Author Spotlight - Victoria James

We're very happy to welcome Victoria James to the minxes spotlight today, so without further ado, here's her answers to the minx questions!

Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.

I’m a mom and wife and writer. We have two adorable (though a little crazy) kids, ages seven and three and we live near Toronto. I’m an Interior Designer/Small business owner…and as of last year a published Romance Writer J  I write contemporary romance for Entangled, Indulgence.  THE RANCHER’S SECOND CHANCE is my newest release for Entangled, Indulgence.

 What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)

Fourth!

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?

Well, shoe shopping is not on my agenda these days, thanks to two small children who demand all my extra attention ;-). I think it’s easier now that I’m published and have set deadlines. I have no choice! I will try and reward myself with favourite coffees. Or wine :-)

What is your top promo tip for other authors?

One of the biggest things I underestimated before I was published, was how little time there is for actual writing of new books. So, always make writing books the priority, even though there is so much pressure to do all the ‘social media’…

How does writing fit into your day? Or does your day fit in around your writing?

I guess a little of both. This is the first year that I have both kids in school (for at least part of the day). My daughter (three years old) started pre-school in September. So…my day looks like this: 8:15am load kids into car and drop son off at his school, then head over to my daughter’s school. Usually I’m back home by 9:00am and I grab a coffee and get to work…until 11:15 and then it’s off to pick up my daughter. It’s not a lot of time at all, and it always seems that when I get into my groove, it’s time to rush out again. The rest of the day is usually kid stuff. I do try and write most evenings.

Do you write every day?

Usually. Weekends are hard with everyone at home and my kids are still young (read: needy). But if I’m not doing writing, I’ll try and do something writing related.

Keeping fit: Do you have an exercise regime to counterbalance all those hours sitting at a computer?

2.                 I really struggle with this. I never feel like there’s enough time. But (weather permitting) I walk my son to school in the morning and walk to get him in the afternoon. It’s 15 mins in each direction and even though that doesn’t sound like much, 4 times a day it adds up to 60 mins. Better than nothing! :)

 Do you write to music, or with the tv on in the background, or do you need complete silence?

I make a playlist for each book and I’ve started adding the playlists to my website for reader.

Writing snacks – what are your favourites?

Coffee. Coffee. Kettle chips (when I’m deadline crunched!

Do you have any tips, tricks or sacrificial rituals you do when you hit a story roadblock?

I’ll email writer friends, drink wine, write a scene even if it’s out of order, I’ll review my notes or edit other scenes. Anything that will help make progress with my book.

Back Cover Blurb:

Widowed rancher Cole Forrester is all about running his family's ranch and guarding his heart. The last thing he's looking for is love, but when his little sister can't make it home to handle some of her wedding details, he's forced to entertain the event planner, Melanie Simms. Melanie is everything he's not even remotely interested in: she's high-society, complicated, and high maintenance. But when he's stranded with her at his remote cabin in the Colorado mountains, he realizes he's seriously underestimated her. She's hiding something about her past from him, but despite everything, he finds himself falling for the last woman he ever expected, and the first woman to make him want to give his heart and risk everything...

Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ranchers-Second-Chance-Entangled-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B00IHCNO88/ref=pd_sim_kstore_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XKCW20NE9XHXDDDZY5K

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ranchers-second-chance-victoria-james/1118635153?ean=9781622665129

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/the-rancher-s-second-chance-5

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-ranchers-second-chance/id823304892?mt=11

Website: www.victoriajames.ca

Twitter: @vicjames101

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Author Spotlight - Lindsay J. Pryor

We're very happy to welcome Lindsay J. Pryor to the minxes spotlight today, so without further ado, here's her answers to the minx questions!

Tell our readers a little something about yourself. 
I’m the author of the dark paranormal romance series, Blackthorn. I was discovered by my publisher through Harlequin Mills & Boon’s New Voices Competition after I was a finalist in both 2010 (Blood Roses) and 2011 (Blood Shadows, then known as Beguiling The Enemy). Blood Shadows has recently gone on to become a No. 1 Best Seller in Gothic Romance on Amazon.com and Paranormal Vampire Romance on Amazon UK. As well as being an author, I’m a special needs teacher and I live in the South West of England with my husband and our rescue bunny.

What number book is this? First? 100^th? 200^th? (Nora only!) 
Blood Torn is the third in the Blackthorn series. I’ve got several books outside of Blackthorn locked safely away in my bottom door – but most won’t ever be granted bail, let alone release. I’m currently writing the fourth book in the series, Blood Deep, which was signed a few weeks ago.

What inspired this book? 
The series started as a concept over 16 years ago with the ‘third species’ (vampires, lycans etc) forced into an oppressive human-ruled system that they need to somehow break out of. It was inspired by me getting lost in an isolated and run-down part of the city I had just moved to. The forbidden romances that evolved within that world became inevitable because I’m a romance writer at heart. I soon found that those romances were the driving force for the change this world was going to face. So, after deciding on the series ending and working backwards in loops, each book became inspired by the catalysts that needed to happen for this change to take place.

Who or what was the inspiration for your hero? 
Jask (leader of the lycans in Blackthorn) is an integral component in the eventual outcome of the series. But if you mean a physical inspiration, there wasn’t one. I’ve never used images or real people to inspire. When I needed to help the cover designer out though, I sent through an image of Josh Holloway. He’d make a perfect Jask.

Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre? 
I think I’ll always slant to either paranormal or psychological thrillers – in Blackthorn’s case, both. 

Outside of romance, I’ve got a supernatural crime thriller (though with romantic elements admittedly!) I’ve had underway for a number of years that I’m aiming to polish in the forthcoming months. Away from paranormal completely, I’ve also got a romantic psychological thriller I’m writing. It’s very dark, of course, as that type of hero has become something of a trademark now.

What was the most fun part of writing this book? 
I love it when the characters take over – when they write their own dialogue, turn left instead or right, reveal things I hadn’t worked out for myself yet, anything like that. I’m quite stringent with how I want a story to turn out because I can’t unravel too many plot threads in the series, but I always enjoy it when characters take things into their own hands (within reason!). Phia, the heroine of Blood Torn, was real handful and the most unpredictable character I’ve had to manage – but a fun challenge. I’m just glad she walked into Jask and not Kane or Caleb.

How long does it take you to complete a book?
With the first three in the Blackthorn series, which range between 115-140,000 words, they each took me about 3 months to write the first draft then maybe another two-three months of redrafts or edits. This is bearing in mind though that Blackthorn has been under construction for years with lots of groundwork in the background in terms of characterisation, world-building and plotting, so it’s not like starting a novel completely from scratch.

In general, I think it depends on the complexity and length as well as how clear a story is in my head before I start. I’ve always found my standalones quicker to write because I can focus on one book rather than write back and forth between books to ensure everything fits together.

Where do you write?
In terms of planning, I have a notebook with me wherever I go (except on my teaching days). As for actual writing, I’ve not quite mastered writing outside of my house yet – mainly because I have a habit of talking aloud when I’m absorbed! Any first drafts are written on my laptop because it doesn’t have any internet connection, thus no temptation to surf! I’m often sat in my lounge keeping my house bunny company during that stage. When it comes to redrafts, edits and polishing, I sit at my desk in my study. Before all of that happens, in the very early stages of devising a book, I’ve always had a habit of pacing around the house as I mull. I’ve now invested in a treadmill to avoid the floors wearing out.

Do you connect with your readers at all, and if so which is your favourite platform for reaching them? 
I connect with my readers regularly, mostly via Twitter and Facebook or through my website. A lot of my readers like to connect with me through email too, especially those who don’t like chatting in an open forum – which I totally get that having avoided it for so long myself. The main thing for me is enabling readers to contact me whichever way they prefer. There’s nothing quite like hearing from someone enjoying the series.

Book Blurb for Blood Torn

‘Vampires might bite, honey, but lycans tear.’

Jask Tao, lycan leader, rules his pack with absolute dedication and demands the same loyalty in return. In the world of Blackthorn, where respect is a rare commodity, Jask has earned his – few dare to cross him, and fewer survive to tell the tale.
When he captures Sophia, a rare serryn witch – whose blood is lethal to vampires – Jask knows just how valuable she can be. Despite her fiery nature, he also can’t shake the feelings that she rouses in him – feelings that he thought died along with Ellen, his mate.
Sophia knows she has to escape from Jask’s lycan compound – and fast. Inheriting her sister’s serryn powers can only mean one thing – that her family is at risk. She’ll have to get past the dangerously attractive Jask first but, scarred by memories of her mother’s murder, Sophia won’t ever give up.
Sparks fly between Jask and Sophia but, as both her family and the pack come under threat, they might just need each other if they, and their loved ones, are going to stay alive…

In this thrillingly sensual novel, Lindsay J. Pryor returns to the shadowy dystopian world of Blackthorn, where tensions are rising, the risks are high, and the most powerful loves are formed in the face of great danger.

‘DARK, SEXY AND THRILLING.’ ~ The Demon Librarian

‘MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE SERIES, SO FAR.’ ~ Moonrise Book Blog 

 Buy Links

http://ow.ly/tZllT      Amazon.co.uk/Kindle 
http://ow.ly/tZlA8    Amazon.co.uk/Paperback 
http://ow.ly/tZlRt     Amazon.com/Kindle 
http://ow.ly/tZm9Y  Amazon.com/Paperback

Thanks for going minxy for the day, Lindsay!

Author Spotlight - Zara Stoneley

We here at the Minxes of Romance love good bit of erotica. So we are delighted to have erotica author Zara Stoneley in our Spotlight today. Welcome Zara.

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I’ve has been writing stories for just about as long as I’ve been reading them. I sold my first erotic novel to Xcite Books in 2012, and since then have had hot romances accepted by several publishers. My stories have featured on romance and erotic bestseller lists in the US and UK.
I divide my time between a country cottage in the UK and a Barcelona apartment, and love my family, sexy high heels, sunshine, good food and wine, coffee, cats, horses, dogs, music, writing and reading - but not necessarily in that order! I like my heroes just how I like my coffee – hot, strong and moreish.
Find out more at: www.zarastoneley.com

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
Sadly, I am no Nora! My first release was in April 2012, and I’ve now had two erotic novels published with Xcite Books, one of which is being published in paperback by a New York publisher soon (more news when I can!), Xcite have also published two of my novellas. I’ve also self-published a series of three books, and had a few short stories published in anthologies. ‘Love Is A Four Letter Word’ was published by HarperImpulse (Harper Collins) on 27th February, and is my second erotic romance with them.

3. What inspired this book?
I do love a bad boy, and the whole idea of rich girl/poor boy rather than the other way round really appeals to me. I think, quite often, independent sassy women are drawn to that ‘wild streak’… although of course appearances can be deceptive and the ‘bad’ bit can just be skin deep! Human nature is fascinating, and the whole opposites attract idea is irresistible… and then if you throw in the idealistic ‘love has no price’...

4. Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?
Well, I’m going to show my age a bit here! Back when I was a teenager I was in love with David Essex, the original bad boy.

Image courtesy of http://geordiebiker.wordpress.com/category/80s/

David (for those younger than me) is a singer and actor. He was in a film called ‘That’ll be the Day’ in the 70’s, as a real bad boy, and also in ‘Silver Dream Racer’ as a motorcycle racer. And he was exactly what I had in mind for Jake. But I’m afraid (please forgive me gorgeous David), I did also ogle this man quite a bit (a more up to date version!)

5. Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?
I’ve been lucky enough to have erotic and contemporary romance published, but I’ve also hankered after writing a ‘bonkbuster’ for years. My lovely editor has given me a nudge in that direction, so I’m thrilled. And after that? I’d love to write a thriller/suspense.

6. In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?
I spend far too much time on promo – I’d love to just sit in an exotic location (preferably hot and sunny), with a glass of wine and write beautiful prose, whilst somebody else did my marketing! Unfortunately the reality is sitting anywhere I can find to grab the odd hour or writing in between the other bits of life.

7. What was the most fun part of writing this book?
Day dreaming about Jake! No, seriously this pair have some serious chemistry and some great banter going on. I loved the teasing and the way they provoked each other. This was one couple I’d like to hang around for longer.

8. Do you have a writing routine? Do you write every day, and is there a time of day that works best for you in terms of being productive?
I aim to write at least 5 days a week, but sometimes it’s 7 days, sometimes 2! I aim to write around the 10-12k mark each week, but some weeks I can spend most of the time wrestling with planning if I think the story is losing its pace. As long as I get to the end of the month with 30k written then I’m happy, any less and I panic. My day kicks off with coffee and social networking, emails etc. and then I will have a quick read through the last few pages I’ve written before starting properly for the day. Unfortunately my muse often kicks in at 10pm which isn’t always ideal! If you’re serious about writing though, I think you do need to see it as a job and make sure you have some goals and discipline – and aim for a routine, even if it doesn’t always work out!

9. Do you have any tips, tricks or sacrificial rituals you do when you hit a story roadblock?
Pause, read the last couple of chapters, have a dig into the characters and try and find out why they’re doing what they are. Then set a word challenge – as has been said many times before, you can’t edit a blank page.

‘Love Is A Four Letter Word’ by Zara Stoneley, published by HarperImpulse


Sometimes being bad can be too good to miss...

Take one rich girl who has a thing for the bad boys.
Take one tough guy who thinks possession is nine-tenths of the misery law.
Mix generously with a land dispute and a whole lotta lust…. And what have you got?
Sometimes being bad can be just too good to miss...

Love is a Four Letter Word is available from Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sainburys and Google Play.

Secret Crush, Competion update

I just wanted to let everyone know that there are still some prizes up for grabs in the Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl competition.
For a chance to win one of these bags simply solve the first clue from Sophie's treasure hunt in the book:

'Bonjour chère Sophie, I'd love to meet,

Follow these clues for a special treat.

Clue one sings love songs, is a chairlift,

And a number you can eat.'

If you need help bear in mind this is Verbier related and also you might find some answers over at my 'Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl' storyboard on Pinterest:

http://www.pinterest.com/lorrainecwilson/secret-crush-of-a-chalet-girl/

Or of course you could read the book :-)

To send your answer via a Facebook direct message visit my author page:www.facebook.com/LorraineWilsonWriter

My Twitter ID is @Romanceminx

Or email lorrainewilson73[at]gmail[dot]com

The competition will close on 5th March, midnight GMT and is open internationally.

P.S. Please don't put your answer in the comments section or anywhere everyone else can see it!

Buy 'Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl' (publication date 27th February, publisher Harper Impulse, division of Harper Collins) 

Author Spotlight - Eve Devon

Into today's spotlight we welcome author Eve Devon. Eve hails from the UK and is published by both Entangled Publishing and Harper Impulse. She's here today to talk about her Harper Impulse novel, Her Best Laid Plans.


1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
Hello Lovely Readers, I’m Eve and I love writing about sexy heroes, sassy heroines and happy ever afters!

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
LOL – on the ‘Nora-stat’. If only. I’m incredibly privileged to write romantic suspense for Entangled Publishing and contemporary romance for HarperImpulse. My debut romantic suspense The Waiting Game came out last year and this, Her Best Laid Plans, my second published book, is my debut contemporary romance with HarperImpulse and it releases today *happy dances*

3. What inspired this book?
I’ve always been fascinated by two particular approaches to life: the planned approach and the wing-it approach! Of course the best approach is probably a combination of the two, but then I started wondering…If you’re an extreme version of either planning or winging-it through life, what—or, who, is going to show you why changing things up might not be such a scary thing? It would take someone pretty special…

4. Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?
My hero Jared King is an ex bad-boy-turned-businessman. Ten years ago he deviated from the plans set out for him at birth and as a result life is now measured; planned. Two words: Tom Welling! I love that he looks so rock-solid…but with a delicious hint of rebelliousness.

5. Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?
I’m so lucky that I get to write romantic suspense as well. Being from the UK I like to think I have a touch of the Agatha Christie about me (!) and growing up I was always re-writing my own TV police procedurals to ensure the protagonists got together EVERY time. But sitting in a drawer is a Superheroes manuscript I would love to take out and dust-off and re-write. I love all things superhero (as you can probably tell from my photo of Tom Welling as Clark Kent!)

6. Do you have a writing routine? Do you write every day, and is there a time of day that works best for you in terms of being productive?
I try to write a minimum 1000 words a day. Sometimes those 1000 words can be done in a couple of hours and then I do promo/admin work—sometimes those 1000 words take all day, and some of the evening! Now I’m writing to contract, I try to leave weekends free so that I get a little downtime and don’t burnout. For some reason I’m always most productive right before I have to start dinner!

7. Do you have any tips, tricks or sacrificial rituals you do when you hit a story roadblock?
I think I’ve learnt that sometimes you really have to push on through when you reach a road-block because sometimes you really haven’t reached a roadblock, what you’ve actually done is back-off of writing something difficult. If I keep writing but then end up getting myself into even more of a tangle, I tend to start walking around the house muttering darkly until Hubby finally tells me to “cut myself some slack and go do some craft”! He knows me so well! Craft—not tea, is the panacea of life. That break I give my brain usually lets me unravel where I’ve gone wrong in my plot and allows me to get back into it.

8. Where do you write?
I write in my garret – the technical term I use for the tiny room at the top of our stairs. I write with my back to the window to avoid distraction and when I can’t write because I need a distraction I plod downstairs to write at the dining-room table. There I have a wonderful view of all the jobs I haven’t got around to doing in the garden!

9. Do you connect with your readers at all, and if so which is your favourite platform for reaching them?
I love chatting with readers and I’m on Twitter, Facebook or my website most days, so please feel free to drop by for a chat 

Book Blurb: Her Best Laid Plan

Love is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans…

The Totally Perfect Life Plan of Amanda Gray:
Step 1 – Take control of own destiny and avoid getting too caught up in the details.
Step 2 – Definitely do NOT kiss gorgeous bad-boy businessman who doesn’t know how to live life without scheduling it six months in advance, even if he is absolutely irresistible.
Step 3 – Don’t even THINK of accompanying him to London as his PA to enjoy steamy encounters in a metropolitan paradise.
Step 4 – Absolutely, positively, whatever you do – do NOT fall in love with him…

Her Best Laid Plans is available from Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, iBookstore and Kobo.