she write? She’s never been normal."

All kidding aside, writing has become a surprising passion. So just how did a scientist start to write paranormal romances? What other option is there when you’re married to romantic man and live in a haunted house?

Check out author’s website at www.lindaandrews.net Buy The Christmas Village at http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook19206.htm

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It's a Holiday Party

The authors over at Sweeter Romantic Notions are having a Christmas party on December 12th from 2pm to 8 pm est. Stop on by. Yours truly Kim is offering up a free e-book of When Johnny Comes Home.   Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SweeterRomanticNotions

New Contest for ENCHANTING THE BEAST

FIRST 'Magical' Jewel contest for ENCHANTING THE BEAST

ENCHANTING THE BEAST is the third novel in the RELICS OF MERLIN series. Merlin used thirteen different jewels as a focus for thirteen mysterious spells, and the 'magical' jewel in ENCHANTING THE BEAST is a blue topaz. For this first contest, the prize is a 5.25 carat London blue topaz necklace. (See http://www.kathrynekennedy.com/contest.html for a photo and description of this 'magical' jewelry.)

This contest is all about spreading the word about the RELICS OF MERLIN series. To enter, just post the following blurb anywhere on the Internet (Chatrooms, Forums, Blogs, Myspace, Etc.) Please, no innappropriate sites, and the blurb cannot already be mentioned on that site. If you don't own the site, please verify that it's okay with the site owner to post the blurb.

BLURB: HAVE YOU BEEN ENCHANTED?
http://www.KathryneKennedy.com

Email your entry with ETB1 CONTEST in the subject line to: kathryne_kennedy@yahoo.com
A winner will be randomly chosen from those with a verifiable link. Entering the contest automatically signs you up for the author's newsletter. Your information will be kept confidential. Contest ends February 28, 2009. Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years or older to enter. No prize substitution permitted. This contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

"Don't Worry. Be Happy." Week Two

Last week, I shared my belief that, despite the economy, it’s important to remain in a happy state of mind. We affect the lives of everyone around us, so spread joy and cheer!
Like they say, “Smile and the world smiles with you.”

So how, when you are feeling the crunch in your wallet, do you keep yourself in a grateful, cheerful state of mind?

In “Don’t Worry. Be Happy.” Week One, I listed what I had been doing to remain in a happy state. Here is what I did this past week.

* I listened to CDs. If this week had a theme, it would be Elvis. I had never been a fan, but I when I spotted The Very Best of Love I suddenly missed his voice. It must be middle age attacking my brain cells because I finally caught on to why those women were so in to him. Aside from the dreamy voice, he had very kissable lips and piercing eyes. I wanted to sing “It’s Now or Never” right there in the store. Luckily, I didn’t or I would have been arrested for disturbing the peace. This girl cannot carry a tune. At least my daughter’s cat didn’t run away when I sang to him, while I enjoyed another fantastic AZ winter night on the back porch. Although, I think the guy in the apartment across the street closed his door. He’s no fun. LOL I did discover it’s hard to get annoyed paying bills when you’re dancing and singing to “Burning Love.”

* I put up my Christmas tree. Continuing with the Elvis theme, I turned off all of the lights in my home except for those on the tree, then curled up on the couch and listened to the Elvis Christmas CD. They have it at every discount store right now. After long days at work, it’s nice to relax and get into the holiday spirit.

* I admired the evening sky. I do this every day, but this week was a real treat. Venus and Jupiter aligned with the moon. It won’t happen again anytime soon, so it felt like I was experiencing something magical. Not too long ago, I saw the International Space Station pass overhead. It was my first time witnessing that event. I am so glad, in both cases, other people pointed these out to me. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss either. It was like receiving a special gift. (Okay, I am sentimental and corny these days. I admit it.) Speaking of receiving gifts, last week, I posted that I love sunsets and jets. A day or two later, I walked out onto the porch in time to see the jets flying to Luke AFB with a spectacular AZ sunset in the background. It was unforgettable!

*I spent “quality time” with my daughter. I told her I love her and I’m proud of her. I don’t think we can say that enough to our children. This weekend, we set aside a day to go Christmas shopping together. When she was young, I was so busy trying to take care of all of my responsibilities, I didn't take enough time to just sit back and enjoy the moment. Now, I treasure every second I have with her. Make sure you take time out of your busy schedule to treasure the time you have with your children. They really do grow up fast.


Okay, that was my week. What did you do to stay in a happy state of mind?

Tina LaVon

Interview with Cynthia Eden

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Cynthia Eden. 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 MIDNIGHT SINS. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Yes, thanks for asking! MIDNIGHT SINS is the second book in my paranormal “Midnight” trilogy for Kensington Brava. My hero, Detective Todd Brooks, is on the hunt for a killer. The man never expects to fall for his chief suspect—and he sure doesn’t expect the woman to be a succubus!

MIDNIGHT SINS is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Well, my editor and I wanted “Midnight” in the title for the book, and since my heroine Cara is a succubus (and knows well about sin), the title just seemed to be the perfect fit.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I love paranormals. Always have. Give me vampires, shifters, demons—sure, they can be scary, but they can also be fun! Anything is possible with paranormals.

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

I’m both. Whether I plot everything out in advance of if I pants, well, that depends on the story. For some stories, I outline all the way—I know exactly what will happen with the stories, but, for others, I just sit back and see where the characters will take me.

For this book, I was a pantser. I let Todd and Cara show me the way—and I had a great time following their lead.

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

I did a lot of research for this one. Police procedural research and demon research. Let me just say, when you Google “succubus” you sure get a lot of interesting links. My favorite research books are POLICE PROCEDURAL and SCENE OF THE CRIME (they’re part of the “Howdunit Series” and very, very helpful).

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

Both of the main characters from this story appeared in my first Midnight book, HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT. In that book, Todd had no idea that supernaturals walked right beside humans. I thought it was time the man had a wake-up call, and I sent Cara to wake him. ☺

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

I loved writing about Todd. He’s such a normal guy—and in way over his head. He has to fight to understand that the world he knew never actually existed—and he has to learn to accept the fact that the woman he wants is a demon. A very powerful demon. He’s an ordinary guy, struggling with extraordinary circumstances and I really enjoyed writing about his struggle.

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 write out character descriptions before I begin a story. I start with the physical aspects, then work to the emotional level. I try to figure out the internal and external conflict for my hero and heroine. They’ve got pasts—so what are they? Then, when I have some general ideas down, I begin my writing. Sometimes, my characters change as I write, and that’s okay—change can be very good.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

So many authors have inspired me. So many. When I was in high school, I loved Edgar Allen Poe’s work. (Like I said before, I do love the supernatural.) But there are also a lot of romance authors who have inspired me. I really enjoy the work of Christine Feehan, Linda Howard, Jayne Ann Krentz—these ladies can create such strong characters and engrossing plots. Their talent definitely inspires me.

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

I have no idea. Seriously. I’ve tried many things. Advertisements. Mailings. Contests. Trailers. Blog tours. I don’t know what works. I just try to make as many connections with readers as I can. So I’m always trying to get my books out there—whether it is participating on websites, attending conferences or chats—I just try to make contact with readers.  

What do we have to look forward next?

In April, Kensington Brava will release another of my single-titles. IMMORTAL DANGER is the story of an ex-cop turned vampire…and her dragon shifter hero. I wanted to write a dragon story for years, and this was my chance! This is a very dark paranormal, and one of my favorite books to date.

Thanks, Cynthia!

Thank you! I had a great time answering the interview questions! ☺

To celebrate her book release, Cynthia Eden is offering a free autographed copy of Midnight Sins to one lucky commenter on today's blog. She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Bio.
Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of paranormal suspense. Her publishers include Kensington Brava, Red Sage, ImaJinn, and Avon Red. A former history teacher, Cynthia now spends her days writing about vampires, demons, and shifters.

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

Buy
http://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Sins-Cynthia-Eden/dp/0758226047/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227246262&sr=8-2 _

How's Your Spelling? Take the Test

I stumbled across a test on some of the most common spelling mistakes, and thought being a writer, I shouldn't have any problem. Well, I didn't get a perfect score. Ugh. 85%

Try it out and find how good or bad you are! It will be interesting to see how readers and writers do.

Do You Make Common Spelling Mistakes?

FREE Holiday Gift Guide

Women on Writing has done a fabulous job for December. They've compiled and created The Holiday Gift Guide, a FREE downloadable guide to showcase books for those of you who like to buy them online. In creating the guide, WOW! staff members and readers picked their favorite books of the year and compiled them into one portable document that you can take anywhere and share with your friends.

They have something for everyone on your list! Whether you're looking for a cookbook or need to find the perfect picture book, we have a few choice suggestions for you. We also have other items like tees for readers and writers, gadgets, and other writer-friendly products.

The guide is a feast for the eyes! Every page has its own flavor and contains product descriptions and clickable links you can use right away. Each product in the guide has something unique to offer the reader. We even have a tips section filled with other gift ideas for your writer friends.

Books are a solid gift. Giving a book says, "I know you. I appreciate you. I want you to take a break and escape with a good read."

Go to http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/downloads/WOWHolidayGiftGuide.pdf  to check it out. 

Kim