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Friday, February 27, 2009

A Winner!

Congratulations, Susan!

You're the winner of Donna McAteer's Barely Legal!

Please email me so I can get this wonderful prize out to you today.

And thanks to everyone who stopped by this week. Please come back again...March will be another month filled with great interviews and fabulous prizes!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Welcome, Sandra Kay

Sandra, welcome to From the Pages! I’m Nina Tallman, from Sarita’s Sniffing Sand novel. I hope you don’t mind, but I had to meet you. I am a huge fan of cowboys (shh! Don’t tell my husband, Maxx!) so I really wanted a chance to talk to you about your contemporary western romance, Heart of Stone. It sounds wonderful!

Actually, I’ve got lots of questions so if you don’t mind, I’m just going to begin asking them.

First, where do you write?

I write at the dining room table…right in the middle of the daily chaos at my house. Somehow, I manage to plot, write, and listen to what’s going on at the same time. It works for me, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend it for everyone.

Does your family support your writing career? How?

Absolutely! My husband, Bob, has been and continues to be my biggest supporter. He always had faith that I would be published even when my spirits flagged. Now, he’s my biggest fan!

How did you celebrate your first contract?

You mean after the jumping up and down and screaming? I hugged my husband, who took me out to dinner to celebrate. I called my critique partner, who took me out for lunch. Is it any wonder I’ve gained weight? lol

I love celebratory meals! So much fun for everyone, aren’t they? What kind of food do you like best?

Ooh! Dangerous question! I like almost everything—Italian, Mexican, Chinese and the ever popular steak. Tonight, I’m making a meatloaf. The crisp weather just seems to call for it. I like to put a confection of ketchup, dried mustard, and brown sugar on top. Before the meatloaf is finished cooking, I sprinkle French-fried onion rings on top. Hmmm! Getting hungry.

That sounds like something Maxx would love. Onion rings on top of meatloaf—I’ve never heard of that before but I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for the tip!

Can you tell us anything about what you’re working on now?

I’m working on the second book in the Brandon Cattle Ranch series. This one is titled Cady’s Chance, and is about Stone Brandon’s sister, Cady. The third book will be about another brother, Tyler. And the fourth book will be about the youngest sibling, Jeff.

Tell us a little bit about Heart of Stone, please.

A marriage in name only. A secret past. Can love be found amid the tangle of distrust and betrayal?

Heart of Stone is a contemporary western, published with The Wild Rose Press. It takes place on the Brandon Cattle Ranch in Texas. It is the story of past betrayals, and Stone and Amber’s search for answers. We live and hope with them as they learn to love again. Heart of Stone is the first book in a four-book series about the Brandon siblings.

So you’ve got a series! That’s something for readers to look forward to. Personally, I love reading books in a series.

The question most readers want to know but never get the chance to ask, do you ever write in your pajamas?

No, that doesn’t work for me. As I mentioned, my computer is in the dining room and there are too many people coming and going all day long for me to feel comfortable in my pjs. I like to wear sweats while I’m writing.

What circumstances led you to writing?
A
fter my three brain aneurysm surgeries, the psycho-analysis showed that I had “word search” difficulty (find the correct word for what I wanted to say.) A friend suggested that we write a romance book as a form of therapy. We did, and enjoyed so many moments of laughter and fun. She eventually dropped out, but I persevered.

It sounds like you have an amazing friend, Sandra. I love it that she did that with you. And it think it’s great that you turned your circumstances into a very positive endeavor. I hope you’re fully recovered by now.

Do you have a pet?

You ask me this now, as I’m listening to our little toy Pomeranian yap at the noise the sprinklers are making. He’s only 2 years old. A little blonde Pommy. We, also, have 2 cats. A young calico, who happens to be very long! And an older cat, who has decided she likes to live in the garage and leave the house to the two “youngsters,” or terrors, depending on their behavior.

What brings you the most joy?

My church, family, friends. My grandchildren; all 7 of them. Traveling—we were fortunate to be able to visit Israel in Feb. of 2008. An extraordinary country. I loved the experience of viewing Biblical sites; seeing archeology digs; and learning the history of Israel.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

My first book, Heart of Stone, just received a wonderful review. Here’s what she had to say:

Review:

For me, Heart of Stone was the perfect read. The author, Sandra Kay, does not waste any time drawing you into the story . From the git-go you know who the main characters are and what is really on their minds despite the fact they are both determined never to trust or love again. I was totally captivated by the entire Brandon family and their sense of "family" and what it really means. Before it was all over I was ready to be adopted by them.

When I finished reading Heart of Stone, I was a little disappointed, I wanted more. I was happy to discover that the Brandon Family will live on in a series of books by Sandra Kay. I will be keeping my eyes open. —Reviewed by FJD, WRDF Review

That’s an excellent review, Sandra. Congratulations! And thank you so much for visiting with me today. I enjoyed getting to know you. I hope you will consider coming back sometime soon.

Readers, the buy link for Heart of Stone, as well as links to Sandra’s website, is below. Also, a blurb and short excerpt are here for your reading pleasure!



HEART OF STONE
Blurb:

A marriage in name only. A secret past. Can love be found amid the tangle of distrust and betrayal?

Alone and pregnant with twins, Amber Wilson has only a fuzzy memory of how she got that way. One thing she knows for sure—no man will ever get near enough to hurt her again. But when she meets Stone Brandon, the attraction is too great to ignore. Stone’s ex-fiancĂ©e’s betrayal has hardened his heart. Though he is drawn to Amber, he knows he can never fall in love again. Still, with her help, the dreams he has for the expansion of his family’s ranch can become a reality. A platonic marriage seems like the logical answer for both of them—until he realizes that a marriage in name only with Amber is a hell of his own making.

HEART OF STONE
Excerpt:

“Amber?” he yelled as soon as he threw the front door open.

“Stone, help me.”

The weak, panicked voice stopped his heart.

“Amber, where are you? What’s wrong?” Stone’s heart lurched to a start again, but thudded into his throat.

“I’m up here… ”

Her voice trailed off into a scream that bounced off the walls in the empty house.

He ran toward the sound, boots pounding on the wood floor, joining her scream in the echoing cavern of the vacant rooms. Fear gripped him when he reached the stairwell to find her collapsed on the landing, her back against a wall. As he neared, her face contorted and she cried out in pain.

She’s in labor!

He bounded up the steps three at a time, and dropped to his knees.

“The baby’s...coming,” she gasped.

Her hazel eyes seemed too large for her face, and he heard the fear in her voice.

“Its okay, Amber. I’m gonna take you to the hospital. Don’t worry. Everything will be all right.”

Stay calm, cowboy. Don’t let her know she’s scaring the hell out of you.



Buy Link:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=983&zenid=30776d7a1c9d95ba9c70aef8c40dc671

Sandra Kay
www.sandrakayauthor.com
www.sandrakayauthor.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/_sandrakay


Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Welcome, Donna McAteer

Donna, welcome to From the Pages! I’m so glad you stopped by today to chat with us. I know you’ve got two great new titles, Barely Legal and Masked Seduction, that recently released. Great titles, by the way.

I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like to get straight to the questions. I’m really looking forward to getting to know you.

Can you tell us anything about what you’re working on now?


My current work in progress happens to be a time-travel, from the 21st century back to medieval England, and I’m having a great time doing it. But it’s strange how I eagerly rushed to write my first romantic suspense, Barely Legal, yet somehow ventured back to my first love of writing historicals by doing this time-travel. I guess that’s where my heart will always be no matter what I write.

A time-travel romance, how interesting! And you’ve chosen such an interesting time in history for the setting. I look forward to hearing more about this story in the future.

Where did you get the idea for Barely Legal?

Barely Legal takes place in Miami Beach and I’ve spent a lot of time there in recent years. My daughter was a model and we’d quite often go down to see agents and go on modeling calls. Plus, my daughter-in-law was raised in Miami and we’ve visited her family a number of times; I just feel at home in Miami Beach.

Where do you see yourself in the future? Will you still be writing, or do you have a new adventure on the horizon?

I see myself as a writer for the rest of my life. As a former painter I am most content writing and love the creativity, plus being able to stay at home to perform my profession. My most immediate new adventure on the horizon would be to write category romance for Harlequin Blaze and increase my fan base. I love to know that there are readers who like my stories.

What circumstances led you to writing?

The circumstances that led to my writing were the stress and burn-out associated with my medical professional career. I started writing while I was still working in a hospital and used writing romance as an outlet for my difficult job requirements. Being able to create wonderful characters that always had happily-ever- after endings was the antidote for my demanding days.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

I’ve written six books, which doesn’t seem like much considering I’ve been at it since 2001. But I was employed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist while I was writing, being a mom, wife and everything else. My favorite book is Heartless Warrior, a medieval, because of the characters and the morals in the story.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

When I’m not writing I love to read! I read just about anything, from historicals to contemporaries, but I have a particular love for Harlequin Blaze stories!

Who is your favorite author? Favorite book?

I have so many favorite authors I couldn’t begin to pick just one, but my all-time favorite book is A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux.

Is there anything about you that would surprise your readers?

Not many people know that since I quit my medical professional career I’ve been the caregiver for my ninety-one year old father. It has allowed me to remain home to write while making sure that he safe and well cared for in his final years.

How wonderful for your father. And for you, too, that you’re able to spend time with him.

How did you meet your significant other?

I met my husband of twenty-nine years at work. And as corny as it sounds it was love at first sight because I literally looked across the room and said, “That’s the man I’m going to marry.”

What a great story! I love hearing about love at first sight!

What brings you the most joy?

Besides writing, my greatest joy comes from being with my family—they are very important to me.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

I will simply say that I am having an incredibly wonderful time writing romance and that no matter where it all takes me, I will continue to write just for the joy of it! Thanks.

Thank you, Donna, for visiting today. I enjoyed getting to know you. I hope you will come back again. I know everyone would love to hear more from you!

Readers, Donna has generously donated a copy of her Whiskey Creek Press Torrid release, Barely Legal, as a giveway today. All you’ve got to do is leave a comment on today’s post to be entered in the random drawing to win this steamy romance! Check back tomorrow to see if your name has been chosen!

Barely Legal by Donna McAteer at Whiskey Creek Press~Torrid www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/


Blurb:

When Taylor Webb gets roped into posing for a steamy romance novel cover by her best friend, Annelise, the voluptuous South Beach Miami attorney doesn't count on the explosive feelings that surface as she spends hours of intimate posing time in the arms of a gorgeous hunk by the name of Carson Troy.

Taylor attempts to ignore the intense physical chemistry between them, but their paths are fated to intertwine. Things heat up with the sexy NFL stud when Taylor is recruited to date him in a ploy to uncover whether he is involved with an illegal performance enhancing drug ring. Her problems are compounded as she is stalked by a Mafia member who seeks retribution for her failure to win his case in court.

Together Carson and Taylor discover the danger surrounding them as they run for their lives from a notorious gang intent on staying profitable.

Barely Legal available from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid

Be sure to visit Donna's website to discover a variety of romances for your reading pleasure.

www.DonnaMcAteer.com
www.myspace.com/donnamcateer

Excerpt:

Her breath caught and her heart seemed to trip when their eyes met. He was extremely tall and noticeably muscular; Taylor could practically see the testosterone dripping from every sinew of his well-defined body. His physique looked like the body of a conditioned athlete or someone definitely into taking care of himself. With a virtually non-existent sex life, she had to marvel at her sudden interest in this guy for extracurricular activities. It was a feat all in itself that she was attracted to him at first glance. She had to admit that when it came to men she was a bit picky.

He had the carefree swagger of a man who knew his assets. Long, muscular legs were poured into tight black pants. His black boots clicked on the linoleum floor as he sauntered to the center of the room. He was shirtless, broad shoulders perched above his clean-shaven chest displayed sculpted pecs and a six-pack any woman would beg to run her hands over. His slim waist led to narrow hips and a tight butt that was simply amazing.

He was--well, gorgeous; yet, brutally masculine at the same time. A man who could dominate anyone he chose. A man who set her pulse racing with the danger she felt just being in his presence. Not a perilous feeling, but a feeling for the power he exuded.
But the crowning touch was his face, handsome. Dark hair trailed down the back of his neck as he stopped in front of her, his lop-sided grin showing his arrogance. The man was ruggedly handsome and definitely not one of Miami’s prettier men.

Taylor found herself staring up at him, but suddenly reminded herself that she was not really interested in this whole production. She was only repaying a favor to Annelise. Yet the perks definitely warranted some looking into.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Welcome, Marissa St. James

Welcome, Marissa, to From the Pages. So nice to have you visit today! I know you write under the name Eden Arthur as well as Marissa St. James, so we’ve got a lot of ground to cover. I hope you don’t mind if I get right to the questions.

Did you always know you wanted to be an author?

Actually, no. I wrote silly poetry in high school. Years later when I got my BA and started going online, I got involved, as a volunteer, with different writing projects…newsletters, reviews, short story challenges. After a few years, when I looked back on my accomplishments, I realized I’d been taking things a step at a time, moving closer to becoming a published author. The goals haven’t stopped. There are still things I want to do, and in time, I will complete those challenges.
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

I do a lot of reading, and some craftwork. I’m working on some lap afghans for a couple groups.

Tell us a little bit about your book, please.

In The Heart Remembers Sylvia has no life of her own thanks to a domineering mother. All she wants is to run her own life. Sylvia is transported back to the early 13th century, where, as a widow, she and her younger daughter are summoned to King John’s presence on false pretenses. The ladies are about to become the prizes in King John’s jousting tourney.

Faris has spent the last twenty years living with Moors in a peaceful life. He and his son return from a trading trip to find their small oasis settlement burned to the ground. Faris makes a decision to return to England with his son, Halim, where they decide to enter the tourney. Seeing
Lady Sylvia stirs long ago memories.

While neither Faris nor Sylvia recall their contemporary lives, they have an opportunity to recapture a past relationship and discover whether or not the heart remembers.

Where do you see yourself in the future? Will you still be writing, or do you have a new adventure on the horizon?

Since I got a ‘late’ start, I expect to continue writing for a long time to come.

Any advice for an author just starting out on the writer’s journey?

First thing you need to do is develop a thick skin for all the criticism, comments and rejections you’re going to get. Learn from it all and learn your craft…both the writing and the business end of it. When the good stuff comes, getting those contracts, making sales, success will be that much sweeter.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

Definitely Scotland. About half my books are set there, and I plan to do more. Some day, I’ll actually get to go there.

What’s your most comfortable outfit? Are you a jeans-and-sweatshirt kind of person or a dressier sort?

I like tee-shirts, elastic waist pants and oversized flannel shirts when it’s a bit on the cool side.

In the house—shoes or bare feet?

In the cold weather, it’s socks. When it’s warm, it’s barefoot. I don’t wear shoes when I don’t have to.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

Let’s see… I’ve written five novels, two collections of paranormal short stories, and a non-fiction reference guide on writing. My favorite would be hard to say. I’ve been working on a series, Guardians of Time, and I’ve enjoyed writing every book so far.

Do you speak a foreign language?

Not yet. When things settle down a bit, I want to take up Portuguese.

Do you have a pet?

I had a cat that adopted me and was happy to live with me until five years ago. CharlieBaby was the ‘model’ for Dinks in my book, Spellbinder.

Charlie Baby sounds like a sweetie. Love it that you were the one who was adopted!

What do you love most about being an author?

I love the challenge of being creative. Writing is a form of artistry and painting with words, finding the right ‘shading’ can be just as challenging as an artist who paints on canvas. When you find the right words, you create a wonderful picture for your readers.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?Whatever you do, do it whole souled. Give it your best efforts and take pride in your accomplishments, but never forget to continue learning.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Welcome, Miss Mae

Welcome, Miss Mae, to From the Pages. I’m so glad you stopped in today. I’ve been looking forward to getting to know you better—I guess this is my chance!

I’ve got a number of questions I’d like to ask, so if you don’t mind I’ll get right to them.

First, just so I can visualize where your wonderful stories originate from, where do you write?

Since I live in a modest, four room mobile home, space is cramped, as you can imagine. There are only two bedrooms and the smaller one is “my” area…it’s not big enough to be called an ‘office’…LOL…

Can you tell us anything about what you’re working on now?

This is a romance that I first wrote about..*mumble, mumble*…years ago. It’s been rewritten so many times, I’ve almost despaired of trying. However, I’ve allowed it to lay aside for several months after my last rejection and now I’m reworking it. It’s set in the 1960’s with the backdrop of the Vietnam era (though I don’t go into detail about the protest marches, etc. It’s simply mentioned in the story). We first meet the heroine at sixteen when she’s “slapped” in the face with the hero, a 20 year old vet who’s returned home. (He doesn’t slap her, literally…LOL…It’s just that his blond good looks hit her up side of the head!) His reputation is a “bad boy” and she’s a “good” girl who is on the lookout for her white knight. During the course of two years, when she becomes an 18 year old young woman, can she accept him when he proves, that though his armor may be tarnished, his noble deeds prove he is the knight for her?

It sounds very interesting! I hope you find a home for it. Now, tell us a little bit about your book, please.

“Said the Spider to the Fly” is a romantic suspense. Mona Murphy returns to her home town, Copper Springs, at the death of her grandfather. She meets his insurance agent, Preston Hitchcock, and together, they find bloody towels outside her grandfather’s house. What’s worse is, after they type the blood, it’s found to be her grandfather’s. While Mona is trying to piece together exactly how her grandfather died, strange events happen: she’s the target of a fouled up hit-and-run, she and Preston are locked together in the town library’s basement and then steam from the furnace escapes, threatening to cook them alive. How does all that connect – or does it – to her old boyfriend who jilted her for another girl, but is now seeking to rekindle their relationship?

How long did it take to write?

I began “Said the Spider to the Fly” as a NaNoWriMo project last year, 2007. I only lasted about a month…LOL…I hadn’t really plotted the story, as my understanding for NaNo was to write, without giving much thought to what you write about. After I slacked off, I concentrated on other projects. I came back to it after four months. By then, I had a fairly good idea of how I wanted it to go. So, with writing on it every day, I finished it in about two months’ time.

Isn’t it amazing what National Novel Writing Month produces? I’ll bet there are a good many books that began as NaNo projects out there!

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

One, “See No Evil, My Pretty Lady” is published (released Jan. 16, 2008), my one to be released, “Said the Spider to the Fly” will be available as an ebook February 4, 2009 – print, March 20. And a free read short story, “Dove Island” is now available. These three can be bought at http://www.thewildrosepress.com My latest, “It’s Elementary, My Dear Winifred” was recently contracted by Class Act Books and will be released as both ebook and print in April, 2009.

I do think, “It’s Elementary, My Dear Winifred” will turn out to be my favorite. It was fun to write. I put my heroine, Winifred, in many a situation similar to “The Perils of Pauline”. She and hunky Remington Hawthorne aren’t the only couple to find romance in this tale. I have my other characters to also find a happily-ever-after.

How did you meet your significant other?

I was sixteen and home alone, my parents had gone out visiting. A little while later, a car pulls up in the driveway. A guy who was a friend of my brother’s was driving, his wife, and then a guy I didn’t know. I remember as I saw him through the windshield and he looked at me with his blue eyes, I thought, “Wow! He’s cute!” (He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with my brother’s friend – both soldiers – and he’d come with him on a weekend pass.)

Guilty pleasures. Got any? Remember, this is a G-rated interview!

It used to be chocolate and/or coffee frappucio…yum! These are the ones that you buy in a super market, four glass bottles in a carton. Chill them, unscrew the top and…slurp, you get a bit of heaven on earth…Unfortunately, your waist line gets too happy, so I no longer indulge.

That’s great that you’ve got such wonderful self-control! I’m still fighting the chocolate urge…and it’s winning. But shh! Let’s keep that between us, all right?

Do you have a pet?

Definitely. Three. All dogs, and all female. They were also all thrown aways. I wish we had the means to rescue all unwanted animals!

What frightens you?

High wind. Since we live in a mobile home, I especially feel vulnerable (and we have no cellar or storm pit…*gulp*…)

I can see why high wind would be a concern for you.

Do you collect anything?

Yes!..*sigh*…dust!! Right now I’m staring at a mountain of it on my computer desk. Would any one like some extra? I’ll happily share!

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

I hope readers will visit my website, www.missmaesite.com to see my reviews and trailers. Also, I dabble in an art program called Paint Shop Pro. I’ve assembled some of these pictures as a slideshow that can be viewed at my site, called “My Art Gallery.” Some months back, a stationery site put some of my collections into a musical, scrolling stationery. If folks use Outlook Express, they can download my work for FREE. It’s called “Fusion – The Art of Miss Mae.”

http://thundercloud.net/stationery15/fusion/index.htm

And I’d like folks to stop at my blog: http://missmaesite.blogspot.com Recently, I was voted “Readers Pick of the Month” at Jennette Green’s blog, so I made a banner for that which is displayed on my blog. I have interviews with various authors, not just romance ones. So stop by, and say, “hi!”

Buy link for "See No Evil, My Pretty Lady", "Said the Spider to the Fly" and "Dove Island":

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Miss Mae, thank you for chatting with me today. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, although I confess the time seems to have flown by. Maybe you’d consider coming back again sometime…I’d love to see you again.




Blurb for "Said the Spider to the Fly":

"Mona Murphy returns to Copper Springs to attend her grandfather's memorial service. His passing appeared ordinary enough--the official report stated he'd tripped and fallen down the staircase. Yet Preston Hitchcock, the insurance agent who'd sold a half a million dollar policy to Mona's grandfather days before the old man died, isn't convinced, especially when bloody towels are discoverd in the backyard.

And that's only the beginning. Who is the hit-and-run driver who attemps to run Mona down? Why is her old boyfriend more ardent for her affections now than ever before?
And why is Mona helpless to guard her heart from the devastating influence of Preston's practiced lady-killer smiles?

Secrets Mona never knew existed in Copper Springs become exposed. But none is so revealing as the one she fights to hide--and the very one that might save her life.

And an excerpt:

“What are you doing here?”

Her body slumped like a wilted flower stalk when she recognized the voice that urgent whisper belonged to. Holding her by her shoulders, Preston pushed her against the sun-heated wall. She placed a trembling hand atop her heaving bosom. “You scared me. I thought you were one of those ugly gorillas out front.”

“No. Just a damned fuming one.” He scowled in frustration.

“Why are you upset? They drooled over me, not you.”

“And can you blame them with the way you look in those jeans?” He shook a warning finger in her face. “I gave you explicit instructions to stay out of trouble.”

“You’re not my boss. You have no claim on me. Besides…” She paused and swallowed, the fact of his presence raising an important question. “Wait a minute,” she said. “I’d like to know why you’re here.”

He released an irritated sigh. “Since you’ve made it a point to show up, you might as well be put to work. Tell me what you hear.”

“W…what?”

He patted the brick wall. “Are you able to listen through this? I need to know what’s going on inside.”

She looked from the wall to him. “Why don’t you just go around to the front and knock on the door?”

“Mona.” He glowered his impatience.

“I told you I don’t eavesdrop on people. That would be an invasion of privacy.”

His jaw hardening, he stepped nearer. “Should I have respected those thugs’ privacy when they held you against your will? There was a ‘No Trespassing’ sign nailed there, you know.”

“There was?” She gave an awkward shrug. Well, when he put it that way…

“I have reason to believe there’re more thugs in there.” He jerked a thumb toward the wall. “You refuse to help me, though I earlier helped you?”

She hesitated, perplexed at his attitude. What could be inside that he wants so badly? And what thugs? Are they more of David’s poker buddies? Or maybe it’s David himself?

Recalling the beating David’s so-called friends had given him the night before, she knew she couldn’t take the risk of him perhaps being bound to a chair and having to suffer another thrashing. Though reluctant, she nodded. “Okay. I’ll try.”

She pressed her ear against the warm bricks, closing her eyes. A mixture of different sounds reached her. “I hear machines,” she said to Preston, “but the noises are combined and I can’t make out what they are. And there are voices, men’s voices, but the machines are so loud they drown out the words.” Her eyes popped open. “That’s a car engine. Someone’s leaving.”

Preston grabbed her hand, pulling her with him as he sped past a line of trashcans toward the building’s rear alley. Stumbling in her heels, she panted. “Where are we going? What are you—?”

She broke off her query when she caught sight of his Porsche. Yanking open the passenger door, Preston unceremoniously plopped her in the seat before he ran to the driver’s side and dropped behind the wheel. He jabbed the key in the ignition, saying, “Fasten your seat belt. This may be a hell of a ride.”

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Winner!

I apologize for being so late announcing a winner in John's contest. Please forgive me!

Without further ado, the winner of the wonderful novel Corruption's Child is...

drum roll, please!

...Mary!

Congratulations, Mary! And thanks to all who stopped by.

Big thanks to John for sharing insights into his life and writing with us!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Welcome, K. Starling

Welcome to From the Pages, Kissa. I’m so happy you could join us today. I know readers want to learn more about you and your writing, so I’ll get right to the questions.

How long does it typically take you to finish a writing project?

When my muse inspires me I can write a lot in a short time. On a good day I can write around 5K words. There are days when I do good to get a blog written. Longer works take a few months and I always try to let them sit a while before I go back, edit and then submit.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

I love to read, listen to music, do yoga and meditate. I spend time every day with my family and pets. I love old movies and drinking from bendy straws.

Bendy straws! I love those, too.

Can you tell us anything about what you’re working on now?

I’m in the process of finishing two stories. One is I Heart You. I hope to submit this to Alyson Books before the end of the year. The other is a short fetish story for Red Rose Publishing. In January I will start edits on Celtic Destiny, a sweet romance due out in May from Lyrical Press, Inc.

Where do you see yourself in the future? Will you still be writing, or do you have a new adventure on the horizon?

I love to do different things so I imagine I’ll be trying several new things in the next few years but I also plan to continue writing. I have a few stories in print but one of my goals is to have my own book in print—with only my name on the cover.

If you had the choice of being stranded on a desert island or lost in a huge city, which would you prefer and why?

I’m a people person so I’d have to pick a huge city even though I’d be terrified. At least there I could call someone or find a nice, quiet tea room and calm myself down. I so love a hot cup of tea.

In the house—shoes or bare feet?

Shoes are kind of like clothing—they should be left at the door.

Guilty pleasures. Got any? Remember, this is a G-rated interview!

Chocolate and nuts—cashews are my favorite. Oh and long bubble baths.

How did you spend your first royalty check? Was it a splurge, or something practical?

I used it to pay bills. I had visions of buying something cool but then the darn blasted electric company demanded I pay them! How rude.

What do you love most about being an author?

I love release days, letters from readers, and the sense of accomplishment I get when I finish a story, sign a contract or finish edits.

Do you believe in extraterrestrial beings?

I do. There has to be more out there. It would be highly conceited of us to think we were the only creatures living in this huge thing called a world.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

I’m just venturing into the huge world of sweet romance so I’d like to get feedback from readers. I have a short story, Sweet Tea Maggie, out now as part of the One Touch, One Glance, A Sweet Romance Anthology from Freya’s Bower.
http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_39&products_id=149
I also have a sweet romance novella, Celtic Destiny, in edits now and slated for release in May of 2009. http://www.lyricalpress.com/
I
f you like sweet romance buy one or both and let me know what you think. If you love my writing definitely write and let me know what you liked best. (I am such a mail hog!)
kissa_starling@yahoo.com

Find out about my recent releases and news by visiting www.kissastarling.com

Kissa, thank you so much for visiting with us today! I loved having you here. Please feel free to stop by again sometime.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Welcome, John R. Lindermuth


Welcome to From the Pages, John! I’m so glad you came by to visit with us today.

I’d like to express my gratitude for providing this opportunity. I’d also like to thank any readers who take the time to read the interviews and learn a little about the foibles of that strange breed, the writer.

I know readers are looking forward to hearing about your work, and getting to know you a little better, so I’m going to jump right into asking questions. I’ve got to admit, I’m pretty inquisitive and I’ve got a lot of them!

First, Did you always know you wanted to be an author?

I started out wanting to be an artist. I discovered a talent for drawing early on and it’s still something I enjoy. My Dad had a decent library and always encouraged me to read. When I first started writing in my teens I wanted to emulate the authors I read and who had stimulated by imagination. It was only later I realized how much my desire to tell stories was influenced by my grandfather. Health problems forced him to retire early and, as the only grandson, I spent much time in his company, listening to his wealth of stories about earlier times, people he’d known and even some I’m certain he made up.

Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man. It’s great that you got to spend so much time with him.

Tell us a little bit about your book, please.


Corruption’s Child is the third in the Sticks Hetrick mystery series. I never planned to write a series but it seems my characters had other ideas and kept intruding in my imagination.

I have read—and loved!—Corruption’s Child. It was an impulse purchase, one of those the-blurb-looks-great, I’ve-got-to-have-it things. I haven’t read the first two books in your Sticks Hetrick series but it didn’t matter. Corruption’s Child easily stands alone, I think.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

I’ve written ten novels (six published and one under contract now). I think an author always harbors especially good feelings about his first published work. I’m fond of all of them but—if given the chance—there are probably things I’d change in each of them.

Can you tell us anything about what you’re working on now?

At the moment I’m dividing my time between a fourth Hetrick mystery and a non-series mystery.

Have you gotten any piece of writing advice that has been particularly helpful?

The best advice I ever got came, indirectly, from an artist. As a boy I wrote Thomas Hart Benton and asked his advice on how to become an artist. His reply was one word: “Paint.” I think the same formula applies to writing. I’m an empiricist. I believe the only way to learn anything is by doing it. I also support the opinion of Charles Nodier—“A writer should read until he is filled to the brim and like a pitcher which is over-filled over flows. And then he should write.”

Great advice!

I love to read, and I’m always on the lookout for reading suggestions, so I’ve got to ask, who is your favorite author?

I can’t really name one favorite writer; there are too many I admire and love reading. Some classic favorites include Poe, Melville, Emily Bronte, Twain, Dumas, Dickens, Cervantes, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London, Steinbeck, Katherine Anne Porter—the list goes on. In the modern era I’d have to name Peter Matthiessen, John Fowles, Nabokov, Jim Harrison, Jon Krakauer, mystery writers like Charles Williford, Ruth Rendell, James Lee Burke, Elizabeth George—again the list goes on and I’m always discovering new writers who make me envious.

You’ve got good taste in reading, John. Wonderful list.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

When I’m not writing, reading or drawing I enjoy spending time with my children and my four grandsons. I also like walking, especially in the woods and mountains around home. And I spend a lot of my free time on genealogy. Since retiring I’ve been librarian of my county historical society where I assist patrons with historical research and genealogy.

What’s your most comfortable outfit? Are you a jeans-and-sweatshirt kind of person or a dressier sort?

I’m definitely on the side of casual attire. Except on a few rare occasions I haven’t worn a tie (the most useless piece of clothing ever forced on man) since retiring. I’m a huge fan of jeans, sweatshirts and sneakers.

Oh! My husband would so agree with you about ties! He hardly ever wears them now that he’s retired, either. I toy with the idea of making a quilt with his old ties.

Now, a question that’s purely to satisfy my own curiosity. Do you speak a foreign language
?

I’m fascinated by language. I’ve studied and picked up a smattering of a number—German, Korean, Hebrew, Spanish, Japanese—but can’t claim fluency in any. Right now I’m trying to improve my knowledge of Spanish.

I thought you might be a language lover, too! I share your fascination. If we lived closer we could get together and practice our language skills.

What kind of food do you like best?

You wouldn’t guess it to look at me. I’m skinny as the proverbial rake. But I love to eat and will sample virtually anything put on my plate. If I had to name favorites I’d have to say Italian and Asian (particularly the spicier Szechuan, Hunan and Korean dishes).

Where can people read more about your work?

I’m in the process of getting a professionally-designed web page. Meantime, readers can still find me at http://jlind11.tripod.com

I also have a blog at www.myspace.com/jlind11

Thank you so much for visiting with us today. I’ve loved this chance to chat with you. I hope you’ll consider returning sometime soon.

Readers, John has offered a copy of his wonderful book, Corruption’s Child, as a prize to one lucky commenter. To enter, just leave a comment. A winner will be chosen at random from the day’s comments. Tomorrow I’ll announce the winner and send the book off, so check back to see if you’ve been chosen!

CORRUPTION'S CHILD by J.R. Lindermuth



Blurb for Corruption’s Child:


Retired police chief Daniel ‘Sticks’ Hetrick, still serving as unofficial consultant to his less experienced successor, has another murder to deal with in rural Swatara Creek, Pennsylvania. It soon develops the death of a local waitress is not the only trouble in the township. An elderly man has been seriously injured in the latest in a string of burglaries from the Amish, there are items missing from the police department evidence room and rumors of drug dealing are circulating.

Excerpt:

“The Amish have a problem,” he said. “They asked me to talk to the police for them.”

“What kind of problem?”

Amos swallowed, rolled his eyes and rubbed his palms on his pant legs. “There’s been some robberies.”

Brubaker sat up. “Yeah? How come we haint heard about it?”

“You know—they like to handle things themselves.”

“There are some things they’re not equipped to handle on their own.” Brubaker leaned forward, giving Amos a penetrating look.

Amos nodded, almost apologetically. “I know. That’s why I’m coming to you now.”

“You want a cup of coffee, Amos? Let me get you one. Then you can start at the beginning.”

Funk relaxed a little after he had his coffee. He shifted around on the uncomfortable seat, leaned forward with his elbows on Brubaker’s desk. “You know, despite the differences with my own church, the Amish trust me. Some of us—me and them—is kin. That’s why they asked me to come here for them. They don’t go to the English unless they have to. ‘English’ was the term the Amish employed in regard to people, even others of German descent, outside of their sect.

Funk had the small button eyes of a weasel and they glittered in the reflected overhead light. He rubbed the back of one hand across his fringe of gray beard and grunted.

Across the desk, Aaron smelled the barnyard on the man’s clothing. “Right,” he said. “I grew up around them. I know how they are.”

“Anyway, there’s been four or five robberies…”

“Four or five!”

“Yeah. I know. You shoulda heard about it before. Anyway. It happens while they’re at services. You know. They rotate around to one another’s barns. After services, they have food together. A social time. So it can go on for a while.”

“Get to the point.”

“Well, the thieves go to the houses where nobody’s home and they take things.”

“Like what? I mean—what do they steal?”

Funk grinned and shook his head. “You think they got nothing worth taking? Think again. They don’t trust banks. So, there’s money squirreled away. More important—and mostly what’s been taken—they have stuff you English value. Antiques. What the Amish use in their homes everyday—dishes and quilts and furniture and such—you people covet and coo over like it was some kind of…I don’t know?”

“Okay, okay. I get your point.”

“Yeah. Well, that haint the worst of it.”

“It’s not?”

“On Wednesday, there was a weekday service. Old Teddy Funk—you know him? He’s a cousin to me. Anyway, he wasn’t feeling good. So, he stayed home. Those son-of-a-guns, they came and they hurt that old man. He must be nigh onto eighty. And those bastards, they hit him over the head.”

Brubaker gasped in shock. “That poor old guy. Is he…”

“He’s in a coma. They had the doctor out and he couldn’t say whether Teddy’s gonna make it or not. After that happened, that’s when they come for me. The stuff they could live without. But when people are getting hurt…”

“You done right, Amos. They should have contacted us before, but…”

The office door flew open then and Fred Drumheiser barged in, his face white, breathing heavy.

“Fred? What the blazes? Don’t you knock? I got somebody…”

“Sorry, chief. It’s an emergency. My kid found a dead body.”

Buy line: https://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=649

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Welcome, Pauline B. Jones

Good morning, Pauline. Welcome to From the Pages. It’s great that you came to visit today! We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so why don’t we get started? If you don’t mind, I’ll begin asking the questions I know readers want answered.

First off, did you always know you wanted to be an author?

I don't remember "always knowing," but I did become enamored of the idea around the time I fell in love with reading. I wrote some really crappy stuff in high school and then let it slide to the back of my mind when I went to college. I picked (and discarded) several majors, but it was always there, growing stronger after I married (though I'm not sure why that made a difference!). My parents offered to pay for me to become a dental hygienist. My hubby pointed out that I wanted to write books, not clean teeth. I told them no and started reading writing books and took some classes. From that point, I was a writer in my head, but it took me a long time to admit it to anyone but my husband.

Does your family support your writing career? How?

I get a lot of support from my family. My husband has been my "patron of the arts" from the beginning and my sister and her husband have contributed to my success in more ways than I can count. My mom wishes I wouldn't kill people (fictionally), but she's still supportive—which I think is very cool of her. One of my daughter's helped me with edits on my first book and the other daughter and her husband have designed some of my cover art. And my son is my space battle consultant. It's very much a family affair for me.

That’s so great! I love it that so many family members are involved in your writing life. And your mom sounds like a great lady, with a wonderful sense of humor. How amusing that she wishes you wouldn’t kill people—even fictionally! So funny!

How long does it typically take you to finish a writing project
?

Typically, it takes me about two years from germ of an idea to finished book. The actual writing can be very fast or painfully slow. It depends on how bitter my muse is at any given moment—and how crazy my real life gets.

The question most readers want to know but never get the chance to ask, do you ever write in your pajamas?

Absolutely! Why be a writer if you can't go to work in your pajamas occasionally. Or a lot.

I completely agree! So, what’s your idea of the “perfect” night out?

LOL! To stay in! I'm such a hermit, it's embarrassing. When I get out, I usually have fun, but it’s hard to make myself leave the house. I love being at home, curled up under a blanket with a comfort movie on the TV and a good book to read. And chocolate.
That sounds wonderfully relaxing—especially the good book and chocolate part. I’m with you on that!

Do you listen to music while you write?

Yes! I create a play list for a project and it helps me get back into the story faster. Sometimes the music will filter into the story and I have to go back and edit it back in lines with copyright. But music is a huge help. Right now I'm listening to Kid Rock sing "New Orleans." I love that song.

Do you have a recipe you would care to share with us today?

This is a family recipe and one of my favorites. It's lovely on a hot summer day. I posted several family recipes on my website when I was promoting OUT OF TIME.

Grandma Gwynn's Frozen Dessert

3 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 can of condensed milk
3 tbsp of lemon juice
salt
3 egg whites
Vanilla Wafers

Directions:

Make a custard of egg yolks, sugar,
salt (to taste) and lemon juice
by cooking over medium heat
until mixture thickens and boils.
Cool and add: beaten egg whites.
Freeze condensed milk to mush.
Whip (like whipping cream) and
fold into custard mixture.

Crush Vanilla Wafers to crumbs
and press into a square cake pan.
(Can add melted butter for better
sticking factor.
I'm a huge fan of butter.).
Pour mixture over crumbs
and sprinkle some on the top for decoration.
Freeze solid before cutting
and keep remaining
(if there is any) frozen.


Grandma Gwynn’s recipe sounds yummy! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Tell us a little bit about The Key, please.

Everyone asks me how I could go from writing a time-travel-to-World-War-II novel to writing science fiction. The short answer is, I have no clue. I just go where the ideas take me and this time the idea took me into space. I didn't think about writing science fiction (because I'm not that good at science) and just told the story I needed to tell. I "met" Sara first and she wanted to be a space pilot. She needed lots of room to move and an alien to love. She was probably one of the most fun characters I've written. She's brave and bold and she keeps losing her temper right when she shouldn't. She also has some secrets. Secrets are good when you're trying to tell a story.

It's high energy, high adventure, but also some romance (because if my characters don't get to fall in love, then its just not fun!). And there's the space battle that my son helped me write. It's pretty cool.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

I've written eight novels, three non-fiction books (one co-written with Jamie Engle), and contributed short stories to two anthologies. I love all my books, but my favorite is probably The Key. It was just a lot of fun to write and with it I found my sense of humor again after a challenging time in my life. When I finished it I knew *I* was back.

Can you tell us anything about what you’re working on now?

I'm working on a follow-up to The Key. It's set in the same time frame, same universe and includes some of the characters from The Key, but features a new heroine. It's called Girl Gone Nova and should release late in 2009. Like Sara, Doc—Dacey Oliver Cay—can kick some serious butt but life is about to start kicking her back. Big time.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

I hope your readers will stop by my website and check out my contest page. I usually have contest going on, particularly close to the release of a new book.

Pauline, I’ve enjoyed meeting you today. Thanks so much for being here! I can’t wait to try your wonderful recipe.

Many thanks for allowing me to come visit!

Pauline Baird Jones
www.paulinebjones.com
Pauline@paulinebjones.com



Blurb for The Key:

When Sara Donovan joins Project Enterprise she finds out that what doesn’t kill her makes her stronger…

An Air Force pilot – the best of the best to be assigned to this mission – Sara isn’t afraid to travel far beyond the Milky Way on an assignment that takes her into a galaxy torn apart by a long and bitter warfare between the Dusan and the Gadi.

After she’s shot down and manages to land safely on an inhospitable planet, Sara encounters Kiernan Fyn – a seriously hot alien with a few secrets of his own – he’s a member of a resistance group called the Ojemba, lead by the mysterious and ruthless Kalian. Together they must avoid capture, but can they avoid their growing attraction to each other?

A mysterious, hidden city on the planet brings Sara closer to the answers she seeks – about her baffling abilities and her mother’s past. She has no idea she’s being pulled into the same danger her mother fled – the key to a secret left behind by a lost civilization, the Garradians.

The Dusan and the Gadi want the key. So do the Ojemba. They think Sara has it. They are willing to do anything to get it.

Sara will have to do anything to stop them…

What reviewers are saying about The Key:


"This thrilling adventure and love story is the stuff of dreams for a perfect romantic space adventure. Stories like this are why I love to read, and I definitely understand why this novel has been nominated for awards. Forget sleeping, plan on take out, and invest your time relishing this magnificent tale." - Five Stars, Featured review from Manic Readers

"Great plot! Superb workmanship on the characters! So sit back and take the ride of your life. This was by far the best Sci Fi novel in a long time. Pauline Baird Jones, a marvelous creator of some remarkable characters, put a new twist on a great Sci Fi story, The Key." - Simegen Reviews

"Love Linnea Sinclair? Get a kick out of Susan Grant? Then you'll want to glom up on releases by Pauline Baird Jones. The Key isn't so much a sci-fi release as it is a dang good read, and this reviewer is anxious to read more of Baird Jones. Fun and fantastic at the same time, The Key is an intergalactic space adventure that will thrill readers to the very tips of their toes." - Heartstrings Reviews

"Clearly this author knows how to tell a story no matter what the genre. Her character development, pacing and humor satisfy across genre boundaries." - Mostly Fiction Reviews.

Buy link:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-9418719-1592451?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Pauline+Baird+Jones

A Winner!

Congratulations, Dru!

You've won No Worries, Lauren N. Sharman's amazing story. I read it and enjoyed it, and I think you will, too!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Welcome, Lauren N. Sharman

Lauren, thanks so much for visiting with us today. I am so happy to have this opportunity to chat with you. I know our readers are looking forward to getting to know you, so I'll get right to the questions. I hope you're prepared--I've got a bunch of them!

Can you tell us anything about what you’re working on now?

Sure! I’m a romantic suspense author…who loves to write rescue scenes. The final book in my four-book McCassey Brother’s Series was just released, and I have recently begun another romantic suspense series…with paranormal elements. This is completely different from anything I’ve ever done. The paranormal part of the book takes place in Sharpsburg, Maryland, in an old barn that has been in the hero’s family since the 1700’s. It’s haunted by two confederate soldiers, who are actually descendents of the hero. I don’t have an exact release date yet, but it will be out sometime in 2009 from Whiskey Creek Press.

That sounds intriguing! I’ll look forward to reading your new series.

What circumstances led you to writing?

I have been creating characters and writing short stories since I was a little girl. It always fascinated me that I could create a world to be able to escape to…that was inhabited by people I ‘invented’. They all had names I loved, families I loved, and did things I would love to do. I became serious about writing novels in 2002 when my husband, Joey, put a computer at the desk in my kitchen. I sat down one day and just started writing. Eight weeks later, I had my first complete novel. It was Joey who encouraged me to search for a publisher after he’d read just the first chapter of the book.

If you could be any one of your characters, which one would you choose? Why?

Wow, that’s a tough question. If I could be any one of my characters, I’d have to say Angel from The Devil’s Candy (The McCassey Brother’s Series: Book 2). Angel is a, leave-me-alone-I-can-take-care-of-myself type girl. I love her take-charge attitude, sarcastic sense of humor, and the fact that even though she thinks Blackie McCassey created the stars, she isn’t afraid to occasionally tell him where to stick them. She’s rough around the edges, but loves deeply. Plus, who wouldn’t want to sit on the back of Blackie’s Harley with their arms wrapped around his hard, muscular body? Truthfully, I think I would love to be any of the McCassey women. That family is as tight-knit as it gets. To be part of something like that…I’d be a lucky girl.

When did you know you’d “made it” as an author?

That’s easy. When I began submitting my first manuscript to agents and publishers, my goal was to see my words in print. When that very first print test copy arrived in my mailbox, I brought it inside, ripped open the package, and stared at my name on the front cover. That was it. That was when I thought to myself, ‘Yay, I did it!’

A wonderful moment, certainly. And you were right—you did it! What do you love most about being an author?

What I love most about being an author is what I fell in love with in the first place…being able to create characters and their stories. I have always believed that to create a believable character, you have to become them. And that’s exactly what I do. I put myself in their shoes…feel their feelings…experience their joys and heartaches…try to think as they would. So for a while, I get to play and be someone else. Other than actors, there aren’t many people who get paid to do that!

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

When I’m not writing, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and friends. My husband, Joey, is my best friend and my hero, and he’s a lot of fun to hang out with. He built me a ‘69 SS 396 Chevelle four years ago, so we have a good time cruising around in that. We also love live music, so we hit a lot of bars and clubs to watch our favorite bands. We also coach our daughter’s fastpitch softball team together (he’s head coach, and I run the bench!), which is a lot of fun. I love to watch my daughter and stepson play basketball, too. My very favorite thing, though, is to spend time in my happy place…which is my backyard. Enjoying a bonfire on a nice night is a peaceful, relaxing experience.

Who is your favorite author? Favorite book?

Cindy Holby, hands down. She’s an historical romance author I discovered by accident several years ago. My husband and I were getting ready to leave on a trip and we had stopped at Target for something. I ran into the book aisle, read the back cover blurb of a book I thought looked interesting, and was hooked. Chase the Wind is the first in a series of seven books with ‘Wind” in the title. It’s my favorite because it’s the beginning of a long story with fabulous characters. Each and every one of them draw you in, and you can’t help but love them.

Your life is about to hit the big screen. What’s the title, and who plays you?

The title of a movie about my life would definitely be, CRAZY TRAIN, starring Drew Barrymore!

What’s your most comfortable outfit? Are you a jeans-and-sweatshirt kind of person, or a dressier sort?

Jeans all the way! The most comfy pair I have is literally falling apart. They’re threadbare and full of so many holes that I have to wear long underwear or leggings underneath. Unfortunately, I had to say goodbye to my favorite sweatshirt last year. It was black when I bought it, but gray by the time I had to throw it away. That, too, was threadbare, full of holes, and stained with everything from grease to substances I couldn’t even identify.

I see you’ve brought a recipe today! I love recipes—could you tell us a something about this one?

I would like to share my recipe for a lemon sour cream pound cake. It’s always a hit, and appropriate for any occasion!

Lauren’s Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake
-3 Cups flour
-1/4 tsp. baking soda
-1/4 tsp. salt
-3 Cups sugar
-1 Cup margarine
-6 eggs
-1 Cup fat free sour cream
-1 tsp. lemon extract
-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

*Using a mixer, cream margarine,
lemon extract, vanilla extract,
sugar, eggs, and sour cream.
Beat well.

*In a separate bowl, mix salt
and baking soda with flour.

*Add four mixture to wet mixture
in mixer slowly, by the spoonful.

*Again, mix well…
batter will be on the thicker side.

Bake at 325 degrees for 90 minutes
if you are using a bundt or tube pan.
Loaf pans are smaller
and will take less time to bake…
check often so you don’t over cook it.

**note**
The sugar in the recipe creates
a ‘glaze’ on the cake.
It does NOT need to be iced.

This sounds wonderful, Lauren. I can’t wait to try it!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us today?

Actually, there is. I am very proud of being voted BEST AUTHOR in the 2006 Preditor’s & Editor’s Reader’s Poll. I’m also proud of my award-winning, romantic suspense, McCassey Brother’s Series, and would like to share the books’ accomplishments with you!

No Worries (The McCassey Brother’s Series: Book 1) (October 2006)
-#1 BESTSELLER at Whiskey Creek Press, December 2006
-2006 Preditors & Editors Reader’s Poll #1 BEST ROMANCE NOVEL
-Recipient of the 2006 eCataromance REVIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD


The Devil’s Candy (The McCassey Brother’s Series: Book 2) (May 2007)
-#2 BESTSELLER at Whiskey Creek Press, May & June 2007
-Recipient of the 2007 eCataromance REVIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD
-2007 Preditors & Editors Reader’s Poll Top Ten Finisher
-Voted eCataromance BEST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVEL of 2007

Dusty Rose (The McCassey Brother’s Series: Book 3) (January 2008)
-#1 BESTSELLER at Whiskey Creek Press, January 2008

The Long Road Home (The Final McCassey Book) (September 2008)
-#1 BESTSELLER at Whiskey Creek Press, November 2008

Please feel free to stop by my web site, http://www.laurensharman.com/ where you can read the first chapters of all my books. There are reviews for them there, as well.
If you’re interested, I also have a free monthly newsletter you can sign up for, which I send by email on the first day of every month. It’ll keep you updated on what’s going on with me and my books…informs you of contests I’m running, and gives you the first look at information on my new releases!

I absolutely love to hear from readers, too. I welcome any and all questions and comments about my books!!!

It’s been a pleasure having you here today, Lauren. I am so glad we got this chance to chat!
Readers, Lauren has generously offered a copy of No Worries, the first book in The McCassey Brother’s Series, to one lucky person. All you’ve got to do to be in the running for this fabulous book is leave a comment. I’ll pick one completely at random—check back tomorrow to see if your name has been chosen. I read—and loved!—No Worries. I think you will, too.


NO WORRIES by Lauren N. Sharman
The blurb for No Worries:


Witnessing her mother's murder put a label on Gypsy Lance that few people overlooked. Raised in foster homes, she spent her childhood yearning for love and acceptance. Nearly penniless, she arrives in Hagerstown, Maryland looking to put down roots and outrun a past she fears is about to catch up to her. . .
Blue collar bad boy Rebel McCassey knows what it's like to try and escape your past. No longer the hellion he once was, he's never been able to shake his family's bad reputation. When he finds Gypsy lost in the woods, her unconditional trust and refusal to judge him by his infamous last name touch Rebel in a place he didn't know existed. . .his heart.
When the demons chasing Gypsy are caught lurking in the shadows, Rebel vows to keep her safe; even if it means slipping back into his old ways. . .
And an excerpt:
A fresh start.
A chance at happiness.
Was it really possible?
The heavy door squeaked shut and a thousand pair of eyes seemed to be watching as she made her way down the narrow aisle, clutching two knapsacks stuffed with everything she owned.
Gypsy Lance claimed the last remaining empty seat on the Greyhound bus, questioning her decision right up until the moment the driver released the air brakes and the bus began to inch forward. As they pulled away from the Baltimore Travel Plaza and merged into traffic on Interstate 95, Gypsy sunk down into the worn, cloth seat and willed herself to relax.
Her mind racing, Gypsy reminded herself repeatedly that this was exactly what she’d planned to do. Did it really matter that she was doing it a few years ahead of schedule? And so what if she only had six hundred and fifty dollars to her name and no place to live? Wasn’t her life worth sleeping in a shelter until she could get a job and get herself settled?
Gypsy knew the answers to the first two questions were no. She also knew that it didn’t matter if she moved a hundred more times during her life; because wherever she was, she’d never be completely safe. She was, however, much safer today than yesterday, when an old friend called with the information that prompted Gypsy to immediately begin searching for bus schedules the minute she hung up the phone.
And she’d slept in worse places than a shelter.
As thunder rumbled and droplets of water began beating loudly against the metal roof of the bus, Gypsy turned to stare out the window at the gray storm clouds rolling toward them from the west.
Was this storm a sign?
Had the rain been sent to wash away her old life in order to make room for the new one?
A quick, bright flash of lightning seemed to spark a revelation in Gypsy’s mind. Suddenly, the answers she’d been searching for were there.
Everything was crystal clear.
There was no reason she shouldn’t embrace the opportunity to start a new life. After all, the one she left behind meant nothing to her. The past eleven years had been filled with feelings of loneliness, a desire to belong and be accepted, and her painful reputation as an outcast; all stemming from a tragic childhood.
But where Gypsy was going, no one knew her. And no one had heard the rumors or cruel gossip that had kept other children from being allowed to play with her. To everyone she met, she would just be Gypsy Lance, the new girl in town. Sure, she still had her problems and fears, but nobody knew about them, either. This was her chance to finally fit in and be normal.
Confident now that she’d made the right decision; Gypsy smiled to herself and closed her eyes.
Even if she never was completely safe, she was bound and determined to experience some happiness.
She deserved it.
And she would succeed.
As long as her past stayed where it belonged…