Author Spotlight - Elaine Dodge

In today's spotlight we have debut romance author Elaine Dodge, talking about her historical novel Harcourt's Mountain.

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Zambia and grew up in Zimbabwe. I currently live in South Africa but have no idea where I’ll end up as I did my first round-the-world cruise when I was just 4 years old. I trained as a designer and worked in that field for a while before setting off on another globe trot. That one lasted two and a half years. I then set up my own design company with my brother – The Artful Dodges. A long stint in advertising followed before I segued into the TV industry where I’ve been for a while winning an odd international award. Looming retrenchment has now opened up a world of possible futures. Very exciting.

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th? (Nora only!)
Harcourt’s Mountain is my first book. And I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m currently deep in writing book 2 – The Device Hunter – and that’s proving to be a different animal altogether. Wrestling it into submission is a challenge but one I am thoroughly enjoying.

3. Everyone who writes knows it's not easy - what methods do you use to keep at it on days when it would be so much easier to go shoe shopping?
Popping out for a gingerbread latte is more my thing. Writing is my passion and I get very jealous of my time, so I limit my coffee expeditions to when I’ve written myself into an exhausted heap.

4. What is your top promo tip for other authors?
Use every available resource to get your name as an author and your book under everyone’s nose as possible. If you’re not out there, your book won’t sell as well as it could. As they say, you’ve got to be in it to win it.

5. How does writing fit into your day? Or does your day fit in around your writing?
If I’m at my full time job then I can only write when I get home at night but as I’m about to leave that job, thanks to downsizing, I will be able to write full time. When I’m not searching for another job that is. I can’t wait to have the whole day free to write. My life makes sense when I write. I get up early, exercise, eat properly, and go to bed, happy, at a reasonable hour. When that happens I write for anywhere between 5 to 10 hours a day.

6. Is there a book you haven't written yet that you're dying to? What genre?
I have a list of books I want to write and I find myself plotting the next one in my down time from the book currently under construction. Harcourt’s Mountain is an historical romance. Book 2,– The Device Hunter, the one I’m currently writing, is a steampunk novel and the third book is a family revenge/mistaken identity plot set in England just after WWII. I’m enjoying exploring different genres all the time.

7. Any craft books you recommend?
Your Creative Writing Masterclass by Jurgen Wolff.
The Breakout Novelist by Donald Maass
The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker

8. In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?
Keeping up with all the social media aspects of promoting my book is a challenge. Especially when I’d rather be writing. I have to force myself to do it. Otherwise, being a published author still feels a little unreal. Like I’m eating at the grown-ups table!

9. What was the most fun part of writing this book?
Everything was fun. The initial plotting, the research, meeting new people who were so eager to give me information I needed and the actual writing. I loved it all. What wasn’t so fun was searching for a publisher. Thank goodness I found a lovely on - Tirgearr Publishing. The most fun part was discovering how much I enjoyed writing; that it was my passion, the feeling of this is what I’m meant to do.

10. Could you be friends with any of your heroines?
I think so. I like them when I write them.

Blurb:

Spring, 1867 – The western frontier of British Columbia hardly seems a likely place for romance. Filthy, terrified and confused, HOPE BOOKER is waiting to be sold off the ‘bride’ ship. LUKE HARCOURT happens upon the sale. It’s not love at first sight, but he feels compelled to save her from a life of slavery and prostitution. To allay her fears of being raped, Luke promises never to touch her. Being a man of his word, this is a pledge he quickly finds almost impossible to keep.

Battling their growing attraction to each other, they must learn to live together in the forests of the wild and almost unexplored mountains. They face white water, Indians, wolves, and dangerous men.

No longer able to deny their feelings, their ‘happy-ever-after’ is shattered when a corrupt land baron forces Luke’s hand. Enraged at the man’s actions, Luke rides into town—and disappears.

Alone and pregnant, Hope faces the prospect of the worst winter in ten years. The trauma of fighting off a hungry grizzly brings on labor, but the baby is stuck. Luke meanwhile wakes up on a ship bound for South America, captained by a revengeful sadist who plans to murder him. Will Luke survive and make it back to Hope in time?


Harcourt’s mountain is available from Tirgearr Publishing, Amazon, Amazon UK, Smashwords, Apple iTunes, Kobo, Nook, Sony, All Romance Books, and Omnilit.

Readers can connect with Elaine on her blog, or on Facebook.

Movie Review: Danny Boyle's TRANCE

I saw the preview for this movie a long time ago and remember thinking hmmm, Danny Boyle...it could be interesting, then promptly forgot about it. Then a few weeks ago I read that Danny Boyle had been dating Rosario Dawson and they'd broken up shortly after his movie came out. I thought, Danny Boyle + Rosario Dawson...hmmm...interesting...

Fast-forward to last night. I was bored and trawling through my movie selection when I came across Trance. I'd forgotten all of the above and was hugely sceptical about it because normally I know a lot about the movie I'm about to watch before I commit to watching it. But I decided to give it a go.

The first scene featured James McAvoy, an auctioneer. Immediately I felt better. When I saw Vincent Cassel, I breathed a little easier. The cast was looking promising.

Then the priceless painting and the gang with shot guns came out and I thought, oh no, not another movie about an art heist! To be honest the first 15 minutes were fairly predictable.

But then things got VERY interesting!!!

***Mini Spoiler Alert***

James's character "Simon" turned out to be involved in the heist (fairly predictable). He tried to feebly foil the robbery of the priceless painting to throw suspicion off himself and the robber retaliates (also fairly predictable). But the blow he got to his head during the tussle gives him amnesia and he forgets where he hid the painting (twist number 1).

A few cracked ribs and prised off fingernails later, his thug friends decide the best way to help him remember where he's stashed the 25 million dollar painting is to take him to a hypnotist (Rosario Dawson).

To summarise, it turns out Simon and his hypnotist were in a relationship before she hypnotised him into forgetting her because he'd gotten possessive. But now, she wanted the painting for herself. But in order to help him remember where he'd stashed it, she risked him remembering he was once her lover, thereby opening a huge can of worms. And let's not forget, the thugs were still being thugs in the background. And the more Simon remembered, the more dangerous and twisty things got. 

To be honest, there were so many twists and turns from that point that I began to get motion sickness. But it was hugely enjoyable, and I thoroughly recommend it, even if at times I found myself thinking...Danny Boyle + Rosario Dawson? Hmmm...

Author Spotlight - AJ Nuest

Today we have US-based author AJ Nuest in the spotlight talking about her latest release, She's Got Dibs.

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I’m a multi-published, award-winning author who lives in the middle of a cornfield in NW Indiana. My loving husband, two beautiful children and a bevy of spoiled pets have agreed to stay and, in exchange for three rations per day and laundry service, tolerate my lunacy. While I spend most days happily ensconced in crafting romance across a multitude of genres, an underground coup has been percolating. The dogs just informed me the cat is secretly vying for dictatorship.

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
She’s Got Dibs is actually the third story I ever wrote—probably one of the reasons why it took five long years to get it from conception to publication. :-)

3. Everyone who writes knows it's not easy - what methods do you use to keep at it on days when it would be so much easier to go shoe shopping?
Here’s a secret, I hate shopping. I really do. I’ve always been a home body so my favorite days are those when I don’t have to go anywhere and can just stay at home, happily clicking away at the keyboard. Does this mean I never get writer’s block? Heck, no. During those days, I usually find something mind-numbing to occupy the time (like cleaning my much-neglected house) while, internally, I work through whatever troubling plot points may have me stumped.

4. What is your top promo tip for other authors?
If you’re a newer author hoping to build a following and gain some recognition, and your publisher allows you to do so, see if you can list your book free for a short period of time—say three to five days. I recently did this with She’s Got Dibs and the results were outstanding. Because of the momentum built by those free days, coupled with the reviews generated, sales on She’s Got Dibs surpassed my other current releases by a long-shot. I highly recommend listing your book for free if allowable.

5. How does writing fit into your day? Or does your day fit in around your writing?
Wel-l-l...it sorta depends. I have two kids, and my husband and I own a home-based business, so most days during the summer I’m running damage control. LOL Typically, I’ve got about six things vying for my attention so, as you can imagine, I have to be very careful with how I schedule my time. I usually handle what I can in the morning and then dedicate the afternoon to writing. Once the kids start school, however, my schedule is a little more open. I can concentrate easier and have large blocks of quiet time so my productivity is much better. However, if I’m writing for a deadline, all this goes straight out the window. Then everyone generally knows—Mom’s on a writing rampage so leave her alone.

6. Keeping fit: Do you have an exercise regime to counterbalance all those hours sitting at a computer?
Yep, I sure do—but not by choice. I can’t imagine anyone exercising by choice. LOL About six months ago, I started experiencing a strange arrhythmia in my heart. It steadily increased in frequency and severity until one day I finally relented and went to see a cardiologist. I had to wear this really obnoxious Holter Monitor for 24 hours, submit to a stress test, etc., etc. In the end, the diagnosis was PVC (pre-ventricular contractions) but, thankfully, mine are the type that are non-life threatening. My choices were to A) take medication to control them or B) add an exercise regimen to my daily routine. As much as I hate exercise, I hate taking pills even more. I always have every single side-affect listed on those darn labels (and yes, I’m fully aware this may be my own paranoia because I read the labels, but there you go). So now I ride my pedal bike an average of six miles per day, at least five days a week. Since I’ve been at it for a while now, it’s become a habit. And I have to admit, doing this has also helped my stress level, my migraine pattern...it’s bolstered my confidence and mood... So, I guess in retrospect, those PVCs were a blessing in disguise.

7. What was the most fun part of writing this book?
Writing the dialogue! I love writing dialogue, and the quips between the hero and heroine in She’s Got Dibs—they are just so much fun! You know those times when you’re having an intense “discussion” with someone, and then a day later you have this light bulb moment, slap your hand to your forehead and say, “THAT’s what I should have said!” LOL Well, being a writer, I have all the time in the world to formulate the perfect response. I get to walk around for a day or two or even a week, thinking of the ideal comeback. To me, that’s one of the best parts of the writing process...could be because I never have the perfect comeback in real life.

8. Could you be friends with any of your heroines?
Absolutely. In fact, on many levels I am my heroines. I generally write from a very deep emotional level. In order to do this, I have to really draw from my personal experiences in order to submerse myself in my characters. So, turns out, I end up being every character in the book.

9. Have you ever written a hero you'd be happy to run off with?
Um...all of them? LOL I honestly fall so deeply in love with my heroes while writing them. I really do. There isn’t one of them I wouldn’t be happy to ride off into the sunset with.

10. At what point in your career did you actually start to feel like you were a writer?
I’m still waiting for this day. LOL I’ve always told myself, the day I’ll feel like a true writer is the day I run across a complete stranger reading one of my books—like either in an airport or maybe checking the book out at the library. When I see that stranger with my book in their hands, that’s the day I’ll know I’m a writer.

BLURB

True love does not exist…or so event planner Tessa Adams learns the day she gets jilted—twenty-four hours prior to walking down the aisle. One-night stands are much easier, and with sexy philanthropists like David Brenner, how can she resist? Now if she could just get rid of him. Had she known the biggest event of her career would be working for David’s father, she would have cut and run. Instead, she’s unwittingly become a part of his parents' plan to destroy his life-long dreams. Will sacrificing her love protect him or be the ultimate betrayal?

Wealthy and gorgeous, David Brenner seemingly holds the world in the palm of his hand—his generous heart and infectious smile are just two in an endless stream of attractive qualities. But the one thing he wants, he can’t have—a repeat of the passionate night he spent in the arms of a skittish Tessa Adams. His family’s far-reaching power threatens to crush their dreams. To prove his love, he would risk everything…but will the return of her ex-fiancé be their final undoing?


She’s Got Dibs won 1st Place in the Contemporary Category, Heartland Romance Authors, Show Me the Spark! Contest, 2010, and received a “highly recommended read” from USA Today’s Happy Ever After reviews!

You can connect with AJ via her website, on her blog, on Facebook, Twitter or check out the She's Got Dibs Pinterest page.

She's Got Dibs is available from Amazon and Amazon UK.

Your Secret Smile and the Montcraig Sweethearts

Your Secret Smile (Montcraig Sweethearts) is my new release and is set in the small (fictional) Scottish town of Montcraig.

Montcraig is the sort of town I'd like to live in. It's quiet and its residents are friendly - and if they're a bit nosey and inclined to gossip, then it's only because they care. The crime rate is practically zero and most people are just plain nice.

Montcraig is the sort of place that, when I finished writing the story, I was reluctant to leave behind. So, when Caroline suggested I might write a series based on the town, it set me thinking: There are plenty of characters to write about - Sean in the youngest of four brothers, for a start. And, while the other three all moved away years ago, there will be a very good reason for them all to revisit soon. Then there's Harriet - the head of the school where Sean and Grace work. And Pam and Jim who have spent most of their lives dwelling on past hurts - surely they deserve happiness?

And so, Montcraig Sweethearts evolved - and Your Secret Smile is now book 1 in the series.

This is the blurb:

Sean McIver's back - but not everyone's happy to see him.

When Sean McIver left town to go travelling, he took a piece of Grace Anderson’s heart with him. It’s taken years for her to get over him, but at last she’s happy on her own. Her time is filled with good friends and fulfilling work as a maths teacher. But when Sean returns it’s obvious he’s intent on causing havoc in her well ordered life.

Sean had only been gone five minutes when he realised he should never have left Grace. Over the years, she has never been far from his thoughts. When he’s offered a job at the school in his old hometown, he hopes this will be a chance to make up for past mistakes – particularly as Grace now works at the same school. All he needs to do is convince Grace that an art teacher with a head full of dreams can be compatible with a practical maths specialist.

This is a sweet romance and started life as a People's Friend Pocket novel. It will be published as a large print book in January 2014, as a Linford Romance, when it will be distributed to libraries. In the meantime, it's now been published in e form and is available for Kindle.

Find it on Amazon.co.uk here: Your Secret Smile (Montcraig Sweethearts)

And Amazon.com here: Your Secret Smile (Montcraig Sweethearts)

I plan that each installment will be a complete story in its own right - but will contribute to the whole that is the town. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Let me know what you think: do you think it could work?

Author Spotlight - Annie Seaton

We're delighted to have Annie Seaton here today in the author spotlight, and as usual, she's answering our questions. Take it away Annie!

Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
Hi Minxes. Thanks for having me visit! I live with my husband, and ‘Bob’ the dog and two white cats in a house next to the beach on the east coast of Australia. I sit in my writing chair, gaze at the ocean and write stories. Our two children are grown and married and I love spending time gardening, walking on the beach, and spoiling our two grandchildren. I have always been fascinated by all things romantic and have found my niche in life writing romance novels, ranging from contemporary to paranormal with a foray into steampunk! My debut full length novel, Holiday Affair, a contemporary romance set in the South Pacific was released as part of Entangled Publishing’s Indulgence line in March 2012 and has been a best seller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The sequel Italian Affair was released in June 2013, and will be followed shortly after by Outback Affair. I have more books being released in 2013 with Entangled Publishing in the Bliss, Entangled Suspense and Covet imprints. This keeps me very busy and out of the garden and away from the beach!

What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th? (Nora only!)
Hmm. I’ve lost count. It has been a very busy two years...let me see. It is book number six with another three currently in edits with Entangled Publishing, and another two contracted as I type!

Everyone who writes knows it's not easy - what methods do you use to keep at it on days when it would be so much easier to go shoe shopping?
As my poor, dear husband will confirm I am totally focused 24/7. He can attest to that fact at this very minute. We are on holidays in the outback, and I am sitting outside our camper trailer on my laptop while he cooks my dinner. You can see where I get my heroes from!

What is your top promo tip for other authors?
Promote every day. Answer every email. Spend time on the evil social networking sites. Get your name known. I was very good at doing that and so many people asked me how I established my brand, I have actually written and self published a ‘how to’ book on promoting yourself and establishing your brand!

How does writing fit into your day? Or does your day fit in around your writing?
My day is all writing. A quick whip around, dishes, bed making and washing at 8 a.m. and then head down till 4 p.m. Then a cup of tea with DH when he comes home from work, then dinner and off I go again until about 10 p.m...or later. Seven days a week until I get a ‘Nora’ back list up! I even do the grocery shopping on line. On a very rare day of self indulgent luxury I meet with some local writers for lunch. (Told you I was focused.) No need for shoe shopping when you write all day. I can walk the beach in bare feet when I need inspiration. Gosh, I sound boring, don’t I? But I love the freedom of being a full time writer after years of career work away from home.

Is there a book you haven't written yet that you're dying to? What genre?
I have a history degree and I adore anything historical! So I am dying to write a true historical. Recently I have linked up with some other authors and we are this close ...holds fingers close together...to hearing about a contract for a proposal we have put forward. All I can say at this stage is that I kick the series off in 1794 with a pirate!

Just for fun: a year from the end of the book, where would your couple go on holiday?
Tom and Brianna actually do go on a real holiday to Australia in the third book in the Affairs series which is Outback Affair and they take with them delightful, curly-headed twins called Allegra and Luca.

Do you write to music, or with the tv on in the background, or do you need complete silence?
I need absolute and complete silence. I am fortunate to be home alone all day and I do so enjoy the peace and quiet! Although I must admit when I was writing my most recent book, Hot Rock, I did listen to lots and lots of Peter Frampton very loud! (This book is a time slip novel set at Glastonbury at a rock festival and will be out next February.)

Writing snacks – what are your favourites?
Coffee, coffee, and coffee.

Do you have any tips, tricks or sacrificial rituals you do when you hit a story roadblock?
I collect my large dog, Bob, who loves long walks and doesn’t get anywhere near enough, and I take him to the beach for a long walk. The sound of the waves breaking on the sand, a fluffy cloud scudding across the sky on a windy day, a spectacular sunrise or sunset has formed the idea for many a scene or setting as well as helping me get past a place I may be stuck!

Thank you again for being our guest on the minxes today, Annie. I'm in awe of your productivity!

Now here's more about Annie's book, Italian Affair.
Free-spirited sex therapist Brianna Ballantine has four days to find a fiancé so she can inherit her birth mother’s Italian villa. Commitment is not on the agenda. Writing her sex therapy book and signing legal papers are. And once all is said and done, she’ll return home to Scotland.
For finance guru Tomas Richards, relationships have been a bad investment—give him stocks and shares any day. When Tomas offers a marriage of convenience to help Brianna secure her inheritance, the sizzle between the sheets promises an affair to remember, despite family complications at every turn.
But Tom must convince Brianna to stay, and make this Italian affair a lifelong commitment.

Annie loves to hear from readers at: annieseaton26@gmail.com
Check out her website and her blog
You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnnieSeatonAuthor and https://www.facebook.com/annieseaton26
and Twitter

Italian Affair is available at Amazon - .com and .co.uk :
Barnes and Noble:
Kobo:
iTunes: