Author Spotlight: Anna Campbell

It's always a pleasure to welcome a personal favourite author and even though I discovered her books only a year ago, Anna Campbell has become a "must buy" author for me! Her books have been described as Regency Noir and today I'm thrilled to welcome her on The Minxes blog to tell us a little more about yourself and her books.

Where were you in your writing career 5 years ago?

Actually I sold in 2006, so in 2005 I was still unpublished. However I’d made a couple of positive decisions that really helped me to become a published writer. One, back around the year 2000, was to join Romance Writers of Australia. Shortly after that, I started to write Regency-set romance instead of fluttering hither and yon with settings that weren’t going to sell (18th century Hungary, anyone?). I’d just won the Emma Darcy Award, our major contest for unpublished manuscripts. That came with a check for $2,000 so I guess you could say I’d started earning money with my writing ;-) I’d also got an agent. Looking back, a lot of stuff was happening that indicated I was closer to selling than I thought I was at the time!

Where did you get the idea from for this particular book?

The idea for MY RECKLESS SURRENDER was born back when I spent four months touring the United Kingdom in 2004. One very rainy afternoon, I visited Syon Park, the London house of the Duke of Northumberland. An old family retainer recognized my interest in the house and because it was quiet, he took me under his wing and gave me a special tour, including a lot of family gossip. I couldn’t help thinking that his sense of ownership must be strong as anything the Duke felt. I then wondered what would happen if someone offered such an old family retainer the opportunity to OWN the estate he’d served and loved all his life. A swap of gender to my heroine Diana Carrick and you have the seed of the plot of MY RECKLESS SURRENDER.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?

Tahiti? Maybe not! I’d still like to be doing what I’m doing now, writing full time and sharing the stories in my head with readers all over the world.

Which was the last book you read that you wish you'd written?

A WEDDING AT LEOPARD TREE LODGE by Liz Fielding. It’s a Harlequin Sweet Romance by one of the best in the business and I was in awe at the emotional punch Liz Fielding packed into that 180 pages.

Was there any particular author or book that made you want to be a writer?

When I was about 14, I picked up THE WOLF AND THE DOVE by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I’d never read anything like it – and the love scenes were really hot for that time! I said to myself, “When I grow up, I want to write books like that for Avon.” (Avon were the publishers) I can hardly believe that’s what actually happened.

Do you find writing love scenes giggle-worthy or cringe-worthy?

Actually neither! I really like writing love scenes – and not just for the reason you’re thinking! I adore how a good love scene leaves the characters not just naked physically but emotionally too.

What's the most romantic moment of your life so far?

Ha ha, that would be telling!

What do you wish you'd known about being an author before you were pubbed?

I wish I’d known that writing a book doesn’t get any easier.

What's the best writing advice you've ever been given?

You can fix a bad page, you can’t fix a blank one. I’m pretty sure that’s a Nora Roberts quote.

Tell us about your latest release.

MY RECKLESS SURRENDER is about a dangerous seduction in Regency London. I describe it as a ticking bomb story – there are so many secrets and lies and of course, the audience knows that eventually all those chickens are going to come home to roost and there will be trouble galore. In return for the chance to fulfill her every dream, widow Diana Carrick makes a devil’s bargain to seduce Tarquin Vale, the Earl of Ashcroft. But instead of the jaded, selfish rake she expects, she discovers a man who touches her emotions as no other ever has.

But what happens when Tarquin discovers the truth about Diana? You can read an excerpt on my website: http://www.annacampbell.info/recklesssurrender.html

What’s next for you?

My next book is out in May 2011 and it’s called MIDNIGHT’S WILD PLEASURE. It’s the closest I’ve yet come to classic Regency romance! Nicholas Challoner, Marquess of Ranelaw, vows revenge on his worst enemy, only to encounter opposition from spirited and mysterious chaperone Miss Antonia Smith.

Watch Anna's interview on My Reckless Surrender:



You can visit her at her Website: http://www.annacampbell.info/

Thanks so much for visiting The Minxes today, Anna. It's been wonderful getting to know you better!

PS - Anna is offering a signed copy of My Reckless Surrender to one lucky commenter, so get commenting and good luck!!

Ogle Alert

Ogle alert is not to be mistaken for Google Alert and it’s a heck of a lot more fun.  So hold onto your fanny packs while I introduce you to the two new men in my life – that’s right two.



Paul Wesley aka Stefan Salvatore & Ian Somerhalder aka Damon Salvatore



Hello boys.

For anyone who doesn’t recognize them, they are costars on The Vampire Diaries.  I’ll admit when the series was recommended to me my first thought was “More Vampires?” and they are, but this is really something special.

The obsession with the Salvatores all started with a blog post - an educational blog post.  I can hear you all snickering!  It really was!  We were discussing the transformation of an antagonist into a protagonist (Damon is a great example of more than just being hit by the pretty stick) but then the shirts started coming off…

…what was I saying?...

There’s a heck of a storyline behind the series, but when it comes to romance both of the Salvatore brothers are in love with the same girl.  Who doesn’t love a tortured hero redeemed by love?  However only one of the brooding brothers gets the girl, so there’s also an element of forbidden, unrequited love that ramps up the tension.

Season 1 of The Vampire Diaries is out now and Season 2 isn’t far behind.  So buy it, hire it or bite someone for it because the writers are amazing and the characters are unforgettable.

But wait....

Who doesn’t love a man with a puppy?

Anything Goes Friday

The Minxes have collected a few interesting links and bits of news to share with you today.

First up is news (courtesy of Julie Cohen) that Chick Lit Reviews is running a contest in which Little Black Dress Books is giving away 25 books. This contest is for UK residents only and closes at midnight tonight, so don't delay.

I'm a big fan of LBD's books. If you haven't discovered them yet, then you're missing out. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill chick lit; they're fun, full of sass and humour, sometimes with a touch of the paranormal, sometimes deep and thought-provoking. I recommend Julie Cohen, Nell Dixon, Lucy Broadbent and Valerie Frankel.

We heard at the RNA conference earlier this year that LBD were taking a hiatus, as they'd been knocked by the closure of their biggest distributer, but I sincerely hope this contest is the sign of a come-back, since their demise would be a huge loss to readers (and writers). If any of our blog readers has more news on this, we'd love to hear it!

Next up is the call for submissions for the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. This will be the fourth time they're running this contest, and you can find out more here.

Random House is running a Christmas contest for avid readers. Every day through December they're giving away prizes of books and eReaders. What a great Christmas gift to readers!

Last, but most certainly not least, the Minxes would like to shout out a massive "Congratulations!" to our Sassy friend, Jackie Ashenden, who has won the High Five Contest run by the Romance Writers of Australia. Well done also to runner-up Rachael Johns. We're so pleased for you ladies!

And now, just because I can, I'm going to reveal my current addiction. And yes, this is even bigger than my addiction to chocolate. Can you guess what it is? If you still don't get it, check out Lacey's blog, which is where it all started.

Author Spotlight: Lauri Robinson

Today the Minx spotlight turns on to Lauri Robinson who writes for The Wild Rose Press and Harlequin. A very warm welcome Lauri. We can’t wait to get to know you better :)

1. Where were you in your writing career 5 years ago?

I had one book published, and decided I really needed to look deeper into the romance writing world before going through it all again. I joined RWA and my local chapter, and then my writing life just kept getting sweeter and sweeter.

2. Where did you get the idea from for this particular book?

The UNDONE line is sensual, and short, so I had to think about what type of historical situation would pit two people together that could become highly charged, yet include a conflict. The ‘boss’s daughter’ came to mind. At the time I was also writing a story about a mail order bride in Wyoming, so I used research from that story for the setting of this one.

3. Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?

I’d like to have another twenty books on the market, and making a living off my writing. Though I enjoy working a day job, I’d much rather spend those hours writing and having fun with the grandchildren.

4. Which was the last book you read that you wish you'd written?

I can’t think of one I’ve ‘wished’ I’d written. I’ve read several that I’ve really liked how the author created the conflict or story line, and there are a few, namely Linda Lael Miller’s books, that as soon as I finish them, I start reading them all over again.

5. Was there any particular author or book that made you want to be a writer?

I think I became an author through evolution. The Flame and the Flower, by Kathleen Woodiwiss, was the first historical romance that stayed with me long after I’d finished reading it. I anxiously awaited for her next release, and still re-read her books on a regular basis. My husband suggested to me once that I should write a book since I’d read so many, and I answered with, “Fine, I will.” It took five years to get it published, but I’ve never regretted taking his challenge.

6. Do you find writing love scenes giggle-worthy or cringe-worthy – or neither?

Neither. My characters determine the love scenes. I have several sweet books on the market where everything happens behind closed doors, but with the UNDONE line, sensuality is an integral part of the series, so I knew from the get-go the characters would have to keep the door wide open.

7. What's the most romantic moment of your life so far?

Oh, goodness, there are lots of little things that pop into my head…an unexpected phone call, a wink, a grin, a date night…I don’t think I could pick out just one, however if I asked my husband, he’d say it was when, for our 25th wedding anniversary, he surprised me with a trip to Memphis (yes, I’m an Elvis fan). All he said was that I needed to take a few days off work. Of course, before we actually ‘flew out’ he let me know where we were going so I could pack appropriately. The trip was amazing, but the ‘surprise’ part and how he kept me guessing for a few weeks was very sweet and he’s still very proud of how he’d planned it all out without me knowing.

8. What do you wish you'd known about being an author before you were pubbed?

That the route to being published is different for every person, and the most important thing about being an author is to believe in yourself. I wrote, but didn’t believe I was a writer, even after publishing my first book. It was just something I did in my spare time. It wasn’t until my husband started telling people I write romance novels, instead of telling them where I work, that I thought, wow, that is who I am.

9. What's the best writing advice you've ever been given?

Write what you like to read. Hence my passion for historical westerns. When I heard about HQN’s UNDONES, an e-book line dedicated to historicals, I was very thrilled. My first one with them, Wedding Night with the Ranger was their first western, and my second one, Her Midnight Cowboy, is their second western.

10. Tell us about your latest release.

Her Midnight Cowboy was November 1st. Here’s the blurb:

Eastern Wyoming, 1884
In Angel Clayton's opinion, men don't get any finer than hired hand Rowdy McGuire. The very thought of him makes her ache with need—and the sight of his golden, glistening skin only makes it worse. She knows he feels their bodies' magical, intense pull towards one another, even if the honorable cowboy refuses to admit that a drifter and a ranch owner's daughter could ever be together. But Angel is determined to get what she wants—and she wants Rowdy!

And a short excerpt:

They were through the doorway, and he kept moving, forcing her down the hall. “Yes, you.” His nose bumped hers. “You will not parade yourself about half dressed. Not in front of me or anyone else.”
She grabbed the end post of the large staircase, stopping both of them. “Not even my father tells m—”
“Nor will you ride the hills by yourself, or run to town on a whim.” He laid a hand on the stair railing, curling his fingers around the polished wood for support. No longer whispering, he said, “I have ten thousand head of cattle to see to, I don’t need any trouble from you.”
Huffing, she asked, “Trouble from me?”
“Yes.” He nodded at the second floor. “Now hightail your little butt upstairs and get dressed.”
Her eyes widened. “You can’t tell me what to do.”
“Oh, yes, I can.” He took a step back and pointed upstairs. “Go, now.”
Angel’s chin dropped. “I don’t—”
The sting of his palm connecting with her backside stopped her outburst. It had been action without thought. Being responsible for her virtue was more than he bargained for. “Go before I drag you up those stairs and dress you myself.”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“Try me.” he challenged.
The stare down lasted a few minutes before she gave in and stomped up the stairs. Stopping on about the fifth one, she turned around and glared at him. “You’ll rue this day, Mr. McGuire.”
His eyes locked on the way her breasts rose and fell. “I already do, Angel girl. I already do.”

11. What’s next for you?

Books, and more books, I hope. Guardian Bride, The Quinter Brides Book 4, was released the end of October, Wild Cat Bride, The Quinter Brides Book 5, will be released in April, and a Japanese Publisher, Oakla Publishing, just released the Japanese version of Mail Order Husband in trade paperback on November 9th. I have a couple more UNDONE’S in the query stage, as well as a couple full length stories, and I have three more I’m working on right now. I like to work on several at the same time, that way when I hit a stumbling block on one, I can move right on to another story.

Thank you, very much for inviting me over today, it’s been fun!

Buy link for Her Midnight Cowboy: http://ebooks.eharlequin.com/81D81198-E4FC-4214-8256-09E3F8C5CB1A/10/141/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=9A831820-D4DE-4187-802A-7A2B8A6DFBD8

Blog: http://www.laurirobinson.blogspot.com/

Please include a jpeg of the book cover and a link to the point of sale / website / blog you’d like us to link to.

Five (unconventional) Minxy Writing Tips

Most aspiring writers who yearn to get their work published at some point in time come across the words "writing tips" in one form or the other. These tips may be specific to a publishing house, editor or agent or generic. More and more though, I'm noticing a certain trend that has prompted this post. You aren't required to follow it, but I'm putting it out there anyway :)

1. Never take another author's word as gold (even if they're multi-super-pubbed!) Everyone writes differently and has a different path to publication. What happened to Author X, Y or Z is not necessarily what will happen to you. But when you encounter an editor who gives you advice, LISTEN. Because what the editors say always goes, EVERY SINGLE TIME!

2. "How To" books over five years old are already behind the trend. Editors and agents go with the trend, genres morph and modernise. Readers' needs and expectations change. Stay on trend (even if you write historicals). After all the Regency/Viking eras weren't all about virgins, pirates and rogues! Throw a courtesan or three in there ;)

3. Promote yourself BEFORE you're pubbed! I know not everyone agrees with this, but the opportunity to have a following even before your first book hits the shelves is an opportunity not to be missed. Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace et all are useful tools. In this day and age of super fast search engines, why would you deny your potential readers the opportunity to get to know you? Asked on Twitter whether internet presence was "recommended or a necessity", an editor replied, "a necessity". The Internet is here to stay. Use it! 'Nuff said.

4. Don't give your hero or heroine weird names! If the reader can't pronounce their names, they probably WILL stop reading the book. Also think carefully before you give unisex names. If your hero is called Alex and your heroine is named Morgan, guess what? You're diverting the reader's attention from what a great story you're telling by forcing them to ponder who's pov you're in. I for one don't want to have to stop every single time to work out who's talking! Example, I once read a book where the hero was called Alex and the heroine, Taylor. Major headache, unless you're writing M/M, in which case ignore me ;)

5. Although it may be out of your hands, make sure your title grabs attention, and keeps it! Titles that don't make sense IMMEDIATELY will lose you readers. While browsing through an online bookstore recently, I came across a book. The cover was awesome, the title...not so much. TBH, I didn't understand it. I read it once, twice, three times, then guess what? I gave up and moved on! It may mean something special to the author, but if readers don't get it, they may move on! I'll give you another example. A couple of years ago, I read a book by a writer whose books I know and love. It was an awesome, fabulous read, but I confess, I didn't get the title immediately. In fact, after scratching my head over it for a while, I had to swallow my pride and ask what it meant. Yes, I did feel silly when I realised the title was a play on the phrase, "Hook, Line and Sinker" and that everyone else "got it" but me :) Once I knew this, I thought how clever it was. But imagine if I hadn't had the courage to ask? This is a question you need to ask yourself before you pick a title.

Happy Writing!